Makurdi Metropolis Research Articles

Psycho-demographic Triggers of Entrepreneurial Intentions Among School-aged Adolescents and Youth in Makurdi Metropolis: Approaches to Developmental Interventions

Psycho-demographic Triggers of Entrepreneurial Intentions Among School-aged Adolescents and Youth in Makurdi Metropolis: Approaches to Developmental Interventions

Awareness and Attitudes of Men towards Prostate Cancer Screening in Makurdi Metropolis

Awareness and Attitudes of Men towards Prostate Cancer Screening in Makurdi Metropolis

Avian species abundance and habitat association in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Appraisal of avian species, especially in urban areas, is paramount to determining the health of the environment. The research focused on the abundance, diversity, and habitat association of avian species within and around the new bridge in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The habitats selected were: Abattoir (Ab), Oxbow Lake (Ol), and Farmland (Fl). A line transect length of 100 m was laid (1 at Ab, 2 each at Ol and Fl). The line transect method was used to identify and estimate the abundance and diversity of birds (at 06:00–09:00 hrs and 15:00–18:00 hrs) aided with binoculars for 2 consecutive days weekly in June–November 2021. The Textbook on Birds of West Africa was used for the identification of the species. The dataset was analyzed using descriptive statistics and diversity indices. The result revealed a total number of 23 species (4061 individuals) belonging to 15 families. Five species (41 individuals), 19 species (2,804 individuals), and 8 species (1,216 individuals) were recorded at Abattoir, Oxbowlake, and Farmland, respectively. Ploceus cucullatus (55.68%) was the most abundant species, while Accipitridae (12.5%) was the dominant family recorded. Variation in density varies across the habitat, with farmland (723.13) being the densest area. The diversity indices indicated that farmland (D: 0.668, H1: 1.571, and richness (2.267)) had a high value when compared to other habitats. Conservation and management of urban avian species should be encouraged to promote avi-tourism.

Isolation of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria from Abattoir Waste Water: A Case Study of Makurdi Metropolis

The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the livestock population is strongly correlated with antibiotic usage (non-specific usage), as the selection and dissemination of resistant bacteria are heavily augmented under selective pressure caused by antibiotics. This study, therefore, is aimed at isolating antibiotic-resistant bacteria from an abattoir wastewater in the Makurdi metropolis. The samples were collected and diluted into four folds. One mile (1ml) of the samples each pour plated on Nutrient agar (NA), MacConkey agar (MCA), Mannitol salt agar (MSA), and Eosin methylene blue agar (EMBA) for isolation and identification; and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns were determined using disc diffusion method. The results obtained showed that the mean value of bacteria count ranged from 0.57×10 - 5.94×10. The organisms isolated were species of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Klebsiella, Streptococcus, Proteus Shigella, and Salmonella. Staphylococcus spp showed the highest prevalence of 7(22.58%), Klebsiella and Bacillus 6(19.35%), Escherichia coli 5(16.13%), Streptococcus, Proteus and Shigella 2(6.45%) while Salmonella spp have the least prevalence of 1(3.23%). Among the isolates, Klebsiella spp was resistant to 60% of the drugs used, while Salmonella spp was susceptible to all the drugs used. This research result reveals that all isolates from abattoir wastewater are susceptible to gentamycin and septrin. While other bacteria Staphylococcus, Shigella, Proteus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, and Escherichia coli also showed varying degrees of resistance and susceptibility. Therefore, abattoir wastewater should be treated before being discharged into water bodies.

Screening and identification of some selected fungi species from Abattior waste water

This study was carried out to screen and identify some selected fungi species from abattoir waste water in Makurdi metropolis. Abattoirs Waste water samples were collected from different locations which include Modern Market, Wadata, Wurukum, North bank, new bridge. The samples were transported to the Microbiology laboratory, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. Standard microbiological tests were carried out to identify the organisms from abattoir waste water. The fungi species identified were, Aspergillus spp, Mucor, Absidia, Fusaruim, Rhizopus spp, Saccharomyces. Rhizopus and Mucor spp had the highest prevalence accounting for 21.05%, while Fusaruim spp had the lowest prevalence accounting for 10.52%. From the statistical analysis using ANOVA, there was significant difference between the colony counts in the different locations. Wurukum had the highest fungi count (20.40± 3.20 CFU/ml), followed by Wadata market (18.40± 9.62 CFU/ml), New bridge had the lowest fungi count of (8.20 ± 8.49 CFU/ml). The Physicochemical characteristics of abattoir waste water. Physicochemical analysis of waste water from abattoir shows that the temperature of wastewater ranges from 28.9°C to 29.8°C. The temperature was within the limit for wastewater discharge of <40°. The pH of the wastewater was near neutral (8.0-9.4), which plays a major role in determining the qualitative and quantitative abundance of microorganisms in the wastewater. From the findings of this study, it is recommended that there is need for regulatory authorities to enforce strict compliance to environmental safety rules.

Effect of counselling on psycho-social adjustment on elderly in Makurdi metropolis

This paper examined the effect of counselling on psycho-social adjustment of aged people in Makurdi Metropolis. The study employed a quasi-experimental design based. The study sample 30 aged people. The instrument used for data collection was Aged People Psycho-Social Adjustment Questionnaire (CAPPSA). The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. ANCOVA was used to test the hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings revealed that counselling has significant effect on adjustment to anxiety and self-acceptance among the aged people. It was recommended that government and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) should work together in making provisions such as aged people home with counselling unit equipped with profession in order to support the aged to properly adjust to psychology disorders such as anxiety among others.

Levels of Deoxynivalenol and Aflatoxin Mycotoxins in Grains in Some Markets of Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria

This study aimed to estimate deoxynivalenol (DON) and total aflatoxin in two varieties of millet, sorghum and maize, in some markets of Makurdi metropolis, North-Central, Nigeria using direct competitive Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Moisture content, total aerobic microbial count, mould count, Coliform and Escherichia coli were determined using standard analytical methods. Moisture content profile of 9.5032 to 12.9940% (sorghum), 9.5932 to 12.3604% (maize) and 9.0279 to 12.4108% (millet) was considered relatively high. Proliferation of total aerobic microbial count was observed in the samples across the sampling points. Mycotoxins under study were detected in all samples across the sampling points. Whereas total aflatoxins were within permissible limits, DON exceeded thresholds. It was also observed that, these grains were more susceptible to the fungus Fusarium species producer of DON than the producer of aflatoxin, thus susceptibility of the grains to fungus producer of DON was in the order: sorghum > maize > millet, whereas the susceptibility against the fungus producer or producers of total aflatoxin level was in the order: sorghum > millet > maize respectively. This in general, indicated microbial contamination of these cereals in the study location indicting farmers and marketers of poor hygienic handling and processing of the grains. Pearson’s 2-tailed correlation at 0.05 level of significance revealed strong correlation of deoxynivalenol with moisture content of grains across locations.

Implications of cognitive abilities in students’ performance in physics using group dynamics and visual-clue strategies

The study examined the implications of cognitive abilities of students on their academic performance when taught Physics using group dynamics and visual clue strategies. The quasi-experimental research design was adopted. The study population was 1,920 SSII students from 48 Secondary Schools in Makurdi metropolis from where the sample of 157 was drawn. The instruments: Physics Students’ Performance Test (PSPT) and Students’ Cognitive Ability Test (SCAT) were used for data collection. Hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). There was significant difference between the mean academic performance of students taught Physics using group dynamics strategy, visual strategy and demonstration method; there was significant difference among the mean abilities of students when group dynamics strategy was used and also when visual clue strategy was used in teaching Physics; there is significant difference between the interaction effect of strategies and cognitive abilities on academic performance of students in Physics. The study recommended among others that since the interaction effect of strategies and cognitive abilities on academic performance of students in Physics was significant, the use of both strategies could be useful in fostering the academic performance of students of high ability groups while use with low and moderate ability groups should be with caution

Comparism of Microscopy and Molecular Diagnosis of Ehrlichia ruminantium in Cattles in Makurdi Benue Nigeria

Introduction: Makurdi, is the capital city of Benue State, the food basket of the Nigeria, the city challenged with Ehrlichia ruminantium of cattle that are responsible for severe losses caused either by negative impact of ticks blood loss or blood related infections, damage to hides and others.
 Aim: This study was designed to identify and Characterize Ehrlichia ruminantium of Cattle within Makurdi Nigeria using microscopy and molecular techniques (PCR).
 Methodology: Blood sample were collected from a total of 432 cattle of both sexes and analyzed microscopically using thin blood film and DNA examination was done using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Tick-borne pathogens were identified and characterized by PCR amplification using species specific primer of 16s rRNA for Ehrlichia. Data obtained were analyzed using chi square, t-test and P values at less than 0.05 were considered significantly different.
 Results: The result of comparison of prevalence of infection of haeomoparasite using microscopy and PCR revealed that, microscopy was not able to detect Ehrlichia while PCR yielded at percentage of 15%, Ehrlichia prevalence. The percentage of prevalence of haemoparasite was highly detected by PCR than microscopy and this was statistically significant (P < 0.05).
 Conclusion: Ehrlichia ruminantium in cattle have been seen to be prevalent in Makurdi metropolis and molecular method such as PCR can effectively diagnose the infection.

EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION ON JOB CREATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY MAKURDI, BENUE STATE

This study examines the effect of entrepreneurship education on job creation among undergraduates of Benue State University Makurdi, Benue State. survey research design was adopted to collect primary data from the study area. The population of this study consist 2,974 students of 300 level who are offering entrepreneurship in the study area. Taro Yamane’s formula (1964) was used to calculate the sample size at 353 respondents from the study area. The confirmatory factor analysis was used to test for the construct validity while the Cronbach Alpha coefficient statistics was used to assess the reliability of the instrument. The result shows that the instrument is valid and reliable. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the demographic characteristics of the respondents and the opinions of the respondents on the specific objectives of the study while multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effect of the independent variables of the study on the dependent variable. The hypotheses of the study were tested using the probability values of the regression estimates. The result of the study indicates that psychomotor education (PYCE) has a positive effect on job creation (JOBC) among undergraduate students of Benue State University in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State and the effect is not statistically significant (p>0.05) and not in line with a priori expectation. Affective education as the independent variables of the study has a positive effect on job creation among undergraduate students of Benue State University in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State and the effect is statistically significant and in line with earlier stated a priori expectation which stated a positive effect of the variable on the dependent variable of the study. Cognitive education (COGE) has a positive effect on job creation among undergraduate students of Benue State University in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State and the effect is statistically significant (p<0.05) and in line with a priori expectation. It was concluded that affective education and cognitive education are positive and significant predicator of job creation in the study area. It was recommended among others that cognitive education should be taught by a much more experienced lecturer as it requires the bringing out and stimulating the latent talents of the student to achieve the best they can through multitasking activities that will challenge the students to think outside the box.

Bacteriological and Physicochemical Assessment of Sachet and Bottled Drinking Water Sold in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Background Packaged drinking water popularly known as “sachet and bottled water” serves a large percentage in increasing access to clean drinking water in Nigeria. But little attention is given to investigate the bacteriological assessment of these water which may be harmful for human consumption. Objective This study was to assess the bacteriological and physicochemical characteristics of sachet and bottled water sold in Makurdi metropolis. Methodology A cross sectional study was carried out with a total of one hundred and sixty-five samples collected. These comprised of triplicates of fifty sachet water and five bottled water brands purchased using simple random sampling from street vendors within Makurdi metropolis and analyzed using standard methods and results were compared with the recommended guidelines for water quality. Results The presence of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus sp., Klebsiella sp., Salmonella sp. and Shigella sp. were detected in the water samples with a total bacteria count (MPN/100ml) ranging from 0 – 1100 MPN/100ml. Escherichia coli had the highest incidence of 80% followed by Staphylococcus aureus 66%, Salmonella species 48%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 46%, Streptococcus sp 36%, Shigella species 36%, Klebsiella species 22%. The pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen and sodium chloride levels ranged from 6.0 to 7.6, 8.4 to 188.4μS/cm, 4.2 to 94.2mg/l, 0.08 to 0.16mg/l and 0 to 0.4 respectively. Conclusion There is urgent need to intensify the monitoring of activities of this rapidly expanding industry and enforcing strict hygienic measures with a view to raising standards to improve packaged water quality.

Trans-Fats Profile of Selected Locally Produced Food Products in Makurdi Metropolis

Trans-Fats Profile of Selected Locally Produced Food Products in Makurdi Metropolis

Principal Component Analysis of Household Vulnerability to Flood Disaster in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Principal Component Analysis of Household Vulnerability to Flood Disaster in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Prevalence study of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasitic infections in goats in Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria

Prevalence study of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasitic infections in goats in Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria

Principal Component Analysis of Household Vulnerability to Flood Disaster in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Principal Component Analysis of Household Vulnerability to Flood Disaster in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Effect of Mentoring on the Growth of Selected Small Scale Businesses in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State-Nigeria

Strategies for developing the capabilities of employees are important part of any organization’s overall strategy and source of competitive advantage. This study investigated the effect of mentoring on the growth of selected small scale businesses in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State. The study specifically examined the effect of career support, psychological support and knowledge transfer on the growth of selected small scale businesses in Makurdi Metropolis. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and the population of the study was 152 (owners and employees) of small scale businesses within Makurdi Metropolis. A pilot study was carried out to measure validity and reliability of items on the questionnaire. Data collected from respondents through self-administered questionnaire were analysed using Mean, Standard Deviation and Regression Analysis. Formulated hypotheses were tested with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 23) software. The study found that career support has significant effect on the growth of small scale businesses (P.019; β=.349); psychological support has significant effect on the growth of small scale businesses (P.000; β=.734) and knowledge transfer has significant effect on the growth of small scale businesses (P.000; β=.516). It recommended amongst others that government should organize mentorship programmes for entrepreneurs and business men to enable them have knowledge about business mentoring and the importance of transferring knowledge to enhance viability and growth of their businesses.

Science Teachers' Awareness of Availability and Use of Virtual Reality in Secondary Schools for Science Teaching in Covid-19 Era in Makurdi Metropolis

Science Teachers' Awareness of Availability and Use of Virtual Reality in Secondary Schools for Science Teaching in Covid-19 Era in Makurdi Metropolis

Prevalence of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Parasites of Goats in Selected Abattoirs Within Makurdi Metropolis

<h3>Purpose</h3> There is a close association between diseases of animals, especially domestic animals and man. Zoonotic infections pose a significant public health threat. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites of goats in 3 selected abattoirs in Makurdi Metropolis. <h3>Methods & Materials</h3> The study was carried out between July and October, 2013. A total of 150 faecal samples were collected using random sampling technique. Wet mount and Formol-ether sedimentation technique was used to prepare specimens which were examined using a compound microscope (at X 40 objective) for the identification of characteristic eggs of gastrointestinal parasites of goats. Statistical Analysis IBM SPSS software package (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 20 for Windows) was used to analyze data. Categorical data were analyzed for comparison using Chi-Square Tests at a significant level of 0.05. <h3>Results</h3> Of the 150 faecal specimens examined, 143 (95.33%) were infected with at least one gastrointestinal parasite. Altogether, 8 parasites were identified among the 143 positive specimens – S<i>trongyloides papillosus</i> 43 (28.7%), <i>Fasciola gigantica</i> 37 (24.7%), <i>Trichuruis spp</i> 25 (16.7%), <i>Giardia spp</i> 13 (8.7%), <i>Marshallagia marshalli</i> 9 (6.0%), <i>Cryptosporidium spp</i> 8 (5.3%), <i>Eimeria spp</i> 5 (3.3%) and <i>Trichostrongyle spp</i> 3 (2.0%). Three zoonotic parasites were detected (<i>Gardia spp, Cryptosporidium spp</i> and <i>Eimeria spp</i>) with and an overall prevalence of 17.3%. There was no significant difference in infection between age and gender of goats sampled. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study shows that zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites are prevalent among goats slaughtered at abattoirs within Makurdi metropolis.

Effect of Guided Discovery Method on Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance in Biology in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of Guided Discovery method on Senior Secondary School students’ academic performance in Biology in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. Two research questions were raised and two null hypotheses were formulated. The study employed a quasi-experimental design. The population comprised of 8,670 Students in all the public Secondary Schools in Makurdi Metropolis. Two schools were randomly selected using simple random sampling technique from among the public Secondary Schools in Makurdi and a sample size of 47 Senior Secondary two (SS2) students were used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was Biology Academic Performance Test (BAPT). Biology Academic Performance Test (BAPT) was validated by 3 experts in science education. The BAPT was pilot tested on intact class and a reliability coefficient of 0.79 was obtained using Kuder Richardson Formula-21 (K-R21). The research questions were answered using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation. The null hypotheses formulated were tested at 0.05 level of significance using inferential statistics of independent t-test. The findings showed that, there was a significant difference between the mean academic performance scores of students taught Biology using Guided Discovery method and those taught using Lecture method in favour of those students taught using Guided Discovery method. There was no significant difference between the mean academic performance scores of male and female students taught Biology using Guided Discovery method. It was recommended among others that; Biology teachers should use Guided Discovery method for teaching Biology at the secondary school level.

Effect of Video Instructional Package (VIP) on Secondary School Students' Achievement in Biology in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

Effect of Video Instructional Package (VIP) on Secondary School Students' Achievement in Biology in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria