Reader (Associate Professor), Department of Biotechnology

Dr Josephat N. Okereke


Dr Josephat Nwabueze Okereke

Reader (Associate Professor)

B.Tech.(Industrial Microbiology), M.Sc. (Environ. Health Biology), PhD (Environ. Health Biology)
Email: josephat.okereke@futo.edu.ng

Biography

Dr Josephat Nwabueze Okereke hails from Umuodiri Umuchioke Umunumo in Ehime Mbano of Imo State, Nigeria. He attended secondary school at Community Secondary School, Umunumo and proceeded to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri Nigeria where he obtained a B.Tech. degree in Industrial Microbiology. He also obtained his M.Sc. and PhD degrees in Environmental Health Biology from the same University.

Okereke joined the Federal University of Technology, Owerri in 2005 as an Assistant lecturer and has since risen to the rank of Reader (Associate Professor). He lectures in the Department of Biotechnology where he teaches courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. As an academic, Okereke has supervised more than 100 undergraduate projects as well as 8 M.Sc. and 1 PhD projects. He is currently supervising 10 M.Sc and 7 PhD students.

Dr Okereke has published more than 65 articles in reputable local and international journals in research areas that cut across environmental biotechnology, environmental microbiology and environmental health. Many papers have been delivered by him in both local and international conferences. He belongs to many professional bodies and has handled many sensitive positions since he joined the University system. He loves the evangelization of God’s word.

Academic Qualifications

  • PhD  (Environ. Health Biology)   –   2010
  • M.Sc. (Environ. Health Biology)  –  2003
  • B.Tech. (Industrial Microbiology)  –  1994

Membership of Professional Bodies

  • Biotechnology Society of Nigeria (BSN),
  • Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON),
  • Foundation for African Development through International Biotechnology (FADIB),
  • Environmental Health Scientists Association of Nigeria (EHSAN)

Course Titles/codes assigned to teach:

Biostatistics (BTC 301), Microbial growth and growth kinetics (BTC 302), Entrepreneurship studies I (ENS 301), Entrepreneurship studies II (ENS 302), Cell and Tissue Culture (BTC 403), Physiology and Metabolism of Microorganisms (BTC 413), Cytogenetics and Population Genetics (BTC 419), Industrial Biotechnology (BTC 503), Seminar in Biotechnology (BTC 505), Plant and Gene Transfer (BTC 513), Probability and Random Variables (BTC 516), Advanced Cell Biology (BTC 803), Biosynthetic Pathways (BTC 802),  Microbial Technology (BTC 806), Laboratory Organization and Management (BTC 819), Laboratory Techniques (BTC 820), Biodegradation (BTC 825), Public Health Microbiology (BTC 830), Microbial Physiology and Biochemistry (BTC 901), Environmental Audit and Impact Assessment (BTC 909).

Work Experience:

  • Nigerian Bottling Company, Kakuri Kaduna (Corper Microbiologist)     –    1994 – 1995
  • Jeso Consultants, Owerri (PA to CEO)     –    1996 – 2003
  • Federal University of Technology (Lecturer)    –    2005 – date

 

University Administration

  1. Exam Officer, Department of Molecular Biology     –    2005 – 2006
  2. Exam Officer, Department of Biotechnology    –    2006 – 2012
  3. Timetable Officer, Department of Biotechnology     –     2006 – 2012
  4. Member, SOSC Board    –    2005 – 2015
  5. Member, SOSC 2010 Deanship Election Committee     –    2010
  6. Member, SOSC Result Vetting Committee     –    2011 – 2012
  7. Member, Departmental PG Committee     –    2010 – Date
  8. Member, Departmental Welfare Committee     –    2011 – 2015
  9. Member, University IPPTO Committee     –     2012 – Date
  10. Coordinator, Departmental CCE Programme     –    2012 – Date
  11. Member, CCE Board of Studies    –    2012 – Date
  12. Member, Centre for Entrepreneurship Board of Studies     –    2012 – Date
  13. Coordinator, Departmental PG Programme     –   2014 – Date
  14. Member, SOBS Board of Studies    –   2015 – Date
  15. Research Affiliate, IEH & EJ, FUTO    –   2015 – Date
  16. Member, IEH & EJ Board of Studies    –    2015 – Date
  17. Member, SOBS Research Committee    –   2016 – Date
  18. Member, Dept’l Committee on quality Control & Exam Malpractice    –   2016 – date.                     
  19. Chairman, Dept’l Committee on Preparation of Self Study Form   –   2016
  20. Chairman, Dept’l Committee on Drafting of PGD Program   –   2016
  21. Member, SOBS Planning Committee (Technical Committee)    –  2017
  22. Member, Departmental Committee on Result Verification     –   2017
  23. Member, SOBS Committee on linkage with Chinese Institution      –   2017
  24. Member, SOBS Committee on Deanship election    –   2018
  25. Member, SOBS Committee on Practical books & theory    –   2018
  26. Member, SOBS Committee on Quality control     –    2018 – date
  27. Member, SOBS Committee on Research   –   2018 – date
  28. Member, University investigative panel on a case of stolen items from FUTOWA female hostel under construction   –   2019
  29. Acting HOD, Biotechnology, FUTO    –     August 26 – 29, 2019
  30. Acting HOD, Biotechnology, FUTO    –    Sept. 05 – 13, 2019
  31. Rep. Dean (SOBS), SMAT Board of studies    –   2019 – date
  32. Member, SOBS Committee on internal training for Technologist    –   2020
  33. Member, SOBS Committee to proffer a way forward for Postgraduate Programme in SOBS    –   2020

 

Research and Development (R & D)

  1. Facilitator, Wastewater Management, Consultancy Services Rendered to NNPC Refinery, Eleme Port-Harcourt, 2006
  2. Guest, IBC TV Clean Talk Programme on “Sanitation in Nigeria: The Journey so Far”, Saturday, May 11, 2013: 9 – 10 am
  3. Guest, IBC TV Clean Talk Programme on “Air Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control”, Saturday, June 22, 2013: 9 – 10 am.
  4. Facilitator, Training and Research Development for Youths in Imo State (Part I) @ CES, FUTO, January 28 – 31, 2014.
  5. Facilitator, Training and Research Development for Youths in Imo State (Part II) @ CES, FUTO, June 3, 2015

Research Interest

Environmental Biotechnology, Environmental Microbiology, Environmental Health and Toxicology.

Publications

Journal Articles

  1. Okereke, J. N. and Ginikanwa, R. C. (2020). Environmental Impact of Palm Oil Mill Effluent and its Management through Biotechnological Approaches, International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences, 7(7): 117 – 127.
  2. Okereke, J. N. Dike Ijere, N. Ukaoma, A.A. and Ezejiofor, T.I.N (2020). Genotoxicity of Hairdressing Salon Effluent Using Allium cepa, World Journal of Innovative Research, 9(1): 06 – 12.
  3. Obasi, K.O., Iwok, E.S., Udebuani, A.C. and Okereke, J.N. (2020). Assessment of Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene,  Xylene in Water and Sediments from Itu, Ibeno and Ibaka River Estuary of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Research, 9(4): 1352 – 1362.
  4. Okereke, J.N., Nduka, J.N., Ukaoma, A.A. and Ogidi, I.O. (2020). Level of Heavy Metals in Cassava (Manihot easculenta Crantz) Harvested from Farmlands along Highways in Parts of Owerri, Nigeria. Turkish Journal of Agriculture – Food Science and Technology, 8(4): 800 – 806.
  5. Akujobi, C.O., Anuforo, H.U., Okereke, J.N., Ibeh, C. and Agbo, C.J. (2020). Parametric Optimization of Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Mangifera indica and Prunus dulcis Extracts and Their Antibacterial Activity. Analele Universitatii dii Oradea, Fasicula Biologie, XXVII (I): 21 – 26.
  6. Obinwanne, C.C., Okereke, J.N., Udebuani, A.C., Ozoh, P.T.E., Alisi, C.S. and Opara, F.N. (2019). Some Physico-chemical and Microbial Properties of Akpou-Ga Nike Spring Water near Asphalt Industry, Enugu, South-eastern Nigeria.  Futo Journal Series (FUTOJNLS), 5(2): 201 – 211.
  7. Obinwanne, C.C., Okereke, J.N., Udebuani, A.C., Ozoh, P.T.E., Alisi, C.S. and Opara, F.N. (2019). Some Occupational and Ecotoxicological Hazards Associated with Air Quality in Road Construction Industry, Owerri South-eastern Nigeria.  Futo Journal Series (FUTOJNLS), 5(2): 174 – 200.
  8. Ogidi, O.I., Okereke, J.N. and Anyalogbu, E.A. (2019). Potentials of Consortium of Banana, Orange and Potato Peels as Bio-sorbents in the Purification of Paint Industrial Wastewater.  Elixir Bio-Technology (Elixir International Journal), 133(2019): 53979 – 53987.
  9. Okereke, J.N. and Iloegbunam, C.A. (2019). Removal of Phenol and Selected Anions from Refinery Wastewater Using Activated Carbon from Selected Agrowastes.  World Journal of Innovative Research, 7(5): 19 – 25.
  10. Ogidi, O.I., Okereke, J.N. and Anyalogbu, E.A. (2019). Effectiveness of Composites of Corn Cobs, Coconut Husks and Breadfruit Peels in Purifying Selected Paint Effluents. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation, VI(X): 236 – 248.
  11. Nduka, C.A., Okereke, J.N. and Chukwudi, P. (2019). Assessment of Sullage Chemical Properties Treated with Activated Carbon from Selected Agro-wastes. Elixir Bio-Technology (Elixir International Journal), 133(2019): 53520 – 53523.
  12. Okereke, J.N., Nduka, C.A. and Chukwudi, P. (2019). Removal of Heavy Metals from Sullage using Activated Carbon Prepared from Agricultural Wastes. Futo Journal Series (FUTOJNLS), 5(1): 219 – 227.
  13. Okereke, J.N., Nduka, J.N., Ukaoma, A.A. and Ogidi, I.O. (2019). Level of Heavy Metals in Soil Samples from Farmlands along Highways in Parts of Owerri, Nigeria. World Journal of Innovative Research, 7(1): 01 – 07.
  14. Obinwanne, C. O., Ozoh, P.T.E., Opara, F.N., Okereke, J.N. and Udebuani, A.C. (2018). Occupational and Ecotoxicological Hazards Associated with Ishiagu Quarry Industry in South-eastern Nigeria. International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 7(7): 295 – 302.
  15. Okereke, J. N., Ogidi, O. I. and Anyalogbu, E. A. (2017). Kinetic Models Associated with Microbial and Bio-sorbent treatment of Effluent – Review. Proceedings of 23rd Annual Conference & Workshop, Foundation for African Development through International Biotechnology (FADIB), FUTO, 6th – 9th August 2017, pp 12 – 22.
  16. Nwigwe, V., Okereke, J. N. and Nwigwe, H. C. (2017). The Use of Microbial Fuel Cell Technology in the Treatment of Poultry Wastewater. Proceedings of 23rd Annual Conference & Workshop, Foundation for African Development through International Biotechnology (FADIB), FUTO, 6th – 9th August 2017, pp 63 – 71.
  17. Okereke, J.N., Udebuani, A.C., Ukaoma, A.A., Obasi, K.O., Ogidi, O.I. and Onyekachi, U.C. (2016). Performance of Zea mays on oil Contaminated with Petroleum (Oily) Waste. International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 3(100): 159 – 166
  18. Okereke, J.N., Ogidi, I.O.and Obasi, K.O. (2016). Biosorption of Cd and Pb in Textile Effluent Using Musa sapientum (Banana) Peels, The International Journal of Science and Technoledge, 3(8):31 – 37.
  19. Okereke, J.N., Ogidi, I.O. and Obasi, K.O. (2016). Removal of Inorganic Anions in Brewery Effluent using Banana Peels,  International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences, 3(6): 192 – 197.
  20. Okereke, J.N., Ogidi, I.O. and Obasi, K.O. (2016). Environmental and Health Impact of Industrial Wastewater Effluents in Nigeria – A review, International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences, 3(6): 55 – 67.
  21. Kalu O. Obasi, Emeahara, U.V., Okereke, J.N, Udebuani, A.C. and Oparaigbo, M.I. (2016). The Antimicrobial effects of Local spices: Onions (Allium cepa), Garlic (Allium sativum), Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) and Pepper (Piper guineense) on selected pathogenic Bacteria and fungus. The International Journal of Science &Technoledge 4(2): 84 – 96.
  22. Ezeji, E. U., Udebuani, A. C., Okereke, J. N., Anyadoh-Nwadike, S., Onwurah. N. Eand Obasi K. O.(2016). Effect of Dichlorvos on Reproductive Performance of Laying Hens. Journal of. Environmental  Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, 8(4):34-37
  23. Ezeji, E.U., Ogueri, D.O., Udebuani, A.C., Okereke, J.N. and Obasi, K.O. (2015). Effect of Dichlorvos on the Fertility of Adult Albino Rats. Nature and Science, 13(12): 1 – 5.
  24. Udebuani, A. C., Obasi, K. O., Ezeji, E. U., Okereke, J. N., Anyadoh, S. O., Dike-Ndudim, J. N. and Enekwu, E. C. (2015). Effects of Anthropogenic Activities on Soil Carbon Storage and Compactness in Coastal Plain Soil of Tropical Urban Area, International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 6(11): 1436 – 1448.
  25. Okereke, J.N., Obasi, K.O., Anyadoh-Nwadike, S.O., Ezeji, E.U. and Udebuani, A.C. (2015). Geo-helminths Associated with Pupils in Selected Primary Schools in Oyi, Anambra State, Science Journal of Public Health Special Issue: Who is Afraid of Microbes, 3(5 – 1): 45 – 50.
  26. Okereke, J.N., Obasi, K.O., Ezeji, E.U., Udebuani, A.C. and Nnoli, M.C. (2015). Possible Health Implications Associated with Cosmetics: A Review, Science Journal of Public Health, Special Issue: Who is Afraid of Microbes 3(5 – 1): 58 – 63.
  27. Anyadoh-Nwadike, S. O., Okereke, J. N., Odah, R., Obijekwu, O., Okorondu, S. I. and Obasi, K. O. (2015). Bacteriological Quality of Water Contaminated with Faecal Waste from Livestock, Science Journal of Public Health, special Issue: Who is Afraid of Microbes 3(5 – 1): 29 – 33.
  28. Okereke, J.N., Okanume, J.N. and Okereke, C.B.N. (2015). Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Assessment of Oyibo River in Ehime Mbano, Imo State. International Journal of Advanced Research in Biological Sciences, 2(1): 78 – 83.
  29. Kalu, O. Obasi, Enemchukwu, S., Okereke, J.N., Ezeji, E.U. and Oparaigbo, M.I. (2015). Analysis of Heavy Metals Concentration in Prawn (Macrobachium spp) Harvested from Gberikoko River in Sapele Delta State, Nigeria, The International Journal of Science and Technoledge, 3(8): 285 – 288.
  30. Kalu, O. Obasi, K. Chinedu, Udebuani, A.C., Okereke, J.N., Ezeji, E.U. and Anyadoh, O. S. (2015). Studies on Concentrations of Selected Heavy Metals: Cadmium. Lead, Arsenic and Mercury in the Soft Tissue of Periwinkle (Tympanotonos fuscutusVar. Radula) Harvested from Bran Island River, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, International Journal of Science and Technology,   4(10): 451 – 457.
  31. K.O. Obasi. K. Chinedu, Okereke, J.N., Udebuani, A.C., Ezeji, E.U. and Anyadoh S.N. (2015). Concentrations of Cadmium, Arsenic and Mercury in the Soft Tissue of Periwinkle (TympanotonosfuscutusVar. Radula) in Eagle Island River, Rivers State, Nigeria, 4(10): 474 – 478.
  32. Udensi, J.U., Iwuala, M.O.E., Nwigwe, H.C., Onyedineke, N.E., Okereke, J.N. and Mgbemena, I.C. (2014). Studies of the Recovery Potentials of a Disturbed Aquatic Ecosystem: Focus on pre-and post-dredging Analysis of Nworie River, Owerri Imo State, Nigeria, International Journal for Health & Human Development, 15(1): 42 – 49.
  33. J.N. Okereke, A.A. Nwachukwu, A.A. Ukaoma and A.I. Udeaja (2014). Evaluation of Heavy Metals in Soils and Fertilizers Commonly Applied on Agricultural Lands in Idemili, Anambra State, Nigeria, Int’l Journal for Environmental Health and Human Development, 15(2): 12 – 17.
  34. J.N. Okereke, O.I. Ogidi and A.A. Nwachukwu (2014). Environmental Challenges Associated with Spillage and Gas Flaring in Nigeria: A Review,      Int’l Journal for Environmental Health and Human Development, 15(2): 1 – 11.
  35. Ogbulie, T.E., Okereke, J.N. and Chinakwe, E.C. (2013). Phytostimulation of Soil Differentially Contaminated with Crude oil, using Vujnau nguiculata, International Journal for Environmental Health & Human Development,             14(2): 31 – 41
  36. Okereke, J.N., Nnoli, M.C., Okereke, C.B.N. and Ahumibe, N.C. (2013). The efficiency of Water Purifying Devices used in Homes and Industries, Journal of Research in Ecology, 2(2): 108 – 114.
  37. Okereke, J.N., Okereke, C.B.N., Obasi, K.O., and Nnoli, M.C. (2013).A Survey on the Distribution and Prevalence of Water-related Diseases in Owerri from 2005 – 2008, Int. J. Biotechnol. and Allied Sci., 8(1): 1024 – 1030.
  38. Okereke, J.N., Obasi, K.O., Udensi, J.U. and Ahumibe, N.C.(2013).Studies on the Effects of Burnt Naira Ash on Soil Properties, Natural Products Research Bulletin, 1(2): 034 – 040.
  39. Okereke, J.N., Nnoli, M.C. and Okechukwu, R. I. (2012). Effect of Different Concentrations of Sucrose on Microtuberization of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas), Int’l Journal for Environmental Health & Human Development, 13(1): 59 – 64.
  40. Okechukwu, R.I., Okereke, J.N., Ezejiofor, T.I.N., Obasi, K.O. and Ebere, G.O. (2011). Relationship between malaria vector densities in artificial container habitats, land-use changes and temperature, Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, 32(2): 283 – 286.
  41. Okereke, J.N., Nwigwe, H.C. and Iwuala, M.O.E. (2011). Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in some Parts of Imo State, Nigeria,  Int’l Journal for Environmental Health & Human  Development, 11(1): 10 – 14
  42. Okechukwu, R.I., Okereke, J.N., Onyedineke, N.E. and Obi, R.K. (2011). Microbial and Nutritional Qualities of Mushroom, Asian Journal of Exp. Biol. 2(4): 746 – 749.
  43. Okechukwu, R.I., Ogukwe, C.E., Okereke, J.N. and Njoku, M.E.(2011). Production and Characteristics of Biodiesel from Jatropha Curcas Seeds, Int’l Journal of Biotech. And Biochemistry, 7(3): 405 – 410
  44. R. I. Okecchukwu, J. N. Okereke and T. I. N. Ezejiofor (2010). Microbial Contamination of Expired and Unexpired Orange and Pineapple Juices Sold in Owerri Municipality, Imo State Nigeria, International Journal of Environmental Health & Human Development, 11(1): 28 – 32.
  45. Okereke, J.N. and Nnoli, M.C. (2010). The concentration of Heavy Metals in Some Important Rivers of Owerri Zone, Imo State, Nigeria. Int’l Journal of Agric. And Food Systems, 4(4): 310 – 31
  46. Okereke, J.N. and Onyeneto, T.C. (2010).  Bacteriological Assessment of Packaged Fruit Juices Consumed in Some Parts of Anambra, Nigeria, Int’l Journal of Biotech. And Allied Sciences, 5(2): 714 – 717
  47. Okereke, J.N., Okeke, O.A. and Okechukwu, R.I. (2010). Comparative Evaluation of ethanol Production from Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas) and Maize (Zea mays), Int’l Journal of Biotech. And Allied Sciences, 5(2): 714 – 717
  48. Okereke, J.N. and Nnoli, M.C. (2010). Nature, Distribution and usage of Available Water Sources in Imo State, Int’l Journal of Biotech. and Allied Sciences, 5(1): 650 – 654
  49. Okechukwu, R.I., Nwoke, B.E.B., Opara, F.N. and Okereke, J.N. (2009). Anti-fungal Potential of Herbal Remedies Used in the Treatment of Dermatophytosis in Imo State, Nigeria,  Int’l Journal of Nat. & Applied Sciences, 5(2): 164 – 166
  50. Okereke, J.N., Nnoli, M.C. Obasi, K.O. and Ukaegbu, P.C. (2007). Genetically Engineered Food Crops: Prospects and Problems – A Review, Int’l Journal of Biotech and Allied Sciences 2(3): 261 – 265
  51. Obiekezie, S.O., Okereke, J.N. and Obasi, K.O. (2007). Estimation of Vitamin Content of Local Mango Fruit Stored Under Different Temperatures, Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology, 14(2): 7317 – 7324
  52. Okereke, J.N., Obiekezie, S.O. and Obasi, K.O. (2007).  Microbial Flora of Oil-Spilled Sites in Egbema, Imo State, Nigeria, African Journal of Biotechnology, 6(8): 991 – 993
  53. Okereke, J.N., Okechukwu, R.I., Nnoli, M.C. and Obasi, K.O. (2006). Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Quality of Rainwater in Egbema, Imo State, Nigeria, Int’l Journal of Nat. and Applied Sciences, 2(4): 372 – 376
  54. Okereke, J.N., Obasi, K. O., Obiekezie, S.O. and Okechukwu, R.I. (2006). Bacterial Quality of Rainwater in Selected Communities in Imo State, Nigeria, Estud. Biologie, 28(63): 51 – 59
  55. Obiekezie, S.O., Okereke, J.N., Anyalogbu, E.A., Okorondu, S.I. and Ezejiofor, T.I.N. (2006). Underground water Quality of Rock Mining in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Estud Biologie, 28(63): 61 – 67
  56. Obiekezie, S.O., Abara, P.N., Okereke, J.N. and Ifeanyi, V.I. (2006).  Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Evaluation of Underground Water in Enugu Metropolis Southeast, Nigeria,  Int’l Journal of Applied Sciences, 2(3): 240 – 245
  57. Nwaugo, V.O., Obiekezie, S.O., Onyeagba, R.A., Okereke, J.N., Anyalogbu, E.A. and Udebuani, A.C. (2006). Physico-chemical investigation of Amicol Lake in Ivo Areas of Ebonyi State, World Journal of Biotechnology, 7: 1055 – 1061
  58. Obasi, K.O., Udebuani, A.C. and Okereke, J.N. (2006). The Study on the Relationship Between the Chemical Oxygen Demand and the Total Aerobic Fungi and Bacteria in Aba River, Abia State,  Journal of Research in Bioscience, 2(1): 23 – 25

 

Chapters in Books

  1. Okereke, J.N. (2013). Microscopy: Preparation of Slides for Microscopy: In Research Techniques in Biological and Agricultural Science, WEBSmedia communications Ltd., Owerri, pp 1 – 27
  2. Okereke, J. N. (2013).Taxonomy of Plants and Animals: In Foundation Biology for University Students II, Applause multi-sector Ltd., Owerri, pp 58 – 75
  3. Okereke, J. N. (2012). Biological Interactions (Plant and Animal Interactions): In Foundation Biology for University Students I, Applause Multi-sectors Ltd., Owerri, pp 186 – 198.
  4. Okereke, J. N. (2010). Man and His Environment: In Undergraduate Biology, Readon Publishers Ltd., Owerri, pp 130 – 136

Technical Reports

  1. Physical Characteristics of Off-colour in Fanta Chapman: A Report Submitted to Nigerian Bottling Company, Kaduna on Quality Challenges Associated with the Product in 1994 – 1995.
  2. Evaluation of the Use of CO2 in Lieu of Water During Shutdown: A Report Submitted to Nigerian Bottling Company, Kaduna in 1995.