Borno State Nigeria Research Articles

Investigating the feasibility of agro-waste briquettes as a sustainable energy source in Borno state Nigeria as pathways for post-conflict and instability recovery

The growing energy demand and lack of access to clean energy sources call for the development of more energy for cooking in households, briquettes produced using agricultural materials and related biomass have the capacity for utilization as an energy source. This study aims to introduce briquettes as an alternative energy source for cooking within conflict-affected communities in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, where factors relating to the high cost of charcoal, security constraints, and the environmental impact of tree cutting have sparked apprehension and raised concerns. The study demonstrates the likelihood of adopting briquettes as a cooking fuel alternative in communities recovering from insurgency. Using assessment tools such as household surveys, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), involving a total of 536 questionnaires administered to respondents; KII was administered to 37 respondents and 9 FGDs with cooperatives and dealers in traditional fuel were conducted. From the results 73% of the community relies on charcoal as their primary fuel source, since the majority (68.7%) appeared to be low-income households, 24.1% reported that the high cost of charcoal is a major hindrance to continued usage. However, despite the communities showing potential in briquettes, only 3.7% are aware of briquettes as an alternative option for cooking energy indicating the adoption of briquettes being low in the region. A situational assessment was carried and sensitization strategies were recommended as means to enhance livelihoods and build resilience within the community.

Evaluation of Bacterial Pneumonia and Pathological Changes in Lungs of Cattle Slaughtered in Maiduguri Central Abattoir, Borno State Nigeria

The study was designed to determine level of lungs inflammation and associated bacterial flora that influenced gross and histopathological lesions related to bovine pneumonic lungs amongst cattle slaughter in Maiduguri central abattoir. The study was conducted in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria. A total of 100 pneumonic lungs sampled from cattle slaughtered at Maiduguri central abattoir, 63 (63 %) were positive isolate and 37 were negative isolate (37 %). The results indicate isolates recovered were gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria with five bacterial genera isolated consist of 3 Gram-positive and 2 Gram-negative bacteria. The isolates were subjected to sensitivity test of various antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin, Pefloxacin, and Oflaxacinm and they were sensitive, while Chloramphenicol, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamicin, Streptomycin and Oflaxacin were Intermediate and Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, Cotrimoxazole, Gentamycin, and Ceftriaxone were resistance to the antimicrobial sensitivity tests. Pneumonic bacteria isolates based on sex and age of the cattle slaughtered at Maiduguri abattoir were recorded. Bull has the highest 58 (92.0%) compare to the cow 5 (8.0%). While age-wise, Isolates were recorded with highest 97.0 % among adult cattle when compare to the young cattle (3.0%). Three types of pneumonia were identified based on the Pathological examinations of 25 pneumonic lungs randomly selected from the 100 lungs samples which were recorded.

Morphometric and Gonadosomatic Index Studies of Some Fish species Collected from Lake Alau Maiduguri Borno state Nigeria

Morphometric and Gonadosomatic Index Studies of Some Fish species Collected from Lake Alau Maiduguri Borno state Nigeria

Comparison of Clinical and Self-Reported Halitosis among Secondary School Adolescents in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria.

Background: Halitosis is of extreme relevance in adolescents due to their peculiar predisposition to conditions that affect social relationships.
 Objective: To assess the factors associated with halitosis and compare its prevalence using self and clinical reports among secondary school adolescents in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among one hundred and fifty 12-18-year-old secondary school students in Maiduguri. The multistage sampling technique was used for the selection of participants and data was collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire on socio-demography, knowledge of the aetiology of halitosis, oral hygiene practices and self-perception of halitosis. A trained and calibrated examiner did clinical halitosis by organoleptic assessment. A chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were done to determine the association between the investigated factors and halitosis. The level of test of significance (p) was set at < 0.05
 Results: The prevalence of self-reported halitosis was 17.3 % while using the organoleptic method (clinical halitosis), about 12 (8.0%) had slight to moderate halitosis. There was no statistically significant association between self-reported halitosis and halitosis determined using the organoleptic method. Among the investigated factors, frequency of brushing and gingival bleeding were found to be statistically significantly associated with self-reported halitosis, (aOR 3.64; p=0.032) and (aOR 3.06; p=0.045) respectively.
 Conclusion: Adolescents reported halitosis more than was clinically present which may have led to more aggressive oral hygiene practices. There is therefore the need to increase awareness on halitosis and proper oral health behaviour in adolescents in the Northern part of Nigeria.

THE DISPOSAL PRACTICES OF UNUSED AND EXPIRED PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AMONG NON-GOVERNMENTAL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS IN NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

The disposal practices of unused and expired medicines have become a worldwide challenge. Due to the state of insecurity in the North Eastern Nigeria, Non-Governmental Healthcare providers provide healthcare services and medication to populations in distress and are also positioned to possess unused and expired health products. The objective of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of Non-Governmental Healthcare providers working in Borno State Nigeria towards handling unused and expired pharmaceuticals. A cross-sectional research design using questionnaires was employed among all Non-Governmental Healthcare providers registered under the Borno State Agency for Coordination of Sustainable Development and Humanitarian Response (BACSDAHR) and all donor agencies implementing health programmes within the state. A total of 43 respondents participated in the study. About 86.0% showed good knowledge of the environmental impact of improper disposal, 95.5% showed a good attitude on disposal of unused and expired medicine, 62.8% exhibited good practices in the handling of unused and expired medicines. A significant association was found between the profession and the disposal practices of unused and expired medicines. Between 80% to 93% of respondents do not know of the availability of any medicine disposal guideline document in their organization. The staff of Non-Governmental Healthcare providers show good knowledge, good attitude as well as good practices on the disposal of unused and expired medicines. The profession of respondents significantly influenced their disposal practices.

Assessment of Heavy metals in Sediments, Water and Carias gariepinus from Alau Dam, Borno State Nigeria

Alau dam attracts commercial fishing and farming activities creating a booming market for individuals involved in the fish and vegetable businesses. The lake having flowed into several towns and villages coupled with the socio-economic activities along its bank received effluents with different concentrations of heavy metals. The study was aimed at assessing the levels of selected heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, As and Hg) concentrations in the sediments, water and Clarias gariepinus from Alau dam, Borno State, Nigeria. Samples were collected bi-weekly for 3 months and analyzed using standards methods. The result of the study indicates that heavy metal concentrations (Pb, Cd and Cr) in the sediments (2.120 ± 0.011, 1.004 ± 0.010 and 0.300 ± 0.010 mg/kg respectively) were all above USEPA permissible limits. The study further shows that exception of Cr (0.011 ± 0.007) all other analyzed metals were above NESREA limits. Additionally, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, As and Hg in the fish samples (1.020 ± 0.011, 0.940 ± 0.022, 0.001 ± 0.017, 0.010 ± 0.112 and 0.005 ± 0.033 mg/kg respectively) were within the NAFDAC limit. The Non-Cancer Risk (HQ were ˃ 1 in all calculated samples) and Cancer Risks (˃10-3 in all calculated samples) revealed high health risk from ingestion of the C. gariepinus from the study area. Furthermore, the BAF ratio shows Cd ˃ Pb ˃ Hg ˃ As ˃ Cr. The study recommends strict enforcement of NESREA regulations and a continuous monitoring of the levels of heavy metals concentration in the dam.

Determinants of Solar Energy Demand among Households in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

The study assessed the prospect of solar energy demand in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria, using primary data obtained through snowball sampling method collected between June and July 2022. The study employed descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Square, and logistic regressions to achieve its objectives. The result showed that 73% of the household heads are male, with 30% of them as businessmen. In addition, 80% are married; while 47% have a first degree. Most have income between N50, 000 and above. Most of them installed solar of N5, 00 000 to N 1, 000 000. The reasons for solar demand include poor electricity supply (32%), convenience (32%), comfortability (29%) and affordability (7%). About 70% of the respondents have been using solar for 2 to 4 years. Similarly, 75% and 80% reported that their electricity bills and generator maintenance cost have declined from N10, 000 and above to N5, 000 or less monthly after solar installation. The 95% of the respondents are satisfied with solar energy with the level of their Income, convenience and education on solar energy positively influencing their solar energy demand at 5%, 5%, and 10% respectively. In addition, the duration of solar power supply by the appliances, affordability of solar energy equipment as well as the comfort its provides coupled with the poor electricity supply in the study area positively and significantly influence solar energy demand at 5%, 5%, 10% and 5% respectively while reliability of the solar equipment negatively influences solar energy demand. Moreover, income is the most important determinant of solar energy demand with households that spent more on solar energy installation are more satisfied. Therefore, the study recommends policies that improve income, reduce the cost of solar installation and create more awareness of the advantages of solar power.

Boko Haram Insurgency and Socio-Economic Crisis in Borno State Nigeria

<p>So much has been written about the formation and activities of the Boko Haram insurgency since its advent in 2002 as religious fundamentalism. The Islamic sect is a group of "People Committed to the propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad" opposing western education. Their operations have degenerated into armed conflict, insurgency and terrorism, causing untold devastation and economic loss to some states of the federation. However, their significance in the socio-economic crisis of Borno State has not been adequately reported. This is the lacuna filled by this paper. The study adopted both primary and secondary sources of research instruments. The study discovered that Boko Haram insurgency has crippled markets, business activities and blocked the trade routes in Borno State. About 10,000 Eastern and South western business people fled the state; international business entrepreneurs from Chad, Cameroon and Niger returned to their countries; these affected the State's economic revenue in an unimaginable way, with negative implications on the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations. The Study recommends, among other things, adequate security measures, provision of social support system and care, provision of jobs and social amenities, development of infrastructures, reconciliation among local communities, reduction of poverty, a proactive step by the Federal government on supply of adequate funding, weapons and well-equipped military personnel to put an end to the insurgency in North Eastern Nigeria.</p>

Determinants of Solar Energy Demand among Households in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

The study assessed the prospect of solar energy demand in Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria, using primary data obtained through snowball sampling method collected between June and July 2022. The study employed descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Square, and logistic regressions to achieve its objectives. The result showed that 73% of the household heads are male, with 30% of them as businessmen. In addition, 80% are married; while 47% have a first degree. Most have income between N50, 000 and above. Most of them installed solar of N5, 00 000 to N 1, 000 000. The reasons for solar demand include poor electricity supply (32%), convenience (32%), comfortability (29%) and affordability (7%). About 70% of the respondents have been using solar for 2 to 4 years. Similarly, 75% and 80% reported that their electricity bills and generator maintenance cost have declined from N10, 000 and above to N5, 000 or less monthly after solar installation. The 95% of the respondents are satisfied with solar energy with the level of their Income, convenience and education on solar energy positively influencing their solar energy demand at 5%, 5%, and 10% respectively. In addition, the duration of solar power supply by the appliances, affordability of solar energy equipment as well as the comfort its provides coupled with the poor electricity supply in the study area positively and significantly influence solar energy demand at 5%, 5%, 10% and 5% respectively while reliability of the solar equipment negatively influences solar energy demand. Moreover, income is the most important determinant of solar energy demand with households that spent more on solar energy installation are more satisfied. Therefore, the study recommends policies that improve income, reduce the cost of solar installation and create more awareness of the advantages of solar power.

Control of Ear Rot Fungal Disease of Maize (Zea mays L.) Caused by Fusarium graminearum Using Plant Extracts

Background: This study investigated fungal ear rot disease of maize caused by Fusarium graminearum in Southern Borno state Nigeria. Methods: Aqueous extracts of waltheria (W indica), sickle pod (S. tora) and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) root, stem, leaf, seed and flower were tested for their efficacy in controlling ear rot fungal pathogen of maize. Completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications protocol was used. Results: The results obtained revealed that the three plant extracts studied, all were found to have inhibitory effect on conidial growth of F. graminearum. The V, amygdalina leaf extract recorded maximum inhibition of F. graminearum macroconidial growth at 40%, followed by 60% and 20% respectively. The effectiveness of V. amygdalina extract in controlling F. graminearum is closer to that of W. indica. The inhibition of F. graminearum on macroconidial growth by aqueous extract of W. indica followed same pattern with that of V. amygdalina, recording maximum inhibition by the leaf extract at 40%, followed by 60% and 20% respectively. The outcome of this study revealed that there is no significant difference between concentration and plants in inhibition of conidial growth of Fusarium graminearum on S. tora root at 40% concentration which eliminated F. graminearum. Conclusion: It was concluded from the study that Fusarium graminearum is the common pathogenic fungi which cause ear rot disease of maize in the study area. The plant extracts investigated demonstrated inhibitory effect against the fungi, thus serve as a source of natural agent for the prevention or treatment of fungal ear rot disease of maize.

Effects of Insurgent Activities on Post Primary Education in Borno State Nigeria

The study was on effect of insurgent activities on post primary schools in Borno state. Two objectives with two corresponding research questions and hypotheses guided the conduct of the study. Relevant literatures relating to the research questions with empirical related studies on insurgent activities were reviewed. The study adopted the Powell and Abraham theory as its theoretical framework. The survey research was employed as the design for the study. The population consist of 25,915 subjects comprising of students, teachers and school administrators from two (North & South) education zones. Four (400) hundred respondents were sampled randomly out of those population through Yamani formula. A semi structured instrument was developed by the researcher and validated by experts in educational administration and planning. The instrument was pilot tested to establish its reliability which was found to be 0.74. The instrument was then administered by the researcher with the help of two trained research assistants. The instrument was collected and analysed using the descriptive and inferential statistics. Specifically, mean () and the standard deviation (SD) was employed in testing the three research questions while the z-test was employed in testing all the three null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings from the study revealed that the causes of insurgency on post primary schools are known in Borno state, insurgency have devastating effects on students, teachers and educational administrators. The study therefore recommends among others that government should ensure equity and transparency in the distribution of resources and maintain fairness and justice in resolving conflicts and workshops on security and conflict resolution be organised for teachers, school administrators, and host communities and government should use poverty alleviation programmes to reduce unemployment crisis.

Isolation and Characterization of Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing Bacteria from some Municipal Waste within Maiduguri Borno State Nigeria

The present work was conducted to isolate, screen and identify polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing bacteria from municipal wastes. Samples were collected from dumping sites of Maiduguri Borno State and were checked for their bacterial population using nutrient agar and PHB Detection agar (PDA). A total of 20 PHB-producing bacteria were isolated and identified. Of the total, four of the isolates were found to be from Paenibacillus spp. while the remaining 16 were Bacillus spp. Isolates from Ngomari Custin denoted as NC 5, 2; NC 7, and NC 5A were suspected to be Paenibacillus favisporus, Bacillus lentus, and Bacillus firmus respectively while others of NC 7A X, NC 6A and NC 7A Y of the same site were all found to be Bacillus smithii. Isolates from Old Maiduguri Graveyard denoted as OMG 5X, OMG 7, OMG 6 and OMG 5A were all found to be Bacillus smithii. The isolates from Flour Mill Area denoted as FMA 5A, FMA 6A, FMA Y, and FMA7B were found to be Bacillus smithii, Paenibacillus nanensis, Bacillus acidiceler and Paenibacillus septentrionalis respectively. On the other hand, isolates from Ramat Square site denoted as RS 6,2; RS 6A, RS 5, RS 7,2 were registered as Bacillus nealsonii, Paenibacillus cookie, Bacillus firmus and Bacillus megaterium respectively. Those of RS 5B and RS 7A of the same sample site were both Bacillus acidiceler and their granules were stained by Nile Blue A staining and observed under the fluorescence microscope and were classified for the extent of their PHB production based on the intensity of fluorescence emitted under the microscopy. NC 7 produced the highest PHB yield compared to all other isolates. Hence, municipal wastes are a rich reservoir of PHB-producing bacteria and can readily produce (PHB), which has enormous advantages over petroleum-based polymers by means of cost effectiveness and eco-friendliness

Conduct of Integrated Health Services in Real Hard-to-Reach/Under-Served Communities to Address Maternal/Child Health Problems, 2016–2018 in Borno State Nigeria

The study focused on the conduct of integrated health services in real hard-to-reach/under-served communities to address maternal and child health problems from 2016–2018, riding on the Global Vaccine Action Plan that was conducted in Seventeen (17) Local Government Areas at risk of sustaining polio transmission in Borno State from July 2014 to December 2015, it was further expanded to 1712 for both real Hard-to-reach and Under-served communities in 25 accessible Local Government areas for integrated Health services using two strategies, Real Hard-to-reach areas and under-served communities which targeted newly liberated communities including internally displaced persons between 2016 to 2018. The findings from the study show treatment of minor ailment, 628731 clients were seen, and 9482 were referred to next health facilities for proper diagnosis and management, 88421 pregnant mothers received intermittent preventive therapy, sensitization on exclusive breast feeding, complementary feeding, focused antenatal care, Water sanitation, and hygiene. Furthermore, the findings show that oral polio, measles, hepatitis, yellow fever, tetanus toxoid, and pneumococcal conjugate vaccination was carried out for children from 0-11 months, while tetanus vaccination was carried out for pregnant women. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that the mobile health teams had improved the health status of Children, women of childbearing age, pregnant mothers, and other age groups in Real Hard-to-reach and under-served communities like Antenatal/post-natal, treatment of minor ailments, vaccination, nutritional screening, HIV testing counselling and referrals, Gender-based violence identification counselling and referrals and de-worming.

Consensus Reached on How to Recognise and Manage Sepsis and Septic Shock by Intensivists in Northeast Nigeria Held at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Borno State Nigeria

Worldwide, sepsis is a serious health threat and is among the leading cause of death in patients admitted into Intensive Care Units in hospitals across Nigeria and northeastern Nigeria, in particular. Patients of all sexes and ages are affected. However, the vulnerable groups such as extremes of ages (neonates and elderly), pregnant women, the immune-compromised, and those with underlying chronic medical conditions are more at risk.

Sero-Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Antibody among the Residence of Island Communities of Lake Chad Basin, Borno State, Nigeria

Aim: The study sought to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) among the people of Lake Chad Basin of Borno State Nigeria.
 Study Design: A cross sectional quantitative survey that derived information on the behavioral characteristics, vulnerability of the population and prevalence of HBV and HCV.
 Place and Duration of Study: Testing for HBV and HCV antibodies was carried out among the people of urban and rural communities of Lake Chad Basin of Borno State Nigeria in 2017.
 Methodology: 1790 samples were collected on dried sample blot card, dried and transported to National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development Abuja where the samples were tested using HBsAg ELISA rapid test kit (ACON, USA) and confirmed with HBsAg ELISA test kit (ABON, ABON Biopharm Hangzhou Co. Ltd). HCV tests was carried out using ACON hepatitis C test strip (ACON Laboratory, INC USA) and confirmed with ELISA HCV kit (ORTHO HCV version 3.0; Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Raritan, New Jersey, USA). The results were expressed in percentages
 Results: The result of the study revealed that 28 representing 1.56% tested positive for HBV and 3(0.17%) was HCV positive. On disaggregation, Commercial sex workers (CSW) and prison inmates had the highest prevalence of HBV and HCV 8.5% and 1.41% respectively. The highest number of positive cases of HBV was recorded among the males in the age range of 40-44 (3.25%), while the highest cases among the females was within the age range of 35-39 (6.8%). HCV positive cases were one male and two females within the age range of 20-24. HBV was higher in urban communities (3.70%), while HCV was higher in rural communities (0.17%).
 Conclusion: Interventions such as vaccination against HBV, sexual education prevention of blood exposure was suggested to mitigate further transmission of these infections

"Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Breast: A Case Report and Review of Literature"

Background: Despite the variety of epithelial malignancies seen in the breast, primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the breast is rare. It was often classified as one of the metaplastic carcinomas of the breast, although it can arise denovo from benign cysts in the breast. The reported incidence is less than 0.1% of all the ductal carcinomata. It has no distinct clinical features and radiological appearances are also unremarkable. Case report: We managed a 43-year-old housewife at the General Surgery Unit of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Borno State-Nigeria, who presented with an 11-month old left breast lump that developed malignant features 2 months prior to presentation. A diagnostic Ultra Sound Scan revealed a 10cm retroareola cystic mass with irregular margins and no colour flow on Doppler interrogation, with a provisional diagnosis of a chronic breast abscess. A Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology was equivocal. A wide local excision with axillary dissection was done and postoperative histopathologic analysis showed a primary squamous cell carcinoma. The resection margins were free and only one lymph node showed metastatic deposit. Conclusion: Adenocarcinoma of the breast is the most common malignancy in the breast. The absence of primary squamous cells in the breast renders pure squamous cell carcinoma a rarity. The presentation of squamous cell carcinoma could be similar to that of an adenocarcinoma or bears a benign outlook. It is imperative therefore to subject all benign lesions of the breast to pathological analysis after removal.

Effect of Blended Teaching Method on Junior Secondary School Students’ Retention in Basic Technology Subject in Biu Educational Zone, Borno State Nigeria

The main purpose of this study is to determine the effect of blended teaching method on junior secondary school students’ retention in Basic Technology subject in Biu Educational Zone of Borno State, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted quasi-experimental design of pretest, posttest nonrandomized nonequivalent control group design. The population of the study was 22,968 Junior Secondary School students offering Basic Technology in Biu Educational Zone of Borno State. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two Junior Secondary School in Biu Educational Zone of Borno State for the study. The total sample size was 182 students in their JSS II. The instrument for data collection was developed by the researcher titled: “Basic Technology Retention Test (BTRT)”. The instrument was validated by three experts. A reliability coefficient of 0.88 was obtained using Cronchbach Alpha after the draft instrument was trial tested on 30 JSS II students of Government Day Juniour Secondary School, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while z-test and ANOVA was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the study revealed that the There is significant difference in the mean retention scores of students in Basic Technology taught using blended and lecture teaching method in Biu Educational Zone of Borno State; Male students’ retention mean scores were higher than their female counterpart in both blended and lecture teaching methods. This indicates that blended teaching method is effective in teaching both male and female students. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: Government should liaise with the appropriate school authorities in order to encourage and support the use of blended learning platform in secondary schools as this could enhance students’ retention in various subjects.

Physical and chemical characterization of some selected soils in University of Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

A semi-detailed survey was conducted to characterize some physical and chemical properties of soils of Teaching and Research Farm University of Maiduguri, Borno State. Three sites were selected on the basis of land forms and surface texture and their description were taken using two soil profile pits at each sites. The soils collected were subjected to laboratory analysis using standard procedure. The colour of the soils changes at both surface and subsurface layers within each layer due to reduction in organic matter content down the profile, majority of the topsoil layer were brown while light yellowish orange were found in the subsoil layer.The consistency of the soil changed from hard at the surface layers to soft at subsurface layers. Soil reaction ranged from6.72 to 7.36which is neutral to slightly alkaline at both surface and subsurface layer and the electrical conductivity shows no salinity effect at both surface and subsurface layers. Cation Exchange Capacacity ranged from 10.09 to 15.97 Cmol/kg which was very low. Organic carbon content was generally low to moderate which ranged from 0.2 to 0.60 % due to poor return in organic matter content. The soil texture of the surface and subsurface was predominately sandy loam. Sand content of P2 ranged from 537g/kg to 762 g/kg, silt ranged from 141 (P4) to 441 (P1) g/kg and clay from 72 (P2) and 147 (P4) g/kg. Available phosphorus and potassium tend to be low while sodium was high, magnesium showed to be medium to high, while calcium was also low to medium. Bulk density of the soils, increases with increase in depth and the hydraulic conductivity decreases with increase in depth. The chemical and physical properties of the soil are good for crop production except for sodium that is high, which need some management practices for optimum crop production and as such evaluation on the capability and suitability of the area should be conducted.

The Potentials of Whatsapp Group in Promoting Learning, Social Interaction and Democracy among Undergraduate Students in University of Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria

The Whatsapp platform created in the year 2009 is a mobile messaging app which allows the users to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. It also makes communication and the distribution of multimedia messaging more easily and faster using internet connectivity. This study therefore investigated the potentials of Whatsapp group in promoting learning, social interaction and democracy among undergraduate studentsin University of Maiduguri, Borno State Nigeria. The study had three objectives and three corresponding research questions. Qualitative design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of all the four Whatsapp groups formed for the undergraduate levels of adult education programme. Out of these four Whatsapp groups, two were selected for the study. The two groups selected for the study were those of 300 and 400 levels in the 2017/2018 academic session. The population of the group members at 300 level were 97 while those at 400 level were 103. This gave a total population of 200. Three posts consisting of messages covering information text and supportive images, audio, video and document files posted to the group platform made by three male students and female students in each of the levels in line with the research objectives raised for this study were chosen by expert views for analysis. The reliability of the posts were determined cross checking with the facts on ground to ensure that only consistent data is used for the analysis. Analysis in this study was done using narratives only. The result of the study shows that Whatsapp groups utilized by undergraduate adult education students in 2017/2018 academic session for the 300 and 400 level students has greatly promoted their learning, social interaction and practice of democracy. The study concluded that the Whatsapp group is a very important platform for undergraduate adult education students. It therefore recommends amongst others, that Class Representatives should partner and add their various course Lecturers to their groups so that they could help them clarify certain concepts or issues they did not understand in the classroom.

Effect of Blended Teaching Method on Junior Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in Basic Technology in Biu Educational Zone, Borno State Nigeria

Effect of Blended Teaching Method on Junior Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in Basic Technology in Biu Educational Zone, Borno State Nigeria