Mary Ijeoma Nriagu is part of a new wave of African thinkers redefining how stories are told in the digital age. Currently a doctoral student at Fordham University, New York, specializing in African American Literature, she has also mentored over 500 students through her initiative, MineduCafe. Mary shares her academic journey, her advocacy in the digital revolution for African women’s writing, and her mission in mentoring the next generation.
How has this journey shaped your perspective as a scholar and a global educator?
Mary’s academic journey began in Nigeria at Adekunle Ajasin University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She later pursued a postgraduate diploma in Education at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, followed by a master’s degree in literature from the University of Ibadan. Interestingly, Mary began her Ph.D. in English at Fordham University in 2022 with only her B.A., currently specializing in African American Literature within the broader field of Twentieth-Century American Literature. This journey has been profoundly transformative. Engaging with diverse intellectual traditions while rooted in African epistemologies enriches her scholarship and pedagogy, allowing her to mentor globally and advocate for inclusive narratives in literature and education.
What drew you to your area of study, and why is it important today?
Mary’s fascination with the lived experiences of Black and African women stems from their narratives, which often carry the weight of history, silence, and resilience. Her lifelong passion for women’s writing began with her contributions to Edith Edition Magazine in Nigeria, where she explored topics like domestic violence and gender dynamics. Prior to that, her undergraduate thesis focused on race and immigration in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah, delving into how class, race, and gender intersect in the lives of Black individuals in the diaspora. These narratives remain vital today, illuminating how gender, race, and environment converge to shape identity and memory, particularly in postcolonial and diasporic contexts.
How do you see social media and technology reshaping literature for African and Black women writers?
Mary highlights that social media has profoundly democratized storytelling, allowing African and Black women writers to bypass traditional gatekeepers and cultivate vibrant communities of readers and thinkers across continents. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter have evolved into dynamic spaces for literary innovation, cultural dialogue, and activism. In the digital age, engaging with twenty-first-century literature requires acknowledging social media’s influence. These platforms act as powerful conduits for literary dissemination, contributing to what Mary describes as the “global tottering of literature,” a transformative shift in how narratives are created, circulated, and consumed across borders.
What themes do you see emerging in contemporary African women’s literature?
Emerging themes in contemporary African women’s literature often center on intergenerational trauma, migration, environmental degradation, and spiritual reclamation. Prominent writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Sefi Atta, and Lola Shoneyin have effectively explored these motifs. Mary notes that fourth-generation Nigerian women writers are expanding this landscape by examining how urban life shapes female identity and agency. The recent works of Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onubia and Abi Daré are notable for foregrounding the complexities of city living in their portrayals of women’s experiences. These writers are not merely chronicling lived realities; they are reimagining futures where African women play central roles in global conversations on justice, ecology, and identity.
You have helped over 500 students navigate fellowships and scholarships. What motivates your work in this space, and how do you measure its impact?
Mary views mentorship as deeply personal. Having navigated complex academic systems herself, she is committed to demystifying them for others. Entering a PhD program with only a bachelor’s degree and winning over $450,000 in scholarships for her studies, her experience fuels her passion for mentoring. She measures impact not just by numbers, but by the stories of students who have secured fellowships, published work, or returned to mentor others. This ripple effect constitutes her greatest reward.
With increasing recognition from cultural and literary institutions, how do you remain grounded in your research and teaching?
While Mary has recently been honored by the U.S. Department of Education, her grounding comes from the communities she serves—her students, readers, and fellow scholars. As she navigates rising demands, she remains anchored in her purpose: to produce scholarship that heals, educates, and uplifts. Maintaining balance is essential, and she emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and saying no when necessary to preserve the integrity of her work and well-being.
What challenges have you encountered as a Black Nigerian woman in U.S. academia, and how have these shaped your scholarship or personal mission?
Mary has faced moments of invisibility and cultural misunderstanding as a Black Nigerian woman in U.S. academia. However, these challenges have inspired her resolve to amplify marginalized voices and advocate for structural change within academic institutions. She co-founded The Endowed Woman, a community focused on empowering women through education. The initiative recently awarded JAMB scholarships to twenty female students, reflecting their commitment to advocacy and shared values.
What advice would you give to emerging writers and researchers who hope to contribute meaningfully to global conversations?
Mary encourages emerging writers and researchers to read widely, write boldly, and stay true to their narratives. She emphasizes that each story matters and urges them not to wait for permission to share their voices. Building communities, seeking mentorship, and recognizing the power of their voices to influence policy and culture are crucial. Literature is more than art; it is activism, a tool for resistance, and a catalyst for change.