Geopolitical Zones Research Articles

DETERMINATION OF THE AMOUNT OF ZINC IN PURE LINE MAIZE AND SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN GRAINS AND SILKS GROWN ACROSS NIGERIA.

Approximately, 17 percent of the world's population is at risk of zinc (Zn) deficiency. According to literature maize grains and silks are rich in Zn, and the amount varies reflecting different varieties and ecosystems. The amount of Zn in some pure line maize and seasonal variations in grains and silks grown across Nigeria's six geopolitical and seven vegetation zones were determined using acid digestion, and analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The amount of Zn in the pure line (22.40 mg kg- 1 to 22.46 mg kg-1) and the open-pollinated (22.39 mg kg-1 to 22.48 mg kg-1) maize grains are within the same range, likewise, the white and yellow maize silks (27.99 mg kg-1 to 28.10 mg kg-1) but are higher than the amount in their respective grains. The Mann-Whitney U test at 0.05 significant level was used to evaluate the seasonal variation of Zn. There is no significant difference between the amount of Zn in the white maize grains, likewise, the white and yellow maize silks grown in the dry and rainy seasons across Nigeria's geopolitical and vegetation zones. Except in the South-East where the amount of Zn in the yellow maize grains is significantly higher in the dry season compared with the rainy season. Potentially, 0.67 kg, 0.54 kg, 0.45 kg, and 0.22 kg of the maize grains, and 0.54 kg, 0.43 kg, 0.36 kg, and 0.18 kg silks are recommended for Zn daily dietary intake for men, females, adolescents, and formula-fed babies, respectively.

CONSUMER EDUCATION, FAMILY AND REFERENCE GROUP INFLUENCE IN ASO EBI SELECTION IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

In Nigeria, the selection of aso ebi, a traditional attire worn for special occasions, is influenced by various social and familial factors. This study examined the relationship between family influence, reference group influence, and consumer education in the selection of aso ebi in Southwest Nigeria. Two research questions were posed, and two hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. A correlational design was employed to collect data from 1200 adult individuals (aged 18 years and above) in the Southwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria, covering Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo states. A validated, reliable, self-structured questionnaire titled "Consumer Education and Behaviour in the Choice of Aso Ebi Questionnaire (CEBCAQ)" was used for data collection. Data analysis was conducted using Pearson’s r and Fisher's Z statistics. Findings revealed a positive but low correlation between consumer education and both family (r = 0.10) and reference group purchasing behaviour (r = 0.14) in aso ebi selection. The relationship between consumer education and consumer behaviour was significantly stronger among male adults than female adults (rmales = 0.62, rfemales = 0.49, Zcal > Ztab); and significantly stronger among older adults than younger adults (rold =0.59, ryoung = 0.48, Zcal > Ztab). The study concludes that the complex interplay of social pressure, family dynamics, reference groups, and economic factors influencing aso ebi choices aligns with consumer behaviour surrounding clothing articles globally. Future research could explore how consumer education programs may be tailored to target families and address social influences in aso ebi selection.

Trends of the second measles vaccine (MCV2) over time after its launch as part of routine immunization in Nigeria: a brief research report

IntroductionNigeria has one of the highest measles burdens and the lowest vaccination coverage in the world. Geographical disparity in the coverage has also been persistent. Between 2019 and 2021, the Nigerian government introduced the second Measles vaccine (MCV2) into routine immunization (RI). This study evaluated the trends of the MCV2 coverage over time across geographical zones.MethodsThe monthly data on the MCV2 coverage from District Health Information Software (DHIS2) for all the health facilities in Nigeria were aggregated by the geopolitical zone, and the trend of the MCV2 coverage was analyzed over time.ResultsThe MCV2 coverage in each zone was approximately 20% when the MCV2 program was launched. The MCV2 coverage was higher in the northern zones (35–42%) than in the southern zones (22–31%) 1 year after the launch. Similarly, at 2.5 years, the MCV2 coverage ranged from 38 to 46% in northern zones, while in southern zones, it ranged from 23 to 37%.Discussion and conclusionThe introduction of MCV2 as part of the RI schedule potentially narrows down the health inequity in Nigeria.

Trends and predictors of full immunization coverage in Nigeria

BackgroundImmunization plays a significant role in global health, yet many children in Nigeria do not receive full immunization due to several influencing factors. Therefore, this study examined the trends in Nigeria’s full immunization coverage and identified key predictors that influence full coverage.MethodsThe data for children aged one to five years, across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria was retrieved from the 2007, 2011, 2016/17, and 2021 national Multiple Indicator Cluster surveys We analyzed the data using univariate logistic regression. Results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aORs), and statistical significance was set at 0.05.ResultsThe results showed that 12,229 children (74.2%) had been fully immunized. The trend of immunization coverage was 63.6%, 82%, 63.7%, and 76.4% in 2007, 2011, 2016/17, and 2021 respectively. Children of educated mothers (aOR: 2.6; 95% CI 1.45, 4.76) and from the richest families (aOR: 2.1; 95% CI 1.41, 3.11), were more likely to be fully immunized. Conversely, children in rural areas (aOR: 0.6; 95% CI 0.42, 0.81) and from families of more than five (aOR: 0.6; 95% CI 0.46, 0.81) were less likely to be fully immunized.ConclusionAs of 2021, the rate of full immunization coverage in Nigeria was 76.4%, an improvement from the low 2003 rate (12.3%). Maternal education and wealth index are significant sociodemographic determinants for full immunization coverage. Adopting policies that improve access to education for females nationally and access to healthcare, especially in rural areas may significantly increase full immunization coverage.

Perception of Nigerian Dental Students on the Effectiveness of Teaching Platforms Used for Orthodontics Lectures During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Objective: This research was to assess how Nigerian dental students perceived the effectiveness of the teaching platforms adopted by Orthodontic lecturers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive survey which involved 10 accredited Nigerian dental schools with clinical students during COVID-19 pandemic across the geo-political zones of Nigeria was carried out. One hundred and forty-five clinical students who had been taught Orthodontics before COVID-19 pandemic were surveyed using a three-Section Google forms semi-structured questionnaire, administered through WhatsApp and emails. Section A comprised socio-demographic variables, B centred on information on teaching platforms adopted for Orthodontics before and during COVID-19 pandemic), and C was about the perceived effectiveness of adopted teaching platform during COVID-19 pandemic. Data obtained were quantitative, analyzed using SPSS version 26. Hypothesis was tested using independent samples t-test at 0.05 significant level. Results: The participants included 83(57.2%) males and 62 (42.8%) females, with mean age of 25.738 +/- 2.94 years. One hundred and forty two (97.2%) affirmed to having more face-to-face teaching before COVID-19 pandemic. The most T popular online teaching platform adopted during COVID-19 pandemic was WhatsApp, 58 (40%). More than half of the participants, 99 (68.3%), had a positive perception towards the adopted teaching platforms. Most of them, 120 (82.7%), perceived the adopted platforms were effective in providing quality Orthodontic lectures, clinical skills and soft skills. More males 83 (57.2%) than females 62 (42.8%), perceived the platforms to be more effective with no statistical difference, while most, 120 (82.7%), accepted the adopted teaching platforms for orthodontics during COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Orthodontic learning occurred largely on-line during COVID-19 pandemic and the perception of the students was positive towards the effectiveness of the adopted teaching platform as most participants accepted the platforms.

Audit of oral neoplasms in children and young adults in Nigeria

BackgroundOrofacial neoplasms in children and young adults may differ significantly from those observed in adults. Our aim was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of histologically diagnosed orofacial neoplasms among children and young adults in Nigeria.MethodsThis was a multicenter cross-sectional study across geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Annual reports of clinical information and surgical biopsies submitted at the Oral Pathology Laboratory, clinic day registries, surgical day case registries and operative theatre registries were retrieved from January 2008 to March 2024. The relevant demographic data were obtained for each patient. The study subjects were categorized by age into children, adolescents and young adults. Tissue involvement was classified as soft tissue involvement, bony involvement or both soft tissue and bony involvement. The site and behaviour of the lesions were subdivided according to the ICD-10 codes. Statistical analysis was performed via the R programming language.ResultsA total of 1889 cases were observed during the period under review, with a mean age of 15 years. Cases were more common in females (52%) and in young adults (47%). Most cases were benign neoplasms (85%), and bony affectation (54%) was slightly predominant. Odontogenic tumours (38%) and fibro-osseous lesions (20%) were the most common category of lesions observed, whereas salivary gland tumours (2.2%) and neoplasms of epithelial origin (2.5%) were the least common. Neoplasms in children involved mostly soft tissues, whereas those in adolescents and young adults had a preference for bone (p < 0.001). In all age groups, benign lesions were mostly observed in the mouth and pharynx. For malignant lesions, in children, the bones of the skull and face were mostly involved, whereas in adolescents, the mandible was the predominant site (p < 0.001). In children, mesenchymal neoplasms were the most prevalent category of lesions, whereas in both adolescents and young adults, odontogenic tumours were more common. The proportion of malignant neoplasms in males was significantly greater than that in females (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis study revealed that although most biopsied orofacial lesions were more often benign, the proportion of malignant neoplasms in this population was greater than that previously reported.

Prevalence and correlates of prenatal HIV testing among female sex workers in Nigeria.

Female sex workers (FSWs) face a significant and persistent risk of contracting HIV. While evidence indicates high rates of pregnancy among FSWs in sub-Saharan Africa, studies on the coverage of HIV testing during pregnancy among them are sparse. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of prenatal HIV testing and determine the associated factors among FSWs in Nigeria. This study was a secondary data analysis of the 2020 Integrated Biological & Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) among key populations in Nigeria. We performed weighted descriptive statistics and multivariable binary logistic regression to assess the associations between prenatal HIV testing and sociodemographic characteristics, risk behaviours, HIV knowledge and risk awareness, stigma, and access to healthcare. Of the 1598 FSWs included in the study, 71.0% (95%CI = 68.7%-73.1%) had HIV testing during their last pregnancy. In the regression model, tertiary education (aOR = 2.98, 95%CI = 1.48-6.01), consistent condom use (aOR = 1.95, 95%CI = 1.39-2.75), and receipt of antenatal care (aOR = 35.52, 95%CI = 23.40-53.92) were associated with higher odds of prenatal HIV testing. Compared with the South South geopolitical zone, FSW residing in South East (aOR = 3.38, 95%CI = 1.80-6.35), South West (aOR = 2.97, 95%CI = 1.88-4.68), North Central (aOR = 4.43, 95%CI = 2.80-7.01), North East (aOR = 4.22, 95%CI = 1.64-10.34), North West (aOR = 4.40, 95%CI = 2.59-7.48) had higher odds of reporting prenatal HIV testing. However, being a non-brothel-based FSW (aOR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.47-0.92), and engaging in sex work during pregnancy (aOR = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.31-0.66) were significantly associated with lower odds of prenatal HIV testing. The prenatal HIV testing among FSWs in this study was suboptimal. The results highlight the need to improve access to antenatal care and implement regional and typology-specific interventions to bridge the gap in prenatal HIV testing among FSWs.

Women’s empowerment and food security in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria

The study investigated the linkage between food security and women’s empowerment in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone. In the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, 300 respondents participated in a cross-sectional survey designed utilising a method known as non-probability sampling to collect the data. Data analysis in this study used a linear regression test with the help of SPSS version 23 software. The study found food security and women’s empowerment are linked in a substantial way. The study found that in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, women’s empowerment has a positive and statistically significant impact on food security. It also demonstrated how food security might result from the empowerment of women in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria in terms of agricultural output and distribution. From the research findings, the study suggests that to improve the situation government policy on agriculture it is imperative to prioritise the advancement of women, since doing so will enhance their standing and boost agricultural output in Nigeria. Apart from that, legislative changes are also needed regarding easy access to resources, and government investment in rural women’s education and health.

Treatment Options and Referral Pattern among Patients with Retinal Diseases Attending an Eye Clinic in a Tertiary institution, North Central Nigeria.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the treatment modalities and pattern of referral of patients with retinal diseases in the eye clinic. Methods: All consenting new patients attending the eye clinic were recruited for the study and interviewed by the author. The treatment offered to the participants diagnosed with retinal disease (medical, surgical, LASER, optical or a combination) was recorded. Information on the patient’s referral for vitreoretinal consultation (this could be ‘yes’ or ‘no’) and reasons for the referral were also documented and analyzed. Results: treatment options for the 278 study participants were: medical for 100 (36%), optical for 94 (33.8%) optical correction, surgical for 24 (8.6%), LASER photocoagulation for 6 (2.2%) and a combination of LASER photocoagulation and intravitreal avastin injection for 20 (7.2%) patients. Counselling and watchful expectancy accounted for treatment of 34 (12.2%) patients. Seventy-four patients of the 278 included in the study had retinal diseases. Of these 74 with retinal diseases, 46 (62.2%) were referred to vitreoretinal units out of which 39 (84.8%) patients were referred to the vitreoretinal unit in JUTH and 7 (15.2%) were referred to vitreoretinal units elsewhere. The referrals were largely on account of unavailability of requisite equipment in 3 (42.8%) patients, surgical expertise in 2 (28.6%) patients and patient request in 2 (28.6%) cases. Conclusion: The need for establishment of standard vitreoretinal services strategically in each geo-political zone of Nigeria to cater more efficiently to the needs of patients with retinal diseases and appropriate referral cannot be overemphasized

Determinants of Tangible Breastfeeding Support Among Health Workers: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study.

Breastfeeding is crucial in providing infants with needed nutrition and immunity to foster their healthy growth and development; yet, optimal support from health workers is critical for it to be successful. To determine factors influencing tangible breastfeeding support among health workers in Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Nigeria's six geopolitical zones between August 2022 and February 2023 among health workers (N = 2,922). Data were gathered through an interviewer-administered, validated questionnaire. Significant factors of tangible breastfeeding support were identified through multivariable logistic regression, and corresponding odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were reported. The mean age of the health workers was 28.6 (SD = 9.3) years. Just 45% (1,316) achieved optimal scores for tangible breastfeeding support. Only 31.4% (918) of lactation support providers/specialists practice tangible breastfeeding support and half (50.6%, 1,479) had a favorable attitude towards providing tangible breastfeeding support. About two-fifths (39.3%, 1,148) engaged caregivers in reviewing breast milk storage procedures, whereas, 54.6% (1,595) and 78.0% (2,279) of health workers assisted with breast pumps and breastfeeding attachment respectively. The odds of having optimal tangible breastfeeding support were higher for health workers aged 52 years or older compared to those aged under 20 years (aOR 1.88, 95% CI [1.13, 3.12]), a positive attitude (aOR 1.43, 95% CI [1.22, 1.69]), availability of a breastfeeding champion (aOR 1.47, 95% CI [1.21, 1.79]), 1.69]), provision of breast-pump videos (aOR; 2.33, 95% CI [1.85, 2.95]), and hand-expression videos (aOR; 1.41, 95% CI [1.02, 1.79]). (duplication). Health workers' tangible breastfeeding support in Nigeria is suboptimal and is driven by age, service level, attitude, availability of breastfeeding champions, and appropriate practice aids. Targeted interventions to improve health workers' attitudes, technical skills, provision of aids, and task shifting to non-specialists are needed for optimal tangible breastfeeding support.

Self-determination and secessionism in Nigeria: a contextual analysis through Edward Azar’s protracted social conflict theory

ABSTRACT This article examines the rising divergence but convergence of self-determination and secessionist campaigns in Nigeria. For a contextual analysis, it turns to Edward Azar's protracted social conflict (PSC) theory, exploring the connections between communal disgruntlement and self-determination. The analysis indicates a significant relationship between communal dissatisfaction and self-determination. Through purposive sampling, it selected 44 in-depth interview respondents to obtain complementary qualitative data that were content analysed. In contrast to the 1960s secessionism, which was largely restricted to Eastern Nigeria, combined with the legacies of colonial rule, popularity of ethno-religious politics, an increase in insecurity and violence, economic hardship, communal insecurity, and deeper perception of ethnic marginalisation, the current wave of self-determination is more contagious and politically attractive in three (South West (SW), South East (SE) and South (SS) –) of the existing six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The article concludes, returning to the erstwhile regionalism will salvage Nigeria from territorial disintegration..

Effects of Inflation on the Rate of Returns of Commercial Real Estate Investment in South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Commercial real estate investment returns have now taken on a greater significance in the development of the economy of any nation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inflation on the rate of returns in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. In order to attain the stated aim, the following objectives were set; to examine the inflationary trend in the study area; to determine the rate of returns of commercial properties in the study area and to establish a relationship between the inflation rate and rate of returns of commercial properties in the study area. The research employed the survey design. The independent variable was the inflation rate while the dependent variable was the rate of returns. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis of the data, with the help of the SPSS and Microsoft Excel software. Primary data for this research was obtained from Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the study area through questionnaire survey. The data comprising rental and capital values of commercial real estate was subsequently translated to returns using the Holding Period Returns formula. Similarly, secondary data about inflation rates for the period between 2014 and 2023 were collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The research adopted the stratified random sampling technique to divide the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria into six (6) strata: each stratum representing each state and the data used for the research were analysed using simple linear regression model. The research found out that there was a persistent year-to-year rise in the rate of inflation. The research also found out that the highest return rate was observed in Bayelsa in 2014 when the rate of inflation was the lowest at 8.05%. On the other hand, in 2022, the lowest return was recorded in Edo State as 10.20 when the inflation rate rose to 18.85%. The study also presented the result of a simple linear regression analysis conducted between the actual inflation rates and the rate of returns of each of the six states. The study concluded that there was a statistically significant relationship between inflation rate and rate of return of commercial properties in each of the six states constituting the south-south geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The investment information provided in this study has significant implications for both local and foreign investors desiring to invest in the Nigerian commercial real estate market.

Fulani herder-farmer identity conflict in West Africa with a particular focus on security implications for Nigeria

ABSTRACT In recent years, the Nigerian populace has been affected by the menace of Fulani herder-farmer clashes. Conflict between Fulani herder and farmers which poses far reaching consequences in almost all geopolitical zones of the country has been attributed to weak security institutions and architecture, vast ungoverned spaces, ethnic cleansing tendencies, illegal migration, the search for pastures to mitigate adverse effect of global warming and climate change. While existing arguments on the causes and implications of Fulani herder and farmers remain valid, I contend, using the conceptual-theoretical nexus framework and drawing from secondary source of data that dealing with these factors are exiguous without dealing with the root cause (identity conflict) of the menace. The study argues that the psycho-social disposition, beliefs and stereotypes instigate Fulani herder-farmer clashes to the extent of threatening Nigeria’s nationhood. The study also affirms that the phenomenon of identity conflict is a long-term neglected social issue of discrimination and structural exclusion of the Fulani group from benefiting from the commonwealth of natural resources based on the locomotive nature of their traditional occupation. It is therefore concluded that identity conflict though the root cause of the Fulani herder-farmer conflicts is more for economic survival than ethnic affiliation.

Comparing Skin Tones to Shades of Upper Anterior Teeth: An Observational Study among Nigerian Adults.

Skin tones may be predictive of anterior tooth shade. An analysis of the relationship of skin tone to anterior tooth shade within a population may facilitate the prescription of complete dentures with optimal esthetics and realism. This study aimed to assess the relationship between skin tones and shades of upper anterior teeth among a diverse Nigerian adult population. The study was conducted between February and December 2022 among consecutive healthy adults recruited from dental clinics of five teaching hospitals in four cities located across four geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Skin tones were recorded using the National Immigration Service (NIS) Skin Color scale. The Vitapan Classic® shade guide was used to record the tooth shade of the upper central incisors and canines. Bivariate and multivariate tests of associations were performed, and predictive probabilities were developed. A total of 1070 adults with a mean age of 30.8 ± 10 years participated in the study. NIS skin tones 6 (29.8%) and 5 (27.7%) were the most common, while hues A (48.7% in incisors and 48.4 % in canines) and B (41.1% in incisors and 40.1% in canines) were predominant. The values of the incisors and canines were positively related to skin tone (P = 0.001) and age (P = 0.001 for incisors and P = 0.003 for canines). Hue was also significantly associated with skin tone for canines (P = 0.01) and gender (P = 0.001). Regression models showed increasingly darker skin tones were positively related to duller values for incisor teeth (β = 0.173, OR =1.19, P < 0.001). The values for canines were more likely to be >2 (β = 0.118, OR =1.12, P = 0.01), but without significant positive relationship to increasingly darker skin tones (β = -0.99, OR =0.91, P = 0.22). Skin tones were associated with upper anterior tooth shade. There was a positive relationship between skin tones and the shades of upper anterior teeth. Skin tones could guide the clinician in shade selection during complete denture prescriptions.

Predictors of the willingness to accept a free COVID-19 vaccine among households in Nigeria

BackgroundTo inform vaccination policy and programmatic strategies to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, an understanding of the factors associated with the willingness to vaccinate is needed. MethodsWe analyzed data collected from the sixth and tenth round of the Nigerian COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone Survey conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics and the World Bank in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Exploratory data analysis and feature selection techniques were used to identify important variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between socio-demographic and economic factors and the willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine among Nigerian households at two different time points before vaccines became widely available. ResultsData from 1,733 and 1,651 Nigerian households who completed the sixth and tenth round of the survey, respectively, were included. Most respondents (>85% of households) were willing to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine from both survey rounds. The median household size was 6 (IQR: [4, 8]) with females heading about 18% of the households. Approximately 22% of the household heads had not received any formal education. Compared to households whose head had no education, households whose heads had completed tertiary education or higher had significantly lower odds of willingness to be vaccinated (ORround 6: 0.46, 95% CI: [0.31, 0.68], ORround 10: 0.49, 95% CI: [0.34, 0.71]). An increasing proportion of male household members was associated with greater willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine (ORround 6: 1.84, 95% CI: [1.01, 3.33], ORround 10: 5.25, 95% CI: [2.86, 9.65]). Significant associations with vaccine willingness were also observed across geopolitical zones of residence with households in South-East Nigeria (ORround 6: 0.16, 95% CI: [0.10, 0.24]; ORround 10: 0.29, 95% CI: [0.19, 0.43]) and South-South Nigeria (ORround 6: 0.57, 95% CI: [0.36, 0.90], ORround 10: 0.32, 95% CI: [0.22, 0.48]) less likely to be willing to receive a free vaccine compared to households in North-Central Nigeria. ConclusionThese findings from two different time points before vaccine roll-out suggest that the educational level of household head, proportion of male household members, and the geopolitical zone of residence are important baseline predictors of the willingness to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. These factors should be carefully considered and specifically targeted when designing public health programs to inform early-stage strategies that address underlying vaccine hesitancy, improve vaccine uptake, promote ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts, and potentially enhance other immunization programs in Nigeria.

Lessons learnt from assessing and improving accuracy and positive predictive value of the national HIV testing algorithm in Nigeria.

HIV testing remains an entry point into HIV care and treatment services. In 2007, Nigeria adopted and implemented a two-test rapid HIV testing algorithm of three HIV rapid test kits, following the sequence: Alere Determine (first test), UnigoldTM (second test), and STAT-PAK® as the tie-breaker. Sub-analysis of the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey data showed significant discordance between the first and second tests, necessitating an evaluation of the algorithm. This manuscript highlights lessons learnt from that evaluation. A two-phased evaluation method was employed, including abstraction and analysis of retrospective HIV testing data from January 2017 to December 2019 from 24 selected sites supported by the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief programme. A prospective evaluation of HIV testing was done among 2895 consecutively enrolled and consented adults, aged 15-64 years, accessing HIV testing services from three selected sites per state across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria between July 2020 and September 2020. The prospective evaluation was performed both in the field and at the National Reference Laboratory under controlled laboratory conditions. Stakeholder engagements, strategic selection and training of study personnel, and integrated supportive supervision were employed to assure the quality of evaluation procedures and outcomes. The algorithm showed higher sensitivity and specificity in the National Reference Laboratory compared with the field. The approaches to quality assurance were integral to the high-quality study outcomes. We recommend comparison of testing algorithms under evaluation against a gold standard. This study provides context-specific considerations in using World Health Organization recommendations to evaluate the Nigerian national HIV rapid testing algorithm.

The changing contours of insecurity in Katsina: A threat assessment

Threats from armed bandits and kidnappers in Northwestern Nigeria are in different forms. The landscape of security challenges has changed since 2016, with the intensive war against Islamic insurgents in Northeastern Nigeria called Boko Haram has changed the contours of security challenges in Nigeria. The manifestation of different security threats has been on the increase and the armed bandits have continued to wreak havoc on communities and highways in different parts of Nigeria. The security challenge is now a hydra-headed monster, which if one head is cut, another head will develop in Nigeria. This article has assessed the current security situation and challenges that beleaguered some States in the Northwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria with a particular interest in Katsina State. The researcher evaluated secondary data on the performance of security personnel deployed to the conflict-affected areas in Katsina, State. The assessment covered January to June 2024. However, the data are classified information hence the identity of the personnel and persons who divulged the information cannot be revealed in line with the principles of anonymity in research ethics. The findings found that some of the armed groups in parts of Katsina State are kidnapping people to remove some vital organs from their bodies and sell them to those who traffic human organs. Based on the assessment, the affected Local Government Areas in Katsina State are categorized into four (4) based on the severity and magnitude of kidnapping, cattle rustling and ransacking of villages. Drawing from the findings, the researcher has developed policies and strategies to address the changing contours of security challenges in the affected areas and Nigeria. As a tradition in threat assessment, the researcher has provided policy recommendations to achieve or implement the policies and strategies. The activities of the armed bandits and organ traffickers portend a grave danger now and in the future as many people would be involved in the business of human organs due to their lucrative nature. The government should develop strategies that will enable the rural communities not to be vulnerable to attacks from armed bandits. Armed groups who kill and kidnap residents at will for ransom and organ trafficking if not tamed will recruit new foot soldiers hence aggravating the situation. Addressing security threats can be achieved by deploying enough security personnel at the border between the Niger Republic and Nigeria. Security personnel should deploy electronic scanners and long-range cameras to monitor and arrest the influx of foreign and domestic dealers in human organs and weapons for appropriate punishment.

Cybersecurity Assessment and Vulnerability Modelling of Networks and Web Services in Nigerian Colleges of Education

Cybersecurity threats are among the most significant risks facing organizations and government today, and administrative boards have now been held accountable. This is an experimental research activity conducted to perform a holistic cybersecurity assessment and vulnerability modelling on the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and services of Colleges of Education in the six geopolitical zones. The study adopts an integrated bi-modal threat modelling and assessment (IBTMA) method by combining assessment and modelling approaches, which involves mixed-methods, along with computer-based experimentation to comprehensively evaluate and model cybersecurity threats, identify vulnerabilities, and propose effective mitigation strategies. Logistic regression data analysis was used to model the relationship between dependent variables (e.g., presence or absence of vulnerabilities or threats) and independent variables (e.g., cybersecurity practices, system configurations, policies, and staff training programs). This cybersecurity assessment provides the initial understanding of the security landscape and practices. The next step involves using the Microsoft Threat Modeling tool on the assets to identify specific threats. These threats are then prioritized based on their potential impact and likelihood. Assessment result of the vulnerability exposure is supported by the threat modelling report, which shows several threats: tampering, elevation of privilege, denial of service, privilege escalation, information disclosure, and spoofing. Findings from the study indicate that colleges face critical network and web vulnerabilities that need holistic solution.

Assessing the Effect of Acculturation Program on Academic Achievement of French Students in Colleges of Education in Nigeria

One of the compulsory courses needed for graduation of French students at college of education level is FRE 225 - Immersion Program - popularly referred to as Acculturation Exercise (NCCE, 2020). That is why this study assessed the effects of the acculturation program on the academic achievement of French students using colleges of education in Nigeria as a case study. The survey research design was used for this study. The range of 20-50 subjects were conveniently and randomly sampled in each of the three (3) geopolitical zone of south-west, north-central and north-west of Nigeria. Their composition comprised of one state college and one federal college of education. Thus, 230 respondents and a self-developed research instrument tagged “French Immersion Achievement Test (FIAT)” with a reliability coefficient of 0.79 using the Cronbach Alpha SPSS statistical tool were employed for the study. The data collected were statistically analyzed using t-test statistics at ∝ 0.05 level of significance to test the null hypotheses formulated. The major findings, among others, revealed that students who were exposed to the acculturation program (Group I) performed significantly better in French than their counterparts (Group II) who were not exposed to the program. The study, therefore, recommends, among other things, that the acculturation program in French studies in Nigeria colleges of education should be taken more seriously and be intensified in order to achieve the desired objectives.

The Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis Delta Virus in Nigeria: The Results of a Nationwide Study.

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which requires the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) for its assembly and propagation. Although countries affected by HBV infection in Africa are well identified, data on HDV infection are still scarce, like in Nigeria, where HBV infection is endemic. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of HDV infection and identify the circulating genotypes/strains in the country. A nationwide study was performed on 1281 HBsAg-positive samples collected from patients across eleven sites drawn from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Anti-HDV antibody (HDV-Ab) screening and HDV-RNA viral load quantification were performed using a commercial ELISA assay and real-time RT-PCR kit, respectively. HDV genotyping was performed by the Sanger sequencing of amplicons from the so-called R0 region of the viral genome, followed by phylogenetic analyses. Of the 1281 HBsAg-positive samples, 61 (4.8%) were HDV-Ab positive, among which, 12 (19.7%) were HDV-RNA positive. Genotypes were obtained for nine of them: seven "African" HDV-1, one "Asian/European" HDV-1 and one HDV-6. This study shows that Nigeria is a country of low HDV prevalence where mainly "African" genotype-1 strains are circulating.