Senior Lecturer, Biochemistry Department

Dr Kalu O. Igwe


Dr. Kalu Okereke Igwe

Senior Lecturer

BSc., MSc., PhD
Mobile Number: +2348034637475
Email: kalu.igwe@futo.edu.ng

 

Biography

Elder Chief DR. Kalu Okereke Igwe was born on 4th of April 1974 and attended Amaekpu community primary school and finished in flying colors  and then proceeded to the prestigious Army Day Secondary School in Ohafia and cleared his WAEC in one sitting  and was subsequently admitted to the University of Calabar were he bagged his BSc in Biochemistry. He Obtained his MSc in Federal University of Technology Owerri and completed his PhD in University of Port Harcourt. He is Married and blessed with four children.

 

Academic Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Biochemistry (Nutrition/Toxicology)      –     2018
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) Biochemistry       –      2008
  • Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry      –     1998
  • Senior School Certificate     –      1992      
  • First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC)     –        1986

Honours/Awards

  • Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria   –   2000
  • NYSC Merit Award, Port Harcourt, Rivers State   –    1994
  • Scholarship Award on Academic Merit      
  • University of Calabar, Cross Rivers State, Nigeria   1992
  • Distinctions/Credits in Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) 
  • Distinction in First School Leaving Certificate Examination (FSLC)

Membership of Professional Bodies

1.  National Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB)  

2.  Nutritional Society of Nigeria (NSN)

3.  West African Society of Toxicology (WASOT) 

  • Courses Taught at Undergraduate Level (October 2018 – Date)
    • Biochemical Techniques, Membrane Biochemistry, Metabolic Pathways I, Biosynthesis of Macromolecules, Metabolic Pathways II, Metabolic Regulation, Biochemistry of Foods and Nutrition, Cell and Tissue Culture Techniques, Biochemical Reasoning, Xenobiotics and Forensic Biochemistry, Industrial Pollution and Waste Mgt. Tech., Biofuel and Biogas Technology.

 

  • Courses Taught at Postgraduate Level (October 2018 – Date)
    • Environmental Pollution and Waste Management, Advanced Environmental Toxicology, Genetic Engineering, Advanced Clinical Biochemistry, Nutritional Biochemistry, Biochemistry of Parasitic Diseases
    • Supervision of laboratory practical activities of students.

 

  • Administrative Duties (October 2018 – Date)
    • Departmental Coordinator of Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and industrial supervision of students involved in SIWES, Member Departmental committee on accreditation, Academic adviser, computation of semester results for senate approval using Microsoft excel and word documents. Departmental Coordinator of Seminar and research project. School of Biological science representative to the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology board of studies.

 

  • October 2014 to October 2018, 
    • Institution: Department of   Biochemistry at Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria
    • Duties: Teaching and research at undergraduate and community development

 

  • Courses Taught at Undergraduate Level (October 2014 to October 2018)
    • Biochemical Techniques, Membrane Biochemistry, Metabolic Pathways I, Biophysics, Biosynthesis of Macromolecules, Metabolic Pathways II, Metabolic Regulation, Plant/Phytobiochemistry, Applied Enzymology, Biochemistry of Foods and Nutrition, Cell and Biochemical Reasoning, Xenobiotics and Forensic Biochemistry, Industrial Pollution and Waste Mgt. Tech., Biofuel and Biogas Technology.

 

  • Administrative Duties (October 2014 to October 2018)
    • Member of Departmental Committee on accreditation, Academic adviser, computation of semester results for senate approval using Microsoft excel and word documents. Departmental coordinator of Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) and industrial supervision of students involved in SIWES.

 

  • October 2011 – October 2014
    • Institution: Department of   Biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
    • Duties: Teaching and research at undergraduate and community development

 

  • Courses Taught at Undergraduate Level (October 2011 – October 2014)
    • Chemistry of Proteins and Nucleic Acids, Biochemical Techniques, Metabolic Pathways I, Advanced Enzymology, Biosynthesis of Macromolecules, Metabolic Pathways II, Metabolic Regulation, Applied Enzymology, Biochemistry of Foods and Nutrition, Xenobiotics and Forensic Biochemistry, Industrial Pollution and Waste Mgt. Tech.,

 

  • Administrative Duties (October 2011 – October 2014)
    • Academic advisers, computation of semester results for senate approval using Microsoft excel and word documents.

 

  • November 2008 – October 2011
    • Institution: Department of   Biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
    • Duties: Teaching and research at the undergraduate level and community development.

 

  • Courses Taught at Undergraduate Level (November 2008 – October 2011)
    • Biology for Agric and Biological Sciences, Chemistry of Carbohydrates and Lipids, Chemistry of Proteins and Nucleic Acids, Membrane Biochemistry, Metabolic Pathways I, Biophysics, Biosynthesis of Macromolecules, Metabolic Pathways II, Metabolic Regulation, Biochemistry of Foods and Nutrition, Industrial Pollution and Waste Mgt. Technology. Supervision of laboratory practical activities of students.

 

  • February 2005 – November 2008
    • Institution: Department of   Biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.
    • Duties: Teaching and research at the undergraduate level and community development.

 

  • Administrative Duties (February 2005 – November 2008)
    • Assistant academic adviser, computation of semester results for senate approval using Microsoft excel and word documents. Supervision of practical, grading and research.

Work Experience

  • October 2018 – Date
    • Position: Senior Lecturer – Lecturer/Researcher in the Department of   Biochemistry at Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria

 

  • October 2014 to October 2018
    • Position: Lecturer I
    • Institution: Department of   Biochemistry at Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria
    • Duties: Teaching and research at undergraduate and community development

 

  • October 2011 – October 2014
    • Position: Lecturer II
    • Institution: Department of   Biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.

 

  • November 2008 – October 2011
    • Position: Assistant Lecturer
    • Institution: Department of   Biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.

 

  • February 2005 – November 2008
    • Position: Graduate Assistant
    • Institution: Department of   Biochemistry at the Federal University of Technology Owerri, Nigeria.

 

  • 2004-2005
    • Laboratory Chemist, at Hosanna Pharmaceutical.  Orlu Imo State.

 

  • 2001-2003
    • Biology and Chemistry Teacher at Nakowa Secondary School. Kafanchan, Kaduna  State

 

  • 2000-2001
    • Science Teacher at Comoros International School, Mararaba. Nasarawa State.

 

  • 1998-1999
    • Supervisor, at Unibaz Company Ltd. Port Harcourt. Rivers State Nigeria National Youths Service Corps (NYSC)

 

  • 1996
    • Industrial Training (IT) Intern, at the Laboratory of Nigeria Flour Mills Apapa. Lagos Nigeria.

Research Interest

I am interested in micronutrient assay and bioavailability in staple foods and vegetables. My research also evaluates micronutrient retention and modification due to processing. The nutritional characterization of traditional foods and product development has also been actively researched on.

The industrialization of our world has dramatically increased the overall environmental ‘load’ of toxins attributable to a class of metallic elements, known to be toxic even at low concentrations.  The awareness of their existence and dual effects has prompted my research work in the identification of possible sources of the toxins and effects on the body.

Lack of some essential micronutrients in women prior to and during pregnancy could result to giving birth to children with irreversible brain damage, spontaneous abortions, stillbirth and impaired foetal development in infancy and childhood; my research work has identified the effects on the vulnerable groups and ways of improving micronutrient load.

Most developing countries have a wide variety of plants which should be of nutritional and economic importance but with little or no information regarding the nutrient composition. Analysis carried out on some of these lesser-known shows that they are nutritionally useful and should be exploited further as a source of food for man and animals.

Publications

  1. Igwe, K.O., Onyeike, E.N., and Uwakwe A.A.(2017). Comparative proximate composition of selected edible vegetables harvested from farmland nearby oil impacted sites in Rivers State, Nigeria. International Journal of research studies in  Biological Sciences 5 (2): 8- 13
  2. Igwe, K .O., Uche, K. O. and Obasi, U. K. (2016). Impact of Discharge Fertilizer Effluents on The Toxicological Profile of Fish Harvested from A Receiving Creek In Okirika, Rivers State. Waste Technology, 4(2), 15-17.doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.12777/wastech.4.2.15-  17]
  3. Ujowundu C.O., Ogbede J.U., Igwe K.O. and Nwaoguikpe R.N. (2016). Modulation of biochemical stress initiated by toxicants in diet prepared with fish smoked with polyethene (plastic) materials as a fuel source. African Journal of Biotechnology, 15(30):1628-1640.
  4. Ogbonna C. U., Ujowundu C. O., Okwu G. N., Emejulu A. A., Alisi C. S. and Igwe K. O. (2016) Biochemical and histological evaluation of benzo[a]pyrene induced nephrotoxicity and therapeutic potentials of Combretum zenkeri leaf extract. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 10(41):873-882.
  5. Ujowundu CO, Igwe KO, Agha NC, Okechukwu RI (2014). Toxicological Studies in Albino Rats Maintained on Fish Smoked With Firewood and Waste Tyre Materials. J Environ Anal Toxicol 4: 258. doi:10.4172/2161-0525.1000258
  6. Ujowundu CO, Ogbede JU, Igwe KO, Okwu GN, Agha NC, Okechukwu RI (2014). Quantitative Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Fish Roasted with Firewood, Waste Tyres and Polyethylene Materials. Biochem Anal Biochem 4: 162. doi:10.4172/2161-1009.1000162
  7. Okwu, G.N., Ogbonna, C.U., Ujowundu, C.O., Igwe, K.O., Igwe, C.U. and Emejulu, A.A. (2014). Protective Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Combretum Zenkeri on Liver Functions of Albino Rats Following Benzo(A)Pyrene Exposure. Biological and Chemical Research; 1(1): 16-25. Science Signpost Publishing
  8. Ujowundu, C. O., Ajoku C.O. Nwaogu L. A., Belonwu, D. C., and Igwe K.O. (2014). Toxicological Impact of Gas flaring and Other Petroleum Production Activities in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria Journal: Journal of Advances in Chemistry. 10 (2): 2297-2304. editorjaconline@gmail.com; www.cirjac.com. Accepted for publication.
  9. Ujowundu C.O., Okoye, H.N. Nwaoguikpe, R.N. Belonwu, D.C. Igwe K.O. and Ujowundu F.N. (2014). Hepatoprotective Effects of Crude Extracts of Tomato and Onion in Rats Exposed to Locally Processed Beef.  International Journal of Biochemistry Research and Review 4(2): 193-203 (2013) 3(3): 8611-8692
  10. Ujowundu CO, Kalu FN, Nwaoguikpe RN, Ibegbulem CO and Igwe KO (2013). Thyroid hormone metabolism in diesel petroleum induced hormonal changes and the effect of indigenous Nigerian spices in rats. Journal of Research in Biochemistry. 1(2): 086-094, http://www.jbiochemistry.com documents/BC0017.pdf.
  11. Igwe, K.O., Onyeike, E.N., and Uwakwe A.A.(2013). Assessment of TPH, PAH, Some   Inorganic Anions of Arable Soil Around Crude Oil Spilled Sites in Rivers State, Nigeria.             Research Journal of Biological Sciences  8 (5) : 166-173
  12. Ujowundu C.O., Nwaogu L.A., Igwe K.O., Ujowundu F.N., Belonwu D.C. (2013). Evaluation of the Impact of Oil and Gas Pollutants on the Chemical Composition of Abelmoschus esculentus Moench and Pterocarpus mildbraedii Harms. Journal of Research in Biology 3(3): 8611-869, http://jresearchbiology.com/documents/RA0327.pdf.
  13. Ujowundu C.O., Nwaoguikpe, R.N.,Belonwu, D.C., Ujowundu, F.N. and Igwe, K.O (2013). Effects of roasted beef based-diet on thyroid hormones and vitamins: the biochemical roles of Lycopersicon esculentum L.and Allium cepa. Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; 28(1&2): 59-69
  14. Ibegbulem, C. O., Egbung, G.E., Okoro, A. A., Kalu, N. N., Nwaogu, L. A. and Igwe, K. O.(2012). Hypothesized biochemical modes of action of palm oils used in ethno-medicine. Journal of Research in Biology 2(6): 596-601.
  15. Ujowundu C.O., Kalu, F.N., Nwaogu L.A. Ezeji E.U. and Igwe K.O.(2012). Management of Changes in Liver Chemistry in Male Rats Acutely Exposed to Crude Petroleum Oil. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 02 (06); 116-120.
  16. Ujowundu, C.O., Kalu, F.N., Igwe C.U., Agha, N.C. and Igwe, K.O. (2012). Biochemical Studies on the Amelioration of Petroleum Product Intoxication with Indigenous Plants.  International Journal of Biochemistry Research and Review 2(2): 87-97.
  17. Ujowundu, C.O. Kalu, F.N. Nwaoguikpe, R.N. Igwe, K.O., Okechukwu R.I. and  Ezejiofor T.I.N. (2011). Salt iodization and thyroid function of pregnant women in early pregnancy in Owerri southeast Nigeria. International Research Journal of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics. 1(10): 248-256. Available @ http://www.interesjournals.org/IRJBB (ISSN-2250-9941) © 2011 International Research Journals.
  18. Ujowundu C.O., Kalu F.N., Nwaoguikpe R.N., Kalu O.I., Ihejirika C.E., Nwosunjoku E.C. Okechukwu R.I. (2011). Biochemical and Physical Characterization of Diesel Oil Contaminated Soil in Southeastern Nigeria. Res. J. Chem. Sci., 1(8), 57-62.
  19. Ujowundu C. O., Kalu F. N., Nwosunjoku E. C., Nwaoguikpe R. N., Okechukwu R. I. and Igwe K. O. (2011). Iodine and inorganic mineral contents of some vegetables, spices and grains consumed in Southeastern Nigeria. African Journal of Biochemistry Research Vol. 5(2):57-64,  Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBR. ISSN 1996-0778 ©2011 Academic Journals.
  20. Igwe K. O., Ukoha A. I., Nwachukwu N. and Ujowundu C. O. (2011). Iodine nutrition for pregnant women in three major villages of Ohafia local government area in Abia State of Nigeria. African Journal of Biochemistry Research. 5(2): 69-71, Available @ http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBR, ISSN 1996-0778 ©2011 Academic Journals.
  21. Ujowundu C. O., Ukoha A. I., Agha C.N., Nwachukwu N., Igwe K.O. and Kalu F.N. (2010). Effects of Potassium Iodate Application on the Biomass and Iodine concentration of Selected Indigenous Nigerian Vegetables. African Journal of Biotechnology.  9(42): 7141-7147.. http://www.academicjournals.org/AJB ISSN 1684–5315 ©2010 Academic Journals.
  22. Ujowundu C.O., Okafor O.E., Agha N.C., Nwaogu L.A., Igwe K.O. and Igwe C.U. (2010). Phytochemical and Chemical Composition of Combretum zenkeri Leaves. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 4(10): 965-968. Available online at http://www.academicjournals.org/JMPR ISSN 1996-0875, 2010 Academic Journals.
  23. L. A. Nwaogu and K.O. Igwe.(2010). Chemical Profile of  Landolphia owariensis seed from Ikeduru, Imo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Biological  and Chemical Sciences4(4):1334-1339.ISSN19991-8631.Availableonlineathttp://ajol.info/index.php/ijbcs
  24. Ujowundu, C. O. Ukoha, A. I. Agha, C. N. Nwachukwu, N. and Igwe K.O. (2009).    Iodine Biofortification of Selected Plants Using Potassium Iodide. Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; 24 (2):  17 – 21, ISSN 0189-4757. Available online at http://www.njbmb.researchjournals.org.
  25. Ujowundu, Cosmas O., Agwu I. Ukoha, Comfort N. Agha, Ngwu Nwachukwu and Kalu O. Igwe (2010). Assessment of current iodine status of pregnant women in a suburban area of Imo State Nigeria, twelve years after universal salt iodization. African Journal of Biochemistry Research. 4 (1):006-012.