Challenge In Nigeria Research Articles

Addressing the Dengue fever challenges in Nigeria: A narrative review and recommendations for control.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that continues to pose a significant public health threat globally, including Nigeria. Here, we provided a review of dengue fever outbreaks in Nigeria from 1972 to 2023, examining the epidemiology, prevention strategies, challenges faced in combating the disease, and recommendations to mitigate its spread and transmission. We utilized scholarly databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar in writing this paper. The search keywords like, "dengue fever", "break-bone fever", "dengue fever virus" "outbreak", "Nigeria", "prevalence", and "epidemiology", were used to get appropriate published articles about the subject areas. Over the past five decades, Nigeria has experienced intermittent outbreaks of dengue fever, with varying degrees of severity and geographic distribution. Factors such as urbanization, climate change, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure have contributed to the resurgence and spread of the disease in the country. Despite efforts to control dengue transmission through vector control measures and public health interventions, challenges persist, including limited surveillance capacity, diagnostic delays, and gaps in vector control strategies. The emergence of new dengue virus serotypes and the potential for co-circulation with other arboviruses further complicate control efforts. This review highlights the importance of strengthening surveillance systems, enhancing vector control measures, improving diagnostic capabilities, and increasing public awareness to effectively mitigate the burden of dengue fever in Nigeria. Collaboration between government agencies, healthcare providers, researchers, and international partners is crucial in addressing the growing threat of dengue fever and reducing its impact on public health in Nigeria.

Assessment of the knowledge of healthcare workers on monkeypox in Nigeria.

Monkeypox, a re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), poses a public health challenge in Nigeria. To effectively combat this disease, it is essential to assess the knowledge of healthcare workers (HCWs) in Nigeria concerning monkeypox outbreak. A cross-sectional web-based survey with 609 healthcare workers in Nigeria was conducted using a structured questionnaire to assess their knowledge of monkeypox. Data were coded and analyzed with Microsoft Excel and Python in Anaconda Jupyter Notebook. The majority of respondents (n=318, 52.2%) had good knowledge of MPXV but also had knowledge gaps regarding certain symptoms and disease similarities. Interestingly, respondents were completely unaware of the possibility of sexual transmission of the disease. However, they recognized the possible significant impact of monkeypox on the social and economic lifestyle of Nigerians (n=582, 95.6%, adjOR=21.181, 95% CI: 14.450-31.051). Respondents had mixed knowledge regarding the use of smallpox vaccines and antiviral agents for monkeypox prevention and treatment. Furthermore, a significant proportion (n=526, 86.4%, adjOR=0.159, 95% CI: 0.126-0.201) attributed the outbreak to bioterrorism. The logistic regression highlighted a strong influence of academic qualification, type of healthcare provider, years of experience, and geopolitical zone of practice, on monkeypox knowledge in Nigeria. The study highlights the importance of continuous education for healthcare professionals in Nigeria to improve monkeypox outbreak management. Despite their moderate performance, there are knowledge gaps in critical areas among HCWs, necessitating further research to explore reasons and influencing factors for knowledge levels.

An Investigation of Biblical Approach to Sanitation in Deuteronomy 23:13: A Model to End Open Defecation in Nigeria and Ghana.

Nigeria and Ghana are two Sub-Saharan African countries that are notoriously and incurably noted to be bedeviled by the prevalence of open defecation. Written thousands of years before the emergence of modern medicine, Deuteronomy 23:13 is one of the Old Testament Pentateuchal sanitary laws of God that provides an excellent model for dealing with the menace of open defecation. The text has hygienic undertones as it promotes proper disposal of human waste. In this article, the author harnesses various scholastic interpretations of the text to tackle open defecation challenges in Nigeria and Ghana. The author defines open defecation as the practice of emptying the bowels outside a designated toilet and argues that it hinders public health, pollutes water, and affects sanitation negatively. The article, through the biblical model, advocates for proper hygienic and environmental practices to help deal with the current sanitation threat. The article reviews literature from scholarly publications relevant to open defecation, with a focus on open defecation prevalence, factors influencing open defecation, and impacts in Nigeria and Ghana.

Motivations for and experiences of childbirth abroad amongst Nigerian women: A qualitative study.

Birth tourism, the practice of a woman travelling out of her country of residence to another country to give birth, is common globally. Despite this, there is limited literature on the motivations and experiences of women who gave birth abroad. This study aims to address this gap by seeking to understand the motivations for and experiences of childbirth abroad among Nigerian women. Using purposive and snowball sampling, 27 Nigerian women who had children abroad were recruited via social media platforms. In-depth interviews were conducted remotely, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically. Braun and Clarke's six-step thematic analysis was used, which included data familiarisation, code generation, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining themes, and producing the report. We found that motivations for seeking childbirth abroad varied based on the mother's desires for their children, needs, and circumstances. These motivations were formed at different times before and after pregnancy and evolved over time. The experience of childbirth abroad is mostly good. However, there are also bad experiences, with some women feeling like they were treated differently because they were "self-paying" patients, "black", or not country residents. The cost of care is deemed exorbitant, but most pay their bills. Support of loved ones around childbirth abroad was considered crucial, although not always available. Through it all, realising the expected and collateral benefits of childbirth abroad made it all worth it. In conclusion, motivation for childbirth abroad varies and evolves. While globalisation, broken health systems, and ongoing sustained economic challenges in Nigeria and similar settings continue to motivate women to seek childbirth abroad, their experiences of childbirth abroad suggest that though it might be greener on the other side, it is not necessarily dark green. Systems are needed to elevate their voices in the public discourse and safeguard them from bad experiences of childbirth abroad.

Conceptual triple E model for sustainable food security: A solution-based framework for hunger and malnutrition in Nigeria

Food insecurity, hunger, and malnutrition have been a global challenge, particularly among low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Despite international donors’ interventions, the number of food insecure households, hunger, and malnutrition keep increasing, though exacerbated by the security challenges in Nigeria. Nigeria ranked 107th out of 113 countries on the Global Food Security Index (GFSI), and the level of hunger in Nigeria remains considerably serious, as Nigeria also ranks 109th out of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI). Owing to these challenges, the Nigerian government has instituted policies and programmes to boost food production, yet the issue of food insecurity persists due to poor implementation. Failure of policies and programmes is principally due to the so-called NO-STEP syndrome-no sincerity or transparency in the execution of policies. Furthermore, there have not been structures that could provide a basis for the formulation of the policies and also evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their implementation. Therefore, this study outlines a conceptual “Triple E (Evaluation, Education, and Empowerment) framework”. The goal is to strengthen rural agricultural activities for adequate food production, a sure pathway to achieving food security and hunger reduction. Furthermore, considering the increasing number of malnourished children in Nigeria, the Triple E also entails a novel initiative, SIT-250/4/1 (survey, identify, and treat 250 thousand malnourished under five children, every quarter per year), and if adopted by the Federal Government of Nigeria, it could help reduce significantly, in the shortest possible time, the number of malnourished children in Nigeria.

Adolescent fertility and its impact on educational attainment in Nigeria: A propensity score matching approach

ABSTRACT Teenage childbearing remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, characterized by a high rate of early adolescent births. This study examines the impact of teenage fertility on educational attainment of young mothers in Nigeria. Utilizing data from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey, we applied propensity score matching techniques to construct a matched sample of non-fertile teenagers aged 15 to19 years that closely corresponds to a sample of fertile teenagers. The results of our analysis reveal that the average treatment effect of teenage fertility is a reduction in education attainment by nearly two and half years. Furthermore, being fertile during the teenage years is associated with a 25 percent decrease in the probability of completing secondary school. This underscores the significant educational challenges faced by young mothers in Nigeria due to early childbirth. Addressing the challenge of early childbearing among adolescent girls in Nigeria is critical not only for the well-being of these girls but also for the country's overall development and future prospects.

‘There is not much we can do’: The roles and challenges of Nigeria's child protection social workers

AbstractResearch on the challenges child protection social workers (CPSWs) face has increased remarkably in developed nations with the goal of finding sustainable solutions. There is a significant number of vulnerable children in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), yet little is documented and known about the role of CPSWs in supporting the children, and the challenges they face that must be addressed to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. The study presents findings from in‐depth interviews with 11 certified social workers recruited from five non‐governmental organizations in Lagos and Kano states, Nigeria. A realist thematic methodological analysis was performed on the data. Findings were organized and discussed around two major themes including child‐focused remedial work and challenges encountered. Providing essential remedial services such as food, clothing, shelter and counselling/therapeutic services emerged as the primary responsibilities of Nigerian child protection social workers (NCPSWs). Their work‐related challenges include frustration due to limited resources and resistant children, shortages of social workers and high caseloads, whereas systemic challenges include the non‐adoption and non‐implementation of the 2003 Child Rights Act (CRA), the lack of legal recognition for the profession and government support. Implications and recommendations are drawn for practice, policy, and research.

Effectiveness of the Administration of Justice in Nigeria Under the Development of Digital Technologies

Objective: the traditional Nigerian judicial system has long been associated with a conservative approach and traditional methodologies of justice administration. As a developing country, Nigeria has benefited immensely from the advancement of digital technology, especially in the legal field. This is due to the fact that modern digital technologies are being rapidly adopted in Nigeria's judicial processes for effective justice administration. However, despite the promise of digital technology, there are legal and socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria that may affect its successful utilization in legal proceedings. This justifies the focus of the study - to identify the legal and socio-economic challenges of digitalization of court proceedings in Nigeria.Methods: the study combines doctrinal and non-doctrinal approaches. The former ensures theoretical understanding of the conceptual issues and prospects of court proceedings virtualization. It also allows exploring, based on primary and secondary sources (laws, monographs, research articles and internet resources), the legal and socio-economic challenges of the use of digital technologies in court proceedings. The non-doctrinal approach consists in polling, describing and analyzing the results of a sociological survey. The survey was conducted among Nigeria residents to reveal their attitudes towards innovations in digitalization and virtualization of court proceedings as well as the challenges posed by these processes.Results: the study revealed that the use of digital technologies in court proceedings in Nigeria has several prospects of ensuring effective justice administration and accurate recording and storage of information. Along with the benefits, challenges are shown that may reduce the effectiveness of court proceedings digitalization.Scientific novelty: consists in investigating the use of digital technology in Nigerian court proceedings and identifying the prospects of improving the efficiency of justice administration in Nigeria under digitalization, as well as the challenges arising from this trend.Practical significance: the study will enable stakeholders in the Nigerian legal sector to identify legal and socio-economic challenges that may adversely affect and render ineffective the use of digital technologies in legal proceedings. In addition, the article offers practical recommendations to address these challenges.

Media, Security Challenges and the Future of Nigeria: A Theoretical Overview

Security issues in Nigeria have of recent attracted global attention. The country now faces security threats from insurgent groups and bandits including the unknown gunmen that operate in broad day light almost unhindered. These have resulted to massive loss of lives and properties with devastating effects on the economy of the country and freedom of movement. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the challenges posed by the unfolding threats from these enemies of the nation building and how the mass media in Nigeria could help in saving the country from this mess. The study employed literature review method and anchored on the Democratic Peace Theory. The review reveals that Nigerians depend so much on mass media for accurate and timely information about the happenings in the society; the traditional roles of the mass media in any society which are to inform, educate and entertain are so crucial that Nigeria can hardly progress meaningfully without these channels of mass communication; that although the mass media are faced with a lot of challenges in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria, they have significant influence in fighting the menace; the media have not been fully utilised in addressing the security challenges in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommends among others that the government should adopt dialogue and communication based approach in addressing security problems facing the country instead of relying solely on the use of force and stiff measures; Journalists in the media industry should utilise the mass media as agents of social change, and in spite of all odds redouble their efforts in setting agenda for public discussion on the best ways to salvage the country from the quagmire of insecurity; government officials and other relevant authorities should periodically organise media security summit for members of the public to contribute their quota on how to achieve attitudinal change and secure the country from collapse, security agents should work with intelligent information to avoid being victims of insecurity.

Biomass-to-power: Opportunities and challenges for Nigeria

Power is needed for the growth and development of any country. The Nigerian power sector continues to face tremendous challenges, especially in the areas of power generation and sustainability in the electricity value chain. Successive governments have carried out several reforms, but these problems persist. The major causes are tied to the lack of diversity in the country’s energy mix and over-dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels for power generation. With Nigeria’s growing power demand and the Federal Government’s commitment to renewable energy for reduced carbon emission, the potential of biomass in power generation can no longer be overlooked. Biomass is a renewable resource that is abundant in supply in Nigeria. Biomass resources can be obtained from multiple sources and has very low net carbon emission. Its immediate addition to Nigeria’s energy mix would aid the country in meeting its 2030 goal of increasing renewable power generation by 45% and reducing greenhouse emissions by 20%. This paper therefore studies the history of power generation in Nigeria and the challenges encountered so far. It then looks at biomass resources availability in the country, their viability as feedstocks for power generation, and biomass-to-power conversion processes. The challenges of this alternative power solution are identified and recommendations given. If these can be implemented, the biomass-to-power solution can significantly address the issues of low power generation and carbon emission. It would help improve energy security, environmental sustainability, circular economy, and economic opportunities for those in the biomass and power supply chain in Nigeria.

Optimizing safety performance through risk-based modeling in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector

The Nigerian oil and gas sector is fraught with safety challenges that undermine operational integrity and worker welfare. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced risk-based intervention and modeling approach to improve safety performance. This study investigated the safety challenges in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, focusing on identifying and addressing hazards to enhance operational integrity and worker welfare. A semi-quantitative approach was used to develop a comprehensive hazard checklist, aligned with ISO standards and expert insights. Data on hazard likelihood and severity were gathered through questionnaires distributed among a diverse group of industry experts, workers, and stakeholders. The analysis highlighted key risks like inadequate infrastructure, valve and seal failures, security concerns, and oil spill risks, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to promote a safer working environment and reduce accident risks.

The Role of Faith-based Organisations in Childhood Malaria Management among Mothers of Under-five Children in Osogbo, Nigeria

Malaria remains a major health challenge in Nigeria despite efforts at reducing its prevalence. Previous studies on malaria focused mainly on the biomedical aspects. However, little is known about the role of faith-based organisations in malaria management. Health Belief Model (HBM) provided the framework explaining mothers understanding of malaria illness, while exploratory and descriptive designs were utilized. The study was conducted among selected mothers of under-five children in Osogbo using the qualitative method comprising twelve focus group discussions (FGDs); six among mothers 15-35years (three each among literates and non-literates); six among mothers 35years and above (three each among literates and non-literates mothers). Qualitative data were content analysed. Malaria treatment behaviour of the mothers was a complex process, assisted by faith-based organisations through the provision of insecticides treated net (ITNs), awareness campaigns, routine immunization of pregnant mothers, and more. However, hording militated against the effective use of ITNs by mothers in malaria management. This finding corroborates common understanding that faith-based organisations play important role in malaria management by actually providing biomedically accepted resources which led to the reduction of mosquito spread, hence increases the chances of the survival of both children and mothers. Therefore, increased collaboration between government and faith-based organisations is needed to improve malaria management facilities and avail mothers with appropriate education on malaria management strategies to reduce complications from malaria.

Blood donation practices, processing and utilisation of blood components in government tertiary hospitals in Nigeria: a multicentre cooperative study.

Timely access to safe blood and blood components is still a challenge in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine blood donation practices, processing and utilization of blood components across government tertiary hospitals (THs) in Nigeria. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in Nigeria in June-July 2020. Data were analysed with SPSS version 21.0. Data were collected from 50 THs. The majority (68%) of the THs lack facilities for blood component preparation and only 18% and 32% provide cryoprecipitate and platelet concentrate, respectively. Whole blood was most commonly requested (57.04%). All facilities tested blood for HIV, HBV and HCV, but the majority (23 [46%]) employed rapid screening tests alone and nucleic acid testing was not available in any hospitals. The manual method was the most common method of compatibility testing in 90% (45/50) and none of the THs routinely perform extended red cell typing. The average time to process routine, emergency and uncross-matched requests were a mean of 109.58±79.76min (range 45.00-360.00), 41.62±25.23 (10.00-240.00) and 11.09±4.92 (2.00-20.00), respectively. Facilities for blood component preparation were not widely available. Concerned government authorities should provide facilities for blood component preparation.

Evaluation of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Public-Private Partnerships Involving Chinese Investment in Nigeria.

This research work evaluated the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) schemes involving Chinese Investment in FCT Projects, Research objective which guided this work was to compare Chinese investments and PPP schemes as methods for infrastructure finance in FCT. Research questions were formulated and tested. To carry out the work, comparative analysis of both investment options was done using the Google Research tool, interviews and an extensive literature review to evaluate the use of Chinese Investment and Public-Private Partnership (PPPs) in FCT Projects to find out which option met Sustainability Development Goals (SDG 11) criteria. Findings from the work show that Infrastructure projects are massive, and complex with multiple stakeholders. The research also found out that Chinese investment has increased Nigerian debt stock and that infrastructure paucity leads to multiple challenges in Nigeria. The T-test result was less than 0.05, null hypothesis was upheld and it affirmed PPP as a preferred method of financing infrastructure in Nigeria and recommended for the use of PPPs as the most costeffective method of infrastructure financing in Nigeria in order to meet up with SDG 11. Keywords: Foreign, Direct Investment, Public, Private Partnerships, Chinese and Investment

PROGRESSIVE HEALTH SPENDING AND MALARIA OUTCOMES IN NIGERIA: UNVEILING THE IMPACT

This study delves into the relationship between progressive health spending and malaria outcomes in Nigeria, aiming to uncover the impact of financial investments on disease management. Malaria remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with substantial resources allocated to combat the disease annually. However, the effectiveness of health spending in curbing malaria incidence and mortality rates remains unclear. Through a comprehensive analysis of healthcare expenditure trends and malaria outcomes, this research seeks to elucidate the extent to which progressive health spending influences malaria prevention, treatment, and control measures. Drawing upon national health expenditure data and malaria surveillance statistics, the study employs quantitative methods to examine the association between health expenditure patterns and malaria incidence and mortality rates over time. The findings shed light on the effectiveness of financial investments in mitigating the burden of malaria and inform evidence-based policy decisions aimed at improving disease management strategies in Nigeria.

Managing Adult Education to Meet 21st Century Development Challenges in Nigeria

Managing Adult Education to Meet 21st Century Development Challenges in Nigeria

Merchants of terror: Proliferation of small arms and light weapons and human security challenges in Nigeria

ABSTRACT In recent years, Nigeria’s security architecture has deteriorated due to conflicts and acts of violent extremism by non-state actors in possession of SALWs. Therefore, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons have resulted in armed conflicts, the displacement of people, organized crimes, and acts of terrorism, thereby undermining the peace, development, and human security of Nigerians, and by extension, Africa. The easy accessibility, destructiveness, simplicity and usability of the SALWs have made them appealing and a preferred choice for organized criminal groups and violent extremists resulting in huge human security challenges for Nigeria. In this context, the study examines the impact of the proliferation of SALWs and the peace, security, and development of Nigeria. The main interests are to first understand the intersectionality between the proliferation of SALWs and human security, and secondly to unpack the causes, channels, and casualties of the proliferation of SALWs in Nigeria. The author will also discuss the pattern and strategy of governmental response(s) to the proliferation of SALWs. The study recommends the adoption of a grand-national strategy comprising of governance-security nexus as a panacea to stem the tide of the illegal proliferation of SALWs in Nigeria.

Social Media Challenges in Nigeria

The roles and functions of social media is widely acknowledged by all citizens. It has made media communication so accessible to all corners of societies. It was created to yield jobs and opportunities - so it is doing. But, Africans and especially Nigerians have traded on it harms than the usefulness. It is on the regards, the founders and developers of the social media platforms need to erase some of the features sponsoring the negativities.

School Security and Safety Challenges in Nigeria: Evaluating the Existential Threats of Domestic Terrorism in the North East Region


 Abstract
 
 The ubiquity of terrorism cannot be overemphasized as it has become a global common phenomenon. Schools are easy prey of terrorist attack since they lack the maximum security apparatuses that other state institutions possess. All over the world, terrorist attacks have taken place inside and beside school premises raising serious concern for government, security experts and school authorities. The recurring events of school shootings that keep taking place in the United States of America, Beslan Russia and even in Norway have proven that no school is totally immune from attacks by insiders, criminals, terrorists and non-state actors. Consequently, schools should be protected from these threats given the public emotion, sensitivity and global concerns about places of learning. In the last decade or so, Nigeria has gone through the harrowing experiences of terrorist attacks on schools especially in the Northern part of the country and the North East in particular by Boko Haram, ISWAP and currently armed bandits. This study therefore examines this ugly menace that has defied sustainable solutions to insecurity and safety threats in Schools. The study is descriptive in nature and gathered information from materials already available and questionnaires from individuals and schools authorities.

Malaria and soil transmitted helminths among patients attending some hospitals in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) and Plasmodium falciparum are known to the causative agents of neglected tropical diseases that continue to pose significant public health challenges in Nigeria and other endemic countries. This study was aimed at determining malaria and STHs coinfection in Kano metropolis, Kano state, Nigeria. The prevalence of malaria and STHs was determined using microscopy and formol ether concentration methods, respectively. Data on socio-demographic and risk factors were collected from three hundred (300) patients using structured questionnaires. The findings revealed a high prevalence of malaria (92.7%) and low STHs (19.0%). Malaria was more prevalent in males (52.3%) than females (40.3%), with the highest prevalence observed among individuals aged 6 – 12 years (25.7%). The difference in malaria prevalence based on age was not statistically significant (p>0.05), contrary to gender which showed a significant difference in their association (p<0.05). STHs infections were more common in participants aged between 6 - 12 years (11.3%), and the difference in prevalence among age groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Among the study sites, patients exhibited a higher prevalence of Ascaris infection (14.3%) compared to Hookworm infection (4.6%). Co-infection was recorded in 19.0% of the patients, while 73.7% had malaria infection alone. During this study, malaria and STHs were prevalent in Kano metropolis and there was a co-infection of Malaria and STHs among patients attending the selected hospitals in Kano.