Tai Solarin University of Education

<title>Abstract</title> This study combines micro-level built-up landuse typologies with geospatial analytics to assess urban morphology, functional heterogeneity, and planning conformity in Ile-Ife. Built-ups in the 21 political wards of the study area were disaggregated into six categories (residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, mixed-use, and recreation) using an object-based image analysis (OBIA) approach applied to high-resolution IKONOS imagery. Spatial landscape metrics (e.g., patch density (PD), edge density (ED), Shannon’s diversity index (SDI), aggregation index (AI), and Global Moran’s I) were used to assess fragmentation, heterogeneity, and spatial clustering, while conformity analysis compared observed landuse distributions with national zoning standards. The results reveal significant spatial fragmentation in peripheral wards, which are expanding rapidly in area. The patch density and edge density values of most peripheral wards are relatively high, indicating sprawl and a lack of coordination in residential development. Mean Shannon’s diversity index (0.62) indicates mild to moderate diversity of landuses in Ile-Ife. Residential land use is highly concentrated having aggregation index values of more than 85%. The industrial and recreational uses are getting fragmented and dispersed, and are at a considerable distance from the populated Wards. The analysis also shows a notable positive spatial autocorrelation, indicating the presence of ward clusters that exhibit a significant result. This paper identifies severe government weakness and structural limitations of urban areas and also shows that the integration of micro-level landuse typologies with geospatial metrics can help implement an effective regulatory process for evidence-based decision-making, resilient urban development that is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11.

The sustainability of higher education institutions is critically contingent upon effective and continuous leadership, particularly within a challenging landscape of global competition and resource constraints. This study aimed to systematically review existing approaches, models, challenges, and future directions of leadership succession planning in higher education, with a focus on identifying best practices that support institutional sustainability and leadership readiness. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure transparency and methodological rigor. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025 were sourced from leading academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Out of 830 initially retrieved records, 54 studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically analyzed. The review identified four dominant leadership succession models in higher education: the talent management model, leadership pipeline model, mentoring and coaching models, and hybrid/ad hoc models. These frameworks collectively enhance leadership continuity, improve institutional governance, and sustain organizational performance. However, the study also revealed persistent challenges, including the absence of formalized succession frameworks, limited leadership development opportunities, resource constraints, and inadequate administrative commitment. Emerging practices emphasize embedding leadership development into academic career pathways, fostering diversity and inclusion in leadership pipelines, and utilizing data-driven technologies for talent management and informed decision-making. This study provides a comprehensive synthesis of leadership succession planning within higher education, presenting a holistic understanding of leadership succession dynamics. Furthermore, it proposes a roadmap for policy and practice aimed at strengthening institutional resilience and sustainability through strategic leadership development. The findings hold significant implications for policymakers, higher education administrators, and human resource professionals. By institutionalizing succession planning as a strategic priority, HEIs can ensure smooth leadership transitions, preserve institutional memory, and enhance long-term sustainability. Such initiatives can also promote inclusive leadership cultures that reflect equity, innovation, and adaptability within academic governance. Keywords: Leadership succession planning, Higher education, Institutional sustainability, Leadership continuity, PRISMA, Talent management, Governance.

Abstract Nanoemulsion systems containing phytodrugs are efficient nanocarriers that can enhance the protective and bioavailability properties of poorly aqueous-soluble phyto-entities, thus, enhancing their use as transdermal drug delivery. This paper seeks to integrate distinctly the use of diosgenin (DG) into an oil-in-water (O/W) sub-micron-sized nanoemulsion (NE)/Nanogel (NeG) system that can increase its solubility in the transdermal therapeutic applications. Diosgenin-incorporated nanoemulsion (DGNe) was developed by the low-energy phase inversion composition (LE-PIC) technique. Excipients for NE preformulations, including sesame oil (SS) and bottle gourd (BG) seed oil, were screened for solubility and emulsifying ability. Pseudo-three-phase diagrams were plotted with BG seed oil and SS (BGSS) oil mix, including Tween 80 and glycerol as surfactant/cosurfactant mix. Using the Box Behnken design, optimum responses from 13 randomized NE preformulations were determined from particle size (nm), drug release (%), viscosity (cps), and pH. A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and a Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope were used to determine the characteristic surface morphology of DGNe and DGNeG. Differential Light Scanning Calorimeter (DLS) was used to determine the particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI) of DGNe. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and DLS were used to determine the functional stability of the formulated DGNe and DGNeG. The outcome of the SEM indicated a near-spherical nanoemulsion matrix of diosgenin that was dispersed. DLS analysis revealed that the particles were between 82 -265 nm with a PDI of 0.01-0.40, and in the FT-IR technique, DGNe and DGNeG formulation were stable at day 0 and 90. It was also established that DGNe remained thermodynamically stable at 25 °C and 4 °C after 4 weeks. The viscosity result of DGNe showed that viscosity decreases with the increase in its water content. According to the in-vitro release profile, a slow release of the drug happened within 0.5 to 15 h. These results indicate a novel diosgenin-loaded nanoemulsion/nanogel system with interesting physicochemical and stability characteristics, prolonged release behavior needed for an effective transdermal delivery systems and therapeutic bioavailability of diosgenin.

Admissions into educational management programmes are critical for preparing professionals responsible for educational leadership, policy implementation, and strategic planning. In Nigeria, understanding the patterns and regional disparities in such admissions is essential to achieving equitable access and balanced development in the education sector. This study examined the annual trends and regional disparities in admissions into educational management programmes across Nigerian universities between 2017 and 2022. A longitudinal descriptive research design was used. Data were sourced from the Federal Ministry of Education's Tertiary Institutions Statistics (TIS) portal. Descriptive statistics, line graphs, pie charts, and regression analysis were employed using SPSS, Excel, and EViews software. Findings revealed fluctuating admission patterns with a peak in 2020 and a significant drop in 2021 likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also regional disparities were pronounced with the South West accounting for nearly half of the total admissions, while the North East contributed only 2%. Regression analysis showed no statistically significant increase in admissions over the six-year period. The study emphasize the need for targeted policy interventions to address regional inequities in access to educational management programmes in Nigeria. Addressing these disparities is essential to ensure a more balanced distribution of educational leadership across Nigeria. It was recommended that, the Federal Ministry of Education and the National Universities Commission (NUC) should encourage and support the establishment or expansion of educational management departments in universities located in under-represented zones particularly the North East and North West, universities should adopt inclusive admission policies that promote regional equity, and campaigns to raise awareness about the relevance of educational management as a viable career path.

Pharmaceutical residues in aquatic environments pose a growing concern, mainly driven by the increasing use of medications. This study investigated the occurrence of four pharmaceutical compounds, namely azithromycin (AZI), prednisolone (m-PRD), prednisone (PRD), and dexamethasone (DEX) in surface waters across eight different sites in the Free State Province, South Africa, during summer and winter 2024. Samples were collected from upstream, downstream, and the wastewater point of discharge at each site. Using a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric (LC-MS) method, all target analytes were detected, with DEX (41.79 µg/L) and AZI (19.32 µg/L) recording the highest mean concentrations in summer and winter, respectively. Moreover, AZI showed the highest detection frequency across all sites and seasons. Spatial variation was evident, with concentrations of analytes differing among upstream, downstream, and points of discharge, revealing the influence of wastewater input and other site-specific factors. The consistent presence of these pharmaceutical residues in surface waters pinpoints a potential risk to aquatic ecosystems and raises concerns about human health implications resulting from the long-term environmental presence of these compounds. The findings underscore significant seasonal fluctuations in pharmaceutical residue levels, highlighting potential risks to aquatic ecosystems and public health. These results call for targeted monitoring efforts and evidence-based regulatory frameworks to mitigate contamination and guide sustainable water resource management in South Africa.

Terrorism is a complex global issue that has significantly impacted the security of human life and property. This has necessitated various counter-terrorism strategies in Nigeria. However, counter- terrorism strategies that are intended to address the menace have frequently engendered some human rights abuses. Thus, this paper examined terrorism and counter-terrorism strategies in Nigeria with a view to balancing security and human rights. It made use of desk review, while the public choice theory was adopted as framework of analysis. The paper argued that terrorism in Nigeria dated back to the era of slavery, where European imperialists exploited human resources and transformed over the years with serious negative impacts. It was revealed that various counter- terrorism strategies which included the conciliatory, criminal justice and military models were adopted by country though the military model was prioritised. The paper revealed that counter- terrorism strategies adopted often infringed on citizens’ rights to life, privacy, unlawful arrest, detention and torture, personal security, freedom of association and discrimination against people arrested as suspects of terrorism charges. It concluded that security agencies during counter- terrorism operations on many occasions, end-up violating rights of the people in the country. It recommended, among others, that government should set up judicial investigation into the abuses of security forces’ counter-terrorism operations and ensure that those found guilty be punished. Also, the government should ensure that counter-terrorism strategies adhere strictly to international humanitarian law, with a view to prioritising civilian protection and human rights.

The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) chatbots in brands is growing exponentially, and higher education institutions are not unaware of how such tools effectively shape the attitudes and behavioral intentions of students. These chatbots are able to synthesize an enormous amount of data input and can create contextually aware, human-like conversational content that is not limited to simple scripted responses. This study examines the factors that determine chatbot brand trust in the adoption of GenAI in higher education. By extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with the construct of brand trust, the study introduces a novel contribution to the literature, offering fresh insights into how trust in GenAI chatbots is developed within the academic context. Using the convenience sampling technique, a sample of 609 students from public universities in North Central and Southwestern Nigeria was selected. The collected data were analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results indicated that attitudes toward chatbots determine behavioral intentions and GenAI chatbot brand trust. Surprisingly, behavioral intentions do not affect GenAI chatbot brand trust. Similarly, the perceived ease of use of chatbots does not determine behavioral intention or attitudes toward GenAI chatbot adoption but rather determines perceived usefulness. Additionally, the perceived usefulness of chatbots affects behavioral intention and attitudes toward GenAI chatbot adoption. Moreover, social influence affects behavioral intention, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness and attitudes toward GenAI chatbot adoption. The implications of the findings for higher education institutions are that homegrown GenAI chatbots that align with the principles of the institution should be developed, creating an environment that promotes a positive attitude toward these technologies. Specifically, the study recommends that policymakers and university administrators establish clear institutional guidelines for the design, deployment, and ethical use of homegrown GenAI chatbots, ensuring alignment with educational goals and safeguarding student trust.

The integration of magnetic and radiometric methods has received limited attention in mica schist terrains, despite their complementary sensitivity to lithological and geochemical variations. This study addresses this gap by jointly applying magnetic measurements and soil radiometric analyses over the mica deposit zone of Area J4, Ogun State, Nigeria. The magnetic surveys capture variations in rock magnetization, while radiometric surveys quantify radioelement concentrations (U, Th, K), and their empirical integration enables a more robust characterization of subsurface heterogeneity. The results demonstrate strong positive correlations between magnetic intensity and radioelement concentrations, with regression models confirming direct proportional relationships. This finding highlights the predictive capacity of integrated geophysical datasets, whereby one survey can be used to infer or validate anomalies detected by the other. Spatial contour mapping further delineated coincident magnetic–radiometric anomalies, strengthening the case for exploration targets associated with radioelement-rich mineralization. Beyond local outcomes, this study emphasizes the broader value of multi-method geophysics in mineral exploration. By establishing empirical relationships between datasets, interpretational ambiguities are reduced, anomaly discrimination is improved, and the efficiency of resource targeting is enhanced. Such integrative approaches are particularly relevant in complex Precambrian terrains, where single-method surveys may overlook subtle but economically significant signals. Methodological limitations include the restricted survey coverage and focus on near-surface soil samples, which may not fully represent deeper lithological variations. Conclusively, this study have demonstrates the scientific and practical relevance of integrating magnetic and radiometric methods as a predictive framework for mineral exploration and geophysical mapping.

In Epe Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria, this study examined the effects of dietary cravings and aversions on mother and fetal health during various stages of pregnancy. Three (3) research questions were raised and one (1) hypothesis formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. Two hundred and seventy pregnant women were randomly selected from General Hospitals and Primary Health care Centers in Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State. Data were collected using the “Food Cravings and Aversions During Pregnancy Stages Questionnaire (FCADPSQ)” with a reliability coefficient of 0.84. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Results revealed that 40.7% of respondents craved for pap (Ogi) to stimulate appetite; 27.8% craved rice as a staple food; 23.7% preferred soft drinks and chocolates for energy. Conversely,37.4% of the respondents had aversions to all foods due to loss of appetite, while 35.6% avoided heavy foods such as rice, beans, and yam because of vomiting and heartburn, and 23.3% avoided Eba for similar reasons. Dietary practices varied with pregnancy stages. In the first trimesters 34.8% consume mostly pap while in the second trimester 31.1% ate rice and 21.5% vegetables. By the third trimester, a more diverse diet was observed, including fried plantain and eggs (15%). The chi-square analysis result: ?2 = 14.353, p &lt; 0.05 revealed that pregnancy stage and food habits were significantly correlated. Therefore, pregnant women should be given advice on how to manage dietary changes at every trimester in order to protect the health of both the mother and the fetus.