My Resume

Dr U. C. Okolie

Welcome to the official website of Dr Ugochukwu Chinonso Okolie, a distinguished academic, researcher and consultant.

I Propounded this Model of Conditional Student Entrepreneurship for Financial Stability

Brief Profile

Ugochukwu Chinonso Okolie is the acting Head of the Department of Vocational & Technical Education, at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He is a distinguished academic and researcher specializing in Conditional Student Entrepreneurship which he identified and conceptualized, Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Career and Employability.

Ugochukwu Chinonso Okolie holds PhD (2021), M.Ed (2016) and BSc.Ed (2009) in TVET and Management of TVET programmes from the Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. He has published on entrepreneurship and higher education issues (edited books, book chapters, and academic journal papers) in developing world contexts.

Dr Okolie has an impressive publication record, with numerous articles in top international journals such as Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, Journal of Vocational Behavior, Journal of Career Assessment, Journal of Career Development, Industry and Higher Education, Education + Training, Higher Education Research & Development, Innovations in Education & Teaching International, International Journal of Management Education, Higher Education, Skills and Work-based Learning, and the Journal of Vocational Education & Training, among others. Additionally, he has authored two edited books on TVET, published by IGI Global in the United States.

Dr. Okolie has actively participated in major conferences organized by the United Nations University, the African Development Bank, and other prominent organizations across Africa and Asia, where he has presented his research findings.

Dr. Okolie shares his research expertise through his YouTube channel, which offers insightful tutorials and expert guidance on educational research topics. His channel covers a range of subjects, including research methodologies, statistical analysis, teaching and learning challenges, study techniques, and exam preparation strategies.

Dr. Okolie is also the founder of the Conditional Student Entrepreneurship Research Lab. This research group is dedicated to exploring the potential of conditional student entrepreneurs, aiming to expand knowledge in this emerging field. The lab focuses on understanding how entrepreneurship can provide financial stability for students facing economic challenges.

Dr. Okolie can be found on Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus and ORCID. Email: nonyeck@gmail.com; okolie.chinonso@funai.edu.ng

Images from conference presentations

  • Ugochukwu Chinonso Okolie
  • Ugochukwu Chinonso Okolie
  • Ugochukwu Chinonso Okolie
  • Ugochukwu Chinonso Okolie

Research Interests

  • Conditional Student Entrepreneurship
  • Vocational Education & Training
  • Career and Employability

Guest Editor Role

Dr Okolie guest edited a Special Issue on the Industry and Higher Education for the year 2022 with Dr Paul Agu Igwe and Prof. Nnamdi O. Madichie. The Special Issue Title is Work placement learning: Exploring self-employment and paid employment behaviour in higher education. We thank scholars who submitted their original manuscripts from Nigeria, the UK, Japan and Australia. The full Special Issue will be published officially in December 2022 by Industry and Higher Education – SAGE Journal.

Editorial Board Membership

Dr. Okolie is recently appointed an Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Career Assessment, a top-tier Vocational Psychology Journal published by SAGE. Ranked by ABS 2*, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago, Ranked A in ABDC and Clarivate Analytics. Impact Factor: 3.2

Watch My Research Tutorials on YouTube

Research and Publications

My research focuses more on understanding how individuals gain the right skills for work, create jobs or create micro-businesses to earn livelihoods. To address this research agenda, I focus on two interrelated research streams: (a) Career and Employability and (b) Conditional Student Entrepreneurship. In the first, I focus on learning how individuals, particularly higher education students and graduates learn new skills that are in demand by employers to enhance employability. In my other research stream, I try to understand how individuals from low-income families engage in entrepreneurship not due to opportunity identification, but as a means to overcome financial constraints threatening their academic pursuits.

2024

Ogbaekirigwe, C. O., Uba, I. M., Azubuike, A. S., Igwe, U. A. & Okolie, U. C. (2024). Understanding the motivational predictors of students’ persistence in work placement learning tasks. Education + Training. Published by Emerald | Ranked and Indexed by (ABS Ranking 1, Web of Science, Scopus Q1, Impact Factor 3.2) 

Okolie, U. C. (2024). A longitudinal study of conditional student entrepreneurship in an emerging economy. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. Published by SAGE | (ABDC Ranking A*, ABS Ranking 4*, FT 50, Impact Factor 7.8) 

Elom, C. O, Okolie, U. C., Uwaleke, C. C., Umoke, C. C., Abonyi, S. O., & Nwele, A. O. (2024). The effect of openness to experience on students’ readiness for school-to-work Transition. Journal of Career Assessment. | Published by SAGE | Ranked by ABS 2*, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago, ABDC Category A and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 3.2

2023

Okolie, UC., Lubbungu, J., Osuji, C. U., Idike, I. M., Ugwuda, S. O., Ehiobuche, C. & Sieme, P. (2023). Career-related teacher support and decision to choose teaching as a career: a three-wave study of Nigerian and Zambian university students. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance | Published by Springer. | Ranked by Scopus, ABS 1, Web of Science | Impact Factor: 1.8

Elom, C. O., Okolie, U. C., Abonyi, S. O., Eke, D. O., & Umoke, C. C. (2023). Students’ satisfaction with their academic majors and study commitment: The mediating role of academic psychological capital. Psychology in the Schools, | Published by Wiley | Ranked by Scopus, Q1 in Scimago and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 2.0

Uwakwe, R. C., Okolie, U. C., Ehiobuche, C., Ochunanwata, C., & Idike, I. M. (2022). A Multi-Group Study of Psychological Capital and Job Search Behaviours among University Graduates With and Without Work Placement Learning Experience. Journal of Career Assessment. | Published by SAGE | Ranked by ABS 2*, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago, ABDC Category A and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 3.2

Okolie, U. C., Mlanga, S., Nwosu, H. E., Mezieobi, K. C., Okorie, C. & Abonyi, O. S. (2023). Work Placement Supervisor Support and Students’ Proactive Career Behaviours: The Moderating Role of Proactivity. Journal of Career Development, 50(1), 168–184 | Published by SAGE | Ranked by ABS 1*, ABDC Category B, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 2.9.

Okorie, C., Nwankwo, F., Iwuala, H. & Okolie, U. C., (2023). Understanding Contextual and Personality-Related Factors Predicting Student Career Certainty in Work Placement Learning. Journal of Career Assessment, 31(1), 68-84 | Published by SAGE | Ranked by ABS 2*, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago, ABDC Category A and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 3.2.

2022

Okolie, U. C. (2022). Work Placement Learning and Students’ Readiness for School-to-Work Transition: Do Perceived Employability and Faculty Supervisor Support Matter? Journal of Vocational Behavior | Published by Elsevier | Ranked by ABS 4, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago, ABDC Category A* and Web of Sciences. Impact Factor: 11.1.

Okolie, U. C., Igwe, P. A. & Madichie, N. (2022). Special issue: Work placement learning – exploring self-employment and paid employment behaviour in higher education. Industry and Higher Education, 36(6), 689-692 | Published by SAGE | Ranked by Web of Science, ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Q2 in Scimago and Scopus, Impact Factor: 1.7

Okolie, U. C., Mlanga, S., Oyerinde, D. O., Olaniyi, N. O., & Ezemoyih, C. M. (2022). Collaborative Learning and Student Engagement in Practical Skills Acquisition, Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 59(6), 669-678 | Published by Taylor and Francis (Routledge) | Ranked by Scopus, Q1 in Scimago, ABS 2* and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 1.8

Okolie, U. C., Nwali, A. C., Ogbaekirigwe, C. O., Ezemoyi, C. M, & Achilike, B. A. (2022). A closer look at how work placement learning influences student engagement in practical skills acquisition. Higher Education Research & Development, 41(7), 2278-2291 | Published by Taylor and Francis (Routledge) | Ranked by Scopus, Q1 in Scimago and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 3.2

Okolie, U.C., Elom, C.O., Onajite, G. O., Abonyi, S. O. & Igwe, P. A. (2022). Exploring the link between student placement learning in business organizations and self-employment preparatory behaviours. Industry and Higher Education, 36(6), 693–704. Published by SAGE | Ranked by Web of Science , ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Q2 in Scimago and Scopus, Impact Factor: 1.7

Ogba, F. N., Okolie, U. C., Udu, D. A. & Idike, I. M. (2022). How do work placement learning instructional methods enhance students’ learning experiences?, Industry and Higher Education, 36(6), 705–715. | Published by SAGE | Ranked by Clarivate Analytics, ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Q2 in Scimago and Scopus, Impact Factor: 1.7

Okolie, U. C., Igwe, P. A., Mong, I. K., Nwosu, H. E., Kanu, C., & Ojemuyide, C. C. (2022). Enhancing students’ critical thinking skills through engagement with innovative pedagogical practices in the Global South. Higher Education Research & Development, 41(4), 1184-1198. | Published by Taylor and Francis (Routledge) | Ranked by Scopus, Q1 in Scimago and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 3.2

Nwosu, H.E, Obidike, P. C., Ugwu, J. N., Udeze, C. C & Okolie, U. C. (2022). Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Placement Learning in Business Firms and Students’ Entrepreneurial Intention. The International Journal of Management Education. Published by Elsevier | Ranked by ABS 1*, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago, ABDC Category C and Web of Science . Impact Factor: 5.2

Ehiobuche, C., Okolie, U. C., Nwali, A. C., & Igwe, P. (2022). Is there a link between industry involvement in higher education learning and student job creation intention? Industry and Higher Education, 36(2), 177-189. Published by SAGE | Ranked by Clarivate Analytics, ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Q2 in Scimago and Scopus, Impact Factor: 0.5

Okolie, U. C., Oluka, B. N., Oluwayemisi, F. B., Achilike, B. A. & Ezemoyih, C. M. (2022). Overcoming obstacles to collaborative learning practices: a study of student learning in higher education-based vocational education and training. International Journal of Training Research, 20(1), 73–91. Published by Taylor and Francis (Routledge) | Ranked by Web of Science, Q3 in Scimago and Scopus, Impact Factor: 0.5

2021

Otache, I., Edokpolor, J. E., & Okolie, U. C. (2021). Entrepreneurial self-confidence, perceived desirability and feasibility of hospitality business and entrepreneurial intentions of hospitality management technology students. The International Journal of Management Education. Published by Elsevier | Ranked by ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago and Web of Science . Impact Factor: 5.2.

Okolie, U. C., Ogwu, E. N., Osuji, C. U., Ogba, F., Igwe, P., & Obih, S. O. (2021). A critical perspective on TVET teachers’ pedagogical practices: Insights into the guiding pedagogical principles in practice. Journal of Vocational Education & Training | Published by Taylor and Francis (Routledge) | Ranked by Scopus, Q1 in Scimago, ABS 1*, ABDC Category B and Web of Science , Impact Factor: 1.9

Okolie, U. C., Ehiobuche, C., Igwe, P. A., Agha-Okoro, M., & Onwe C. C. (2021). Women entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation: Understanding the economic and socio-cultural context of the Igbo women’s basket weaving enterprise in Nigeria. Journal of African Business, 22(4), 448-467. Published by Taylor and Francis (Routledge) | Ranked by ABDC Category C, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 1.9

Okolie, U. C., Igwe, P. A., Ayoola, A. A., Nwosu, H. E., Kanu, C. & Mong, I. K. (2021). Entrepreneurial competencies of undergraduate students: The case of universities in Nigeria. The International Journal of Management Education, 19(1), 100452. Published by Elsevier | Ranked by ABS 1*, Scopus, ABDC Category C, Q1 in Scimago and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 5.2

Okolie, U.C., Ochinanwata, C., Ochinanwata, N., Igwe, P. A., & Okorie, G. O. (2021). Perceived supervisor support and learner career curiosity: The mediating effect of sense of belonging, engagement and self-efficacy. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 11(5), 966-982. Published by Emerald Insights | Ranked by ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Scopus, Q2 in Scimago and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 1.9

Okolie, U. C., Nwajiuba, C. A., Eneje B., Binuomote, M. O., Ehiobuche, C. & Hack-Polay, D. (2021). A critical perspective on industry involvement in higher education learning: Enhancing graduates’ knowledge and skills for job creation in Nigeria . Industry and Higher Education, 35(1), 61-72. Published by SAGE | Ranked by Web of Science, ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Q2 in Scimago and Scopus, Impact Factor: 1.7

Okolie, U. C, Elom, E. N.; Igwe, P. A., Binuomote, M. O., Nwajiuba, C. A., & Igu, N. (2021). Improving graduate outcomes: Implementation of problem-based learning in the TVET system of Nigerian higher education. Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, 11(1), 92-110. Published by Emerald Insights | Ranked by ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Scopus, Q2 in Scimago and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 1.9

Igwe, P. A., Okolie, U. C., & Nwokoro, C. V. (2021). Towards a responsible entrepreneurship education and the future of the workforce. The International Journal of Management Education, 19(1), 1-11 | Published by Elsevier | Ranked by ABS 1*, Scopus, Q1 in Scimago, ABDC Category C and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 5.2.

2020

Okolie, U.C., Elom, E. N., Igwe, P. A., Nwajiuba, C. A., Binuomote, M. O., & Igu, N. (2020). How TVET teachers foster employability skills: Insights from developing countries. International Journal of Training Research, 18(3), 231-249. Published by Taylor and Francis (Routledge) | Ranked by Web of Science , Q3 in Scimago and Scopus, Impact Factor: 0.5

Okolie, U. C., Igwe, P. A., Nwajiuba, C. A., Mlanga, S., Binuomote, M., Nwosu, H., & Ogbaekirigwe, O. C. (2020). Does PhD qualification improve pedagogical competence? A study on teaching and training in higher education. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 12(5),1233-1250. Published by Emerald Insights | Ranked by Scopus, Q2 in Scimago and Web of Science, Impact Factor: 1.7

Okolie, U. C., Nwajiuba, C.A., Binuomote, M. O., Osuji, C. U., Onajite, G. O., and Igwe, P.A. (2020). How Careers Advice and Guidance can Facilitate Career Development in TVET Graduates: The case in Nigeria. | Journal Name: Australian Journal of Career Development, 29(2), 97-106. Published by SAGE. | Ranked by Web of Science, Scopus and ABDC Category C, Impact Factor: 1.3

Okolie, U, C., Nwajiuba, C. A., Binuomote, M. O., Ehiobuche, C. ; Igu, N., Ajoke , O. (2020). Career training with mentoring programs in higher education: Facilitating career development and employability of graduates. Education + Training, 62(3), 214-234. Published by Emerald Insights | Ranked by Web of Science , Scopus, Q1 in Scimago and ABS 1*. Impact Factor: 3.6

Okolie, U. C., Igwe, P. A., Nwosu, H. E., Eneje, B., & Mlanga, S. (2020). Enhancing graduate employability: Why do higher education institutions have problems with teaching generic skills? Policy Futures in Education, 18(2), 294-313. Published by SAGE | Ranked by Web of Science, Q2 in Scimago and Scopus, Impact Factor: 1.7

Hack-polay, D., Igwe, P. A., & Okolie, U. C. (2020). Room for improvement – A study of overconfidence in numerical skills among British graduates. Industry and Higher Education, 34(1), 50-61. Published by SAGE. | Ranked by Web of Science , ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Q2 in Scimago and Scopus, Impact Factor: 1.7

2019

Nweze, T., Asfa, M. Y., Okolie, U. C., Ogundele, A., Uneke, J. C., Agwu, U., Omoke, P., & Ajayi, N. (2019). Vocational Trainability Assessment of Beggars and destitute persons in Abakaliki, Nigeria: Policy implications for health, vocational rehabilitation and social integration, African Health Sciences,19(3), 2728-2736. Published by Makerere University | Ranked by Scopus and Web of Science. Impact Factor: 0.8

Okolie, U. C., Nwosu, H. E., & Mlanga, S. (2019). Graduate employability: How the higher education institutions can meet the demand of the labour market. Higher Education, Skills and Work-based Learning, 9(4), 620-636. Published by Emerald Insights | Ranked by ABS 1*, ABDC Category C, Scopus, Q2 in Scimago and Web of Science, Impact Factor: 1.9

Okolie, U. C., Nwosu, H. E., Eneje, B. C., & Oluka, B. N. (2019). Reclaiming education: Rising above examination malpractices, and its contextual factors on study progress in Nigeria. International Journal of Educational Development, 65, 44–56. Published by Elsevier | Ranked by Web of Science and Scopus, Q1 in Scimago. Impact Factor: 2.5

Okolie, U. C., Igwe, P. A., & Elom, E. N. (2019). Improving graduate outcomes for technical colleges in Nigeria. | Journal Name: Australian Journal of Career Development, 28(1), 21-30. Published by SAGE. | Ranked by Web of Science, Scopus and ABDC Category C, Impact Factor: 1.3

Okolie, U. C., Elom, E. N., Osuji, C. U., & Igwe, P. A. (2019). Improvement needs of Nigerian technical college teachers in teaching vocational and technical subjects. International Journal of Training Research, 17(1), 21-34. Published by Taylor and Francis (Routledge) | Ranked by Web of Science and Scopus, Q3 in Scimago. Impact Factor: 0.5

2014

Okolie, U. C. (2014). Management of Woodwork Workshops in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions: An Analytical Study. | Journal Name: Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Management, 2(1), 20 – 36. Published by Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Malaysia. | Ranked by Scimago Scopus

Okolie, U. C., Elom, E. N., Nwuzo, A. C., Inyiagu, E. E., & Ndem, J. E. (2014). Vocational education for youth empowerment: Entrepreneurial development and the missing links in higher education institutions. | Journal Name: Malaysian Online Journal of Educational Management, 2(3), 33 – 52. Published by Faculty of Education, University of Malaya, Malaysia. | Ranked by Scimago Scopus

2010

Okolie, U. C. (2010). Entrepreneurship development through technical and vocational education for self-employment and youth empowerment in Africa. | Journal Name: International Journal of Learning, 17(5), 575-590. | Ranked by Scopus A publication from my undergraduate student Project.

Edited Books

Okolie, U. C. (2020). Socio-Economic Perspectives on Vocational Skill Development: Emerging Research and Opportunities. USA. IGI-Global | Hershey, Pennsylvania. USA. IGI Global. Copyright: © 2020 | ISBN13: 9781522541455 | ISBN10: 1522541454 | EISBN13: 9781522541462.

my resume

Okolie, U. C. & Asfa, M. Y. (2017). Technical education and vocational training in developing nations. Hershey, Pennsylvania. USA. IGI-Global. | Copyright: © 2017 | ISBN13: 9781522518112 | ISBN10: 1522518118 |EISBN13: 9781522518129|DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1811-2: | Indexed in Scopus and Google Books

Book Chapters

Okolie, U. C. & Asfa, M. Y. (2017). TVET in developing nations and human development. in Okolie, U. C. and Asfa, M. Y. (e.d). Technical education and vocational training in developing nations. Published in USA by IGI-Global. | Indexed in Scopus and Google Books

Ogbaekirigwe, C. O., & Okolie, U. C. (2017). Relevance of Entrepreneurship in TVET in Okolie, U. C. and Asfa, M. Y. (e.d). Technical education and vocational training in developing nations. Published in USA by IGI-Global. | Indexed in Scopus and Google Books

Okolie, U. C. (2016). Vocational education training in the informal sector for effective regional integration: Lesson from southeast Nigeria. In Asfa, Y. M and Shivagunde, R. B. (ed). Emerging trends in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Published in Delhi by Lenin Media and PSS Central Vocational Institution of Vocational Education, Bhopal, India.

Selected Top Conference Presentations

Okolie, U. C. & Igwe, P. A. (2019). Productive job creation in Nigeria: How can higher education institutions involve industry experts to direct learning? Poster presentation during the United Nations University (UNU-WIDER) Development Conference on Transforming Economies – for Better Jobs, held at the United Nations Conference Centre, Bangkok, Thailand, September 11-13, 2019. @UNUWIDER #BetterJobs

Okolie, U. C. (2019). Understanding plagiarism in academic publishing. 5th International Conference on Education for Sustainable Development. Held at the Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi Ghana. March 27-28, 2019

Okolie, U. C. (2015). Innovative strategies for enhancing the study of woodwork technology education in Nigerian higher education institutions. 4th International Conference on Education. Held at Rift Valley Technical Training Institute, Nairobi, Kenya. May 27-29 2015.

Okolie, U. C. & Nweze, T. (2015). Occupational safety and health at work training/retraining needs for quarry women labourers in Nigeria. 31st International Congress on Occupational Health. Seoul, South Korea. May 31st– June 5th 2015

Nweze, T. & Okolie, U. C. (2015). Counselling for career decision making in post-primary schools: the Nigerian experience. 4th International Conference on Education. Held at Rift Valley Technical Training Institute, Nairobi, Kenya. May 27-29 2015.

Nweze, T & Okolie, U. C. (2015). Workshop safety practices needed by students in TVET institutions: Guidance and counselling implications. 2nd KATTI Regional Conference On “TVET and Industry: Advancing Society through Science, Technology and Innovation”. Mombasa, Kenya: 24TH -28TH August 2015

Okolie, U. C. (2015). Inclusive growth and human resources development: Issues and roles of technical and vocational education training institutions. International Conference on Emerging Trends in Technical and Vocational Education and Training: vision 2015. PSSICE Central Institute of Vocational Education NCERT. Shyamla hills, Bhopal India. 18th– 20th February, 2015.

Okolie, U. C. (2013). Private sector investments on youth empowerment through technical and vocational education training; Model for ensuring equal opportunities to contribute and benefit from economic growth in Africa. Experts Group Meeting on Inclusive Growth in Africa; organized by African Development Bank, Ethiopian Research Institute, and Korean Development Institute. Held at the United Nations House, Addis Ababa on May 6th -7th, 2013.

Okolie, U. C. (2013). Incorporation of peace education into primary and secondary education curriculum: A sustainable mechanism for conflicts, wars and violence prevention in Africa. Joint United Nations Human Security Conference organized by UNDP, UNICEF, WFP, FAO, UNIDO, United Nations University, Government of Ghana and Japan Official Development Programme. University of Ghana, Accra. May 22nd -23rd, 2013.