Lawrence Okonkwo Aka

Lawrence Okonkwo Aka DVM, MSc, PhD, has worked extensively as a university professor of Veterinary Physiology for over 21 years. He has served as an astute researcher, consultant to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Nigeria and as a mentor to students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He has researched widely in various aspects of Veterinary Physiology,  and has taught Veterinary Physiology, as visiting Professor, in various Universities. He served as the chair, Department of Veterinary Physiology, University of Nigeria until his appointment at St. Matthew’s University.  In addition, Dr. Aka has published over sixty (60) articles in reputable peer reviewed journals,  and has presented conference papers in several conferences including the 2nd International Conference on Cancer Biology, Therapeutics and Drug Discovery and Delivery.

His current focus is on the antineoplastic properties of extracts from tropical plants.  He has authored several books including “Foundation of Veterinary Physiology” (1st edition, 2004, and 2nd edition, 2014), and others of general interest. He is a member of several  professional organizations including the American Physiological Society, and continues to serve as a reviewer for several Journals. His passion for Veterinary Physiology informed his current research into the  development of a working document to help all students of veterinary physiology understand clinical implications.

• Hormonal regulation of digestive functions in ruminants and organic manipulation of rumen methane emission.
• Impacts of environmental residues on animal reproduction.
• Endocrine disruption and cancer biology.  Current focus is on the anti-neoplastic properties of from tropical plant  extracts with emphasis on prostate hyperplasia

• He is a recipient of several academic awards including the University of Nigeria faculty best student award at undergraduate and Doctoral levels

In Peer-Reviewed Journals

• Lawrence Aka (2018). Biomedical potentials of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonist in controlling prostate cancer and its bone metastasis in adult males: A review. J. Cancer Sci. Ther. Volume 10, Doi: 10.4172/1948-5956-C11-154
• Lawrence Okonkwo Aka (2018). Glutathione inhibition, together with increased vitamin D intake as potential therapeutic approach against prostate cancer progression during the early stage: A review. Proceedings of 15th International Conference on American Pathology and Oncology Research and International Conference on Microbial Genetics and Molecular Microbiology, Chicago, USA, December, 03-04, 2018.
• Dauda, U.K Sandabe, S. Sani, L.O. Aka, V.C Ikaimase (2016). Effects of dust particles on body weight and some haematological parameters in rats in Maiduguri metropolis, Nigeria. Comparative Clinical Pathology 25: 925-932
• I Odo, E.C Mbegbu, L.O Aka, R.I Obidike (2016)The protective effects of methanolic root bark extract of Afzelia Africana on conception and fetal development in diabetic female rats. Comparative Clinical Pathology (2016) 25 (4).DOI: 10:1007/s00580-016-2251-2
• I Odo, E.C Mbegbu, K.C. Nwosu, P.E. Aba, L.O Aka, R.I Obidike (2014).Effects of cement dust on reproductive performance and some physiological parameters in albino rats. Comparative Clinical Pathology 24(3): 521-526.
• I Obidike, W.S Ezema, L.O Aka, V.U. Omoja, R.I Odo, E.O Onuoha, L.O Obodechi (2011). Effects of Aqueous garlic (Allium sativum) extract on testicular morphology and function in lead nitrate (PbNO3) treated albino rats. Comparative Clinical Pathology, 22(4). DOI:10:1007/s00580-012-1466-x
• I Obidike, L.O Aka, V.U. Omoja, S.V.O. Shoyinka, T.N. Kamalu, S.M. Anika (2011). Testicular morphology and antispermatogenic effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acud (2,4-D) in male West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Comparative Clinical Pathology 21(6). Doi:10:1007/s00580-011-1068-4
• I Obidike, L.O Aka, C.I Okafor (2009). Time-dependant peri-partum haematological, biochemical and rectal temperature changes in West African Dwarf ewes. Small Ruminant Research, 82: 53-57
• I Obidike, L.O Aka, S.V.O Shoyinka, K.O Anya, H.E Eze (2008). Effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid on haematological indices in in West African Dwarf sheep. Small Ruminant Research 75: 226-231
• M Igwebuike, R.I Obidike, S.V.O Shoyinka, C.U Nwankwo, I.F Okwechime , L.O Aka (2007). Effects of Nigerian Qua Iboe Brent crude oil on rat spleen and haematological parameters. Veterinarski Arhiv 77(3):247-256.
• S Ezema, J. A Nwanta, L. O Aka and E. V Ezenduka .Egg drop syndrome-76 virus infection in different bird species in Nigeria-a review of the epidemiology, economic losses, challenges and prospects for management and control. World Poultry Science Journal. 66:115-121
• Ikechukwu Reginald Obidike; Wilfred Sunday Ezema; Lawrence Okonkwo Aka; Samuel Chukwuemeka Udem and Gladys Chinelo Onah (2010). Leucocytic response and spleen morphology of albino rats exposed to graded levels of lead acetate. Macedonian Journal of Medicinal Sciences. 3(4), 339-343.DOI:10.3889/mjms.1857-5773
• Oluwa A. Agbonu and Lawrence Aka (2016). Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on production parameters and forage fractions digestibility in West African Dwarf sheep fed Panicum maximum and Centrosema pubescens. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences. Vol.6(1):20-29
• Lawrence O. Aka, Mustapha O. Mamman, Peter I. Rekwot, Ahmed Abdulahi, Adamu A. Abubakar, Bello Sani and Oluwa A. Agbonu (2016). Serum lipids and lipoproteins dynamics and their correlations with testosterone in castrated and intact Red Sokoto goats. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences. Vol.6(1): 1-6
• Oluwa A. Agbonu, Lawrence Aka and Ernest C. Nweze (2016). In vivo enteric methane mitigation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae in West African Dwarf sheep fed Panicum maximum and Centrosema. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences. Vol.6(1): 12-19
• Pilau, N. N., Elsa. A.T., Abubakar, G., Garba, S., Adeyeye, A.A., Okoli, C.E., Aka, L.O and Mshelia, P.C., (2013). Serum calcium levels in pregnant and non-pregnant Red Sokoto Does. African Journal of Biosciences 6(2): 26-30
• MO Mamman, LO Aka, A Ahmed, B Sa’idu, AA Abubakar, U Adamu, HM Ibrahim, B Garba, AA Raji (2014). Short-term Comparative Analysis of Serum Electrolytes and Performance Characteristics of Castrated and Intact Red Sokoto Bucks. 29(1)
• Bashir Saidu, Peter Ibrahim Rekwot, Lawrence Okwonko Aka, Aminu Mohammed Umaru, Abdullahi Ja’afaru Is’haq, Mustapha Mamman Oyiza, Hassan Maina Ibrahim, Bashiru Garba, Danladi Mohammed Salihu, Bashir Sani, Mika’eel Bala Abubakar, Abdullahi Abdullahi Raji, Yusha’u Shu’aibu Baraya, Abubakar Musa Mayaki, Aliyu Jibril, Abdurrahman Hassan Jibril, Muhammad Bashar Bello (2014). Effect of Water Restriction and Ascorbic acid Supplementation on Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Japanese Quails in Sokoto, Nigeria. International Journal for Agro Veterinary and Medical Sciences. 2014; 8(2): 34-40.
• Obidike, R. Ikechukwu, Igwebuike, U. Maduabuchi, Aka, O. Lawrence, Shoyinka, S.V.Olumuyiwa and Ikwueje , U,Chinelo. (2010). Spleen morphology and hematological changes in rats following withdrawal of Nigeria Qua Iboe Brent crude oil. Journal of Comparative Clinical Pathology. 20(1):79-84. DOI. 10.1007/s00580-009-0941-5
• Obidike, R. I., Anika, S.M., Kamalu,T.N., S.V.O Shoyinka, Aka, L.O., Omoja, V.U. (2010). Morphometric changes, biochemical values and Kidney morphology of West African Dwarf goats exposed to 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Journal of Comparative Clinical Pathology. Doi 10.1007/s00580-010-1068-4.
• Obidike, R. Ikechukwu, Igwebuike, U. Maduabuchi, Aka, O. Lawrence, Shoyinka, S.V.Olumuyiwa and Ikwueje , U,Chinelo. (2010). Spleen morphology and hematological changes in rats following withdrawal of Nigeria Qua Iboe Brent crude oil. Journal of Comparative Clinical Pathology. 20(1):79-84. DOI. 10.1007/s00580-009-0941-5
• Ikechukwu, R.Obidike, Lawrence O. Aka, and Wilfred E. Ezema (2010). Effects of caffeine extract from kola nut on body weight, hematology, sperm reserve and serum enzyme activities in albino rats. Journal of Comparative Clinical Pathology. Doi. 10.1007/s00580-010-1045-y
• Aka, L.O and Nnaji, T.O (2010). The effects of intraruminal infusion of sodium selenite on the in sacco degradability of Centrosema pubescens and Pennisetium purpureum in West African dwarf sheep. Animal Research International Vol. 7(3): 1294-1303
•  Aka, L.O (2010). Effects of in-vitro yeast treatment on the in-sacco degradability of some tropical crop residues in rumen fistulated West Africa dwarf sheep. Animal Research International Vol. 7(2): 1176-1183.
• Aka, L.O and Nnaji, T.O (2010). The effects of intraruminal infusion of sodium selenite on the in sacco degradability of Centrosema pubescens and Pennisetium purpureum in West African dwarf sheep. Animal Research International Vol. 7(3): 1294-1303
• O Aka, NC Ugochukwu, A Ahmed, NN Pilau (2011). The effects of ruminal incubation of bioactive yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on potential rumen degradability of Panicum maximum and Centrosema pubescens in West African dwarf sheep. Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences 9(1): 28-35
• O Aka, E.C Nweze, E.C Mbegbu, R.I. Obidike, J.I Ejembi, A.O Agbonu, and C.N Uchendu (2013). Effects of forage restriction on haematology and serum mineral profile of West African dwarf sheep. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences. Vol.3(1): 30-34
• Lawrence O. Aka, Mustapha, M.O, Rekwot, P.I, Ahmed, A., Bashir, S., Habibullah, S., Suleiman, N., Abubakar, A.A., Adamu, U., Pilau, N.N., Jubril, A.H.,Ibrahim, H.M.,Sani, B. (2013). Effects of surgical castration on some biochemical parameters, triiodothyronine and rectal temperature of Red Sokoto goats. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences. Vol.3(1): 16-22
• Lawrence O. Aka, Mustapha, M.O, Rekwot, P.I, Ahmed, A., Bashir, S., Habibullah, S., Suleiman, N., Abubakar, A.A., Lawal, F.M., Jafar, A.I., Adamu, U., Pilau, N.N., Jubril, A.H.,Ibrahim, H.M., Majaki, A.M., Garba, B., Malmuda, A (2013). Haematological changes associated with surgical castration in Red Sokoto goats. Journal of Veterinary and Applied Sciences. Vol.3(1): 10-15
• Aka, L.O and Kamalu, T.N. (2004). Rumen degradability characteristics of Stylosanthese gracilis, Panicum maximum, Pennisetium purpureum and Centrosema pubescens in sheep. Nig. Vet. J. 25(1) 14-20
• Aka, L.O and Kamalu, T.N. (2005). The use of cobalt ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as a soluble marker in the determination of rumen outflow rate in sheep. . Nig. Vet. J. 26(1) 18-24
• O Aka, R.I Obidike, and E.J Offor (2005). Growth performance, voluntary feed intake and haemodynamic effects of feed supplementation with D-galactose in broiler chicks. Sahel J. Vet Sci.4(1): 33-37
• R Obidike, L.Aka, C.V. Momah and R.C Ezeokonkwo (2005). The effects of Trypanosoma brucie infections and Diaminazene Aceturate Treatment on the serum activities of certain enzymes. Sahel J. Vet Sci.4(1): 17-23
• N Kamalu, L.O Aka, R.I Obidike and D.C Agu (2006). An investigation into the taste sensitivity and modulation of fasted, non-fasted, insulin-injected and non-insulin-injected pigs. Nig. J. Expt. Appl. Biol. 7(1) 43-48
• Paul-Abiade C. U, Onunkwo, J.I and Aka, L.O (2006). A questionnaire survey of reports of livestock disease outbreaks in Enugu North, South-East, Nigeria.  Vet. J. 27(3):1-5
• Aka, L.O,. Obidike, , R.I and Udegbunam, S.I (2006). The effects of intaruminal infusion of iodinated casein on the potential degradability of Panicum maximum in West African Dwarf/UDA mixed breed of sheep. Nig. Vet. J. 27(2):1-13
• Udegbunam, S.I., Sokie, C., Udegbunam, R.I., Nnaji, T.O., Onuoha, A.C and Aka, L.O (2008). Prevalence of traumatic injuries in dogs presented at Veterinary clinics in Enugu and Anambra states of south-eastern Nigeria. Nig. Vet. J. 29(3):15-20
• Aka, L.O., Obidike, , R.I., Eze, C.A and Igbokwe, C.O (2009). The physiologic evidences of good tolerance of concurrent rumen fistulation, and duodenal cannulation in West African dwarf goats. Animal Research International Vol. 6(2): 1019-1027.
• Aka, L.O., Obidike, , R.I., Igbokwe, C.O and Ezema, W.S (2009). The effects of feeding differently prepared breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) on the hematology, serum biochemistry, live weight and relative organ weights I albino rats. Nig. Vet. J. 30(1):26-34
• Aka, L.O, and Kamalu, T.N. (2009). The effects of intraruminal infusion of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on organic matter degradability, total volatile fatty acid and methane production, in West African dwarf sheep. Animal Research International Vol. 6(2): 1009-1018.
• O Igbokwe and L.O Aka (2009). Comparative morphological studies of the Meckel’s diverticulum of the domestic duck (Anas sparsa) and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris galeata). Nig. J. Expt. Appl. Biol. 10(2):73-78.
• Aka, L.O (2010) Taste preferences during different trimester periods in West African dwarf ewes. Animal Research International Vol. 7(1): 1155-1162
• O Aka, R.I Obidike and J.I Okolo (2010) Effects of aqueous extract of Rauwalfia vomitoria on blood, body weight and voluntary feed intake in rats. Nig. J. Expt. Appl. Biol. 11(1): 1-5
• O Aka, and R.I Obidike (2010) Time profile anti-diabetic activity of aqueous extract of Bredilia ferrugenia leaves in rats. Nig. J. Expt. Appl. Biol. 11(1): 7-11
• O Aka, and T.N Kamalu (2010). The effects of intraruminal infusion of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on rumen outflow rate in West African dwarf sheep. Animal Production Research Advances 6(2):85-91
• N. Uchendu, R.I Obidike, I.S Ochiogu, L.O Aka and C.O Anyaoha (2010). Sex variations in hematological profile of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix) reared in a ot humid climate. Nig. J. Expt. Appl. Biol. 11(2): 219-226
• O Aka, R.I Obidike and T.N Kamalu (2010).The effects of varying concentrations of palmitic and linolenic acids in bile composition, bile low dynamics and total duodenal fatty acids in West African dwarf sheep. Nig. J. Expt. Appl. Biol. 11(2): 13-21
• I Obidike. L.O Aka, W.S Ezema, S.C. Udem and C.N Muojekwu (2010). Effects of lead acetate on hematology and organo-somatic indices of albino rats. Nig. J. Expt. Appl. Biol. 11(2): 147-152
• O Aka, N.N Pilau, and R.I Obidike (2010). The effects of dietary supplementation of Allium sativum on some vital biochemical parameters in rats . Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences 8: 26-30
• R Obidike, U.M Igwebuike, L.O Aka, S.C Udem, U.V Omoja, N.Y Azizh (2010)Blood profile and organ2.O-somatic indices of albino rats exposed to graded levels of used mineral-based crankcase oil. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa 58(2).Doi:10.4314/bahpa.v58i2.62050
• Pilau, N.N, Abubakar, A.A, Adamu, U., Saidu, B., Okoli, C.E., Aka, L.O and Adeyeye, A.A. (2010). Management of unilateral suppurative mastitis in a four-year-old Sokoto Red Doe. Nig. Vet Journal 32(3):246-248
• Mbegbu, EC, Salavati M, Obidike, IR; Aka LO; Childs AJ; Green LR; Fouladi-Nashta AA (2018) Maternal Vitamin D status influence anti-mullerian hormone expression and germ cells reserve in sheep foetal ovaries. Fertility International Conference, London, United Kingdom
• Aka, L.O, Eze, C.A and Abiade-Paul, C.U (2006). Body weight, haematological and serum creatinine profile following rumen fistulation in West African dwarf Xuda sheep. Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Conference of Nig. Vet. Med. Assoc. Minna, Nigeria. 75-79
• O Aka, C.O Igbokwe and I. Ezeh (2008). The effects of dietary supplementation of Alpha tocopheryl acetate and ascorbic acid on the severity of T.brucei infection in albino rats. Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Nig. Soc. Prod. Ayetoro, Ogun state. 547-550
• O Aka, R.I Obidike, C.O Igbokwe, K.O Anya, and W.S Ezema (2009). The effect of defaunation on rumen degradability of some tropical forages in West African dwarf sheep. Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the Nig. Soc. Prod. Uyo. Akwa-Ibom state 525-530
• O Aka, R.I Obidike, W.S Ezema, C.O Igbokwe and K.O Anya (2009). Studies on the effect of ambient temperature on effective rumen degradability, outflow rate and retention time in West African dwarf sheep fed Panicum maximum and Centrosema pubescens. Proceedings of the 34th Annual conference of the Nig. Soc. Prod. Uyo. Akwa-Ibom state 522-5240
• O Igbokwe, L.O Aka,., W.S., Ezema, K.O Anya (2009). The role of phytoestrogens and pesticides in mammalian reproductive functions. Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the Nig. Soc. Prod. Uyo. Akwa-Ibom state 60-63
• O Anya, L.O Aka, R.I Obidike, C.O Igbokwe, I.S Ochiogu, E.C. Nweze (2009). Diurnal effects on circulating serum testosterone and spermiogram of the West African dwarf sheep during the early rainy season in Nsukka area of Enugu State. Proceedings of the 34th Annual Conference of the Nig. Soc. Prod. Uyo. Akwa-Ibom state 64-67
• Pilau, N.N., Elsa, A.T., Aka, L.O., Ejembi, J.I., Okoli, C.U (2010). Effects of Diazepam (Valium) premedication and Ketamine anesthesia on haematological indices and serum electrolyte profile in Lambs.. Proceedings of the 46th Annual Conference of Nig. Vet. Med. Assoc. Markurdi, Nigeria. 50-52
• Pilau, N.N., Adamu, U., Okoli, C.U and Aka, L.O (2012). Uterine prolapse with unilateral supernumerary teats in a year and three months old primiparous Red Sokoto Doe: A case report. Proceeding of the 17th Ann. Conf. Anim. Sci. Assoc. of Nig. 9-13
• Agbonu, O.A, Aka, L.O.,Nweze, E.C., Ekwe, N.L., Nicholas, E.S and Igori, W. (2013) Review of the contributions of ruminants to global warming and its mitigation strategies: A prelude to experimental investigation on how it affects us. Proceedings of the 35th Annual International Conference Workshop and Exhibition of Chemical Society of Nigeria. 278-282.
• Mbegbu, EC, Salavati M, Obidike, IR; Aka LO; Childs AJ; Green LR; Fouladi-Nashta AA (2018) Maternal Vitamin D status influence anti-mullerian hormone expression and germ cells reserve in sheep foetal ovaries. Fertility International Conference, London, United Kingdom.

Books (Professional)

• Aka, L.O (2004). Foundation of Veterinary Physiology. 1st edition. Jolyn Publishers, Nsukka. ISBN: 978-8046-87-8
• L.O Aka, and A.O Adikpe (2014) Foundation of Veterinary Physiology 2nd edition. University of Nigeria Press Ltd. ISNB: 978-8046-87-8

General Interest

• Aka, L.O (2007). Cultivating an Excellent Attitude (Basis of Practical Christianity). Jolyn Publishers, Nsukka.

• Climate control through mitigation of methane emission from ruminants
• Identification and inhibition of biomarkers of prostate cancer

• 3^rd World Congress on Cancer, Prague, Czech Republic, September, 23-25, 2019. Paper presented: “Biomedical significance and ameliorative potentials of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitors in the development, progression and metastasis of prostate cancer: A review”
• 15^th International Conference on American Pathology and Oncology Research and International Conference on Microbial Genetics and Molecular Microbiology, Chicago, USA, December, 03-04, 2018.
• 2^nd International Conference on Cancer Biology, Therapeutics and Drug Discovery and Delivery October 03-04, 2018, Los Angeles, California, USA
•   1^st International Conference on Cancer Biology and Drug Delivery September 18-19, 2017, Philadelphia, USA
• The Annual Continuing education Workshop, Faculty of Veterinary medicine, University of Nigeria      Nsukka, 2020
• 42^nd Annual Conference of Nigeria. Veterinary Medical Association. Minna, Nigeria. 2006
• 43^rd Annual Conference of Nigerian. Veterinary Medical Association. Ibadan, Nigeria. 2007
• 44^th Annual Conference of Nigerian. Veterinary Medical Association. Minna, Nigeria. 2008
• 45^th Annual Conference of Nigerian. Veterinary Medical Association. Maiduguri, Nigeria. 2009
• 46^th Annual Conference of Nigerian. Veterinary Medical Association. Minna  Markurdi, Nigeria. 2010
• The Annual Continuing Education Workshop, of Nigerian. Veterinary Medical Association, Abuja 2012.
• The Annual Continuing Education Workshop, of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association, Awka, 2013