Ekiti State University Research Articles

Gender Differences In Undergraduates’ Perceived School Support, Self-Esteem, Academic Fatigue, And Engagement In Nigerian Government-owned Universities

Various research results show that there are differences in perceived social support, self-esteem, academic fatigue, and academic engagement based on gender. Yet, at this current research location, pre-research data shows the contrary. This study examines undergraduates’ perceived school support, self-esteem, academic fatigue, and engagement in two public Nigerian universities. The cross-sectional quantitative research type of the non-experimental design was utilized for the study through the theory lenses of Self-concordance and Demands-resources. The population of the study was undergraduate students undertaking degree courses at two public universities in Southwest Nigeria (the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, and the Ekiti State University), and these were selected using both the purposive and simple random sampling techniques. An instrument tagged "School Support and Undergraduates' Self-esteem, Academic Engagement, and Fatigue Questionnaire" was used for data collection with Cronbach alpha of 0.78, 0.81, 0.88, 0.89 for the four sections of the scales, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages), and t-test at a 5% significance level. The study's findings have shown that undergraduates’ gender influences their perceived school support and academic fatigue, with gender differences in favour of males. Still, there was no significant gender difference in undergraduates’ self-esteem and academic engagement. The study recommends that efforts be concentrated on ensuring continued gender equity, equality, and gender-balanced dynamics within the school context. Implications of the study and future research suggestions are proffered.

Comparison of Obstetric Outcomes Among Various Weight Strata in a Teaching Hospital in Southwest, Nigeria

AIM:The aim of the study is to evaluate the trend in adverse obstetric outcomes of parturients across the spectrum of body mass index.METHODS:This is a cohort study of pregnant women who received obstetric care at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, between January 2015 and December 2015. The data were prospectively collected into the Obstetric Data Registry of the department. Composite adverse maternal outcomes and composite adverse fetal outcomes were obtained for each group. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 24, and ap-value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:Out of the 1,006 parturients, 334 (33.2%) were obese. Composite adverse maternal outcome increased from 35.1% for women with normal weight to 62.3% for obese women (p< .001). Composite adverse fetal outcome also increased from 25.9% for women with normal weight to 30% for obese women (p< .001). The odds of composite adverse maternal outcome were increased in overweight women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.12, 3.49]) and obese women (aOR 1.65, 95% CI [1.21, 2.24]) compared with women with normal weight. Also, the odds of composite adverse fetal outcome were reduced in overweight (aOR 0.64, 95% CI [0.44, 0.93]) but increased in underweight (aOR 4.78, 95% CI [2.00, 11.44]) and obese (aOR 1.16, 95% CI [1.03, 12.39]) women.CONCLUSION:Composite adverse obstetric outcomes were increased in underweight, overweight, and obese women when compared with women with normal weight.

Upscaling Current Data Caching and Prefetching Strategies for Online Databases in Nigeria

This study investigated upscaling current data caching and prefetching strategies for online databases in Nigeria, with a focus on practical implications. The research design adopted for this study was the descriptive survey. The population comprised of all undergraduate’s library students in public tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. A simple random sampling technique was adopted to select 200 library students from Ekiti State University in the study area. The instrument used for data collection was a structured 4 Likert type questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to the respondents to find out the effectiveness of caching and prefetching techniques on online databases. The instrument was both face and content validated by two experts from the department of Library studies in Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti State. The reliability of the instrument was ensured using Pearson Product Moment Correlation formula which yielded a coefficient of 0.99. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. The result showed that the current caching and prefetching techniques employed in online databases are highly effective; the different access patterns have effect on the effectiveness of caching and prefetching techniques in online databases and there are impacts of cache coherence mechanisms on the efficiency of caching and prefetching techniques in online databases. It was therefore recommended that the inclusion of caching and prefetching in curriculum is important across all educational level in Nigeria, with a clear emphasis on the practical implications. In addition, caching and perfecting have come under fire for focusing mostly on computer science.

Profile of Intentional Self-Poisoning Cases among Adolescents at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria – A 2-year review

Profile of Intentional Self-Poisoning Cases among Adolescents at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria – A 2-year review

On Application of Absorbing Markov Chain Model to Determine Students’ Academic Progress: A Case Study of Mathematics Department, Ekiti State University, Nigeria

On Application of Absorbing Markov Chain Model to Determine Students’ Academic Progress: A Case Study of Mathematics Department, Ekiti State University, Nigeria

Herbicide residues as a possible risk factor in semen quality and spermatogenesis

Background Reports from various countries have consistently demonstrated a correlation between herbicide exposure, arising from agricultural practices, and a decline in semen quality, leading to male infertility. This study was conducted at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, a rural community characterized by a predominantly agrarian population to determine the relationship between semen quality and herbicides residues. Methods The study focused on males whose spouses were seeking assistance at infertility clinics. Routine semen analyses were performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, categorizing samples into normospermic, asthenospermic, oligospermic, and azoospermic groups. Seminal plasma samples from each group (twenty samples per group) were subjected to analysis for the presence and concentration of herbicides using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The following herbicides were investigated: halosulfurum, linuron, fluometuron, chlo-rimuron, imaxamox, cloransulam, dicamba, fluroxypor, trichlopyr, propanil, cloclinafop, clethodim, quizalofop, fluazifop, pinoxaden, bentazon, atrazine, and bromoxynil. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 24. Results The analysis revealed significantly higher concentrations of most herbicides in the asthenospermia, oligospermia, and azoospermia groups compared to the normospermic group (P<0.05). These findings suggest a strong association between herbicide exposure and poor semen quality in the studied population.Conclusion This study provides compelling evidence supporting the hypothesis that herbicides exposure could be a contributory factor to diminished semen quality in the investigated rural com-munity. The results underscore the importance of considering seminal herbicide determination as a routine component in male infertility testing. Additionally, the study advocates for the implementation of relevant legislation to mitigate potential risks associated with herbicide exposure.

Awareness, Acceptability and Uptake of Cervical Cancer Screening among Pregnant Women in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Background: Cervical cancer is a significant global public health concern, particularly in developing countries. Antenatal care visits provide a unique opportunity to educate and screen women for cervical cancer. This study was undertaken to explore the awareness and acceptability of cervical cancer screening among antenatal attendees. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey of 422 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital using a self-administered structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software. Results: Of the 410 respondents who returned completed questionnaires, 61.7% had heard about cervical cancer, and only 40.3% reported awareness of the screening modalities. Healthcare providers were the primary source of information about screening methods in 59.0%. Approximately half agreed that information about cervical cancer screening during antenatal care would be beneficial. 90.5% had never undergone cervical cancer screening. Multivariate analysis shows that 32.4% of our clients who were aware of the cervical screening modalities before the current pregnancy had never been screened. OR 0.578, CI (0.036-9.321), p-value 0.699. 3.20% and 4.40.0% were aware and had done cervical cancer screening once and twice respectively before the current pregnancy. OR 1.444, CI(0.080-26.230); p-value 0.804 and OR 4.667, CI (0.223-97.497); p-value 0.321 respectively. Conclusion: The study highlights a concerning gap between awareness and practice of cervical cancer screening among pregnant women in Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Effect of Storage Conditions and Duration of Storage on Seed Germination of Tetrapleura tetraptera (Schum and Thonn) Taub and (Annona muricata) Linn

Tetrapleura tetraptera and Annona muricata are medicinal plant species with a great medicinal values. Despite their usefulness, preservation of their seed from harvest time to the time when they are required for planting has not been given adequate attention. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of storage conditions and duration of storage on seed germination of T. tetraptera and Annona muricata. Fifty (50) seeds each of Tetrapleura tetraptera and Annona muricata were planted in top soil to determine their germination percentages before subjected to storage conditions, while Tetrapleura tetraptera has 94% germination, Annona muricata has 72% germination. Four storage conditions viz: cold room, refrigerator, room air conditioned and laboratory were used and the experiment was carried out in Ekiti State University, Ado – Ekiti. Seeds stored at different temperatures were collected and planted in polythene nylons filled with top-soil and watered daily, the experiments were replicated four times to test for the germinability on monthly basis for six months. In Tetrapleura tetraptera, highest percentage germination (50%) was recorded in seeds stored in the air conditioned room at 1 month. This was followed by seeds store in the refrigerator with 47% at 2 month. Seeds stored in the room air conditioned had percentage germination of 39% at 2 months, 30.50% at 3 months and 10.70% at 4 month of the experiment. No further germination in seeds under this treatment was observed at the last two months of the experiment. While seeds stored in refrigerator recorded 5.20% at 1 months of the experiment. Seeds stored in cold room and those in laboratory recorded no emergence throughout the period of the experiment. Also in Annona muricata, Highest percentage germination (58.00%) was observed in seeds stored in the room air conditioned at 1 month of the experiment, this was followed by the seeds in this same temperature at two month of the experiment with mean plumule emergence value of 39.00%, seeds under this temperature (air condition) did not respond to germination at 5th and 6th months of the experiment. Seeds of Annona muricata stored in the cold room responded to germination with unappreciable value of 2.05% only at third month of the experiment. Only 1.6% of the seeds stored in the laboratory emerged at 5th month of experimental time, seeds stored in the refrigerator did not respond for the first two months, last fifth and sixth month of the experiment but had 15.53% and 35.00% plumule emergence at third and fourth month of the experiment respectively. Thus, storage of seeds of T. tetraptera and A. muricata in air conditioned room with temperature of -200C might enhance germination in these species.

Obstetric Service Delivery Trends and Healthcare Staffing at a Teaching Hospital in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Maternal health is a critical component of public health worldwide, reflecting a society's commitment to the well-being of its women and children. The provision of obstetric services, encompassing antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care, plays a pivotal role in reducing maternal mortality and ensuring positive birth outcomes. However, the quality and accessibility of obstetric services are influenced by various factors, including healthcare infrastructure, staffing levels and healthcare policies. Objective: To determine obstetric service delivery trends and healthcare staffing at a teaching hospital in southwest Nigeria Methodology: This study utilized a retrospective cohort design to examine the utilization of maternity care services among women at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data spanning from January 2016 to December 2023 were collected from obstetric records. Analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results: a total of 9,855 deliveries were recorded, with 4,145 Caesarean sections and 5,767 spontaneous vaginal deliveries, giving a Caesarean section rate of 42%. Overall, there seems to be some fluctuations in the total number of deliveries over the years, with the highest number observed in 2019 (1482) and the lowest in 2021 (868). The number of consultants, senior residents, junior residents, house officers, nurses and other support staff varied over the years, with different staffing levels observed in each year. Conclusion: this study contributes to a better understanding of obstetric service delivery trends and healthcare staffing dynamics, offering valuable insights for healthcare resource allocation and policymaking. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring caseloads and staffing levels to ensure quality maternal and infant healthcare delivery.

Assessing the diagnostic impact of P63, PSA and BCL-2 proteins in premalignant and malignant prostate tissues

Background: Prostate cancer (CaP) is increasingly becoming a major health issue affecting men as cancer-related fatalities are attributable to the condition. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) diagnostic criteria can help in gene-targeted therapy and help reduce its prevalence. This study is to assess the diagnostic impact of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), P63 and BCL-2 antibodies in CaP. Method: A case-controlled retrospective study was carried out on eighty (80) prostrate tissue blocks retrieved from the pathology archive of Ekiti State university teaching hospital Ado Ekiti. IHC analysis of the selected antibodies was carried out and also stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) for second opinion and confirmation. Results: The study showed that all the CaP samples had 100% positivity with varying reactivity to the IHC biomarkers; PSA had 100% positivity and MPR of 94% due to its multiple weaknesses as a biomarker p63 is a basal cells marker. Conclusions: The expressions of these antibodies were observed in the progression of CaP. Although these markers are useful in predicting the progression from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to CaP, none of them can be utilised in isolation to a conclusion. Hence, they should be used in conjunction with one another to make up for their limitations. The immunohistochemical markers are beneficial in CaP diagnosis.

Prevalence of HBV Co-infections with HCV and HIV among Blood Donors in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Blood is a life-saving resource. Despite the significance of blood transfusion in saving a millions life in emergencies and medical treatment, the safety of blood transfusion faced challenges of transmitting life threatening transfusion transmissible infectious agents such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The study was carried out to determine the sero-prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV and co-infections among blood donors in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A total of five hundred (500) prospective blood donors age ranged from 18 to 60 years attending Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital between May to November, 2019 were recruited for the study. Prospective study was based on questionnaires administered to generate socio-demographics and a 5ml venous blood samples were obtained from each blood donors and the plasma was used for determination of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV using immunoassay rapid test kit (RTK) Diaspot, Belgium and HIV-1 and HIV-2 Determine Alere Medical ,Japan and further tested with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Biorad Monolisa, France). The prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV were 4.8%, 1.2% and 1.8% respectively, while co-infections with HBV/ HIV and HBV/HCV were 0.2% and 0.2% respectively and there was no case of triple infections among the blood donors. The incidence rate was high in HBV followed by HIV and HCV. The use of RTK and ELISA for screening of blood donor for HBsAg, anti HCV and HIV in terms of their sensitively and specificity showed that ELISA is more sensitive than RTK while RTK is more specific than ELISA. From the retrospective study age and gender distribution was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). A significance difference was observed between married blood donors and HIV infection (P < 0.05) and also blood donors with history of blood transfusion showed statistical significant to HBV and HCV (P < 0.05). The prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infections among blood donors were found to be statistically associated with smoking, alcohol consumption, surgical operation, multiple sex partners and tattooing (P < 0.05). This study shows that the prevalence of HBV infection in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State ,Nigeria was higher than HCV and HIV, hence there is need to increase public awareness of the socio-cultural practices that contribute to the transmission of infection.

Evaluating the factor structure, reliability and validity of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (CBI-SS) among faculty of arts students of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

The Copenhagen burnout inventory-student survey (CBI-SS) has shown promising psychometric properties in diverse student populations. This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Nigerian version of the CBI-SS. This was a cross-sectional study of 635 students from Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was utilized to assess the CBI-SS validity. The reliability score of the CBI-SS was 0.957, ranging from 0.862 to 0.914 for the subscales. Correlation coefficients among the four CBI-SS factors ranged from 0.507 to 0.713. The CFA indicated an adequate goodness-of-fit for the four-factor model of the CBI-SS with the sample data. However, Item 10 was removed due to unacceptably low Average Variance Extracted score. The four factors demonstrated a negative correlation with both General Academic Self-Efficacy Scale and Cumulative Grade Point Average. Furthermore, both self-reported burnout and perceived course stress showed associations with the CBI-SS, where lower levels of burnout corresponded with lower median scores on the CBI-SS scales. This study underscores the significance of the CBI-SS in evaluating student burnout within our student population. The findings indicate that the CBI-SS is a highly reliable and valid instrument for assessing student burnout, suggesting its potential for effective utilization in the Nigerian academic context.

Evaluation of malaria cases among the outpatient visits to Ekiti State University Health Centre Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria: Pre- and Post-COVID incidence

The occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic that broke into the world in early 2020 was envisaged to affect existing diseases. This study evaluated the extent to which COVID-19 pandemic has affected malaria cases among the staff and students of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Clinical data involving malaria cases of outpatient visits to EKSU Health Centre during 2019 and 2021 were collected from the Record Department of the Health Centre for statistical analysis. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 with probability value of < 0.05 as significant. Results showed that 1,246 people visited EKSU Health Centre as outpatients in 2019 and 1,243 in 2021. Only 642 (51.5%) had malaria in 2019 while 604 (48.6%) had malaria in 2021 with no significant difference (P= 0.143) in both years. The highest malaria cases was observed in April (57.7%) in 2019 and December (55.6%) in 2021. There was no significant difference in the malaria cases across the different months of both years. Malaria cases was higher in males than females in both years but without significant difference (P= 0.429). COVID-19 appears not to have effect on malaria cases in Ekiti State University Community Ado-Ekiti and possibly in other Nigerian universities.

The outcome of cervical stitch in the prevention of pre-viable and preterm deliveries in Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Cervical incompetence, defined as the inability to sustain a pregnancy to term due to functional and anatomical defects of the cervix is a distressing cause of childlessness in Nigeria. Cervical cerclage, introduced into clinical practice by Shirodkar and McDonald in the 1950s still a time-tested intervention in the prevention of pregnancy wastages from cervical incompetence. Aim: The purpose of this study was to audit the outcome of the applications of cervical cerclages in the prevention of pregnancy wastages at the Maternity Complex of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and Maternal and Child Specialists’ Clinic in Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria. Methods: In this prospective observational cohort study, we included all pregnant women who had cervical stitches applied over ten years, (2010-2019). Information on sociodemographic biodata, risk factors, indications, and outcomes were collated. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS package, version 22 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Statistical significance of the categorical variables was tested using the chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, confidence level of 95%and P-value of 0.05. Results: The 134 pregnant women diagnosed with cervical incompetence had cervical stitches applied over the ten years. 15,037 deliveries giving a prevalence rate of 0.89% of cervical incompetence. 75% were multigravida, while 92.5% were of low parity. Risk factors found included recurrent mid-trimester abortions (55%), and prior cervical dilatation (20%). The cervical cerclages were history and physical examination indicated in 22.5% and 75% had ultrasound scanning confirmation. In the majority (82.5%), cervical cerclage was placed at 14-16 weeks using Mersilene tape in 92.5%. Spinal anesthesia and conscious sedation were administered in equal proportion. Majority had McDonald’s procedure (96.27%) whereas only 3.73% had Shirodkar’s. Placement to removal interval ranged from 10-20 weeks in 53%, while in 12.5% it lasted 4 weeks. The indications for removal included pregnancy carried to term at 72.5%, preterm labor at 7.5%, and vagina bleeding occurred in 7.5% of cases. Vaginal deliveries were achieved in 62.5% while 25% had cesarean delivery. 7.5% expelled pre-viable fetuses. Cervical cerclage placement was successful in 75%, while 25% had failed cerclage. 10% of those who had failed cerclage had live births. We achieved 85% of babies take home. There was no significant association between the overall outcomes of cervical cerclage (inevitable abortion, preterm delivery, term delivery) and certain defined co-variables (age, gravidity, and parity). On multivariate linear regression. Conclusion: We recommend that timely application of cervical stitches will rescue women from pregnancy wastages associated with cervical incompetence in Ekiti State.

Surgical and Delivery Outcomes of Coexisting Uterine Fibroids with Pregnancies in Nigeria

Background: Coexisting uterine fibroid with pregnancy is associated with increased pregnancy complications. This study evaluates the prevalence of coexisting uterine fibroids, and surgical and delivery outcomes among pregnant women who had cesarean sections. Methods: This comparative observational study was conducted among pregnant women who had cesarean sections at the labor ward operating room of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. One hundred and five pregnant women aged 20 years - 40 years were recruited and grouped based on the intraoperative presence of grossly visible uterine fibroids (n = 23) and no uterine fibroids (n = 82). Surgical and delivery outcomes were measured. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 and the means between the two groups were compared using an independent sample t-test with significance set at p < .05. Results: The prevalence of uterine fibroids found during cesarean sections in this study was 21.9%. The mean age of the participants was comparable (M = 30.25 SD = 5.232). There were statistically significant differences in mean pre-operative packed cell volume (t(df) = 2.077 (65.31) p = .042, estimated blood loss (t(df) = 2.045 (36.664) p =.010, post-op packed cell volume (t(df) = 1.054 (24.035) p = .049, and duration of hospital stay (t(df) = -.235(65.846) p = .019. The study showed that there was a difference in mean surgery time = 7.996 95% CI: -.879 to 16.871 but this was not found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Uterine fibroid coexisting with pregnancy has a significant effect on the surgery time, estimated blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Therefore, adequate complication readiness and proper follow-up of the patient will be crucial to avert likely complications during and after surgery in women with coexisting uterine fibroid in pregnancy.

Hemodialysis as a treatment option for chronic kidney disease in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital: a retrospective study

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has surged to approximately 13 % in the past two decades due to an increase in associated risk factors. Poorly managed CKD can progress to end-stage renal disease, necessitating renal replacement therapy, with hemodialysis being the most common form. This study examines a 5-year record of hemodialysis in a healthcare facility in southwest Nigeria. Study data were collected from dialysis register and case study of patients that were consecutively dialyzed at the dialysis centre of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital between January 2017 and December 2021. Unstructured proforma was used to extract data for the study. There was a total of 152 patients and 1600 hemodialysis sessions between January 2017 and December 2021. More than a quarter of the patients were civil servants and there were more males than females (p = 0.3325). CKD was the major indication for hemodialysis with hypertension as its main cause while post-partum hemorrhage was the most common cause of acute kidney injury. Only 3.3 % of the patients had permanent access of arteriovenous fistula. Notably, 47.2 % of the patients were lost to follow-up, 29.8 % left to other centres by either referral or self-decision, while 18.6 % died of CKD-related complications. Nevertheless, 4.4 % patients were still dialyzing in the Centre as of December 2021. Comparatively fewer hemodialysis sessions occurred, yet they led to improved patient outcomes. Regular follow-ups and government subsidies are recommended to ease patient burdens.

Evaluating the Effects of Fertilizers and Bio-stimulants on Field Performance of Amaranthus dubius

Aims: The continuous increase in human population warrants more food production. Amaranthus spp. is one of the most consumed leafy vegetables globally. A field experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekit Nigeria to assess the effects of fertilizers and bio-stimulants on the growth and performance of Amaranthus dubius. Methodology: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The Amaranthus dubius seeds were sown under open field conditions and the treatments included aqueous moringa leaf extract (AMLE), NPK 15:15:15, poultry manure, grand humus, and super gro which were applied at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after sowing WAS. Data were collected 7 days after each application on on leaf area (cm3), plant height (cm), stem girth (cm), and total fresh biomass (g). The collected data were analysed using IRRI STAR 2.0. Results: The result revealed that all the treatments were significantly different (P>0.05) for all the parameters studied. AMLE recorded the highest value for all the parameters studied while control had the lowest values. For the total fresh biomass, AMLE recorded the highest mean value (1981.33) followed by NPK 15:15:15 (1535.00) and poultry manure (140.67) respectively while control had the least mean value (640.33). Conclusion: Amaranthus dubius was a short live plant response to AMLE and NPK 15:15:15 than the other treatment applied. It is therefore recommended that AMLE should be applied to boost the performance of Amaranthus dubius.

Short-term COVID-19 vaccine adverse effects among adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Background The safety of the COVID-19 vaccines has been a topic of concern globally. This issue of safety is associated with vaccine hesitancy due to concerns about the adverse effects of the vaccines. Consequently, this study determined the short-term safety profile of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between May and July 2021 among individuals who had received the first dose of the first batch of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A Google form was used to collect data on the adverse effects of the vaccine. Results Out of over 1,000 individuals who were approached, 758 respondents completed the study. A large percentage (57.4%) of those who received the vaccines were healthcare workers. Adverse effects were reported in 70.8% of the participants with most manifesting on the first day of the vaccination. The predominant adverse effects were injection site soreness (28.5%), followed by fatigue (18.7%) and muscle pain (8.6%). There was no report of severe adverse effects such as anaphylactic reactions, thrombosis, myocarditis, transient myelitis, or Guillen-Barre syndrome. Conclusion This study found that self-reported adverse effects of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine were mild and short in duration. This outcome has promising implications for improving COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the immediate environment and Nigeria.

Student Factors as Correlate of Completion Time of Ph.D. Programmes in Public Universities in Southwestern Nigeria

Completion of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programme within five years as stipulated by the National Universities Commission is the desire of students due to the associated minimal cost. However, many Ph.D. students, particularly in public universities in southwestern Nigeria do not complete their programmes in record time. This study, therefore, investigated student factors as predictors of completion time of Ph.D. programmes in public universities southwestern Nigeria. A sample of 146 respondents in the 2015–2016 cohort whose titles of theses were registered in less than five years were enumerated from University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Olabisi Onabanjo University and Ekiti State University. A questionnaire titled “Completion Time of Doctoral Programme Questionnaire” (CTDPQ) was used to collect data. A null hypothesis was postulated, while a research question was raised and answered using descriptive and inferential statistical tools of frequency counts, percentage, Means and standard deviation and PPMC Analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that there was a positive significance relationship among academic capability (r = 0.362, p < 0.05), student interest (r = 0.354, p< 0.05), funding status (r = 0.336, p < 0.05) and employment status (r = 0.354, p < 0.05) with completion time of Ph.D. programme in faculties of education in public universities in Southwestern Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that students’ academic capability, interest, funding status and employment status should be prioritised to ensure completion time of Ph.D. in public universities.

Socio-Economic Effects on Students’ Essay Writing Performance under Selected Teaching Strategies in Senior Secondary Schools in Ondo State Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of socio-economic status (SES) on students’ performance in essay writing after using Reading-writing, Think-Pair-share, a Combination of TPS and RW strategies and the conventional method in secondary schools in Ondo State Nigeria. The study adopted a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test four-group design as well as a descriptive survey-type design. The population for the study comprised all the 25,297 public Senior Secondary School (SSS) II students of the 2019/2020 Session in Ondo. The sample for this study was 308 SSS II students who were selected from public senior secondary schools, using a multi-stage sampling procedure. The instruments used for this study are a questionnaire on Students’ Socio-economic Background Status (SSBS) and the Essay Writing Performance Test (EWPT). The EWPT was a standardized WAEC past question while the SSBS was validated by experts in the Arts and Language Department, Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University. The reliability of the EWPT was established through the test re-test method and the reliability coefficient of 0.70 was obtained. The reliability of the questionnaire was established by subjecting the score from a single administration to the Cronbach Alpha Reliability Co-efficient test. The instrument was found reliable as the calculated value was 0.82. The data collected for this study were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypothesis was tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The finding of this study revealed that after being instructed with different strategies in SSS in Ondo State, there was no significant difference in the performance of students from different SES in essay writing.