2019 M.Eng. Federal university of Agriculture, Makurdi. Benue State, Nigeria.
2012 Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Post Graduate Diploma in Education. (2012)
1998 – 2004 University of Nigeria, Nsukka, B.Engr, Agric and Bioresources Engineering (2004)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Remediation, crop processing and storage
22
Scopus Publications
998
Scholar Citations
14
Scholar h-index
43
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Enhancing the Multifunctional Qualities of Palm Oil With Plant-Derived Essential Oils: An Integrated HPLC and RSM Approach Manal A. Almalki, H. Uguru, O. Nyorere, O. Eboibi, O. Akpomedaye, et al. Food Science and Nutrition, 2026 The major goal of this research was to develop a suitable model‐based optimization strategy that will preserve the bioengineering properties of palm oil by optimizing natural essential oils—precisely, turmeric oil (TUO), ginger oil (GO), and banana peel oil (BPO). The palm oil was blended by using a well‐structured experimental design based on optimal mixture and response surface methodology. All the oil samples were heated to 200°C for 150 min, and the antioxidant effect of the treatments on the thermal degradation of the samples was determined in accordance with standard procedures. The results revealed that the kinematic viscosity, flash point, carotenoids, and tocopherols of the fresh palm oil were 32.05 mm 2 /s, 319.74°C, 751.67 mg/kg, and 871.00 mg/kg, respectively. However, the extended exposure to high temperature caused the iodine value, kinematic viscosity, carotenoids, tocopherols, oxidative stability index, and breakdown voltage of untreated palm oil to decrease by 52.37%, 63.34%, 41.11%, 94.26%, 76.98%, and 65.23%, respectively. Also, based on the Combined I‐optimal mixture and response surface experimental design results, the treatments substantially inhibited the degradation of the PO, thereby preserving its quality. The anti‐thermal degradation ability of the EOs was further confirmed by the treated oil's BDV values, spectra, and DPPH values. After heating, the unfortified PO sample exhibited the maximum O–H and peak values of 3400 cm −1 and 1710–1720 cm −1 , respectively; while the blended PO showed the minimum peak value of 2920 cm −1 . Remarkably, the model developed in this study was able to predict the effectiveness of these treatments in improving the PO quality, as well as stabilizing these attributes in the presence of extended high temperatures. The model validation revealed that the PO samples blended with high concentrations of TUO yielded the optimal results, with consistent high retention levels of breakdown voltage, carotenoids, oxidative stability index, and tocopherols, as well as lower values of the free fatty acids and peroxides. Specifically, the hybridization results showed that the ranking of thermal stability effectiveness of the essential oils trailed this pattern: TUO> GO > BPO. Finally, the outcomes of this study will provide a scientific foundation for utilizing plant‐based essential oil to achieve more thermally stable vegetable oils, with enhanced dietary, engineering, and pharmaceutical applications.
Sustainable preservation of dried fish using hybridized plant extracts: HPLC-based quantification of aflatoxins and vitamins, and assessment of broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy Manal Almughamisi, Hilary Uguru, Dennis Adaigho, Ola A. Abu Ali, Sarah Alharthi, et al. Plos One, 2026 This research aimed to preserve the nutritional qualities of fish flesh during prolonged storage, by utilizing bioactive compounds derived from plant extracts and oils. Fish flesh (tissues) was treated with lime, ginger, turmeric, banana peel extracts, and oils – including their hybridized forms. The dried fish samples nutritional quality, and microbial population were measured using established protocols. Results obtained revealed that the treatments played significant roles, in enriching the fish nutritional quality and also inhibiting microbial growth during storage. It was observed that the treatments played a substantial role, in the preservation of the nutritional integrity of dried fish (mostly the proteins and vitamins), during the extended storage duration. Also, most of the hybridized treatments displayed synergistic mechanistic effects, which resulted in enhanced antimicrobial and nutrient retention actions. Conspicuously, the lime extract played a critical role in potentiating the treatments antimicrobial efficacy (T8 to T13). The results revealed that the control sample had higher bacterial and fungal growth at week 8; whereas, treatments T8 to T13 displayed superior antimicrobial activities. Notably, T8 sample exhibited the best antimicrobial action, recording the lowest counts – Staphylococcus spp. (52 CFU/g), Salmonella spp. (14 CFU/g), Bacillus spp. (3 CFU/g), Listeria spp. (5 CFU/g), Aspergillus spp. (black mold) (11 CFU/g), Penicillium spp. (7 CFU/g), Aspergillus spp. (flavus group) (37 CFU/g), and Rhizopus spp. (14 CFU/g). It was also observed that, most of the combined treatments were able to retard aflatoxin formation in the fish tissues, to a safer level of lower than 4 µg/kg. This study’s findings have revealed the sustainability aspects, predominantly the conversion of agricultural products into value-added bio-additives in food processing and preservation.
HPLC and FTIR analysis of phytochemicals and antioxidants of Aloe vera exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons and remediation treatments with organic and inorganic amendments Sarah Alharthi, Ola A. Abu Ali, Amal A. Alyamani, Nashi K. Alqahtani, Rokayya Sami, et al. Plos One, 2026 Environmental pollution has become a major threat to public safety, and the integrity of bioactive compounds in medical plants. This investigation was conducted to assess the consequence of petroleum hydrocarbons contamination, on the nutritional and medicinal qualities of Aloe vera (L.), and to evaluate the efficiency of the various remediation strategies. During the study, soil contaminated with 20% crude oil (petroleum), was treated with five different treatments (T1 to T5), which consist of different concentrations of organic manure, potassium permanganate, and improved seaweed extract manure. All the laboratory tests were conducted by following standard procedures. Specifically, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was used to measure the concentrations of vitamins A and E, as well as the acemannan and aloin, while the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, was utilized to evaluate the presence petroleum hydrocarbons inside the extract. The results revealed that, the petroleum contamination and treatment strategies have significant influence, on the extract’s phytochemicals and the antioxidant activity behavior. The extract vitamins A, C and E concentrations varied from 7.68 to 12.47 mg/kg, 1323.67 to 2116 mg/kg, and 54.30 to 73.28 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, TPC and TFC level of extract varied from 30.15 to 78.50 mg GAE/g, and 9.51 to 38.01 mg QE/g, respectively. The Treatment 4 unit (OM + ISE) showed the best remediation performance, with the highest essential bioactive compounds recovery rates. This affirmed that seaweed extract and organic matters are potential eco-friendly materials, with high efficacy in alleviating the harmful effects, associated with petroleum toxicity on medical plants. This will lead to maximization of the therapeutic benefits of Aloe vera plant, grown in petroleum contaminated environment, thus guaranteeing public safety.
In vitro evaluation of bio-fortification effects on the nutritional quality, toxicological safety, and antioxidant of cassava (Manihot esculenta) flour, and environmental safety of processing water, using natural additives Tasahil S. Albishi, D. Adaigho, Nashi K. Alqahtani, Rokayya Sami, Hilary Uguru, et al. Frontiers in Nutrition, 2026 The impact of bio-fortification on the nutritional quality, anti-nutritional factors, glycemic indices, and toxicological effects of cassava ( Manihot esculenta ) flour (CF), was investigated in vitro in this scientific research. The cassava roots were administered with, eleven distinct treatment strategies (F1 to F11), formulated from Moringa oleífera leaves, Syzygium aromaticum seeds, and Curcuma longa rhizomes derivatives. Additionally, two control units were used: Control A, which consisted of unsoaked cassava roots; and Control B (the vehicle control), which involved soaking the cassava roots in untreated tap water. All the laboratory tests were conducted in accordance with standard procedures. The experimental outcomes indicated that, the treatments significantly impacted the physicochemical and biological properties of the CF, and the soaking water (p ≤ 0.05). Especially, the treatments contribute intensely to the CF antioxidant activity, and health safety of the fortified flour. It was observed that, the hybridized treatments resulted in a 69.76% reduction in the HCN levels, and a 51.28% reduction in the GI levels in the CF, respectively. Also, the treatments initiated nutrients infusion into the enriched CF, as the carotenoid level increased from 0.47 to 1.80 mg/100 g; protein content increased from 1.34 to 1.99%; carbohydrate content increased from 74.33 to 84.33 g/100 g DW; and B vitamin content increased from 0.37 to 0.87 mg/100 g DW. Though, the Control A flour contained appreciable essential nutrients contents, its high glycemic index potential (78), and hydrogen cyanide level (0.43 mg/100g DW), increases its health risk. Notably, the treatment resulted in 31.11% reduction in the total bacterial counts, of the soaking water, as well as a biodegradation of the toxic metals (Cd, Cr, As, and Pb) in the enriched flour. Particularly, the methodological approach adopted in this research will facilitate high eco-friendly cassava flour production, as well as the utilization of cheap and readily available bio-additives.
Studies on the medical safety of botanical medicines: Novel toxic metals and microbial contamination approach Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2025 The utilization of herbal therapies is increasing globally, prompting investigations into the health complications that may arise from drug side effects. A total of 160 herbal medicines (HMs), were used for this study, and their toxic heavy metal content, microbial load and dielectric properties were evaluated. The results obtained revealed that the crude HMs exhibited a greater proportion of heavy metals, microorganisms and a higher dielectric constant (??) value, in comparison to the refined HMs. Particularly, the powdered HMs contained high heavy metals and microbial contaminations. For the unrefined powders, HM samples exceeded the safety limits of cfu/g ? 105, approved by World Health Organization for herbal medications. Regarding the electrical properties, the ?? for the crude unrefined HMs ranged from 9.19 to 92.67; while the refined HMs ?? values varied from 7.35 to 39.15. The hazard index (HI) analysis showed that unrefined HMs have higher non-carcinogenic toxicity than refined ones, with children facing serious health risks as their HI values surpass 1. Crude heavy metal consumption increases a child's risk of developing cancer. This research’s findings highlighted the importance of consistent monitoring of herbal products, as heavy metals can accumulate, resulting in toxicity after prolonged use of these drugs.
Synergistic effects of turmeric, banana peels, and onion extracts on broiler performance, mechanical properties, microbial quality, and chicken meat quality assessment Ahmed M. Abdulfattah, Fayez Alsulaimani, Ahmed M. Basri, Nashi K. Alqahtani, Hilary Uguru, et al. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2025 This study investigated the effects of turmeric extract (TE), banana peel extract (PE), and onion extract (OE) on the physiological health status and meat quality of broilers. Two-week-old “Cobb 500” chicks were divided into seven treatment groups: the control (distilled water), T1 (100 mL of TE), T2 (100 mL of PE), T3 (100 mL of OE), T4 (100 mL of TE + 100 mL of PE), T5 (100 mL of TE + 100 mL of OE), and T6 (100 mL of PE + 100 mL of OE). Each treatment solution (100 mL or 200 mL, as applicable) was diluted in 4 L of water and administered to the birds in their drinking water three times a week throughout the experiment. After the 8-week experimental period, the birds’ body weight gain, protein content, water-holding capacity, total lipid content, microbial loads, and the mechanical properties of boiler offal were assessed using standard techniques. The results showed that all supplements had significant effects on all the parameters investigated (p ≤ 0.05). The bodyweight gains for the control and treatments T1 through T6 were 1.87, 2.20, 2.03, 2.12, 2.34, 2.42, and 2.26 kg, respectively. Additionally, the extracts substantially reduced the lipid content in broiler meat while enhancing water-holding capacity (WHC), protein content, packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, and white blood cell (WBC) count, antimicrobial activity, and shear force. Moreover, the data revealed that the hybridized additive treatment yielded better results compared to single-extract treatments. These findings hold promising implications for the livestock industry, particularly in promoting sustainable growth, enhancing animal performance, and improving meat quality.
Sustainable preservation of dried fish using hybridized plant extracts: HPLC-based quantification of aflatoxins and vitamins, and assessment of broad-spectrum antimicrobial … M Almughamisi, H Uguru, D Adaigho, OA Abu Ali, S Alharthi, R Sami, ... PloS one 21 (4), e0347254 , 2026 2026
Enhancing the Multifunctional Qualities of Palm Oil With Plant‐Derived Essential Oils: An Integrated HPLC and RSM Approach MA Almalki, H Uguru, O Nyorere, O Eboibi, O Akpomedaye, NK Alqahtani, ... Food Science & Nutrition 14 (4), e71741 , 2026 2026
HPLC and FTIR analysis of phytochemicals and antioxidants of Aloe vera exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons and remediation treatments with organic and … S Alharthi, OA Abu Ali, AA Alyamani, NK Alqahtani, R Sami, U Hilary, ... Plos one 21 (2), e0337785 , 2026 2026
A study of microbiological contamination and metal toxicity from artisanal crude oil refining on ecosystem health SA Alharthy, H Uguru, MO Akwenuke, AE Essaghah, O Akpomedaye, ... Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 35 (1), 43-58 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
In vitro evaluation of TS Albishi, D Adaigho, NK Alqahtani, R Sami, H Uguru, M Helal, ... 2026
Characterization and stability of carrot root oil (D. carota subsp. Sativus) with predictive modelling S Alharthi, H Uguru, GI Okolotu, NK Alqahtanid, O Nyoreree, R Sami, ... Grasas y Aceites 76 (1), 2221-2221 , 2025 2025
Comparative Analysis of Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interactions between Human and Various Strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis D Verma, B Mudgal, N Tufchi, ME Prasad, K Pant, A Thapliyal, D Mitra, ... Clinical laboratory 71 (11), 1977-1986 , 2025 2025
Health Risk Assessments of Traffic Emissions Impact on the Environment. H Uguru, MO Akwenuke, RO Akpomrere, OI Akpokodje, HJ Banjer, ... Polish Journal of Environmental Studies 34 (5) , 2025 2025
Synergistic effects of turmeric, banana peels, and onion extracts on broiler performance, mechanical properties, microbial quality, and chicken meat quality assessment AM Abdulfattah, F Alsulaimani, AM Basri, NK Alqahtani, H Uguru, ... Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 9, 1602014 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Studies on the medical safety of botanical medicines: Novel toxic metals and microbial contamination approach. RH Kadi, U Hilary, AO Isaac, I Omokaro, R Sami, S Abduljawad, ... Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 38 (4) , 2025 2025
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis of the Nutritional Quality of Tomato Fruits Harvested from Hybridized Bio-agents Assisted Microbial Remediation S Alharthi, H Uguru, OI Akpokodje, NK Alqahtani, R Sami, WA Alsanei, ... Polish Journal of Environmental Studies , 2025 2025
Modeling and optimization of essential oils and extracts for meat quality evaluation during storage, with high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of aflatoxin levels S Alharthi, R Sami, H Uguru, RI Bedaiwi, AM Almehmadi, SA Abushal, ... Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 9, 1626489 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
The effect of pollution on the livestock management, microbial evaluation, health risks, and HPLC analysis of aflatoxins in animal meat and organs S Alharthi, H Uguru, OI Akpokodje, R Sami, M Alqurashi, S Aloufi, ... Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 9, 1587783 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Electrochemical and microbiological effects of dumpsite leachates on soil and air quality S Alharthi, BE Idisi, H Uguru, DN Anyiam, OI Akpokodje, R Sami, RH Kadi, ... Open Chemistry 23 (1), 20250158 , 2025 2025
Effects of Rice Husk Ash and Cassava Starch on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete Produced from Petroleum Contaminated Sand NC Mmonwuba, H Uguru, JN Ugwu, OI Akpokodje, EI Ogunjiofor, ... NIPES-Journal of Science and Technology Research 7 (2), 59-69 , 2025 2025
The Effects of Plants Essential Oils on Biodiesel Fuel Properties during Storage EJ Sinebe, U Hilary IPS Journal of Engineering and Technology 1 (2), 70-74 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
A case study on the influence of soil amendment on ginger oil’s physicochemical properties, mineral contents, microbial load, and HPLC determination of its vitamin level S Alharthi, H Uguru, NK Alqahtani, MO Akwenuke, GI Okolotu, R Sami, ... Open Chemistry 23 (1), 20250148 , 2025 2025
Investigation of the Geotechnical Properties and Chemical Oxide Composition of Sub-Soils at Delta State University of Science and Technology, Ozoro, for Infrastructural Development OI Akpokodje, MO Akwenuke, AE Essaghah, H Uguru, GI Okolotu NIPES-Journal of Science and Technology Research 7 (1), 99-108 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Exposure to airborne pollutants in urban and rural areas: levels of metals and microorganisms in PM 10 and gaseous pollutants in ambient air U Hilary, EA Efeoghene, AO Issac, R Sami, F Baakdah, S Pareek Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health 18 (2), 317-332 , 2025 2025 Citations: 10
Caracterización y estabilidad del aceite de raíz de zanahoria (D. carota subsp. sativus) con el modelado de predicción S Alharthi, H Uguru, GI Okolotu, NK Alqahtanid, O Nyoreree, R Sami, ... 2025
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Evaluation of the effect of elite jojoba lines on the chemical properties of their seed oil NA Awad, M Eliraq, EH El-Bassel, ASM Ismail, YSG Abd El-Aziz, ... Molecules 27 (12), 3904 , 2022 2022 Citations: 28
Effect of pre-harvest applications of organic manure and calcium chloride on the storability of tomato fruits O Eboibi, OI Akpokodje, O Nyorere, P Oghenerukevwe, H Uguru Annals of Agricultural Sciences 66 (2), 142-151 , 2021 2021 Citations: 26
Evaluation of the compressive strength of commercial sandcrete blocks produced in two metropolises of Delta State, Nigeria OI Akpokodje, GG Agbi, H Uguru, O Nyorere Applied Journal of Physical Science 3 (2), 61-71 , 2021 2021 Citations: 26
Compressive strength of commercially produced sandcrete blocks within Isoko Metropolis of Delta State, Nigeria GG Agbı, OI Akpokodje, U Hilary Turkish Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research 1 (1), 91-103 , 2020 2020 Citations: 26
Growth Performance of Five Bean (Phaseolus spp) Varieties as Influenced by Organic Amendment. O Eboibi, OI Akpokodje, H Uguru Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management 22 (5) , 2018 2018 Citations: 24
Robotization of tomato fruits production to enhance food security O Idama, H Uguru Journal of Engineering Research and Reports 20 (1), 67-75 , 2021 2021 Citations: 23
Evaluation of phytoremediation potentials of different plants’ varieties in petroleum products polluted soil OI Akpokodje, H Uguru, D Esegbuyota Global Journal of Earth and Environmental Science 4 (3), 41-46 , 2019 2019 Citations: 22
Comprehensive assessment of the effect of various anthropogenic activities on the groundwater quality U Hilary, AO Isaac, R Sami, AH Aljahani, A Almasoudi, AG Almasoudi Science of Advanced Materials 14 (3), 462-474 , 2022 2022 Citations: 20
Effect of fermented cassava waste water as admixture on some physic-mechanical properties of solid sandcrete blocks OI Akpokodje, H Uguru International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) 67 (10 … , 2019 2019 Citations: 19
Phytoremediation of petroleum products contaminated soil OI Akpokodje, H Uguru interface 9, 10 , 2019 2019 Citations: 18
Effect of fillers loading on the mechanical properties of hardwood sawdust/oil bean shell reinforced epoxy hybrid composites EO Prosper, H Uguru Int J Sci Res Sci Eng Technol 4 (8), 620-626 , 2018 2018 Citations: 17
Remediation of cassava effluent contaminated soil using organic soap solution: Case study of soil physical properties and plant growth performance OI Akpokodje, H Uguru, D Esegbuyota Journal of Scientific Research and Reports 21 (3), 1-11 , 2018 2018 Citations: 16
Assessment of groundwater quality around an active dumpsite using pollution index N Ogbaran, H Uguru Civil Eng Res J 11 (3), 266 , 2021 2021 Citations: 15
Effectiveness of plant oil in stabilizing the antioxidants, phenolic compounds and antimicrobial effects of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L) oil H Uguru, OI Akpokodje, DI Hemdan, R Sami, M Helal, AH Aljahani, ... Materials Express 13 (4), 704-716 , 2023 2023 Citations: 14
Evaluation of cassava effluent as organic admixture in concrete production for farm structures H Uguru, OI Akpokodje, GG Agbı Turkish Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research 1 (2), 271-282 , 2020 2020 Citations: 14
Effect of Loading Rate and Moisture Content on the Fracture Resistance of Beechwood (Gmelina arborea) Seed. O Nyorere, H Uguru Journal of Applied Sciences & Environmental Management 22 (10) , 2018 2018 Citations: 14
Effect of moisture content on the mechanical properties of cucumber fruit O Eboibi, H Uguru Int. J. Sci. Eng. Res 9, 671-678 , 2018 2018 Citations: 14
Assessment of compressive strength variations of concrete poured in-site of residential buildings in Isoko District, Delta State, Nigeria H Uguru, O Akpokodje, GG Agbı Turkish Journal of Agricultural Engineering Research 3 (2), 308-324 , 2022 2022 Citations: 13
Effect of harvesting stages and storage temperature on quality attributes and post-harvest shelf-life of mango (Mangifera indica) RR Thakur, S Mangaraj, AE Kate, R Sami, AAM Al-Mushhin, MF Maklad, ... Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy 16 (5), 770-782 , 2022 2022 Citations: 13
Evaluation of organic enhancer on the mechanical properties of periwinkle shells concrete O Eboibi, OI Akpokodje, H Uguru Journal of Engineering Innovations and Applications 1 (1), 13-22 , 2022 2022 Citations: 13