Odukpani Local Government Area Research Articles

Correlates of post-traumatic stress disorder among adult residents of conflict-affected communities in Cross River State, Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundConflict-affected communities in Nigeria experience a range of problems. These experiences have been associated with different types of mental disorders, most notably, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).AimThis study sought to assess...

Integrating seismic refraction and electrical approaches in determining geophysical properties of near-surface cavities in Calabar-Ikom highway, Odukpani, Cross River State, Nigeria

Integrated seismic refraction tomography (SRT) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) were used to study near-surface cavities with the aim of determining their geophysical properties. Five seismic refraction profiles around the study area were carried out using a 24-channel seismograph (ES-3000) while four ERT and ERT profiles were also conducted with IGIS resistivity meter and PLOTREFA software respectively. The data was processed using the RES2DINV software. Travel-time curves and velocity models were generated from the processed SRT data for each survey line, and 2-D inverted apparent resistivity models along the same lines were also generated for the purpose of comparison respectively. The results as obtained from the profiles showed SRT 1 (with a modelled velocity of 1,216 m/s in layer two at a depth of approximately 11 m - 20 m beneath the subsurface and an estimated cavity diameter of 11 m) and ERT 1 (with an apparent resistivity of approximately 826 Ωm and a depth of approximately 12.5 m – 16 m) indicates that the near-surface cavity outcrop links with a close-by mountainous structure in the EW direction. Profiles SRT 2 (with an approximately modeled velocity layer of 980 m/s in layer two at an approximate depth of 3.5 m – 7.0 m) and SRT 3 (with a modeled velocity layer of approx. 1,000 m/s in layer two at an approximate depth of 4.0 m – 7.0 m and 3.0 m – 9.0 m); ERT 2 (with an apparent resistivity of approximately 80 Ωm); and ERT 3 (with apparent resistivities of 116 Ωm and 182 Ωm at depths of approximately 3.5 m to 6.4 m and 4.0 m to 15.8 m) indicates that the surface cavity outcrop extends underneath the road network (Odukpani Central Section of Calabar-Ikom Highway) with a width of approximately 12 m. Profiles SRT 4 and SRT 5 (with an average velocity layer of 1,000 m/s in layer two at an approximate depth of 6.0 m – 13.2 m), and ERT 4 (with apparent resistivity ranging between 121 Ωm and 172 Ωm) at a depth of approximately 9.5 m to 20.0 m reveal that the near-surface cavity extends up to about 11 m across the highway and about 120 m away from the edge of the road. The above result will serve as reliable technical information to Transport and Building Construction Engineers on the presence of cavities along road networks and settlement areas in Odukpani Local Government Area. The recommendation is also made for the use of other geophysical techniques like Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) in conjunction with SRT and ERT to get higher-resolution imagery of the study area.

Formol Gel detection of Leishmanial Antibodies: A Pilot Study for the prevalence of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Ekemkpon Community in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Visceral leishmaniasis is a form of parasitic infection transmitted to human beings by the bites of female sandflies of the genus Phlebotomus in African countries, including Nigeria. This study was carried out in Ekemkpon community of Cross River State in Southern Nigeria, as a survey for the presence of leishmanial antibodies in the area. Four millilitres of blood specimens were collected, by venepuncture, from 178 consenting residents of the study community. One millilitre of cellfree serum from each blood specimen was placed in a plain test tube, to which 2 drops of concentrated formalin (40%) were added. The preparation was allowed to stand on the bench for 20 minutes. A positive Formol Gel test was indicated by the whitening and gelling of the serum like the white of an egg within 5 minutes, Chi-Square technique was used for testing the statistical significance of all parameters during analysis. Atotal of 178 residents, comprising 95 males and 83 females, were enlisted in the study after obtaining their oral consent. Positive formol gel results were detected in 24 subjects. This finding gave an overall prevalence of 13.5% (24:178) for visceral leishmaniasis in the study area. Among the residents of the study area, there were no skin manifestations suggestive of cutaneous forms of leishmaniasis. Among those who were positive for the formol gel test, there were no overt signs of classical illness. Therefore, visceral leishmaniasis exists as an asymptomatic infection in this community. It is recommended that more sensitive tests, especially molecular techniques, be carried out for a definitive diagnosis to establish the presence or absence of visceral leishmaniasis in this community.

Teachers’ attitudes to work on learners’ study readiness in primary schools in odukpani local government area of cross river state, nigeria.

The purpose of this study was to find out influence of teachers’ attitudes to work on learners’ study readiness in primary schools in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were posed and formulated respectively to guide the study. Ex-post-facto design was adopted for the study, purposive sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents (40 class teachers, 10 deputy head teachers and 10 head teachers) for the study. The instruments used for gathering data for this study were the Teachers’ Attitude to Work Questionnaire (TAWQ) and Learners’ Study Readiness Assessment Scale (LSRAS), which were arranged on a 4-point Likert Scale. The instrument was validated by one expert in educational Measurement and Evaluation in National Teachers’ Institute (Calabar Study Centre). All the hypotheses were tested with one-sample population t-test and one-way analysis of variance at .05 level of significance. The research findings revealed that: The levels of learners’ study readiness in terms of reading/note copying, concentration, time schedule and home work are all significantly higher than the expected level. Teachers’ attitude has significant influence on learners’ study readiness in schools. The teachers should help nurture in learners the capacity of using effective study readiness as a guarantee for maximum achievement as one of the recommendations.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis among primary school children in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections initiate a major health issue in children from developing countries and are the vital cause of morbidity. The study determined the prevalence of STH infection among children in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. Faecal samples were collected from four hundred and twenty-five (425) children selected randomly from school-aged children. The samples were examined exploiting standard parasitological methods. Results revealed the presence of three helminth species with an overall prevalence of 41.2% including Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura with a prevalence of 20.0%, 13.2% and 8.0% respectively. Chi-square analysis showed no significant difference between the helminths at p<0.05. Variables considered in the study were location, gender, and age. The study indicated that soil-transmitted helminths were prevalent in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. Control measures such as periodic mass deworming, sanitation and health education should be enforced.

Water Quality of Some Selected Communities in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Water Quality of Some Selected Communities in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Bacteriological Quality of Local Streams and Antibacterial Effect of Ocimum gratissimum and Psidium guajava

Background: Streams are known sources of drinking water for most communities in the rural areas. It importance to human and other forms of life cannot be overemphasize, hence the need to evaluate it portability
 Methodology: Microbiological quality of different streams in Inua Akpa of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State was determined using standard bacteriological technique. The two (Psidium guajava and Ocimum gratissimum) plant materials were extracted using 70% ethanol and distilled water. Susceptibility testing was carried out using agar diffusion methods. SPSS version 20 was used for descriptive statistics, student Unpaired T-test compared the means of bacterial isolates and their distribution in different streams.
 Results: E. coli, Salmonella, Klebsiella and Enterococcus Spp were isolated with percentage occurrence based on streams as: 43.0, 27.0, and 30.0%, 71.0, 27.0, 00, 83.0, 00, 18.0 and 63.0%, 38.0, 00 in Ndom Nyam, Usung Esuk and Usung Odot streams respectively. Klebsiella was the most frequent isolate (83.0%) followed by Salmonella Spp in Ndom Nyam. Salmonella and Enterococcus spp were absent in Usung Odot while Klebsiella Spp was undetected in Usung Esuk. E.coli was isolated in all the experimented streams with total occurrence of 93.0%. There was a significant difference at P = 0.005 in the occurrence of E. coli in all the streams compared to other isolates.
 The isolated organisms were susceptible to P. guajava at all concentrations (50, 30, 20, 10, 5mg/mL) with highest inhibition of (24mm) observed at 50mg/mL against Klebsiella Spp. Ocimum gratissimum was effective against E.coli at all concentrations, Enterococcus was only inhibited at 50 and 30mg/mL, Klebsiella showed resistant at the lowest concentration (5mg/mL) while Salmonella resisted the extract at all concentrations. The aqueous extract of both plants showed no antimicrobial activity against any isolated organisms as well as negative controls.
 Conclusion: This study suggest a regular monitoring of local streams to stop human activities that encourages the introduction of microorganisms into sources of drinking water. The expressed inhibitory zones of diameter by these two plants justify their used as alternative treatment for water related illnesses in rural communities.

Potential barriers to and facilitators of civil society organization engagement in increasing immunization coverage in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria: an implementation research

BackgroundCivil society organizations (CSOs) are important in health care delivery. They have the potential to play significant roles in immunization-related services, such as advocacy, health education, demand creation and resource mobilization. Their roles are often indispensable, diverse and beneficial in reducing infant morbidity and mortality due to vaccine-preventable diseases. This study explored the potential barriers to and facilitators of CSO engagement in increasing immunization coverage in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.MethodsThe study adopted qualitative data collection methods. Twenty-two focus group discussion (FGD) sessions, three in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 26 key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted. Appropriate guides (FGD guide, IDI guide and KII guide) were used to conduct face-to-face interviews and the discussions. The FGDs, KIIs and IDIs were audio-recorded and transcribed. A framework analysis approach involving five key stages of analysis (familiarization with data, identification of thematic framework, indexing, charting, mapping/interpretation) was used for data analyses and presentation.ResultsCSOs encounter barriers in the course of their immunization advocacy, communication and social mobilization due to male child preference, leading to shielding of male children and not allowing them to be given immunization, as well as patriarchy, safety concerns, religious concerns, anti-vaccine misinformation and rumours, low perception of effectiveness and efficacy of vaccines, inaccessibility of localities, low health literacy and superstitious beliefs. Various community structures, such as the institution of the village head, elders’ council and town crier (announcer), and the existence of change agents, act as facilitators of immunization advocacy and uptake. Factors such as traditional control mechanisms including masquerades and religion act as either barriers or facilitators depending on the community and the mode of deployment. CSO members are willing to overcome these barriers and leverage the facilitators.ConclusionsFor successful engagement in immunization-related services, there are barriers in the study area that CSOs should overcome, such as male child preference and geographic inaccessibility, as well as facilitators that they should leverage such as traditional information dissemination systems and enforcement of compliance by the chiefs and elders’ council.

Fertility status of selected soils developed on shale and sandstone parent materials in Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

The study evaluated the fertility status of soils developed on shale and sandstone parent materials in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State as a critical determinant of their proper management and utilization. Four pedons were sunk- two on each parent material and a total of sixteen soil samples were collected from different horizons of the profiles, processed and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Particle size analysis revealed that the texture of the soils of the two-parent materials varied from sandy clay, silty clay,sandy loam to sandy clay. The pH showed that soil of shale parent material was very strongly acidic with surface and subsurface means of 4.25 and 4.36 while that of sandstone was strongly acidic with mean values of 5.0in both top and subsoils. Except for pH, all other chemical properties were higher in shale parent material than in sandstone parent material. Organic carbon had surface and subsurface means of 2.82 g/kg and 0.91 g/kg, 1.71 g/kg and 0.37 g/kg, while total N had surface and subsurface, means 0.13 % and 0.08 %, 0.13 % and 0.03 % in soils of shale and sandstone parent materials respectively. Available P had surface and subsurface means of 19.7 mg/kg and 8.04mg/kg in shale parent material, 11.4 mg/kg and 7.44 mg/kg in sandstone parent materials. Exchangeable Al3+ was higher than H+ in both soils meaning that Al3+ was the primary cause of acidity. ECEC was low in both soils with surface and subsurface means of 10.72cmol/kg and 5.94cmol/kg in shale, 7.23 cmol/kg and 4.56 cmol/kg in sandstone while BS was high with mean values 84.04 % and 76.9 % in shale, 77.02 % and 72.07 % in sandstone representing surface and subsurface soils accordingly. The study revealed that soil developed on shale stone is more fertile than that of sandstone and as such more agronomic inputs and management practices will be required to enhance sustainable production in soils developed on sandstone than their shale stone counterpart.

Improving the Socio-Economic Wellbeing of Rural People: Analysis of the Impact of the Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) tn Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The objective of the study is to examine the impact of Cross River Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) on the socio-economic wellbeing of the rural poor of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria.the study specifically examine the extent to which the Cross River Community and Social Development Project (CSDP)in terms of the provision of socio-economic facilities and provision of basic health care facilities relates to the socio-economic wellbeing of the rural poor of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. the study adopted The Expost Facto research method. The sample size for the study is three hundred and eighty four (384) derive from 13 wards in Odukpani Local Government Area drawn using the purposive sampling technique, the simple random technique, and the systematic technique. The instrument of data collection was the questionnaire. Data collected from the field was analysed hypothesis by hypothesis, each was testing using Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistical tool at 0.05 level of significance. Result from the analysis of data revealed that Cross River Community and Social Development Project (CSDP)in terms of the provision of socio-economic facilities and the provision of basic health care facilities significant relates to the socio-economic wellbeing of the rural poor of Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that Socio economic activities/programmes such as skill acquisition should be extended to other local government areas of the state as this will avail other community to benefit positively from same.

Concept Mapping Strategy and Academic Performance in Basics Science among Primary School Pupils in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State

This study examined the concept mapping and academic performance in Basic Science of primary school pupils in Odukpani Local government Area of Cross River State. The independent variables examined include gender, problem solving technique, retention and dependent variable is academic performance of student in Basic Science. To achieve the purpose of the study, three research questions and three research hypotheses were posed and formulated respectively to guide the study. Literature was reviewed based on the variables in the study. The research design was adopted for this study was the pre-test post -test control group design. One hundred fifty (150) primary five pupils in five intact classes were selected using stratified and simple random sampling technique for this study. The instrument used for data collection was Basic Science achievement constructed by the researcher. Independent t-test statistic was used as statistical tool for data analysis. Each of the hypotheses was tested at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed The result of this hypothesis revealed that pupils’ gender, problem solving technique, retention differ significantly in Basic Science performance when taught Basic Science using concept mapping among primary five pupils. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that Basic Science teaching and evaluation strategies should be gender bias free. This will make males and females to see themselves as equal, capable of competing and collaborating in school activities. Thus, enhancing performance in Basic Science

Beyond the Conventional Development Approaches: Evolving and Institutionalizing the Strategic Framework for Sustainable Wealth Creation and Development in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract Given the low level of economic development and the attendant burgeoning social vices at local level in Nigeria, this study illuminates on the strategic framework for sustainable wealth creation in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. The study argues that rather than the constant reliance on the ‘one size fits all’ analysis which has fundamentally blurred the minds of development experts and policymakers, greater emphasis should be placed on context-driven and specific studies. Among other things, the study notes that context-driven studies would enable each local government identify problems peculiar to it and evolve problem-solving measures consistent with local realities and demands. In the context of the present study, we share the optimism that Odukpani Local Government Council should prioritize wealth creation as basis for stimulating economic growth and development in the area. The study relies on triangulation of data involving interviews with key stakeholders, on-the-spot observation, participatory rural appraisal and information derived from relevant literature.

Irrigation potential of Inuakpa in Odukpani local government of Cross river using Kostiakov model

Infiltration measurements were carried out using cylindrical infiltrometer with height and diameter of 15cm and 5cm respectively. Sixteen infiltration runs were carried out in a composite grid (30m x 30m) in Inuakpa, Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State to test the efficiency of Kostiakov’s model, measure infiltration rate and relate same to some soil physical properties. Mean infiltration rate of 9.01 cmhr-1 was obtained at the end of the runs. The soil textural class was loamy sand with particle size distribution indicating mean values of 82.4, 7.2 and 10.4 % for sand, silt and clay respectively. The bulk density, particle density and total porosity had mean values of 1.35 Mgm-3, 2.48 Mgm-3 and 44.86 % while their coefficients of correlation with infiltration rate where 0.58, 0.48 and 0.69 respectively. There were also linear and positive relationships between infiltration rate and sand and silt contents with coefficients of correlation of 0.92** and 0.55* (p ≤ 0.05) respectively while clay content was not specifically linear or positive. Kostiakov infiltration model fitted well in evaluating infiltration parameters for sustained agricultural production. The soil infiltration rate, physical and chemical properties studied placed the soil in class 2 - irrigable. Mulching with plant residues, cover cropping, the use of restorative crops and zero tillage should be practiced in the area as soil management strategies.

Utilization of Oral Rehydration Therapy in the Management of Diarrhea in Children among Nursing Mothers in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to determine the utilization of Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) in the management of diarrhea in children among nursing mothers in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was designed to generated data from 200 respondents using multi-staged sampling technique. Data collected from the respondents were analsyed using IBM SPSS version 20.0 and presented in tables and charts. The result obtained from this study showed that most respondents 65(32.5%) were aged 25-29 years followed by 45(22.5%) 30-34 years and 36(18.0%) 20-24 years. About 170(85.0%) respondents were married while 14(7.0%) were single. Respondents were predominantly Christians 181(90.5%) and had attained secondary education 51(25.5%). Major sources of livelihood as indicated by the respondents were farming 51(25.5%), trading 44(22.0%) and civil service 42(21.0%). Income level per month for 47(23.5%) were between N6,000-N15,000 and about 46(23.0%) earned N16,000-N30,000, 31(15.5%) N5,000 and less, 12(6.0%) N31,000-N50,000 and 11(5.5%) N50,000 and above. Most study participants had good knowledge of dirrahoea disease and 124(62.0%) were aware of ORS, but a knowledge gap was noticed in ORS composition and method of preparation. Out of 69(34.5%) respondents who reported that their children had suffered from diarrhea in the past two years, only 30(43.5%) had used ORS to manage diarrhea cases in children. Reasons for non-usage of ORS/SSS among nursing mothers were majorly lack of awareness of ORS/SSS (52.4%), lack of information on ORS/SSS composition and preparation (16.6%) and ORS not readily available (6.9%). Knowledge of diarrhea and ORS has a significant influence on utilization of ORS among nursing mothers (P < 0.05). Hence, health workers need to educate mothers on the benefits of using ORS in the management of diarrhea in children.

Breast cancer awareness and practice of breast self examination among women in Adiabo community in Odukpani local government area of Cross River State, Nigeria

Introduction: Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the cell of the breast and continues to remain the most lethal malignancy in women across the world. The purpose of the study was to investigate breast cancer awareness and practice of breast self examination among women in Adiabo Community in Odukpani Local Government Area. Methods: The study adopted a cross sectional design. Multistage random sampling technique was used to select 345 women used in the study. Questionnaire was instrument for data collection and the chi-square test analysis was used to test the relationship between variables. Results: One hundred and sixty (46.4%) respondents were aware of breast cancer and 155(45%) respondents were aware of breast self examination. One hundred and fifty (43.5%) respondents practised breast self examination. Findings also revealed a positive significant association between breast cancer awareness and practice of breast self examination. Conclusions: The study concluded that there was low awareness of breast cancer and inadequate practice of breast self examination by respondents. It was recommended that emphasis should be placed on importance of breast self examination as a key factor in the early detection of breast cancer among women in rural communities.

Geophysical investigation of Obot Ekpo Landslide site, Cross River State, Nigeria

Data from 2-D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), vertical electrical sounding (VES) and seismic refraction were used to investigate the causes of the Obot Ekpo Landslide in the Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA), Nigeria. Results show that low resistivity shaly and/or clayey materials with bulk resistivity less than 10Ωm dominate the shallow subsurface of the area. These argillaceous materials intercalate with marls (and/or mudstone/limestone) materials that are characterised by relatively higher resistivity values. Average P-wave velocities were observed to vary from 655 to 1381 and 1787 to 1820m/s for the first and second layers respectively. The marls are laterally heterogeneous due to multiple fracturing at different locations caused by the probing action of tree roots in a sloping terrain and other mechanical stresses such as those set up by the expansion of clays in confined areas. Most of the downward percolating water gets into deeper layers through the fractures and at depths, are blocked by the underlying impermeable materials. As the blocked groundwater accumulates gradually at the interface of the marl and the underlying shale units, pore-pressure and uplift forces begin to increase while cohesive force is reduced, leading to instability. With increased rainfall, the ground becomes over-saturated and therefore the instability condition increases in the area. Transmission of mechanical forces of wind into the sloping ground through tree roots and to a lesser extent, mechanical vibrations from heavy-duty equipment working in the vicinity, caused the over-saturated materials to flow, leading to the landslide.

Traditional Methods of Crime Control and Community Security in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State - Nigeria

Traditional Methods of Crime Control and Community Security in Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State - Nigeria

An Ecological Survey of Microorganisms Associated with Plantain Roots (Rhizosphere)

Problem statement: Micro-organisms are more predominant around root zone and as such play a vital role to plant. Micro-organisms are diverse and have property modification which are beneficial to plant growth and root development. Approach: The lack of knowledge on the specific microorganisms associated with plantain roots in Cross River State soils (which inturn leads to an avoidable loss of crop if appropriate management methods were employed) led to the need for this study. Different ecological zones have different population of micro-organisms. The purpose of this study is to: to enumerate the rhizosphere microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) associated with plantain roots at different locations across the ecological zones of the state and to identify the rhizosphere microorganisms associated with plantain roots of different location representing the ecological zones of the state. Results: To ascertain this, it was necessary to isolate micro-organisms from the roots of plantain in order to determine the different populations of microorganisms in different ecological zones across Cross River State, Nigeria. The isolation of bacteria and fungi colonizing the root of plantain were determined at six locations across the state, as follows: Obanliku, Boki, Etung, Obubra Biase and Odukpani Local Government Area. The activity growing roots of plantain were removed with the attached suckers and transferred to the laboratory for microbial analysis. Serial dilution method was used to determine the population of bacteria and fungi present in the root samples collected. Also, staining reaction as well as biochemical taste were carried out to identify the types of bacteria present and their biochemical reactions. Conclusion/Recommendations: The result showed that several types of bacteria and fungi were present around the roots of plantain. The types of bacteria and fungi are listed below; Bacteria: Micrococus, Rhizobium, Azomonas-agilis, Pseudomonads aeroginosa, Nitrobactar winogradskyl; Fungi: Rhizopus, Aspergillus nigar and Nigrospora. Many of these bacteria and fungi species are known organic matter decomposers, nitrogen fixers and contributors to plant nutrition.The use of appropriate cultural methods could enhance good nutrition around plantain crops.

Allocative efficiency constraints in snail ( Archachatina marginata ) production by small scale snail farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria

This study examined constraints militating against the profitability potentials of snail (Archachatina marginata) production by small-scale snail farmers in Cross River State, Nigeria. Data were obtained from a random sample of 120 respondents in the study area by means of structured and semi-structured questionnaire. The first stage involved random selection of three (Ogoja, Ikom and Odukpani) local government areas from eighteen local government areas in Cross River State, Nigeria. This was followed by random selection of three villages (Igoli in Ogoja Local Government Area, Alesi in Ikom Local Government Area and Adiabo in Odukpani Local Government Area) in Cross River State. The respondents were randomly selected from each of the villages, 40 respondents were selected each from three villages, making a total number of 120 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and costs returns analysis. The results indicated that Cobb-Douglas production function had the best fit in explaining the relationship between output of snail and inputs used, the coefficient of multiple determinant (R2=0.60 indicates that sixty percent of the variability in output of snail is explained by the independent variables). Results from the analysis revealed that the marginal value products of farm size, labour, farm management practices and operating costs were N1080, N20.6, N972.8, N14.84 respectively, there existed allocative inefficiency, there is a high potential for snail farmers to increase their yields and income. Further analysis of results revealed that net returns on snail is N2,935,000.00 with return on every naira invested of N0.14 is also positive indicating a profit from the business, with attractive net return on investment. This study shows that snail farmers are faced with several problems in their production activities. These problems or constraints affect the efficiency of snail production in the study area. Notable among them are high cost of feed supplement, lack of capital, inaccessibility of formal credit source because lack of collaterals, lack of extension agents, lack of medication/vaccines, poor production infrastructures and lack of good farm management practices occupied 15%, 14.17%,11.67%,10%,9.17%,9.17% and 8.33% respectively. The constraints associated with the business as highlighted in this paper if tackled could pave a way to increase profit and this will alleviate poverty in Cross River State. Hence, forefficient production of snail in the study area, these constraints must be drastically reduced to the barest minimum. This can be done through efficient policy formulation and implementation, proper supervision of snail production programme, effective extension services and proper agricultural financing. Snail farmers in the study area should be train by extension agents on how to control some of constraints that militate against the profitability potential of snail production. Beside that snail farmers should form cooperative group (s) in order to obtain loans from bank (s) to increase their capital base for higher output.

Cheating Tendency in Examinations among Secondary School Students in Nigeria: A Case Study of Schools in the Odukpani Local Government Area, Cross River State

This study is designed to examine cheating tendency among secondary school students in Nigeria, with evidence from schools in the Odukpani Local Government Area of Cross River State. A total of 331 respondents in Senior Secondary 3 classes were randomly selected from 10 post-primary schools in the area. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit information on cheating tendency, the level of supervision, forms of cheating behaviour, and gender influence on cheating tendency. The data were analysed using percentages and chi-square statistics to highlight mean differences with respect to the identified variables. The results revealed some levels of statistically significant differences in respect of cheating tendencies on the identified variables. Based on these findings, it is recommended that an ethical reorientation programme, combined with the implementation of a stiff penalty, will reduce cheating tendency in all levels of the Nigerian educational system.