Terhemba Shija is a Nigerian academic, poet, novelist, critic and politician who, as of 2014, lectures at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

He is from Nyumangbagh, Mbaduku, Vandeikya local government.

Shija served as a Member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria in 1992 Benue state.

[2] He also served as Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Benue State, during the administration of Governor George Akume, resigning in December 2002;[3] He is the author of several books of fiction, biography, literary criticism and poetry.

His best known titles are "Whispers of Distant Drums" "The Siege, The Saga" and "Cantos for the Benue".