North Central Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

The Influence of Organizational Agility on Customer Retention in Medium Scale Businesses in Nigeria

Firms that operate in the informal sector in most developing countries are technologically backward, with low levels of human resource skills, weak management systems and entrepreneurial capabilities, unavailability of appropriate and timely information, insufficient use of information technology, poor product quality and standardization, and unfriendly environmental production processes. This has impeded their ability to take on suitable organizational forms. This research sought to ascertain if there is a significant relationship between organisational agility and customer retention in medium-scale enterprises in the north-central zone of Nigeria. To achieve this objective, the variables were operationalized and a model was specified. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Data were gathered from primary sources and the study hypothesis was tested using the Multiple Regression Technique. From the result of the regression analysis, organizational agility was found to have a positive and significant relationship with customer retention in medium-scale enterprises in North-Central Nigeria. Based on these findings, the study recommended that enterprises should exploit the resources that generate their present value while also exploring new opportunities to adapt it to changing markets.

Impact of the Duration of Semester Examinations on Students’ Academic Performance in Colleges of Education in North-Central Nigeria

This study aimed to examine the impact of the duration of semester examinations on academic performance among students in four colleges of education in North Central Nigeria. A stratified sampling technique was applied to select 200 participants from the four Colleges of Education in the North-Central Zone of Nigeria (FCT COE Zuba, FCE Okene, COE Minna, and COE Akwanga). The four colleges of education were stratified based on location, and a proportional number of students were randomly selected from each stratum. The research employed a combination of focus group interview, questionnaires and examination scores to collect relevant data. Subsequently, the academic performance data of students from the short-duration calendar were compared to their performance data from the standard-duration calendar. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the characteristics of the sample, such as mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to compare the mean academic performance scores across different durations of semester examinations. The outcome of the study revealed that the current 4-week duration of semester examinations is the ideal duration, while a shorter duration was rejected. Moreover, the flexibility in duration based on subject complexity was also favored. The result further indicates that the duration of semester examinations does have a significant impact on academic performance. Therefore, educational institutions are advised to adopt a flexible approach to the duration of examinations, particularly for subjects with varied complexities and volumes, to promote better academic outcomes. The findings emphasize the need for educational institutions to adhere to a four-week duration of examinations to promote better academic outcomes.

Examining Environmental Sustainability and Conservation in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State

Karu local government council is one of the Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State in the North Central Zone of Nigeria with lots of environmental sustainability and conservation issues ranging from erosion, flooding, tree felling, dumping of refuses on unauthorized sites, indiscriminate digging of roads and sewages for private uses. This paper focuses on appraising the Bye-Laws of Karu Local Government as it relates to environmental conservation and sustainability with a view to ascertaining whether such Bye-Laws, were they exist, are effective and efficient enough to meet the conservation and environmental sustainability issues affecting the Council Area. It was found that Karu Local Government have Bye-Laws which happed on the environment by failed to provide for conservation and sustainability in a manner befitting a legislature that knows through research the impact of obnoxious toxic poisonous waste drawn from the Koko Village incident of 1988. It was recommended that an interim measure of Regulations by the Agriculture Department or the Forestry Section be made to conserve and sustain the environment in the Local Council till the legislature does the needful in enacting for conservation and sustainability in the Council Area. In conclusion, the paper aligned with the view that conservation of the environment is the duty of individuals and government in tim

EXAMINING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION IN KARU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE

Karu local government council is one of the Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State in the North Central Zone of Nigeria with lots of environmental sustainability and conservation issues ranging from erosion, flooding, tree felling, dumping of refuses on unauthorized sites, indiscriminate digging of roads and sewages for private uses. This paper focuses on appraising the Bye-Laws of Karu Local Government as it relates to environmental conservation and sustainability with a view to ascertaining whether such Bye-Laws, were they exist, are effective and efficient enough to meet the conservation and environmental sustainability issues affecting the Council Area. It was found that Karu Local Government have Bye-Laws which happed on the environment by failed to provide for conservation and sustainability in a manner befitting a legislature that knows through research the impact of obnoxious toxic poisonous waste drawn from the Koko Village incident of 1988. It was recommended that an interim measure of Regulations by the Agriculture Department or the Forestry Section be made to conserve and sustain the environment in the Local Council till the legislature does the needful in enacting for conservation and sustainability in the Council Area. In conclusion, the paper aligned with the view that conservation of the environment is the duty of individuals and government in times where industrialization is demanding much from the human environment.

Impact of Public Sector Auditing in Promoting Accountability and Transparency in North Central Zone of Nigeria

The gap in confidence between the citizens and elected officials in Nigeria forms the background of this study. As such, financial and performance audit was examined on accountability and transparency among North Central states of: Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nassarawa, Niger, Plateau and FCT. The specific objective of the study is to determine to what extent the audit of the public sector helps to narrow this gap in confidence between the activities of elected public officials and the citizens. Spearman regression analysis was used in the study. Result showed that both financial audit and performance audit is statistically significant in explaining accountability and transparency among the states. As such, strengthening the audit process in respective states is mentioned as one of the recommendation.

The Impacts of Farmers-Herders Conflicts in the North-Central Zone of Nigeria

The study x-rayed farmers-herders conflict in the North-Central geo-political zone of Nigeria. Exploratory research was employed; focus group discussion (FGD) and key informant interview (KII) were used to collect primary data from the respondents. The data generated were transcribed and recorded verbatim (word-for-word account of verbal interview) and they were converted into written form. Data were enumerated and thematic analysis and categorization were provided. Secondary data were sourced from the internet and relevant books. This study adopted the social theory. The findings of the study revealed that the destruction of farmlands by cattle is one of the major causes of the farmers-herdsmen crisis in the north-central zone. It also revealed that the harassment of herders by the host community, that is, the youths, is another factor which instigates animosity thereby leading to a farmers and herdsmen crisis in the North-Central zone. It discovered that farmers-herders conflict has reduced the quality of the social relationship between both the farmers and herdsmen, and resulted in the loss of human life, houses and properties worth billions of naira in the zone of North-Central. The paper recommended that government at all levels and critical stakeholders should exercise good leadership and political will by bringing the warring parties to a dialogue table while meting punishment and rewards where necessary so as to restore peace, order and trust in the populace. The level of destruction incurred by the warring parties should be assessed, and both governmental and non-governmental organisations should work towards financial assistance for the victims of farmer-herdsmen conflicts. The findings corroborate the gaps which the researchers intended to fill.

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.

Analysis of short-term quality of life in post-surgical androgen deprivation therapy in advanced prostate cancer: a comparison of bilateral sub-capsular orchidectomy and bilateral total orchidectomy

INTRODUCTION: The use of Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) in treating advanced prostate cancer poses a host of challenges that can affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of these patients. Previous studies have demonstrated poor quality of life (QoL) of patients after ADT; however, there is a scarcity of the literature which compares HRQoL following bilateral subcapsular orchidectomy (BSCO) and bilateral total orchidectomy (BTO) in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to compare the HRQoL of patients with advanced prostate cancer following treatment with BSCO and BTO.METHODS: A randomized, single blind study concerning 64 patients with advanced prostate cancer; the subjects were randomized into BTO and BSCO treatment groups. The study was conducted over a period of ten months at a tertiary hospital situated in the North-central zone of Nigeria. Structured and validated instruments (FACT-PI and Karnofsky) were used to assess HRQoL during patient follow-up visits over a period of six months to obtain data regarding HRQoL and patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis using a chi-squared test and paired t-test were done to allow the comparison of HRQoL assessment scores and patients’ satisfaction ratings between the two groups.RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects were 71.63 ± 7.56 years and 70.06 ± 8.79 years for the BTO and BSCO group respectively (p = 0.449). Also, mean Gleason’s score was 7.44 vs. 7.31 respectively (p =0.714). Health Related QoL assessment with FACT-PI and Karnofsky showed significantly better outcome after BSCO (p < 0.001). Only 17% of the participants had psychological compromise after ADT.CONCLUSION: The two techniques of orchidectomy differ significantly in their short term QoL response to treatment; BSCO was associated with better patient outcomes compared to BTO.

Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons in the North Central Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

This paper investigated the Humanitarian Crisis in the North Central zone of Nigeria and the resettlement challenges faced by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). It was designed to find out the types and causes of Displacement in the zone and determine the readiness of IDPs to return to their original communities before Displacement. The Research was carried out in three states of the North Central Geopolitical Zone, which are Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory using a total of nine IDP camps. It was conducted using a combination of research designs by applying quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data was collected using three data collection tools which are questionnaires, observation schedule, and focus group discussions schedule. Results revealed that the internally displaced persons found in the North Central geopolitical zone in the states of Nasarawa and the FCT come mostly from the Northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, and were displaced due to the Boko Haram insurgency. Those living in Niger State come from within Niger and were displaced due to Banditry. Results also revealed that the majority of IDPs live in deplorable conditions within the North Central Geopolitical zone with limited access to food, education, health services, water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. The Research further revealed that most IDPs are willing to return to their original homes, and their first deciding factor to return is the restoration of security back in their communities, the second factor is their family ties, third is funding to support their return, and then fourth is government legislation that may compel relocation of displaced persons.

IMPACT OF AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AGENDA ON RICE FARMERS’ INCOME IN NORTH-CENTRAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

The study was carried out to analyze the impact of agricultural transformation agenda (ATA) on the income of rice farmers in North central zone of Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 992 rice farmers comprising 429 respondents from beneficiaries and 563 from the non-beneficiaries. Primary data were collected on prices of variable inputs of beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries and constraints using structured questionnaire and interview schedule. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, net farm income analysis, two sample t-test and propensity score matching. The net farm income (NFI) for ATA beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries was ₦47,241.42/ha and ₦38,935.35/ha, respectively, an indication that rice production was profitable in the study area. The mean test revealed P≤0.01 statistical difference in the input used by beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. The impact of agricultural transformation program on beneficiaries’ income showed a statistically significant difference between the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. It was concluded that the ATA program had an impact on the beneficiaries’ income thereby enhanced an increased livelihood of the farmers. It was recommended that governments should make provisions for early delivery of agricultural inputs.

Study of Seasonal Surface Refractivity over North-Central Nigeria

Tropospheric radio wave signals experience loss due to multipath effect, scattering and other forms of attenuation through the atmospheric medium, primarily due to variations in weather conditions with time. The knowledge of surface refractivity profile is important for optimal planning of Very High Frequency/Ultra High Frequency (VHF/UHF) terrestrial radio links in a region. The study of surface refractivity (Ns) over the North-Central Nigeria was carried out using meteorological data from seven locations in North-Central zone of Nigeria. The seasonal variations of Ns were also derived using the monthly summaries of surface data obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) over seven stations of Abuja, Lafia, Lokoja, Makurdi, Jos, Minna and Ilorin between 2005 and 2010.The results indicated that the monthly averages of radio refractivity during the rainy season months (April to October) are greater than the Ns values during the dry season months (November to March) for all the locations throughout the years of the study. The computed of mean monthly Ns over all the seven stations in the first 1 km above the ground level is 348 N-units, which gives mean refractivity gradient (dN/dh) of -49 N/k, these shows that the region is characterised by low scale super-refraction. The mean k-factor over the entire region in the first 1 km above the ground level is 1.4; the mean Field Strength Variability (FSV) in first 1 km of height in the region was calculated to be 14 dB. The mean Radio Horizon distance within 1 km height for a transmitter height of 100 m over the stations is 42 km. The results provide useful information needed by radio engineers to set up new terrestrial radio propagation links or to improve on the existing ones especially at VHF, UHF in the North-Central region of Nigeria, as recommended by International Telecommunication Union Recommendations (ITU-R P.453, 2013), which observed the need for local reference data on refractivity and refractivity gradients all over the world.

Assessment of Awareness and Intergration of E-Learning Amid Covid-19 Pandemic Among Language Lecturers in Public Universities, North-Central Nigeria

The research study investigated the awareness and integration of E-Learning amid Covid-19 pandemic among Language lecturers in Public Universities, North-Central Nigeria. The research was steered by three objectives as well as their matching research questions and null hypotheses. Survey design was adopted for the research. The population of the research consists of language lecturers in Government owned universities within North-Central Geo-political Zone-Nigeria. There is a total of 433 lecturers spread across 12 public universities in North-Central Zone of Nigeria. The sample size utilised within the study was 204 determined based on Research Advisors (2006) table for sample selection. The multi-stage technique for sampling was utilised in the selection of the sample for the research. The study utilised structured questionnaire entitled ?Language Teachers? Awareness and Integration E-Learning Questionnaire? (LATAIE-Q). The questionnaire has four sections. Section ?A? elicits personal information of the respondents which consist of institutional affiliations, gender, location, highest qualification and experience. Section ?B? centres on the availability of e-learning resources for teaching language in public universities which has the following scales (Fully Available=FA, Partially Available= PA, Unavailable=UA & Uncertain=UC). Section ?C? collects data on the lecturers? awareness of e-learning facilities. This section has twenty-three items which are presented on a Likert-type four-point scale ranging from Fully Aware (FA), Aware (A), Unaware (U) and Fully Unaware (FU) with 4,3,2,1-point value assigned to each correspondingly. Section ?D? is on language lecturers? integration of e-learning facilities in language teaching. This section also consists of twenty-three objects evaluated on a Likert-type four-point scale running from Fully Integrated (FI), Partially Integrated (PI), Partially Not Integrated (PN) and Highly Not integrated (HN) respectively with weighted value of 4 to 1 with regards to scoring. The instrument was vetted by research experts in Computer Science and information science, test and measurement and Language. The reliability of the tool was obtained by means of pilot study. This was conducted at university of Abuja using 30 language Lecturers. Hence, 0.83 was realised. The study utilised frequency as well as percentage counts to showcase the basic personal information of the respondents. The standard deviations and arithmetic means were utilised in answering the questions raised by the research. In addition, the study used chi-squares to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The study among others found that there were inadequate and insufficient e-learning language infrastructures amid Covid-19 pandemic for use among language lecturers in public universities in north-central, Nigeria. Some recommendations were put forth that include a need for Public universities to engage in a hyper-intensive awareness and campaigns programmes that will enable the language lecturers involved not only learn how to utilize Information and Communication Technology gadgets such as e-learning facilities in teaching language teaching but also be able to effectively and efficiently utilize such technological teaching aids. Key Words: Awareness, E-learning, Integration, Language, Lecturers

Determinants of Gender and Users’ Level of Satisfactions with Circulation Policies in Academic Libraries in North-Central Zone of Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to investigate determinants of users’ level of satisfactions with circulation policies in academic libraries in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all the undergraduate registered users of the university libraries in the zone. The stratified random sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 600 registered library users for the study from four university libraries in the zone. A total of one research question were raised and one hypothesis formulated to guide the study. A self-constructed questionnaire entitled: “Determinants of Gender and Users’ level of Satisfaction with Circulation Policies in Academic Libraries Questionnaire (DGULSCPALQ)” was the instrument used for data collection. A reliability of the instrument was carried out using 100 registered users of the Delta State University Library, Abraka over a time lag of two weeks in order to determine its content and construct reliability. Data generated were analysed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation, which yielded an r of 0.80, which was considered adequate for the instrument. The data collected were analysed by using mean and standard deviation to answer the research question, while z-test statistical technique was used to test the formulated hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that Federal universities had moderate mean in the level of satisfaction with library opening hours than State owned Universities; The study also revealed that male library users had a high mean in the level of satisfaction with library opening hours on week days and a high mean score in level of satisfaction with the total number of cards issued for borrowing of items than female, there were no significant differences between federal and state universities in user’s level of satisfaction with library holdings, borrowers’ cards, loan period, fines and reservation. There was no significant difference between federal and state owned universities except in user’s level of satisfaction with library opening hours. Also, there was no significant difference between male and female users except in users’ level of satisfaction with library loan periods. Finally, it was recommended that public university libraries in the North Central Zone of Nigeria should extend their opening hours on Sundays to make the users more satisfied with opening hours on that day; that the libraries should ensure that their circulation policies on fines for damaged and lost borrowed materials should reflect the present realities/cost of the items.

Enhancing of Users’ Satisfaction with Circulation Policies in Public University Libraries in Nigeria

The purpose of this study is to determine the enhancement of users’ level of satisfaction with circulation policies in public university libraries in Nigeria. A descriptive survey was adopted for the study. The population comprised all the undergraduate registered users of the university libraries in North Central Zone of Nigeria. The stratified random sampling technique was used to draw a sample of 600 registered library users for the study from four university libraries of which, 562 were retrieved from the users who were in the library. A total of seven research questions were raised and seven hypotheses formulated to guide the study. A self constructed questionnaire entitled; “Enhancing of Users’ Satisfaction with Circulation Policies in Public University Libraries in Nigeria Questionnaire” (EUSCPPULNQ) was the instrument used for the data collection. The data collected were analysed by using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while z-test statistical technique was to test the formulated hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that Federal universities had moderate mean in the level of satisfaction with library opening hours than State owned universities; The study also revealed that there was no significant difference between Federal and State universities in users’ level of satisfaction with library holdings, borrowers’ cards, loan periods, fines and reservation. There was no significant difference between Federal and State owned universities except in user’s level of satisfaction with library opening hours. Finally, it was recommended that public university libraries in Nigeria should extend their opening hours on Sundays to make the users more satisfied with opening hours on that day.

Prevalence of chronic kidney disease and risk factors in North-Central Nigeria: a population-based survey

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing challenge in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. There is insufficient population-based data on CKD in Nigeria that is required to estimate its true burden, and to design prevention and management strategies. The study aims to determine the prevalence of CKD and its risk factors in Nigeria.MethodsWe studied 8 urban communities in Kwara State, North-Central zone of Nigeria. Blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, urinalysis, weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference were obtained. Albuminuria and kidney length were measured by ultrasound while estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was derived from serum creatinine, using chronic disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation. Associations of risk factors with CKD were determined by multivariate logistic regression and expressed as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals.ResultsOne thousand three hundred and fifty-three adults ≥18 years (44% males) with mean age of 44.3 ± 14.4 years, were screened. Mean kidney lengths were: right, 93.5 ± 7.0 cm and left, 93.4 ± 7.5 cm. The age-adjusted prevalence of hypertension was 24%; diabetes 4%; obesity 8.7%; albuminuria of > 30 mg/L 7%; and dipstick proteinuria 13%. The age-adjusted prevalence of CKD by estimated GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 and/or Proteinuria was 12%. Diabetes (aOR 6.41, 95%CI = 3.50–11.73, P = 0.001), obesity (aOR 1.50, 95%CI = 1.10–2.05, P = 0.011), proteinuria (aOR 2.07, 95%CI = 1.05–4.08, P = 0.035); female sex (aOR 1.67, 95%CI = 1.47–1.89, P = 0.001); and age (aOR 1.89, 95%CI = 1.13–3.17, P = 0.015) were the identified predictors of CKD.ConclusionsCKD and its risk factors are prevalent among middle-aged urban populations in North-Central Nigeria. It is common among women, fueled by diabetes, ageing, obesity, and albuminuria. These data add to existing regional studies of burden of CKD that may serve as template for a national prevention framework for CKD in Nigeria. One of the limitations of the study is that the participants were voluntary community dwellers and as such not representative for the community. The sample may thus have been subjected to selection bias possibly resulting in overestimation of CKD risk factors.

Antimicrobial activity of the crude extracts of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) seeds on selected clinical isolates

Parkia biglobosa (Jacq) is a wild leguminous plant found in North-Central zone of Nigeria with high calorific value, essential proteins, fatty acids, and vitamins. The study investigated the antimicrobial activity of crude extracts of fermented and unfermented P. biglobosa seeds on selected clinical microbial isolates namely, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. P. biglobosa seeds were obtained from Oja-Oba market in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The samples were pre-treated and pulverized into powder. The extraction was achieved with acetone and water and qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed following standard procedures. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts against the isolates was determined by agar well diffusion method. Qualitative phytochemical screening of the crude extracts showed the presence of tannins, alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin and glycosides. P. aeruginosa was sensitive to the aqueous extract of fermented seeds having a zone of inhibition of 14.00±1.00mm while for unfermented seeds it was 10.00±2.00 mm at 100 mg/ml. The acetone extracts of both fermented and unfermented seeds revealed antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa with zone of inhibition of 17.00±3.00 mm and 18.00±0.00 mm respectively. In conclusion, the crude extracts of the fermented and unfermented P. biglobosa seeds at a concentration of 75 and 100 mg/ml respectively have antimicrobial effect on the clinical isolates.&#x0D;

Improving Secondary School Students’ Attitude towards Geography through Physical and Virtual Laboratories in North Central Nigeria

This study investigated the effects of Physical and Virtual Laboratories on the Attitude of secondary school students’ attitude towards learning Geography in North Central Nigeria. The study adopted a quasi-experimental research design. The sample size of the research consisted of 768 students from 12 secondary schools in North Central zone of Nigeria. Four secondary schools from each of the three sampled states in the zone were purposively chosen and randomly assigned to research groups: experimental group I (Physical Laboratory), experimental group II (Virtual Laboratory) and control group (Lecture Method). A 20 – item research instrument titled Questionnaire on Attitude of Students towards Geography (QASG) was used for data collection in this study. Cronbach alpha’s formula was employed to ascertain the reliability coefficient of QATG and it yielded 0.70. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of Mean and Standard Deviation and inferential statistics of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed that physical and virtual laboratories enhanced secondary school students’ attitude towards geography better than lecture method and it was therefore recommended that these laboratories should be embraced as teaching strategies for teaching geography concepts in secondary schools in order to improve students’ attitude towards the subject.

Percieved Influence of Provision of Facilities as Management Strategy on the Control of Indisciplinary Behaviors among University Students in North Central Nigeria

This paper investigated the Influence of Provision of facilities as management strategy on the Control of Indisciplinary Behaviors among University Students in North Central Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The sample size was 368 out of a target population of 4630 administrators including lecturers and student union executives from 13 public Universities in North Central Zone of Nigeria. A 30-item questionnaire titled Management Strategies on the Control of Indisciplinary Behaviors among University Students Questionnaire (MSCIBAUSQ) was used as instrument for data collection. The questionnaire was validated by experts from Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi and Federal University Lafia, respectively. The reliability coefficient that was obtained for the study was 0.90. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the two research questions. Chi-square was used to test the two hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the provision of facilities such as water, electricity, good class rooms, library and laboratory facilities and recreational facilities would significantly influence the control of indiciplinary behaviors among university students in North Central Nigeria. Based on the findings of this study, the researcher recommended that University Administrators should always ensure that basic facilities needed for teaching and learning are available so as to encourage students' concentration and reduce indisciplinary behaviors in the universities.

ECOLOGICAL CHANGE AND HEALTH SECURITY IN NORTH CENTRAL REGION OF NIGERIA

The change in our ecosystem today has creates a lot social challenges. Climate change which is one of the major causes of ecological change is attributed to both the nature and human causes. The issue has resulted in many soft security issues such as health related security issue, food security issue and socio-economic issue. This study examines how ecological change has affected health security of the people in the study area. The study use a sample of three states in the North central zone of Nigeria. The study uses an observation of 385 and the data collected were analyses using Kendell tau test of concordance. The study has found that ecological changes have significant effect on health security in the study area. The study notes that ecological change increase vulnerability to diseases such as malaria, typhoid and zoonosis. These happening thus creates health related issues in the affected areas. On the basis of the finding, it is recommended people in the affect areas should need to be health cautious by treating their drinking water and using anti-mosquitos nets and to equally avoid contact with unfamiliar animals. Keywords: Ecological change, health security and test of concordance

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Malaria Co-Infection among Adults in the North-Central Zone of Nigeria, in the era of Improved access to Prevention and Control: A Study Protocol

Background: Despite a notable reduction in the incidence and prevalence of HIV and malaria, both diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the research study is to provide epidemiological data of malaria among HIV positive individuals, establish the socio-economic determinants associated with HIV-malaria co-infection, and develop a co-infection intervention model. This research study will enable health policymakers to develop new health policies in the management and care of HIV-malaria co-infected patients. &#x0D; &#x0D; Methods and Analysis: The study design will be a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study. Case files of HIV positive individuals receiving care and treatment will be randomly selected at six selected peri-urban secondary hospitals. Interviews will be conducted among HIV positive patients, health managers, and doctors at selected hospitals. A mixed method (quantitative and qualitative) will be adopted in the research study. Proportional allocation will be used to select an estimated 1,652 case files of registered patients to be reviewed across the study location.&#x0D; &#x0D; Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25.0 will be used for data analysis. The categorical variable will be illustrated as a percentage and compared using Chi-square and Fisher&amp;rsquo;s exact test. Backward multivariate analysis will be used to evaluate HIV-malaria co-infection and associated health outcomes. The continuous variables will be summarised as mean, &amp;plusmn; SD or median, interquartile range, and compared using student t-test or Wilcoxon test. Values of P&amp;thinsp;&amp;lt;&amp;thinsp;0.05 will be considered significant. Qualitative data will be analysed using NVivo 12 software. &#x0D; &#x0D; Strengths and Limitations of This Study&#x0D; &#x0D; Strengths&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The proposed large sample size of case files to be reviewed will enhance the validity and precision of the research study. &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Limitations&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Data that will be generated might not be adequate to make a generalized conclusion for the whole country.&amp;nbsp; &#x0D; &amp;nbsp;&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Q= Quarter.&#x0D; &#x0D; Since the study involves the use of secondary data (generated from patient case files), missing data is anticipated.&#x0D; &#x0D; &amp;nbsp;&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Strike actions by health care workers were also expected. &#x0D; Another limitation is that the research study will not be conducted as a prospective cohort study. &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Ethics and Dissemination &#x0D; &#x0D; Considering the research study involves the use of secondary data, the ethical approval issued to conduct the study covers the informed consent of the participants&amp;rsquo; information. Copies of written informed consent, participant consent, and confidentiality forms will be provided to the participants both in English and in the native language, notably Hausa, TIV, and Yoruba. Verbal informed and signed informed consent to take part in the study will be obtained from the participants. This study was approved by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BREC)-Reference Number: (BE654/17). Ethical approval was also obtained from the Kwara State Ministry of Health (MOH/KS/EU/777/225), Benue State Ministry of Health (MOH/STA/204/56), and the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health: NHREC 18/06/2017). &#x0D; &#x0D; Findings from this study will be published in peer-reviewed local and international journals. Findings will also be made available to health policymakers at the state ministry of health and hospital facilities selected for the study. The principal investigators and the health providers will sensitize patients on the study outcome.