Health Communication
Media, messaging, public understanding, risk perception, and communication strategies that support healthier individual and community outcomes.
Senior Lecturer · Researcher · Communication Scholar
Dr. Ukamaka C. M. Ozioko
Exploring how communication, media, and digital platforms can improve health, development, public understanding, and social outcomes.
Department of Mass Communication · University of Nigeria, Nsukka
8+Years of University Teaching
16Peer-Reviewed Publications Listed
30+Undergraduate Projects Supervised
18+Years of University Service
About
Scholarship grounded in communication for social impact.
Dr. Ukamaka C. M. Ozioko is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her academic work spans development communication, health communication, digital media, social media analytics, and development journalism.
Her scholarship examines how media messages and communication systems shape public knowledge, behavior, risk perception, healthy lifestyles, development initiatives, and social participation. She combines university teaching with research supervision, scholarly publication, conference participation, and institutional service.
Ph.D.Development CommunicationUniversity of Nigeria, 2025
M.A.Advertising & Public RelationsUniversity of Nigeria, 2010
B.A. (Hons.)Mass CommunicationUniversity of Nigeria, 2003
Doctoral Dissertation
“Influence of Healthy Lifestyle-Centered Digital Media Messages on Academics in Three Selected Universities in Southern Nigeria.”
Supervisor: Prof. Nnanyelugo OkoroResearch
Areas of scholarly focus
Research interests at the intersection of communication, media, health, and development.
Development Communication
Communication processes, participatory approaches, and media interventions designed to support sustainable social and community development.
Digital Media
How digital platforms influence information exposure, behavior, public engagement, and changing communication practices.
Social Media Analytics
Understanding audience behavior, message reception, online interaction, and the role of social platforms in contemporary communication.
Development Journalism
Media practice and reporting that foreground development challenges, public interest, social change, and community-centered narratives.
Publications
Peer-reviewed scholarship
Selected and recent work across health, development, media, politics, digital communication, and audience studies.
Name note: some earlier publications appear under Ukamaka C. M. Akata, a previous married name.
Evaluation of Factors Affecting Choice of Service Providers among Mobile Phone Users in South-East Nigeria
Martins N. Ezugwu, Uchenna C. Anorue, Ukamaka C. M. Ozioko & Stephen C. Ogbodoh · Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 7(1).
Monitoring and Evaluation of Development Communication Initiatives for Impact Assessment Using the ACADA Model
Ikaderinyo I. Furomfagha & Ukamaka C. M. Ozioko · International Journal of Development Communication Research, 1(1), 177–191.
Broadcast Media Reportage of Flooding Issues and Viewers' Expectations: Focus on South-South Nigeria
Rosemary E. Governor et al. & Ukamaka C. M. Ozioko · Britain International of Humanities and Social Sciences Journal, 7(1), 30–45. DOI ↗
The Influence of Social Media on Agricultural Practices: Insights from Enugu State Farmers and Stakeholders
Somtochukwu V. Okeke, Ukamaka C. M. Ozioko, Martins N. Ezugwu & Peace N. Ojonta · Journal of Economics and Allied Research, 10(1), 48–57.
Compliance with Road Safety Media Messages among Drivers in Selected Mass Transit Companies in South East, Nigeria
Somtochukwu V. Okeke et al. & Ukamaka C. M. Ozioko. DOI ↗
Viewers' Assessment of the Performance of Broadcast Media in Reporting Flooding Issues in South-South Nigeria
Rosemary E. Governor et al. & Ukamaka C. M. Ozioko · Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 6(1).
Online News Platform Preference among Communication and Performing Arts Undergraduate Students from Three Selected Universities in South-East Nigeria
Stephen C. Ogbodoh et al. & Ukamaka C. M. Ozioko · International Journal of Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication, 12(2).
Influence of Digital Media Messages on Healthy Lifestyle of Academics in Southern Nigerian Universities
U. C. M. Ozioko, I. H. Ahaotu, M. N. Ezugwu, S. V. Okeke & R. E. Governor · Scope-Journal, 14(2).
View earlier publications
2023 — Nwokedi, Ozioma P., Ukamaka Akata & Mba, Jane U. “Effectiveness of Broadcast Messages as a Panacea to Drug Abuse in South-East Nigeria.” University of Nigeria Interdisciplinary Journal of Communication Studies, 29, 31–44.
2022 — Erubami, Joshua E. et al. & Ukamaka C. Akata. “Mass Media Exposure and Lassa Fever Risk Perception in Rural Communities in South-South Nigeria.” Malaysian Journal of Communication, 38(2). DOI ↗
2022 — Ohaja, Edith U. et al. & Ukamaka C. M. Akata. “Mass Media Mobilization and Representation of Women in Nigerian Politics from 1999–2019: Implications for the 2023 General Elections.” Sapientia Foundation Journal of Education, Sciences and Gender Studies, 4(2).
2021 — Governor, Rosemary E., Alawari Clever & Ukamaka Cecilia Akata. “An Assessment of Media Systems and Operations in Nigeria Democracy Using the Normative Theories of the Press.” Journal of Global Social Sciences.
2021 — Chinweobo-Onuoha et al. & Ukamaka Cecilia Martha Akata. “Influence of Indigenous Radio Programme on Cultural Orientation of Igbos in Three Selected States in South-East Nigeria.” Interdisciplinary Journal of Communication Studies.
2021 — Nwabunze, Uzoma O. et al. & Ukamaka C. Akata. “Users' Perception of Facebook Video Advertisement Inserts (Mid-Rolls): A Study of UNN Undergraduate Students.” MKAR Journal of Media and Culture, 6(1), 46–65.
2020 — Governor, Rosemary E. & Ukamaka C. M. Akata. “Gender as a Predictor for Media Preference and Use among Youths: Examining the Uses and Gratification Theory.” Journal of Global Social Sciences, 1(4), 19–33.
2018 — Ukamaka C. M. Akata & Ezugwu Martins N. “Social Media, Political Conflict and Political Communication in Nigeria.” Benin Media Com Journal, 1(2), 27–40.
Teaching & Mentoring
Student-centered university instruction
Teaching experience across foundational, writing, advertising, public relations, film, and broadcast management courses.
Introduction to Mass CommunicationIntroduction to FilmCritical & Review WritingCommentary & Critical WritingAdvanced AdvertisingWriting for Public RelationsStation Management & Operations
Research Supervision
30+ undergraduate projects
- Public perception of the “Make Naija Stronger” campaign
- Advertising and consumer patronage of Indomie Noodles
- Celebrity endorsement and student self-esteem
- Media practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward climate change
Service & Leadership
Institutional contribution beyond the classroom
Academic Service
- Member, Department Audit Committee
- Member, University of Nigeria Board of Survey
- Member, University of Nigeria 2009 Audit Exercise
- Member, Department of Mass Communication 2024 Conference Committee
Professional Background
Before joining the academic staff, Dr. Ozioko served as Executive Staff at the University of Nigeria from 2007–2017, contributing to recruitment, interview coordination, personnel documentation, and official correspondence.
Professional Memberships
- Development Communication Research Association of Nigeria (DECRAN)
- African Council for Communication Education (ACCE)
- American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U)
Conferences
Recent scholarly engagement
2025
International Hybrid Conference, University of Nigeria — “Reimagining Education: Bridging Gaps through Cutting-Edge Technology and Innovation in a Changing Society.”
2025
Fourth Virtual International Conference organized by the Department of Economics with the Center for Contemporary Economics and Allied Research, University of Nigeria.
2024
International Conference of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria — “Artificial Intelligence, Communication and Knowledge Economy in the 21st Century.”
2024
DECRAN International Annual Conference and Workshop — “Empowering Voices and Transforming Communities.”
2023
African Council for Communication Education (ACCE) 23rd International Conference.
Contact
Research collaboration, academic engagement, and professional enquiries.
For scholarly correspondence, conference invitations, research collaboration, or academic opportunities, please use the university email address below.