Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher,   after obtaining his PhD in Theatre and Drama at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria taught at his Alma Mater and the University of Jos Nigeria, where he rose to become a full Professor of Theatre for development, and resident playwright.  He is the leading authority on the Kwagh-hir Theatre, a poet and one of Africa’s best playwrights

Iyorwuese Hagher, entered politics while yet an academic and was elected into Nigeria’s upper legislative house, as Senator and Deputy Chief Whip of Senate, representing Benue – East Constituency in 1983.   Hagher was later again elected into the Constitutional conference of 1994 – 1995.  In 1995, he was appointed Minister of State, Power and Steel in Nigeria where he emphasised the opening up of the rural areas, focusing on new transmission lines in the local government areas.  He was re-appointed Minister of Health in 1997 where he initiated a bold plan to incorporate drama and performance in the fight against HIV-AIDS in Nigeria, which is still being utilized by people working in this area. 

Hagher is recipient of Nigeria’s National Honour, Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).   He is founder and Honorary President of Leadership Institute Nigeria, and Director of the Association of Nigerians against Corruption (ANAC) as well as member, International Council for Management Consulting Institutes (ICMC).  He is Fellow Society of Nigerian Theatre Artists, and Fellow Institute of Management Consultants.

He has been Ambassador of Nigeria to Mexico and con-current to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama, before his present appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada.  While in Mexico, Hagher emphasised the use of Culture and Education as a major Diplomatic strategy and attracted Mexican investments in Nigeria in Communication and Oil Services.

Hagher’s vision is to bring to Canada, a greater understanding of Nigeria.  Since arrival in Canada, he initiated his first diplomatic strategy to establish the friends of Nigeria project, by working closely with eminent personalities in Canada previously conversant with Nigeria and Nigerians in the Diaspora. Through these, he hopes to build a greater and closer relationship and understanding with Canada.  He hopes to re-invigorate the Bi-national Commission and improve trade between his host country and Nigeria.  

Ambassador Iyorwuese Hagher is married to Barrister Nancy Hagher and have five children.