ACADEMIC PORTFOLIO
Dr. Ugwu Melvin Nnaemeka is an Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Director of Quality Assurance at the State University of Medical and Applied Science, Igbo Eno, Enugu State, Nigeria. He holds a Ph.D in Clinical Biochemistry. He has held various positions, including Head of Department (HOD), Duty Dean, and Dean. He currently serves as the Director of Quality Assurance and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-Eno, Enugu State, Nigeria. He is a researcher and an experienced lecturer, teaching biochemistry to science, allied science, and medical students.
He has made significant contributions to his field through his research findings in diabetes, prostate disease, phytomedicine, pharmacology, and drug toxicity. He has published several articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented several papers at conferences. He has reviewed several journal articles. Dr. Ugwu Melvin Nnaemeka 's research focuses on clinical, toxicological, and pharmacological biochemistry and phytomedicine, and his research findings have shown much significance and an editorial member of journals. Dr. Ugwu, M.N., is a member of the Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) and the Society of Basic and Clinical Toxicology of Nigeria
Dr. Ugwu Melvin Nnaemeka is also an experienced lecturer, teaching biochemistry to science, allied science, and medical students. He is known for his quality delivery and unique teaching style that grasps students’ attention and stirs their curiosity. He is happily married with adorable kids.
PERSONAL & CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: melvin.ugwu@sumas.edu.ng, ugwumelvinn@gmail.com, melvincrux@yahoo.com
Phone: +234 803 872 8570
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0616-1089
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=87oAMIQAAAAJ&hl=en
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ugwu-Nnaemeka
LinkedIn: https://ng.linkedin.com/in/dr-ugwu-melvin-nnaemeka-b08b8014a
Academia.edu: https://envromentalstudiesfaculty.academia.edu/MelvinUgwu
Personal Details:
- Date of Birth: January 22
- Nationality: Nigerian
- State of Origin: Enugu State
- Local Government Area: Nsukka LGA
- Marital Status: Married
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS
- Ph.D., Clinical Biochemistry, University of Calabar, Nigeria, 2017
- M.Sc., Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, 2011
- B.Sc. (Hons), Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, 2005
- Certificate in Computer Studies, Ideal Computer Institute, Nsukka, 2003
- West African Senior School Certificate, Edem Community Secondary School, Nsukka, 1999
- First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC), Union Primary School, Akpa Edem, Nsukka, 1993
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
State University of Medical and Applied Sciences (SUMAS), Enugu State
- Associate Professor, Medical Biochemistry, 2024–Present
- Associate Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, 2025–Present
- Director of Quality Assurance, 2025–Present
University of Cross River State (formerly CRUTECH)
- Associate Professor/Reader, 2024
- Senior Lecturer, 2021–2023
- Lecturer I, 2018–2020
- Lecturer II, 2015–2017
- Assistant Lecturer, 2012–2014
Prior Roles
- Practical Demonstrator, Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2008–2010
- Biology/Chemistry Teacher, Secondary Schools (Holy Trinity & Mount Zion), 2005–2007
- Laboratory Assistant, Nnaji Hospital, Nsukka, 2003–2004
ADMINISTRATIVE & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
- Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, UNICROSS, 2023–2024
- Head, Department of Medical Biochemistry, UNICROSS, 2021–2023
- Faculty Sub-Dean, CRUTECH, 2017–2019
- Departmental Examination Officer, CRUTECH, 2012–2014
- Additional departmental roles:
- Accreditation Committee Member, Office Accommodation Coordinator, Seminar Coordinator, Project Coordinator, and 400-Level Adviser at CRUTECH between 2012–2021
RESEARCH PROFILE & INTERESTS
A seasoned researcher in phytomedicine, clinical and nutritional biochemistry, toxicology, and public health nutrition, with a focus on translating indigenous knowledge and laboratory findings into community-level health interventions. Key areas:
- Bioactive compounds in African medicinal plants
- Biochemical mechanisms underlying diabetes, prostate disorders, and metabolic conditions
- Safety and toxicity evaluations of herbal therapies
- Nutritional strategies for chronic disease prevention
Mentorship: Frequent supervisor for B.Sc. and M.Sc. students; fosters research capacity in experimental design, data analysis, and scholarly communication.
GRANTS & FUNDING
- Principal Investigator, TETFund Institution-Based Research (IBR) Grant, University of Cross River State, 2019
EDITORIAL ROLES
- Member of Editorial Boards:
- African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine
- Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine
- International Journal of Biochemistry
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Nigeria Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB)
- Society of Basic and Clinical Toxicology of Nigeria
PUBLICATIONS
2025
- Ugwu, M. N., Ogwoni, H. A., Emuru, E. O., Ogbonna, C. G., Busy, C. O., Okutepa, C. I., & others. (2025). Antidiabetic, antioxidant and haematopoietic potentials of aqueous, methanol and petroleum ether extracts of unripe Carica papaya seed on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. African Journal of Biology and Medical Research, 8(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.52589/AJBMRLSS5Q9VR
- Ugwu, O. P.-C., Anyanwu, C. N., Ugwu, M. N., & Onohuean, H. (2025). Harnessing plant metabolic pathways for innovative diabetes management: Unlocking the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants. Plant Signaling & Behavior, 20(1), 2486076.
- Ugwu, O. P.-C., Okon, M. B., Alum, E. U., Ugwu, C. N., Anyanwu, E. G., Mariam, B., & others. (2025). Unveiling the therapeutic potential of the gut microbiota–brain axis: Novel insights and clinical applications in neurological disorders. Medicine, 104, 30(e43542).
2023
- Ugwu, M. N. (2023). Hepatoprotective effect of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum on Wistar rats exposed to long-term administration of artemisinin-based combination therapies. International Journal of Scientific Research Updates, 6(1), 009–016.
- Ugwu, M. N. (2023). Effect of Vernonia amygdalina and Ocimum gratissimum on antioxidant status and lipid profile of Wistar rats exposed to long-term administration of artemisinin-based combination therapies. Scholars Academic Journal of Pharmacy, 12(7), 191–198.
- Ugwu, M. N., Ijeomah, A. U., Usin, S. G., & George, R. R. (2023). Comparative study of aqueous, methanol and petroleum ether extracts of unripe Carica papaya seed on liver and kidney function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 22(1), 038–047.
- Ugwu, M. N. (2023). Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic effect of different solvent extracts of unripe Carica papaya seed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 8(1), 075–085.
2022
- Ugwu, M. N., Asuk, A. A., Dasofunjo, K., Okafor, A. I., & Ujong, U. P. (2022). Phytochemical screening of methanol extracts of Prosopis africana seeds, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina leaves. Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology, 9(1), 112–119.
- Usin, S. G., & Ugwu, M. N. (2022). Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic effect of petroleum ether extract of unripe Carica papaya seed on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. International Journal of Biochemistry and Physiology, 7(2), 000213.
2021
- Atamgba, A. A., Item Justin Atangwho, M. N. Ugwu, & Boniface Unimke Ati. (2021). Jatropha curcas leaf extract and fractions attenuate hyperglycemia, tissue oxidation, and kidney dysfunction in diabetic rats. Journal of Biochemistry Technology, 12(3), 84–90.
2020
- Asuk, A. A., Ugwu, M. N., & Idole, B. (2020). The effect of different malting periods on the nutritional composition of malted sorghum-soy composite flour. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition Research, 3(3), 217–230.
2019
- Ugwu, M. N., Asuk, A. A., & Emuru, E. O. (2019). Evaluation of impact of some selected plants on haematological parameters of testosterone- and estradiol-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia adult male rats. International Blood Research & Reviews, 10(1), 1–15.
- Ugwu, M. N., Asuk, A. A., & Eteng, M. U. (2019). Toxicological evaluation of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum on liver and kidney of testosterone- and estradiol-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult male rats. International Digital Organization for Scientific Research Journal of Applied Sciences, 4(1), 114–122.
- Ugwu, M. N., Asuk, A. A., & Eteng, M. U. (2019). Assessment of lipid profile of testosterone- and estradiol-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult male rats on administration of Vernonia amygdalina. IDOSR Journal of Scientific Research, 4(1), 61–70.
- Ugwu, M. N., Asuk, A. A., & Eteng, M. U. (2019). Antioxidant action of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum on testosterone- and estradiol-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult male rats. IDOSR Journal of Experimental Sciences, 4(1), 107–118.
2018
- Asuk, A. A., Dasofunjo, K., Ugwu, M. N., & Adie, F. O. (2018). The haemato-protective effect of Piliostigma thonningii leaf extract on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosa ulcer in rats. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 7(8), 1454–1459.
- Asuk, A. A., Dasofunjo, K., Ugwu, M. N., Ogunlola, O. D. (2018). Biophysicochemical assessment of sachet water sold in Ogoja Metropolis, Nigeria. CIBTech International Journal of Basic and Applied Chemical Sciences, 8(4), 1–8.
- Ugwu, M. N., Mgbekem, M. A., & Eteng, M. U. (2018). Evaluation of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract on lipid profile of experimentally-induced prostatic hyperplasia animal model. Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17(3), 1–8.
- Ugwu, M. N., Mgbekem, M. A., & Eteng, M. U. (2018). Tissue-protective effect of Prosopis africana seed extract on testosterone- and estradiol-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult male rats. International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 5(3), 72–77.
- Ugwu, M. N., Asuk, A. A., Utu-Baku, A. B., & Eteng, M. U. (2018). Kidney and liver function indices of Prosopis africana seed extract on testosterone- and estradiol-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult male rats. International Journal of Innovative Research and Advanced Studies, 5(3), 78–82.
- Ugwu, Melvin N., Eteng, M. U., Ogueche, P. N., & Amaku, E. E. (2018). Effect of Prosopis africana seed extract on histology and biochemical indices of prostate functions in testosterone- and estradiol-induced enlarged prostate in adult rats. The Pharmaceutical and Chemical Journal, 5(1), 1–9.
- Ugwu, Melvin N., Asuk, A. A., Eteng, M. U., & Amaku, E. E. (2018). Effect of Prosopis africana seed extract on lipid profile of experimentally induced prostatic hyperplasia animal model. The Pharmaceutical and Chemical Journal, 5(1), 10–16.
- Ugwu, M. N., Asuk, A. A., Dasofunjo, K., Adie, F. O. (2018). The haemato-protective effect of Piliostigma thonningii leaf extract on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosa ulcer in rats. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 7(8), 1454–1459. (Note: published early 2018, research conducted in 2017)
2017
- Agbafor, K. N., Nwaka, Andrew C., Dasofunjo, K., Asuk, A. A. & Ugwu, M. N. (2017). Creatinine, Urea and Uric Acid levels in Albino Rats treated with leaf Extract of Canjanus cajan (pigeon pea). International Digital Organization for Scientific Research (IDOSR) Journal of Applied Sciences, 2(2) 1-9.
- Agbafor, K. N., Alagba, E. E., Dasofunjo, K., Asuk, A. A. & Ugwu, M. N. (2017). Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Activity in Albino Rats treated with Aqueous Extract of fresh leaves of Corchorius olitorius. International Digital Organization for Scientific Research (IDOSR) Journal of Experimental Sciences, 2(1): 33-41.
- Agbafor, K. N., Nwaka, Andrew C., Dasofunjo, K., Asuk, A. A., & Ugwu, M. N. (2017). Glucose-6-phosphate Dehydrogenase Activity in Albino Rats treated with Aqueous Extract of fresh leaves of Morinda lucida. International Digital Organization for Scientific Research (IDOSR) Journal of Applied Sciences, 2(2)10-17.
- Agbafor, K. N., Nwaka, A.C., Dasofunjo, K., Asuk, A. A. & Ugwu, M. N. (2017). Serum Activity of Aminotransferase and Aspartate Aminotransferase in Albino Rats Administered Aqueous Extract of fresh leaves of Pterocarpus santalinoids. International Digital Organization for Scientific Research (IDOSR) Journal of Scientific Research, 2(2) 97-107.
- Agbafor, K. N., Nwaka, A.C., Dasofunjo, K., Asuk, A. A. & Ugwu, M. N. (2017). Effect of Aqueous Extract of fresh leaves of Uvaria chamaeon some Electrolyte levels in Albino Rats. International Digital Organization for Scientific Research (IDOSR) Journal of Scientific Research 2(2) 108-120.
- Ogueche P.N., Maduka I.C., Ugwu M.N & Obidoa O. (2017). Antioxidant Status in Aluminum Intoxified Male Wistar Albino Rats. The Pharmaceutical and Chemical Journal, 4(4):102-108.
- Ogueche, P.N., Maduka, I.C., Ugwu, M.N & Obidoa, O. (2017). The Biochemical Effects of Aluminum Intoxication on Serum Lipid Profile of Male Wistar Albino Rats. Elixir Biosciences, 110C -48228 48226.
2016
- Ogueche, N. P., Ikwuagwu, E. O., Onah, B. E., Ugwu, M. N., Ogbu, A. E. (2016). Characterization of partially purified indigenous lipase from germinated Bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranea). International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 5(6), 316–320.
- Ijeomah, A. U., Ugwu, M. N. & Shuaibu S. S. (2016). The effects Artesunate Amodiaquine and Artemether Lumefantrine on some Hematological Parameters in Healthy Male Albino Rats. Production Agriculture and Technology Journal (PAT); 12 (2): 160-168.
2014
- Yakubu, O. E., Nwodo, O. F. C., Joshua, P. E., Ugwu, M. N., Odu, A. D., Okwo, F. (2014). Fractionation and determination of total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic and total flavonoids contents of aqueous, ethanol and n-hexane extracts of Vitex doniana leaves. African Journal of Biotechnology, 13(5), 693–698.
- Ejoba, R., Utu-Baku, B. A., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Dasofunjo, K., M. N. Ugwu & R. N. Uyabeme. (2014). Proximate nutrient composition of Saccharum barberi powdered stem extract (dry matter). European Journal of Experimental Biology, 4(3), 61–64.
- Ejoba, R., Utu-Baku, B. A., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Dasofunjo, K., M. N. Ugwu, A. A. Abong, & R. N. Uyabeme. (2014). Effect of Saccharum barberi extract on lipid profile level in albino Wistar rats. European Journal of Experimental Biology, 4(3), 65–72.
- E. Ogbe, M.B. Akor-Dewu, M.I. Saleh, E.D. Eze, M.N. Ugwu, O. Olufunkeb, A. Shaibu, I.S. Malgwi. (2014). Effects of Headphones on Hearing Acuity of Students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Scientific Journal of Environmental Sciences, 3(1) 5-8
2013
- Dasofunjo, K., Nwodo, O. F. C., Yakubu, O. E., Ejoba, R., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Ipav, S. S., Ugwu, M. N., Okafor, A. I., Ezugwu, H. C. (2013). Toxicological implication of ethanolic leaf extract of Piliostigma thonningii on renal function indices of male albino rats. European Journal of Experimental Biology, 3(3), 652–655.
- Ugwu, M. N., Umar, I. A., Utu-Baku, A. B., Dasofunjo, K., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Yakubu, O. E., Okafor, A. I. (2013). Antioxidant status and organ function in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats treated with aqueous, methanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Ocimum basilicum leaf in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 3(5), S75–S79.
- Dasofunjo, K., Nwodo, O. F. C., Johnson, J. T., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Ugwu, M. N., Odinaka, E. (2013). Haematopoietic effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Piliostigma thonningii on male albino rats. Journal of Natural Plant Resources, 3(2), 1–4.
- Dasofunjo, K., Nwodo, O. F. C., Johnson, J. T., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Ugwu, M. N., Ayo, V. I. (2013). Phytochemical screening and effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Piliostigma thonningii on serum lipid profile of male albino rats. Journal of Natural Plant Resources, 3(2), 5–9.
- Mohammed, R. K., Ibrahim, S., Atawodi, S. E., Ejike, E. D., Suleiman, J. B., Ugwu, M. N., Malgwi, I. S. (2013). Anti-diabetic and haematological effects of n-butanol fraction of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract in streptotozin-induced diabetic rats. Scientific Journal of Biological Sciences, 2(3), 1–9.
- Isa, A. S., Aliyu, A. N., Eze, E. D., Lawal, A. A., Dewu, M., Muhammed, M. S., Suleiman, J. B., Malgwi, I. S., Ugwu, M. N. (2013). Evaluation of the hypoglycaemic effect of honey in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Scientific Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, 2(3), 224–230.
- Ukpanukpong, R. U., Dasofunjo, K., Pekene, D. J. B., Abong, A. A., Ugwu, M. N., & Awe, S. (2013). Reproductive and histological effects of garlic, antioxidant vitamins C and E on pefloxacin-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. Central European Journal of Experimental Biology, 2(1), 18–26.
- Ukpanukpong, R. U., Dasofunjo, K., Pekene, D. J. B., Abong, A. A., Ugwu, M. N., Awe, S. (2013). Pefloxacin and antioxidant interactions of vitamins C, E and garlic, on serum enzymes and histological tissues in Albino Wistar rats. Central European Journal of Experimental Biology, 2(1), 27–32.
- Mohammed, R. K., Eze, E. D., Ibrahim, S., Atawodi, S. E., Shaibu, A., Ugwu, M. N., Momoh, I. J., Onaadepo, O. (2013). Hypolipidemic and hepato-protective effects of Alchornea cordifolia leaf extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Scientific Journal of Medical Science, 2(5), 75–82.
- Yakubu, O. E., Ojogbane, E., Nwodo, O. F. C., Nwaneri-Chidozie, & Ugwu, M. N. (2013). Study of lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in diabetes mellitus treated with Vitex doniana ethanol leaf extract. European Journal of Experimental Biology, 3(3), 624–629.
- Dasofunjo, K., Nwodo, O. F. C., Yakubu, O. E., Ejoba, R., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Ipav, S. S., Ugwu, M. N., Okafor, A. I., Ezugwu, H. C. (2013). Toxicological implication of ethanolic leaf extract of Piliostigma thonningii on renal function indices of male albino rats. European Journal of Experimental Biology, 3(3), 652–655.
- Akinsola, O. M., Nwagu, B. I., Orunmuyi, C. M., Iyeghe-Erakpotobor, G. T., Eze, E. D., Ugwu, M. N., Okudaf, E. U., Louis, U., Onaadepo, O., Shaibu, A. (2013). Post-weaning growth performance of Hyla F1 rabbits under the guinea savannah zone of Nigeria. Scientific Journal of Biological Sciences, 2(6), 118–121.
- Tende, J. A., Eze, E. D., Tende, Y. A., Ugwu, M. N., Shaibu, A., Onaadepo, O., Malgwi, I. S. (2013). Effects of aqueous extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on sperm count in Wistar rats. Scientific Journal of Biological Sciences, 2(6), 127–131.
- Dasofunjo, K., Nwodo, O. F. C., Yakubu, O. E., Ejoba, R., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Ipav, S. S., Ugwu, M. N., Okafor, A. I., Girgi, S. L. (2013). Hepatoprotective effect of Piliostigma thonningii leaves on male Wistar albino rats. Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research, 3(4), 13–17.
- Ejoba, R., Utu-Baku, A. B., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Pekene, D. J. B., Dasofunjo, K., Ugwu, M. N., Abong, A. A., Ekpo, B. O. (2013). Effect of Saccharum barberi extract on lipid profile level in guinea pigs. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 7(8), 863–867.
- Ejoba, R., Utu-Baku, A. B., Ukpanukpong, R. U., Ugwu M. N., Ekpo, B. O., Dasofunjo, K., Pekene, D. J. B., Abong, A. A. (2013). Qualitative phytochemical constituents of Saccharum barberi powder extracts. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 7(8), 863–867.
2011
- Ugwu, M. N., Umar, I. A., & Ibrahim, M. A. (2011). Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activities of solvent extracts of Ocimum basilicum leaves in streptozocin-induced diabetic rats. Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 26(2), 126–134.
