Niger State Research Articles

Evaluation of Physiological and biochemical traits of selected soybean line in Makurdi

Twelve genotypes of soybean were selected for physiological and seed biochemical evaluations at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. These seeds were collected from NCRI Badegi; Niger State- Nigeria. Ten of these genotypes S1075-6-93, S1179-6-58, S1239-6-135, S1240-6-288, S1252-6-277, S1252-6-156, S1268-6-15, S1273-6-65, S1365-6L-20 and SC SENTINEL is newly introduced to Makurdi while SC SIGNA and SLO1 used as checks have been released. The seed crop field was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications in 4-rows of 5m long. Seed samples were collected and subjected to seed quality tests at the Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science Laboratory of the University. Data were collected on germination count which was expressed as germination percentage and its (germination rate and germination rate index) were consequentially obtained. These seeds were also subjected to proximate analysis and percentage protein, fat, ash, moisture content and crude fibre were determined using soxhlet method. The result showed that significant differences existed for germination rate index (GRI) and germination index (GI) while other seedling traits were not different in magnitude from each other. Protein was highest in three varieties (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) with 40.25%, respectively and significantly different from others and the checks. SC SENTINEL had the least protein content (37.19) and highest oil content (20.82). Meanwhile, genotype S1239-6-135 had the least oil content (18.83). Compositionally, an inverse relationship existed between protein oil in genotypes studied. Biochemical composition has more effect on seed quality of these soybean genotypes than physiological traits. Genotypes (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) had higher protein content than the checks. Also, Sc SENTINEL, S1365-6L-20, S1273-6-65, S1268-6-15 and S1240-6-288 had higher oil content than the checks. Soybean oil producers could use SC SENTINEL for their productions and (S1075-6-93, S1239-6-135 and S1252-6-156) could be used for protein-based products.

Effects of Utilization of Improved Rice Production Technologies on Productivity among Smallholder Farmers In Niger State

Effects of Utilization of Improved Rice Production Technologies on Productivity among Smallholder Farmers In Niger State

Effects of Methods of Planting and Time of Herbicide Application on the Economic of Lowland Rice in Badeggi, Nigeria

The experiment was conducted in 2021 and 2022 wet season at National Cereals Research Institute headquarters, Badeggi, Niger state (latitude 9o041 02.05’’N, longitude 0.6o011 3.31’’E) in the Southern Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different planting methods and herbicide application timings on lowland rice production for farmers in the region. The experiment was laid out in a factorial experiment. The treatment consists of five sowing methods (broadcasting dry, broadcasting wet, dibbling wet, dibbling dry and transplanting) with two different timing of herbicide application. The 10 treatment combinations were laid out in a factorial experiment with a split-plot design with timing of herbicide application allocated to the main plot while sowing methods were designated to the sub-plot. Data were collected on Plant height, number of tillers, day to 50% flowering, day to maturity, number of seeds per panicle, seed yield per panicle, 1000-grain weight and grain yield per hectare. The result indicated that overall, the transplanting method of planting resulted in the significantly highest for all parameters, followed by the dibbling wet and dibbling dry methods. The broadcast method resulted in the poorest outcomes. Applying herbicide at 2 WAS resulted in better outcomes compared to 3 WAS. The transplanting method with herbicide application at 2 WAS resulted in the significantly highest grain yield, gross returns, and gross margin, making it the most profitable option.

Influence of Sowing Techniques, Timing of Herbicide Application and on Weed Infestation and Yield of Rice in Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria

Field trial was conducted at the research field of National Cereals Research Institutes Badeggi experimental field, Niger state located at (latitude 9o041 02.05’’N and longitude 0.6o011 3.31’’E) and Bacita located at (latitude 9o1 16’N and longitude 5o59’E) both in the Southern Guinea Savannah Agro Ecological Zone of Nigeria during the wet season of 2021 and 2022. To determine the best combination of sowing techniques and time of herbicide application for optimizing rice yield while minimizing weed infestation and crop injury in the Southern Guinea Savannah of Nigeria. The experiment consists of five sowing methods (broadcasting dry, broadcasting wet, dibbling wet, dibbling dry, and transplanting) and two herbicide application timings (2 and 3 weeks after sowing) were tested in a factorial experiment. Data were collected on weed count before herbicide application, weed count at harvest and grain yield per hectare. The result indicated that the Transplanting technique of sowing significantly improved rice productivity in the study area at both seasons, less weed infestation at harvest was recorded with transplanted methods compared to other panting techniques, herbicide application at early growth stage of 2 weeks after sowing (2WAS) promote healthy crop growth and minimize weed competition

Predictive Analytics in Genetic Engineering as an Optimization Problem

In genetic engineering, developing a breed with a desired trait is a search and optimization problem that sometimes requires many generations of field and laboratory experiments for an optimal solution to be found. The nature of the problem requires that a stochastic optimization algorithm be applied in the metaheuristic search rather than using a deterministic or mathematical approach. In the search for drought-tolerant cowpea, this study applied a genetic algorithm as a predictive analytics tool in the genetic engineering of three native cowpea landraces (Dan muzakkari, Gidigiwa, and Dan mesera) selected from Northern Nigeria (specifically from Kontagora in Niger State of Nigeria). The three cowpea species were subjected to mutagenic treatments using gamma irradiation and Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS). Doses applied include 200, 400, 600, and 800 Gray of gamma irradiation and 0.372% v/v of EMS. Both treated and untreated cowpea landraces were planted and observed. Mutation-induced breeding aims to deepen the drought-tolerant trait of the cowpea mutants to survive conditions in drought-prone Northern Nigeria. The statistical analysis of the agro-morphological and yield parameters of the first mutant generation (M1 generation) indicates that mutagenic treatments have a positive impact on both the yield and the survival of the three landraces as all the treated landraces yielded better than the control, particularly the treatments combination of 600gray and 372% v/v of EMS. Also, the predictive outcomes of the computational simulation that was implemented in Python programming indicate that these local cultivars are developing drought-tolerant genetic variability. For the three computational experiments, the stochastic optimizer (genetic algorithm) converged at the 9412th, 9717th, and 14338th generations respectively. Such predictive analytics information is useful for guiding decision-making by researchers and breeders in the crop improvement program.

An Examination of the Role of Parenting Techniques on the Academic Performance of Nigerian Students

This study examined the impact of different parenting styles on the academic achievement of Nigerian students, filling a notable void in current research that primarily concentrates on Western settings. Data was obtained from secondary school students across various Nigerian states, representing diverse cultural, economic, and geographical origins, using a cross-sectional survey design. The results indicated that authoritative parenting, which is characterized by both warmth and structure, is highly correlated with improved academic achievements. Conversely, authoritarian and permissive parenting styles have fewer positive effects, whereas negligent parenting is more harmful. Furthermore, the study emphasized the crucial significance of parental participation in education, demonstrating that active involvement in school activities and assistance with homework is positively associated with student achievement. The research highlights the significance of socioeconomic determinants, emphasizing that greater levels of parental education and better economic position have a substantial impact on enhancing academic attainment. These observations highlight the necessity of implementing culturally customized parental education programs and policies in Nigeria to improve academic achievement. The paper recommends conducting additional longitudinal research to investigate these dynamics, with the goal of developing evidence-based measures to enhance education in Nigeria. Keywords: Parenting, Technique, Academic Performance, School, Students.

The Paramount of Finance and National Development in Nigeria: Emphasis to Niger State Respective

The Paramount of Finance and National Development in Nigeria: Emphasis to Niger State Respective

Local government officials’ account of barriers to regulating physical availability of alcohol in Nigeria

Background This study explored local government (LG) officials’ perspectives on barriers to regulating physical alcohol availability using three effective policies: alcohol licensing, alcohol outlet density, and hours and days of alcohol sale in Southwest Nigeria. Methods 31 semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 officials (director of finance, revenue collectors, and rate officers) in 24 LG across 3 Southwestern Nigerian States (Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo). Their perceptions on barriers to regulating physical alcohol availability were discussed. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Iterative Categorisation. Results Accounts of the LG officials reveal political complexities and structural barriers to regulating the physical availability of alcohol. Five major barriers were identified: lack of political will, economic benefits over public health, absence of a database on alcohol outlets, weak judiciary system, and insufficient personnel and funding. Participants reported how the government lacked the political will to formulate and implement national regulations on alcohol licensing and outlet density. LGs prioritized economic benefits from alcohol outlets over public health. Conclusion Regulating physical availability of alcohol at local levels will require the empowerment of LGs through formulating national regulations on alcohol licensing and alcohol outlet density, sufficient funding, and strengthening the judicial system at local levels.

Exploring the perceptions and experiences of mobile teams on COVID-19 vaccine uptake at the community level: evidence from Benue and Niger states

BackgroundAs part of the fight against coronavirus disease, Nigeria received nearly 4 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine via the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) Facility, marking a historic step towards equitable global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Although evidence exists on COVID-19 hesitancy in Nigeria, yet, we are unaware of any study on the optimization of COVID-19 vaccination from the lenses of the mobile teams.ObjectiveThis study seeks to explore the perceptions and experiences of mobile teams in selected communities during the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination in Benue and Niger.MethodsAn exploratory approach was adopted, and the study was conducted in Niger and Benue states based on poor performance in COVID-19 vaccination. Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) were conducted among 12 mobile vaccination teams from 12 LGAs. The recorded discussions were transcribed and coded (inductively and deductively) using Dedoose software (v9.0). Four themes and seven sub-themes were generated from the participants’ responses.ResultsSeventy-two (72) health workers including vaccinators, validators, Electronic Management of Immunization Data (EMID) recorders, social mobilizers, and paper recorders participated in this study. Health workers’ perceptions and experiences were thematized using the health building blocks. The mobilization teams in Benue and Niger states perceived that their mobilization efforts contributed to improved coverage, increased accessibility, and reduced hesitancy among the community dwellers. Challenges reported by the teams were vaccine misconceptions, requests for incentives in exchange for vaccine uptake, poor network services, distance to communities, and vaccine stockout.ConclusionThis study concluded that social mobilizers play key roles in vaccine uptake, especially at the community level. Their roles in creating awareness, sensitization, and bringing the vaccine closer to hard-to-reach communities contributed to the success attained in the fight against COVID-19 in both states.

Assessing diet quality and its determinants among adults in two Southern Nigerian States

Assessing diet quality and its determinants among adults in two Southern Nigerian States

Assessment of Health Care Workers' Attitude towards PMTCT of HIV at Primary Health Care Center in Minna Metropolis, Niger State

Human immunodeficiency virus is grouped into the genus Lentivirus within the family of retroviridean, a subfamily of retrovirinae. Since its emergence, it has remained a global public health crisis with approximately 39.0 million (33.1 – 45.7 mil) people living with HIV globally in 2022, with some countries reporting increased trends in new infections and it is incurable. There has been documented success in decreasing new cases and mortality resulting from HIV/AIDS globally; however, in sub-Saharan Africa, the rate of new infections has increased disproportionately among young women. Thus, the region accounts for about 9 – 10 women and children living with HIV. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV occurs when HIV is transmitted from the mother to the child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding, although the rate of MTCT of HIV in high-income countries has significantly reduced to less than 1% in some low-income countries, MTCT of HIV remains high at 8.9%, and about 90% of HIV infection in children occurs through MTCT of HIV. Prevention of Mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is recommended to curb the menace of MTCT of HIV (Falnes et al., 2010). It involves a series of events, services, or interventions, which, when fully implemented, result in a reduction in the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016) that involves the use of drugs and non-drug-related services. Health care workers play an important role in the provision of services and interventions aimed at reducing HIV transmission. Therefore, this study intends to Asses Health Care Workers' Attitude Towards PMTCT of HIV At Primary Health Care Center. The study is an institutional-based cross-sectional descriptive survey study. The sample size was calculated using the formula of Yamane (1967), a multistage sampling was used to select sampling unit. A self-administered closed-ended questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection, all responses to the completed questionnaire were coded and entered into SPSS v25.0, edited, and checked accordingly. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency distribution and measures of central tendency, whereas inferential statistics were used to determine the relationship between the study variables. The study finding reveals that the general attitude score of the respondents on PMTCT of HIV was Positive (3.1) and there is a statistically significant level of association between years of work and attitude (p<0.024). In this study, it can be concluded that the level of health care workers attitude towards PMTCT of HIV was positive and there is a statistically significant level of association between years of work and attitude. This shows that health care workers with more year of working experience have a better attitude, this could be related to the fact that they have more contact time and training on PMTCT and HIV in general, it is recommended that further studies be conducted to the explore the reason behind the statistical association above.

Cartoons Influence on Primary School Pupils Towards Violence and Aggression in Niger State

Screen plays, including cartoons, are a crucial part of children's lives, helping to satisfy their energy and keep them engaged both at home and in school. Research has found that aggression and violence are prevalent among primary school pupils, and scholars have called for further investigation into the possible causes of this issue. Biological and personal factors such as family dynamics, fear of abandonment, punishment, sexual assault, and domestic violence have been studied extensively. However, little research has been conducted on the impact of entertainment media, specifically cartoons, on primary school students' aggression and violence. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the influence of cartoons on the attitudes of children towards violence and aggression of primary school pupils in Niger state. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in selecting 120 primary school pupils from 12 schools across the three senatorial zones in Niger state. Four research questions were answered and questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and T-test at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that cartoon had a positive influence on primary school pupils (x ̅ =1.44 on a threshold of 1.50). Also, it was discovered that cartoons affects pupils’ time to focus on productive tasks (x ̅ =1.62 on a threshold of 1.50), among others. The result of the difference between pupils’ reaction to cartoons based on gender showed that there was a significant difference (t = -3.28; df = 248; p<0.05). Also, the result of the difference between the reactions of pupils to cartoon among public and private schools pupils indicated that there was a significant difference (t = 2.70; df = 248; p<0.05). Following these findings, recommendations are made for parents to pay greater attention to presenting their children with carefully chosen cartoons that could have a positive impact on them. For the teachers, it was recommended that they should create a classroom environment that is less conducive to aggressive or violent behaviour so as to curb whatsoever the pupils might have learnt in their respective homes. Pupils are advised to be aware of their attitudes towards aggression and violence and take steps to stop such behaviour among themselves and their peers. Recommendations are made for curriculum planners to incorporate media literacy and social-emotional learning into the curriculum. Policy makers are advised to develop guidelines for media content, invest in research, and provide funding as these would aid in promoting positive attitudes towards aggression and violence among cartoon viewing pupils.

Compliance with Covid-19 Guidelines and Protocols by Academic Libraries for Safety Operations in Niger State

Compliance with Covid-19 Guidelines and Protocols by Academic Libraries for Safety Operations in Niger State

Repositioning Libraries for Sustainable Educational Development Goals in Niger State, Nigeria

Repositioning Libraries for Sustainable Educational Development Goals in Niger State, Nigeria

Compliance with Covid-19 Guidelines and Protocols by Academic Libraries for Safety Operations in Niger State

Compliance with Covid-19 Guidelines and Protocols by Academic Libraries for Safety Operations in Niger State

Effects of Pricing Strategies on Marketing Decisions of Selected Bakeries in Bida, Niger State

Effects of Pricing Strategies on Marketing Decisions of Selected Bakeries in Bida, Niger State

Nutritional Assessment of Elderly People in Dokodza Ward, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Nutritional Assessment of Elderly People in Dokodza Ward, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

Implementation of National Health Insurance Scheme for Civil/Public Servants in Nigeria

Introduction: Nigeria’s health system is characterized by gross underfunding, poor stakeholder coordination, and inadequate numbers and skills of health care workers. Thus, the study assessed the factors affecting the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Minna, Niger State, as well as the willingness of civil/public servants to enroll in the scheme. Methods: The study employed a descriptive research design that is also comparative. Data were collected using questionnaires and presented and analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0 for Windows with the help of tables and graphs. The respondents were drawn from 10 ministries in Minna using a multi-stage sampling method. Results: A higher percentage of respondents (85.2%) said the scheme would be able to solve the problem of funding for health care delivery. However, more than half of the respondents, 56.1%, were either unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with their salaries. Nevertheless, 82.4% expressed good health status. All the respondents (100.0%) pay for their families’ healthcare services without receiving any financial support from any other person. Out of 127 that responded to the question asking about the effects of medical bills on their monthly expenditure. Yet, the majority, 265 (81.8%), were willing to part with a percentage of their salaries to contribute to NHIS. Conclusion: The State Government should see the willingness of the civil servants to participate in the scheme as an opportunity to commence the implementation of the scheme without further delay to enable civil servants to participate and enjoy the benefits that the scheme offers.

Advancing Programme Science approaches to understand gaps in HIV prevention programme coverage for key populations in 12 Nigerian states: findings from the 2020 Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey.

Effective HIV prevention programme coverage is necessary to achieve Nigeria's goal of ending the epidemic by 2030. Recent evidence highlights gaps in service coverage and utilization across the country. The Effective Programme Coverage framework is a Programme Science tool to optimize a programme's population-level impact by examining gaps in programme coverage using data generated through programme-embedded research and learning. We apply the framework using Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Survey (IBBSS) data from Nigeria to examine coverage of four prevention interventions-condoms, HIV testing, and needle and syringe programmes (NSP)-among four key population groups-female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID) and transgender people. Data from Nigeria's 2020 IBBSS, implemented in 12 states, were analysed to examine HIV prevention programme coverage among key populations. For each key population group and prevention intervention of interest, weighted IBBSS data were used to retrospectively generate coverage cascades that identify and quantify coverage gaps. Required coverage targets were informed by targets articulated in Nigeria's National HIV/AIDS Strategic Framework or, in their absence, by guidelines from policy normative bodies. Availability-, outreach- and utilization coverage proxy indicators were defined using variables from IBBSS data collection tools. Sankey diagrams are presented to visualize pathways followed by participants between coverage cascade steps. Required coverage targets were missed for HIV testing and NSP among all key population groups. Condom availability coverage surpassed required coverage targets among FSW and MSM, while utilization coverage only among FSW exceeded the 90% required coverage target. Outreach coverage was low for all key population groups, falling below all required coverage targets. Our findings identify critical gaps in HIV prevention programme coverage for key populations in Nigeria and demonstrate non-linear movement across coverage cascades, signalling the need for innovative solutions to optimize coverage of prevention services. Programme-embedded research is required to better understand how key population groups in Nigeria access and use different HIV prevention services so that programmes, policies and resource allocation decisions can be optimized to achieve effective programme coverage and population-level impact.

Assessment of Naturally Occurring Radionuclide in Soil Samples from Kutayi Mining Sites in Muya Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria

This work examines the Kutayi mining sites with a view of assessing the activity concentration and effective dose rate of NORM (i.e. 40K, 232Th and 226Ra) in these site absorbed in 8 soil samples collected from different areas within the Kutayi mining sites, A γ-ray spectrometry NaI (Tl) at CERT. ABU Zaria, was used to carry out the analysis of the soil samples. The result shows that, activity concentration for 40K ranged from 428.9269 to 93.6236 BqKg-1; for 226Ra it ranged from 50.1738 to 13.7891 BqKg-1 and for 232Th the ranged is from 52.1095 to 18.7457 Bq.Kg-1, the absorbed dose for 40K ranged from 17.8863 to 3.9041 ŋGy.h-1, for 226Ra the range is from 23.1803 to 3.1614 ŋGy.h-1 and for 232Th range from 31.47419 to 11.3224 ŋGy.h-1. The total mean absorbed dose rate is 42.5341 ŋGy.h-1 and the annual effective dose range from 0.0355 mSvy-1 (i.e. 36 – 76 μSv.y-1), with an mean annual effective dose of 0.0522 mSv.y-1 (i.e. 52.2 μSv.y-1, Also the mean Radium Equivalents (Raeq) obtained ranged from 64.0280 BqKg-1 (KT6) to 135.3245 BqKg-1 (KT8). This results show that, the Raeq is 370 BqKg-1 which is the requirement for soil to be used for dwellings; hence the soil from this site is suitable use for buildings. The mean Hext ranged from 0.1730 Bqkg-1 (KT6) to 0.3438 Bqkg-1 (KT8). The maximum allowed value of (Hext = 1) corresponds to the upper limit of Raeq (370 BqKg-1) in order to limit the external gamma radiation dose from the soil to 1.5 mGy y-1, i.e. index should Hext = 1. All these values for Iα are below the maximum permissible value of Iα= 1 which corresponds to 200 Bq.Kg-1. Hence no radiological hazard is envisaged to dwellers of the study areas and the miners working on those sites.