SOCIAL POLICY, WELFARE AND SOCIETY RESEARCH GROUP
CONCEPT NOTE
Contents
Name — — — — — — — — — — — 1
Research Focus — — — — — — — — — — 1
Purpose/Justification — — — — — — — — — 1
Goals and Objectives — — — — — — — — — 1
Composition of the Group — — — — — — — — — 2
Brief Select CVs and Contact Information of Coordinator and Members — — — 3
Name
Social Policy, Welfare and Society Research Group
Research Focus
Social Welfare, Social Policy, African Society
Purpose/ Justification
The issue of welfare and welfare provision in Africa is one that at once evokes a deep-seated cultural trait in Africa as the African informal institutions of reciprocity are presumed to engender both deep and broad levels of access to social welfare. Indeed, some scholars have argued that as African states have weakened, vibrant informal social networks have grown and expanded to fill the gaps. Strangely, not a lot is being done to actively study social welfare and welfare provisioning in the African context and from an African-centered perspective in most parts of Africa and particularly in Nigeria. University of Nigeria occupies a unique position with huge potentials to pioneers research in critical areas that would result in the production of the kind of knowledge that would drive the anticipated rise of Africa in the twenty first century.
The forgoing provides a backdrop for the formation of a research group in the University of Nigeria named, Social Policy, Welfare and Society Research Group. The research group will be multidisciplinary in scope and will focus on such themes but not necessarily limited to: the international context of social welfare, the African context of social welfare, the Welfare State, Welfare Regimes, Political Regimes, Governance and Welfare, Power Structures and Welfare, Social Protection in Contemporary Africa, Traditional Modes of Welfare Provisioning in Africa, Wellbeing and Welfare in Africa, Remittances and Welfare in Africa, Financing of Welfare in Africa, Inequality and Welfare in Africa, Vulnerability, Poverty and Welfare in Africa, Social Policy and Social Welfare, Social Policy and Social Development, Social Welfare and Community Development, Social Policy and Welfare in the African context, Leadership and Social Welfare in Africa, Globalization and Welfare in Africa, Security and Social Welfare in Africa, Democratization Welfare and social Development in Africa, Social Policy, Governance and Social Development, Social Welfare and the Aged, Social Policy and Social Development at the Grassroots, Comparative Social Welfare and Community Development, The Future of Indigenous Social Welfare in the African context, Leadership and Social Development in Africa, Globalization and Traditional Welfare Systems in Africa, Security in Africa and Democratization, The Future of Welfare and Social Development in Africa, Social Exclusion and Social Welfare in Africa, among others.
Goals and Objectives
- To work with other researchers and research groups towards creating a globally competitive and research focused University of Nigeria
- To contribute towards putting the University of Nigeria at the forefront of knowledge production in Africa and in the world.
- To promote the capacity of the university of Nigeria to be a world leader in innovation, research and development, and human resource development.
- To engender the professional growth and development of individual members of this Research Group through engaging in regular interdisciplinary research projects and the dissemination of research results via reputable channels and outlets to the glory of the University of Nigeria.
- To engage in such other activities that would help to meaningfully implement the University of Nigeria Research Policy.
Composition of the Group
- Samuel Chinedu Ejiofor (PhD) — — — — — — Coodinator
(Dept. of Social Work & Community Development)
- Nnanna Onuoha Arukwe (PhD) — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology, UNN
- Prof. Chibuzor K. Ofokansi (PhD) — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNN)
- Ifeoma Echezona (PhD) — — — — — — — Member
(Nnamdi Azikiwe Libraray, UNN)
- Eugene Okorie (PhD) — — — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Science Education, UNN)
- Chuka Ugwu (PhD) — — — — — — — Member
- (Dept. of Public Administration and Local Government)
- Innocent Okechukwu Eme (PhD) — — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Public Administration and Local Government)
- Ifeoma Nzekwe (Msc) — — — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Public Administration and Local Government)
- Njideka Eneogu (Msc) — — — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Social Science Education, UNN)
- Jolly Orji Kalu (Msc) — — — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Computer Science, UNN)
- Chika Nwakanma (Msc) — — — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology, UNN)
- George Nche (Msc) — — — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Religion and Cultural Studies, UNN)
- Chukwu Nnanna (PG Student) — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology, UNN)
- Okechi S. Okafor (PG Student) — — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology, UNN)
- Kelechi Okpara (PG Student) — — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology, UNN)
- Chiamaka P. Amadike (PG Student) — — — — — Member
(Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology, UNN)
Brief Select CVs and Contact Information of Coordinator and Members
Coordinator
Contact Details
Samuel Chinedu EJIOFOR (PhD)
Department of Social Work & Community Development,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Mobile phone: +234 803 736 5795
E-mail: ejorsamchi@yahoo.com
Brief Bio
Samuel Chinedu EJIOFOR is currently a lecturer in the Department of Social Work and Community Development. He holds a diploma in Social Work and Community Development, a degree in Sociology and Anthropology, a postgraduate diploma in social work and community development, a Master of Science in Social Work and Community Development – all from the University of Nigeria. He holds a PhD degree in Social from the University of Jos, where he majored in the study of orphans and vulnerable children. He enjoys doing fieldwork and travelling.
Areas of academic interest/Summary of expertise
Community Development, Social welfare services, Philosophy of Social work, Ethics of social work, socialization of ethics, critique of constitutionalism and democracy in Nigeria, socio-economic development, workplace administration, Social work and entrepreneurship in Africa, social work and poverty, psychology of social work, Women and economic empowerment, conflict resolution in community development, Reproductive health, Single parenthood and the family, Women entrepreneurs, Environmental social work, Igbo Society, HIV/AIDS.
Membership of Professional Bodies
Member, Social Science Academy of Nigeria, SSAN
Member, Nigeria Sociological Society, NSS
Member, Nigerian Association of Social Workers, NASW
Member
Contact Details:
Nnanna Onuoha ARUKWE (PhD)
Department of Sociology and Anthropology,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Phone: +234813 444 0183
Email: nnanna.arukwe@unn.edu.ng
Bio Brief
Nnanna Onuoha ARUKWE was educated at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is currently a lecturer in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, having joined the services of the University in 2001. A coauthor of two books, he has additionally published a number of articles on a wide variety of topics in sociology and anthropology; as well as discussed issues in such topics in a wide variety of conferences both locally and internationally. As a part of his contribution to the teaching of courses like Contemporary African Social Thought and Sociology of Decolonization, he in 2010 published a text book, Since Equiano: History and Challenges of African Socio-Political Thought.
Areas of academic interest/Summary of expertise: Academic interests of Nnanna Onuoha ARUKWE include African Studies, Organizational Ethics, Organizational Citizenship Behaviour, Organizational Integrity, Integrity System, Nationalism , Contemporary Pan-African Agenda, Postcolonialism, Political Regimes, Decolonization, Welfare Regimes, Social Policy, Roads Research, Road Safety Law Enforcement, Nationalism, African Diaspora Studies, Quantitative and Qualitative Social Research, Anthropology, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Area Studies, Autochthonous Systems, Blackness, Organizational behavior and theory, strategic management policy, social issues and public policy, management organization, personnel and industrial relations, technology and innovation.His other areas of expertise are Monitoring and Evaluation, Community mobilization, Conflict Resolution and Advocacy.
Membership of Professional Bodies
Member, Social Science Academy of Nigeria, SSAN
Member, Nigeria Sociological Society, NSS
Member, Nigerian Association of Sociologists and Anthropologists, NASA
Member, Association for Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora, ASWAD
Member, Afro-Latin/American Research Association, ALARA
Member, International Sociological Association, ISA
Fellow, Institut Français de Recherche en Afrique (IFRA)
Member
Contact Details
Professor Kenneth C. OFOKANSI (PhD)
Position: Professor/Head of Department
Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Telephone: +234-81-31245821; +234-80-59793297
Email: kenneth.ofokansi@unn.edu.ng
Brief Bio
Born on January 17, 1971, Professor Ofokansi obtained his B.Pharm., M. Pharm., and Ph.D degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He joined the services of the University of Nigeria in 2000 as Lecturer II and rose to the rank of a Professor in 2011. Prof. Ofokansi has over 68 scholarly articles in both local and international journals to his credit in addition to a number of book chapters. He has also attended a number of local and international conferences/workshops.
Areas of academic interest/Summary of expertise
Formulation of polymer-based nano- and micro-particulate drug delivery systems; novel controlled delivery of various pharmaceutical actives; targeted drug delivery and formulation and delivery of proteins and peptide-based drugs, transdermal drug delivery systems, solid dispersions and lipid-based colloidal delivery systems. I also have interest in social health/pharmacy research.
Prof. Ofokansi has expertise in bioanalytical techniques, cell culture and handling of laboratory animals. He has designed and conducted research in the areas of novel drug delivery and analytical methods development, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, pharmaceutical applications of ex vivo systems to study drug absorption from bioadhesive systems, polymer-based nanoparticles and microparticles. He has skills in biopharmaceutics and pharmaceutical microbiological techniques. Prof. Ofokansi has conducted experiments involving the use of Caco-2 cell to study intestinal drug absorption from nanoparticulate drug delivery systems.
Membership of Professional Bodies
Member, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN)
Member, Nigerian Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA)
Member, West African Society of Pharmacology (WASP)
Member, Controlled Release Society (CRS)
Member, International Association for Pharmaceutical Technology (APV)
Member
Contact Details
- Ifeoma ECHEZONA (PhD)
Physically Challenged Library and Branch Libraries Division,
Nnamdi Azikiwe Library,
University of Nigeria Nsukka
Phone: +234 8035483000
E-Mail: ifeoma.echezona@unn.edu.ng
Brief Bio
- Ifeoma ECHEZONA is a Chartered Librarian and currently a Deputy University Librarian in charge of the Physically Challenged Library and Branch Libraries Division, Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria Nsukka. She holds B. Sc. (Lib.Sc./Biology), MLS (Library and Information Science), and PhD (Library and Information Science) of the University of Nigeria. She has about twenty years experience as a staff in the library and over sixteen years post-qualification cognate experience. . Dr. Echezona has published journal articles in reputable Library and Information Science journals locally and internationally. She was one time the Publicity Secretary of Nigerian Library Association, Enugu State Chapter and former National Treasurer of Nigeria Library Association. She is presently contributing to Library Education and Scholarship by teaching at the graduate level and is also an approved supervisor of the Master programmes of the department of Library and Information Science, University of Nigeria. Dr Echezona is the coordinator of the Use of Library and Study Skills (GSP111) for Medical and Health sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka. She just finished her Sabbatical leave at Benue State University, Makurdi. Dr. Echezona is hard working, results-driven, decisive, proactive and resilient. She is sociable, people oriented, dependable and reliable and she also has high personal mien that enhance results in her official responsibilities. Her hobbies include reading, writing, and listening to music.
Areas of academic interest/Summary of expertise
- Ifeoma ECHEZONA’s areas of research interest are Information and Communication Technology, Physically challenged, user studies, special collections management, Injury and safety promotion, women studies, and African Studies.
Member
Contact Details
Name: Eugene Ucheya OKORIE (PhD)
Position: Lecturer
Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka
E-mail: eugene.okorie@unn.edu.ng,
Brief Bio
Eugene Ucheya OKORIE is a lecturer in the Department of Science Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He attended the University of Lagos, Akoka (B.Sc.), University of Ibadan, Ibadan (M.Ed.) and University of Nigeria, Nsukka (PhD). He started his teaching career as a secondary school science teacher Grade II and rose to the rank of Master I, after one year stint in the East Central State Divisional Schools Management Board, Uzo-Uwani, where he was in charge of statistics. He received training in science editing from Nigerian Association of Science Editors (NASE), and in book publishing from Nigerian Publishers’ Association (NPA), Association of West African Book Editors (AWABE) and the Publishing Training Centre at Book House, London. He also received training in Finance Management from Lagos Business School; and Projects Management from Nigerian Institute of Management. Before joining the Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka as Assistant Lecturer/Assistant Research Fellow, he was Editor and later Senior Publisher (Science & Technical) with Longman Nigeria Plc, an international publishing company based in Lagos.
Areas of academic interest/Summary of expertise
His areas of academic interest are Chemistry, Teacher Education, Science Education, Innovative Educational Paradigm, e-Learning Instructional Software Design, and Use of Local Material Resources in Chemistry Education.
Other areas of expertise are Physics of Chemical System, Biophysics, Environmental Pollution studies and remediation , Fundamental Concept of Matter and Energy, Workshop Practice, Teaching Practice and Research Projects, Industrial Process, Analytical process, Special Method (Chemistry), Science and Society, as well as Science Education and Disadvantaged groups.
Membership of Professional Bodies
- Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN)
- Curriculum Organisation of Nigeria (CON)
- International Research and Development Institute (IRDI)
Member
Contact Details
Chukwuka Eugene A. UGWU (PhD)
Department of Public Administration & Local Government,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Phone: +234 8033040458
E-Mail: chuka.ugwu@unn.edu.ng
Brief Bio
Chukwuka Eugene A. UGWU is currently a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration & Local Government. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration Studies of the University of Port Harcourt, a Master of Science in Public Administration of the Department of Public Administration & Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration of the Department of Public Administration & Local Government, University of Nigeria. He enjoys travelling and engaging in research projects.
Areas of academic interest/Summary of expertise
Chukwuka Eugene A. UGWU’s research interests and areas of expertise are in the areas of Human Resource management, Project Management, Efficiency in public Organizations, Community Mobilization and Participation in Sustainable Development Strategies, National Development, Millennium Development Goals, World Trade Organization, The Nigerian State, Development and Underdevelopment, Public Governance, The Niger Delta, Youth Unemployment, African Development, African Governance, Bank Reforms in Nigeria.
Member
Contact Details
Florence Ifeoma NZEKWE
Department of Public Administration & Local Government,
University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Phone: +2348063933531
E-Mail: ifeoma.nzekwe@unn.edu.ng
Brief Bio
Florence Ifeoma NZEKWE holds a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Nigerian Languages of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Administration of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and a Master of Science Degree in Public Administration of the University of Nigeria Nsukka. She is currently at the final stages of her Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration of the same University. She has been a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration and Local Government of the University of Nigeria Nsukka from 2009 till date.
Areas of academic interest/Summary of expertise
Florence Ifeoma NZEKWE’s areas of academic interest include Women Participation in Governance; Development Studies; Energy Security; Management for Efficiency in Public Organizations; Public Sector Corruption; Local Government Finance in Nigeria, Local Government and Poverty Reduction, Graduate Employability in Nigeria, Civil Service Reform, Millennium Development Goals, Election Observers’ Mission in Nigeria, Management of Global Economic Crises, Manpower Planning and Development in Nigerian Local Government.
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