Professor, Department of Biology

Prof. Rosita I. Okechukwu


Prof. Rosita Ijeoma Okechukwu

Professor

B.Sc., PDGE, M.Sc., PhD
Email: rosita.okechukwu@futo.edu.ng

Biography

Rosita has sound academic qualification and competence. She studied Botany at Imo State University. She proceeded to the University of Jos, where she did her Masters degree in Applied Microbiology and Plant Pathology. From the University of Jos to the Federal University of Technology Owerri where her academic pursuit finally landed her to a PhD in Environmental Health Biology. Her research interests are on Environmental health biology, investigation of phytochemicals in herbal remedies for skin diseases in the Tropics, different types of Alternative Energy, Environmental Waste Management, and investigating available non-feed stock sources of biogas, biodiesel etc.

Rosita has the vast administrative experience been the Head of Department of Biology (2012-2016) where she facilitated the development of the Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree programmes in Biology of the University, which had since resulted in the establishment of a full-fledged and flourishing Department of Biology. Also, she is the chairperson and member of various University Committee including the School of Science Seminar Committee, Student Academic Advisorship, University Senate Committee on Student Violence, School Research Committee, Member, University Environmental Waste Management Committee, among others.

Rosita started lecturing at ABU/FCE Kano as an Assistant lecturer in the Department of Biology in 1996. She later secured a tenure appointment with the Federal University of Technology, Owerri in 2003 as a Lecturer II Staff. Through a high level of commitment to official duties, hard work and scoring more points than required, Rosita was promoted to the rank of Professor in October 2015. She has over fifty publications in referred journals spread across the world: Africa, Europe, Asia, North America. Also, some productive works, 3 books in main discipline, 6 chapters in referred books to her credit. She has attended many conferences, workshop and training spread across the globe. She has supervised 3 PhD and 15 Masters degree students and 40 undergraduate students’ thesis.

Rosita is from Ehime-Mbano LGA of Imo state married with four children.

Academic Qualifications

  • Federal University of Technology Owerri 2002 – 2008 D. Environmental Health Biology
  • University of Jos, 1988-1990 M.Sc. Applied Biology and Plant Pathology
  • Imo State University, Etiti 1982-1986 B.Sc. Botany
  • Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria 2000-2002 PGDE

Honours/Awards

  • “Ezi Ada” Award – Honour by St. Joseph Catholic Church (W.C) Umualumaku. Ehime-Mbano
  • Diamond Mother of St. Mulumba Award of Honour – Presented by St. Mulumba’s Catholic Parish Owerri.

Membership of Professional Bodies

  • Member, Biotechnology Society of Nigeria.
  • Member, Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria.
  • Member, Environmental Society of Nigeria
  • Member, Botanical Society of Nigeria
  • Member, Renewable and Alternative Energy Research Group.

Course Code and Courses Assigned to Teach:

  • BIO 101 – Biology for Agriculture and Biological Science I
  • BIO 102 – Biology for Agriculture and Biological Science II
  • BIO 305 – Seedless Plants
  • BIO 304 – Seed Plants
  • BIO 314 – Environmental Biology
  • BIO 415 – Techniques in Biosystematics
  • BIO 508 – Economic Botany
  • BIO 509 – Population Ecology
  • BIO 311 – General Ecology
  • BIO 511 – Seminar Topics in Biology
  • BIO 513 – Research Projects in Biology
  • BIO 819 – Biodiversity and Conservation
  • BIO 821 – Soil Ecology and Water Conservation
  • BIO 823 – Biological Resource Management
  • BIO 825 – Wildlife Conservation and Management
  • BIO 822 – Environmental Impact Assessment
  • BIO 907 – Advanced Biodiversity and Conservation
  • BIO 909 – Advanced Biological Resources Management
  • BIO 905 – Seminar in Environmental Conservation and Management
  • BIO 804 – Research Project

Work Experience

  • ABU/FCE, Kano              –                 1996-2003 (Assistant Lecturer)
  • FUTO                                 –                  2003 – Date (Lecturer II – Professor)
  • FUTO                                 –                  2012-2016 (Ag. HOD, Biology)

Research Interest

  • Environmental Health Biology
  • Herbal Remedies
  • Environmental Waste Management
  • Investigating the phytochemicals in known herbal remedies for skin disease in the tropics
  • Alternative Energy
  • Investigating available non-feed stock sources of Bio-gas, Bio-diesel etc.

Publications

  1. Okechukwu, R.I (1997) Review of Micro-organism associated with some fermenting and fermented food products. FEDWA Journal Kano 3(1):163-168
  2. Okechukwu, R.I. (2001). Micro-organisms associated with the deterioration of some vegetable oil in Nigeria. African Journal of Material and Natural Sciences 1(2):85-91.
  3. Okereke, J.N., Okechukwu, R.I., Obasi K.O. (2006). Bacterial quality of rainwater in selected communities in Imo State. Biol. 28(63): 51-59
  4. Okereke, J.N., Okechukwu, R.I, Nnoli M.C. and Obasi K.O. (2006). Physicochemical and bacteriological quality of rainwater in Egbema, Imo State, Nigeria, International Journal of Natural and Applied Science 2(4): 372-376.
  5. Okechukwu, R.I. (2006). Thermophilic Fungi and the deterioration of Nigeria Oil palm kernel, International Journal of Agricultural and Rural Development (IJARD). 12(1): 90-93.
  6. Okechukwu, R.I., B.E.B. Nwoke, Opara F.N. and Okereke., J.N. (2009). Antifungal Potentials of Herbal Remedies use in the treatment of Dermatophytosis in Imo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Natural and Applied Science. 5(2): 164-166.
  7. O. Obasi, J.N. Okereke ans R.I. Okechukwu (2009). Study on the relationships between Nitrate ion and chemical oxygen demand (COD)in fire selected rivers Abia Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies-your planet Needs! Units to combat climate changes. 2:145-150.
  8. Okechukwu R.I., Obasi K.O., Nnoli M.C. and Ukaoma A.A. (2010). Antimicrobial properties and preliminary phytochemical Analysis of Carica Papaya Leaf. African Journal for Research and Discovery 4(1):45-48.
  9. Mgbemena I. C., Opara F.N. and Okechukwu R.1. (2010). Attitudes and Local Beliefs Towards Mosquito Insurgence in Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of American Science, 6(10):430-434.
  10. Alison Onyechere L.N., Opara F.N. and Okechukwu R.1. (2010). The efficacy of Artemisia annua, lemongrass and lime against, chloroquine-resistant plasmodium malaria in albino rats. International Journal of Environmental and Human Development. 11 (1):24-27.
  11. Mgbemena I.C., Okechukwu R.1. and Ebe T. (2010). Knowledge and practical measures against mosquitoes in Imo: State, Nigeria: International J. Biotechnology and Allied Science 5(2): 699-705
  12. Okechukwu R.1. Mgbemena I. C., Chukwulebe A.E. and Anuobi R.N. (2011). Prevalence of pediculosis in selected rural areas of Imo State, Nigeria. International Journal of National Applied Sciences 7(1): 126-129
  13. Okechukwu R.I., Ogukwe C.E., Okereke J.N. and Njoku M.E. (2011). Production and characterization of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas International Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry 7(3):1405-410.
  14. Okechukwu R. I., Okereke J.N., Ezejiofor J. LN., Obasi K.O and Ebere G.O. (2011). Relationship between malaria vector densities in Artificial container habitats, land-use changes and temperature. Nigeria Journal of Parasitology 32(2): 283-2 86.
  15. Okechukwu R.I., Okereke J.N., Onyedineke N.E. and Obi R.K. (2011). Microbial and Nutritional qualities of Mushroom. Asian Journal of Biological Science 2(4): 746-749.
  16. Okereke J.N., Okeke, O.A. and Okechukwu R. I. (2010). Comparative evaluation of ethanol production from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and Maize (Zea mays). International Journal of Biotechnology and Allied Science. 5(2):’ 706-709.
  17. Okechukwu R. I. Mgbemena, I. C., Onyechere L. N. and Chiegboka N. A. (2011). Physico-chemical and Microbial Qualities of Borehole water in Owerri West, Imo State, Nigeria. African Journal for Research, Innovation and Discovery vol. 5 no.2.
  18. Ezejiofor T. I.N., Eke N. V., Okechukwu R. I., Nwoguikpe R.N. and Duru C. M. (2011). Waste to Wealth: Industrial Raw Material Potential of peels of Nigerian Orange (Citrus sinensis). African, Journal of 10(33):6257-6264.
  19. Ujowundu C. 0., Kalu, F. N. Nwosu Njoku, 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 South-Eastern Nigeria. African Biochemistry Research 5(2):57-64.
  20. Okechukwu R.I., Okereke N. and Ezejiofor T.I.N. (2010). Microbial contamination of expired and unexpired orange and pineapple juices sold in Owerri Municipality Imo State, Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Health and Human Development 11 (1 ):28-33.
  21. Okechukwu R. I., Tony Egbota N. A., Okechi R. N. and Obasi K. O. (2011). Studies on the proximate and mineral composition of “Burukutu and Kunu”.­Two Nigerian fermented food drink. Journal of Science and Technology Research. 10 (3): 104-107.
  22. Okechukwu R. I., Ewelike N. C., Okechi R. N., Duru C. M. and Ezejiofor T. I. N. (2011). Microbial quality of “Kunu Zaki: A Nigerian Indigenous fermented food drink, International Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry. 7(5):585-591.
  23. O. Ujowundu, F. N. Kalu, R. N. Nwaoguikpe, K. O. Igwe, R. I. Okechukwu and T. I. N. Ezejiofor (2011). Salt iodization and thyroid function of a pregnant woman in early pregnancy in Owerri-South east Nigeria. International Research Journal of Biochemistry Bioinformatics 1 (1 0):248-256.
  24. Ujowundu C. 0., 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 petroleum-contaminated soil in Southeastern Nigeria. Research Journal of Chemical Science. 1 (8): 57-62.
  25. Okechukwu R.I., A. E. Chukwulebe, I. C. Mgbemena, T. N. A. Chiegboka, and R. N. Anunobi (2011). Prevalence of Tinea capitis among the school children in Urban Areas of Imo State, Nigeria. Mary Siessor Journal of Medicine 11 (1): 68- 72.
  26. Ujonwundu C.O., Nwokedinobi N., Kalu F.N., Nwaoguikpe R.N. and Okechukwu R.1. (2011). Chemoprotective Potentials of Ocium gratissium in Diesel Petroleum induced Hepatoxicity in Albino Wister Rats. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 01 (1 0):56-61.
  27. Ujonwundu C.O.,. Kalu F.N., Nwaoguikpe R.N. Okechukwu R.1. and Ihejirika C.E.(2011). The Antioxidative Potentials of Gongronema latifolium on Diesel Petroleum Induced Hepatoxicity. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02(01):90-94.
  28. Okechukwu R.I., I. C. Mgbemena, N. A. Tony Egboka, C. O. Azuwike, L A. Adjeroh at el. Microorganisms Associated with the fermented and non-fermented African oil bean “Ugba” (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth). Current trends in Microbiology 7:87-92.
  29. Okechukwu R. I., Chukwulebe A. E., Nwoke E. A. Anunobi R. N. and Opara F. N. (2012). Prevalence of Dermatophytosis in selected sub-urban areas of Imo State, Nigeria International Journal of Applied Biotechnology and Biochemistry 2(2):161-166.
  30. Okechukwu R. I. Onyedineke N. E., Mgbemena I. C. and Emejulu A. A. (2012). Effect of different cassava varieties on Ethanol production. International -Loumet of Agric and Rural Development 15(1): 886-890.
  31. Okechukwu R. I., Ewelike N. C., Ukaoma A. A., Emejulu A. A. and Azuwike C. O. (2012). Changes· in the nutrient composition of the African oil bean meal “Ugba (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth) subjected to solid-state natural fermentation. Journal of Applied Biosciences 51:3591-3595.
  32. Okechukwu R.I., Onyedineke N.E., Mgbemena I.C., Opara F.N., and Ukaoma A.A.(2012). Inhibition of Pathogenic Microorganisms by Ethnobotantcat Extracts of Fruit Peels of Musa paradisiaca. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 02(04):01-03
  33. Okechukwu R.I., Opara F.N., Iwu G.I., Tony Chiegboka N.A, Amaku G.E., and Azuwuike C.O. (2012). Processing and Characterisation of Soya Bean Oil for Biodiesel. International Journal of Applied Biotechnology and Biochemistry 02(03): 255-263.
  34. Okereke, J. N., Nnoli, M. C and Okechukwu, R. I. (2012). Effects of different concentrations of sucrose glucose and fructose on microtuberization of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) International Journal of Environmental Health and Human Development. 13 (1): 59 – 64
  35. Opara, F. N, Anuforo, H. U. Okechukwu, R. I. Mgbemena, I. C, Akujiobi, C. O and Adjero , A. (2012). Preliminary Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activities of leaf extracts of Terminalia cartappa, Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Science (JETEAS) 3(3): 424 – 428.
  36. A. Tony Chigboka. F. N. Opara, A. A.Udoye, R. K. Obi and R. I. Okechukwu (2011). Studies on the prevalence and susceptibility pattern of malaria infection in young ABO blood group patients attending the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria. (International journal, Environmental Health and Human Development. 12 (2): 14 -19.
  37. Obasi, K. O., Ijere, N. D. and Okechukwu, R. I (2013). Species diversity and equitability indices of some freshwater. Species in Aba River and Azumini Blue River, Abia State Nigeria. International, Journal of Science and technology. 2 (3): 238 – 241.
  38. O. Obasi, Okechukwu R.I., N. J. Nwokocha(2013). Species Diversity and Evenness of some, organisms in Usumani and Imo Rivers, Abia State, Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Technology 2(9): 690 -695.
  39. C. Mgbemena, Okechukwu R.I., N. N’. Onyemekara, J. C. Nnokwe, (2012). Physicochemical and Microbial Characterization of Somberiro river in Ahoda East Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria International Journal of Biosciences. 298): p 36 – 44.
  40. Ukaoma, A. Augustina, Okocha, P. Iwunor, Okechukwu R. ijeoma (2013). Heritability and character correlation among some rice genotypes for yield and yield components. Journal of Plant Breeding and Genetics. 01{02}:73 – 84
  41. Okechukwu, R. I., Anuforom, H. U., Ezea, O. and Igboasoiyi., O. O. (2014). Bacterial quality of different brands of Sachet water sold in the Federal University of Technology Campus, Imo State, Nigeria. Journal of Advances in Biology 6(2}: 968 -971.
  42. Ujowundu, C. O., Ogbede U., Igwe K. O., Okwu, G. N., Agha, N. e. and Okechukwu, R. I. {2014}. Quantitative assessment of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals in fish roasted with firewood waste tyres and polyethene materials Journal of Biochemistry analytical biochemistry 4{1}: 1-8.
  43. Okechukwu, R. I., Ujowundu 0., Okika, W.O., Ukaoma A. A., Anuforo, H. U., Ezea e. 0., (2015) Studies on the Phytochemical and Antibacterial activities of aquerous and ethanol extracts of Psidium guajava and Moringa o leifera. Scholars Academic Journal of Biosciences 3(3}: 320 – 324.
  44. Okechukwu, R. I., Iwuchukwu, A., and Anuforo, H. U., (2015). Production arid characterization of Biodiesel from Ricinus communis seed. Research Journal of Chemical Sciences 5(2): 1- 5.
  45. Okechukwu, R. I., Ogukwe, C. F. and Igbosoiyi O. 0., (2015). Physico-chemical quality of different brands of sachet water sold in the Federal University of Technology Campus, Imo State, Nigeria. Research Journal of Chemical Sciences 5(1): 83-87.
  46. Ukaoma, Adanma Augustina, Okocha, P. I., Okechukwu, R. I., Ezea C. O., and AjuruchiV. , (2015). Correlation Studies between yield and yield-related attributes of Fl hybrid Rice. (Oryza sativa L.) Genotype at Umuahia, Abia State South Eastern Nigeria. Journal of Global Biosciences 4(2): 1373 -1381.
  47. Ukaoma A. A., Okechukwu, R. I., Ezea C. 0., and Nnoli, M. (2015). Phytoremediation potential of Vigna unguiculata (i) Walp. In Crude Oil polluted soil in Elem Rivers State, South ‘South Nigeria. Journal of Global Biosciences 4 (2): 1469 -1481.
  48. Daniel, U. N., Ohalete, C. N., Ibiam, U. K. and Okechukwu, R. I. (2015). Medicinal plants effectiveness against helminths of cattle. Journal of Applied Biosciences 86: 7900 -7917.
  49. Duru, C.M., Anyado-Nwadike, S.O. and Okechukwu R.1. (2015). Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of the bark of Tabernaemontena pachysiphon Stapf. Science Journal of Public Health 315): 8 -13.
  50. Duru, C.M., Osikwe, A.K, and Okechukwu, R.1. (2015). Endophenotype Growth Response of Allium cepa L. under salinity stress. Ambit Journal of Biotechnology 1(2): 09 – 015.
  51. Okechukwu R.I., (2003). Biology. A variety of living organization. Published in Nigeria by Mac – Journal Press
  52. Okechukwu R.I., (2009). Basic Biology. A text for University Students. Published in Nigeria by Uzopietro Publishers.
  53. Okechukwu, R. I., 2012. Chemical of Life. In: Iwuala, M.O.E, Okechukwu, R. I., and Okwujiako,l. A {Eds}. Foundation Biology for University Students, 1. The Department of Biological Science, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Publ. Applause B Multi-Sector Ltd. ISBN 978 – 219, 314 – 3 p. 4 – 67
  54. Okechukwu, R. I. 2013. Biodegradation of Agricultural Chemicals. In Njoku, 0., Okechukwu, R. I. and Ukaoma, A. A. (Eds). Foundation Biology for University Students, vol. 11. The Department of Biological Science, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Publ. Applause B Multi-Sector Ltd. ISBN 978 – 219, 354 – 2 p. 318 – 360
  55. Okechukwu, R. I. 2013. Histological and Entomological Techniques. In: Opara, F. N., Okechukwu, R. I., Ukaoma, A. A., (Editors). Research Techniques in Biological and Agricultural Science. Unique booksWebs media, Owerri. P. 55 – 103. ISBN: 978 – 978 – 50638 – 9 – 9.
  56. Adanma A. Ukoma and Rosita I. Okechukwu (2015). Introduction to Genetics. In Iwuala, M.O.E and R. I. Okechukwu {Eds}. Foundation Biology for University Students Vol.1 (Revised Edition). The Department of Biological Science, Federal University of Technology, Owerri·. Publ. Applause B Multi-Sector Ltd. ISBN 978- 219 -034 – 9 P.195 – 217.
  57. Okechukwu, R. I. (2015). Ribonucleic acid (RNA). In F.N. Opara, R. I. Okechukwu and A.A. Ukaoma (Editors). Genetics for University Students. The Department of Biological Science, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Unique Books. ISBN 978-978-53527-3-3.
  58. Okechukwu, R. I. and Nwachukwu M. O. (2015). An aspect of Genetics and Genetic diseases. In F.N. Opara, R.”I. Okechukwu and A.A. Ukaoma (Editors). Genetics for University Students. The Department of the Biological Science Federal University of Technology Owerri. Unique Books. ISBN: 978-978-53527-3-3: P. 120-138.