Nasarawa State Research Articles

"I don't like to be seen by a male provider": health workers' strike, economic, and sociocultural reasons for home birth in settings with free maternal healthcare in Nigeria.

Ending maternal mortality has been a significant global health priority for decades. Many sub-Saharan African countries introduced user fee removal policies to attain this goal and ensure universal access to health facility delivery. However, many women in Nigeria continue to deliver at home. We examined the reasons for home birth in settings with free maternal healthcare in Southwestern and North Central Nigeria. We adopted a fully mixed, sequential, equal-status design. For the quantitative study, we drew data from 211 women who reported giving birth at home from a survey of 1227 women of reproductive age who gave birth in the 5y before the survey. The qualitative study involved six focus group discussions and 68 in-depth interviews. Data generated through the interviews were coded and subjected to inductive thematic analysis, while descriptive statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data. Women faced several barriers that limited their use of skilled birth attendants. These barriers operate at multiple levels and could be grouped as economic, sociocultural and health facility-related factors. Despite the user fee removal policy, lack of transportation, birth unpreparedness and lack of money pushed women to give birth at home. Also, sociocultural reasons such as hospital delivery not being deemed necessary in the community, women not wanting to be seen by male health workers, husbands not motivated and husbands' disapproval hindered the use of health facilities for childbirth. This study has demonstrated that free healthcare does not guarantee universal access to healthcare. Interventions, especially in the Nasarawa state of Nigeria, should focus on the education of mothers on the importance of health facility-based delivery and birth preparedness.

Composition and Distribution of Mosquito Vectors in a Peri-Urban Community Surrounding an Institution of Learning in Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria

Vector surveillance is very key in solving mosquito-borne health problems in Nigeria. To this end, the composition and distribution of mosquito vectors in a peri-urban community surrounding an institution of learning in Lafia metropolis, Nasarawa State, Central Nigeria was carried out between December 2016 and June 2017. The Prokopack Aspirator was used to collect indoor resting mosquitoes between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. from 30 randomly selected houses. Mosquitoes collected were knocked down and transferred into a well labelled petri-dish and taken to the laboratory for processing. A total of 664 mosquitoes were collected which spread across Culex quinquefasciatus 572 (86.14%), Anopheles gambiae 88 (13.25%) and Aedes aegypti 4 (0.60%). The abundance of mosquitoes in relation to seasons, species, sex, abdominal conditions as well as transmission indices across seasons significantly varied (P < 0.05). But, the distribution of mosquito in relation to house types showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). The inhabitants of the area should ensure that all drainages flow through so as to reduce mosquito breeding grounds. Also, members of the community should always protect themselves by sleeping under insecticide treated bed nets.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Among Inmates and Staff in Lafia Correctional Service, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatitis infection has remained a reoccurring health challenge in blood transfusion, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This cross-sectional study assessed the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus among inmates and staff in Lafia correctional service, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. METHODS A total of 160 samples comprising 120 inmates within the age range of 20-70 years and 40 staff were collected. Serological blood screening was done using the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid test Dip-strip and HCVAb plus rapid test strip. The socio-demographic factors in form of a structured questionnaire were conducted among consenting inmates and staff. The significance of risk factors on the prevalence of the hepatitis infection among inmates was analyzed using logistics regression. RESULTS A total seroprevalence of 29.16 % HBV and 8.3% HCV among inmates and 5% HBV and 2.5% HCV among staff was determined. A prevalence of 30% HBV and 8.18% HCV male, 20% HBV and 10% HCV female inmates, 7% HBV males and 9% HCV female staff were recorded. The prevalence of hepatitis infection among inmates and staff below 40 years was higher than the prevalence above 40 years although insignificant between the two age groups (p ≤ 0.05). Married inmates at 48.8% HBV and 16.3% HCV were more infected than 18.18% HBV and 4% HCV single inmates and single staff were more infected than the married staff. Illicit drug use and length of stay above 5 years in the correctional service were risk factors significant for HBV and HCV prevalence among inmates. CONCLUSIONS A high seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections among inmates and staff in Lafia correctional service, Nigeria and the predisposing risk factors reaffirm the need for sensitization and routine screening of inmates and staff before and during incarceration. Keywords: Hepatitis, seroprevalence, correctional service, Inmates, staff

Carriage of carbapenemase genes among multidrug resistant Escherichia coli isolates from contact surfaces in food vending outlets within Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Contamination of food contact surfaces by increases the risk of food-borne diseases through cross-contamination which becomes more complicated with the development of multidrug resistance by the pathogen. This study was aimed at investigating multidrug resistance and carriage of carbapenemase genes among isolates from food contact surfaces in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. : A total of 924 swab samples (522 from Lafia and 402 from Nasarawa Eggon) were collected from various food contact surfaces in food vending outlets and screened for multidrug resistance and carbapenemase genes in isolates using standard culture, modified Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion, PCR amplification and agarose gel electrophoresis techniques. Data obtained were statistically analyzed and p-value set at 0.05 confidence level. Highest overall contamination prevalence of 43.33 % was obtained from hawkers’ outlets while table top surfaces had 35.43% with highest risk (odd ratio) of 1.94. Eateries and Hotels had no contamination. The prevalence values were significantly different (p<0.05) among the food contact surfaces, vending outlets and the two communities. Isolates from street vendors obtained highest resistance to OFX, REF, STR, CEP, NAL, SEP, AMP antibiotics group with MDRI of 0.7. The bla, bla and bla carbapenemase genes were harbored by representative isolates. The presence of multidrug resistant with carbapenemase genes from food contact surfaces in vending outlets serves as a public health challenge and the need for personal hygiene and strict adherence to antibiotics protocols by food vendors is highly encouraged.

Influence of open cast mining on radiological health risk of agricultural soils around Adudu lead–zinc mine, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Various fields of science have focused on the level of natural radionuclides in the environment since they are responsible for terrestrial background radiation exposure to members of the public. Gamma ray spectrometry with high purity germanium (HPGe) detector was used to measure the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides {238U (226Ra), 232Th and 40K} in one hundred and ten (110) composite soil samples collected from eleven (11) studied sites around lead (Pb)–zinc (Zn) mine. Result showed that the mean activities of 238U (226Ra), 232Th and 40K in the investigated soils varied between 28.49 ± 2.93–72.95 ± 7.07, 33.97 ± 4.09–105.78 ± 9.91 and 27.37 ± 1.87–853.16 ± 45.95 Bq/kg respectively. The activity concentrations of the analyzed natural radionuclides and their evaluated radiological health hazard parameters for soils around the mine, were above global average values and higher than those of control soil. The levels of 238U (226Ra), 232Th and 40K and the values of assessed radiological health hazard parameters for the control soil, were all lower than the global average values. This research showed that open cast mining of Pb–Zn in Adudu significantly increased the radiological health risk posed to the mine workers and community dwellers.

Barriers to Free Cataract Surgery during a Surgical Outreach Camp in New Karu LGA, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the proportion of screened cataract patients with vision ≤6/60 that will utilize the free cataract surgical services and to identify the barriers to uptake of the free cataract surgical services. Settings and design: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out among 53 cataract patients with vision acuity (VA) ≤6/60 who presented at a cataract surgical outreach camp in New Karu LGA, Nasarawa State from September 10 to 14, 2013, using both quantitative and qualitative measures. Statistical analysis used: Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20 using the descriptive analysis. Results: Six hundred and sixty-six people registered for the outreach, 552 were examined, 125 had cataract of which 53 had cataract with VA ≤6/60, and were offered the free cataract surgical service. The age range of the participants was 36 to 77 with a mean age of 54 years. Twenty-seven were males and 26 were females. Initially, 64.2% were willing to have surgery, eventually 75.5% took up the free cataract surgical services. Females, residents of New Karu LGA, the uneducated and housewives were less likely to take up the free cataract surgical services and this was statistically significant. The most common barriers identified include 41% were afraid of surgery and 26.1% had heard of a bad outcome previously following cataract surgery. Conclusion: There was a high utilization of the free cataract surgical service. Fear of surgery and prior knowledge on poor outcome were major barriers. Community participation played an immense role to increase uptake.

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Trypanosomes Infecting Traditionally Managed Cattle in the Tropic Warm Sub-Humid Zone of Nigeria

Abstract Traditionally managed cattle constitutes the main source of animal protein to humans in Nigeria. However, seasonal migration in search of pasture exposes them to several vector-borne infections such as the African Animal Trypanosomosis (AAT), which limits their productivity. In this study, blood samples from 130 cattle in Plateau and Nasarawa states collected from May to June, 2021 were examined by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing methods to determine the prevalence of pathogenic trypanosomes. Overall, the DNA of T. vivax was detected in 19 out of the 130 (14.6 %) samples examined by the PCR. However, using the micro-hematocrit centrifugation technique, motile haemoparasites were detected in only six (4.6 %, confidence interval [CI] 0.5—6.9 %) of the samples. The higher prevalence of T. vivax was recorded in samples sourced from the abattoir than in samples submitted from the field in Plateau state (16.7 % versus 11.5 %). However, the reverse was the case in Nasarawa state (2.9 % versus 37.5 %). The difference in prevalence of T. vivax between the abattoir and field samples was significant (P = 0.009) in Nasarawa state, but not in Plateau state (P = 0.55). The mean PCV (Packed Cell Volume) of the trypanosome infected animals was lower than that of the non-infected animals, but the difference was not significant (P = 0.29). The internal transcribe spacer region (ITS) nucleotide sequences of T. vivax generated in this study were 100 % identical to each other and formed a monophyletic cluster with the sequences of T. vivax from different countries in the GenBank. AAT remains a major constraint to profitable cattle production and food security in Nigeria and deserves more attention.

Water Quality Assessment of River Adema, Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The quality of water is of utmost importance because it determines the suitability of water for use domestically, industrially or otherwise. The quality of water from River Adema was determined by the analysis of thirty (30) samples for physicochemical parameters using standard AOAC methods and heavy metals using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, AAS. The WQI and MI of water were evaluated to ascertain its suitability for the desired purposes. The results obtained were; physicochemical parameters: temperature (24.21±1.55 ºC), turbidity (0.57±0.08 NTU), TDS (722.88±103.02 mg/dm3), TSS (23.30±1.08 mg/dm3), pH (6.84±0.31), EC (3111.54±30.51 µS/cm), total hardness (7.62±0.62 mg/dm3), alkalinity (1.18±0.03 mg/dm3), chloride (0.49±0.05 mg/dm3), nitrate (0.02±0.01 mg/dm3) and sulphate (2.03±0.08 mg/dm3). Heavy metal concentrations (mg/dm3) were Cd (0.06±0.01), Cr (0.62±0.13), Cu (0.58±0.08), Fe (0.54±0.12), Pb (ND), Mn (0.57±0.10), Ni (ND) and Zn (0.04±0.01). All physicochemical parameters were below WHO recommended standards and for the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Fe; and Mn concentrations were higher than the standard values. WQI for the water was 15.29, an indication that the water is of good quality however, MI for metals such as Cd (20), Cr (6.2), Fe (1.8), Mn (57) were higher than the recommended WHO limit, an indication of metal contamination. The results also showed that there was a strong positive correlation between turbidity and chloride and between copper and manganese. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the regulation of indiscriminate dumping of domestic wastes, runoffs from farmlands, mining locations into surface water bodies, since these are the likely sources. Regular monitoring of the water quality should be ensured and water from River Adema should be treated before use.

Development of State Business Agenda (SBA) for Nasarawa State, Nigeria

The Nigeria Socio-economic and Business landscape has continued to be challenged from all fronts by a series of factors militating against the creation and growth of the business. These factors affect the capacity of the business sector to contribute (as partners in progress), to the socio-economic development of the States, by limiting their employment capability and income-generating ability. Like many of the States in the North Central Zone of Nigeria, the Nasarawa State business community is confronted with a lot of problems affecting its growth and development. Though multi-faceted and varied, five problems or issues have been prioritized and have been identified. This includes: Multiple Taxation and Business Growth, High Rate of Unemployment, Poverty and Business Environment, Poor Sanitation and Waste Management System, Weak Capital Base, Lack of Land Titles, and Insecurity of Lives/Properties The methodology used is an evidence-based approach. The instrument used for analysis is a simple percentage method and ANOVA. The researcher finds that all five key elements significantly impact the growth of businesses in the state.

PROXIMATE, PHYTOCHEMICALS, MINERALS, AND ANTINUTRITIONAL CONTENTS OF FICUS THONNINGII SEED

The proximate, phytochemicals, minerals, and anti-nutritional content of Ficus thonningii seed obtained from Nasarawa, Nasarawa State, Nigeria were investigated. The proximate analysis revealed that the seed is abundant in ash (8.36 ± 0.77 %), protein (27.52 ± 0.17 %) and carbohydrate (40.02%) but contains low moisture (8.76 ± 0.06 %) and fibre (2.81 ± 0.09 %). The minerals analysis showed very high quantities of Ca (2067.50mg/100g), P (1985.40mg/100g), Mg (1184.10mg/100g), K (918.30mg/100g) S (192.50mg/100g), Al (236.60mg/100g), Fe (434.10mg/100g), Mn (39.30mg/100g), Cu (57.40mg/100g), and Zn (63.60mg/100g), Co (1.2mg/100g), Mo (1.10mg/100g) and Sn (3.40mg/100g). Phytochemicals analysis revealed that it contains more flavonoids (6.13 ± 0.02 g/100g) and phenolics (8.77 ± 0.01g/100g) than Saponins (1.73 ± 0.02 g/100g), tannins (4.37 ± 0.06 g/100g) and alkaloids (0.62 ± 0.01 g/100g). The study has shown that Ficus thonningii seed is highly nutritive with very high mineral content and low quantities of anti-nutrients which make it a good source of food for humans and animals. It also contains biologically active phytochemicals which could have medicinal uses.

Pedagogical Challenges Facing The Teaching Business Studies in Secondary Schools in Bauchi State, Nigeria

The study determines the Pedagogical challenges facing the teaching of business studies in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study and two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprised 248 business studies teachers from secondary schools in Bauchi State. Since the population size is manageable, the researchers used all populations. The researchers developed a structured questionnaire for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts from the rank of senior lecturer and above in the department of Test and Measurement of Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Cronbach Alpha method was used to test the reliability of the instrument which yielded a coefficient value of 0.77. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while a t-test was used to test the two null hypotheses formulated for the study at 0.05 level of significance. The finding indicated among others, that some Business studies courses are taught mostly by unqualified teachers. Data analysis revealed that some of the teachers were not familiar with the curriculum and since some of the teachers were not trained, they set internal examinations that only tested the low levels of the cognitive domain that is knowledge and comprehension while the national examinations tested all the levels of the cognitive domain. The study concludes that the Government should employ qualified lecturers in the area of Business Studies in the state, providing appropriate resources, retraining teachers in pedagogical competency needs. Appropriate recommendations were made including retraining of the teachers.

Antimicrobial Activities of the Leaf Extracts of Ficus sycomorus Linn. on Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter freundii

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the antimicrobial activities of Ficus sycomorus leave extract on selected bacteria. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids and flavonoids, it also revealed the absence of glycoside.
 Place and Duration of Study: Microbiology laboratory, Biological Sciences Department, Bingham University Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
 Methodology: Plant extracts were prepared by boiling, soaking and methanol extraction. 96-well plates dilution method for determination of Minimum Inhibition Concentraction (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were carried out.
 Results: The MBC for Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter freundii showed antimicrobial activities at 400 µl each. The plant has exhibited strong antimicrobial activity on Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter freundii.
 Conclusion: The antimicrobial compounds produced by plant extracts are active against bacteria. It is expected that plant extracts showing target sites other than those used by antibiotics will be active against drug-resistant microorganisms.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RATES OF BIOCHAR ON NODULATION AND YEILD OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max.L.merill)

The experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia Campus during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to evaluate the effect of different rates of biochar on nodulation and yield of soybean in Lafia, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. The experiments were laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Biochar at the rates of 0, 4, 8 and 12 tons/ha was incorporated into ridges at planting. Four seeds of soybean were planted per hole at a spacing of 5cm between plants on four manually prepared ridges of 2 m long spaced at approximately 75cm. The seedlings were thinned to two plants after two weeks of planting (WAP). All data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GENSTAT statistical package while least significant difference was used to separate treatment means at 5% level of probability. The results obtained showed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha significantly (p<0.05) produced the highest number of nodules (20.8 and 16.4), recorded the heaviest weight per 100 seeds (16.9 and 14.9g) and grain yield of soybean (1304.0 and 1316.7 kg/ha) in both cropping seasons. The results further revealed that the highest dose of biochar (12 tons/ha) in this study did not necessarily influence and increase any parameter tested except over the control (0.0 tons/ha) in both cropping seasons. Therefore biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha is hereby considered to be the optimum rate for sustainable soybean production in the study area.

BACTERIOLOGICAL-PROFILE OF SOME VEGETABLES SOLD IN LAFIA METROPOLIS, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA.

The bacteriological profile of fresh spinach and cabbage sold in Lafia Modern Market were analyzed in the Microbiology laboratory of Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia by homogenizing 1g of the sample in 10 ml of peptone water. An aliquot from a 10-fold serial dilution was inoculated using the pour plate method into the different bacteriological medium at 37oC for 24 hours. The total number of colonies was counted and identified using standard procedures. Results indicated that spinach had the highest average bacteria count of 1.4 x104CFU/g, 9.2x103CFU/g, and 6.1x103CFU/g Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and Salmonella-Shigella agar respectively, while cabbage had an average bacterial count of 1.0x104CFU/g, 6.0x103CFU/g and 4.1x103 CFU/g on Nutrient agar, MacConkey agar, and Salmonella-Shigella agar respectively. The genera of the bacteria isolates identified were Streptococcus spp (8%), Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15% each), Staphylococcus aureus (16%), Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp (23% each). These isolated bacteria are of public health importance due to their implication in food-borne illnesses. It is recommended that the hygiene level of the entire vegetable processing value chain should be improved in other to prevent or reduce bacterial contamination.

Effect of Certificate on Knowledge and Skills Acquisition in Nigeria: A Case Study of Some Selected Tertiary Institutions in Nasarawa State

The study identifies and examines the emerging gap between certificate, knowledge and skills acquisition in the Nigeria educational system especially at the tertiary level. The quality of every emerging nation to greatness is measured on the strength of its human capital development through the acquisition of formal education as Nigeria cannot be an exception. The main problem that triggered this study is to find out the emerging gap of having certificate without corresponding knowledge in Nigeria? The main objective of this study is to examine the effect of certificate without corresponding knowledge and skills in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study analyzes the objective of higher education, meaning and importance of examinations, causes and in-depth analysis of examination malpractices in Nigeria tertiary institutions. The study adopts Human Capital Theory as its theoretical framework. The study adopts both primary and secondary method of data collections as its methodology by using simple percentage formula. Using the sample size of 300 out of the entire population of (3030), comprises of staff of Nasarawa State Polytechnic, Lafia (545), College of Agriculture, Science and Technology Lafia (498) Nasarawa State University, Keffi (1015) and Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa (972). The adoption of criterion means in answering the research questions through the adoption of five point likerts scale format. The finding reveals that the general effects of having certificate without knowledge and skills in Nasarawa State tertiary institutions include promotion of mediocrity, low productivity, lack of quality research, falling academic standard, poor value systems, self-deceit and incompetence in career development. It also showed that the major stakeholders in the education sector shared in the blame of examination malpractices. In view of this, it was however recommended that; the Nigeria education system must wage-war against promotion of mediocrity, low productivity or research, falling academic standard and value systems, self-deceit and incompetence in career development. Secondly the major stakeholders in the Nigeria education sector should not aid and abet examination malpractices. The study concluded that certificate without corresponding knowledge is responsible for the collapse in the educational and societal value system in Nigeria

Insecticidal Activity of Crude Extracts of Hyptis suaveolens (Bush Mint) on Anopheles Mosquitoes Collected from Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Anopheles gambiae is a vector that is responsible for the transmission of malaria parasites which causes high morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and the world at large. Human-vector contact can be reduced by the use of conventional repellents being sold in the market, though some of these repellent are not environmentally friendly and An. gambiae have developed resistance to some of these repellents. To this end, the phytochemical constituents and insecticidal activity of crude extracts of Hyptis suaveolens (bush mint) was determined on adult An. gambiae mosquitoes collected from Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria to evaluate its effect in controlling them. Here, 70% ethanolic and diethyl ether fat crude extracts were made from H. suaveolens dried leaves and used to carry out the experiment. The phytochemical screening of the ethanol extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoid, saponins, tannins, steroids and reducing sugar. Glycoside was not detected in the ethanol extract. Only steroids was detected in diethyl ether extract the rest of the phytochemical tested were absent. An. gambiae larvae were collected from the field and were raised to F1 progeny adults that were used for the study. WHO protocol for carrying out human bait repellency cage test was used. Human hand treated with the extracts was exposed to a cage containing 30 female mosquitoes for each of the extracts respectively. The ethanolic crude extract treatment proved to be more effective in repelling mosquitoes with 0% (0/30) mosquito landing than diethyl ether extract which had 40% (12/30) mosquitoes landing and the control hand (untreated left hand) had the highest landing rate 63.3% (19/30) which showed very high significant difference (χ2 = 27.2619, df = 2, P <0.00001) in relation to the treatments. After 24 hours holding period, the mortality rate of exposed mosquitoes was observed to be highest in the ethanolic treatment 73.3% (22/30). In conclusion, H. suaveolens extracts have repellency potential in controlling adult An. gambiae.

Impact of Mentoring Regular Teachers’ Attitude on the Implementation of Inclusive Education at Basic Education in Lafia Metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.

This study examined the impact of mentoring regular teachers’ attitude on the implementation of inclusive education at basic education in Lafia metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study was premised on 2 research questions and 2 hypotheses The design of the study was quasi-experimental while the population of the study was 539 regular teachers at Basic Education level in Lafia metropolis. The sample size of the population was 42 (26 male and 16 female) regular teachers drawn from 2 schools using purposive sample technique. A 28-item instrument used for data collection was Teachers’ Attitude Scale (TAS) developed by the researchers. TAS was validated 3 lecturers who were not below Senior Lecturer from Federal University Lafia, Nigeria. A pilot study was conducted at Akwangwa, a neighbouring district to the study area. The responses of the respondents were subjected to reliability analysis using Cronbach Alpha. Meanwhile, TAS was polytomously scored and reliability estimate of 0.86 was obtained. TAS was administered to the regular teachers in both the experimental and control groups at both pre-test and post-test stages by the researchers. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used in testing the formulated null hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that mentorship significantly improved regular teachers’ attitude in the implementation of inclusive education and gender was not found to be a significant factor on regular teachers’ attitude in the implementation of inclusive education at basic education in Lafia metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Keywords: Mentoring, gender, inclusive education, attitude, regular teachers DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-24-10 Publication date: August 31 st 2022

Environmental Risk Assessment of Metal Contamination of Agricultural Soils along Major Roads of Two Peri – Urban Areas in Nasarawa State, North Central, Nigeria

This research focused on the level, pollution, and ecological risk assessment of selected heavy metals from agricultural soils at major roadsides in Nasarawa Eggon and Doma areas. Composite soil samples were collected at 0–20 cm depth, homogenised, and assayed for metal (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, U and Zn) levels using the X–ray fluorescence technique. Pollution and toxicity of the studied metals were determined by evaluating enrichment factor (Ef), geo–accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cd), pollution load index (PLI), and ecological risk assessment (ERA). The result showed that concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe and Ni were lower than the average shale values, except for As of site N2 in the Nasarawa Eggon area and Fe of site D4 in the Doma area. The Ef suggests a significant anthropogenic contribution to the presence of As, Co, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn in some of the sampled sites. The Igeo indicated that Nasarawa Eggon sampled soils were polluted by Hg and Pb while Hg and Co polluted those of Doma. The Cf values revealed that most of the soils were contaminated with Hg in addition to As, Co, Fe, Mn, and Zn in some sites. All sites have low Cd except N2 and N4 (Nasarawa Eggon) and D2 and D4 (Doma). However, PLI showed that only sites N2 and D4 were polluted. ERA revealed that As, Co, and Hg posed potential ecological risks ranging from low to a significant level in different sites. Sites N2, D2 and D4 showed a moderate ecological risk index. Therefore, this study showed significant anthropogenic inputs from automobile emissions and human activities to the pollution of agricultural soils along major roads and the pollution could pose negative health implications to human and animal health.

Intimate-Partner Violence and Coping Strategies among Pregnant Women in Keffi LGA, Nasarawa State

Intimate-Partner Violence and Coping Strategies among Pregnant Women in Keffi LGA, Nasarawa State

Identification and Isolation of the Bacterial Content in Stored Pap (Ogi/Akamu) in Masaka Market Nasarawa State of Nigeria

The sole aim of this study was to determine, identify and isolate the bacterial content in stored Pap (Ogi/Akamu).This study was conducted in Masaka a conurbation of towns under Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Sterilization of glass wares with a disinfectant before and after use. Sample collection, media preparation, inoculation, incubation, isolation of pure culture were all aseptically carried out: For further identification, each typical colony was further sub cultured on MacConkey agar, peptone water agar, triple sugar iron agar, relevant biochemicals and Gram staining done for final confirmation . Analysis of the stored pap (ogi) from the four sellers at Masaka market as cultured on the nutrient agar and MacConkey agar showed the different bacteria and their percentages of occurrence as follows; Escherichia coli (12%), Staphylococcus aureus (34%), Pseudomonas spp(12%), Klebsiella spp(8%), Shigella(6%), Providensia nisera(8%), Staphylococcus capitis(14%) and Salmonella spp(6%). These distributions were not significant at 95% confidence limits. (P>0.05). In conclusion the present study showed that the quality of pap sold at Masaka community was poor. This was proven by the high bacteria count. It is suggested that means of collection and preparation of pap and the effect of unsterile containers for storage to be critically examined and improved upon.