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- Inaugural lectures by Professors from different Faculties of Lead City University
Recent Submissions
Socio-Phonological Analysis of Accentual Variation Among Students of Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan
(Lead City University Ibadan, 2025-12) Ismail Ameen Ademola
The multilingual nature of Nigeria connotes that no uniform English accent is spoken throughout the country. This study investigated accentual variation among students in the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan, from a socio-phonological perspective. These students were chosen because much research has been conducted on the phonological features of Nigerian English, particularly in arts and humanities faculties, while relatively less attention has been paid to students from science-based disciplines. The research was guided by four objectives: to identify common phonological elements that vary in students’ speech; to examine the influence of social factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, and language background on these variations; to assess how such variations contribute to identity construction; and to explore patterns of accentual variation among students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. A mixed approach adopting quantitative and qualitative research designs was adopted. 30 students were selected by purposive random sampling across six departments within the Faculty of Science, University of Ibadan. Data were collected through recorded speech samples, questionnaire and observations, and analysed using auditory phonetic analysis in conjunction with sociolinguistic profiling.
Based on the data, the study reveals significant phonological variations among Nigerian English speakers, heavily influenced by tribal affiliation and gender. Monophthongisation of /əʊ/ and /eɪ/ were the most challenging, with 96.7% and 93.3% of respondents monophthongising them, respectively. Conversely, the diphthong /aʊ/ in "plough" was correctly produced by 100% of respondents. The dental fricatives /θ/ and /ð/, were frequently replaced by /t/, /f/, or /d/. The study found that one hundred percent (100%) of female and sixty percent (60%) of male respondents reported they change their pronunciation depending on the situation. Vowel substitution was common across all groups, with Igbo males exhibiting the highest rate (84%) and Yoruba females the lowest (48%).it was concluded that accentual variation is not merely a phonetic phenomenon but also a reflection of broader social identities. It is recommended that workshops, seminars, and public speaking be organized to encourage clarity and intelligibility in students’ spoken English.
Keywords: Accentual variations, sociophonology, consonant variations, vowel variations, Source‐Filter Theory
Word Count: 330
Neuroprotective Effect of Azadirachta indica Ethanol Extract on Retinal Neurodegeneration in a Diabetic Rat Model
(Lead City University Ibadan, 2025-12) Anuoluwapo Eunice ILEGOMAH
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of adult blindness, characterized by neurodegeneration, vascular dysfunction, and progressive loss of retinal integrity. This study investigated the neuroprotective effect of Azadirachta indica ethanol extract (AIEE) on retinal neurodegeneration, through bioactive compound profiling, molecular docking and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Forty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups (n=8): normal control, diabetic untreated, diabetic treated with 200 mg/kg AIEE, diabetic treated with 400 mg/kg AIEE, and diabetic treated with metformin (7 µg/kg). Treatments were administered orally, twice daily for 21 days. Retina post-mitochondrial fraction was analyzed for gial fribillary acid protein, glutamate, vascular endothelial growth factor, brain derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, C-reactive protein, and nuclear factor-kappa B using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Biomarkers of oxidative stress including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated using colorimetric methods. Retina, optic nerve, and visual cortex tissues were analyzed for morphometric characteristics, periodic acid schiff (PAS), and neuronal counts using histological techniques. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. Findings showed significant levels of oxidative stress, neurotransmitter imbalance, neurotrophin depletion, and inflammation in the untreated experimental animals compared to the control group. Treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg AIEE ameliorated these effects in a dose-dependent manner by enhancing antioxidant defenses, suppressing pro-inflammatory markers, up-regulating neurotrophic factors, and restoring neurotransmitter balance. 400 mg/kg AIEE notably preserved retinal structure, reduced gliosis, improved neuronal morphology, and decreased PAS-associated glycogen accumulation, closely resembling healthy controls, Metformin produced comparable but slightly lower neuroprotective effects. These findings indicate that AIEE confers substantial neuroprotection against diabetic retinal degeneration, likely through its antioxidant and anti inflammatory phytoconstituents (Ethanone 1-[3-methyl-3-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl) oxiranyl]-, 1,2
Cyclopentanedione,3,3,5,5-tetramethyl-, alpha.-D-Glucopyranoside, methyl). These compounds showed good binding affinities and interactions with key protein targets in neurodegeneration, highlighting A.indica potential as a therapeutic candidate for the management of diabetic retinopathy.
Keywords: Azadirachta indica, Diabetic retinopathy, Neuroprotection, Phytochemicals
Word count: 298
Organisational Climate, Emotional Intelligence and Job Performance of Secretaries in Local Governments Areas, Ogun State, Nigeria
(Lead City University Ibadan, 2025-12) Morenike Abidemi IDURU
Job Performance of secretaries in organisations has become worrisome to local government administrators and researchers. The level of Organisational Climate, Emotional Intelligence on Job Performance among secretaries in most organisations including local government in Nigeria, and some African Countries is perceived by stakeholders (employers of labour and local government administrators) to be low compared to what is obtainable among other employees in other organisations. The study, therefore, examined the influence of Organisational Climate, Emotional Intelligence and Job Performance of secretaries in local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. The study was anchored by Triarchy Model of Job
Performance. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 110 secretaries in all the local government areas in Ogun State. The sample size was 110 because the study adopted total enumeration technique. A structured questionnaire with face and content validity was used for data collection and the reliability test of the results revealed: Job Performance =0.87;Organisational Climate=0.81; and Emotional Intelligence = 0.84. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed that the level of Job Performance of secretaries was moderate x( 2.98). The level of Emotional Intelligence of secretaries was high x( 3.06). The level of
Organisational Climate among secretaries was high x( 3.07). There was significant influence of Organisational Climate on Job Performance of secretaries (F (1, 102) = 33.519,p<0.05). There was significant influence of Emotional Intelligence on Job Performance of secretaries (F (1, 102) =6.611,p<0.05). There was a significant combined influence of Organisational Climate and Emotional Intelligence on Job Performance of
secretaries (F(2,101)=18.717,p<0.05).The findings corroborate a study that used a descriptive survey and simple random sampling to evaluate the effects of Organizational Climate, Emotional Intelligence on Job Performance among employees. The findings corroborate a study that used a descriptive survey and simple random sampling to evaluate the effects of Organizational Climate, Emotional Intelligence on Job Performance among employees. The study concluded that Organisational Climate and Emotional Intelligence had significant influence on Job Performance of secretaries in local government areas in Ogun State, Nigeria. It was recommended that the head of the local governments should provide an enabling
environment where tasks assigned to secretaries could be completed efficiently and meet the expected standards.
Keywords: Organisational Climate, Emotional Intelligence, Job performance, Secretaries, Local government, Ogun State
Word Count: 300
A Study of Tax Incentives and Economic Development in Nigeria: Lessons from the United States
(Lead City University Ibadan, 2025-12) Triumph E. IDONI
This study investigates how tax incentives function within Nigeria’s fiscal framework and evaluates their contribution to economic development, with attention to lessons that may be drawn from the more established incentive system in the United States. The research set out to assess the structure, purpose, and operation of Nigeria’s incentive regime and to determine whether the current legal and institutional arrangements are capable of
delivering development-oriented outcomes. It addresses a recognised gap in Nigerian tax scholarship by providing an updated doctrinal analysis of the statutory provisions, regulatory practices, and administrative approaches that shape the use of incentives. Public Choice Theory and Developmental State Theory inform the study, offering a basis for examining how institutional behaviour, governmental priorities, and administrative
discretion influence fiscal measures. A doctrinal research method was employed. The study reviewed primary materials, including relevant tax statutes, subsidiary regulations, guidelines issued by tax and investment authorities, and judicial decisions that clarify the scope and limits of incentives. Secondary materials, such as academic literature, government publications, and comparative policy documents, were examined to situate Nigeria’s framework within global conversations on incentive design and economic development. The United States’ experience particularly its reliance on clearly defined statutory thresholds, regular performance examinations, and structured oversight was analyzed to extract lessons relevant to Nigeria’s context. Content analysis was used to interpret the materials and identify points of strength, inconsistency, and areas requiring policy attention. The findings show that Nigeria’s extensive incentive provisions are weakened by fragmented legislation, unclear eligibility conditions, and inadequate monitoring. By contrast, the United States demonstrates how structured oversight, predictable rules, and periodic evaluations can enhance the effectiveness of incentives and ensure they serve public interest. The study concludes that Nigeria’s regime requires consolidation and clearer implementation mechanisms. It recommends a unified incentive statute, strengthened regulatory supervision, and regular assessments to ensure that incentives contribute meaningfully to national development goals.
Keywords: Development, Fiscal Governance, Legal Framework, Nigeria, Tax Incentives, United States.
Word Count 300 words
Concentration and Human Exposure Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals and Parabens in Indoor Dust from Selected Areas in Ibadan
(Lead City University Ibadan, 2025-12) Caroline Ebakhalumhe IDOGAR
Indoor dust from residential environments has been shown to retain harmful chemical pollutants, including parabens and heavy metals. Consequently, the quality of indoor dust, to which humans are regularly exposed, is a global concern for human well-being. However, in Nigeria, there is a lack of monitoring and risk assessment data on the co-occurrence of these chemical residues. For this study, heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni, and Cd) and parabens (MeP, EtP, PrP, and BuP) were quantified by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet detector, respectively. The results were validated through linearity (R2 > 0.999) and recovery (99.6–101%) procedures. The concentrations and associated health risks of these selected heavy metals and parabens, along with their implications for human
health, were assessed using indoor dust samples collected from several residential areas in Ibadan. Samples were gathered from twenty locations in the Southwestern part of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The concentration of heavy metals varied considerably, with the highest mean recorded for Mn (17.14), followed by Zn (2.82), Cu (1.59), Pb (1.06), Cr (0.20), Ni (0.32), and Cd (0.01). Mn posed significant non-carcinogenic risks via inhalation, and these risks were higher for adults than for children. Cr and Ni exhibited considerable Target Carcinogenic Risks (TCR) through inhalation, with higher risks observed in adults. Similarly, the concentration of parabens varied, with MeP (2706.37) having the highest mean concentration, followed by EtP
(887.21), BuP (861.09), and PrP (757.31). The Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index values for both children and adults were below 1, indicating low risk. A significant negative correlation was found between Cd and EtP, suggesting different sources. Overall, heavy metal contamination of indoor dust was classified as low. Nevertheless, the co-occurrence of toxic metals and parabens underscores the need for monitoring and preventive health measures.
Keywords: Indoor exposure, Dust particles, Health risk assessment, Toxic heavy metals, Parabens
Word Count: 300