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- Inaugural lectures by Professors from different Faculties of Lead City University
Recent Submissions
Role of SLC6A4 Gene in Serotonin Levels, Gonadocorticoids and Inflammation on the Severity of Depression in Patients from Nigeria
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Obianuju Ibifuro OJIKAH
Depression is a complex disorder influenced by genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Sex, age-related differences alongside lifestyle choices play a a dynamic role in the concurrence of depression and its severity in men and women. The SLC6A4 gene, responsible for serotonin transporter regulation, has been implicated in depression. However, the relationship between SLC6A4 gene variants, serotonin levels, gonadocorticoids, inflammation, and depression severity in Nigerian patients remains unexplored. This study investigated the association between gene- environmental factors, serum serotonin, IL-6 and gonadocorticoids levels on depression severity in Nigerian patients. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Federal Ministry of Health with approval number: NHREC/01/01/2007-01/09/2024. A case-control study was conducted, 164 participants, 73 with depression and 91 healthy controls were recruited. 10 mls of blood samples were collected from all participants, After consent was given, two questionnaires were issued and enrolment characteristics were recorded. qPCR genotyping of SLC6A4 gene variants, rs6354 and rs8076005, serum serotonin and IL-6 were estimated by ELISA kits. Progesterone, testosterone and estrogen were quantified with CLIA microparicles kits. The results show that SLC6A4 long or short alleles were not present in this population. rs6354 played a role in severe depression (p=0.035). Significantly levels of reduced serum serotonin levels (p= <0.001) and testosterone (p=0.024) in the cases, compared to controls. Males testosterone levels was significantly increased in severe depression (p= 0.033). Both rs8076005 and rs634 the recessive homozygous alleles were risk factors for low serotonin levels (p= <0.001). Il-6 levels showed protective traits in women who were diagnosed with depression (p= 0.048). Employment and alcohol consumption were also found to protect against odds of depression occurrence. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, and number of children or lack of, did not show any noticeable associations to depression, neither did progesterone or oestrogen. This study provides evidence for the role of lifestyle, SLC6A4 gene in modulating serotonin levels, as well as hormonal factors, which contribute to the severity of depression in men and women in Nigeria. This study highlights the complex interplay between biological factors in depression and underscores the need for personalized treatment approaches. The findings of this study contribute to our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying depression and have implications
for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Keywords: Depression, Polymophism, Serotonin, Inflammation, Gonadocorticiods, Nigeria.
Word Count: 368 words
Microplastic and Phthalate Esters Occurrences in Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus Obtained from Lagos and Epe Lagoons
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Nkechinyere Veronica OTU-EKUMA
Microplastics are increasingly found in aquatic environments, yet data on their distribution and effects in Nigeria’s lagoons remain limited. This study assessed the occurrence of microplastics and phthalate esters in two commercially important fish species (Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus) and heavy metals in surface and benthic waters from Makoko, Ikorodu, and Epe. Sampling occurred during four seasonal cycles (March, May, August, and November). Microplastics were isolated by density separation and identified via FTIR; phthalates were analyzed using GC-MS, and heavy metals analysed using standard method. The study recorded widespread contamination in all sample types and sites, with seasonal and spatial variations. Microplastic counts in Oreochromis niloticus ranged from 8.7±2.3 particles/fish (Epe, August) to 22.3±5.7 (Makoko, November), and in Clarias gariepinus from 7.6±1.9 (Epe, August) to 19.4±4.8 (Makoko, November). Fibers made up 58%, fragments 35%, films 5%, and pellets 2% of total particles. The most abundant polymers were PE (42%), PP (26%), PS (17%), and PET (15%), indicating mixed urban and household plastic sources. Phthalate esters occurred in all fish tissue samples, showing seasonal and spatial variation. The highest concentration (55.0 ± 5.4 mg/kg)
was observed in C. gariepinus from Ikorodu in March, and the lowest (28.7 ± 3.2 mg/kg) in August, while Oreochromis niloticus from Makoko contained 49.3±4.1 mg/kg. Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the most abundant esters detected. Heavy metal concentrations exceeded WHO limits in all water samples. Notably, in November, Pb in Makoko benthic water reached 6.77 mg/L, Ni 14.66 mg/L, Cd 2.84 mg/L, Cr 3.15 mg/L, and Cu 2.61 mg/L. Seasonal variations were evident across parameters: for instance, Pb in surface water at Ikorodu
declined from 3.74 mg/L in May to 1.21 mg/L in August before rising again to 4.68 mg/L in November. Similar seasonal trends were observed for Ni, Cd, Cr, and Cu, reflecting the influence of rainfall, mixing, and anthropogenic inputs. Morphometric analysis showed clear spatial and seasonal differences in Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus. Epe consistently recorded the largest specimens, with O. niloticus reaching a mean standard length of 13.80 ± 1.56 cm and weight of 175.00 ± 31.31 g in November, while Makoko recorded the smallest (13.00 ± 1.12 cm; 155.00 ± 33.54 g). For C. gariepinus, Epe weights peaked at 390.00 ± 78.26 g, compared to 350.00 ± 67.08 g at Makoko. Physicochemical parameters varied seasonally; for example, dissolved oxygen was highest in August (6.24 mg/L surface water at Epe) during peak rainfall, while conductivity and TDS were elevated in March and November, with benthic conductivity reaching 329.50 µS/cm at Makoko. Turbidity also peaked in November, with surface water values up to 42.40 NTU at Ikorodu, reflecting increased runoff and anthropogenic input. These findings demonstrate that microplastics, phthalates, and heavy metals co-occur at ecologically concerning levels in Lagos and Epe lagoons, with site- and season-specific patterns. Targeted
interventions—particularly improved waste management, focused monitoring in high risk areas such as Makoko, and seasonal pollution control—are essential to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and food security.
Keywords: Microplastic, Phthalate, Heavy Metals, Pollution, Aquatic Ecosystems
Word Count: 457
Self-esteem, Parental Involvement and Perceived Teacher Effectiveness as Determinants of Social-Emotional Competence among High-achieving Students in Oyo State
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Mutiu Owolabi ADESOLA
Socio-emotional competence among high-achieving secondary school students in Oyo State has been a problem because of the erroneous belief by the teachers and parents alike that developing the IQ alone is enough for the overall development of the students. Using a descriptive research design of the survey type, a sample of 789 students was drawn using the multi-stage sampling techique. Data were collected through the research instrument named Parental Involvement Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Perceived Teacher Effectiveness Scale, and Socio-Emotional Competence Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple regression and t-tests, were employed to analyse the data at a significance level of 0.05. Findings showed that high-achieving students in Oyo State generally exhibited strong socio emotional competence, as reflected in their self-regulation, empathy, and understanding of personal emotions, with a weighted mean score of 2.94. Similarly, their self-esteem was high (weighted mean = 2.99), indicating a positive self-concept and minimal agreement with negative self-esteem indicators. Parental involvement was rated positively (weighted mean = 3.35), emphasising parents' active roles in emotional guidance, confidence-building, and monitoring of peer influences. Perceived teacher effectiveness also scored high (weighted mean = 3.18), highlighting strengths in relational competence, teaching-related behaviours, and mastery of subject matter. Hypothesis testing revealed significant findings. Self-esteem, parental involvement, and perceived teacher effectiveness jointly influenced socio emotional competence, explaining 48.5% of the variance (R² = 0.485, F = 245.675, p < 0.05). Among the predictors, parental involvement had the strongest relative influence (β = 0.438, p < 0.05), followed by perceived teacher effectiveness (β = 0.265, p < 0.05) and self-esteem (β = 0.111, p < 0.05). Gender differences in socio-emotional competence were statistically significant (t = 127.261 for males, t = 125.375 for females, p < 0.05), with both genders demonstrating high competence in all. Significant gender differences were also observed in self-esteem, with both male and female students showing similarly high levels (t = 83.525 for males, t = 118.254 for females, p < 0.05). The study concludes on the critical roles of external and internal factors in shaping socio-emotional competence among high achieving students, highlighting the importance of parental involvement and teacher effectiveness in fostering high achieving students’ socio emotional competence. The current study recommends implementing targeted school programmes to enhance emotional regulation, stress management, and teacher-student relationships, alongside fostering supportive home environments to sustain students’ self esteem and socio-emotional development.
Keywords: Socio-emotional competence, self-esteem, high-achieving students, parental involvement
Word Count: 387
Effectiveness of Educational Intervention on Water Sanitation and Hygiene Practices Among Rural Dwellers in Two Local Government Areas in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Bukola Mujidat MUSTAPHA
Inadequate Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices pose significant Public Health challenges in rural Nigeria, contributing to diseases like diarrhoea and cholera due to reliance on unprotected water sources and open defaecation. Rural dwellers in Akinyele and Ido Local Government Areas of Ibadan, Oyo State, face limited access to safe water and sanitation facilities, with scanty data on their WASH behaviours. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention in enhancing WASH practices among these communities, addressing gaps in behaviour change to reduce health risks and support Sustainable Development Goal 6 for universal access to clean water and sanitation. The study
employ both Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) and Health Belief models to explore WASH practices in the two areas. A pre/post-intervention survey design was utilized, involving 300 rural dwellers selected through a three-stage sampling technique from wards, compounds, and households in two purposively chosen communities. Data collection employed a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire, covering sociodemographic characteristics, WASH awareness, practices, and barriers, complemented by four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to explore perceptions and prevention strategies. WHO/UNICEF joint monitoring programme WASH standardized core questionnaire for
household template was adapted to design the questionnaire. The intervention featured community-based training sessions on water treatment, handwashing, and sanitation. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Spearman correlation, multiple linear regression and independent sample T-tests at a 5% significance level, while qualitative data underwent content analysis. Results indicated a predominantly female (56.4%) having secondary school education (55.4%) and married (64.7%), with 44.0% aged 21–40 years. Mean age ±36.9. Well water was the primary source (58.7%), and 55.7% lacked private sanitation facilities, leading to open defaecation. Water scarcity (43.4%) and absence of toilet
facilities 916.8%) are the major constraints. Post-intervention revealed that 63.6% found the training beneficial, and 58.7% adopted new practices, with 54.7% of open defaecators willing to change. Barriers to WASH implementation included water scarcity (73.3%), inadequate sanitation facilities and constraints (43.4%). 95.3% agreed on WASH training and 66.3% confirmed the training was beneficial (regression coefficient = -54.35). 63% took action while FGDs emphasized water treatment and handwashing for disease prevention. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender and water component of WASH evidenced by a mean difference of 11.4 ± 4.7 (p = 0.016) with males having a higher score compared to females. There was a statistically significant relationship between highest level of education and sanitation (p = 0.033) at baseline. The educational intervention improved practices, particularly water handling among women, and reduced educational disparities in sanitation, though structural barriers persisted. Pre and post-intervention comparisons revealed notable improvements in WASH practices, particularly in water handling and sanitation. The findings of this study highlights the efficacy of educational interventions in fostering water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) behaviour change in rural Nigeria, recommending ongoing health education, government-led infrastructure improvements, and community involvement to ensure sustainability. By addressing awareness gaps and barriers, such efforts can mitigate WASH-related diseases and promote equitable health outcomes.
Keywords: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Sources of water, Open defaecation
Word Count: 494
Factors Associated with the Uptake of Childhood Immunisation by Mothers of under Five in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area Lagos-State
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Miller Williams Afolabi
Immunisation is the process through which an individual acquires immunity or resistance to an infectious disease, primarily by the injection of a vaccine. Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) remain the predominant contributors to childhood mortality, resulting in around 3 million fatalities
annually, predominantly in Africa and Asia. Worldwide, immunisation averts approximately 2-3 million fatalities among children under five years of age. This study assessed the factors associated with the uptake of childhood immunisation by mothers of under-five children in Ajeromi-Ifelodun
Local Government Area, Lagos State. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used for this study while Fishers' calculation sampling technique was used to determine the sample size of 801 respondents that participated in the study. The instrument used in data collection was self-structure questionnaire which was administered to respondents, out of which 801 was completely filled, returned and analyzed, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 Results of data analyzed was presented in frequency count tables, percentages and charts. Findings of the study revealed that the largest proportion of respondents was aged 25-29 years, this falls within the reproductive age of women in sub-Saharan Africa of 15-45years and corresponds with the findings that the mean age of mothers at first birth in south-west, Nigeria was 24.4. Most of the babies (39.5%) were born in primary health care centres with only 1.1% at home. The respondents were mostly married. Also, most of their partners had good educational levels, with more than 50% having tertiary education. Percentage of completion is high for penta1, opv1 and pcv1 but ipv1 and rota1 had a lower completion. Which could be due to vaccine stock out. The next set of vaccines is taken at 10 weeks, vaccines like penta2, pcv2, and opv2 were mostly reported to be largely completed, while rota2 was not, this could be due to reasons like vaccine stock out, mothers forgetting the date of the vaccination or the requirement to pay before its administration. Also, it has been reported that payments are made in some facilities before the administration of vaccines even in public facilities. This could discourage immunisation uptake for their children. However, the trend of completion decreased afterwards with meningitis being the least with less than 50% completion, while vitamin A1 had the most completion of 98.3%. This result is consistent with reports that after 10 weeks there was a decreased uptake of immunisation. In conclusion, the findings indicate that maternal knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives regarding the paediatric Routine Immunisation (RI) program are predominantly satisfactory. Engagement in antenatal care, institutional delivery, and elevated educational levels were positively associated with a thorough understanding of the immunisation program and vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Future initiatives are necessary to improve maternal awareness and address
misconceptions that may impede vaccination coverage rates in Lagos and other Nigerian states.Health facilities ought to issue reminders to carers before the next routine immunisation to inform them of their child's forthcoming vaccination schedule.
Keywords: immunisation, determinants, mothers, children, vaccine
Word count: 485