I am Professor in Physics Learning and Development at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Igbariam Campus Nigeria, Nigeria
Dr. Theresa Ugonwa Okafor is a distinguished academic in the field of Science Education, with a particular focus on Physics Education. She was born on February 12, 1958, in Aba, Nigeria, and is currently serving as a faculty member in the Department of Science Education at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), Uli Campus, Anambra State. With a passion for education and empowering others through knowledge, Dr. Okafor has been committed to the growth of science education in Nigeria for over two decades. She is a mother of four, with a deep commitment to balancing both her academic responsibilities and family life. Dr. Okafor holds an academic position in which she teaches, mentors, and leads research projects focused on science education and its development. Her dedication to advancing education, particularly in the sciences, is evident through her active involvement in training future educators, contributing to the academic community, and striving to improve the quality of physics education in Nigeria.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Theresa Okafor’s educational journey spans several prestigious institutions, where she earned her foundational degrees. She completed her Ph.D. in Science Education/Physics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in 2009, a culmination of years of academic pursuit. Prior to that, she earned a Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) in Science Education/Physics from UNN in 2001, and a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.Sc. Ed.) in Physics in 1987, also from UNN. Earlier in her educational career, she attended Federal Teacher Training College in Egbema, where she completed her teaching certification (T.C.II) in 1979. Dr. Okafor’s early schooling included a comprehensive primary and secondary education, with notable achievements during her time at Christ De King Primary School in Aba and Girls High School in Mbawsi, Abia State. Her robust educational qualifications demonstrate her commitment to learning and her passion for advancing the field of science education, particularly physics, throughout her career.
Professional Experience
Dr. Okafor’s professional experience is marked by a long and distinguished career in education. She was first appointed as a lecturer in the Department of Science Education at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in 2011, a position she has held ever since. In this role, she contributes significantly to the teaching, research, and mentorship of students pursuing degrees in science education. With more than two decades of experience in the academic field, Dr. Okafor has made notable contributions to curriculum development, instructional methodologies, and the advancement of science education at the university level. She has worked in various teaching and administrative capacities, emphasizing the need for enhanced physics education, especially among Nigerian students. Furthermore, Dr. Okafor has been involved in several professional development programs to enrich her teaching and research, including the Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for tertiary institutions and Monitoring and Evaluation of Education Projects. Her professional journey has equipped her with the expertise to inspire future generations of educators and researchers in Nigeria.
Research Interests
Dr. Okafor’s research interests lie primarily in the areas of Physics Education and Science Education, with a particular emphasis on improving teaching methodologies, developing effective educational tools, and enhancing the learning experience for students in the sciences. She is particularly passionate about advancing STEM education, especially for underrepresented groups such as women, and ensuring that students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world. Her research explores the integration of digital tools and innovative teaching practices in physics education, aiming to foster greater student engagement and learning outcomes. Dr. Okafor is also interested in curriculum development and the impact of teaching methods on student comprehension and retention of scientific concepts. Additionally, her work investigates the challenges and opportunities faced by educators in the Nigerian educational system, and how they can be addressed to improve overall education quality. Her commitment to advancing science education, particularly in physics, positions her as a key contributor to the educational development of the next generation of Nigerian scientists and educators.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Dr. Theresa Okafor has received recognition for her unwavering dedication to education and research in science. Although specific awards and honors are not listed in detail, her involvement in various professional development programs, such as the Nigerian Universities Electronic Teaching and Learning Platform and the Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme, demonstrates her commitment to staying at the forefront of education. Her continued contributions to science education, especially in the context of physics, have made her a respected figure among her peers and students. Dr. Okafor’s academic achievements, combined with her role as an educator and researcher, have earned her admiration within the academic community. She has worked tirelessly to promote the advancement of women in science and to improve science education standards in Nigeria, a cause for which she has received recognition, even if not formally awarded. As she continues her academic career, Dr. Okafor is expected to make even more significant contributions to her field, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in the education sector.
Conclusion
Dr. Theresa Ugonwa Okafor appears to be a strong candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award due to her substantial experience in science education and her dedication to teaching physics. However, to strengthen her case, more details about her research contributions, particularly those that focus on women in science, would be beneficial. If her research has influenced or benefited women in the STEM fields, showcasing those achievements would make her an even stronger contender.
Publications Top Noted
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Effect of Polya’s Problem Solving Technique on the Academic Achievement of Senior Secondary School Student in Physics
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2019
Citation: 19
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Readability and Content Evaluation of Recommended Physics Textbooks in Anambra State Secondary Schools
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2010
Citation: 8
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Authentic Assessment Method in Science: Study of Issues for Teachers
Authors: NR Nnorum, TU Okafor
Year: 2011
Citation: 7
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Difficulties Encountered by Secondary School Physics Students in Answering Mathematical Related Physics Questions
Author: T Ugonwa Okafor
Year: 2015
Citation: 4
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Unethical Practices Among Physics Education Teachers in Post Primary Schools and Tertiary Institutions
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2019
Citation: 3
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Effect of Generative Learning Model on Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in Chemistry
Authors: MC Obikezie, BA Ezeliorah, TU Okafor
Year: 2023
Citation: 2
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Identification of Physics Contents that Can Promote Entrepreneurial Skills Among Senior Secondary Physics Students
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2019
Citation: 2
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Sources of Stressors Among Physics Education Undergraduates of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2017
Citation: 2
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Enhancing the Future of Students in Physics and Technology for Sustainable Development
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2013
Citation: 2
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Physics Process Skills and Its Acquisition on Secondary School Physics Students in Aguata and Nnewi Education Zones of Anambra State
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2017
Citation: 1
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Influence of Gender on Students’ Alternative Conceptions of Scientific Phenomenon
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2014
Citation: 1
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Assessment of Science Teachers’ Level of Computer Literacy and Usage in Colleges of Education: Implication for Global Competitiveness
Authors: RN Nneka, TU Okafor
Year: 2013
Citation: 1
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Motivation and Self-Esteem as Predictors of Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Biology in Awka Educational Zone of Anambra State
Authors: ND Ezeanyagu, FM Opara, TU Okafor
Year: 2023
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Identification of Difficult Physics Process Skills in Physics Practical Activities Among Senior Secondary School Physics Students in Awka Education Zone
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2021
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Influence of Age on Students’ Alternative Conceptions of Scientific Phenomena
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2019
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Sources of Stressors Among Physics Education Undergraduates of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Nigeria
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2019
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Identification of Difficult Physics Process Skills in Physics Practical Activities Among Senior Secondary School Physics Students in Awka Education Zone
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2018
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A Way Forward in Enhancing the Participation of the Girl-Child in Physics Education Sustainability
Author: TU Okafor
Year: 2018
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The Effect of Scientific Literacy: An Approach to Technological Achievement in Physics Education Among Students in Aguata/Nnewi Educational Zone, Anambra State
Author: DTU Okafor
Year: 2017