Central Nigeria Research Articles

Quality Dietary Intake in Adolescence: Assessment of Macronutrients, Minerals and Essential Amino Acids in School Meals Served in the FCT, North Central Nigeria.

Energy, Macronutrients, Minerals, and Essential Amino Acids (EAA) were assessed from school meals served to adolescents in government boarding Schools in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Two Hundred and EightySix (286) secondary school students within the age range of 13-19 years were selected for this study. 56.6% of the students were female and the majority (60.8%) were aged 13-16yrs with average age of respondents as (15.75±1.11) and BMI range (17.4-18.37). Stunting (4.2%) and malnutrition prevalence (28%) were low with the majority of adolescents recorded as normal HFA(95.4%). Protein and energy sources were largely plant based, however, carbohydrates made up (28.03%-31.3%) of daily value which was lower than the RNI for adolescents per day. Protein (53.9% – 83.6%) and Fats (65.6%-158.02%) exceeded the RDA for population consumption and Energy (1070±196.7 (Kcal) intake was less than required. However, individual rations for daily consumption of protein, Energy and Fibre fell short of RNI. Moisture content (54.2-58.3%), ash (3.5-5.1%), fat (9.6-15.15%), protein (5.38-8.0%), crude fiber (0.8-1.3%), and carbohydrate (18.9-21%). Meals contained calcium (57.4-65.0mg), potassium (290-460mg), sodium (1030-1500 mg), iron (10.9-12mg), zinc (6.12-7.72mg), Mg (56.5-58.7mg) vitamin A (2.56-6.5 RAE), and vitamin C (0.024-0.041mg) Vitamin D (8.14-11.63mg) per 100 g of the school meals. Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Potassium were recorded as low for Recommended Nutrient Intake. Essential Amino acid (EAA) levels were quite higher than required per 100g of meal assessed for all nine EAA. In conclusion, dietary diversification of meals can be improved upon, to meet intricate adolescent nutrient needs.

Adenovirus and rotavirus-associated diarrhea among children under five years of age in Offa, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Adenovirus and rotavirus-associated diarrhea among children under five years of age in Offa, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria

Epidemiology and Genetic Relationship of Toxigenic Fungi in Maize Grains From North Central Nigerian States.

Contamination of maize adversely affects maize quality, yield, and export creating a gap in the attainment of food security, which is a millenium development goal in Nigeria. The study determined fungal abundance, genetic variability, and prevalence of toxigenic fungi in maize grains consumed in North Central, Nigeria. Sixty composite stored maize samples were collected and fungi were isolated and identified after which a multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the presence of mycotoxin regulatory genes in suspected toxigenic fungi. The genetic relationship among the toxigenic fungi was determined and the genetic correlation between Aspergillus isolates was established through Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. About 389 (64.83%) of the total maize samples collected had fungal species belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Mucor, Penicillium, Fusarium, Trichophyton, and Talaromyces associated with them. Among the regions surveyed, Kogi State exhibited the highest maize contamination rate at 89 samples, accounting for 22.9% of the total samples collected. In Benue and Kogi, the genus Aspergillus exhibited the highest relative abundance, with percentages of 76.6% and 76.3%, respectively. Among its species, Aspergillus flavus and A. niger were the most predominant. Kwara State had the highest fungal diversity with a value of 1.711 (P < .05). Benue State had 11 isolates (4.6%) with genes encoding for mycotoxin production, the highest recorded. Conversely, Nasarawa and Niger States each had the lowest count, with 4 isolates possessing such genes. Out of the 238 fungi suspected to be mycotoxigenic that were isolated, 39 have genes that encode for mycotoxin synthesis. Low divergence existed between toxigenic fungal species using the alpha diversity index. This study confirmed that the grains were contaminated with closely related fungal strains, and concluded that maize grains consumed in North Central Nigeria showed high association with fungal microbiota, including species capable of contaminating the grains with mycotoxins.

Effect of Heavy Vehicles on Road Pavement and Implication on the Environment in North Central Nigeria

Transport infrastructure plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic development, mobility and environmental sustainability. Road pavement facilitates the movement of vehicles and ensure safe and efficient transportation of goods, services and people across the country. The study was conducted on Asa-dam Road Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, primary source of data and random sampling techniques was employed to select 150 respondents. Findings from the study revealed that potholes, depression of the road surface and other road failures are caused by heavy vehicles. Majority of respondents (96.7%) perceived highest level of major damage are caused by heavy vehicles of 50 tons above while 45.3% perceived minor damage and 34.7% perceived medium damage by heavy vehicles of less than 30 tons. P-value of 0.000 is below the conventional threshold of p&lt;0.05. R value of 0.892 with R2 value of 0.795 implied a strong and positive relationship exist between inadequate road pavement and the environment which increases vehicle maintenance cost, travel time and pollution. F-ratio value of 140.832 was statistically significant. The study concluded that heavy vehicles have significant effect on road pavement damage as a result of the weight and of goods they carry therefore affecting the environment. However, it is recommended that the current road pavement be scrapped and new layer of asphalt be laid to cater for heavy vehicle traffic while government should do more routine and periodic maintenance of the road pavement.

Family and Stigmatization: Coping Experience of Persons with Substance Use Disorders in North Central Nigeria

In northern Nigeria, stigma has been used as a means of discouraging drug use because of the claim that substance users are responsible for their choices, in this line many families also adopted the same measure as a way of chastising family members involved in drug use. This qualitative study on stigma investigated the personal experiences of 40 people with a history of drug use who are receiving treatment in a facility. The study used a purposive sampling technique to obtain information from participants through interviews. Statistically, this study also obtained data from 261 participants admitted to the same facility over 7 years ago. From this population, 59.4% were diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder (SUD), while 3.8% were diagnosed with Substance Use Disorder comorbid mental illness. Compare to females, there were more males at 85.1%. Furthermore, 55.0% are between the ages of 16 to 30 years of age, making it the highest age group that participated in the study. On marital status singles made up the highest number at 86.4%, participants raised by a single parent were 2 which is .9%. Based on family type, the mean obtained was 1.18 and SD of .387 these participants were grouped into a monogamous and polygamous family. Two hypotheses raised in this study predicted that “there is likelihood that person with substance use disorder will have a stigmatized experience” and “Persons with substance use disorder will have ways to cope with stigmatization” were tested to be significant, the Nvivo software was used in analysing the data obtained from the interviews. The outcome of the study suggests that family members are often the first point of stigmatization for drug-using persons in most families in North-central Nigeria.

NEED ANALYSIS APPROACH TO THE DESIGN OF ENTREPRENEURSHIPORIENTED ECONOMICS CURRICULUM FOR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Nigeria graduates can only be self-employed if they acquire relevant skills and knowledge for successful establishment in occupation and gainful employment. It is believed that entrepreneurship is significant force in shaping the changes that take place in the economy. This shaping education system towards this direction will immensely contribute in building entrepreneurship mindset as most of the teacher training programmes in Nigeria have concentrated more on teaching knowledge and skills in principles devoid of practical experience in related field. The study was therefore carried out on the need to design an entrepreneurship-oriented Economics curriculum for the NCE training programme on the basis of the needs of the learners as perceived by lecturer and students of Economics. The study employed a survey research design. Multistage sampling was used to select 200 NCE II and III students from the target population of 1870 students from four sampled Colleges of Education in the North Central Nigeria. 40 Economics educators were purposively use for the study. Two researcher design questionnaire for the lecturers and students. Cronbach Alpha Coefficient value of 0.835 and 0.725 for students and lecturers respectively were used to obtain data from field survey. The data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation and T-test at 0.05 level of significant. Based on the findings, an entrepreneurship-oriented Economics curriculum been proposed for implementation by NCCE. This would develop the spirit culture of entrepreneurship and arrest the disturbing trend of massive unemployment among NCE graduate. It was recommended that needs analysis should be employed to design an entrepreneurship-oriented curriculum contents for Economics and other core subjects in Nigeria College of Education.

Profitability of Utilizing High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) in Confectionery/Bakery Firms in Parts of North Central Nigeria.

High Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF), derived from cassava tubers, is a significant meal component due to its high carbohydrate content and various benefits The study investigated the profitability of using HQCF in confectionery and bakery firms in North Central Nigeria. Data was collected from 78 confectionery and bakery firms and 710 workers using structured questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS 23. The study found that most workers were male (62.8%), aged 21-40 (50%), married (75.6%), and had tertiary education (68.0%). Most earned below ₦100,000 monthly, with additional income sources. Key economic factors included land acquisition (61.3% self-purchased), credit access (85.9% from banks), and external financial assistance (91.0%). Firms awareness of government policies on HQCF was high (87.2%), and profitability was significant, with ₦1 invested generating ₦3.76k in revenue. Market availability and cooperative societies for bakers were crucial for success. The study concluded that using HQCF in confectioneries and bakeries in the FCT, Benue, and Nasarawa states is profitable. It revealed that most firms have been losing profit due to non-compliance with policies requiring the inclusion of HQCF in their products. This non-compliance emanates from lapses in policy enforcement. To address this issue, the government should enforce existing policies through relevant agencies. Furthermore, the government should support HQCF availability, offer more credit access, and provide training programs to ensure the sustainability and profitability of HQCF in Nigeria.

Colonial Destruction of Extractive and Manufacturing Industries, and the Spirit of Trade and Commerce in Southern Kaduna-Nigeria, 1900-1960

Southern Kaduna refers to all the non-Hausa-Fulani autochthonous language groups in Kaduna State of Nigeria. They do not form a geo-political entity, but a social and geo-cultural one. In spatial terms, the region covers the geo-linguistic and cultural entity of that was commonly referred to as Southern Zaria or Southern Division or “Pagan Division” of Zaria Province, with parts of former Bauchi, Niger, Nasarawa and Plateau Provinces. Southern Kaduna is not a geo-political expression; but the culture-complex sub-region, which together with Jos Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, form the heartland of Nigeria. Southern Kaduna is situated within the central high plains of Central Nigeria and is located between Hausa land and the Niger/Benue Valley. It is located between Longitude 70 45' 20"N to 80 30' 15"N and Latitude 90 01' 34"E to 100 57' 30"E

Prevalence and Diversity of Zoonotic Protozoa in Dogs in Lokoja, North ‎Central, Nigeria

The risk of zoonotic protozoan diseases has increased in recent times through the unregulated breeding of dogs in the neighbourhood of human dwellings. Dogs (341) brought into the seven major (Based on full employment of at least one veterinarian) veterinary clinics in Lokoja, North Central Nigeria (October 2021 to August, 2022) for medical evaluations were enlisted in this study to determine the prevalence and diversity of zoonotic protozoa in the dogs. Faecal and blood samples were screened using modified Ziehl – Neelsen and direct microscopy techniques for the presence of intestinal and blood protozoan oocysts. Out of the faecal and blood samples collected from each of the 341 dogs enlisted in the study, 207 (60.7%) were positive for protozoa. Faecal protozoa had a higher frequency of occurrence; 50.4% (172/341) compared to blood protozoan; 10.3% (35/341).Eimeria histolytica was the most frequently occurring protozoa; 14.4% (49/341), followed by Giardia; 12.0% (41/341) and the least was Babesia; 3.8% (13/341). There was however no significant difference in the prevalence of protozoa and the type of parasite (P = 0.702). Age-specific, prevalence showed that puppies under 1 year had a higher prevalence of protozoa; 84.1% (174/207) compared to the adults; 16.0% (33/207). The relationship was not significant (χ2=3.816; P = 0.702). Local breed of dogs had the highest prevalence of protozoa; 68.2% (137/201), followed by exotic; 60.47% (26/43) and the least was the cross breed, 45.4% (44/97). There is a significant difference in the prevalence of protozoa in local and cross breeds of dogs (P = 0.001). The female dogs had a higher prevalence; 77.0% (117/152) compared to males; 45.5% (86/189). There was an association between prevalence of protozoa and sex of dogs (χ2 = 16.77; P = 0.010).

Comparative Profitability and Technical Efficiency of Small-Scale Rice Farmers with and without Access to Improved Production Technology in North Central Nigeria

This study evaluated comparative profitability and technical efficiency of small-scale rice farmers with and without access to improved production technology in North Central Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for this study. The data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire of 1500 small-scale rice farmers with access to technology and 1500 small-scale rice farmers without access to technology making a total of 3000 rice farmers in the study area. The results showed that the average age of the sampled rice farmers with access to technology was 36 years, while those without - 46 years. The results showed that the rice production was profitable for both farmers with and without access to technology. The statistically significant factors influencing the rice production for small-scale farmers with access to technology were the land size (p&lt;0.01), labour (p&lt;0.01), fertilizer (p&lt;0.01) and agrochemical (p&lt;0.01), while the statistically significant factors influencing the rice production for small-scale farmers without access to technology were land size (p&lt;0.01), labour (p&lt;0.01) and agrochemical (p&lt;0.10). The major challenges faced by the small-scale rice farmers with access to technology were the poor credit facilities, shortage of farm input, inadequate rainfall season, high cost of labour and instability in the planting calendar. The F-Chow test showed that there was significant impact on the technical efficiency, productivity and profitability of rice farmers with access to improved technology. Therefore, the study recommends that inputs such as improved seed varieties, fertilizers and chemical inputs should be provided to farmers. Keywords: profitability, technical efficiency, rice farmers, small-scale, with and without access to technology

Assessment of Seasonal Variation in Heavy Metal Status of a Lotic Ecosystem in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, North Central Nigeria

Assessment of Seasonal Variation in Heavy Metal Status of a Lotic Ecosystem in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, North Central Nigeria

Evaluations of the Physical Characteristics and Proximate Composition of Some Indigenous assertions of rice in North- Central Nigeria

Evaluations of the Physical Characteristics and Proximate Composition of Some Indigenous assertions of rice in North- Central Nigeria

Groundwater investigation within the basement complex, North Central Nigeria, using magnetic and resistivity method

Groundwater investigation within the basement complex, North Central Nigeria, using magnetic and resistivity method

Zircon and cassiterite U-Pb geochronology and petrochemical characteristics of early Tertiary tin mineralization at Mayo Darlé, Cameroon Volcanic Line

Tin mineralization at Mayo-Darlé in the Cameroon Volcanic Line is associated with highly evolved anorogenic ferroan granite magmatism with a pervasive hydrothermal overprint. Mineralization occurs as cassiterite-quartz-muscovite stockwork and disseminated in quartz-mica and quartz-topaz greisen in low-Ca alkali feldspar granite with a composition near the 1 kbar haplogranitic thermal minimum. The trace element composition of zircon indicates elevated temperature (880 ± 55 °C) and very low oxidation state below the quartz-fayalite-magnetite buffer. Laser-ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) identifies a partly disturbed U-Pb system for igneous zircon (U and Th contents >1000 ppm) but defines Tera-Wasserburg concordia ages and common-lead-corrected weighted 206Pb/238U ages of about 54 Ma, similar to a previous 87Rb/86Sr vs 87Sr/86Sr regression with a date of 56.1 ± 1.7 Ma (MSWD = 58; n = 9) and an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.7085 ± 0.0035 (2 s). Hydrothermal cassiterite gives a pooled LA-ICPMS Tera-Wasserburg concordia age of 56.7 ± 0.6 Ma on two samples (each about 20 points, MSWD = 0.54 and 1.3). These new age data define a period of early Cenozoic intraplate calc-alkalic felsic magmatism as a precursor to abundant Oligocene to Recent alkali basalt volcanism along the Cameroon Volcanic Line. Geochemical and Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data suggest that the granitic rocks from Mayo Darlé were largely derived by partial melting of Mesoproterozoic basement and modified by strong differentiation, all likely powered by heat (and possibly fluids) from the mantle. The Tertiary age of the rare-metal magmatism sets this system apart from the widespread Late Neoproterozoic to Early Paleozoic rare-metal pegmatites and granites in the Pan-African collisional belts of Africa, and also from the anorogenic Mesozoic ring complexes in Central Nigeria.

Analysis of food security and nutritional status of artisanal fishing communities in Kogi State, North central Nigeria: USDA Food Security Questionnaire Core Module approach

Analysis of food security and nutritional status of artisanal fishing communities in Kogi State, North central Nigeria: USDA Food Security Questionnaire Core Module approach

Sustainability of traditional building practices in Nigeria: The case of Igala traditional architecture

Nigeria's diverse ethnic landscape is marked by distinct traditional building practices, each representing a unique cultural identity. This study delves into the architectural heritage of the Igala people of North Central Nigeria, shedding light on their sustainable building practice. Despite its profound cultural and historical significance, the Igala traditional architecture, like many others in Nigeria, faces challenges due to modernization. This trend is pervasive across Nigeria, where contemporary buildings often disregard indigenous socio-cultural, environmental, and climatic considerations in their design and construction. Consequently, modern buildings in Nigeria tend to be costly and incompatible with the local culture, environment and climate. This study explores the imperatives and values of Igala traditional housing pattern, aiming to enhance the sustainability of contemporary building practices in Nigeria. Employing a narrative approach, the study utilized archival/historical research, field surveys, and interviews with local building professionals, indigenous elders, and environmental experts to explore the Igala traditional building practice. Thematic content and descriptive analysis were used to interpret the gathered data. The study revealed intrinsic features of Igala traditional housing pattern, including the courtyard system, hierarchical spatial arrangement, organic expansion, food storage facilities and the integration of socio-economic and socio-cultural spaces. These features exemplify sustainability through values such as security, privacy, communal living, cultural identity, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, passive solar techniques and environmental conservation. The research emphasized the critical importance of these identified features and values, not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for guiding sustainable contemporary architectural practices in Nigeria.

Assessment of Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Jebba Upper Basin on River Niger, North Central Nigeria

Jebba Upper Basin upstream at Kainji, was constructed on River Niger in Nigeria during the last five decades mainly for hydropower generation, but receives pollutants through anthropogenic activities. This study assesses physical and chemical characteristics of Jebba upper basin on River Niger, North Central Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. The results show that the mean values of the physical and chemical parameters of water were: temperature (27.89±1.84 °C), pH (7.17±0.22), dissolved oxygen (6.35±0.91 mg/L), total hardness (42.33±32.89 mg/L), biological oxygen demand (2.85±1.07 mg/L), and conductivity (51.13±29.09 µs/cm). The result shows that temperature has significant positive (either at r &lt; 0.05 and r &lt; 0.01) association with Total Hardness (TH) (0.47), BOD (0.30) and NO3- (0.43) though inversely correlated with transparency (-0.29, r &gt;0.05). Total Hardness also have a positive correlation (0.52, r &gt;0.05) with nitrate. Spatial-temporal variations influenced by environmental factors were observed to impacted water quality parameters in the study area.

Modelling of air emissions from open burning of municipal waste in Ilorin Metropolis, North Central Nigeria

AbstractIncreased urbanization and population growth have led to a rise in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, necessitating the need for improved infrastructure and handling methods. Improper disposal practices, particularly open burning at dumpsites, have become common in emerging urban cities, posing serious environmental and health risks. This study aims at evaluating the pollutants often emitted into the environment during the open burning of solid wastes using the American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) model under three scenarios. The ground‐level concentrations of pollutants emitted were compared with the statutory limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) at selected receptor locations. The predicted maximum concentrations from the model for PM2.5 were 4184, 8633, and 10,419 μg/m3 and for PM10 were 16,481, 20,915, and 23,114 μg/m3 for scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The WHO limits of PM2.5 and PM10 were observed to be exceeded from 2500%–17,400% and 312.5%–4200% for scenario three representing the worst‐case scenario. Ilorin metropolis was revealed to be the receptor location with the highest impact. Waste‐to‐energy and other cleaner waste treatment options should be adopted to protect public health and environment.

Social reintegration of fistula survivors in North Central Nigeria: A case for rehabilitation

Obstetric fistula remains one of the neglected forms of chronic maternal morbidity that occurs mainly in low- and middle-income countries. We explored the rehabilitation and reintegration experiences of 15 fistula survivors in North Central Nigeria. We employed a qualitative research design, guided by Constructivist Worldview, involving narrative interviewing technique in conducting in-depth interviews. Key benefits of rehabilitation reported by the participants included socioeconomic-financial empowerment and autonomy, improved social status, and freedom from self-isolation. Additionally, participants experienced positive psychological effects, such as increased self-worth and self-confidence. However, prolonged recovery periods and stigmatization issues were noted as barriers to successful reintegration post rehabilitation. On the other hand, the presence of family and community support, along with the resolution of stigma, were found to be facilitators of social reintegration. Considering the holistic benefits of rehabilitation, we recommend implementing a comprehensive care management program for fistula survivors to facilitate successful social reintegration.

Development of lake macroinvertebrate-based multimetric index for monitoring ecological health in North Central Nigeria.

The use of organisms like macroinvertebrates in developing bioassessment tools, such as multimetric indices (MMIs), is gaining global recognition in monitoring the health status of lakes. The transition from traditional methods of physico-chemical parameters is due to the financial and time costs involved in their analysis while failing to provide accurate early warning signals on ecosystem conditions. Currently, there is scanty information on the use of MMIs in the conservation and management of lakes in Nigeria. This study aimed at developing a macroinvertebrate-based MMI to assess the ecological status of lakes in North Central Nigeria. The study was conducted on Tagwai and Old Gawu Lakes, from April to October 2022. Sampling sites were clustered based on organic pollution and categorized into reference (four) and impaired (four) sites. Out of 54 macroinvertebrate-based candidate metrics, only five were selected after discriminatory, stability, and redundancy tests (performed using R software). The final metrics were abundance of Ephemeroptera + Trichoptera; abundance of Coleoptera + Ephemeroptera; Gastropoda richness; Shannon Wiener index; and percentages of shredders + predators + scrapers, hereafter referred to as North Central Nigeria-Lakes Multimetric Index (NCN-LMMI). The NCN-LMMI values ranged as follows: 21-25, 16-20, 11-15, and 5-10 corresponding to categories I, II, III, and IV for water quality, as indications of good, fair, poor, and very poor ecological status of the lake, respectively. The developed NCN-LMMI will be a useful tool for aquatic resource managers and environmentalists to assess the ecological condition of lakes, mainly the North Central Nigeria municipal lakes.