Few months ago, we launched the inaugural Caroline Odunola Fellowship Scheme. Applications were then invited from doctoral researchers currently registered for PhD programmes in a Nigerian university into a training and mentoring scheme aimed at supporting the career aspirations of PhD researchers in various disciplines. The scheme also includes a modest funding support of N20,000 for successful applicants. We received more than 100 applications, but were only able to award six fellowships for this year’s cohort. We hope to be able to offer more in the future. In the meantime, we are pleased to announce the followings as 2019/2020 fellows:
1.Tolulope Grace Ogundipe, University of Ibadan Nigeria (Animal Science).
PhD Title: Effect of Aframomum melegueta (Grain of paradise) on lipid profile, blood composition, internal and external characteristics of eggs of cortunix japonica (quail birds)
Synopsis: Grain of paradise contains phytochemicals which have different function ranging from bactericidal properties and anti cholesterol, it can also be used phytobiotic, plant based antibiotic which will reduce the use of raising poultry birds on antibiotics that contain several chemicals which at the long run may result in resistance of disease on the birds and also carcinogenic effect on the final consumers of such animal and its products. Grain of paradise will be purchased from local market and air dried before blending, day old quails will be sourced from reputable hatcheries in Ibadan. The blended Grain of paradise will be added at different graded levels in their feeds. The effect will be tested on the blood of the birds which will help improve animal welfare and also the eggs , in terms of effect on size, colour, and the internal composition of the egg to include lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides.
2. Sarah Adeola Ajayi, University of Ibadan, Nigeria (Civil Engineering)
PhD Title: Structural Characteristics of Compressed Earth Blocks Stabilized with Cement and Palm Kernel Shell Ash Compositions.
Synopsis: This research aims to replace cement as a stabilizer of Compressed Earth Blocks through a renewable resource. This aim will be achieved through the production of cheap, yet durable locally available building materials.
3. Omotayo Ayodeji Oladebo, University of Ibadan Nigeria (Philosophy)
PhD Title: On Transgenerational Community as Motivation for Engaging in Climate Justice Issues
Synopsis: The aim of this work is to articulate a plausible defence of the grounds of obligation to future generations. The defence I hope to put forward is framed with reference to ‘the transgenerational community.’ The concept of a transgenerational community was first employed by Avner de-Shalit. From the point of view of my project, this narrow idea is the bane of the discourse on future generations. Now, I understand a ‘transgenerational community’ to mean a collective of future, present and past humans, non-human animals and ‘inanimate.’ The idea here is premised on an ‘African metaphysics of community.’ The chief merit of the work is that it elevates humans to a higher realm of moral and spiritual consciousness. Even if human beings cannot extricate themselves from anthropocentric dispositions, they would at least enhance theirs and future human generations’ existential conditions if they bore in mind the close-knit relationship between themselves and all members of their ‘community;’ hence, their obligations to all these. Such a speculative exercise will, I think, overcome the major, if not all, challenges posed by the idea of ‘future generations as right holders.’ Ultimately, I think, it will constitute a strong motivation for engaging with climate justice issues.
4. Amidu Abiola Oluokun, Umaru Yar Adua University, Katsina, Katsina State Nigeria (Mathematics)
PhD Title: Study of fluid flow through parallel-plate channels partially filled with constant and variable porous material having immicible fluids.
Synopsis: The phenomena of fluid flow through channel partially filled with porous material occurs in various scientific and industrial applications like crude oil extraction, chemical catalytic converters, thermal installation, buried cable, geothermal installation, geothermal energy, nuclear cooling system, food industry, exploration of urainum ore, electronic cooling, and nuclear waste disposal, gasification of coal, filtration, drying, and chromatography and many other biological, chemical engineering and environmental applications. The literature survey on the related works revealed that Abu Zaytoon et at (2017) presented fluid flow through a variable permeability Brinkman porous layer with quadratic permeability function in composite channel. Verma et al (2018) also presented flow through composite porous cylindrical channel. The porous channel presented consisted of two cases of permeability variations; linear and quadratic variation. Jha et al (2018) presented analytical solutions to mixed convection flow in annulus partially filled with porous material and investigated the effect of physical parameter on the flow reversal at the onset of the flow. In this research the study of fluid flow through parallel-plate channels partially filled with constant and variable porous material having immiscible fluids is to be considered. The momentum transfer in the channels, the effects of some characteristic parameters on the behaviour are to be analyzed and solve the resulting equations analytically.
5. Ibrahim Oluwajoba Adisa, University of Ibadan Nigeria (Education)
PhD Title: Enhancing Students’ Learning Outcomes Through Metacognitive Strategies in a Game-Based Learning Environment.
Synopsis: The process of teaching and learning is an intriguing process that fosters the acquisition, sharing and creation of knowledge among learners, teachers and other instructional stakeholders. Although the acquisition of knowledge is important, it is however not sufficient to promote meaningful learning which involves the transfer of knowledge, requiring learners not only to remember what they learned but also to provide solutions to new problems. Consequently, new trends in teaching and learning are beginning to advocate a more active and learner-centered instructional process such as the use of games (game-based learning) as potential viable tools for enhancing students’ learning experience and outcomes. The promise of using these strategies is that play, fun and learning would occur simultaneously in order to create a charged social environment that would stimulate and motivate learners into having a better learning experience. This study therefore seeks to develop a game-based learning environment and 3 modes of metacognitive strategies to enhance students’ learning outcomes (Problem-solving skills, Attitude, Motivation and Achievement) in physics using the Design Based Research (DBR) design. The moderating effect of students’ locus of control will also be determined. Flavell’s theory of metacognition and Vygotsky’s Socio-constructivist theory would provide the framework of the study.
6. Stephen Oyebode Oyetoro, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife Nigeria (Education).
PhD Title: Assessment of the implementation of Entrepreneurship Education Programme in Secondary Schools in Nigeria.
Synopsis: The study seeks to assess the implementation of Entrepreneurship Education (EE) policies and programmes in upper secondary schools in Nigeria. It specifically seeks to determine the framework for the implementation of EE in Nigeria vis-à-vis best practices as outlined by international bodies and agencies, determine the instructional time for EE in Nigeria, determine the quantity and quality of resources for implementing EE and assess the challenges of EE implementation at this level of education. The study will utilize both quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques. The findings of the study are expected to be beneficial to policy makers and stakeholders in the field of EE in Nigeria.
