Born on September 16, 1963, Venerable Professor Samuel Obiajulu Ike has dedicated his life to both medicine and ministry. His journey of faith began in January 1977 while he was a student at the Federal Government College, Enugu, where he committed his life to Christ.
During his time there, he took on leadership roles as Treasurer and Bible Study Secretary for the Scripture Christian Movement (SCM). At the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC), he furthered his involvement in student leadership, serving as the School President of the Nigerian Conference of Christian Medical and Dental Students (NCCMDS) and later as President of the Christian Union.
Professor Ike’s commitment to ministry extended beyond his university years, as he held various significant positions. He served as Sub-zonal President of NIFES Enugu Subzone and Zonal President of NIFES Nsukka Zone. His dedication to Christian service also led him to become a member of the EFAC Enugu Zonal Council, the Foundational Secretary of the Scripture Union Supporters’ Forum (SUSF), and Chairman of the Haggai International Alumni Association Enugu Chapter. Currently, he is a board member of the Haggai Alumni Association of Nigeria and serves as the Scripture Union Enugu Regional Chairman.
In pursuit of academic excellence, he graduated with an MBBS from the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, in November 1987. He completed his residency at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), becoming a Consultant Physician and Cardiologist (FMCP) in June 2001. In September 2021, he earned a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and was honored with a Foundation Fellowship of the Nigerian Cardiac Society (FNCS) in 2018.
His theological studies include a sandwich program at Trinity Theological College, Umuahia, where he graduated as the best student with Distinction (Dip Th. Distinction) in 2006. In April 2013, he attended the Haggai Institute for Advanced Leadership Studies in Hawaii, earning a Certificate in Leadership Studies and serving as the session valedictorian. He obtained a First Class Honours Bachelor of Theology from the Institute of Theology and Missions, Enugu, affiliated with Paul University, Awka, in July 2022.
Professionally, Professor Ike has held numerous roles in the medical field, starting as a Junior Resident doctor at UNTH in June 1995 and advancing to Senior Registrar and Chief Resident in the Department of Medicine. He was appointed as Consultant Physician and Cardiologist at UNTH in 2002 and became a Lecturer I at the College of Medicine that same year. His dedication and expertise led to his promotion as Professor of Medicine in October 2010, and he has been a member of the University Senate since then.
From 2014 to 2016, he served as Head of the Department of Medicine at UNTH and has been a pro bono Consulting Physician at the Enugu Diocesan Mission (Good Shepherd Specialist) Hospital since 2005.
A prolific academic, he has published over 85 articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented more than 91 papers at various conferences. His achievements include receiving the Emeritus Professor Nwokolo Prize for Academic Excellence and the Vice Chancellor’s Prize for being one of the top ten published lecturers at the University of Nigeria in 2016.
In his Anglican ministry, he was the Student Coordinator for Protestant Chapel Worship Services at Federal Government College, Enugu, during the 1980/81 academic year. He became a licensed lay-reader in October 1985, serving as Vice Chairman of the Chapel Council at the Chapel of Redemption, UNEC. He was ordained a Deacon in December 2004 and a Priest in December 2006 by Archbishop (then Rt. Rev.) Dr. E.O. Chukwuma. In October 2008, he became a Statutory Canon of the Cathedral and was preferred as Archdeacon in September 2011.
His ministry includes serving as Curate at Christ Redemption Church, Ogui, Enugu (2004-2009), and as Chaplain at the Chapel of His Resurrection, ESUT Teaching Hospital. He has played a crucial role in establishing eight rural churches and has supervised the construction of church buildings in various communities.
Currently, he serves as the chaplain at the Chapel of Restoration, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (Old Site), and has been the Archdeacon of the Hospital Chaplaincy Archdeaconry in Enugu Diocese since 2014. He has been an esteemed speaker at numerous conferences and retreats across denominations since 1987.
Professor Ike shares his life with Dr. (Mrs) Ruby, and together they are blessed with three young adults.
