Ahyuwani Akanet, PhD

Assistant Professor of Educational Ministry Studies
I am a dedicated and innovative professional committed to theological education, emphasizing transformative teaching, practical experience, and research driven by curiosity and critical inquiry. As iron sharpens iron, collaboration is integral to my practice, allowing for ample latitude in giving and receiving with students, peers, and mentors.

Ahyuwani grew up in southern Kaduna (Zangon Kataf Local Government Area), Kaduna state, Nigeria, and moved to the United States in 2015 for his doctoral studies. His dissertation research explored collaborative meaning-making among postgraduate students in federal universities in Northern Nigeria. He has since continued to explore collaboration in the context of institutional and inter-institutional partnerships. Ahyuwani has served in both the local church and the academy, often simultaneously. 

He held several youth pastor/director roles in Nigeria and the US, spanning over a decade. He served on the faculty of ECWA Theological Seminary's Education Department in Jos, Nigeria. Most recently, he served as an adjunct professor of Educational Ministries and the Managing Director of the Center for Faith and Children at TEDS in Deerfield, IL, prior to TEDS' relocation to TWU. 

Ahyuwani enjoys playing soccer, watching sports in general, and interacting with children and youth about sports and pop culture.

  • Master of Arts - Intercultural Studies (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; 2026)
  • Professional Education - No Code AI and Machine Learning (MIT; 2026)
  • Master of Arts - Theological Studies (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; 2023)
  • PhD - Educational Studies (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; 2021)
  • Post Graduate Certificate - Theological Education (London School of Theology; 2015)
  • Master of Arts in Theology - Educational Studies (ECWA Theological Seminar, Jos, Nigeria; 2012)
  • Bachelor of Arts in Theology - Christian Education (ECWA Theological Seminar, Jos, Nigeria; 2008)

Expertise

Teaching and learning, collaboration/partnerships, higher educational practice and administration, children, youth, and emerging adults’ ministries, AI in educational practice, podcast host/guest

Writings

  • “To Disciple Kids Well, Help Their Parents.” A Christianity Today article written with Mimi L. Larson and Lindsey Goetz. January 28, 2025.
  • “A Report of Conversations with Young Adults in Partnering Churches in Waukegan.” Printed through the Mosaic Ministries of TEDS. 2021.
  • PhD Research Thesis. “Collaborative Meaning-Making: Rubbing Minds among Postgraduate Students of Federal Universities in Northern Nigeria.” 2021.
  • “The Future of Theological Education.” London School of Theology Rising Theological Educator Writing Contest. 2014.

Presentations

  • “Effective Cross-cultural Ministry Partnership.” Main Speaker (three sessions) at the Equipping Leaders International Inc. Annual Conference in Harrisonburg, Virginia (September 29-30, 2022).
  • “Rubbing Minds: Collaborative Partnerships.” A plenary paper presented at the Francis Schaeffer Institute Conference (Covenant Theological Seminary), themed Scattered Together: Global Voices in Education and Mission (April 2, 2022).
  • “Library Student Workers’ Experience with Customer Care.” With Rebecca Donald (then Director of Library Services, TEDS) at the Illinois Library Association Annual Conference. October 24, 2019.
  • “Delighted Teaching as Collaborative Investigation.” With Dr. Donald Guthrie (Director of the PhD Educational Studies program, TEDS) at the Society of Professors in Christian Education Conference. October 18, 2019.
     

Awards & Honours

  • The Ted W. Ward Award in Educational Studies (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; 2021)
  • The Rebecca E. Bergman Memorial Award - Home Country Mission (Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; 2019)
  • The G. Walter Hansen Fellow with the F.H. Henry Center at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (2019-2020).
  • Second Place Winner in the 2014 London School of Theology (Rising Theological Educator Writing Contest; 2014)
  • Outstanding Graduating Student - Graduate Studies (ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos, Nigeria; 2012)
  • Education Department Outstanding Student Award  (ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos, Nigeria, Graduating Class of 2008)

Affiliations & Memberships

  • Society of Professors in Christian Ministry
  • Children’s Spirituality Summit
  • International Network of Children’s Ministry