Associate professor of Systematic Theology, University of Portland, United States
Dr. SimonMary Asese A. Aihiokhai is an Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Affiliate Faculty of the Ethnic Studies Program at the University of Portland. With extensive academic and professional experience, Dr. Aihiokhai has made significant contributions in systematic theology, interreligious dialogue, and African theology. His work explores the intersections of theology, culture, and social justice, particularly through the lens of African religious traditions and interfaith dialogue. He has earned numerous fellowships, including from the Westar Institute and the Franz Center for Leadership at the University of Portland. A recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Scholar Award, Dr. Aihiokhai is an influential voice in academia and beyond. His research spans interreligious dialogue, social justice, and African theological perspectives.
Profile
Education
Dr. Aihiokhai earned his Ph.D. in Systematic Theology from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, with a dissertation on “Hospitality and Friendship as Effective Tools for Sustained Interreligious Dialogue.” He also holds a Master’s degree in Theology from St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA, and a Diploma in Philosophy from Spiritan School of Philosophy in Nigeria. In addition to his academic credentials, Dr. Aihiokhai has earned various certificates, such as the Franz Leadership Fellows Formation Program at the University of Portland and CITI Training in Biomedical Ethics at Duquesne University. His education equips him with a comprehensive understanding of theological ethics, interfaith dialogue, and cultural studies, all of which inform his research and teaching.
Experience
Dr. Aihiokhai has over two decades of academic and professional experience. At the University of Portland, he serves as an Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Affiliate Faculty of Ethnic Studies. He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses on Christology, interreligious dialogue, and African religious traditions. His previous academic appointments include visiting positions at Xavier University of Louisiana and Valparaiso University. Additionally, Dr. Aihiokhai has worked in various pastoral roles, providing chaplaincy services and consulting on biomedical ethics at Saint Francis Medical Center, La Reina High School, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Nigeria. His vast teaching experience spans multiple continents, blending theological scholarship with pastoral care.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Aihiokhai has received numerous awards and honors throughout his academic career. In 2021, he was named the recipient of the University of Portland’s Outstanding Scholar Award. He has also been recognized with the Franz Center for Leadership Fellowship and the Jesuit Institute/Boston College Fellowship. His contributions to African theology and interreligious dialogue have earned him recognition as an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation, in association with the United Nations. His scholarship has been widely acknowledged, including the 2021 nomination for The Robert Foster Cherry Award for “Great Teaching” at Baylor University. Dr. Aihiokhai has been named “A Shepherd’s Shepherd” by the Shepard Academic Resource Center at the University of Portland, marking his significant impact as an educator. His work continues to influence academic and religious communities worldwide.
Research Focus
Dr. Aihiokhai’s research focuses on Systematic Theology, African Theology, Interreligious Dialogue, and Social Justice. His work emphasizes the role of hospitality, friendship, and interfaith dialogue as tools for fostering understanding between religions, particularly in pluralistic societies. He investigates African religious traditions, exploring their relevance in contemporary theological discussions. Dr. Aihiokhai has also contributed to studies on the intersection of theology and culture, especially within African contexts, aiming to address issues like exploitation, violence, and social inequality. He is deeply engaged in the ethical implications of religious practices, particularly regarding issues such as forgiveness, reconciliation, and the place of women in African churches. His scholarship has extended into global Christianity, with a focus on how African perspectives can inform broader theological debates, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse theological landscape.
Publication
- “An African Ethic of Hospitality for the Global Church: A Response to the Culture of Exploitation and Violence in Africa” (2017)
- “Love One Another as I Have Loved You”: The Place of Friendship in Interfaith Dialogue (2013)
- Fostering Interreligious Encounters in Pluralist Societies: Hospitality and Friendship (2019)
- Pentecostalism and Political Empowerment: The Nigerian Phenomenon (2010)
- Going Beyond Nostra Aetate: The Way Forward for Interreligious Dialogue (2016)
- Black Theology in Dialogue with LGBTQ+ Persons in the Black Church (2021)
- Embracing the Pragmatic in African Indigenous Religions (2016)
- The Place of Women in the Catholic Church of Africa (2014)
- Ancestorhood in Yoruba Religion and Sainthood in Christianity (2012)
- Alterity and Religious Violence in Nigeria: Toward an Interfaith Theology of Recognition (2022)