Thesis

Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections, are bacterial infections contracted within healthcare settings. They contribute significantly to the burden of disease by prolonging hospital stays, increasing treatment costs, complicating surgical outcomes, and, in severe cases, leading to death. Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the most isolated
pathogen of nosocomial infections and the most studied in the literature. Despite their impact, awareness of nosocomial infections remains limited, leaving patients, healthcare workers, visitors, and even family caregivers vulnerable to its transmission. In low-income and middle-income countries the practice of a family caregiver assisting an inpatient is common, and they can contact and transmit infections while carrying out various activities within the hospital environment. Deterministic and stochastic models have been widely applied to understand the transmission dynamics of nosocomial infections and provide valuable insights. However, existing models have often overlooked the role of patients’ family caregivers, who can act as important but underrecognized vectors of transmission. In this thesis, deterministic and stochastic models that explicitly incorporate family caregivers as a distinct transmission pathway of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are developed. For the deterministic framework, the basic reproduction number �0 is derived along with the conditions for disease-free and endemic equilibria. The stochastic framework developed using a Continuous-time Markov Chain (CTMC) extends the deterministic model by incorporating random fluctuations through its drift and diffusion terms. This provides deeper insight into the system’s variability, extinction probabilities, and outbreak risks that cannot be fully captured by the deterministic model. For the deterministic model, the basic reproduction number is evaluated and subjected to sensitivity analysis, using plausible parameter values from surveillance studies within Nigerian hospitals, whereby revealing the dominant influence of hand-hygiene compliance of caregivers and healthcare workers, as well as decontamination rates of both caregivers and healthcare workers. The stochastic simulation in MATLAB gives the stochastic sample paths, time-series behaviours of the state variables and extinction probability. The numerical results illustrate that while the deterministic model captures mean epidemic behaviours, stochastic models reveal substantial variability and probability of infection extinction especially in settings with effective hand hygiene compliance of caregivers and healthcare workers. These analyses reveal the importance of integrating patients’ family caregivers in modeling the spread of MRSA in hospitals.

The study set out to identify, examine and analyze the image of the “White man” in Francophone Caribbean islands and the calvary the black Caribbeans went through in the hands of the White man. The treatment of this subject is found mainly in the selected works of Francophone Caribbean writers such as Salvat Etchart, Aimé Césaire, Edouard Glissant, Maryse Condé and Patrick Chamoiseau. These selected works include Les Nègres servent d’exemples, Le Monde tel qu’il est, La Tragédie du roi Christophe, Moi, Tituba Sorcière noire de Salem, Dieu nous l’a donnée, Mort d’Oluwémi d’Ajumako, La Migration des cœurs, Le Quatrième siècle and Texaco. These selected works were analysed using sociocritical approache to identify, uncover and interprete specific literary periods, ideas and perspectives that each author developed in their writings.The objectives were to examine and analyse the place of the White man in Francophone Caribbean islands’ history through Francophone Caribbean Literary creations, analyse the experiences of the black Caribbean people in the hands of the white over-lords, identify the reactions of the black Caribbean people against the servile, forced labour and different kinds of impositions of the White man and identify points of convergence and divergence in the ideas and reflections on white racism shown in the texts studied.

The methodology adopted in the study were textual analytical approach and comparative approach. The authors’ works vividly depicted white racism and the sufferings the black Caribbean people went through in a society that is regulated by the racial ideology of socio-political, cultural and economic imperialism of the White man. The theoretical framework was rooted in postcolonial and sociological theories.

Based on the identification of the objectives, the research found that the White man sought to perpetually occupy, dominate and control the small Francophone Caribbean islands, assimilate and dominate the native population who are predominantly Blacks. The study also found that most Black Francophone Caribbean indigenous population have remained victims of racial discrimination, enslavement, systematic inferiorisation, subjugation, otherness and brain-washing in Francophone Caribbean islands. It concluded that this situation leaves much to be desired with regard to the liberation of the Blacks from White man’s control and domination. The study recommends protest and revolt of the black Caribbean people against the White man’s mistreatment and “organized” resistance of the black Caribbean people against the imposition of White man’s culture and values. This will help the black Francophone Caribbeans liberate themselves from the White man’s control and break loose the chain of neocolonialism in Francophone Caribbean islands. This thesis is divided into three major parts. The first part which is divided into three chapters explores pertinent literatures, identifying research gaps while establishing theoritical framework that grounds our textual analysis. It also touches on racial interactions in the slave trade era and their effets. The second part concentrates on the White man in the colonial era, focusing on the textual analysis and comparative study of the chosen texts. The third and the last part continues with thematique analysis, specifically focusing on the White man in modern or contemporary era. The impact of racial interactions and the stylistics approach as amply enunciated in the selected texts is also studied in this part. The stylistic devices employed by the writers of the selected texts enhances the import of their message in the texts The main body of the work is preceeded by an introduction and ends with conclusion

This study investigates the relationship between distrust in government institutions and voter apathy in some selected local government areas of Ekiti and Gombe States, focusing on the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria. Distrust in government institutions, including electoral bodies, contributes significantly to voters’ disengagement, leading to lower voters’ turnout and reduced political participation. The research examined how distrust in government institutions influences citizen’s political engagements especially voters’ turnout and the extent to which socioeconomic factors shape voter participation. The research further investigates the impact of factors such as weak institutions, socioeconomic status, and political mobilization on voter turnout in these two states. In order to achieve the set objective of the study, four research questions were raised and hypotheses formulated to test the variables. The theoretical framework adopted for the study was structural- functional theory, and deliberative democracy theory. The research design adopted for the study was a cross-sectional survey design, the study draws on data collected from 2,391 registered voters across six local government areas in the two states, employing multi-stage sampling, simple random sampling, purposive and judgmental sampling, technique to select respondents for this study. The 2,391 sample size was derived through the use of Taro Yamane formula as respondents was drawn from six local government areas (LGAs) in Ekiti state (Ikere-Ekiti, Ado-Ekiti, Oye-Ekiti) and Gombe States (Gombe, Kwami, and Kaltungo). The research instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire and in-depth interview of key informants. The copies of questionnaire were administered to a total number of 2,391 respondents and 2,020 questionnaires retrieved representing 84.5.3% return rate. Additionally, in-depth interview of 12 interviewees and key informants was conducted to provide robust understanding on the factors contributing to distrust of government and voter apathy. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Correlation, regression analysis, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 24). While qualitative data were analyzed thematically. The findings from this study revealed that distrust of government, fueled by perceptions of electoral fraud, lack of responsiveness, and government interference, significantly contributed to low voters turnout in both states. Educational attainment was found to have varying impacts, with Ekiti showing higher levels of distrust linked to education, while Gombe’s political mobilization through community networks played a more significant role in encouraging voter participation. The study recommended the need for electoral reforms, improved voter education, and greater transparency in government institutions to restore public trust and enhance democratic participation in Nigeria.

This study investigated the influence of COVID-19 lockdown on food purchase, consumption and hunger among married secondary school teachers in Delta State, Nigeria. Nine (9) research questions were raised and answered. Six (6) hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of Significance.

The study employed a descriptive survey research design which targeted twenty-two thousand one hundred and twenty one (22,121) married secondary school teachers in the twenty-five (25) Local Government Areas of Delta State. The sample size of the study consisted of eight hundred (800) respondents. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for the study. The instrument used to elicit responses from the subjects was a 70 item statement questionnaire. The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisors and a psychometrician. The reliability was determined using twenty (20) married secondary school teachers randomly selected from the 25 Local Government Areas of Delta State who are part of the population but not part of the sample size and the data generated were analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha statistics and yielded the coefficient of 0.85. Data analysis was done using mean (x), Standard Deviation (SD), two independent sample t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC).
The findings revealed that COVID-19 lockdown influenced food purchasing habits, consumption pattern and hunger among married secondary school teachers in Delta State, Nigeria. It was discovered that COVID-19 lockdown increased the level of food insecurity and also affected the psychological wellbeing of married secondary school teachers in Delta State. The study therefore concluded that measures taken to control rapid spread of pandemic such as COVID-19 lockdown affected food purchase, consumption and hunger among married secondary school teachers. The study recommends, among other things, that Government should establish agricultural policies focused on boosting food production at the community level, institutions should train teachers on how to develop effective coping strategies during crisis such as home gardening, meal planning and food preservation techniques.

The increasing recreational use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or "ecstasy") among women of reproductive age raises critical concerns regarding fertility and pregnancy outcomes. This study investigated the reproductive and developmental toxicity of MDMA in adult female Wistar rats, focusing on hormonal regulation, oxidative stress, histopathology, and gestational effects following pre-gestational and gestational exposure. A total of 140 Wistar rats (120 females, 20 males) were assigned to pre-gestational (Category A) and gestational (Category B) protocols. Treated groups received oral MDMA at 80 mg/kg and 160 mg/kg, while controls received distilled water. Serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone were measured alongside oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GPx, MDA) and histological analyses of the pituitary, ovaries, and uterus. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with LSD post hoc test (p < 0.05).
MDMA induced dose-dependent reductions in body and reproductive organ weights, likely due to serotonergic suppression of appetite, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Hormonal assays revealed significant disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, including reduced LH (p = 0.02), elevated estradiol (p = 0.00), and progesterone (p = 0.05). A biphasic testosterone response was observed: reduced in the 80 mg/kg group (0.48 ± 0.00 ng/mL vs. 1.12 ± 0.14 ng/mL in controls) and elevated in the 160 mg/kg group (1.48 ± 0.09 ng/mL; p = 0.00), suggesting dysregulation of androgen synthesis via theca cell dysfunction or disrupted HPG feedback. Reproductive outcomes mirrored endocrine alterations. Pre-gestational exposure reduced conception rates (100% in controls vs. 20% and 0% in treated groups). Gestational exposure impaired implantation, fetal viability, and growth, leading to increased resorptions, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirths, and postnatal abnormalities. Biochemical assays revealed dose-dependent suppression of antioxidant enzymes and altered lipid peroxidation, indicating oxidative damage in ovarian and uterine tissues.
Histopathological evaluation showed progressive degeneration: the pituitary exhibited chromophobe predominance and vacuolation; ovaries showed follicular atresia, degeneration, and vascular injury; and uterine tissues demonstrated glandular atrophy, edema, inflammation, and myometrial disruption. These structural changes aligned with the observed biochemical and hormonal abnormalities. In conclusion, MDMA exposure before or during pregnancy disrupts female reproductive function in a dose-dependent manner. It impairs fertility, alters endocrine signaling, induces oxidative stress, and causes tissue-specific toxicity, with profound consequences for implantation and fetal development. These findings reinforce the public health risks of MDMA use during reproductive years and the need for targeted reproductive toxicology awareness.

Itebukunmi is a riverine community in Ondo State Nigeria, known for its high traffic in fishing activities. The economic importance of fishing activities in Itebukunmi to the Nigerian economy necessitate the need to study the harvesting strategy of fishing in Itebukunmi waters and where necessary determine scientifically regulatory policy that will ensure sustained growth in population.
The Mathematical model of three species of fishes in Itebukunmi couple with human activites was derived using systems of ordinary differential equations. The qualitative analysis of the model such as the local, global, stability and bioeconomic analysis were done using linearization approach and bifurcation analysis. The result of the quantitative analysis showed that : as the control of the harvesting rate of cat fish increases, the population of cat fish and African knife fish, in Itebukunmi river increases, while the Ophiocephalus fish population decreases. Also, as the control of the harvesting rate of Ophiocephalus fish increases, the population of Ophiocephalus fish and African knife fish, in Itebukunmi river increases, while the cat fish population decreases. Furthermore, as the control of the harvesting rate of African knife fish increases, the population of African knife fish , in
Itebukunmi river increases, while the cat fish and Ophiocephalus fish population decreases

Enterohepatic Circulation (EHC) is the process by which bile acid are secreted from the liver into the bile, excreted into the small intestine and then reabsorbed back into the liver. This efflux process is spurred by drug saturation, which is a condition in
which the rate of absorption of the drug is limited by the rate of transport to the liver or the rate of secretion into the bile. EHC plays a crucial role for several liver and gastrointestinal functions such as bile flow, solubilization and excretion of cholesterol,
clearance of toxic molecules, intestinal absorption of lipophilic nutrients, as well as metabolic and antimicrobial effects. Despite its positive impact in human homeostasis, it is known that EHC can increase toxicity of drugs(due to incomplete elimination
during recycling), increased risk of gallstones which result to systemic diseases such as cholelithiasis, bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer and hepatotoxicity(drug liver injury). In the formulation of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model of EHC Drugs
with Saturation Kinetics is formulated. The model is affected by secreted drug in the hepatocyte and gastrointestinal compartment with delay effect on metabolites. The drug toxicity threshold parameter and delay effect accounting for gallbladder and intestine disorder(alter the rate of bile circulation) will be discussed. The model is rigorously analyzed on Drug Free Equilibria, Drug Saturation Equilibria, Toxicity Equilibria and Drug Reabsorption Equilibria. Threshold value for Pathological parameter for
which there exist a trans from Hoph bifurcation to periodic system was established. The direction of Stability (super critical and subcritical) was also established. Global and Local stabilities were also investigated. The results from the analysis showed that drug saturation induces toxicity in theabsence of pathological defect parameters when Drug Toxicity Number (DTN) is
greater than one .Whereas in the presence of pathological parameters (Mild Case), Drug Toxicity does not annul the physiological state of the compartments hence cannot effect drug reabsorption. There exist a threshold for pathological parameters
for which drug reabsorption occurs, and defect in physiological compartment progresses from mild to acute case when pathological parameters exceed this threshold τ_1+τ_2>(v_2+2m_2)/η_2 . Hoph bifurcation analysis on the Drug Free and Drug Saturation Equilibria showed that there exist an upper bound for which the system remains asymptotically stable. Numerical results obtained from this work will provide a framework for Pharmaceutical Policies and decisions on EHC.

Unintended pregnancy is one that is either unwanted or mistimed, reflecting a complex interplay of reproductive intentions, contraceptive access and usage, sociocultural norms, and health system factors. Amidst concerns for and responsiveness to Population growth, Reproductive health care delivery and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, Target 7 & 8 which emphasises that by the year 2030, it will ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services, including family planning, information and education, and the integration of reproductive health into national strategies and programmes. This research thoroughly examines the multi-dimensional implications of the prevalence and the determinants of unintended pregnancies in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals in Edo South, Nigeria and probes the ways in which sexually active women utilize and meet their sexual, reproductive health-care needs and unmet needs within the research area
The study employed a dominant–less dominant mixed-method design (also called the explanatory design), in which the quantitative component drives the research process, while the qualitative component plays a supportive role (triangulation). The sample size was 1,006 women of reproductive age of which 44 percent of the respondents (pregnant women) representing 444 were selected from health facilities, while the remaining 56 percent are women (age 15 – 49 years) that is 562 from households. The primary sources of data were through the use of questionnaire and interview guide. This study also explored contraceptive use, accessibility to family planning services, the impacts of unintended pregnancy, and qualitative insights from health practitioners on barriers and strategies for family planning in Edo South, drawing on quantitative data and a reflexive thematic analysis of health facilitators’ responses. The stated hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Chi Square, Man-Whitney U Test, Kruskal Wallis Test, Multinomial Logistic Regression, Multivariate Logistics Regression and Inverse Distance Weight etc. ANOVA was used to test if there were statistically significant differences in the number of times respondent’s experienced unintended pregnancies across the various communities in Edo South. The result showed that there was a statistically significant difference in unintended pregnancy experiences between the groups, F(22, 179) = 2.051, p < .001. This suggests that the occurrence of unintended pregnancy varied meaningfully across the different communities studied.
The result of the findings established unintended pregnancy as a significant public health concern in the study area. It revealed that for every 100 respondents who had never experienced an unintended pregnancy, about 36 had, reflecting a prevalence consistent with global trends. It established that despite an overall contraceptive use rate, the disparity in the quality of awareness and method preference highlighted a critical gap: widespread awareness did not always translate to effective contraceptive practices. It showed critical insights into the depth of contraceptive knowledge, attitudinal barriers, and geographical disparities influencing reproductive health outcomes. Based on these findings; several actionable recommendations are presented to inform policy, program design, and service delivery. Some of the major challenges in this research include concealment of true experiences and fear of cultural and religious stigmatization.

This study examines selected syntactic processes (negation, WH-constructions and relative constructions) in the Ṣúpárè dialect of Yorùbá, a variety spoken in southwestern Nigeria. The research seeks to identify the structural properties that distinguish Ṣúpárè from Standard Yorùbá and to highlight the dialect’s unique strategies for clause formation. Data were collected through elicitation and validation from competent native speakers of Ṣúpárè across different quarters of the speech community. Analysis reveals that each syntactic operation requires two obligatory markers: one in sentence-initial or post-subject position and another in sentence-final position. In relative clauses, the subject argument is obligatorily filled with a resumptive pronoun, unlike Standard Yorùbá where the position remains empty. WH-constructions are realised through split interrogative markers at two syntactic positions, with no involvement of the focus marker “ni”. Negation is achieved through tonal alternations and low-tone syllables, in contrast to the segmental negator “kò” in Standard Yorùbá. The findings are interpreted within the Principles and Parameters framework (Chomsky 1981, 1986), which explains the observed patterns as outcomes of universal grammatical principles shaped by dialect-specific parametric settings. In particular, the study shows that Ṣúpárè grammar recognises the Aspectual Phrase as an independent projection, providing evidence for parametric variation in Yorùbá syntax. By documenting these features, the research contributes to comparative Yorùbá dialectology, advances the understanding of parametric variation in Niger-Congo languages and offers fresh insights into the interaction between universal principles and dialect-specific syntax.

This research gives attention to the non-energy use of Lignite samples collected from Ohordua
town of Edo State and Azagba-Ogwashi in Delta State. A total of six composite Lignite
samples,from ten sampled points were subjected to analytical study, with a view to determining
their humic content and properties for use in soil beneficiation and conditioning.Proximate and
Ultimate analytical technique was used to characterize the lignite from which humic acid was
extracted under alkaline condition, and precipitated using acidic medium of 6M HCl.X-Ray
Diffraction and X-Ray Fluorescence analytical methods were employed to determine the
mineralogical and elemental composition of the samples respectively,while Ultra-Violent visible
spectroscopy was used for organic characterization of the humic acid.Proximate analyses of the
Lignite show percentage composition of Ohordua and Azagba-Ogwashi Lignite
respectively,Fixed Carbon (65.22 wt% and 67.16wt%),Moisture Content (26 wt% and 25.4wt%)
and Ash (5.02 wt% and 4.5 wt%).Ultimate analyses shows Hydrogen (6.60 wt% and 6.22wt%), Nitrogen (1.34 wt% and 1.19wt%,) Sulphur (0.77 wt% and 0.70wt%), Oxygen (26.07 wt% and
24.73 wt%), for Ohordua and Azagba-Ogwashi respectively.The analytical results suggest the
existing lignite with varying thickness is of Lignite rank. The Ultimate analyses of the extracted
Humic acid show Carbon (57.5wt% and 55.8wt%)%, Hydrogen (5.1 wt% and 3.9wt%), Nitrogen
(2.5 wt% and 1.1wt%), Sulphur (Nil and 0.3wt%) and Oxygen (34.9 wt% and 38.9wt%,) for
Ohordua and Azagba-Ogwashi, respectively.The mineralogical composition in the lignite
samples shows Kaolinite was the main clay mineral identified. Non clay minerals such as
anorthite, drierite, yeelimite, spurite, belite, wollastonite, hematite, pyrite, bauxite and quartz
were detected.For Ultra-Violent visible spectroscopy characterization of the Humic Acid, E2/E3
and E4/E6 absorption values for Ohordua (21.69 and 4.50) respectively, while Azagba-Ogwashi
reveal (19.39 and 4.6) respectively. The humic substance has percentage aromaticity values of
33.90% and 34.06%, total acidity has 10.4% and 10.1%, COOH has 3.4% and 3.3%, Phenolic
has 7.0% and 6.8% and acidity ratio has 0.49% and 0.48%, for Ohordua and Azagba-Ogwashi, respectively which depicts the Humic Acid has a high degree of Humification and a very good
total acidity ratio. Results from this research indicate that the Lignite from both locations are
similar in geochemistry, mineralogy and organic properties. Although,humification is high in
both samples, Ohordua Lignite with lesser aromaticity and E4/E6 ratio, higher E2/E3 ratio and
higher acidity ratio is more suitable for soil beneficiation and conditioning than that of Azagba- Ogwashi.