College of Science and Technology

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Start date: 2012

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    ASSESSMENT OF THE BACTERIAL PROFILE OF LARVAL AND ADULT ANOPHELINES IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PERMETHRIN RESISTANCE
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-09) Oluwaseyi, Temitope Ayinde; Covenant University, Thesis
    Malaria remains one of the major scourges and a contributor to morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Despite efforts made by the National Malaria Elimination Program and its partners to control malaria, malaria still remains a major public health issue in Nigeria. Data from sentinel sites indicate that mosquitoes are now resistant to major classes of insecticides, necessitating a deeper understanding of vector dynamics. This study investigated the physicochemical parameters, heavy metal concentrations, algal toxin composition, and characterised the bacterial communities associated with mosquito larvae and permethrin-resistant and susceptible adult Anopheles mosquitoes collected from urban and rural communities in Ogun and Oyo States, Nigeria, between July and December 2024. The spatial distribution of the breeding sites was georeferenced, and the physicochemical parameters were measured in accordance with the American Public Health Association (APHA) standard protocols. The bacterial communities in the water samples, larvae, resistant, and susceptible adult mosquitoes were profiled using 16S rRNA PacBio sequencing, and functional metagenomics was performed with PICRUST2. Anopheles mosquitoes were identified using morphological keys and molecular characterisation by PCR techniques, and permethrin susceptibility was carried out following the WHO standard procedures. One hundred and twenty breeding sites were sampled, and six types of breeding sites were identified. Across the breeding sites, puddles had the highest occurrence of mosquito larvae habitats (56.7%), construction sites containers (15.8%), Tyres (13.3%), Drains (6.7%), Bowls (5.8%), and Wells (1.7%). Physicochemical parameters, such as Chemical Oxygen Demand, Temperature, and pH, were high at breeding sites with no larvae presence in urban and rural areas across Oyo and Ogun states. Larvae presence was identified in breeding sites with algal toxins, and the presence of saxitoxins influenced the presence of larvae. The bacterial composition of the water samples was 80% Gramnegative and 20% Gram-positive with four most abundant taxa which include the Pseudomonas 22%, Aeromonas (15%), Serratia (10%), and Enterobacter (7%). Comparing the microbial communities in urban and rural sites revealed no substantial variation in their composition across the breeding sites; however, across the developmental stages, the bacterial communities of mosquitoes varied greatly. Among the mosquito larvae, Anophelines larvae were present in 62.4% of the habitats, Culicine larvae in 8%, Aedes larvae in 25.8% while there was a co-occurrence of Culicine and Aedes larvae in 3.2% of the habitats. Two members of the Anopheles gambiae (Anopheles arabiensis and Anopheles colluzzii) family were identified as malaria vectors using polymerase chain reaction. High knockdown rates and resistance were observed in rural and urban Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ogun state.
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    DEVELOPMENT OF A LIGHTWEIGHT EXPLAINABLE ADAPTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR UNSUPERVISED ANOMALY DETECTION IN ENCRYPTED INTERNET OF THINGS NETWORKS
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-09) IJEH, Adaora Princess; Covenant University, Dissertation
    The rapid growth of encrypted Internet of Things (IoT) networks has increased the need for lightweight and adaptive anomaly detection methods that can operate without inspecting packet payloads. This study proposes a lightweight, adaptive, and explainable framework for unsupervised anomaly detection in encrypted IoT traffic using a unidirectional GRU autoencoder, Page-Hinkley-based drift and evasion detection, LoRA-based continual adaptation, and a surrogate decision tree for explanations. Experiments on the CIC IoT-DIAD 2024 dataset achieved an F1-score of 0.9415, ROC-AUC of 0.9469, PR-AUC of 0.9673, and false-positive rate of 1.59% for the static baseline. The proposed PH-UP mechanism detected simulated concept drift after 13,127 sequences, while PH-DOWN detected an inserted BruteForce evasion window within 11 sequences. LoRA adaptation required only 768 trainable parameters (0.8% of the model) and achieved an F1-score of 0.9445, while introducing only 0.78% computational overhead. The explainability surrogate produced explanations in 0.240 ms per instance. INT8 quantization reduced the model size by approximately 71.5%, from 384.2 KB to 109.6 KB, with post-recalibration F1-score of 0.9431 and false-positive rate of 1.15%. These results demonstrate that the framework can provide accurate, adaptive, computationally efficient, and explainable anomaly detection for resource-constrained encrypted IoT environments.
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    EVALUATION OF LYTIC BACTERIOPHAGES FOR MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT Pseudomonas aeruginosa ISOLATED FROM SELECTED CLINICAL SAMPLES
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-08) ADELEYE, Olufunmilayo Damilola; Covenant University, Dissertation
    Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the Gram-negative pathogens most difficult to isolate clinically because of its propensity to acquire resistance determinants against almost all antibiotics currently in use. The goal of this study was to define the spectrum of resistance in clinical isolates from a local region and to examine the hypothesis that indigenous phages obtained from the environment might serve as a biological control for these isolates. Specimens (wound, urine, high vaginal, urethral, anus and ear swabs) were plated onto selective and general growth media and the isolates presumptive to be Pseudomonas were confirmed by microscopical and biochemical tests (gram stain, oxidase, catalase, TSI). The confirmed isolates were tested for sensitivity to twelve antibiotic agents by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method, and in some cases further confirmed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Raw sewage was screened as a potential phage source by enrichment using a clinical strain, filtration, double-layer agar plating, and Transmission electron microscopy to visualise the phages present in the environment. We collected 12 Pseudomonas strains from 36 clinical samples; it was evident that all the isolates were multi-resistant to almost every tested β-lactam, fluoroquinolone, macrolide and aminoglycoside drugs; isolates are sensitive to levofloxacin and gentamicin, respectively. The 16S rRNA sequences showed not only Pseudomonas aeruginosa but also three related species: Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas mendocina, Pseudomonas stutzeri. The later information suggests that after culturing and biochemical testing a wider range of species can be identified from a bacterial population. The enrichment allowed us to obtain lytic phages able to lyse all of the multi-resistant Pseudomonas strains: the zones of lysis were round, distinct and 1-3 mm in diameter; the particles identified via electron microscopy were tailed icosahedral phages of approx. 20 nm and with short, non-contractile tails. In conclusion, multi-resistant Pseudomonas isolates do remain present in the investigated population of Nigeria, and the sewage is an easily and accessible natural source of Pseudomonas-active lytic phages. This study gives useful data specific for Nigeria to be further investigated on the lytic activity of phages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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    EVALUATION OF HYPUSINE-8q24 VARIANTS AS PROSTATE CANCER BIOMARKERS IN MEN FROM SELECTED WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-09) SYLVESTER, Divine Chibuzor; Covenant University, Dissertation
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    IN VIVO IN VITRO ANTI-PLASMODIAL ACTIVITY OF CHEMICALLY SYNTHESISED IMIDAZOLE COMPOUNDS
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-09) OJO, Oluwaferanmi Esther; Covenant University, Dissertation
    Malaria remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with the continued emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to artemisinin-based therapies rendering the identification of novel chemotherapeutic scaffolds an urgent priority. The imidazole family of compounds, with their adaptable framework and ability to engage parasite-specific targets such as falcipain-2 and hemozoin biosynthesis machinery, represent compelling synthetic leads. This study evaluates the in vitro anti-plasmodial activity and in vivo efficacy and safety profiles of two newly synthesised compounds: 4,5-diphenyl-2-(m-tolyl)-1H-imidazole (IM1) and 4,5-diphenyl-2- (m-tolyl)-1-tosyl-1H-imidazole (IM2). In vitro susceptibility was assessed using a schizont maturation inhibition assay against the chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum 3D7 strain. In vivo evaluation employed Peter's 4-d suppressive test in P. berghei ANKA-infected Swiss albino mice administered oral doses of 20–400 mg/kg. Acute toxicity was assessed according to the OECD 423 guidelines through haematological, biochemical, oxidative stress, and histopathological analyses. In vitro, IM1 demonstrated higher intrinsic potency, exhibiting a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 3.6 ± 0.2 μg/mL compared to 7.8 ± 0.5 μg/mL for IM2. However, in vivo evaluation revealed a distinct efficacy paradox: IM2 demonstrated superior systemic efficacy, achieving up to 68% parasitaemia suppression at 400 mg/kg, surpassing the 52% suppression observed with IM1. IM2 also significantly extended the mean survival time of infected mice to 12.3 d, compared with 8.1 d for untreated controls. Systemically, IM2 maintained physiological homeostasis, preserved hepatic and renal architecture, and induced significant modulation and stabilization of circulating lymphocytes (p=0.049), compared with the abnormal increase observed in untreated infections. A strong positive correlation between malondialdehyde and glutathione (r=0.839, p=0.005) indicated a well-tolerated, reactive oxygen species-mediated parasiticidal mechanism for IM2. On the other hand, high-dose IM1 (400 mg/kg) induced dose-dependent hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by elevated alanine aminotransferase (44.47 U/L) and histopathological evidence of hepatocyte vacuolation. Ultimately, whilst IM1's highly lipophilic core necessitates structural optimization to mitigate hepatic stress, IM2 represents a promising lead compound that requires further pre-clinical investigations.
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    SYNTHESIS OF Cu–Mn–S TERNARY METAL CHALCOGENIDE QUANTUM DOTS AS POTENTIAL HIGH-PERFORMANCE OPTICAL NANOSENSORS
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-07) LASISI, Bolatito Lateefat; Covenant University, Dissertation
    The detection of environmentally relevant pollutants and biomedical biomarkers by traditional analytical techniques is often time-consuming, invasive, and insufficiently sensitive, underscoring the need for advanced optical nanosensor materials. In this study, the synthesis and characterisation of ternary metal chalcogenide quantum dots (TMC-QDs) of Cu-Mn-S were carried out as candidate materials for advanced optical nanosensors in environmental and biomedical applications. Eight Cu-Mn-S QDs (TMC-1 to TMC-8) were successfully synthesised via the modified solvothermal method. CuCl2, Mn(CH3COO)2, and thiourea were employed as precursors and sulfur source, respectively, in a 1:1 deionised water/ethylene glycol solvent, with two stoichiometries (CuMn2S2 and CuMn1.7S2), three varied temperatures (180 to 190 °C), and two reaction times (10 and 12 hrs). The synthesised QDs were characterised. The UV-Vis absorption measurements revealed a controllable wavelength range from 205 nm to 556 nm and visible-region excitonic absorption, indicating the optical activity of the CuS sub-phase in the samples at low temperatures. The XRD pattern of the resultant particles showed crystalline QDs with particle sizes ranging from 14.97 to 16.19 nm. The product is found to be of a single hexagonal CuS covellite phase except for TMC-6 and TMC-7, which are binary composites of hexagonal CuS covellite and cubic MnS alabandite. FTIR confirmed the presence of both phases, with CuS and MnS stretching. Thus, this work established, for the first time, the synthesis of ternary metal chalcogenide Cu-Mn-S QDs with controlled structural and optical properties. The ternary system conditions for phase segregation of a dual CuS covellite and α-MnS alabandite composite were also found to depend on reaction temperature and time, rather than just the stoichiometric ratio.
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    EVALUATION OF DIGITAL TOOLS IMPLEMENTATION IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FOR PROJECT DELIVERY IN LAGOS STATE
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-07) HABU, Shadrack Alhamdu; Covenant University, Dissertation
    Construction industries around the world have benefited from digital tools, including Building Information Modeling (BIM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) gadgets, cloud-based systems, mobile technologies, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and virtual or augmented reality. In Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, there is low usage of these tools, resulting in delays, budget overruns, poor project outcomes, and health and safety issues. This study sought to investigate how digital tools have been implemented in construction management practice in Lagos State to help develop an implementation strategy that can guide future use of these tools. The methodology adopted was a quantitative survey design. Structured questionnaires were distributed to a stratified sample size of 250 professionals in construction management practice in Ikeja, Victoria Island, and Lekki, 219 of which returned valid responses, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, relative importance index, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. There is some level of awareness, but not necessarily of consistent use of digital tools by professionals involved in construction management. Awareness of digital tools had a significant relationship with adoption (r = 0.380, p < 0.001), while adoption had a significant relationship with performance (R² = 0.148, p < 0.001). However, when the drivers and barriers identified by the study (twelve drivers and sixteen barriers) are collectively evaluated against adoption behavior, the collective effect is not significant (p = 0.352), although they are perceived as important factors by professionals. There is also an influence of digital tools on project performance in time, cost, quality, and safety aspects of the construction projects, as perceived by professionals. Based on the findings, the study recommends the ADAIP implementation strategy -Awareness, Decision, Adoption, Integration, and Performance as a sequential guide for professionals implementing digital tools in the construction industry in Lagos State. Keywords:
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    PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF FORMULATED ANTIDIABETIC HERBAL TEA FROM Vitex doniana and Spondias mombin
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-07) KAYODE, Oyinlola Deborah; Covenant University, Dissertation
    This study formulated and evaluated two antidiabetic herbal tea formulations from the underutilised Nigerian medicinal plants Vitex doniana and Spondias mombin. Formulation F1 was Vitex doniana-dominant, while F2 was Spondias mombin-dominant, with Zingiber officinale and Mentha spicata incorporated as functional adjuncts. The formulations were assessed for phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, in-vitro carbohydrate-enzyme inhibitory activity, proximate composition, and antimicrobial activity. The formulations were subsequently evaluated in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats at 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg for antidiabetic activity and toxicological effects. Qualitative screening detected alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, steroids and coumarins in both formulations, while saponins, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides were not detected. F1 recorded higher total phenolic, flavonoid and tannin contents, whereas F2 had higher alkaloid content. GC-MS confirmed 9-octadecenamide, (Z)- as the predominant library-matched compound in both formulations. Both formulations demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant and α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, with F1 generally showing stronger in-vitro performance. Proximate analysis showed higher crude fibre in F1 and higher protein and carbohydrate contents in F2. Microbial counts were low in both formulations, and both exhibited antimicrobial activity against the test organisms. In vivo, F1 and F2 produced significant (p<0.05) reductions in blood glucose concentration across the treatment period, with improvements also observed in several haematological, liver, kidney and lipid-profile parameters. No observable morbidity, mortality or behavioural abnormalities were recorded, and the treatment groups did not show a statistically demonstrated adverse effect on final body weight relative to the diabetic control. Overall, the findings indicate that both formulations possess promising antidiabetic and antioxidant potential with a generally favourable short-term safety profile, while formulation ratio influenced the magnitude and pattern of the observed biological responses
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    DEVELOPMENT OF COCOA POD HUSK ASH (CPHA) BASED CEMENT MATRIX FOR LOW-COST HOUSING
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-07) UZOMA, Chidera Clinton; Covenant University, Dissertation
    The persistent housing deficit in Nigeria, coupled with the escalating cost of Portland Cement (PC), necessitates the development of sustainable and cost-effective alternative binders. This study investigates the combined use of Cocoa Pod Husk Ash (CPHA) and Calcium Carbide Waste (CCW) as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) for low-cost housing, in comparison with established agro-waste SCMs such as Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA). Laboratory analyses were conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and mechanical properties of CPHA and CCW in accordance with ASTM C618 standards. Results indicate that both materials satisfy key physical requirements, with fineness of 10% passing 45 μm and normal consistency values of 33.3% (CPHA) and 34% (CCW). Blended CPHA–CCW mortars exhibited decreasing workability with increasing CCW content, while setting times increased progressively due to higher lime concentration. Among the mix ratios investigated (60:40 to 35:65), the 55:45 CPHA–CCW blend demonstrated the most balanced performance, exhibiting adequate workability (65 mm slump flow), moderate setting time (135 min initial; 273 min final), and superior compressive strength development over curing periods. Comparatively, this optimal ratio performs competitively with conventional SCM systems at 20–30% replacement levels, highlighting the synergistic interaction between silica-rich CPHA and calcium-rich CCW. However, the relatively low silica content of CPHA suggests the need for improved calcination to enhance reactivity. Overall, the study establishes that a 55:45 CPHA–CCW blend is the most effective proportion, offering a viable, eco-friendly alternative to PC while supporting sustainable construction and circular economy practices in Nigeria.
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    EVALUATION OF UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES AS A FRAMEWORK FOR AN INCLUSIVE CHURCH PROPOSAL IN LAGOS, NIGERIA
    (Covenant University, Ota, 2026-07) IKHALEA, Daniel Inibhoje; Covenant University, Dissertation
    Churches, as multifunctional public buildings, play a critical role in fostering worship, community interaction, and social integration. In Lagos, Nigeria, where diverse demographics converge, many churches face challenges of accessibility, often excluding persons with disabilities, elderly worshippers, and caregivers with children. This gap underscores the need for design frameworks that prioritize inclusivity. Universal Design (UD) concept provides a globally recognized approach to creating equitable, functional, and dignified spaces. The aim of this study is to evaluate the application of Universal Design principles as a framework for developing inclusive church design in Lagos, Nigeria. The specific objectives are to: examine the extent to which selected churches comply with UD principles; identify accessibility features that create physical, sensory, or cognitive barriers; evaluate the adequacy of existing accessibility features in meeting users’ needs; and develop a design framework for an inclusive church design in Lagos. The study adopted a qualitative methodology using a multiple case study approach. Data were be collected through structured observation guides based on the seven UD principles, complemented by structured interviews with church leaders, facility managers, and congregants, including persons with disabilities and elderly worshippers. A literature review and relevant policy documents, such as the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act (2019) and Lagos State building regulations, were provide contextual grounding. Data were analysed using content and thematic analysis to draw insights into design gaps and user experiences. Findings were presented through narratives, tables, figures, drawings, 3D models, and animations. The study is revealed limited compliance with UD principles in selected churches, highlighting accessibility barriers and inconsistencies between policy provisions and practical implementation. The research contributed to architectural knowledge by contextualizing UD within faith-based architecture, offering practical frameworks for inclusive design, and reinforcing the alignment of church environments with values of hospitality, dignity, and equity. The outcomes were significant for architects, policymakers, and church authorities seeking to transform worship spaces into inclusive environments that promote participation for all.