Geopolitical Zones Research Articles

Validation of an online version of the rapid estimate of adult literacy in dentistry-30 for use by medical and dental students in Nigeria

BackgroundThe need for online adaptations of research instruments became more pronounced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study sought to modify the REALD-30 for online application (eREALD-30) and evaluate its content validity and internal reliability among medical and dental students in Nigeria.MethodsThe eREALD-30 required participants to identify if each of the listed words were related to dentistry by ticking either a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response with the option to mark ‘don’t know’ for words they were unsure about. Scores ranged from 0 to 30. Five oral health experts reviewed the eREALD-30 for cultural appropriateness, while content validity was evaluated by 10 medical and dental students. Internal reliability was assessed with 320 students recruited from 15 medical and dental schools spanning the country’s six geopolitical zones. These students also completed an oral health status assessment tool. Data collection utilized an online survey platform. Validity of the eREALD-30 was determined through correlation analysis between eREALD-30 scores and the oral health status assessment tool. Furthermore, binary logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the assocations between participants’ oral health status and their oral health literacy, adjusting for age, sex, and level of medical and dental education.ResultsOut of the respondents, 178 (55.6%) exhibited poor oral health literacy, while 205 (64.1%) reported having good oral health status. Those with good oral health literacy demonstrated significantly higher odds of having good oral health status (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.02–2.54; p = 0.04). However, individuals with good oral health literacy had increased odds of good oral health status after adjusting for confounding factors,, though this association did not retain statistical significance (AOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.86–2.24; p = 0.17). The eREALD-30 displayed strong internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.933), indicating its reliability in assessing oral health literacy levels, alongside a high content validity score of 0.90.ConclusionThe study finding suggests that the e-version of the REALD-30 was reliable and valid for use among medical and dental students in Nigeria.

Experience of people living with leprosy at leprosy settlements in Nigeria

AbstractBackgroundAlthough Nigeria achieved the national leprosy elimination target of less than 1/10,000 population in 1998, factors such as culture, behavioural patterns and social determinants, among others, continue to contribute to an increase in leprosy cases and a poor state of living for individuals with leprosy in Nigeria. This study delves into the experiences of individuals residing in leprosy settlements in Nigeria.MethodsThis study employed a community‐based cross‐sectional design, utilizing a concurrent mixed‐methods approach for comprehensive data collection. Questionnaires, focus groups and interviews are conducted simultaneously. The research involves participants from seven leprosy communities across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones and Federal Capital Territory. Qualitative methods, including 14 focus group discussions and 6 key informant interviews, are complemented by quantitative questionnaires, engaging residents, leaders and nongovernmental organization (NGO) representatives. Respondents comprised 35 leprosy patients, 21 family members, 7 community leaders, 7 settlement officers and 2 organizational heads involved in leprosy control.ResultsThe results indicate significant access to healthcare (93.7%) and interest in self‐care practices (95.2%), with a considerable proportion (74.6%) receiving free healthcare. Interview data underscore the limited government support, with NGOs and partners assuming a more substantial role. Qualitative insights from persons living with leprosy highlight financial struggles, stigmatization and substandard living conditions in settlements, exacerbated by limited government funding. This reliance on private and NGOs is further compounded by declining funding, hindering individuals’ ability to start businesses and provide self‐care.ConclusionThis study underscores the pressing need for increased government support, funding and better living conditions for individuals affected by leprosy in Nigeria. It highlights the significance of education, awareness campaigns and human rights promotion to combat stigma and enhance the quality of life for those living with leprosy. Moreover, the study advocates for the reintegration of affected individuals into their communities to foster societal inclusion and well‐being.

Using remote sensing technique to assess biomass energy potentials and appropriate site locations in Nigeria

In a bid to promote clean energy usage and conserve the forests, the Nigerian bio-energy policy was recently constituted, to help tackle the energy insecurity in the country and help increase its carbon credit in line with the United Nations development goals. This paper presents a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based assessment of biomass energy potentials and appropriate siting of biomass plant in Nigeria using remote sensing technique. It promotes sustainable and clean energy penetration and conserve forest life, which supports the UN SDGs on; Clean and Affordable Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land, including forest sustainability (SDG 15), and the Federal Government of Nigeria's net-zero emission commitment. The weighted overlay decision analysis was employed considering multicriteria approach. The various vegetation, forest, water bodies, lands, water source locations, accessibility to roads, aspect and topography were the criteria that were considered for locating the biomass facility. Efforts were made to quantify the biomass energy potentials of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, with the possibility of locating biomass plant; North East, North West, North Central, South East, South West and South South. The results obtained in this study reflect that the north eastern part of Nigeria has the highest theoretical, technical and economical energy potentials of crop residues (1163.32, 399.73 and 110.56 PJ/yr, respectively), while the south eastern part has the least energy potential (52.36, 17.99 and 4.98 PJ/yr, respectively). Also, the north western part of Nigeria has the highest theoretical, technical and economical energy potentials of forest residues (260.18, 156.11 and 43.18 PJ/yr, respectively), while the south eastern part has the least energy potential (1.79, 1.08 and 0.30 PJ/yr, respectively). The remote sensing technique employed in this study suggested that the northern part of Nigeria is most suitable for siting biomass plants in the country.

A protocol for the study of environmental risk factors and candidate gene–environment interactions in neurodegenerative disorders in Nigeria (SERGEND): A cross-sectional descriptive study

Introduction: The risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism (PDAP), has been alluded to arise predominantly from the interplay between environmental exposures and genetic variability. The contributions of these factors to NDD in Black sub-Saharan Africans are largely unknown. The broad aim of SERGEND is to investigate the effect of specific environmental exposures and genetic variability on the risk of developing ADRD and PDAP in our population. Methods: The SERGEND, a national, multi-center, cross-sectional, descriptive study, will be conducted in Nigeria, within academic hospitals located in all six geopolitical zones of the country. The study population will comprise 3000 consenting adult Nigerians aged 18 years and above, residing within the recruiting geopolitical zone in the preceding 12 months. Cases will be persons with ADRD or PDAP and age-matched healthy controls. Assessments will include dementia and parkinsonism-specific case ascertainment, disease severity, functional status, and environmental risk factors assessment. Genotyping for APOE and SNCA REP1 polymorphic variability will be conducted. Future analyses will be performed on biobanked samples. Ethics and Dissemination: The study protocol was approved by the National Health Research Ethics Committee in Nigeria, with institutional HREC concordant approval for all participating sites before enrollment of the study participants. Written informed consent was obtained from all study participants or identified proxies. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and as conference abstracts. Trial Registration: International Standard Registered Clinical/soCial sTudy Number (ISRCTN) registry (www.isrctn.com). Trial registration number: ISRCTN10548575. Locator ID: https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10548575.

Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Developmental Delay amongst Under-5 Children in Nigeria: Evidence from Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2011-2017.

Children develop dynamically, and when a child fails to reach age-appropriate developmental milestones compared to their peers, it is considered a developmental delay. In developing nations like Nigeria, several demographics, socioeconomic, childcare and external factors may influence the highly individualised process. This study assessed the prevalence and pattern of developmental delay, across Nigeria's geopolitical zones including identified factors associated with developmental delay, providing insight for appropriate interventions to prevent disability in affected children. This was a secondary analysis of data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which was carried out in rounds 4 (2011) and 5 (2016/2017). Every 5 years, the UNICEF-supported MICS cross-sectional household survey is carried out using the cluster sampling method. A semi-structured, questionnaire administered by the interviewer was used to obtain individual and household-level data. This study comprised a weighted sample of 17,373 under-5 children who had complete data from both survey rounds on characteristics deemed significant for the study. Data were analysed using SPSS version 23. Using the Chi-square test and multivariate binomial logistic regression, factors linked to developmental delay were identified, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) provided and the significance level set at 5%. The mean age and sex distribution of the children surveyed in both rounds was comparable, with a male preponderance of 51.2% in round 4 and 50.4% in round 5. In both round 4 (51.2%) and round 5 (49.0%), the Northeast zone had the highest prevalence of overall developmental delay while the least prevalence was seen in the Southwest zone (20.3%) and the Southeast zone (14.7%) in round 4 and round 5, respectively. Across all the zones, delay in the literacy-numeracy domain of development was the most prevalent, with the highest (91.3% and 86.7%, respectively) in the Northeast zone during both rounds of the survey. Delay in the physical domain was, however, the least prevalent form of developmental delay across the zones, with the least in South South (20.6%) and Southeast (5.4%) in rounds 4 and 5. The odds of developmental delay were 1.5 and 1.7 times higher amongst children 4 years old than 3 years old in both rounds of the survey. The likelihood of having developmental delay was found to increase with the severity of stunting amongst the children during both rounds of the survey (odds ratio [OR] =1.5; 95% CI = 1.20-1.78 in round 4 and OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.16-1.58 in round 5). Children from the poorest wealth index had higher odds of developmental delay (OR = 5.8; 95% CI = 4.92-6.82 in round 4 and OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.99-3.10 in round 5). The prevalence of developmental delay is high across all zones; however, the burden varies amongst them. The age of the child, nutritional status and wealth index were indicators of developmental delay in Nigerian under-5 children. This underscores the need for surveillance and interventions focussed on improving child literacy, nutritional status and household standard of living across the zones.

Assessing the Impact of Non-Interest Banking on Financial Inclusion: A Study of Selected States in Nigeria

This paper investigated the transformative potential of non-interest banking on financial inclusion within selected Nigerian states. Non-interest banking, grounded in Islamic principles, has garnered substantial scholarly attention across Muslim-majority nations. However, its nuanced effects on financial inclusion in Nigeria necessitated comprehensive examination. This study sought to address this gap by scrutinizing the intricate dynamics and discerning whether non-interest banking engenders heightened financial inclusion and socio-economic advancement. Interrogating the linkages between accessibility of non-interest banking services, individuals' attitudes toward non-interest banking, customer satisfaction, government support, trustworthiness of non-interest banks, and their collective impact on financial inclusion constitutes the focal point of inquiry. The study adopted a quantitative research paradigm, employing purposive random sampling to solicit responses from 380 participants encompassing Nigeria's diverse geopolitical zones. A tailored questionnaire, informed by extant scholarship, was meticulously administered, with data analysis done using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) facilitated by SmartPLS v3.2.7. The findings underscored that customer satisfaction, perceived government support, and trustworthiness of non-interest banks significantly and positively influence financial inclusion. Nevertheless, the nexus between accessibility of non-interest banking services and attitudes toward non-interest banking with financial inclusion did not attain statistical significance within this model. The research attains an R2 value of 0.704 for financial inclusion, signifying an explanatory capacity of 70.4%. This research extended valuable insights for policy formulation and decision-making, by accentuating the pivotal role of customer-centric strategies, governmental endorsement, and credibility in amplifying financial inclusion through non-interest banking channels. Keywords: Non-interest banking, financial inclusion, Nigeria, Structural Equation Modeling

Detection of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotypes Among HIV-Infected Women in Four States in Nigeria.

Introduction The World Health Organization states that almost all cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomavirusestransmitted through sexual contact. Implementing effective surveillance and preventive measures would enable the prevention of most cervical cancer cases, especially in HIV-infected women. Every year, about 12,000 women in Nigeria are diagnosed, with almost 8,000 deaths. HPV cervical cancer testing capacity is low in Nigeria. Testing scale-up and sensitization efforts across health facilities, including cervical tissue sample collection, are needed to reduce the cases of cervical cancer. This study aimed to assess the genotype-specific prevalence of clinically relevant high-risk HPV among women living with HIV in Nigeria. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult HIV-infected women attending health facilities in four Nigerian states. From August to October 2022, cervical tissue was collected into PCR cell media, transported to the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, and assayed for HPV presence and genotype using the Cobas 6800 System (Roche Diagnostics). Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata 2. Results A total of 4423 cervical swab samples were tested. The ages of women ranged from 18 to 72 years (mean 36.61±8.61). In our study, we found that 16.3% of participants tested positive for HPV. Among the high-risk HPV genotypes detected, HPV16 was present in 1.44% of participants, HPV18 in 1.29%, and other high-risk HPV (OHR-HPV) in 11.35%. Additionally, co-infections were observed, with 0.98% of participants testing positive for both HPV16 and OHR-HPV, 1.12% for HPV18 and OHR-HPV, and 0.12% for HPV16, HPV18, and OHR-HPV concurrently. However, 7.4% of the total results were deemed invalid. Conclusion OHR-HPV is prevalent among HIV-infected women across the north and west geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Policies and interventions geared towards curtailing the incidence of cervical cancer are fervently solicited.

Modelling the Effect of Police Motivating Factors on Effective Crime Management in Nigeria

This study investigates the relationship between police motivating factors' and the crime rate in Nigeria. The fixed effect panel data model with geopolitical zones and states as dummy variables results indicated the significance of motivating factors aside from logistics and insurance with multiple R-squared values of 76.65%. The random effect panel data model showed every motivating factor was significant with multiple R-squared values of 53.81%. Therefore, based on multiple R squared values, the fixed effect panel data model explained the variations in crime rate better—random effect study. Conclusively, police motivating factors have a significant impact on the crime rate in Nigeria.

Mwaghavul Arable Farmers – Fulani Herdsmen Conflict and Socio-economic Development in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State

Arable farmers and the Fulani herdsmen conflict is a societal malaise that is bedeviling most societies in Nigeria. The scenes were more prevalence in the North-central geo-political zone of the country. In Plateau State, the incidence cut across different local government areas in the state. This study therefore examined the conflict between the Mwaghavul Arable farmers and the Fulani herdsmen in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. The study adopted a mixed method research design. Data were elicited from documentary facts The main instruments for data collection were questionnaire, in-depth interview and observation; they were subjected to face and content validation. Focus group discussion and in-depth tinterview were used to corroborate the quantitative analysis. We used Pearson chisquare and ANOVA to test the hypotheses of the study at 0.05 level of significance. Findings of the study revealed that the conflict was triggered by the damages of crops of the Mwaghavul arable farmers by the herds of the Fulani herdsmen. The study also found the conflict has adverse on socio-economic development (schools, businesses, mutual trust, agricultural production, etc.). Based on the findings, study recommends the need to modernize herding system in Nigeria, need for civic education, moral probity, among others

Participation and returns from informal service-oriented non-farm enterprises: Evidence from a survey of Nigerian households.

We investigate the factors that influence the selection and productivity of informal service-oriented family enterprises in Nigeria. Using nationally representative micro-data from the Nigerian General Household Survey (2010-2015), we employed random-effect probit and selectivity-adjusted regression models to estimate and analyze the results. The findings reveal that the location of informal Non-Farm Household Enterprises (NFHEs)-whether home-based or non-home-based-significantly impacts the wholesale, retail, personal, and consultancy service sectors operated by informal NFHEs. This impact remains significant even after accounting for variations in individuals, households, or locational characteristics. Furthermore, when considering selectivity in the earnings equation, we found that home-based informal enterprises exhibit lower productivity compared to non-home-based enterprises, a difference that varies across sectors. Overall, factors such as the gender of business owners, educational levels, geopolitical zones, infrastructure, and business characteristics play a crucial role in determining the locational and productivity disparities among service-oriented enterprises in Nigeria. Key recommendations stemming from this study include addressing gender-based segregation and economic disparities, prioritising financial inclusion for small business development, bridging infrastructure gaps, and implementing policies that acknowledge and bolster the informal sector.

A study on awareness and Usage of Malaria Intervention Measures among pregnant women in Imo State Nigeria

The study was carried out to evaluate the level of awareness and subsequent usage of malaria intervention among pregnant women in Imo State Nigeria. The sample population was determined randomly from six (6) Local Government Areas to cover the Three (3) Geopolitical Zones of the Study Area. The subjects were people residing in the twelve local government areas under study. Random sampling technique was used to select 160 respondents (80 from each of the healthcare centers or hospitals) from each Local Government Area. The study included a total of 960 participants. The study was a cross sectional survey for the assessment of the impact of intermittent preventive therapy and insecticide treated nets. Data obtained from the study was analyzed using the statistical package for Social sciences (SPSS). The results obtained showed that 429(44.68%) use IPTp only, 287(29.89%) use ITNs only while 244(25.41%) combine both. From the result, the compliance rate and malaria status of ITN, IPT and ITN+IPT usage revealed malaria infection rate of 51.25% versus 41.25% versus 15.31% in relation to age, 55.31% versus 37.81% versus 14.69% in relation to educational level, 48.44% versus 42.29% versus 17.19% in relation to occupation, 51.25% versus 41.25% versus 15.31% gravidity and (42.50% versus 45.94% versus 19.38%) trimester. This study has been able to establish the fact that some pregnant women do not protect themselves from malaria parasite infection with protective measures such as ITNs and IPTp, in spite of the popularity given to the use of these protective measures, particularly the ITNs which in most centres are distributed free of charge to these pregnant women. This underscores the need creates awareness on the use IPTp among pregnant women.

Determination of multipurpose prevention technology choice for contraception and HIV/STI prevention: A survey of sexually active women in Nigeria

Objectives: Interest in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prophylaxis in the context of multiple sexual and reproductive health risks women face suggests a place for multipurpose prevention techniques (MPTs), which act by combining contraception and pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV into one unified delivery method. At present, condoms are a readily available form of MPTs. The study aims to determine the sexual characteristics of women in Nigeria and assess factors associated with MPT acceptance in the identified population. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using the data collection tool Google Forms®. The survey was distributed to the prospective respondents using the snowballing technique through an instant messaging application to ensure proper circulation among the geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Interest in MPT’s was evaluated using descriptive analysis. Specifically, personal and product attributes were evaluated descriptively (frequency and response rating) and with inferential statistics (logistic regression and model validation). Results: More than one-half (57%) of the participants were sexually active in the past three months. Most of the subjects reported at least one HIV risk behavior such as engaging in sexual intercourse with a male partner without a condom (50%). Factors associated with acceptance of MPTs included perceived safety, long-lasting action, and effectiveness of the formulation. Formulation types preferred by respondents include daily pills (21%), vaginal gels (12%), and inserts (8%). Personal characteristics supporting MPT use include age (30–39) and (40–49) years, married, formally educated, being a housewife, and having not had sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive male partner and having had an unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: Most of the respondents were interested in MPTs as a daily pill. Safety, long-lasting activity, and effectiveness are the top three criteria predicting acceptance. A variety of MPTs are required to be developed to suit the varying needs of different populations. The MPT preferences must be considered during product development to promote future acceptance among women in Nigeria.

How does social media knowledge help in combating fake news? Testing a structural equation model

How does social media knowledge help in combating fake news? Testing a structural equation model

A discursive reading of ideology, dominance and resistance in political texts

The North (or the West) considers itself superior to the South and has thus arrogated to itself the right to ‘guide’ it in many a sphere, something that has gone down badly with some countries in the South, so much so that some of them resist this domination. It is against this background that this paper analyses four texts from the two contending geo-political zones to untangle discursive strategies of positive self-presentation and negative other presentation. Using Teun van Dijk’s (2006) ideological square, the paper analyses the texts concerning aspects of ideology, dominance and resistance. It has been found that Donald Trump and the European Parliament (representing the North), as well as John Pombe Joseph Magufuli and Nicolas Maduro (representing the South), deployed semantic macrostructures, macro-speech acts, the active voice and lexical resources, among others, to do positive self-presentation and negative other-presentation. The paper contends that the two sides deployed the strategies because the North wants to continue dominating and exploiting the South and the South wants to liberate itself from the chain the former placed around its neck centuries ago. About the South’s goal, the paper shows how the South could go it alone, with a bias towards Africa.

Assessment of the internal control system mechanisms among selected state governments in Nigeria

Purpose: The study assessed the existence and implementation of the internal control system mechanisms of three purposively selected state governments in southwestern Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire administered to 450 staff members of both the Accountant General and Auditor General of the three southwestern states which include Lagos, Oyo and Ondo states. The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations Treadway Commission (COSO) framework is used to assess the existence and extent of implementation of internal control system mechanisms in the states. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data obtained. Findings: The results showed that control environment (36.6%), risk assessment (42.7%), control activities (37.9%) and information and communication (39%) were moderately in existence but not fully implemented because the percentage fell below average while monitoring (38.7%) was highly implemented among the selected state governments in southwestern Nigeria. Conclusion: The study found that state governments have internal control systems in place but they are not completely operational. Hence, mitigants against financial fraud, errors and misapplication of public funds are weak. Research Limitations and Implementation: The sample of the study could be expanded to include more states in other geopolitical zones of the country. Practical Implications: The study proposed strict adherence to all the elements and contents of the COSO framework in the design, set up and implementation of internal control mechanisms in public sector entities.

Sexual Victimization among female Secondary School Students in South-South Zone of Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to examine sexual victimization among female secondary school students in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. To achieve this aim, four (4) research questions and four (4) null hypotheses were formulated and tested. A survey research design was adopted for the study, and data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire that contained 33 items. A total of three thousand, two hundred and eighty (3280) secondary school students responded to the instrument. The data gathered were analyzed using the mean and standard deviation to answer research questions, and an independent t-test and an ANOVA were used to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings from this study, among others, revealed that female secondary school students in the study area are sexually victimized. This sexual victimization of these secondary school students has affected them psychologically, socially, and physically in terms of their academic pursuits and how they relate to others in the school environment and society at large. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the federal and state governments pass a law that could bring to book all the perpetrators of sexual victimization, and the victims of sexual victimization should be able to report anyone who has attempted to victimize them.
 
 Received: 10 January 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 6 March 2024

Status-Conferral Function of the Press and the Fight against Corruption in Nigeria: Issues, Trends, and Implications

The study was carried out to ascertain the relationship between the status-conferral function of the press and the fight against corruption in the country, as well the issues, trends, and the implications. The study was predicated on Status Conferral Theory (SCT) and Social Responsibility Theory (SRT). The objectives were to ascertain the relationship between the status-conferral function of the press and the fight against corruption in Nigeria and evaluate the trends, issues and the implications of status-conferral function of the press on the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Interview schedule was used to elicit information from 24 media practitioners (12 Practising journalists and 12 Journalism teachers) selected from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, via convenience sampling method. Findings established relationship between status-conferral and the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Indicate the use of status-conferral in developmental reporting as a trend, whilst the issues of lack of integrity, objectivity and fairness in the media and no regard for the rule of law in the country, as well as corruption were highlighted, amongst others. Given the findings, the study recommends that the media should be circumspect, whilst utilising status conferral function of the press, so as not to glorify perpetuators of corruption in Nigeria, as well as not engage in witch hunt, amongst others.

A review of the status, challenges, trends, and prospects of groundwater quality assessment in Nigeria: an evidence-based meta-analysis approach.

With the imminent industrial growth and population increase, Nigeria will continue to experience significant shifts in the quality of water, with a rise in emerging contaminants. This will increase the irregularity and complexity of the water quality information. Therefore, using the PRISMA meta-analysis approach, this review systematically identified the commonly used water quality assessment techniques in Nigeria, the drawback in the application of these techniques as well as the gaps in the area of water quality assessment and monitoring from 2003 to 2023. Recommendations were also made based on the evaluation of a new research direction; through the review of the effectiveness of advanced techniques for monitoring water quality in Nigeria. Sixty-eight published articles were chosen for the meta-analysis while the VOSviewer program was used to perform bibliographic coupling and visualization. The review revealed that the application of machine learning in water quality prediction has not been well explored in Nigeria. This is attributed to limited data availability and poor funding by the government. It was found that southwestern Nigeria has a greater amount of research on groundwater quality monitoring and evaluation than other regions. The variability was explained by variations in the underlying geology, aquifer features; variability in anthropogenic activities, and level of literacy among various geopolitical zones. Further studies should focus on the application of soft-computing and integrated biomonitoring techniques for effective prediction and monitoring of emerging contaminants for improved water quality. Effective collaboration between environmental stakeholders and government agencies is recommended for effective water resource sustainability.

Views of Nigerian civil servants about compulsory COVID-19 vaccination: A qualitative study.

COVID-19 caused unforeseen global burden, although vaccine strategy rapidly stalled transmission and protected those at risk. Many governments made vaccination mandatory for public space access. This study aimed to elucidate perception of Nigerian civil servants towards mandatory COVID-19 vaccination and elicited their recommendations. This study was conducted in twelve purposively selected states in the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Relevant ministries, departments and agencies were selected within the study sites. It was a qualitative study that interviewed consenting civil servants. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Health Research Ethics Committee. Interviews were conducted in person, following a pre-test. Data was analysed using NVivo software version 12. Most participants were willing to take the vaccine if their safety was assured. However, enforcement to do so was a hindrance. Most participants commended the government for the effort to curb COVID-19 transmission and create awareness but were displeased with planning and handling of misconceptions. They recommended a more committed approach to vaccine production and funding by the government. Participants were willing to take the COVID-19 vaccines because the gains of protection outweighed the risks. They suggested a less involuntary approach through reinforcing awareness creation and avoiding threats.Contribution:There is limited qualitative research on perception of Nigerian civil servants regarding mandatory COVID-19 vaccination. Being the main driving force of Nigeria's public service, their views are invaluable. Findings could contribute to future policies in times of emergency.

The Effects of Environmental Analysis on Optimal Attainment of Local Government Administration Objectives in Developing Countries (A Study of Nigeria) 2015-2023

Environmental analysis in government administration is the process of assessing and evaluating the internal and external factors that can have an effect on an administration performance and strategy. Although the environmental analysis is important to figure administrations strength, weaknesses opportunity and threat and this knowledge can help to place her on strong footing to actualize set objectives. The study explored the Effects of Environmental Analysis on Optimal Attainment of Local Government Administration Objectives in Developing Countries with a focus on Nigeria. The study employed descriptive research design. Population of the study were drawn from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The data for the study were sourced through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive, correlations and regression analysis was applied to the study to evaluate the effects of the dependent variable on the independent variables through the aid of the statistical package SPSS 23. From the regression results its suffice to conclude that environmental analysis of Local government administration that is proxy with political, economic, social & legal, would have a meaningful influence on optimum actualization of local government objectives in Nigeria. The study recommended that local government administrators should prioritise analysis or evaluation of internal and external environment such as political, economic, social and legal state of their local government area pre and post inauguration.