Uzoma Odera Okoye, Dr

Dr. Uzoma Odera Okoye is a Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with a background in Sociology and Social Work. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Gerontology and has published several articles on topics such as elder abuse, care giving, intergenerational relationships, and the impact of HIV/AIDS informal social support, migration and internal displacement on older adult people. Her research interests focus on social gerontology, public health and migration. She has supervised several PhDs and completed projects with international agencies.

Okoye Intergenerational Connection Model of Aging (OICMA) – visit https://africasocialwork.net/african-theories-of-social-work/

PUBLICATIONS IN GERONTOLOGY

JOURNAL ARTICLES

  1. Okoye, U. O. (2024). Ageing PLC: A business where everyone is a shareholder but not aware. Can social work lead? (Inaugural Lecture) Journal of Social Work in Developing Societies, 6(1), 1-37 https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jswds.v6i1.1
  2. Ebimgbo, S. O., Adewoyin, Y., Ajaero, C. K. & Okoye, U. O. (2024). “Does a healthy man need vaccination?”: Attitudes of older adults toward COVID-19 vaccine in South-East Nigeria. International Journal of Population Studies, 10(1), 86–97. https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.359
  3. Ebimgbo, S.O., Abbah, O., Ifediba, E.C., Igwe, N.J.., Chukwu. N. E & Okoye, U. O (2023). Coping mechanisms of older persons with emigrant children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. Population Ageing. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-023-09435-4
  4. Ekoh, P. C., Okoye, U. O., Agbawodikeizu, P. U., George, E. O., & Ejimkaraonye, C. (2023). Ageing in displacement and gaps in support: support for older people in protracted displacement in New-Kuchingoro IDP camp, Abuja, Nigeria. International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJMHSC-05-2021-0048
  5. Iwuagwu, A., Okah, P., Nnama-Okechukwu, C., Chukwu, N., Agha, A., Anazonwu, N., Onalu, C. & Okoye, U., (2023). Barriers to Social Inclusion among Older Adults with Disabilities in Imo State, Nigeria: A Descriptive Phenomenological Inquiry. Scandinavian Journal of Disability Research, 25(1), p.132–146.DOI: https://doi.org/10.16993/sjdr.997
  6. Agbawodikeizu, P. U., Ekoh, P. C., Tanyi, P. L., Ezulike, C. P. &· Okoye, U, O. (2023). Exploring older adults’ perception of living in residential care facilities as an alternative care option: Tales from older adults in Southeastern Nigeria. Ageing International https://doi.org/10.1007/s12126-023-09527-8
  7. Abonyi, S, E & Okoye, U. O (2023). A Comparative Assessment of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of Nigerian Retirees under the Defined Benefits and Contributory Pension System. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 37 (1), pp. 127-155
  8. Ebimgbo, S. O. & Okoye, U. O (2022). Challenges of left‑behind older family members with international migrant children in south‑east Nigeria. Journal of Population Ageing https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-022-09402-5
  9. Ene, J., Agwu, P., Ekoh, P., & Okoye, U. (2022). Is filial care for older adults in Nigeria threatened? Examining concerns from adult offspring providing care. Journal of Aging Studies, 63, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaging.2022.101078.
  10. Ebimgbo. S. O., Chukwu, N. E. & Okoye, U. O (2022). They Have Better Opportunities over there”: Rationalizing Emigration of Young Family Members by Left behind Older Adults in South-East Nigeria Quarterly on Refugee Problems, 61, (I)1, 3-19 ISSN 2750-7882, https://doi.org/10.57947/qrp.v61i1.
  11. Ebimgbo, S. O., Nwachukwu, T. S., Ugwu, C. I., Obioji, J. N., Idowu, B. O. & Okoye, U. O (2022) “They will only remember us during elections”: The culture of government support to Nigerian older adults and policy implications, Journal of Aging & Social Policy, DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2022.2120322
  12. Mbam, K. C., Halvorsen, C. J. & Okoye. U. O. (2022). Aging in Nigeria: A Growing Population of Older Adults Requires the Implementation of National Aging Policies. The Gerontologist, 62(9), 1243–1250.
  13. Ekoh, P. C., George, E. O., Agbawodikeizu, P. U., Ezulike, C. D., Okoye, U. O., & Nnebe, I. (2022). “Further Distance and Silence among Kin”: Social Impact of COVID-19 on Older People in Rural Southeastern Nigeria. Journal of Intergenerational Relationships, 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1080/15350770.2022.2070572
  14. Ekoh, P. C., Okoye, U. O., George, E. O., Ejimkaraonye, C. & Agbawodikeizu, P. U. (2022): Resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria: the housing problems facing IDPs in Abuja camps and the risk of homelessness and secondary displacement. Journal of Social Distress and Homelessness. https://doi.org/10.1080/10530789.2022.2027069
  15. Ekoh, P. C., Chukwu, N. E & Okoye, U. O. (2021). Aging in rural Nigeria: gendered exclusion of rural older adults and its impact on their perceived life satisfaction in South-East Nigeria, Journal of Women & Aging. https://doi.org/10.1080/08952841.2021.1999734
  16. Ebimgbo, S. O., Chukwu, N. E. & Okoye, U. O. (2021). Gender differences in family support to older adults and implications for social work in south-east Nigeria. Journal of Aging Studies, 59, 100979.
  17. Ekoh, P. C., Agbawodikeizu, P., George, E., Ezulike, C. & Okoye, U. (2021) More invisible and vulnerable: The impact of COVID-19 on older persons in displacement in Durumi IDP camp Abuja, Nigeria. Quality in Ageing and Older Adults. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAOA-10-2020-0049
  18. Agbawodikeizu, P. U., Ezulike, C. D., Ekoh, P. C.,George, E. O., Okoye, U. O. & Nnebe, I. (2021). Exploring the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on economic activities and well-being of older adults in Southeastern Nigeria: Lessons for Gerontological Social Workers. Journal of Gerontological Social Work,
    a. DOI: 10.1080/01634372.2021.1907497
  19. Ekoh, P. C., Okoye, U. O., Agbawodikeizu, P. U., George, E. O., & Ejimkaraonye, C. (2021). Changes in family structures and roles, and its Impact on older people in displacement in Abuja, Nigeria. Journal of Population Ageing, 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12062-021-09332-8
  20. Ebimgbo O., Agwu, P., Chukwu, N. & Okoye, U. (2020). Appraising sufficiency of financial support for older adults in Anambra State, Nigeria,
    Ageing International, DOI 10.1007/s12126-020-09379-6
  21. Ekoh, P. C., George, E. O., Ejimakaraonye, C. & Okoye, U.O. (2020). An appraisal of public understanding of dementia across cultures. Journal of Social Work in Developing Societies, 2(1), 54-67.
  22. Agbawodikeizu, P., Agwu, P., Okoye, U. & Igwe, I. (2019). End-of-life in Nsukka town of Nigeria and Nigerian-based social work practice Controversies in preparing for end-of-life in Nsukka town, Nigeria and suggestions for Nigerian-based social work practice. Social Work & Social Sciences Review, 20(2), 95-112. DOI: 10.1921/swssr.v20i2.1140
  23. Ebimgbo, S. O., Obi-Keguna, C. N., Chukwu, N. E., Onalu, C. E., Abonyi, S. E. & Okoye, U. O. (2019). Culture-based social support to older adults in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria. Etude de la Population Africaine/African Population Studies, 33 (2), 4891-4900.
  24. Ebimgbo, S. O., Onalu, C. E., Atama, C. S. & Okoye, U. O. (2019). Forms and predictors of older adults’ maltreatment in Nnewi, South-East, Nigeria: Implications for social work practice. Journal of Social Work in Developing Societies, 1(2), 26- 41.
  25. Ebimgbo, S. O., Chukwu, N. E., Onalu, C. E. & Okoye, U. O. (2019). Perceived Challenges Associated with Care of Older Adults by Family Care-givers and Implications for Social Workers in South-east Nigeria. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 33(2), 160-177.
  26. Ebimgbo, S. O., Onalu, C. E., Okah, P. S., & Okoye, U. O. (2018). Domesticating global guidelines on physical activity for healthy lifestyle of Nigerian older adults and their family caregivers: Implications for social workers. International Journal of Human Kinetics, Health and Education, 4(1), 1-11.
  27. Ebimgbo, S. O., Atumah, N. A & Okoye U. O. (2018). Policy implications of inadequate social support systems for older adults in Nnewi North LGA, Anambra State. Nigeria Journal of Public Administration and Local Government, 19(2), 109-127.
  28. Ebimgbo, S. O., Atumah, O. N. & Okoye. U. O (2018). Church-based organisations and their role in the support of older adults in Nnewi, South-east Nigeria. Etude de la Population Africaine/African Population Studies, 32(2)[Supp.2), 4203-4213.
  29. Nnachi, A. I. & Okoye, U. O. (2018). Factors that influence choice of ideal age in the quest for physical immortality. Indian Journal of Gerontology, 32 (2), 172–185
  30. Agbawodikeizu, P. O., Agwu, P.C., Okoye, U.O & Oyeoku, E. K (2018) Perception and attitudes to end of life planning and implications for social work practice in Enugu State, Nigeria. International Social Work, 62(2), 892–904. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872818755862
  31. Ebimgbo, S. O. & Okoye, U. O (2017). Perceived Factors that Predict then Availability of Social Support When It Is Needed by Older Adults in Nnewi,South-East Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Social Sciences,13(1),10-18
  32. Tanyi, P. L.& Okoye, U. O. (2014). Community reactions towards older adults HIV/AIDS caregivers: Qualitative evidence from the North West Region of Cameroon . Asian Journal of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities, 4 (5), 18-30. ISSN 2249-7315. http://jpbb.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:ajrssh&volume=4&issue=5&article=003
  33. Okoye, U. O. (2014). Financial incentives to support family care-givers of older adults in Nigeria: A policy consideration. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(4), 55-62. ISSN 2222-1719 (Paper) ISSN 2222-2863 (Online) http://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/RHSS/article/view/11302/11610
  34. Okoye, U. O. (2013). Community-based care for home bound elderly persons In Nigeria; A policy option. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2(12), ISSN: 2319-8753. 7086-7091.
  35. Okoye, U. O. (2012). Family care-giving for ageing parents in Nigeria: gender differences, cultural imperatives and the role of education. International Journal of Education and Ageing 2 (2), 139–154.
  36. Okoye, U. O. A & Aghedo G. (July, 2011).Workers’ perception of the Pension Reform Act, 2004: A study of Prisons’ staff in Enugu State. Nigerian Journal of the Social Sciences, 7(1), 77-89.
  37. Okoye, U, O. & Asa S. O. (June, 2011). Care giving and stress: Experience of people taking care of elderly relations in South-Eastern Nigeria. Arts and Social Sciences Journal, Volume 2011: ASSJ-29 E-ISSN: 21516200 (Online) astonjournals.com/manuscripts/Vol2011/ASSJ-29_Vol2011.pdf
  38. Okoye, U. O. (April, 2011). Gender differences in the care-giving of ageing parents: A study of adult off-springs in Nsukka town of Enugu state. International Journal of Health and Social Inquiry, 1(1),1-1
  39. Okoye, U. O & Akanni, I. A. (2009). Willingness of youths to support aged parents: A study of undergraduates in South-Eastern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of the Social Sciences, 5(2), 101-114.
  40. Okoye, U. O. (2005). Young children’s perception of the elderly: A Comparison with data from the United States and Southeastern Nigeria: Journal of Intergenerational Relationships (Taylor and Francis), ( 3) 3, 7-24,
  41. Okoye, U. O & Obikeze, D. S. (2005). Stereotypes and perception of the elderly by the youth in Nigeria: Implication for social policy. Journal of Applied Gerontology (SAGE Publications), 24(5), 439-452.
  42. Okoye, U. O. (July, 2005). Factors influencing secondary school student’s knowledge of older persons in Eastern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of the Social Sciences, 3(1), 145-161
  43. Okoye, U. O. (2004). Knowledge of aging among secondary school students in south-eastern Nigeria. Educational Gerontology (Taylor Francis), 30, 481-490.
  44. Okoye, U. O. (2003). Retired Elderly Persons’ Adjustment to new roles: A Study of Retirees in South-Eastern Nigeria. Journal of Sociological Sciences, 1 (1), 30-37.
  45. Okoye, U. O. (2003). Attitude of youths toward institutionalisation and care of the elderly: A study of Youths in Anambra state. Nigerian Journal of the Social Sciences, 2, (2), 1-9.
  46. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
  47. Okoye, U. O & Tanyi, L. P. (2009). Perception of the elderly among seminary school students and students in secular schools in Enugu State of Nigeria. Conference proceedings of the Department of Sociology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Egbue, N. G. & Ezeah P. C. (eds), pp. 75-86.
  48. Okoye, U. O & Tanyi, L. P. (2008). Millennium Development Goals, Ageing and Curriculum reform in Nigerian schools. Conference proceedings of the Faculty of Education National Conference on Education Reforms and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), Nworgu, B. G. (ed) pp.195-200.
  49. Okoye, U. O. (2004). The erosion of traditional forms of care for the elderly and its implication for the elderly in Nigeria. Conference proceedings of the African Conference on Aging: Rapid ageing and the changing role of the elderly in African households. 2004, Omoluabi, E, Makiwane, M & Bah, S. (eds) pp 224-236.
  50. BOOK CHAPTERS
  51. Okoye, U. O., & Nwafor, F. N.(2023). Philosophies guiding the model of care for older adults in traditional Igbo society: A guide for social work decolonisation agenda. In Twikirize, J. M., Tusasiirwe, S. & Mugumbate, R. (Eds). Ubuntu Philosophy and Decolonising Social Work Fields of Practice in Africa (pp. 150-162). Routledge.
  52. Okoye, U. O. & Nwafor, N. F. (2022). Governance and the welfare of older adults in contemporary Nigeria: perspectives from social workers. In A. A. Karim & O. O. Oshita (Eds). Leadership and the challenge of governance, nationhood and security in Nigeria (pp. 340-353). Abuja: National Institute for Security Studies
  53. Ebimgbo S.O. & Okoye U.O. (2021). Aging in Nigeria. In: Selin H. (eds) Aging Across Cultures. Science Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Science, vol 10. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76501-9_2
  54. Okoye, U., Ebimgbo, S. & Ene, J. (2017). Social work with older adults. In Okoye, U., Chukwu, N., & Agwu, P. (Eds.). Social work in Nigeria: Book of readings (pp 170 – 181). Nsukka: University of Nigeria Press Ltd.
  55. Okoye, U. O (2012). Climate Change and Older People: A discourse. In Okpaga A. & Bako R. (eds) Global Economic Crises, climate change and environment: The challenges for Nigeria. A publication of FULBRIGHT Alumni of Nigeria (FAAN) pp 137-147.
  56. Okoye, U. O (2004). Social Security for the Elderly in a Democratic Nigeria. In Maduagwu, M.O. and Mohammed, A. S. (eds) Fulbright Alumni Book of Readings No.2 Challenges and Prospects of Democratisation in Nigeria, A publication of FULBRIGHT Alumni of Nigeria (FAAN) pp 190-200.
  57. Okoye, U. O (2003). Globalisation and the care of the Elderly in Nigeria In Maduagwu, M.O. and Onu, V. C. (eds) Fulbright Alumni Book of Readings No.1 Globalization and National Development in Nigeria, A publication of FULBRIGHT Alumni of Nigeria (FAAN) pp 115-127.