Northeastern Nigeria Research Articles

Flood risk assessment of the river Benue catchment in Adamawa State Nigeria

Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters that occur globally, causing loss of life and property. Adamawa, a state located in north-eastern Nigeria, is prone to flooding due to its location within the floodplains of the River Benue. The research examines the spatial distribution of flood risk, the role of altitude in determining flood risk levels, and the implications for population exposure. The investigation was carried out in the following local government areas, namely Yola-South, Demsa, Numan, Lamurde, Guyuk, Shelleng and Song. The study used a combination of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) techniques to analyze the flood risks extent and exposure within the catchment. SRTM 30 Meters resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data was used to derive catchment boundaries, stream networks and watershed characteristics. 500 years return period flood hazard raster along with a population raster of the settlements within the region of interest were also used. The findings reveal varying flood risk extents, with areas at lower elevations exhibiting higher flood risks. Additionally, the study identifies specific wards within each locality that are situated in different flood risk zones, highlighting the need for localized flood risk assessments. The results demonstrate a correlation between flood risk levels and the percentage of the population exposed to these risks. The study aligns with existing literature on flood risk, altitude, and population vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of considering these factors in flood risk management strategies. The findings contribute to a better understanding of flood risk patterns and can guide policymakers and stakeholders in implementing targeted interventions and developing effective disaster response plans. However, it is essential to contextualize the findings within the specific study areas and complement them with site-specific assessments and further research.

Molecular Characterisation of Mycobacterium bovis Isolates from Cattle Slaughtered in Adamawa and Gombe States, North-Eastern Nigeria.

Bovine tuberculosis is endemic in Nigeria with control measures as provided by the laws of the country being minimally enforced mostly at the abattoirs only. This study focused on bovine tuberculosis in Adamawa and Gombe States. Tuberculosis lesions were observed in 183 of 13,688 slaughtered cattle in the regions between June and December 2020. Analysis of tissue samples resulted in 17 Mycobacterium bovis isolates, predominantly from Gombe State. Spoligotyping identified four spoligotypes, including SB0944, SB1025, SB1104, and one novel pattern. MIRU-VNTR analysis further differentiated these spoligotypes into eight profiles. All isolates belonged to the Af1 clonal complex. The study emphasises the need for broader coverage and more isolates to comprehensively understand the molecular epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in Nigeria. To enhance research and surveillance, a cost-effective approach is proposed, utilising a discriminatory VNTR panel comprising five or nine loci. The five-locus panel consists of ETR-C, QUB26, QUB11b, MIRU04, and QUB323. Alternatively, the nine-locus panel includes ETR-A, ETR-B, QUB11a, and MIRU26. Implementing this approach would provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity of M. bovis strains in Nigeria. These findings are crucial for developing effective control measures and minimising the impact of bovine tuberculosis on both animal and human health.

Determinants of splenic preservation among patients with sickle cell disease in North-Eastern Nigeria.

In patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), the spleen commonly enlarges during early childhood, but undergoes reduction in size and fibrosis from repeated episodes of vaso-occlusion and infarction. The rate of progression of this process varies markedly among these patients. The aim of current study was to explore clinical and laboratory factors associated with the preservation of the spleen among these patients. Two hundred four patients with SCD (103 females; age 1-45 years) underwent abdominal ultrasonography at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between October 2020 and November 2021 to assess for splenic visualisation and echotexture. Steady-state clinical parameters and blood samples for full blood count, serum chemistry, high-performance liquid chromatography and malaria parasitemia were obtained from all the patients. The spleen was visualised in 107 (52.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 46%-59%) patients with SCD on ultrasonography. While the spleen was visualised in all children less than 5 years of age, it was visualised in only 23.5% of those aged 15 years and older. Visualisation of the spleen was significantly associated with low mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and high haemoglobin F (HbF) in those younger than 10 years. The odds of visualisation of the spleen on ultrasonography increased by a factor of 1.17% for every 1% increase in HbF level. Only 32 (15%) patients were on regular hydroxyurea therapy. The HbF level was significantly higher among patients on hydroxyurea (median 12.7 vs. 7.4; p < 0.0001). In patients with SCD, failure to visualise the spleen was not found in children less than 5 years old. Patients with visualised spleens had a higher level of HbF than those with non-visualised spleens. HbF was significantly associated with visualisation of the spleen before 10 years of age. Since early administration of hydroxyurea will increase HbF level, we expect that it would help to preserve the spleen.

Evaluation of Satisfaction Level of Pregnant Women Presented for Obstetrics Ultrasound Scan in Gombe State Specialist Hospital in North Eastern Nigeria

Obstetrics ultrasound plays an important role in patients care through foetal and maternal management serving as an indispensable tool in routine antenatal care due to its sensitivity in detecting foetal anomaly, failed pregnancy, pregnancy dating as well as multiple gestation. The study aimed at evaluating the level of satisfaction in pregnant women presenting for obstetrics scan at Gombe State Specialist Hospital where a convenient sampling technique was used to draw one hundred and sixty (160) pregnant women coming for obstetric scan at Gombe State Specialist Hospital from February, 2020 to June 2020. Data was collected using a well-structured questionnaire designed based on the parasuraman service quality model and analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 where descriptive statistics were generated and presented in Tables and Charts. The participants were aged between 16 and 40 years with a mean age of 24.64. The results showed total patient’s satisfaction with regards to waiting area and waiting time, however highest level of unsatisfaction is recorded in the patient’s perception of the accuracy of the ultrasound scan. The study also found majority of the respondents believed that the main purpose of obstetric scan is to check for fetal wellbeing while 19.4% of the respondents had obstetric scan for gender determination. Obstetrics scan is considered to be a major examination among pregnant women for confirmation of fetal wellbeing and gender. The level of education and exposure by pregnant women serve as a key factor in expecting more from obstetric scan.

Sedimentological study of Bima sandstone in Dumne and Environs, Yola Sub-basin, Upper Benue Trough, Northeastern Nigeria.

Field mapping was carried out on Bima sandstone from Dumne and its environs with the aim to understand the geology and determine the paleoenvironment of deposition. The integrated (outcrop study with granulometric and pebble morphometric) studies were used to achieve this aim. Based on outcrop studies, nine (9) lithofacies were identified from the proximal alluvial fan facies to the mid-fan braided river: massive, matrix-supported, gravel-dominated facies (Gmm); matrix-supported gravel (Gmg); clast-supported gravel stratified (Gh); gravel stratified trough cross-bedded sandstone (Gt); trough cross-bedded sandstone (St); planar cross-bedded sandstone (Sp); ripple cross-laminated sandstone (Sr); massive sandstone (Sm) and silt and mud (Fsm). The outcrop sampled materials were subjected to granulometric and morphometric analyses. The result of the granulometric shows that the Bima sandstones of the study area have an average graphic mean (Mz) of 0.82 (coarse grains), an inclusive graphic standard deviation (δi) of 1.33 (poorly sorted), a graphic kurtosis (K) of 1.11 (leptokurtic), and an inclusive graphic skewness (Ski) of 0.17 (positive skewed). The result of the pebble morphometrics shows that the grains have an average elongation ratio (ER) of 0.80, coefficient of flatness (FI) of 60.6%, oblate–prolate index (OPI) of 0.35, maximum projection sphericity index (MPSI) of 0.77 and roundness (ρ) of 0.43. The roundness versus elongation ratio plot indicates a fluvial to transitional environment. Several bivariate and ternary plots that include the granulometric and pebble morphometric data suggest a river environment for the Bima sandstone in the studied area.

Causes of attrition among lecturers in colleges of education in North East, Nigeria

The main purpose of the study was to assess the Causes of Attrition among Lecturers in Colleges of Education in North Eastern Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to determine the Impact of Work Condition on Attrition among Teaching Staff in the study area. A research question in line with the stated objective guided the study. The study employed survey research design where data collected was analyzed using mean. Finding of the study reveals that work condition is a factor that causes attrition among lecturers in Colleges of Education. The study recommends that government should do everything humanly possible in ensuring that the work condition for lecturers in Colleges of education is conducive, just and supportive for active participation.

Gendering Counter-Terrorism: Kunya and the Silencing of Male Victims of CRSV in Northeastern Nigeria

AbstractAs the silence of male CRSV victims continues to be debated, some argue that gender norms and a lack of agency contribute to the silence of victims, even as others assert that victims exercise agency by speaking selectively about their experiences. In northern Nigeria, the concept of kunya—a model for appropriate behaviour rooted in the importance of secrecy and discretion—plays a role in the silencing of victims. We examine how kunya contributes to the invisibility of victims and influences their silence, as well as how victims use silence to gain social tolerability and/or protect themselves from re-victimization. We argue that an attentiveness to such community-specific cultural precepts and norms can further our understanding of the silence (and silencing) of victims and survivors.

Assessment of right ventricular systolic function using right ventricular fractional area change among human immunodeficiency virus infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy and its relationship with viral load and CD4 cell count

Abstract Introduction: Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared with the general population, and right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction is said to be associated with worse outcomes. HIV infection is an established risk factor for pulmonary hypertension. On the other hand, pulmonary hypertension directly affects RV function through an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance, causing right ventricle hypertrophy, chamber dilatation, and ultimately RV systolic dysfunction. We, therefore, sought to assess RV systolic function (RVSF) using RV fractional area change (RVFAC) among HIV patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and its relationship with viral load and CD4 cell count. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional conducted among HIV patients receiving HAART at the Federal Medical Center, Nguru, Yobe State, North Eastern Nigeria, using RVFAC among HIV patients on HAART and its relationship with viral load and CD4 cell count. Results: One hundred and seven subjects were recruited into the study, comprising 37 (34.6%) males and 70 (65.4%) females. Ninety-six (89.71%) had preserved RVSF, while 11 (10.3%) had reduced RVSF. The mean CD4 cell count of patients with preserved RVSF was significantly higher compared to those with reduced RVSF (838.4 ± 27.5 cells/μL and 301.7 ± 12.4 cells/μL), respectively P ≤ 0.001. The mean viral load of patients with preserved was significantly lower compared to those with reduced RVSF (547.9 ± 10.8 1 copies/mL and 10,293.00 ± 74.8 1 copies/mL), respectively P ≤ 0.001. Conclusion: The prevalence of RV systolic dysfunction among HIV patients on HAART was found to be 10.3% and there was a significant positive correlation between RVFAC with CD4 cell count and a significant negative correlation between RVFAC with HIV viral load.

FREQUENCY OF CLIENT’S PATRONAGE OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES IN NORTH-EASTERN STATES OF NIGERIA

The study focused on two objectives which are to find out the frequency of patronage of university library information resources and services in North-Eastern Nigeria and to Establish the reasons why clients patronize university library information resources and services in North-Eastern Nigeria. Two research questions were used and two hypotheses in guiding the study. The population of the study is five thousand, forty-eight (5048) registered university library clients across five Federal University libraries in the region, a sample of four hundred and four (404) respondents were drawn using a nonprobability convenience sampling technique. The research questions were answered using descriptive statistical technique in analysing the data while the hypotheses were analyzed using inferential statistical method. the finding of the study shows that only thirty-six (36) % of university library clients patronize their library information resources and services frequently in North-Eastern Nigeria. The study equally reveals that, the major reason why university library clients in North-Eastern Nigeria patronize their university libraries is the conducive library environment for learning with a mean of 1.58 and (58.1%). Other factors like availability of relevant information resources, library staff attitude amongst others that were presented to the respondents recorded low responses. It was also established by the study that, there is no significant difference in the frequency of patronage of university library information resources and services across the five university libraries that were studied with P &lt;0.05, and X2 calculated &gt; X2 computed at df 4. Similarly, no significant difference was recorded on the reasons why clients patronize university library information resources and services in the North-Eastern Nigeria with P &lt; 0.05, X2 calculated &gt; X2 critical at df 4. It was recommended that, the managements of university libraries in the North-Eastern Nigeria must make the libraries more attractive for their clients by providing more relevant and up-to-date information resources and services. They are also to provide the type of services that will meet the needs and peculiarities of their clients.

Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones of Girei and Environs, Adamawa State, North Eastern Nigeria

Evaluation of groundwater resources of Girei and environs is necessary in order to develop appropriate water supply scheme to the community. Cases of borehole failures have been on increase in the area due to a lack of knowledge of the aquifer geometry. The study is aimed at delineating the groundwater potential zones of Girei and environs with the objectives of delineating the different aquifer systems, estimating the aquifer characteristics such as transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity using the Dar Zarrouk parameter, determining groundwater flow direction, and identifying the recharged and discharged areas. Geological investigation indicates that the area underlain by Bima sandstone. Thirty profiles of Vertical Electrical Sounding using Schlunberger array method with the aid of ABEM signal averaging system (SAS 1000) was used to determine aquifer types and groundwater potential zones. Correlation between borehole lithological section and geoelectric section within the study area revealed a confineded aquifer type. The aquifer characteristics indicate that the transverse resistance ranged between 29.796 to 238000 ?m2, longitudinal conductance ranged between 0.0148 ?-1 to 9.34 ?-1, hydraulic conductivity values range from 0.0014 to 5.865 m/s with an average value of 0.0355 m/s. Transmissivity values obtained from the various layers range from 237.6 m2/day to 6324 m2/day. Aquifer rating based on transmissivity values reveals that the aquifers in the study area have moderate to high potential.

Sanitation Facilities, Services and Education in North-Eastern Nigeria

A sanitation facility, Services and Education greatly influences the sanitary situation of every society. They are the most important instruments for combating bad sanitary situation in every society.

Sanitation Facilities, Services and Education in North-Eastern Nigeria

A sanitation facility, Services and Education greatly influences the sanitary situation of every society. They are the most important instruments for combating bad sanitary situation in every society

Sanitation Facilities, Services and Education in North-Eastern Nigeria

A sanitation facility, Services and Education greatly influences the sanitary situation of every society. They are the most important instruments for combating bad sanitary situation in every society.

Sanitation Facilities, Services and Education in North-Eastern Nigeria

A sanitation facility, Services and Education greatly influences the sanitary situation of every society. They are the most important instruments for combating bad sanitary situation in every society.

Boko Haram Insurgency and Socio-Economic Crisis in Borno State Nigeria

&lt;p&gt;So much has been written about the formation and activities of the Boko Haram insurgency since its advent in 2002 as religious fundamentalism. The Islamic sect is a group of "People Committed to the propagation of the Prophet's Teachings and Jihad" opposing western education. Their operations have degenerated into armed conflict, insurgency and terrorism, causing untold devastation and economic loss to some states of the federation. However, their significance in the socio-economic crisis of Borno State has not been adequately reported. This is the lacuna filled by this paper. The study adopted both primary and secondary sources of research instruments. The study discovered that Boko Haram insurgency has crippled markets, business activities and blocked the trade routes in Borno State. About 10,000 Eastern and South western business people fled the state; international business entrepreneurs from Chad, Cameroon and Niger returned to their countries; these affected the State's economic revenue in an unimaginable way, with negative implications on the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations. The Study recommends, among other things, adequate security measures, provision of social support system and care, provision of jobs and social amenities, development of infrastructures, reconciliation among local communities, reduction of poverty, a proactive step by the Federal government on supply of adequate funding, weapons and well-equipped military personnel to put an end to the insurgency in North Eastern Nigeria.&lt;/p&gt;

Assessing the viability of a grid-connected PV power plant in Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

This paper is based on a techno-economic analysis and the environmental impact of a proposed 1 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant at the main campus of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi (FPM) in north-eastern Nigeria. A photovoltaic power plant converts solar radiation into electricity that can be used as a source of electrical power to meet the daily energy requirements of homes, equipment, and all tertiary institutions. RETScreen Expert software was used to evaluate the techno-economic and environmental sustainability of installing a grid-connected PV power plant. The research results revealed that with an annual solar radiation of 5.74 kWh/m2/day, the maximum annual energy production was estimated to be 1,550.98 MWh. It was discovered that the maximum energy production in March was 146.89 MWh. The project’s profitability and economic sustainability were determined with a good internal rate of return (IRR) of 11.9% and a positive net present value (NPV) of $681,164. The proposed PV power plant has a simple payback period of 11.4 years. The maximum greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction is 670.9 tCO2, equivalent to 61.7 ha of forest-absorbing carbon emissions.

Impact of Homegrown School Feeding Program on Smallholders' Farmer Household Food Security in Northeastern Nigeria.

In various countries of the global south, school feeding programs are implemented in order to alleviate short-time hunger in children, improved their nutrition and provide employment for food vendors. The impact of these programs is important not only in terms of pupils' nutrition but also in improving farmers' livelihoods productivity and food security. This study analyzes the impact of the school feeding program on smallholder farmers' household food security based on data collected in 2021 from 240 farmers surveyed in northeast Nigeria. Differently from other studies, several econometric methods are used to analyze the data, namely, binary probit regression, propensity score matching, inverse probability weighted adjusted regression, and endogenous switching regression. The results show that about 40% of the beneficial smallholder farmers are food secure compared to 20% of the nonbeneficiary households. Findings revealed that the Homegrown school feeding program (HGSF) positively improved smallholder farmers household food security status across all the models. Results provide evidence for the need to expand school feeding programs vis-a-vis interventions in facilitating farmers' access to capital and capacity building for better integration in the supply chain.

Conceptualizing hybrid model for influencing intention to adopt cloud computing in North-Eastern Nigerian academic libraries

The understanding of cloud computing adoption in academic libraries in North-Eastern Nigeria is still unclear. Therefore, this research combines two technology adoption theories of technology-organizational-environmental and diffusion of innovation (TOE-DOI) theories to identify the influencing factors and develop a model for the adoption of cloud computing in academic libraries. A quantitative technique using survey design was adopted and previously used scales were adapted and formulated structured questionnaires. The study population comprises decision-makers from North-Eastern Nigerian academic libraries and purposive sampling was used in selecting 212 sample respondents where 192 were found usable. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Partial Least Square–Structured Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for analyzing the data. Findings revealed that all the independent variables (relative advantage, compatibility, technophobia, government regulations and competitive pressure) were significant factors in the adoption of cloud computing in academic libraries. In contrast, the moderating variable (perceived trust) was found to be insignificant in all the relationships. Based on this finding, it is recommended that the significant factors should be given serious attention when deciding to adopt cloud computing by academic libraries. The moderating variable should be tested in future studies to ascertain its effect in that context.

Nexus Between Household Income and Child Labor in Northeastern Nigeria

This study examines the nexus between household income and child labor in Northeastern Nigeria using Logit Regression method as methodology. The study uses a multistage sampling technique to obtain data from 9 selected Local Government Areas in Adamawa, Bauchi, and Yobe States. The data was sourced by administering questionnaires to 810 children through their household heads in 3 wards of each Local Government Area. The results of the study show that household income significantly determines child labor in Northeastern Nigeria. The coefficient of household income was found to be -1.612 which indicates that household income negatively impacts child labor. Therefore, the study recommends that the government provide policies that will enhance the level of household income in the region.

Clinical Manifestations And Intensities Of Intestinal Helminthic Infections Among Primary School Children In Gombe, North Eastern Nigeria

Background: Children are susceptible to Intestinal helminthiasis and can develop severe complications such as malnutrition, anaemia, chronic diarrhoea, and impaired cognitive performance, which can limit their potential. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the clinical manifestations and intensities of intestinal helminthic infections among primary school children in Gombe, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study that used a multistage sampling technique to study 350 pupils from 24 primary schools in Gombe, Nigeria, from 4thJuly 2018 to - 31stJanuary 2019. The means and standard deviations of quantitative variables such as age, height, and weight were computed. Stools were examined by the Direct method and Formol ether concentration methods. The prevalence of intestinal helminths, clinical manifestations, types and intensities of helminthic infections were determined, and Chi-square was used to test for the association at 95% confidence intervals. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data was analysed using SPSS version 24. Results: The prevalence of intestinal helminthic infection was 23.7% (83/350). There was a significant association between intestinal helminths and blood in stools (OR= 15.400, p&lt;0.001), abdominal pain (OR=1.889, p=0.023), pallor (OR=2.146, P = 0.027). More than half of the recorded infections (51.8%) were classified as light. Only, 2.4%, exhibited moderate infections, and there were no recorded cases of severe infection. Conclusions: Intestinal helminthic infection is a public health burden, especially in children. Abdominal pains, blood in stools, poor hand hygiene and pallor were significantly associated with intestinal helminthic infections. However, most of the infestations are of light to moderate intensity. Regular health education and provision of clean water with deworming of school children at intervals are highly recommended.