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- Inaugural lectures by Professors from different Faculties of Lead City University
Recent Submissions
Ecology and Molecular Characterization of Snail Intermediate Hosts of Schistosomiasis in the Endemic Area of Ibadan, Southwestern, Nigeria
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Azeez KOLAWOLE
Freshwater snails are critical intermediate hosts for schistosomes, the parasitic trematodes of schistosomiasis. This study investigated the ecology, infection prevalence, and molecular identification of snail vectors in three rivers within Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, a known schistosomiasis-endemic region. This study was conducted in nine-month period covering both dry and wet seasons, 2,284 snails were collected and identified. Bulinus globosus was the most abundant species (41.8%, n=956), followed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi (22.2%, n=509), Melanoides tuberculata (18.6%, n=425), and Physa acuta. (17.2%, n=395).A key finding was the strikingly high prevalence of schistosome infection in the primary vector species. Among B. globosus, 26.8% (256/956) were shedding cercariae, with a mean intensity of 1.19. For B. pfeifferi, 16.5% (84/509) were infected, with a mean intensity of 1.21. Melanoides tuberculata showed no infection (0%), but the highest mean intensity of 2.08 cercariae per infected snail. Snail abundance exhibited strong seasonal variation, with significantly higher densities recorded in the dry season (n=1,282) compared to the wet season (n=938), attributed to habitat concentration and stability. Water physicochemical analysis revealed that several parameters, including pH, chloride concentration, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), were negatively correlated with snail diversity and richness, highlighting the role of environmental factors in shaping vector populations. Molecular characterization using mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed the identity of key species, including B. globosus and B. pfeifferi, with 99-100% identity matches on NCBI BLAST. This molecular validation is crucial for accurate vector surveillance. The study therefore emphasize high-risk transmission hotspots for both urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis, driven by the high abundance and infection rates of B. globosus and B. pfeifferi. These findings
underscore the urgent need for integrated, seasonally-tailored control strategies combining mollusciciding, environmental management, improved sanitation, and community education to disrupt transmission and reduce the schistosomiasis burden in these communities.
Keywords: Freshwater snails, Schistosomiasis, physico-chemical, Cercariae, Molecular
Word count: 298 words
Molecular Characterization and Comparative Evaluation of the Microbiological, Sensory Characterization of Spontaneously, Mono and Coculture Fermented Soursop Beverages
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Olatunji Abiodun AYODELE
Soursop is a nutrient-dense tropical fruit rich in bioactive compounds, with prebiotic characteristics yet its commercial potential is limited because of short shelf life and
underutilization. This study aimed at developing fermented soursop beverage using selected starter cultures regarded as safe among microbes indigenous to the fruit in mono and mixed- cultures under controlled environmental condition in order to expand its usefulness to human. Microbial and nutritional value of spontaneously fermented soursop juice was done at 24- hour interval for 120 hours using standard methods. Among isolated microbes were Kurtzmaniella quercitrusa and Leuconostoc mesenteroides that met starter attributes and were used for fermentation of the extracted juice from fruit. Nutritional value of recovered beverages was compared with that of spontaneously fermented juice and sensory evaluation was conducted on starter fermented beverages using a 5-point hedonic scale to measure general acceptability. Peak microbial count was at 48 and 72 hours. Significant differences were observed on some parameters tested among recovered beverage and controls, specifically in crude proteins, vitamins, Zinc and Magnesium contents with co-cultured fermentation beverage having the best attributes and being more acceptable. All starter fermented beverages had considerably improved aroma, titratable acidity, lactic acid and\ ethanol contents also increased to acceptable level, so also mineral contents. Findings confirmed the effectiveness of mixed-culture fermentation in enhancing the nutritional stability, palatability, and functional quality of fermented foods. Resulting beverage shows potential as a probiotic-rich non-dairy beverage suitable for health-conscious consumers and those with lactose intolerance.
Keywords: Soursop, Starter, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Kurtzmaniella quercitrusa, Functional beverage, Sensory evaluation.
Word Count: 242
Factors Influencing Uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Igbeti, Oyo State, Nigeria
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Olabode Paul AYILARA
The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge and factors influencing the uptake of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp) among pregnant women. Despite the proven effectiveness of IPTp, there is limited empirical evidence on how knowledge levels and socio-demographic factors influence its uptake among pregnant women in Nigeria. This study was anchored on the Health Belief Model, which explains health-seeking behaviors based on perceived benefits and barriers. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was employed. The study population comprised pregnant women attending antenatal care, with a sample of 404 selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering socio- demographics, awareness, knowledge, attitude, perception and factors influencing uptake of IPTp. Analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance set at p<0.05. Findings showed that the mean knowledge score of respondents was 3.4, with 45.3% having moderate knowledge, 40.6% high knowledge, and 14.1% low knowledge. Factors significantly associated with IPTp uptake included distance to facility (AOR=2.1, p=0.012), transport availability (AOR=1.65, p=0.045), and family support (AOR=2.85, p<0.001). Pregnant women in the study area demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge about IPTp, with family support emerging as the strongest predictor of uptake. Health interventions should focus on strengthening family and community support systems while addressing transport and accessibility barriers to improve IPTp uptake among pregnant women.
Keywords: Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy (IPTp), Antenatal Clinics (ANC), Malaria.
Word Count: 222.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Spousal Support as a Determinant among Breastfeeding Mothers In Ibadan North
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2024-12) Oluwasegun Isaac AYEGBAYO
Introduction: This study explored the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and influence of spousal support on exclusive breastfeeding among mothers in Ibadan North, Oyo State, Nigeria, using the Social Cognitive Theory framework. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed; sampling 406 breastfeeding mothers aged 15-49 with infants aged 0-6 months from three Primary Healthcare Centers. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 21 for descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings revealed high awareness of exclusive breastfeeding (93.8%), which was primarily driven by healthcare providers (66.7%). Positive attitudes toward exclusive breastfeeding were observed in 73.2% of mothers, although only 64.3% adhered to the practice. Physical, social, and cultural barriers were common, with 24.4% citing cultural beliefs and 33.6% expressing discomfort breastfeeding in public. Spousal support, although critical, was underutilized; only 40.1% received any form of support, with emotional support being the least common (71.4% lacked it), while financial support was more frequent (52.2%). Chi-square analysis highlighted significant associations between attitudes and socio- demographic factors, including age (p = 0.001), marital status (p = 0.000), education (p = 0.003), and income (p = 0.001). Knowledge was similarly linked to these variables but not family structure. Logistic regression showed that attitude (OR = 2.237, p = 0.000) and knowledge (OR = 3.338, p = 0.000) significantly influenced exclusive breastfeeding, while practice did not. Multiple regression identified attitudes (p = 0.008) and spousal support (p = 0.050) as significant predictors, underscoring their combined impact on breastfeeding outcomes. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study recommends integrating spousal involvement, culturally sensitive public health messaging, and enhanced community and workplace support to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates. Future research should investigate the roles of spousal support types and digital media in fostering breastfeeding practices.
Keywords: Exclusive Breastfeeding, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Spousal Support, Ibadan North, Social Cognitive Theory.
Word Count: 298
Synergistic Effect of Unripe Plantain and Garden Egg Extract on Postprandial Blood Glucose in Diabetes Mellitus Wistar Rats
(Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Lydia Tolulope AYANKOSO
Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health challenge requiring safe, accessible, and effective strategies for blood glucose control. Conventional pharmacological treatments, though effective, often pose risks such as drug-induced hypoglycemia, prompting interest in functional foods with antidiabetic potential. This study evaluated the synergistic antihyperglycemic effects of unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and garden egg (Solanum melongena) flours in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats, to develop a natural, dietary based therapy comparable to metformin. The research addressed a critical gap by investigating the combined effects of these two functional
foods rather than their individual impacts, applying the nutritional synergy and glucose homeostasis theories to explain their interaction in regulating blood glucose levels. Forty-two Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=7): normal control, negative control, metformin treated (500 mg/kg), and three treatment groups administered 25%, 50%, and 100% formulations of the bi-herbal extract. Type 2 diabetes was induced using STZ (38 mg/kg body weight), and fasting blood glucose, body weight, and biochemical parameters were measured weekly for 28 days. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with significance set at p<0.05. Results showed persistent hyperglycemia in untreated diabetic rats (291.70 ± 30.93 to 583.00 ± 17.00 mg/dL). In contrast, rats treated with bi-herbal formulations exhibited significant, dose- dependent reductions in glucose levels 25 mg/kg (264.30 ± 14.11 to 73.50 ± 6.50 mg/dL), 50 mg/kg (296.70 ± 13.91 to 72.00 ± 5.00 mg/dL), and 100 mg/kg (294.30 ± 13.93 to 71.50 ± 7.50 mg/dL) comparable to metformin-treated rats (p<0.001). The treatment also improved glucose tolerance, stabilized liver enzyme activities, and enhanced body weight recovery. In conclusion, combined unripe plantain and garden egg flours exhibited potent antihyperglycemic and hepatoprotective effects. The study recommends clinical trials and bioactive compound isolation to validate and optimize their use as safe, functional dietary therapies for diabetes management.
Keywords: Unripe plantain, Garden egg, Blood glucose, Diabetes mellitus, Bi-herbal formulation.
Word count: 295