Nkem is interested in substantive law on copyright and related rights, and in using empirical research to address questions pertaining to copyright law and policy, and in exploring connections between Intellectual Property law and culture through the lens of creators and users, which are often affected by cultural, psychological, social and technological variables. Her recent socio-legal research evaluates the complexities of copyright in the film industry of emerging economies, using Nigeria as a case study. Utilising a multi-perspective approach, she focused on the intersection of copyright law with the work and lives of creative practitioners in the film industry. Her work addresses fundamental policy questions and examines the impact of piracy on growth and the impact of it on competition.

Nkem is an award-winning, seasoned academic and a TETFund scholar. In 2018, she was awarded The Federal Government of Nigeria Scholarship for PhD research to the top 20% ranked universities in the United Kingdom. In September 2023, she was awarded the Head of School Contribution Prize at the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast. She was also awarded the Researcher Plus Award for “Develop Your Leadership Skills” (PGR Personal Development Programme) at the Queen’s University Belfast in June 2023.

Nkem is also interested in AI and IP and in Competition Law, which she is currently researching. She is a highly skilled, accomplished, resourceful, performance-driven, result-oriented, experienced legal and academic professional with over two decades of experience in various teaching and administrative positions and research. She is an analytical and strategic problem solver with a flair for research. She is passionate about teaching and mentoring her students.

She has excellent interpersonal and communication skills, ensuring the delivery of superior case results. A respected conference speaker, including an invited speaker at Havard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Nkem, has participated in national and international conferences and has a track record of academic scholarship. Her research is active, and she has written and continues to write on different aspects of Intellectual Property Law. Her works are published and cited in print and online internationally reputable academic and industry journals.

A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, she was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1999. In 2000, she obtained a Master of Laws Degree from the University College London, University of London. A TETFund Scholar, she earned a doctorate from the prestigious School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom.

She is a member of the Nigerian Association of Law Teachers, the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Enugu State Branch, the International Law Association (Nigerian Branch), a fellow of the Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria; a member, International Trademark Association (INTA), a member of The South African Association of Intellectual Property Law and Information Technology Law Teachers and Researchers (AIPLITL), a member of the African Scholars Research Network at Queen’s University Belfast, and a member, Chartered Management Institute - CMI.