Northeastern Nigeria Research Articles

Factors Influencing Amount of Loan Access by Women Entrepreneurs in Some Micro Finance Banks in Gombe State, Nigeria

The paper examines the factors influencing the amount of loan access by women entrepreneurs in some Micro Finance Bànks in Gombe state Nigeria. Many studies conducted on microfinance institutions have been on its effects on poverty alleviation in both developed and developing nations, but very few have been on the determinants of their performance and outreach especially in North Eastern Nigeria. The study establishes that the performance of the women agricultural entrepreneurs is unprecedented going by the profitability in their businesses. The study concluded that the women are relatively educated and organized as most of them belong to a cooperative society and are within their most productive ages. The study also concluded that the income of the women agricultural entrepreneurs in the study area is relatively increasing as they access their loan from the banks.

Assessment of the Hydrogeochemistry of the Groundwater Resources of Gwoza, Northeastern Nigeria

The study was carried out in Gwoza town of Borno Sate to assess the chemistry of groundwater of Gwoza Local Government. Eighteen (18) groundwater samples were collected for the purpose of this study; samples were analyzed for their physical parameters at spot using field kits combined pH/EC/TDS/Temperature meter model Mi 806 were also used for measuring physical parameters. GPS was used in locating the sampling points. Sodium and Potassium were analyzed by flame photometry method; Calcium and Magnesium were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method using AAS-400 PerkinElmer model type. Iron was determined using spectrophotometer, Photometric method was used to determine sulphate while chloride was analysed using argentometric of bicarbonate HCO3- and carbonate CO3-2 From the result obtained Na+ range from 26-200 mg/L, K range from 7 – 59 mg/L, Ca+2 range from 45- 290 mg/L, Cl-2 range from 20 – 264 mg/L, HCO3-2 range from 120.06 - 292 .9 mg/L, NO3-2 range from 14 – 670 mg/L, SO4 range from 0 – 79 mg/L, Fe2+ range from 0.08 – 0.44 mg/L, Mn+2 range from 0.00 – 0.20 mg/L and Mg2+ range from 0.45 – 1.95 mg/L. The results of the analyses were compared with the WHO standards of drinking water indicates that Cl-2 and NO3-2 in some locations are above the permissible limit while all other elements are within the set standard. Therefore the water is not safe for drinking and bacteriological analysis is recommended for the area.

Assessment of Mechanical Properties of Soil-Lime-Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil Blend Using Regression Model for Sustainable Pavement Foundation Construction

Oil pollution causes deterioration of the physical, chemical, mechanical, and geotechnical characteristics of affected soil leading to loss of soil productivity for engineering purposes. Different stabilization methods serve as a remedy for such soil to regain its loss engineering properties. This study was concerned with the utilization of lime to stabilize crude oil contaminated soil and to investigate its efficacy for soil stabilization. The study also focused on determining the geotechnical properties of crude oil contamination and matching the result with standard specifications established for engineering works. Hydrated lime, expansive clayey soil, contaminated soil, and potable water were the materials used for the experimental investigation. The contaminated soil was treated with 6.5% lime and 0–20% crude oil contaminated materials obtained from oil exploration sites in North-Eastern Nigeria and per standard test method for laboratory evaluation of consistency limits, compaction properties, California bearing ratio (CBR), and microstructural and mineralogical assessments. The experimental results obtained were further tested statistically through one-way ANOVA and F-statistics to establish the source of variation for the geotechnical properties, while multiple linear regression and correlation statistics helped draw the connection between the consistency limits, compaction, and CBR properties of the soil-lime-COCM blend. Results indicated a coefficient of determination of 99.86. The contaminated soil materials were found to show optimal performance at a 5% ratio and 6.5% of lime for civil construction purposes.

A Monte Carlo simulation of unmitigated risk of radon exposure from soil and groundwater around Maiganga Coal Mine, North-Eastern Nigeria

A Monte Carlo simulation of unmitigated risk of radon exposure from soil and groundwater around Maiganga Coal Mine, North-Eastern Nigeria

Malaria Prevalence among Pregnant Women in Relation to Parity, Gestation Period and Age in Gombe, North Eastern Nigeria

This study was conducted in order to determine malaria prevalence in relation to parity, gestational period and age of the pregnant women in Gombe, Nigeria. Three hundred and eighty four (384) pregnant women who registered for antenatal care in five randomly selected health care facilities (Tudun Wada Primary Health Care, Idi Health Clinic, Madaki Health Clinic, Pantami Primary Health Care And Gombe Town Maternity) residing within Gombe Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria, constituted the study population. Five (5) ml of the maternal peripheral blood was obtained from each participant by the use of a sterile syringe and placed in a sterile Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) container for laboratory analysis. The malaria parasite was detected by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thick blood films. A high prevalence of 78.4% was observed among the studied population, with the primigravidae having higher prevalence (87.8%) than the multigravidae (73.6%). Women in second trimester recorded the highest prevalence (81.6%) followed by those in third trimester (76.4%), then the first trimester (68.4%). In relation to age, younger women (17 – 20 years) had the highest prevalence (88.4%) of malaria parasitaemia followed by 21-25 years category (79.1%), while those above 25years had the lowest prevalence (67.7%).significant association between age and malaria infection was established. The vulnerable age group need to be cautious of their exposure to mosquitoes’ bites so as to reduce the pressure on the already overstretched health facilities.

Aerofloral studies and allergenicity of dominant pollen types in Taraba and Bauchi States of Northeastern Nigeria

Pollen and spores have been identified as major airborne bio-particles inducing respiratory disorders including allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis among hypersensitive individuals. The present study was conducted with a view to investigating monthly depositional rate of atmospheric palynomorphs to determine the influence of the immediate vegetation on airborne pollen distribution; allergenic activities of dominant atmospheric pollen types at selected study locations in Taraba and Bauchi States, Northeastern Nigeria. Bioaerosols were collected using Tauber-like pollen traps and subjected to standard palynological treatment procedures, microscopy and photomicrography. Plant enumeration within the surrounding vegetation revealed that some airborne pollen types were produced by local plants at the study locations. Spores of Nephrolepis sp., Pteris sp. and a trilete fern, as well as diatoms were also recovered. Crude protein contents of some dominant pollen types; Borreria verticillata (L.) G.F.W. Meyer and Panicum maximum Jacq. for Taraba State; Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. and Terminalia catappa L. for Bauchi State, were quantified and extracted to sensitize Mus musculus mice for serology (ELISA) and haematology (differential and total white blood cell counts). Statistical significance was tested and recorded in the correlation between levels of serological and haematological parameters elicited by each test group; differences between levels of these parameters elicited by each test group and those of the control, as well as at varying sensitization periods. In the Leucaena leucocephala test group, swollen body and histopathological morbid features showing more extensive areas of inflammatory cells and alveoli filled with fluid in the lungs, were recorded in two dead M. musculus, respectively. The study revealed that all the tested pollen types are possible allergens at the study locations, establishing a complexity of interaction among allergy mediators at varied periods of mice sensitization and forming a paradigm of human immune response to the different pollen allergens.

Acute Leukaemias in Bauchi State, Northeastern Nigeria: Pattern of Presentations and Clinical Entities

Background: Acute leukaemias are very aggressive diseases that run a rapidly fatal course if not promptly diagnosed and appropriately treated. The clinical presentations range from bone marrow failure such as anaemia, neutropenia or thrombocytopenia to features of organ infiltrations such as lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, etc, but presentations may be non-specific. Misdiagnosis is very common with delay in diagnosis and prompt treatment being the causes of high morbidity and mortality in acute leukaemias. This study aims to determine the pattern of presentation and various clinical entities of acute leukaemias in Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria.
 Subjects, materials and methods: This was a three year retrospective study in which records of cases of acute leukaemias diagnosed in the Haematology Department of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi from the bone marrow aspiration cytology register from 1st January, 2018 to 31st December, 2020 were collected. Data on socio-demographic characteristics of the patients that include age, gender, diagnosis as well as subtypes of some of the malignancies diagnosed were also collated. The collated data were analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant.
 Results: Twenty-nine cases of acute leukaemias were diagnosed during the period under review. Majority of cases had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) 19/29 (65.5%) while acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) was seen in 10/29 (34.5%). The mean ± SD age of the patients was 22.2±9.2 years with a range 6 months to 60 years. Males constituted 75.9% (22/29) of the cases of acute leukaemias diagnosed. The male to female ratios for AML and ALL were 2:1 and 2.6:1 respectively. The mean±SD ages for AML and ALL were 27±9.2years and 17.3±11.3 years respectively. The most common form of presentation of acute leukaemia in this study is recurrent anaemia necessitating blood transfusion while proptosis and epistaxis were the least forms of presentation.
 Conclusion: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia is the commonest form of acute leukaemias while recurrent anaemia is the commonest form of clinical presentations in our setting. Early referral of patients with clinical features suggestive of acute leukaemias is recommended.
 Author
 R A Dachi 1, F G Mustapha 1, M Mahdi 1, H Abbas 2

Assessment of existing indigenous practices employed that promote sustainable grazing in grazing reserves of Northeastern Nigeria

The study assessed existing indigenous practices employed that promote sustainable grazing in grazing reserves of northeastern Nigeria. The method used include: Semi-structure interview, field inventory and observations. The major findings of the study revealed that the indigenous practices employed in the grazing reserves by herders are sustainable in livestock. Among the problems encountered in livestock production in region are; inadequate water resources, inadequate pasture, shortage of land, annual occurrence of conflict, improper bush fires, farming intensification leads to encroachment, lack of security during mobility to some places, lack of funding and high cost in buying hay, competition of important grasses for livestock feeding and lack of fodder banks. In conclusion, there is lack of proper attention and inability of the responsible government agencies to provide effective management programmes, coupled with dilapidated and non-functioning infrastructures revealed during field survey. It is recommended that, for the reserve to achieve its mandate, all dilapidated infrastructures (tools and facilities) should be revamped and construction of new ones by both government and non-governmental organizations.

Oxidative stress in Primigravida attending an antenatal clinic in Northern Nigeria

The demand for oxygen increases during pregnancy, and this may lead to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine the oxidative stress level in Primigravida attending antenatal clinic at Gombe town Gidan Magani Maternity, Gombe State, North-eastern Nigeria. The concentration of plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured as biomarker of oxidative stress. The concentrations of Copper, Zinc, Manganese, Lead, Nickel and Cadmium in relation to oxidative stress were measured. Thirty primigravida and ten aged-matched non-pregnant women who served as control were involved in the study. The result of this research shows that the level of Malondialdehyde significantly (P < 0.05) increased in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters, with the increase being higher in the 2nd trimester. The levels of Cu and Zn increased significantly (P < 0.05) in all the three trimesters, while the level of Mn significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in all the three trimesters. There was no reading detected for Ni, Cd and Pb in both primigravida and control subjects under this study, indicating that neither the primigravida nor the control were exposed to them. All these are proves that oxidative stress occurs in Primigravida These findings emphasized the need for increased awareness among Primigravida on the existence of oxidative stress during pregnancy and also points to the need for measures to be taken against oxidative stress in Primigravida, so as to reduce the complications that arise during pregnancy, and ensure the safety of both mother and fetus during pregnancy and after delivery.

Afterlife as Motivation for Later Life Education among Elderly Women: Evidence from Bauchi Emirate North-Eastern Nigeria

This study explores the motivation for later life education among elderly women (60+) in Northeastern Nigeria. Intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions of motivation were explored in relation to personal, historical, and institutional influences based on an orientation of Activity, Life-course, and Gerotranscendence theories. To achieve the research aims, three research questions were posed. First, what are the historical and institutional basis of motivation for later life education among elderly women? Secondly, how do intrinsic and extrinsic dimensions of motivation influence later life education among elderly women? Thirdly, how can improvement in later life education result in better coping among elderly women? Information was obtained using qualitative methods. Findings reveal that extrinsic motivation stems from historical links between Bauchi Emirate and Sokoto Caliphate as a center for Islamic civilization. Further, since the social institutions in the Bauchi emirate were a replication of the model of society promoted by the Jihad and the caliphate administration, later life education among elderly women is encouraged. As evident from the data generated on personal motivation factors, the majority of elderly women see later life education as an important coping prerequisite arising from intrinsic motivation with the most common reasons given as spiritual and religious benefits. A major finding of the present study relates to how motivation for later-life learning is regarded as a means of perfection in spiritual engagement for a successful transition to the afterlife. The study offers a number of recommendations for improved motivation for later life education among elderly women.

Self-Concept and Self-Efficacy as Determinants of Colleges of Education Students’ Performance in Shorthand in North-East, Nigeria

The study examined the self-concept and self-efficacy as determinants of Colleges of Education students’ performance in shorthand in North-East, Nigeria. The study had two specific objectives, two research questions which were meant to guide the study and two null hypotheses which were tested at 0.05 level of significant. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design which is purely quantitative, using structured questionnaires which were administered to 360 randomly selected Business Education Students of Colleges of Education in North-Eastern Nigeria. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviations while a simple linear regression was used in testing the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed among others that study strategy and attitude have significant and positive influence on Performance of Business Education Students in shorthand in Colleges of Education in North-East, Nigeria. Hence, the consistent failure of Business Education Students in Shorthand particularly in Colleges of Education in North-East, Nigeria can be reduced. The present study recommend that shorthand lecturers should encourage Business Education Students in Colleges of Education to develop a good study self-concept and positive self-efficacy towards shorthand as these will improve the students’ Performance in the course and minimize the massive and consistent failure recorded among Business Education Students in shorthand. Specifically, in Colleges of Education in North-Eastern Nigeria.

An Exploratory Study on Women Entrepreneurial Motivationin in the Context of Boko Haram Insurgency in North Eastern Nigeria

This paper aims to investigate the drivers for women entrepreneurship in the context of Boko-Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria. It applies pull-push theory to women entrepreneurial motivation in a violent conflict context. A semi-structured interview was conducted with a total number of 12 women entrepreneurs who were purposely selected among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the region. The results revealed that majority of the women were driven by the urgent need for survival and livelihood which forms part of a push motivational factor. The finding also shows that previous business experience has contributed to the successful business start-ups despite the challenges these displaced women are facing in the camp. Gender-related challenges were minimal but, the paper recommended for more gender-specific programs in order to reduce the sufferings of the most vulnerable persons particularly women-headed households in post-conflict transition.

Comparative prescription patterns of antipsychotics among schizophrenic patients attending two public health facilities in North-Eastern and North-Central Nigeria: a crosssectional study

In the care of patients, assessment of the use of drugs is very imperative as it shows the quality of care delivered to patients by the caregivers. The study aimed to compare the prescription patterns of antipsychotics in two public healthcare facilities in Nigeria using a standardized World Health Organization instrument. The studies were conducted at the General Hospital, Offa (GHO), Kwara State, and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri (FNPHMM), Borno State. Ethical approvals were obtained from the studied facilities. A total of 625 prescriptions in each of the facilities were selected by random sampling. Frequency distributions and student t-test were used. The average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 3.9 in the GHO, while 1.2 was recorded in the FNPHMM. Injections were prescribed in 14.4% and 18.7% of encounters in the GHO and the FNPHMM, respectively. One hundred percent (100.0%) of the drugs were prescribed by generic name in the GHO and 98.2% in the FNPHMM. The percentage of drugs from the National Essential Drug List was 72% in the FNPHMM and 100% in the GHO. The prescribing indicators assessed were found to be below standard in the FNPHMM while the GHO showed polytherapy.

Influences Upsetting Excellent Performance of Building Projects in North-Eastern Nigeria

Influences Upsetting Excellent Performance of Building Projects in North-Eastern Nigeria

Spectrum of 25 (OH) D3 Status in Urinary Tract Stone Formers in North-Eastern Nigeria

Many studies, none in northeastern part of Nigeria, investigated the association between serum/plasma vitamin D and nephrolithiasis, with no consistent result, couple with the hot weather (as high as 44oC) in most part of the year in Maiduguri and its surroundings, and assay of vitamin D today is not yet part of evaluation of urinary stone formers in Maiduguri, warrant this study to assess status of vitamin D in urinary tract stone formers in Maiduguri. Patients diagnosed with urinary tract stone disease attending Urology Clinic, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and consented were recruited. The first two who consented were recruited per week for a period of 24 months (1st April 2017 to 31st Match 2019) to cover the seasonal changes in weather for the year. Serum for vitamin D is stored at -20oC for batch analysis. Vitamin D was assayed by ELISA technique (Accu-Bind, 100 North Pointe Drive, Lake Forest, California 92630 USA), other parameters were analyzed weekly using autoanalyzer (Cobas C311, ISN, Roche, Germany). Result indicated 58 (36.2%) of patients had Vitamin D values below the optimal level either having deficiency/insufficiency. Forty-nine (30.6%) showed vitamin D concentration above the optimum level out of which 4 (2.5%) had hypervitaminosis D, while 53 (33.1%) patients had optimal vitamin D values. It showed 17 (10.6%) of patients had hypercalcaemia, however, out of the 114 patients with normocalcaemia, 42 (36.5%) had their values at the upper limit of normal (2.6 mmol/L). It also indicated that though 3 of the hypercalcaemic patients had vitamin D insufficiency, majority (14) are either having optimal level or above optimal vitamin D level. Excessive and prolong exposure to ultraviolet sunlight resulting in raised vitamin D synthesis and action is an important factor associated with urinary tract stone formation in this environment cannot be excluded. The high prevalence of hypercalcaemia in the study cannot be accounted for by raised vitamin D alone, therefore measurement of serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) and PTH in evaluation of urinary tract stone formers in this environment is recommended.

Spectrum of 25 (OH) D3 Status in Urinary Tract Stone Formers in North-Eastern Nigeria

Spectrum of 25 (OH) D3 Status in Urinary Tract Stone Formers in North-Eastern Nigeria

GENETIC DIVERSITY STUDIES, HERITABILITY, CORRELATION AND PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AMONG ACHA (Digitaria exilis) ACCESSIONS

The study assessed variability, heritability and genetic relationships in the proximate composition among 14 Acha (Digitaria exilis Staph) accessions collected from Tafawa Balewa and Bogoro Local Government Areas of Bauchi State in North Eastern Nigeria. Entries were pretested in the screen house in plastic pots in 2017 and later evaluated in the field under rain-fed conditions in 2017 and 2018 using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Three (3) samples of harvested grain, for each entry, were subjected to proximate analysis in the laboratory to determine their percent proximate composition in: Crude protein (% CP), Crude fiber (% CF), Ether extract (% EE), Ash content (% Ash) and Nitrogen free extract (%NFE) using standard Analytical methods. Analysis of variance was done using Genstat version 16th). Results obtained in this study revealed that all biochemical parameters differed significantly (P≤0.001) among these accessions. Mean percent in crude protein (CP) was 7.5 %, Crude Fiber was 0.85 %, while that of ether extract (%EE) and ash content (% Ash) were 1.94% and 1.87%, respectively. Except for Ether Extract, other biochemical variables under investigation recorded negative correlation with grain yield. Phylogenetic studies revealed two cluster groups among acha accessions. High percent heritability values, in broad sense of (between 77% and 99 %), couple with high genetic advance as percent of mean (GAM) were recorded for most of characters under investigation, indicating a good scope for improvement through selection.

Newborn care: A qualitative study of inter-cultural variations and similarities among two ethnic groups in Northeastern Nigeria.

Neonatal mortality remains unacceptably high in most sub-Saharan and Asian communities, where cultural practices and poor antenatal care are common. Newborn care practices play a key role in preventing neonatal deaths. This study aimed to examine similarities and variations in newborn care between two major ethnic groups in northeast Nigeria. Qualitative methods involving narratives, observations, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews were used to collect data from recent mothers (ten per ethnic group) and grandmothers from the Babur/Bura and Kanuri ethnic groups in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria. A snowballing sampling technique was used to select the participants within four communities/villages (two for each ethnic group). Babies were bathed within 30 to 45 minutes after delivery by mothers in both groups, except in case of ill health of the child and/or mother. Various substances were applied to the cord even though hygienic cord-cutting practice was reported. With the exception of early bathing, good thermal care practices were observed in both groups. Both groups applied emollients on the skin of the babies, but Bura preferred the use of shea butter to oils and lotion. Various substances were applied to other parts of the body of the baby, such as the fontanelle (Mahogany oil), anus (Neem oil and Mahogany oil), and circumcision wound (engine oil) more so among the Bura than the Kanuri. None of the substances were deemed to be harmful. Similarities and variations in newborn care exist between the two ethnic groups. There is a need for health education and promotion to encourage and facilitate positive behavioral change from old traditional practices to healthy newborn care practices among the Babur/Bura and Kanuri ethnic groups.

A Crisis after the Crisis: Postconflict Stigmatization of Boko Haram’s Sexual-Violence Victims in Northeastern Nigeria

Victimization and stigmatization are emerging as social rubrics against victims of Boko Haram’s sexual violence in the victims’ quest to reintegrate back into their societies. These victims were used as weapons of war, as young brides, or as sex slaves. After their release, they often experience victimization once more, this time by their communities. They are tainted as so-called Boko Haram wives and feared for assumptions that they carry with them certain ideologies, beliefs, and connotations reflective of the insurgent group. Their children (born to Boko Haram fighters) are cast off, not to be touched and not allowed to associate with other children. The processes of secondary victimization bring to light localized notions of morality and purity, sometimes in unexpected settings, such as camps for internally displaced persons.

Statistical Analysis and Forecasting of Rainfall Patterns and Trends in Gombe North-Eastern Nigeria

Rainfall in Nigeria is highly dynamic and variable on a temporal and spatial scale. This has taken a more pronounced dimension due to climate change. In this study, Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) and Mann-Kendall test statistical tools were employed to analyze rainfall trends and patterns in Gombe metropolis between 1990 and 2020 and the ARIMA model was used for making the forecast for ten (10) years. Daily rainfall data of 31 years obtained from Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NIMET) was used for the study. The daily rainfall data was subjected to several analyses. Standard precipitation index showed that alternation of wet and dry period conditions had been witnessed in the study area. The result obtained showed that there is an upward trend in the annual rainfall amount received in Gombe over the last 31 years at a rate of 3.98 mm/year. The results for the forecast shows that the annual rainfall to be received in Gombe continues in a range above the mean which serves as an indication that the decade will experience more wet years than dry years. The study concludes that the pattern of rainfall in Gombe is a cyclic pattern. The current trend may affect soil moisture, flooding and subsequently lead to ecological change. The study recommends that inhabitants of the study areas should plan their cropping season based on climatic information of their area.