Dr. Joy Ihuaku Hegan, a distinguished educator with over three decades of experience, has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s education sector. As the founder and CEO of Emerald Kwesikofi Educational Consult Nigeria Limited (EKEC), Dr. Hegan has pioneered innovative initiatives that have transformed the educational landscape.
Achievements in Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Dr. Hegan’s contributions to SEN are particularly noteworthy. To commemorate World Autism Awareness Day 2025, her organisation, Emerald Kwesikofi Educational Consult Limited, hosted a Free Autism/SEN Show. This event aimed to raise awareness and provide support for individuals with autism and other SEN conditions.
Furthermore, Dr. Hegan empowered educators through training programs, enabling them to better support autistic and SEN children in general.
Another of her notable achievements is organising the first-ever virtual Spelling Bee and Mathematics Competition in Nigeria during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. This groundbreaking initiative achieved a remarkable 90% success rate, earning Dr. Hegan recognition as one of the best educationists in Nigeria.
Dr. Hegan’s expertise spans various areas, including school technology and database management, school program design, curriculum enrichment, Montessori education, staff evaluation, and education procurement. Her dedication to education has led to the training of over 5,000 educators, many of whom have gone on to become Special Educational Needs Assistants, Special Education Teachers, and Special Education Needs Coordinators.
As the founder and National President of the Association of Private Preschool and Primary Leaders (APPPL), Dr. Hegan continues to inspire and empower educators across Nigeria. Her numerous awards and nominations include: Five-time Nominee for Teacher of the Year; Two-time Recipient of the Best Teacher of the Year award; Recipient of the Leadership Impact Award from Spell Quest Nig. Ltd, and Recipient of the Educational Ambassador award from Lordswill Academy Gwarimpa, Abuja. These speak volumes of her exceptional leadership and dedication to education.
Recently, Dr. Hegan founded Emerald Kwesikofi Academy, an inclusive school that caters to over a hundred scholars, including children with special educational needs. She has also established the Emerald Royal Ladies Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting indigent SEN children, parents, widows, students, and the less privileged in society.
As a devoted Christian, dedicated mother of four, and motivational speaker, Dr. Joy Ihuaku Hegan is a shining example of leadership, compassion, and dedication to education. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower individuals from all walks of life, leaving a lasting impact on Nigeria’s education sector.
