Gregory Olikenyi

Father Greg Olikenyi returned to Duquesne University in the Fall of 2023 after previously being a part of the Theology faculty from 2013 until 2016, at which time he was called away to serve two terms as Provincial Superior of Spiritans (Province of Nigeria South-East). 

Father Greg's passion for education originated with his parents who instilled in him from a young age that education equates to self-empowerment. As a young Spiritan candidate for priesthood, he was availed of the opportunity to get higher education training with a B.Sc. degree in Health and Physical Education, B.A. in Theology and M.A. in Religion.  After his ordination, he worked with German youth, giving talks and leading retreats across the country. This experience developed and fueled Father Greg's love for research. He was motivated by his Provincial to study Systematic Theology (Mission Theology) to a Ph.D. level, to be ready to teach in our higher institutions – Spiritan International School of Theology (SIST), Attakwu, Enugu, Nigeria. In November 2001, he started teaching at SIST and served two terms as Rector of the institution, from 2005 to 2011. After his 2012 sabbatical in Germany, Father Greg joined the Theology Department at Duquesne University in 2013 for the first time.

He considers his pursuit of higher education not merely a carrier, but more so a vocation.

• 2001 Ph.D.: Doctorate in Theology
  (Systematic Theology with special focus on Mission Theology)
  Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule SVD, St. Augustin, Deutschland  (Pilosophical-Theological Faculty of SVD, St. Augustin, Germany)

• 1998 L.Th.: Licenciate in Theology
  (Systematic Theology with special focus on Mission Theology)
  Philosophisch-Theologische Hochschule SVD, St. Augustin, Deutschland  (Pilosophical-Theological Faculty of SVD, St. Augustin, Germany)
• 1989 M.A.: Master’s degree in Religion.
  Missionary Institute, London).
  (Affiliated to Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium)
• 1989 B.A.: Bachelor’s degree in Theology
  Missionary Institute, London
• 1985   B.Sc.Ed. : Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education
  University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Enugu State, Nigeria