Determinants of TB detection yield in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Haemonchosis remains one of the most economically important helminth infections limiting small ruminant productivity in tropical and subtropical regions. This study determined the prevalence and intensity of Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep and goats slaughtered during the late dry season in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional abattoir-based design was employed, involving 196 small ruminants comprising 98 sheep and 98 goats. Abomasa were collected immediately after slaughter, and adult worms were recovered using standard post-mortem worm count techniques. Identification was based on morphological features, and worm burdens were categorized into light, moderate, and heavy infections. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to compare infection patterns between species. Findings revealed that light infection was the predominant category in both sheep (78.6%) and goats (70.4%), while moderate infection occurred at low levels in sheep (6.1%) and goats (3.1%). No heavy infections were recorded in either species. A higher proportion of goats (26.5%) were uninfected compared to sheep (15.3%). Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in infection distribution between sheep and goats (p > 0.05). The overall pattern suggests widespread exposure to H. contortus but with relatively low worm burdens during the late dry season. The absence of heavy infections may reflect seasonal constraints on larval survival and transmission dynamics. These findings highlight the importance of season-specific parasite control strategies and provide baseline epidemiological data for the improvement of helminth management in small ruminants in northern Nigeria.

This paper critically examines how the Nigerian mass media report, interpret, and influence interfaith diplomacy in a multi-religious society. The study situates interfaith diplomacy within Nigeria’s historical and socio-political contexts, arguing that the mass media play dual roles as both facilitators and inhibitors of peaceful interreligious engagement. Drawing from framing and peace communication theories, the research investigates how Nigerian newspapers, radio, and digital media represent interfaith activities. Using qualitative content analysis, three case studies are examined: (1) national newspaper coverage of an Abuja-based interfaith summit, (2) local radio broadcasting of grassroots youth dialogues in Kaduna State, and (3) social and digital media reactions to a 2024 controversy between faith leaders and an interfaith NGO. Data were obtained from qualitative content analysis and secondary sources. Findings reveal six dominant frames: consensus-symbolic, moral-crisis, securitized, victimhood-grievance, mediator-hero, and contestatory. The study observes that despite media potential to foster interfaith understanding, persistent sensationalism, elite dominance, and episodic coverage constrain their peacebuilding impact. Thus, effective interfaith diplomacy requires deliberate media ethics, balanced framing, gender-inclusive reporting, and consistent enlightenment to move beyond symbolic representation toward structural understanding and social transformation. The paper recommends the institutionalization of interfaith journalism training, ethical framing, and community-oriented storytelling to enhance media contribution to interfaith diplomacy in Nigeria.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of malaria remain central to malaria control strategies. The World Health Organization recommends testing suspected malaria cases before treatment using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or microscopy. However, evidence on the readiness of health facilities to implement this policy in high-burden Nigerian states remains limited. This study assessed facility readiness, testing-before-treatment (TBT) coverage, and facility-level determinants of malaria diagnostic readiness among public health facilities in Kaduna and Kano States, Nigeria. A cross-sectional health facility assessment was conducted across 418 public health facilities in Kaduna and Kano States between August 5 and 28, 2025. A stratified two-stage sampling approach was used, with primary health facilities randomly selected proportionally across all 67 Local Government Areas and all secondary facilities purposively included. Data were collected using a structured Health Facility Assessment questionnaire. Facility readiness was assessed using five indicators: availability of RDTs, availability of microscopy services, trained staff on malaria case management, availability of standard operating procedures, and absence of stock-outs of RDTs or artemisinin-based combination therapy within the previous three months. A composite readiness index (0-5) was constructed and facilities were classified as having full or partial readiness. Associations between facility characteristics and readiness were examined using multivariable logistic regression. All facilities had RDTs and trained staff on malaria case management, and none reported commodity stock-outs during the three-month reference period. Overall, 381 facilities (91.1%) demonstrated full readiness, with a mean readiness score of 4.91 ± 0.29. Microscopy services were available in 23.0% of facilities. Most facilities reported high TBT coverage, with 90.4% reporting ≥ 85% testing coverage. Secondary facilities (aOR = 2.15, 95% CI:1.06-4.36), urban location (aOR = 1.78, 95% CI:1.01-3.12), supportive supervision (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI:1.28-5.02), malaria focal persons (aOR = 2.92, 95% CI:1.63-5.23), and availability of free malaria commodities (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI:1.07-3.68) were significantly associated with full readiness. Public health facilities assessed in Kaduna and Kano States demonstrated high structural readiness for malaria diagnosis. Study limitations include the cross-sectional design, reliance on facility records which may be subject to reporting bias, and the exclusion of private health facilities, limiting generalizability. These findings highlight the need for sustained commodity security, regular supportive supervision, and targeted investments in rural facilities to maintain and strengthen diagnostic readiness.

BackgroundTo lessen the burden of cervical cancer, Nigeria introduced the HPV vaccine to its national immunization program, but the program has faced operational and contextual problems during its early rollout. This study explored the systemic and community-level barriers affecting HPV vaccine delivery across selected Nigerian states.MethodThis exploratory qualitative study employed key informant interviews with policymakers, immunization officers, government agencies, community-based organizations, and implementing partners across three states: Kaduna, Kano, and Lagos, from April 2025 to October 2025. Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo, with emphasis on identifying factors influencing the sustainability of HPV vaccination. The analysis focused on key domains such as policy implementation, financing, service delivery, supply chain systems, human resources, data management, and demand generation.ResultThe study found that HPV vaccine implementation is hindered by limited state-level policy adaptation, reliance on donor funding, human resource shortages, supply chain weaknesses, data management gaps, and strong socio-cultural resistance driven by misinformation. These interconnected barriers reduce vaccine acceptance and disrupt service delivery.ConclusionThe HPV vaccination program in Nigeria is constrained by systemic weaknesses and socio-cultural resistance. Addressing these challenges requires stronger state-level policy adaptation, sustainable financing, improved supply chain and data systems, and targeted community engagement to enhance acceptance and ensure effective service delivery.

ABSTRACT While research on the determinants of subjective well-being in Nigeria exists, little attention has been given to regional differences in life satisfaction between the country’s two major regions – the North and the South. This study addresses that gap by analyzing cross-sectional survey data from Kaduna and Edo States, located in Nigeria’s Northern and Southern regions, respectively (N = 2991; age: 15 and above; 55% female and 45% male). In addition to comparing both states (regions), the study also examines how satisfaction with relative income and educational attainment relate to life satisfaction. Ordered logit regression analysis reveals a striking contrast: despite facing poorer socioeconomic conditions, residents of Kaduna report higher life satisfaction than those in Edo. Additionally, satisfaction with relative income is positively correlated with life satisfaction in both states. However, while educational attainment is negatively associated with life satisfaction in Kaduna, it has no significant relationship with life satisfaction in Edo. These findings underscore the importance of accounting for regional differences in the study of subjective well-being in Nigeria, as national aggregates may conceal important local patterns and heterogeneities.

This study examined the effect of women participation in the Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) Programme on their household livelihoods in Kano and Kaduna States, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the participants, identified their livelihood activities, examined the effect of programme participation on their income, and identified constraints faced in the programme. Primary data were collected from 278 women beneficiaries, and descriptive statistics and a paired sample t-test were used to analyse changes in their income before and after programme participation. Results showed that women were largely young to middle-aged, socially integrated, and engaged in diverse livelihood activities, with farming (39.6%) and trading (23%) being most common. The paired t-test revealed a statistically significant increase in income across all livelihood categories, with mean income rising by ₦50,000 in farming, ₦56,500 in trading, ₦55,500 in processing, ₦46,000 in livestock, and ₦58,000 in artisan work (p < 0.01). Despite these gains, women faced constraints including poor market access (57.6%) and limited extension services (50.4%). The study concluded that APPEALS substantially improved women’s economic outcomes and recommends strengthening market linkages and gender-responsive support services.

This study evaluated teachers' perceptions of the challenges in teaching and learning Agricultural Science in public secondary schools within the Zaria Educational Zone, which includes the Zaria and Sabon Gari Local Government Areas. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.88), distributed to 84 teachers across 41 registered public schools in the area. Descriptive statistics revealed demographic differences: the workforce is young (ages 30–40), married males (>70%), although Sabon Gari has a higher proportion of females (60.87%). Teachers hold bachelor’s degrees (>50%) in Agricultural Education and possess 6–10 years of experience. Key challenges identified were deteriorating infrastructure, insufficient instructional materials (Zaria = 3.11; Sabon Gari = 3.03), and limited ICT resources (Zaria = 3.11; Sabon Gari = 3.03). A lack of funding severely impacted resources and motivation. Student interest was notably low, especially in Zaria (2.98), due to inadequate practical exposure, limited career counselling, and negative perceptions of agriculture. Statistical tests (p ≤ 0.05) indicated no significant differences between zones in terms of infrastructure, ICT, funding, or student attitudes, although support for improvement strategies varied. High standard deviations (except for Sabon Gari interest and strategies) suggested a lack of consensus. Teachers, particularly in Zaria, advocated for increased funding, facility upgrades, ongoing training, better salaries, and enhanced career guidance to improve Agricultural Science education.

ABSTRACT Background Nigeria continues to experience high maternal and child mortality, despite extensive health reforms and international investment. Missed opportunities across the continuum of care, antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance, facility-based delivery, and child immunization, contribute to these outcomes. Children who receive no vaccines (zero-dose) reflect a key vulnerability in service delivery. Objective To identify factors associated with zero-dose immunization and patterns of maternal healthcare utilization among women in six Nigerian states. Methods A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, and Niger states. A total of 1,958 women aged 15–49 years with recent live births were interviewed. Structured questionnaires captured data on ANC attendance, delivery location and attendant, immunization status, and socio-demographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multinomial logistic regression were used to assess predictors of maternal and child health service utilization. Results Only 31% of women received complete care; 58% received partial care, and 11% received none. Zero-dose prevalence was significantly higher among children whose mothers had fewer than four ANC visits (35%), delivered at home (35%), or were attended by unskilled providers (39%). Lower zero-dose rates were found among those delivered in facilities (16%) or by skilled attendants (19%). Key predictors included maternal and paternal education, socioeconomic status, geographic location (notably Kano and Katsina), and maternal age. Conclusions Significant disparities in maternal and child health service utilization remain. Expanding ANC coverage, increasing skilled facility-based deliveries, and ensuring postnatal immunization linkage are essential to reduce zero-dose prevalence and promote equity in low-resource settings.

Purpose Despite research acknowledging the importance of culture in entrepreneurship, less attention has been given to its impact on the growth aspirations of Married Women Entrepreneurs (MWEs) in developing country contexts. Unlike prior studies that draw on more narrowly defined measures of business growth, it is suggested that most MWEs will have business growth ambitions, but marriage will combine with cultural and religious factors to change the nature of such ambitions. An extension of the 5Ms framework, incorporating insights from New Institutional Theory, is used to consider how informal institutions, especially cultural and marital norms, influence growth ambitions, contextualising them in a non-Western setting – Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Survey data from 280 MWEs from Kaduna state were collected through online and manual methods of distribution. Regression analysis examined the links between culture, as manifested through gender roles and religious influences, and a variety of potential measures of business growth ambitions. Findings MWEs wish to grow their businesses by acquiring management skills and deploying more effective strategies, but are restricted by gender roles and religion. Many MWEs require their husbands' approval to launch and grow their business and are unaware of government support available. Support is more commonly sought from religious institutions. Social implications Government support could be more effective if facilitated through religious organisations, as these are often trusted and accessible platforms. Culture, while sometimes restraining the business growth ambitions of MWEs, can also offer solutions through culturally aligned, faith-based initiatives that support and encourage entrepreneurial growth ambitions. Originality/value The separate attention to marriage allows a more nuanced understanding of how culture may alter the nature of MWEs' growth aspirations in a patriarchal and religiously divided society.

Subclinical mastitis is an important constraint to small ruminant productivity and a public health concern due to its association with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. However, information on the prevalence of subclinical mastitis and antimicrobial resistance patterns of associated bacterial pathogens in sheep and goat in Northern Nigeria, particularly Kaduna State, remains limited. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August-October 2024 in Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna, Nigeria. Milk samples were collected from 488 lactating small ruminants (384 goats, 104 sheep) from farms, households, and markets. Subclinical mastitis was screened using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). Bacterial isolates were recovered from the milk samples and identified using standard cultural and biochemical methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. In addition to commonly used veterinary antimicrobials, imipenem was included to assess resistance to critically important antimicrobials of last resort. Overall, 41.0% (200/488) of animals were positive for subclinical mastitis, with a significantly higher prevalence in sheep (96.2%; 100/104) than in goats (26.0%; 100/384) (χ²=163.44, p < 0.0001). Bacterial isolates were identified from milk samples of all 488 animals using standard cultural and biochemical methods. A total of 705 bacterial isolates were recovered. The predominant isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (49.5%; 349/705) and Escherichia coli (48.0%; 338/705), while Streptococcus species accounted for 2.6% (18/705). The bacterial isolates showed the highest susceptibility to ciprofloxacin with 92.7-98.9% of Escherichia coli, 85.5-95.0% of Staphylococcus aureus, and 100% of Streptococcus species isolates being susceptible. High resistance was observed to tetracycline (82.6-100%), cefuroxime (88.6-100%), and imipenem (99.6-100%). All isolates exhibited MDR (100%), with MAR indices ranging from 0.20 to 1.00, predominantly 0.80-0.90. The high burden of subclinical mastitis and widespread multidrug resistance among small ruminants in Igabi LGA highlight significant animal health and public health risks. These findings underscore the need for routine mastitis surveillance and strengthened antimicrobial stewardship in small ruminant production systems.

Abstract Introduction Community pharmacies are a highly accessible source of medicines and healthcare advice in many societies, yet their role within the wider health system remains underutilised.[1] Leveraging the accessibility and capacity of community pharmacies offer a viable strategy to strengthen primary healthcare (PHC) delivery, improve health service utilisation, and promote equitable access to quality healthcare.[2] Understanding patients’ experiences and perspectives of community pharmacy services is essential to inform strategies for integrating these facilities into PHC framework and strengthening health systems. Aim To explore patients’ perceptions and experiences of community pharmacy services and identify barriers and facilitators to the provision of these services that could inform strategies for integrating community pharmacies into the PHC system. Methods This was a qualitative study involving adult clients accessing services at purposively selected (based on accessibility and service provision) community pharmacies located within the metropolitan area of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Eligible participants were those able to communicate in English and willing to participate. Participants were recruited on-site while visiting the community pharmacies. While some participants opted for immediate on-site interviews, others preferred scheduled phone interviews. Semi-structured interviews, using a topic guide developed from literature and expert input, were conducted and audio-recorded with consent of the participants. Transcripts were analysed thematically to identify key themes and subthemes. Results Fifteen participants (5 females, 10 males; age range 22–55 years) were interviewed. Three main themes emerged. Theme 1: Perceptions of community pharmacy roles. Participants described their utilisation of community pharmacy services and valued community pharmacists’ contributions to health promotion and disease prevention [e.g. ‘The availability of health screening services like blood pressure checks was very helpful… early signs of illness were detected and managed well’ (P11)]. Theme 2: Patient/client experiences regarding quality of care, accessibility, privacy, and strong pharmacist-patient relationships [e.g. ‘the pharmacy is closer to me than the hospital… it is the first point for treatment during emergencies, except in situations where I need further investigations, then I have to go to the hospital’ (P03)]. Theme 3: Factors influencing service delivery, with points raised regarding location, pharmacists’ skills and training, opening hours, and availability of additional services [e.g. ‘Community pharmacies can help by creating public awareness on preventive measures of certain diseases and also they should be equipped with devices which would be useful in monitoring and managing of illnesses’ (P07)]. Overall, participants recognised community pharmacies as accessible, trusted providers, though noted gaps in service hours, staffing, and awareness of available services. Conclusion Community pharmacies contribute significantly to healthcare delivery. However, improvements are needed in service availability, staffing, and patient awareness. This study provides a key strength by offering rich, contextual insights into patient experiences, but is limited by its small sample and focus on a few community pharmacies located within the metropolitan part of the State. Findings from this study show that community pharmacies already function as accessible first points of care, indicating strong potential for their formal integration into Nigeria’s PHC system.

The study assesses the performance of junior secondary school students within Kaduna South, Kaduna State using standardized Mathematics criterion referenced test. The objectives of the study were to assess the performance of junior secondary school students in Mathematics criterion referenced test for junior secondary school students and determine gender difference in performance of Mathematics criterion referenced test. Relevant literature related to research objectives were reviewed. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the research. A sample of 362 male and female students were sampled through stratified sampling technique from a total population of 3950 students. Mathematics criterion referenced test (MCRT) was the research instrument for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency count and percentage and t-test of independent sample. Based on the findings, it was concluded that, students' performance was average and there was no significant difference in performance of students in the test. It was recommended that, students’ performance that has to do with admission, placement or certification should be assessed based on criteria with standardized test.

This study evaluates the impact of the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) on primary school enrolment in Sabon Gari LGA, Kaduna State, Nigeria, using Human Capital Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as theoretical frameworks. Through a descriptive survey design, mixed methods data were collected from 150 respondents, including pupils, parents, teachers, and administrators across three public primary schools, using questionnaires and interviews analyzed with SPSS and thematic methods. Results indicate a 45.45% enrolment increase from 1.1 million to 1.6 million pupils between 2015 and 2022, with 81.48% of respondents observing higher enrolment and 77.78% noting the programme’s influence on parental decisions, particularly benefiting low-income families and girls (42.96% increased female enrolment). Despite its effectiveness, with 77.77% rating it highly and 88.89% supporting its continuation, challenges like irregular meal supply (44.44%) and poor food quality (22.22%) negatively impact attendance for 55.55% of respondents. The study concludes that the NHGSFP significantly enhances educational access by addressing nutritional and economic barriers but requires logistical and funding reforms to sustain gains. Recommendations include improving supply chain logistics, enhancing meal quality and variety, stabilizing funding, strengthening monitoring systems, and increasing community involvement to ensure long-term educational benefits.

Background Heavy metals in food, such as vegetables, may pose a serious health danger, making their consumption a public concern. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary intake of heavy metals and their potential health risks in some vegetables consumed in Kaduna Metropolis. Methods Commonly consumed vegetable samples were purchased from five markets in Metropolis using random systematic sampling. These samples were rinsed, air dried, pulverised, and allowed to pass through a British Standard (BS) mesh (BS 125mm). The same vegetable types (5) from the same market were composed by the coning and quartering method, which was eventually analysed using a non-disruptive Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrophotometric method for heavy metal content. Results Estimated Maximum Daily Intake (EMDI), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for both adults and children were used to quantify the potential public health risk posed by the consumption of these vegetables. The total average concentrations of the heavy metals and their EMDI were ranked as follows: iron &gt; copper &gt; zinc &gt; manganese &gt; molybdenum &gt; chromium &gt; cobalt &gt; nickel. With a few exceptions, the non-carcinogenic risk (HQ and HI values) for the majority of the vegetables was excessive (&gt; 1) for both adults and children. Both adults and children show moderate to high carcinogenic health risks for three of the heavy metals (Cr, Cu, and Ni) examined for carcinogenic health risk (ILCR), with the exception of a few vegetables. Conclusion This study gave an insight into possible potential high risk of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks from the consumption of vegetables on sale in Kaduna metropolis. Consequently, there is need for prompt action to control heavy metals sources in the environment as well as vegetables to protect public health.

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria have long posed serious social, health, and economic issues in Nigeria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a nosocomial pathogen, has always been a major healthcare problem globally, especially with its elevated capacity to resist novel, strongest antibiotics and other therapeutic agents. This necessitates the development of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment and management of multidrug-resistant strains. This research aimed to evaluate the potential of Acacia nilotica plant-based phenolics as antibacterial agents against extreme drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates from Kaduna State metropolis. Ethanol was used as a solvent to extract Acacia nilotica (L.) leaves. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC), column chromatography, and spectral analyses were used to isolate the phenolics from the plant extract. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize the fraction. Using microbiological, biochemical, and molecular methods, eleven highly resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were identified after being isolated from clinical samples. Their antibiogram profile was determined using Antibiotic disc diffusion method. The biochemical effects of the plant extract phenolic fraction were assessed in vivo against extreme drug-resistant bacteria. Data obtained showed that tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols were present in the plant extract at varying concentrations (ranging from 0.06–14.47 mg/g dry wt). The bioassay revealed that the phenolic fraction of Acacia nilotica (L.) has significant biological therapeutic activity against the extremely drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in this study. Phenolics from the Acacia nilotica (L.) plant may serve as a substitute active pharmaceutical ingredient for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains resistant to drugs.

Rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), a critical priority pathogen, becomes highly complicated when it develops into pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR) and is an exceptional challenge for global TB control efforts. This study aims to determine the frequency and mutations associated with fluoroquinolone (FLQ) and aminoglycoside (AMG) resistance in MTB isolates from patients with pulmonary illnesses in Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 144 MDR-TB-positive sputum samples previously collected from 360 individuals were processed using the NaOH-Na-citrate-NALC method. All isolates were tested for MTB complex using TB Ag MPT64 (SD Bioline), and GenoType MTBDRsl VER 2.0 was used to identify chromosomal mutations in gyrA, gyrB, rrs and eis genes. Risk associated with FLQ- and AMG-resistant MDR-TB was assessed using a structured questionnaire, and the resulting data were statistically analysed. The occurrence rate of FLQ resistance (preXDR) in MDR-TB was 12.5% (n = 18), which was mediated by diverse mutations and missing regions WT1 and WT2 in gyrA (n = 14) and N538D in gyrB (n = 4). The frequency of AMG resistance among MDR-TB strains was 11.8% (7/144), and the predominant mechanisms of resistance were MUT1 (A1401G) and MUT2 (G1484T) in the rrs gene. Moreover, the MUT1 (C-14T) mutation (23.5%, 4/17) was observed in the eis promoter region. Remarkably, among these strains, 2 MDR-TB (1.4%) exhibited resistance to both FLQ and AMG. Histories of contact with TB patients (OR = 8.94, 95% CI: 4.1-19.49, p < 0.0001) and prior anti-tuberculosis treatment (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.13–4.94, p = 0.00233) were associated with FLQ- and AMG-resistant MDR-TB. This study revealed a high occurrence of pre-XDR-TB in the study population and among the MDR strains, which could lead to treatment failures and a higher public health threat. To stop pre-XDR-TB from spreading and growing and to improve treatment outcomes in this and other regions where it is more prevalent, it is imperative to diagnose resistance to second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs quickly before beginning treatment and activate pre-XDR-TB surveillance systems. Not applicable.

Inclusive education has increased the presence of learners with special needs in mainstream secondary schools, thereby necessitating effective psychosocial and academic support mechanisms. Rehabilitation counselling interventions have emerged as an important strategy for helping learners with disabilities cope with academic, emotional, and social challenges in inclusive school environments. This study examined how rehabilitation therapy treatments affected special needs students' academic adjustment in mainstream secondary schools in Zaria, Kaduna State. A descriptive survey design was used in the study. 85 students with recognized special needs from sampled secondary schools made up the sample of the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on rehabilitation counselling interventions and academic adjustment indicators such as study habits, classroom participation, and emotional stability. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that academic counselling interventions have a significant effect on the study habits of learners with special needs in mainstream secondary schools (p=0.017&lt;0.05), psychosocial counselling interventions have a significant influence on classroom participation among learners with special needs in mainstream secondary schools (p=0.034&lt;0.05), behavioral counselling interventions have a significant effect on the emotional stability of learners with special needs in mainstream secondary schools (p=0.019&lt;0.05), and there is a moderate positive relationship between rehabilitation counselling interventions and academic adjustment of learners with special needs (r=0.56 and p=0.000). The study concluded that counselling-based rehabilitation services are essential for promoting inclusive education and enhancing the academic functioning of learners with disabilities. The study recommended that Government and educational authorities should ensure the deployment of trained rehabilitation counsellors in mainstream secondary schools to provide specialized support for learners with special needs, among others.

The diffusion of e-commerce has emerged as a critical driver of rural entrepreneurship, particularly within agribusiness value chains in developing economies. This study investigates how e-commerce adoption influences the evolution of rural entrepreneurship in Nigeria, with a focus on farmers, cooperatives, and Agro-processors across Oyo, Kaduna, and Rivers states. Using a quantitative survey design, data were collected from 420 rural agribusiness entrepreneurs and analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships between e-commerce diffusion, digital literacy, adoption barriers, and entrepreneurial performance. The results indicate that e-commerce diffusion has a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial performance (β = 0.43, p &lt; 0.001), while digital literacy partially mediates this relationship (VAF = 21%). Adoption barriers, including limited internet access and infrastructural deficits, negatively affect performance (β = -0.22, p &lt; 0.001). The findings underscore that digital transformation, coupled with human capital development, can substantially enhance rural entrepreneurship outcomes. Policy interventions aimed at improving digital literacy, infrastructure, and financial inclusion are recommended to maximize the benefits of e-commerce in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

Relationship between Coping Strategies and Quality of Life among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Selected Secondary Healthcare Facilities in Kaduna State, Nigeria