Prof. Ngozi Philomena Okafor

Professor Ngozi Philomena Okafor is a Professor of Chemistry Education at the University of Lagos.

She earned her Ph.D. in Chemistry Education (Evaluation) from the University of Ibadan in 1999, an M.Sc. in Education (Chemistry-Curriculum) from the University of Lagos in 1994, and a B.Sc. (Ed.) in Chemistry from Bendel State University Ekpoma in 1990. She has over 27 years of sustained experience in tertiary-level teaching, developing curriculum, and educational research. She currently serves as Head of the Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos. Previously, she served two terms as Head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka. She held administrative positions as coordinator, Faculty Teaching Practice, chaired Departmental Curriculum Review and Quality Assurance Committees, and provides academic governance across multiple roles. Professor Okafor’s research interests span innovative chemistry pedagogy, science teacher education, curriculum development and evaluation, and the teaching and learning of chemistry. She has published over 81 peer-reviewed scholarly articles in reputable journals, contributed chapters and conference proceedings, and actively participates in national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. She has also authored and co-authored several books and monographs. A committed mentor, Professor Okafor coaches early-career chemistry teachers and supervises undergraduate and postgraduate research in science and chemistry education. She has enjoyed funded research, including the University of Lagos Research Grant project titled, Effect of Virtual Chemistry Laboratory Software (VCLS) on Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Acid–Base Titration Experiments. She also received an International Leadership Development Grant for Female Professors of University of Lagos at Cranfield University UK, fully sponsored by Female Foundation, Mujeres Por Africa, Banco, Spain. She currently leads a research project on Diversity and Human Needs, fully funded by Ruby Elite Legacy, based in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Professor Okafor is a member of the NUC Accreditation Panel, evaluating Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics Education programmes at institutions including Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ebonyi State University, and Imo State University. She serves as an External Examiner for the Department of Science and Technology Education at Lagos State University (Ijanikin Campus) and the University of South Africa. She is also an Item Writer with the West African Examinations Council (Test Development Division), Ogba, Lagos. Beyond academia, Professor Okafor is a Licensed Financial Professional in the State of Illinois, USA, and a Fellow of the Science Teachers’ Association of Nigeria (FSTAN). Her professional affiliations include Forum for African Women Educationalists (Lagos State Chapter), Michigan Science Teachers’ Association, National Science Teachers’ Association, International Council of Associations for Science Education, World Council for Curriculum and Instruction, and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World. Professor Ngozi Okafor has made substantial contributions to academia, the church, and community organizations through scholarship, leadership, and service. She is married and blessed with children and grandchildren.