This study aimed at looking at the impact of environmental policy instruments on green accounting in North-West Nigeria. The study was motivated by the emerging environmental challenges, poor compliance to environmental regulations and the need to have effective policy mechanisms for environmental sustainability. In particular, the study examined the impact that environmental regulation, environmental taxation, environmental tax shifting and voluntary methods have on green accounting practices. A mixed method research design was applied with primary and secondary sources of data. Secondary data were from selected Organizations in North-West Nigeria for the period 2012-2024 analyzed using panel data techniques, while primary data were collected using structured questionnaires to relevant stakeholders and analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results of the primary data showed that environmental regulation had a positive and significant effect (β = 0.345, p < 0.001), environmental tax shifting had a positive and significant effect (β = 0.171, p = 0.004), and voluntary approaches had a positive and significant effect (β = 0.115, p = 0.021). But, a negative, yet statistically non-significant relationship between environmental taxation and green accounting was found (β = −0.112, p = 0.051). The model explained 14.9% of the variation in green accounting practices (Adjusted R² = 0.149) and was statistically significant overall (F = 18.454, p < 0.001). Likewise, the results of the secondary data analysis revealed that environment regulation had a positive and significant impact on environmental sustainability accounting (β = 0.444, p = 0.019) while pollution abatement activities had a negative significant effect (β = −1.156, p = 0.001). The study concludes that environmental regulation, environmental tax shifting and voluntary environmental initiatives are important factors that influence the adoption of green accounting practices in North-West Nigeria while environmental taxation has not yet proven to be effective. The study calls for greater enforcement of environmental laws and more widespread environmental tax transfers, more promotion of voluntary environmental measures, and better environmental tax regimes to support environmental accountability and sustainability reporting.

Spatial distribution of noma incidence in Nigeria, 1999-2024: a modelling study.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is highly prevalent in Nigeria and is frequently complicated by sickle cell nephropathy, which often begins with asymptomatic microalbuminuria. Chronic hemolysis leads to nitric oxide depletion and vasculopathy, and L-arginine, its substrate, may serve as a biomarker of disease severity. To determine the relationship between serum L-arginine levels and microalbuminuria among adolescents and adults with SCD in Kano, Nigeria. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among patients aged ≥16 years attending hematology clinics of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital. Participants were screened for microalbuminuria and categorized into microalbuminuria and non-microalbuminuria groups. Serum L-arginine, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin and cystatin C were measured, and estimated glomerular filtration rate was calculated using cystatin-C-based equations. Among 246 screened patients, microalbuminuria prevalence was 17.5%. Eighty participants were studied (43 with microalbuminuria, 37 controls). Patients with microalbuminuria had significantly lower serum L-arginine levels than controls ( P < 0.001). Markers of hemolysis (LDH and bilirubin) and cystatin C were significantly higher, while eGFR was lower in the microalbuminuria group (all P < 0.001). Reduced L-arginine levels are associated with microalbuminuria in SCD and may serve as an early marker of nephropathy. In resource-limited settings, routine microalbuminuria screening, with optional L-arginine assessment, can help identify high-risk patients and guide timely renal-protective interventions.

Predictive modelling of HIV infection risk among people who inject drugs in north-west Nigeria: A multidimensional analysis of sociodemographic, psychosocial, and behavioral determinants

The renewed quest for hydrocarbon prospectivity and to boost National and African continent has intensified in the search for viable oil and gas reserves in Nigeria. This has reawakened interest in the Sokoto basin as a potential zone for hydrocarbon potential in Sokoto basin, Northwestern Nigeria. The study was undertaken for the purpose of unravelling and characterizing the structural styles and regional trends of the earth’s sequence covering parts of Sokoto basin, North-West Nigeria. Aerogravity datasets were acquired from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) via Bureau Gravimetrique Internationale (BGI), France. These datasets were acquired using a fixed-wing aircraft and processed to produce Bouguer anomaly map. Qualitative analysis was carried out using various Filtering techniques, including two-dimensional First Fourier transform (FFT2D), analytic signal, and horizontal and vertical derivatives. These enhanced data sets facilitated the mapping of structural features, faults, and potential reservoir seals. The Quantitative analysis was carried out using Euler Deconvolution techniques to estimate depth and define subsurface structures. Euler solution map (derived from Euler deconvolution technique) was used for the depth estimation in the Sokoto Basin due to its ability to quickly and effectively delineate subsurface structures, estimate the thickness of the sedimentary layers, location and geometry of subsurface causative bodies (primarily non-magnetic basement rock and overlying sediments thereby identifying the potential areas where that are favourable for hydrocarbon maturation and accumulation The gravity values in the total field ranged from -71.67 to -28.26 mgal. The 3D Euler Deconvolution techniques revealed the depth and locations of causative bodies that yielded the gravity field was found to be in the minimum range of 1482 to 2514m at an average depth of 2032m and the maximum range of 5653 to 6487m at an average depth of 6040m for structural Index zero (S.I=0). Overall, the study revealed important information on basin thickness, faulting, intrusive bodies, and structural configurations, providing essential data for resource exploration and development at local, national, and continental levels.

ABSTRACT This study explores the relationship that exists between state governance, uncontrolled artisanal gold mining, and banditry, using the political economy of violence framework. The northwest Nigeria has experienced an increase in artisanal gold mining, which, while providing income to impoverished rural areas, also contributes to banditry and criminal activities. Based on qualitative methods, this study reveals how governance failures serve to enable proliferation of banditry, operating with impunity to engage in rural violence and control of mining camps. The study advocates for holistic approaches to improve security, control artisanal mining, and deliver sustainable development to these areas.

This study investigated the dynamics and drivers of multidimensional poverty among tomato producers in Northwest Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was utilized, approximately, 200 tomato farmers from Kano and Kaduna states were selected. The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), Probit regression model and t-test analysis were employed with the MPI which measures severe deprivations by mirroring the Human Development Index in the dimensions of health, education, and living standard which are reflected in 10 indicators, each with equal weight within its dimension. The results revealed that 72% of the respondents are multidimensional poor, with an average poverty intensity of 62.37% and an MPI value of 0.4490—exceeding Nigeria’s national average. The standard of living contributed most significantly (39.5%) to poverty, followed by health (35.9%) and education (24.6%). The Probit regression analysis showed that educational attainment and income were the most significant factors negatively associated with multidimensional poverty, while variables such as age, access to credit, farming experience, and cooperative membership had no statistically significant effect. A cost-return analysis using a t-test confirmed the profitability of tomato farming, with average returns significantly exceeding costs (₦903,960 vs. ₦368,250.34). However, the persistence of poverty among growers, despite profitability, suggests that income alone cannot eliminate multidimensional deprivations without improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The study recommends holistic poverty alleviation strategies that integrate agricultural support with social infrastructure development to enhance the overall well-being of farming households.

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a lifelong condition; it has been recognised as a procoagulant state in which micro thrombi have influenced the evolution of many complications. Elevated homocysteine is linked to increased risk of vaso-occlusion crisis and hyperhaemolytic crisis. This was a cross sectional study conducted in adult with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) in steady state in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, Kaduna Nigeria. Aim: To determine serum homocysteine levels in adult SCA patients in steady state and compare with those with HbAA phenotypes. Materials and Method: This cross-sectional case control study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Zaria, Nigeria among adult HbSS patients in steady state from January to May 2023. A total of 60 participants were enrolled, 30 subjects diagnosed with SCA and 30 HbAA controls. Serum homocysteine of all participants was performed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and comparison made between the subjects and controls. The Statistical Package for Social Science software (SPSS) version 23.0 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean value for homocysteine in the HbSS group was 9.72 ±0.96 µmol/L whilst that of the HbAA was 6.19 ±0.88 µmol/L. All the thirty (100%) SCA patients had homocysteine levels between 5-15 µmol/L whilst twenty-seven (90%) out of thirty participants in the HbAA group had homocysteine between 5-15 µmol/L. Three (10%) out of thirty in the HbAA group had homocysteine levels &lt; 5 µmol/L. There was a statistically significant difference between the means of the two groups with p value of &lt; 0.0001. Conclusion: This study demonstrated higher mean serum homocysteine levels among the HbSS participants in comparison with the controls (HbAA).

This study assessed the concentrations of selected heavy metals in the Bakolori Reservoir, Zamfara State, and Northwest Nigeria. Water samples were collected monthly over 12-month duration and analyzed via Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) at the Physical Chemistry Laboratory of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. Data were subjected to one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that Lead (Pb) concentrations remained below detectable limits throughout the study period. Chromium (Cr) levels ranged from a minimum of 0.03±0.01 mg/L (February and April) to a maximum of 0.04±0.06 mg/L (December), with an annual mean of 0.03±0.04 mg/L. Seasonal variations significantly influenced Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), and Manganese (Mn) concentrations. Cadmium levels were elevated during both the rainy (0.06±0.08 mg/L) and dry (0.05±0.10 mg/L) seasons. Regarding sub-seasonal fluctuations, Manganese peaked during the mid-dry season (1.41±1.04 mg/L), while Zinc concentrations remained consistently below the recommended threshold for aquatic life, ranging from a maximum of 0.06±0.09 mg/L in the early dry sub-season to a minimum of 0.02±0.03 mg/L in the mid-dry sub-season. Continuous bio monitoring of these trace elements is strongly recommended to mitigate potential anthropogenic accumulation.

Background:Determining the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of urinary tract infection (UTI) in malnourished children in a community will help the clinician in decision-making regarding suitable first-line antibiotics.Materials and Methods:We performed a prospective cross-sectional study from July to November 2011 at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital to determine the prevalence of UTI and evaluate the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of organisms isolated from the urine of children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and normal controls. In total, 169 children with PEM aged 6–59 months were enrolled consecutively as subjects and 169 well-nourished age and sex-matched children as controls.Results:The prevalence of UTI was found to be 16.0% in the subjects; this was significantly higher than 2.4% in the controls. The most common isolate wasE. coliin both the subjects and controls. All isolates were sensitive to gentamycin and ciprofloxacin, whereas about half of the isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics such as amoxicillin, cotrimoxazole, and cefuroxime. The antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the organisms differs from other reports.Conclusion:There is high a prevalence of antibiotic resistance to the commonly used antibiotics for UTI. It is recommended that ciprofloxacin or gentamycin be considered as empirical antibiotic of choice in children with PEM and proven UTI. It is advised that regular surveillance of urinary tract pathogens should be carried out to evaluate antibiotic sensitivity pattern to guide empirical treatment.

ABSTRACT Given the failed military operations in northwest Nigeria, sub-national governments negotiated amnesty deals with the bandits to end the crisis. However, the amnesty had the opposite effect of what was intended. Given this context, this paper argues that three factors undermined the deals. First, since bandits operate without central leadership, granting amnesty to some groups triggered the emergence of new groups for material gains. Second, the bandit-terrorist collaboration in northwest has implications for the failed deals. Finally, the transnational nature of banditry meant agreements were not respected. Therefore, the post-amnesty period has witnessed an escalation in banditry in the region.

From waste to fuel: Uncovering the drivers of garbage and plastic burning in Northwest Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between generative AI usage and information literacy skills among university students in North-West Nigeria. The research investigated awareness levels, evaluation practices, ethical considerations, and barriers affecting the integration of AI-powered tools in academic contexts. Employing a quantitative research design, the study surveyed 385 undergraduate students from federal, state, and private universities using the Generative AI and Information Literacy Impact Questionnaire (GAIL-IQ). Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, and frequencies through SPSS version 26. The ACRL Framework for Information Literacy (2016) provided the theoretical foundation, emphasizing threshold concepts in information understanding. Findings revealed moderate awareness levels (M=3.42, SD=0.89) of AI-powered tools among students, with significant variations across institutional types. Students demonstrated limited capacity in evaluating AI-generated content credibility (M=2.78, SD=0.94), raising concerns about information accuracy assessment. Ethical practices regarding attribution and academic integrity showed moderate adherence (M=3.15, SD=1.02), though infrastructural constraints and inadequate training emerged as primary barriers (M=3.68, SD=0.87). The study concluded that while students increasingly engage with AI-powered tools, critical evaluation competencies and ethical awareness require substantial improvement. The study recommends that Universities in North-West Nigeria should integrate comprehensive information literacy training programs specifically addressing AI-powered content evaluation, ethical usage frameworks, and attribution practices into undergraduate curricula to enhance academic integrity and critical thinking capabilities.

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) remains an important neglected tropical disease with significant reproductive health consequences for women in endemic regions of sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 529 females aged 15–50 years across six local government areas. Participants underwent structured interviews and colposcopic examinations to document gynaecological symptoms and characteristic lesions, including sandy patches, grainy sandy patches, rubbery papules, contact bleeding, and abnormal blood vessels. Logistic regression models were applied to identify independent predictors of FGS. The most frequent colposcopic findings were contact bleeding (10.8%) and grainy sandy patches (9.3%), while the predominant self-reported symptoms included vaginal itching (66.2%), vaginal discharge (60.0%), dysuria (47.2%), and lower abdominal pain (44.7%). Multivariate analysis revealed that vaginal bleeding (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.33, p &lt; 0.001) and postcoital bleeding (aOR = 1.77, p = 0.005) were independently associated with FGS.

Background: Visual acuity has been demonstrated as a significant predictor of vision-related health quality of life. Visual impairment has been shown to be of public health concern all over the world, with most visually impaired living in low-income countries. Aim: The study is aimed at assessing the baseline visual acuity among patients with visual impairment. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed to recruit 143 sample for the study. A standardised instrument based on the open data kit app (ODK) v.29.5 was used for the study. The data was analysed using SPSS v.23 and presented using frequency distribution table and percentages. Results: The results showed that most of the patients were male (66.4%) and were mainly students (37.0). Most patients (71.0%) had baseline visual acuity of 6/36 and 6/24 after best possible corrections. Conclusion: The study concluded that most of the low vision patients had a level of vision impairment that improved after best possible corrections; therefore, it is recommended that the provision of low vision services and devices across the state should be encouraged by ophthalmic nurses through public awareness and sensitisation.

The inherent variations in cultural orientations, cultural decadence, and ‘generation gap’ or ‘institutional age separation,’ occurring roughly every twenty-five years, have contributed to ideologies and beliefs that made the younger generation susceptible to violent terrorism in north-west Nigeria from 2011 to 2024. The adoption of democratic governance in 1999 disrupted the young generation’s outlook, with older generations dominating the polity, creating an environment of non-inclusiveness. Consequently, many youths became vulnerable to crimes such as prostitution, banditry, kidnapping, and serving as mercenaries of terrorism. In 2011, Zamfara State emerged as the epicentre of armed bandit terrorism, with spillover effects in Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi States, amplified through the mechanisms of globalisation. Globalisation, through internationalisation and cultural universalisation, transformed the world into a ‘global village,’ promoting borderless territorialities and the proliferation of arms and ammunition. This facilitated the exploitation of youth credulity, escalating violent terrorism, and prompting the deployment of kinetic and non-kinetic counterterrorism strategies. Terrorism reached its peak between 2015 and 2024, driven by heterogeneous psycho-cultural beliefs, generation gaps, encroachment on grazing routes, poverty, corruption, fragile institutions, wealth-seeking, drug abuse, and cyclical conflicts. The study recommends ameliorating these causes through cultural revival, proactive government interventions, and organisational engagement. Employing historical methods and qualitative content analysis, the paper highlights the interplay of generational, socio-cultural, and global factors in sustaining terrorism and proposes strategies to restore social cohesion and security in north-west Nigeria.

Introduction Noma is a rapidly progressing oral infection with a 90% mortality rate if untreated. Early identification by healthcare workers is critical, but limited knowledge can delay diagnosis and timely treatment, leading to severe outcomes. This study assessed healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices related to noma in northwest Nigeria to inform training and strengthen early detection and response. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study via interviewer-administered questionnaire in randomly selected health facilities across Sokoto and Kebbi states, Nigeria. Healthcare workers were recruited via convenience sampling. Noma knowledge was assessed using 15 questions, and respondents were categorised based on their scores: very poor (&lt;25%), poor (25–49%), fair (50–74%) or good (≥75%). Results A total of 419 healthcare workers participated in the study. The majority of respondents (n=231, 55%) worked in secondary healthcare facilities. Most of the 419 respondents were community health officers/community health extension workers (n=203, 48%) or nurses (n=177, 42%). Almost all (n=405, 96%) respondents were interested in learning more about noma. Of those who had heard about noma before the study (n=280, 66%), most had poor (25–49% score, n=165, 59%) or fair (50–74% score, n=100, 36%) knowledge about noma. Few (n=55, 19%) respondents reported ever treating noma patients. Most healthcare workers reported that early-stage noma treatments were available in their facilities: antibiotics (n=255, 91%), nutritional support (n=213, 76%) and wound debridement (n=199, 71%). Conclusion Our study highlights a significant knowledge gap about noma among healthcare workers in northwest Nigeria, despite limited clinical experience. Encouragingly, there is strong interest in learning and acceptance of educational tools. This presents a valuable opportunity to enhance training and early detection. Strengthening awareness and capacity is crucial, as timely intervention during the early, reversible stages of noma can greatly reduce associated morbidity and mortality.

Background: Children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) experience significant psychosocial difficulties, often compounded by stigma and inadequate psychological support in resource-limited settings. Art therapy may provide a culturally adaptable means of improving emotional well-being in this population. Objective: To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of a structured art therapy programme in improving psychosocial outcomes among children with CL/P in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test/post-test study was conducted among 500 children aged 6–17 years with non-syndromic CL/P. Participants completed an 8-week, group-based art therapy program. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS-25), Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire, and selected suicidality items from the Beck Depression Inventory. For 6-year-olds, only parent-report tools were used. Data were analyzed using paired t -tests, McNemar’s test, and multivariate regression. Results: Significant short-term improvements were observed across all measures: Mean PedsQL scores increased from 56.7 ± 10.8 to 81.3 ± 8.9, and RSES from 17.8 ± 4.5 to 26.9 ± 2.8 (both P &lt; 0.001). RCADS anxiety and depression scores reduced by over 45%, while suicidal ideation decreased from 18.6% to 4.2%. Effect sizes were large (Cohen’s d &gt;2.0). Improvements were consistent across age, gender, and cleft type. Conclusion: Structured art therapy produced substantial short-term psychosocial improvements among Nigerian children with CL/P. Integrating art therapy into multidisciplinary cleft care could bridge the critical mental health support gap in resource-poor settings.

Background: Orofacial clefts (OFCs) often impose considerable psychiatric and psychosocial challenges on affected children and their primary caregivers, especially mothers. In resource-limited settings like Nigeria, the extent of these unmet needs remains poorly documented. This study assessed the psychiatric and psychosocial needs of children/adolescents with OFCs and their mothers in Northwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 500 mother–child dyads ( n = 1000) recruited consecutively from the cleft clinic of the Armed Forces Specialist Hospital, Kano. Data were obtained using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for children, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for mothers, and a structured questionnaire on psychosocial needs and service access. Analysis employed SPSS version 25, applying descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of unmet needs was notably high. Among children, 378 (75.6%) had abnormal or borderline SDQ scores, reflecting marked psychosocial difficulties. For mothers, 312 (62.4%) met the threshold for clinically significant anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8) and 285 (57.0%) for depression (HADS-D ≥ 8). Service gaps were profound: 415 (83.0%) mothers reported a lack of access to speech therapy, while 478 (95.6%) reported no psychological support. Financial constraints were the leading barrier for 421 (84.2%) families. Conclusion: Children with OFCs and their mothers in Northwest Nigeria face overwhelming psychiatric and psychosocial burdens, largely unmet by current care systems. Integrating mental health and psychosocial support into cleft care is urgently required in Nigeria and similar low-resource settings.

Background: Caesarean section is the most common obstetric surgical procedure. Although the advancement in asepsis and anaesthesia has made the procedure safer, still adverse events do occur in the setting of Caesarean section. Objective: This study aimed to determine the rate and outcome of Caesarean sections. Materials and methods: The study was a 3-year retrospective review of Caesarean sections carried out between 1st July 2020 and 31st June 2023 in the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Rasheed Shekoni Federal University Teaching hospital Dutse. The case files of the participants were retrieved from the record department. Data analysis was carried out using IBM statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 26. Measured variables were expressed in frequencies and percentages. Test for association was done using chi-square non-parametric test, setting level of significance at P &lt;0.05. Results: A total of 376 Caesarean sections were performed out of a total 2,483 deliveries, giving a Caesarean section rate of 15.3%. The mean age of the women was 28.51± 5 years. The mean parity was 4.46± 2.7. Majority (94.76%) of the women had EBL of ≤ 1000mls and the mean unit of blood transfused was 0.65± 0.9 units. Most (87.7%) of the babies delivered had 5th Apgar score of ≥ 7. Conclusion: The Caesarean section rate in this study is close to the rate recommended by WHO, however the repeat Caesarean section rate is high