Afriican Scientist , Vol 26. No 2 .,June 2025

Since the return to democracy in Nigeria in 1999, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has undertaken multiple strike actions to advocate for increased university funding, academic autonomy, and improved staff welfare. These strikes have severely disrupted academic calendars, particularly affecting medical education, which relies on uninterrupted clinical training. This study presents a quantitative analysis of ASUU strike durations from 1999 to 2025, along with a qualitative assessment of their impact on medical training.

The study aimed to evaluate the biosafety of “Makann”, an aqueous bi-herbal formulation of the root extract of Garcinia kola and Carica papaya (BH) on the heart and lungs of adult female albino mice. Garcinia kola and Carica papaya roots were harvested, prepared into a bi-herbal extract (BH), and administered to the test group while the control group received distilled water. Mice were divided into 3 test groups and 3 control groups of 5 animals: single dose 24 h test groups, single-dose 14-day test group, and daily dose 14-day test group.

he earth harbours a rich source of medicinal plants which are used in the treatment of various ailments. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Chrysophyllum albidum root were assayed for their phytochemical content and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity using standard methods. The total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents were quantified. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using membrane stabilization, proteinase inhibitory activity and protein denaturation assay at various concentrations.

This study investigated the nutritional, elemental mineral and modulatory activity of the crude stem back extract of Entandrophragma utile (EU) on the plasma levels of some liver enzymes and biomolecules in carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated albino Wistar rats. The EU extract was screened for its nutritional and elemental mineral properties. Modulatory activity of EU was tested using twenty-five male rats (120 – 150 g), which were randomized into five groups and fed rat chow and water ad libitum throughout the experiment. Group I (control) was administered distilled water only.

Palm oil is a major source of dietary fats and oils in many regions of the world. In this study, the effect of crude palm oil (CPO) of varied free fatty acid (FFA) levels on some kidney function indices and kidney histopathology in Wistar rats was investigated. Thirty-six female Wistar rats were grouped into six categories: a control group with no palm oil intake and five experimental groups receiving crude palm oil with FFA levels of 0.4 %, 4.8 %, 8.4 %, 21.9 % and 42.7 %, respectively. The rats were administered a dosage of 480 mg/kg body weight of CPO for four weeks.

Sediments play a critical role in aquatic pollution studies, functioning both as sinks and potential secondary sources of contaminants. Over time, pollutants become embedded within sediment layers, serving as historical records of environmental pollution. This study assessed the physicochemical properties, pollutant levels and associated health risks in sediment from the Ajoki River, located in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Samples were collected over a 12-month period, covering both the wet (May-October 2022) and dry (November 2022–April 2023) seasons.

The study was to determine the concentrations and risks of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) residues in edible vegetable oils (EVOs) sold in markets in Warri, Delta State. OPPs in six edible vegetable oils purchased from local vendors in markets in Warri, Delta State were quantified with a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after solvent extraction. The results showed concentration of the ∑14 OPPs varying from 4.10 to 22.82 ng/L. The unbranded edible vegetable oils had higher concentrations than their respective branded vegetable oils.

The spatial distribution, associated risks and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment of the Oleri River in Delta State were examined in this study. Six sediments were obtained from six locations in the Oleri River and analyzed for the 16 priority PAHs using gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry after extraction with dichloromethane and hexane. The levels of the ∑16-PAHs in the sediment ranged from 73.0-423 µg/kg. The higher molecular weight PAHs were the dominant PAHs in the sediments.

Even though honey has many health advantages, the presence of pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in it could be harmful to consumers’ health. Thus, this study assessed polychlorinated biphenyls in imported honey sold in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria to establish the safety of the honey. Ten imported honey samples were purchased from superstores in Warri, Delta State. Honey samples were analyzed for PCBs using a gas chromatograph combined with a mass selective detector (GC-MSD). All the honey samples analyzed tested positive for PCBs.

This study evaluated the effects of different synthetic and formulated culture media on the mycelial growth of Pleurotus ostreatus and Marasmiellus inoderma under standard laboratory conditions. The synthetic media included Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Yeast Extract Agar (YEA), Malt Extract Agar (MEA), and Czapek-Dox agar, while formulated media in are cornmeal, rice extract, and wheat extract agars. Mycelial plugs were inoculated into each medium and incubated, with growth monitored daily.