About Nnedinma
Dr Nnedinma Umeokafor is a respected and established academic, researcher, and innovator in the field of construction management; project management; and health, safety and wellbeing. His work is dedicated to shaping policy, enhancing practice, and promoting sustainable development, particularly in developing countries.
With an extensive portfolio of scholarly publications and international collaborations, Dr Umeokafor takes an interdisciplinary approach to addressing real-world challenges in construction safety, regulation, and infrastructure governance. His research not only advances academic understanding but also leads to practical innovations that make a tangible difference in communities.
He has successfully secured funding from both public and private organisations to support his impactful research and development projects. These initiatives often involve pioneering solutions and strategic partnerships that drive meaningful change across the construction sector.
Dr Umeokafor’s work continues to influence policy, inform best practice, and champion safer, more equitable, and sustainable construction environments—particularly across the Global South.
Background
Nnedinma never planned to be an academic but being the third generation of teachers and academics, you can say it runs in the family.
He embraces every opportunity to learn, whether through industry or academia. He believes education extends beyond formal institutions, a principle that has shaped both his knowledge and experience.
Dr Nnedinma Umeokafor is a Senior Lecturer in Built Environment and Programme Leader at the School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich (UoG) (see University profile).
Prior to joining UoG in 2022, he was a Senior Lecturer in Quantity Surveying at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).
Before this, he was a Senior Lecturer in Construction Law and the Course Leader for Undergraduate BSc programmes — Building Surveying, Quantity Surveying Consultancy, BSc Construction Management — in the Department of Civil Engineering, Surveying and Construction Management at Kingston University London (KUL). At KUL, he taught Construction Law and Contract Administration.
He joined Kingston University in 2019 from University College of Estate Management (UCEM) where (from 2017 to 2019) he was a Lecturer and a member of the school’s Research Committee.
He has held academic positions in other higher education institutions in the UK, for example, the University of East London.
For many years, he was certified/approved by qualification awarding bodies not limited to Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) to deliver training. Dr Umeokafor has also held various industrial and consultancy positions abroad and the UK, the most recent being a Health and Safety Manager.
External Engagements
Dr Umeokafor is a Mentor for CIOB “chartered membership professional review” applicants and Member of its Accreditation Panel. Until early 2024, he was an Approved Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Construction and Built Environment Ambassador — Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) STEM Ambassador. CITB and Build UK have partnered with STEM Learning to provide the STEM Ambassador programmes.
As a CITB Ambassador, Dr Umeokafor inspires and encourages young people to become the next generation of construction professionals, a way of giving back to the community.
Working with IOSH Magazine and IOSH, he engages with the industry by stimulating discussions on burning issues through articles on IOSH Magazine. The magazine has a readership of over 48,000 occupational health and safety professionals around the world.
His standing and contributions have been recognised by being invited by IOSH as one of the experts in a three-person discussion panel in a webinar series delivered to occupational health and safety professionals including IOSH members globally. This event was attended by over 890 people from across the world. He has also delivered talks at other major events including an international conference organised by African Research Universities Alliance where over 170 academics attended. He is the Secretary of IOSH London Metropolitan Construction Section (May 2021 to date).
Dr Umeokafor’s standing has been recongnised by being appointed an External Examiner (EE) for postgraduate (PhD and MSc) research in universities such as University of Johannesburg, South Africa; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, South Africa; and University of Cape Town, South Africa. Kingston University, London has also appointed him to chair doctoral viva. He is also EE to academic programmes at De Montfort University, UK, and Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.
He is an Associate Editor for Management, Procurement and Law (Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers) (Emerald publishing) (Q2 Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality, Impact factor 1.8, indexed in Scopus and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics); CIB encouraged journal); and the Journal of Construction Business Management; and an Editorial Board Member for the Depression and Anxiety Journal (Q1, 7.4 IF). He was Guest Editor in four high-ranking international journals (e.g. International Journal of Construction Management (Q1, 3.9 IF); Energies (Q1 , Impact Factor 3.20, indexed in Scopus & Web of Science) International Journal of Construction Supply Chain Management (Impact Factor 1.90; indexed in Scopus & Web of Science) and Journal of Construction Busniess and Management).
Further, he is a regular reviewer in, at least, 11 high-ranking international journals, and conferences not limited to the International Journal of Construction Management, Construction Management and Economics, Elsevier Safety Science, Journal of Engineering Design and Technology, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, and CIB W099. For a full list of verified reviews, please see Publons. He has also reviewed the impact and standing of academics for National Research Foundation (NRF) South Africa.
Research and Consultancy
Dr Nnedinma Umeokafor is a well-established academic whose work reflects a strong commitment to meaningful impact, collaboration, and lifelong learning. His academic journey is shaped by a desire to contribute to positive change—whether through influencing policy, enhancing professional practice, or supporting the development of future leaders.
With a clear focus on real-world relevance, his research explores how digital innovation, inclusive approaches, and performance-led systems can support progress across sectors, particularly within the built environment, higher education, and occupational health and safety. Rather than remaining purely theoretical, Dr Umeokafor’s work is grounded in practical insight and a belief in research as a driver of transformation.
He works closely with colleagues across disciplines and engages with academic institutions, industry partners, and policy stakeholders to ensure that his findings are both robust and applicable. His research often addresses complex, systemic challenges, with the aim of fostering environments that are safer, more inclusive, and better equipped to meet the evolving needs of society.
Dr Umeokafor is qualified to doctoral level where he examined a complex construction health and safety regulatory regime and its links with the contextual environments.
Other academic qualifications are not limited to: two master’s degrees, MSc in Project Management (sustainable behaviour dissertation), and MSc in Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management (digital technologies in infrastructure development dissertation).
He also has a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP), and the National Compliance and Risk Qualifications (NCRQ) and AIM Level 6 Diploma in Applied Health and Safety (Dip NCRQ) (equivalent to bachelor’s degree level).
Footprint in Research - Publication Record
Dr Umeokafor is research-active with over 100 scholarly output including publications in leading, reputable, refereed, built environment and safety, health and environment journals (e.g. Elsevier Safety Science [impact factor 6.392]), international conferences (e.g. International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) W099) and book chapters. His publications have recognised by his peers resulting in awards (see honour/recognitions/awards for more details).
While health safety and wellbeing is Dr Umeokafor’s main area of research, other areas are not limited to regulation and compliance; construction management; project management; equality, diversity and inclusion; and higher education research. His work has benefited from funding from organisations including CIB and Lloyd’s Register Foundation.
Dr Umeokafor has presented papers in major international conference in Brazil, Nigeria and the UK. He has a h-index of 15 and i10 index of 25 (Google Scholar). He collaborates with leading academics in reputable universities across the world and industry practitioners in the UK and other countries such as Canada, Egypt, Malaysia and Nigeria. Some of these academics abroad are in universities not limited to Curtin University, Australia; Fayoum University, Egypt; Massey University, New Zealand; University of Cape Town, South Africa; Federal Univerity of Technology, Minna, Nigeria; and University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Leadership
Dr Nnedinma Umeokafor exemplifies a transformational leadership style rooted in academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. His leadership is marked by a commitment to equity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and impactful research in the built environment. He has led curriculum development projects, contributed to national and international policy consultations, and coordinated research addressing issues in the built environment, occupational health, safety and wellbeing, and higher education.
Dr Umeokafor’s ability to bridge academic theory with practical application fosters a dynamic and forward-thinking environment. He is dedicated to mentoring emerging scholars, driving strategic development, and promoting global perspectives. He also serves on editorial boards of academic journals, further shaping discourse in his fields of expertise, making him a respected voice in both academic and professional circles.
Dr Nnedinma Umeokafor is committed to a student-centred, research-informed approach to teaching that is enriched by industry experience and inclusive pedagogy. His practice encourages active engagement and critical thinking, creating an environment where all learners feel valued and supported. With a strong emphasis on equality, diversity, and inclusion, his teaching consistently enhances student satisfaction and has attracted funding for pedagogical research.
Dr Umeokafor integrates authentic assessment into his modules, enabling students to demonstrate their learning through meaningful, real-world tasks. Recognised for his excellence and passion, he has led a wide range of modules and supervised numerous undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, fostering a dynamic and empowering learning experience.
Breaking barriers. Building futures
Inspiring Change
Dr. Nnedinma Umeokafor engages in community work that uplifts and empowers. He is currently a trustee for Learn for Life, a UK charity offering support to children and young people in Zambia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The charity supports schools for deaf children ensuring that they have support for their learning and daily lives.
His work also involves hands-on workshops aimed at local businesses and future professionals in construction and engineering. By collaborating with local organisations, he ensures research translates into practice, whilst helping organisations solve their challenges through research.
He also mentors young people, encouraging them to choose career paths in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and to think critically about their contributions to society.
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