Browsing by Author "Covenant University Thesis"

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A POSTCOLONIAL EXPLORATION OF JAPA IN SELECTED NOLLYWOOD FILMS
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-03) GOODMAN FANCY RERELOLUWA; Covenant University Thesis
Given the escalating rate of emigration in Nigeria, this study critically analyses four Nollywood films: Arie and Chuko Esiri’s Eyimofe (2020), Dika Ofoma’s A Japa Tale (2023), Tola Olatunji’s Kanaani (2023), and Kunle Afolayan’s Ijogbon (2023). Employing a qualitative approach and the post-colonial theoretical framework, the analysis explores the depiction of the complex interplay between emigration and the postcolonial theory in the selected Nollywood films. These films serve as cultural commentaries on the lived experiences of Nigerian youths. By situating these cinematic representations within the broader context of post-colonial discourse, the study uncovers the nuances of Nigerian youths’ longing for Western life, as portrayed by contemporary Nollywood filmmakers. This study applies a descriptive research design employing qualitative data collection and analysis, with the four films serving as the primary data sources. It fills a scholarly gap by doing a literary x-ray of the selected Nollywood films, comprehensively analysing them and highlighting their approaches to emigration narratives. In addition to redefining japa, the study analyses how japa is reflected in the films, uncovering the nuances of Nigerian youths’ longing for the European life, portrayed by contemporary Nollywood filmmakers. The conclusions drawn underscore that Nollywood filmmakers are not only storytellers but also social critics, adept at articulating the motivations that fuel emigration among Nigerian youths. The conclusion of the study also highlights the relationship between hybridity, mimicry, third space of enunciation and ambivalence, offering a profound understanding of the motivations behind japa and its consequences.
AN OPTIMIZED DEEP-FOREST MODEL USING A MODIFIED DIFFERENTIAL EVOLUTION OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM: A CASE OF HOST-PATHOGEN PROTEIN-PROTEIN INTERACTION PREDICTION
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) EMMANUEL JERRY DAUDA; Covenant University Thesis
Deep forest is an advanced ensemble learning technique that employs forest structures within a cascade framework, leveraging deep architectures to enhance predictive performance by adaptively capturing high-level feature representations. Despite its promise, deep forest models often face critical challenges, including manual hyperparameter optimization and inefficiencies in computational time and memory usage. To address these limitations, Bayesian optimization, a prominent model-based hyperparameter optimization method, is frequently utilized, with Differential Evolution (DE) serving as the acquisition function in recent implementations. However, DE's reliance on random index selection for constructing donor vectors introduces inefficiencies, as suboptimal or redundant indices may hinder the search for optimal solutions. This study introduces an optimized deep forest algorithm that integrates a modified DE acquisition function into Bayesian optimization to improve host-pathogen protein-protein interaction (HPPPI) prediction. The modified DE approach incorporates a weighted and adaptive donor vector selection mechanism, enhancing the exploration and exploitation of hyperparameter configurations. Performance evaluations using 10-fold cross-validation on human–Plasmodium falciparum (PF) protein sequence datasets sourced from reputable databases demonstrated the model's superiority over traditional Bayesian optimization, genetic algorithms, evolutionary strategies, and conventional machine learning models. The optimized framework achieved an accuracy of 89.3%, sensitivity of 85.4%, precision of 91.6%, and Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUROC) of 89.1%, surpassing existing methods. Additionally, the model exhibited reduced computational time and memory usage. The optimized DF was deployed as a web-based pipeline, DFH3PI (Deep Forest Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interaction Prediction), which successfully identified three potential human–PF PPIs previously classified as non-interacting: P50250–P08319, Q8ILI6–O94813, and Q7KQL3–Q96GQ7. These findings not only present the potential of DFH3PI for advancing HPPPI prediction but also establish the optimized deep forest framework as a transformative tool in computational biology. Its ability to combine accuracy and efficiency marks a significant step forward in predictive modeling.
EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT ON CUSTOMER SATISFACTION. A STUDY OF COCA-COLA PLC, LAGOS STATE
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-03) BABALOLA OMONIYI SAMUEL; Covenant University Thesis
This study investigates the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) on customer satisfaction within the Nigerian soft drink production sector, focusing on Coca-Cola Plc in Lagos State. The research assesses how TQM practices influence product quality consistency, customer perceptions of value for money, employee performance, and overall organizational success. Using a descriptive research design, quantitative data were collected through surveys from employees, consumers, suppliers, and distributors. Findings reveal that continuous improvement initiatives significantly enhance product quality and consistency, leading to higher customer satisfaction. TQM practices positively influence pricing strategies and production efficiency, improving customer perceptions of value for money. The study also highlights the critical role of employee training and development in enhancing customer service interactions, correlating with increased satisfaction levels. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of a customer-centric culture and the strategic use of technology and innovation in fostering long-term customer loyalty and organizational success. Despite limitations such as the geographical focus on Lagos State alone and reliance on self-reported data, the study provides robust evidence supporting the effectiveness of TQM in the Nigerian soft drink industry. The research offers actionable recommendations for industry practitioners, including strengthening continuous improvement processes, enhancing employee training, improving customer feedback mechanisms, fostering supplier and distributor collaboration, leveraging technology, and promoting a customer-centric culture. The study concludes that adopting and continuously refining TQM practices can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and provide a competitive advantage in the Nigerian soft drink production sector.
EVALUATION OF COST REDUCTION TECHNIQUES ON PUBLIC TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-03) AKINOLA GBEMISOLA AJOKE; Covenant University Thesis
MOLECULAR DOCKING, LIGAND QUALITY AND ANTIPLASMODIAL EVALUATION OF BENZAMIDE, COUMARIN AND BENZODIAZEPINE ANALOGS
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) ADEBAYO GLORY PIPELOLUWA; Covenant University Thesis
Malaria chemotherapy is an essential strategy for malaria elimination but resistance has challenged existing antimalarials, including frontline artemisinin combination therapy (ACT); hence, new antimalarial drugs must be discovered and developed. This study investigated the antiplasmodial efficacy and cytotoxicity through in vitro models while also testing the antiplasmodial efficacy, and the in vivo acute toxicity of benzamide, coumarin and benzodiazepine analogss. This study also evaluated the ligand quality of the molecules and their possible Plasmodium falciparum protein targets. Three molecules, 4- amino-N-hydroxybenzamide (AHB), ethyl 2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxylate (ECC), and 2,2,4-trimethyl-2-3-dihyro-1H-benzo[b][1,4] diazepine (BDZ) were screened for their in vitro antiplasmodial activities tested against P. falciparum 3D7 standard strain using the SYBR Green Dye I measuring IC50 and their cytotoxicities against MCF-7 breast cancer cells using the [3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) assay. Their antiplasmodial efficacies were determined using Peter’s 4-day suppressive test against Plasmodium berghei in M. musculus while acute toxicities were investigated in the Mus musculus (mice). Ligand qualities were determined using ligand efficiency metrics, and molecular docking was conducted to determine the ligand interactions between ECC and the following enzymatic proteins, P. falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHOH) and P. falciparum purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PfPNP); and the molecular interaction between BDZ and PfDXR - Plasmodium falciparum 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase, P. falciparum falcipain-2 and P. falciparum plasmepsin X (PfPMX). AHB showed no cytotoxicity against MCF-7 at (CC50) = 277.7 μM, while ECC showed inhibition with CC50= 3.930 μM, and BDZ showed no cytotoxicity CC50= 7373 μM. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity showed potency at (AHB)IC50 = 0.0020 ± 0.008 μM, (ECC) IC50= 0.0010 ± 0.002 μM, (BDZ) IC50= 0.0036 ± 0.003 μM respectively. BDZ showed the highest selectivity index at > 200,000, suggesting that it exhibited the best safety/efficacy among the three compounds. AHB displayed LD50 = >5000 mg/kg while ECC and BDZ displayed LD50 = 3162.28 mg/kg. Histopathological examinations showed non-toxicity by the three analogs on the liver and kidney of M. musculus. The percentage suppression of AHB (80.53 ± 3.26 %) at 400 mg/kg, was comparable to the standard chloroquine (81.71 ± 1.82 %) at 100 mg/kg where the mean survival time for both exceeded 30 days. ECC and BDZ showed excellent efficacies (70.98 ± 20.89 % and 83.66 ± 11.67 %) at 200 mg/kg, comparable to chloroquine 80.97 ± 5.82 %. The chemosuppression values for AHB and BDZ were significant at P value < 0.05. The ligand quality of ECC and BDZ displayed good Ligand Efficiency compared to chloroquine and artemisinin and higher enzyme affinities, and ligand efficiency dependent lipophilicity than the standard drugs. ECC and BDZ displayed good characteristics. The docking studies displayed strong hydrophobic interactions between ECC, PfDHODH, and PfPNP, suggesting good potency. BDZ’s binding with PfDXR, Pffalcipain-2, and PfPMX also displayed potency derived from hydrophobic and hydrogen interactions. Conclusively, this study showed AHB, ECC and BDZ were non-toxic to mammalian cells rodents’ liver and kidneys. These molecules exhibited good antiplasmodial inhibitory potential against both P. falciparum in vitro and P. berghei in vivo. ECC and BDZ displayed high ligand efficiency and strong molecular interactions with their protein targets. Therefore, all three analogs can be moved for further optimization in drug development.
STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE AND POLICY OUTCOMES OF ENROLLED JUNIOR OFFICERS IN LAGOS STATE HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) DELE-DADA MOYOSOLUWA PRISCILIA; Covenant University Thesis
With the increasing recognition and importance of health for both human welfare and economic progress on a global scale, nations are progressively reinforcing their commitments and dedicating more resources toward initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare outcomes and societal advancement. However, in Nigeria, significant barriers persist for citizens in accessing quality and affordable healthcare services, despite the presence of the National Health Insurance Scheme. Decentralisation of the scheme's operationalization to the states, aimed at expediting efforts toward universal coverage in healthcare has not effectively countered disparities in healthcare, especially in Lagos State. The operationalisation of the LSHIS seems to reinforce structural violence manifested in escalating out-of-pocket costs, insurance-type discrimination, poor healthcare provision, and favoritism to individuals capable of direct payment. The study thus investigated how structural violence has impacted on the policy outcomes of the LSHIS with an interest in junior officers on grade levels 01-07 in five sampled ministries across Lagos State. To achieve the stated objective, primary data were collected using questionnaire and interviews. Data gathered were analysed using frequency, percentage, and ordinal regression. The study adopted case study research design and employed vulnerability and equity theories as its theoretical framework of analysis. The study's findings indicated that denial of quality healthcare services has negatively impacted the policy outcomes of the scheme, leading to dissatisfaction, self- medication, and increased compensation claims, among other issues. This is due to unavailable resources, significant delays in claims processing by hospitals, and some illnesses not covered by insurance. Furthermore, the study revealed that inequity adversely affects the scheme's policy outcomes, resulting in a lack of trust, accessibility problems, and instances of substandard care. These issues stem from challenges in the reimbursement process, the nature of patients' illnesses, and resource availability. Additionally, the study found that discrimination negatively impacts the scheme's policy outcomes, causing delays in receiving timely care, hesitation in seeking medical attention, and a general sense of reluctance among enrollees. This persistence of discrimination is due to the extensive coverage and higher costs of private insurance compared to state- provided insurance. Finally, the study showed that continuous out-of-pocket payments have led patients to forgo necessary care and not adhere to recommended treatment plans. This is because the current scope of the scheme focuses on common illnesses, and there is a lack of certain medicines in hospital inventories. The study, therefore, recommended expanding the coverage of the health insurance scheme to include a wider range of medical conditions to meet all essential healthcare needs. Also, there should be a feedback mechanism to allow patients to report any bad performance by the healthcare providers. The study concluded that implementing incentive programmes, such as performance- based bonuses and flexible working hours, for healthcare providers within the scheme will enhance quality service delivery, adherence to standards, and patient satisfaction.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, INDUSTRIAL ADAPTABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE OF SMEs IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
(Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) KEHINDE SEGUN ISAAC; Covenant University Thesis
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tackle various obstacles when they attempt to achieve sustainable performance objectives. An exploration took place to study the sustainable behavior of South-west Nigerian SMEs together with their technological innovation capacity and industrial adaptability practices. The research utilized SPSS quantitative analysis together with SMART-PLS SEM to perform Structural Equation Modeling along with thematic analysis as part of a mixed-methods design to study SME sustainability factors. The research seeks to analyze how incremental innovation together with technology adoption and innovative culture and product innovation and process innovation impact the sustainable performance of Southwest Nigerian SMEs. SME owners and managers received 384 questionnaires which resulted in 351 valid responses. Different forms of innovation together with industrial adaptability demonstrate a vital function in determining sustainable performance of SMEs throughout the targeted region. Results demonstrate that incremental innovation plays a major role in strengthening sustainable performance levels of SMEs operating in Southwest Nigeria. SMEs achieve superior efficiency while becoming more competitive through their continuous practice of making small incremental improvements and adopting adaptations. Technology adoption plays a vital role in sustainable performance since it demonstrates that businesses need to embrace technological developments for sustainable growth and development. The promotion of innovative environments within SMEs produces major enhancement effects on sustainable performance measurements. A welcoming and experimental company atmosphere boosts both gradual and revolutionary innovation practices that lead to enduring achievements. The research findings show that product and process innovation deliver positive outcomes for sustainable performance because organizations should invest in new product creation and operational advancement. Industrial adaptability functions as a moderator that affects how technological innovation leads to sustainable performance outcomes. Flexible and responsive behavior of SMEs toward industrial changes plays a critical role in enhancing technological innovation effectiveness toward sustainable business growth. The relationships between innovation and SME performance and adaptability are explained by three theoretical constructs: Dynamic Capabilities Theory, Resource-Based View Theory and Absorptive Capacities Theory. Each framework shows SMEs how they should use their internal resources and external knowledge elements to maintain a path of sustainable growth. The study offers important findings which benefit Southwest Nigeria policymakers and both business leaders and stakeholders working in the region. Knowledge of technological innovation combined with industrial adaptability and small business performance will enable stakeholders to create powerful strategies that fuel SME development within the region to build economic sustainability. This research adds new empirical and theoretical information about factors impacting sustainable small and medium enterprise performance within Southwest Nigerian markets. The combination of innovation and technological adoption with adaptability capabilities enables SMEs to reach enduring success which benefiting the regional economic growth.