Northern Part Of Nigeria Research Articles

Effects of Insurgency and Sit-At-Home Syndrome on Quality Secondary School Administration in South East Nigeria

In recent times, one of the most devastating factors to Nigeria’s development, which has also posed the biggest threat to national leadership and security, is the proliferation and criminal activities of multiple insurgent groups across the various geopolitical regions of the country. More than any other factor, insurgency and other forms of terrorism have caused a colossal damage to Nigeria’s human, social, economic and infrastructural development. In the Northern parts of Nigeria, most of the schools have either been closed down or completely damaged. Hundreds of students have equally been abducted and are still in captivity. Many local government areas and communities have also been taken over and are under full control and administration of Boko Haram (which means western education is forbidden). This constitutes a threat to Nigeria’s corporate political existence as well as a great challenge and setback for educational management and administration and therefore need reform. The paper is based on the fact that education is the life wire of every nation. In the absence of quality assurance in secondary education, this important provision of the national policy on education becomes jeopardized. This paper examined some key concepts in the discourse and the negative effects of these syndromes on education. Recommendations on measures that can restore or curb deficiencies arising from these effects are made. One of the recommendations is the extension of school time table to accommodate about 450 hours of lesson period and more than 135 topics of sub-topics of the scheme of work or curriculum which are either lost or not taught every school term in the various subjects of both the junior and senior secondary school classes.

PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, MINERAL CONTENTS AND FATTY ACIDS PROFILE OF SELECTED CROP RESIDUES ACROSS SAVANNAH AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES OF NORTHERN NIGERIA

Characterization of the chemical composition of animal feed for major nutrients is one of the most vital considerations in the field of animal nutrition. In this study, the proximate constituents, mineral contents and fatty acid profile of selected crop residues across savannah agro-ecological zones of Northern Nigeria were evaluated. The crop residues were collected using multi-stage sampling techniques where three agro-ecological zones were selected from northern part of Nigeria. One local government area (LGA) was then selected from each zone and nine different forms of cereal and legume crop residues (cowpea hay, cowpea husk, groundnut hay, groundnut shell, maize cobs, maize husk, maize stalk, millet stalk and sorghum stalk) among the common residues used as feedstuffs by farmers were selected from each LGA. The collected samples were processed and analyzed using standard analytical procedures and the data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicated that, there is significant (p<0.05) differences among the crop residues in the proximate composition. Maize cobs had the highest dry matter contents (92.99%) and least ash contents of 2.07% and the highest ash content was recorded in cowpea husk (7.56%). Groundnut shell had the highest crude fiber contents (57.29%) and least nitrogen free extracts (33.19%). However, there was no significant (p>0.05) difference among the crop residues in terms of mineral contents except in zinc where significant (p<0.05) difference was observed. Similarly, fatty acids profiles were not significantly (p>0.05) different among the crop residues evaluated. The crop residues are endowed with high nutrients therefore should be fed to ruminants.

Assessment of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria among pregnant women in a tertiary hospital in Northern part of Nigeria

The objective of this study is to assess the IPTp use among the pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Bingham University Teaching Hospital and improve the knowledge and attitudes of the patients toward the treatment. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out between August and December 2017 among 107 pregnant women selected by systematic random sampling from antenatal care attendees at Bingham University Teaching Hospital in Jos North local Government of Plateau State of Nigeria. Information on the knowledge, attitudes and practices with respect to intermittent preventive treatment (IPTp) with sulphadoxine –pyrimethamine (SP) were obtained with the aid of a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Bivariate analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: Most of the interviewees were aged 26-30 years 40(37.4%) of the respondent, there was a high significant association between the age, educational level and occupation of the patients. Many of the respondents 57 (61%) were graduates, the association between the knowledge of malaria and level of education was highly significant. About 32 (29.9%) of the respondents had poor knowledge of treatment of malaria, there was a high significant association between the knowledge of treatment of malaria and level of education. 26 (24.3%) of the patients rarely used insecticide treated nets (ITNs) as method of malaria prevention, the association between the knowledge of malaria prevention and educational level was significant. Conclusion: Effort is needed to increase the sensitization of pregnant women about the benefits of IPTp in order to improve IPTp compliance.

Legal Framework on Land Administration in Nigeria

Land Administration in Nigeria dates back to pre-colonialism Nigeria. Before the advent of colonialism, customary land laws applies in different parts of the country especially southern Nigeria while Islamic law applies in most parts of Northern Nigeria. After the advent of colonialism, several ordinances and proclamations were passed by the colonial administration on land administration. This paper aims to identify key laws and stakeholders in land administration with intent to suggest improvement on land administration in Nigeria. Several laws govern land administration in post independence Nigeria. The Land Use Act 1978 is one of the extent laws on land administration in Nigeria. The court, the Bar and the Executive are key stakeholders in land administration in Nigeria. Use of modern technology, training of staff and staff welfare are some important suggestions for better land administration in Nigeria. Doctrinal methodology was adopted in this paper due to its nature and objectives.

A Study on the Historical Development of Tsangaya System of Islamic Education in Nigeria: A Case Study of Yobe State

This study aims to examine the concept of Islamic education and historical establishment of Tsangaya system of education in Nigeria and Yobe State in particular until present. Tsangaya refers to the informal school or place where teaching and learning of the glorious Qur’an and other Islamic sciences is taken place. The system otherwise called traditional Qur’anic school system, it has been in existence centuries prior to the British colonization as a source of moral guidance and educational training for the Muslim particularly in northern part of Nigeria. It has also contributed extremely to promoting Qur’anic education, inculcating self-discipline, spiritual growth of Muslim individuals and the communities respectively. The study employed a qualitative research approach that entails the techniques of documentation and interviews in collecting data while inductive approach to content analysis was utilized for data analysis. The outcome of this study reveals that Tsangaya system of education in northern Nigeria have developed rapidly since its establishment irrespective of some prevailing problems and they make a positive contribution on the society in terms of spiritual, moral and social wellbeing

Flooding in Nigeria: a review of its occurrence and impacts and approaches to modelling flood data

ABSTRACT This paper surveys flood mapping and modelling in Nigeria in regard to frequency and impact of floods in the last decade. The aim is to understand the frequency and patterns of flooding and approaches to its modelling in relation to current practices globally. The northern part of Nigeria is affected more by flooding than the south, so should be prioritised for flood management. The use of remote sensing data with GIS techniques is the most common approach to flood modelling in Nigeria. Bayesian and machine learning approaches should be used, in preference to process-based models.

EFFECTS OF CEILING FANS ON THE THERMAL COMFORT OF STUDENTS IN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS OF BAYERO UNIVERSITY, KANO, NIGERIA

It is well known that thermal comfort is influenced by major physical parameters; air and radianttemperatures, humidity, and air speed in combination with personal attributes; clothing insulationand activity level. Although temperature is conventionally considered in adaptive thermalcomfort model, as the most important physical parameter where cooling is involved, moderateair speed can enhance thermal comfort during higher temperatures. Through convective andevaporative cooling, ceiling fans cool people by causing sweat from the occupant’s body toevaporate. The northern part of Nigeria, being in the tropics, is known for higher temperatureregimes for most part of the year. The use of air conditioning to achieve thermal comfort is notsustainable, for economic reasons and the lack of stable electrical energy. Therefore, a majorityof naturally ventilated spaces could be kept thermally comfortable with the control of ceilingfans and operable windows. As part of a research work on learning environments in a NorthernNigerian university, this study reports on the effects of ceiling fans on the thermal comfortperception of the students in two lecture theatres. In addition to the measurements of air speed,air and radiant temperatures, relative humidity, a comfort survey was also undertaken in thespaces, from which activity levels and clothing insulations were obtained. Adaptive thermalcomfort standards, ASHRAE 55 and EN 15251, state that thermal comfort can be maintained asair temperature rises with the use of ceiling fans operating at moderate speed. The results fromthis study show that reductions of 31% and 22% in overheating from the two lecture theatreswere realised, as a result of ceiling fans usage, measured by the degree hour’s exceedanceindicator. These results were further corroborated by the students’ acceptance of thermalconditions of the lecture theatres at temperatures above Tmax.Keywords: Ceiling fans, thermal comfort, overheating, Bayero University, Kano

EVALUATION OF THE IN VIVO AND IN VITRO ANTIDIARRHEAL EFFECTS OF METHANOL LEAF EXTRACTS OF Boscia salicifolia IN MICE AND ISOLATED RABBIT JEJUNUM

Diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of preventable death in developing countries andmainly affects children and infants. The leaves of Boscia salicifolia has been used as anherbal remedy in the treatment of diarrhea in many parts of Northern Nigeria and WestAfrica. Thus, this study was aimed at investigating this enthnomedical claims of the plantextract on the gastrointestinal tracts. The fresh leaves were collected from Kalshingi townof Akko Local Government area Gombe State in August. They were dried for a weekunder the sun and the grounded into powder. Six hundred (600 g) grams of the powderedleaves were subjected to successive cold extraction with 80 % methanol. The extract wasused for acute toxicity, phytochemical screening, antidiarrheal and spasmolyticevaluation of acetylcholine, histamine and serotonin induced contractions on rabbitjejunum. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids,flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenes, steroid and glycosides. The effect methanol leafextract of B. salicifolia on castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice showed a significantreduction (p<0.05) in the diarrheal drops with increase percentage inhibition of diarrhea45.95, 40.54, and 29.72% at 380, 760, and 1140 mg/kg doses of the extract, respectively.The standard drug (loperamide 5 mg/kg) inhibited diarrhoeal droppings by 51 %. Theextract significantly (p<0.001) decreases the force of rabbit ileum contraction induced byacetylcholine, histamine and serotonin at 7 x 10-10 g/ml, 1 x 10-7 g/ml and 1 x 10-7 g/mlrespectively. The methanol leaf extract of Boscia salicifolia was found to be relativelysafe and possess significant anti-diarrhoeal activity, and this justifies the use of this plantin the treatment of diarrhoea in the traditional settings.Keywords: Boscia salicifolia, diarrhea, in vivo, in vitro, spasmolytic, castor oil

The Aftermath of 21st Century Sharia Implementation in Northern Nigeria

Enforcement of Sharia legal system is a duty bound over every Muslim (Male or Female) on their day to day life and activities. The objective of this paper is to examine the consequences after the implementation of Shari’ah law in 21st Century in Northern part of Nigeria. Therefore, this study addresses the major area of negation and setback in the implementation of Shari’ah law in 21st Century in Northern Nigeria. The study posit out that inconsistence of Nigerian constitution with Shari’ah law, capital offence punishable by Shari’ah law, Hisbah institution, lack of qualified and experts judges, political problem and many others are the setback encountered by means of Shari’ah implementation in Northern Nigeria. Conclusively, the study concludes that 21st Century Shari’ah implementation in Northern Nigeria faced with many challenges.

ALDO LEOPOLD’S LAND ETHIC AND DESERTIFICATION IN NORTHERN NIGERIA: AN ETHICAL APPROACH

This work is on Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic and desertification in northern Nigeria: An Ethical Approach. Desertification is a global environmental problem that has affected both developed and developing countries in various parts of the world. Nigeria is one of the countries south of the Sahara faced with fast desert encroachment, with notable effects on the northern part of Nigeria. The study showed that desertification has been experienced and reported in the northern part of Nigeria since the 1920s, but its effect or impact has been glaring since after the famine of 1971–1973. The problem this work looks at is the issue of desertification in northern Nigeria. Consequently, the study looks at the problem of desertification in Nigeria and analyses it with Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic. This work employed the method of content analysis to get a clarification of Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic and how it can be applied to the problem of desertification. The analytic method was also used to look at the concept of desertification. The work also pointed out that the government has not done enough to curb this environmental menace peculiar to those in the northern part of Nigeria. The work was able to establish that anthropocentric activities are the major causes of desertification, and it was further revealed that desertification is seriously affecting northern Nigeria. In conclusion, the work recommends that the government should not just make environmental laws but should also go further to ensure that the people are guided by these laws, that is, by enforcing them.

Heavy Metal Level Evaluation in Commonly Cultivated Vegetables from Different Farming Areas in Kano State

Metal toxicity on food substances has been a major cause of diseases and conditions in many parts of the world including African countries. In Nigeria, vegetables, which are an integral part of dishes and delicacies, could be liable to heavy metal toxicity and consumption of such could have devastating health consequences. This study aimed to evaluate levels of some heavy metals in vegetables sources from major farming areas in Kano, Northern part of Nigeria. Samples of some commonly consumed vegetables and irrigation waters were obtained from 4 different farming locations in Kano. The samples including the irrigation waters were oven dried and subjected to digestion processes using acid methods. The solution obtained was used to determine levels of Pb, As, Cd, Ni, Zn and Cu using spectrophotometry. The results showed elevated levels of Pb and Cd in water and vegetables from 2 farming sites compared to other location. The results were also higher than the acceptable limits by WHO/FAO. From these results, it was inferenced that vegetables from such areas have significant higher levels of some of these toxic heavy metals and should be point of concern for food monitoring authorities.

Evaluating energy consumption, indoor air quality, and student productivity

Smart energy conservation research is gaining traction in a variety of industries throughout the world. The current research is projected to cut energy consumption in the construction sector, which has already reached 49% globally and is expected to rise by 2% annually, costing millions of dollars per month. Balancing energy savings with thermal satisfaction is a current difficulty, as most researchers have concentrated on attaining energy savings without reaching the thermal contentment of the occupant, which could pose a health risk to both young and old occupants. To address the problem, we conducted empirical studies with 193 participants in the Northern part of Nigeria, where they were exposed to an indoor temperature of 22°C to determine their thermal environment, choice and comfort votes, viewed and favored control, and overall thermal satisfaction, which will help calculate and define the unused thermal satisfaction thermostat and later.

Spatial distribution and factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria: a multi-level analysis

BackgroundAdolescent pregnancy is a global public health and social phenomenon. However, the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy varies between and within countries. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the spatial distribution and factors associated with adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria.MethodsUsing data from the women’s recode file, a sample of 9448 adolescents aged 15-19 were considered as the sample size for this study. We employed a multilevel and spatial analyses to ascertain the factors associated with adolescent pregnancy and its spatial clustering.ResultsThe spatial distribution of adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria ranges from 0 to 66.67%. A high proportion of adolescent pregnancy was located in the Northern parts of Nigeria. The likelihood of adolescent pregnancy in Nigeria was high among those who had sexual debut between 15 to 19 years [aOR = 1.49; 95%(CI = 1.16-1.92)], those who were currently married [aOR = 67.00; 95%(CI = 41.27-108.76)], and adolescents whose ethnicity were Igbo [aOR = 3.73; 95%(CI = 1.04-13.30)], while adolescents who were currently working [aOR = 0.69; 95%(CI = 0.55-0.88)] were less likely to have adolescent pregnancy.ConclusionA high proportion of adolescent pregnancy was located in the Northern parts of Nigeria. In addition, age at sexual debut, educational level, marital status, ethnicity, and working status were associated with adolescent pregnancy. Therefore, it is vital to take cognizant of these factors in designing adolescent pregnancy prevention programs or strengthening existing efforts in Nigeria.

Detection of Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae from Clinical Samples and their Susceptibility to Conventional Antibiotics and Medicinal Plant Extracts

Carbapenamases are enzymes that renders inactive, the carbapenems antibiotics which are often considered as the last treatment option for all serious infections. Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) has already been identified all over the world. In Kano and other part of Northern Nigeria, there are several reports that CPE is in circulation at a rate researchers have never imagined and is rapidly spreading to far rural communities. This study aims to detect Carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae from clinical sample and determine their susceptibility to conventional antibiotics and Ficus ovata and Guiera senegalensis plant extracts. Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were collected from Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, reconfirmed and screened for Carbapenemase production using the Modified Hodges Test. The highest occurrence of carbapenemase was observed in E. coli (14.3%), while the least was observed in K. pneumoniae 3(12%) and P. aeruginosa 2(6.7%). Ficus ovata and Guiera senegalensis Plants were extracted using ethanol, N-butanol and N-hexane as separate solvents. Of all the three plants extracts, highest yield was observed in N-Butanol extracts having 32.7% in Ficus ovata. Susceptibility test using antibiotics revealed a decreased sensitivity of the test isolates to some commonly used antibiotics; Cefotaxime (25μg), Cefixime (5μg), Levofloxacin (5μg), Amoxicillin (30μg) and Cefuroxime (30μg). Agar well diffusion test was employed at a concentration of 20, 10 and 5mg/ml. All the six extracts were observed to have the highest activity against P. aeruginosa with Guiera senegalensis having more inhibitory activity. This demonstrates the extracts potentials for extraction of chemotherapeutic agents

Spatial analysis of economic predictors of under-five mortality in Nigeria

AbstractGlobally, under-five mortality rates declined from 93 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 38 in 2019. Despite the remarkable progress in reducing under-five mortality globally, it is still significantly high in Nigeria with 117 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning that 1 in 8 children die before the age of 5. The extant literature on the risk factors of under-five mortality in Nigeria have been largely limited to maternal socio-economic characteristics and environmental factors, with little known about the macroeconomic predictors within a spatial context. As a result, this study examines the macroeconomic predictors of under-five mortality in Nigeria. The data were analysed using spatial statistics. Results show that some parts of northern Nigeria are hotspots of under-five mortality. The study also discovers that inflation rate is a risk factor of under-five mortality in southern Nigeria while internally generated revenue is the predictor in the northern region. The study recommends region-specific interventions such as controlling the high rate of inflation and improving internally generated revenue to reduce under-five mortality in the country.

Modeling and Simulation of the Impact of Temperature on Single Point Load Cell using Trnsys 16.0: Measured, Uncompensated and Error Data for Zaria Kaduna State

A load cell is a piece of machined metal called a transducer or load sensor. As a measuring device, the entire framework is prone to the impact of environmental forces which can produce errors in the load cell output. The most significant force or input modifier is high ambient temperature. Typical meteorological year document demonstrates that in March, April, and May the temperature in Zaria can surpass 40ºC degrees on some days, including in most parts of northern Nigeria. It then implies that most weighing scales in the open environment will normally have a diminished sensitivity and along these lines yield wrong outcomes which can affect critical decisions with respect to weight control and well-being. Thus, this research aims to model and simulate the impact of high ambient temperature on a load cell using TRNSYS simulation studio. And its specific objectives are; to develop the model mathematically using the method of high gain feedback in a closed-loop to measure and compensate for errors due to ambient temperature above 40°C, to program the model using FORTRAN programming language at the back end, to simulate the model using a typical year meteorological weather data file for Zaria (11.0855°N, 7.7199°E). The procedures to model and simulate the effect of high ambient temperatures on load cell sensitivity include; the development of the model mathematically using the equation for high gain feedback in a closed-loop, programing the model using FORTRAN programming language (g 95 in Code block IDE), simulation of the model using a typical year meteorological weather data file for Zaria, (obtainable from meteorological Agencies). In the simulation, 75 kg was used as the sample weight. And the data obtained shows that in March at 1416.0 h, when no load is applied, there is a drift in the output range of the system even though the ambient temperature 20.152°C is within the scope of load cell compensation. Noticeably, the feedback system re-calibrated the scale thus eliminating the error and returning the gauge to 0.0 kg. The highest ambient temperature in March was recorded at 1981.0 h as 47.246°C with a corresponding error of 0.142. The feedback system evaluates the uncompensated value, eliminates the error and returns a correct value of 75 kg corresponding to the measured value. In April a drift in the system output range was also noticed at 2160.0 h, with a corresponding error of 0.150 before the feedback system re-calibrated the scale to 0.0 kg. The highest ambient temperature for April is 46.48°C at 2292.0 h and the corresponding error is 0.139. The feedback system again evaluates the uncompensated value, resolves the error and returns 75 kg corresponding to the measured value or known weight. While in May a drift in the system output range was also noticed at 2880.0 and the feedback system quickly returns the value to 0.0 kg. The highest ambient temperature of 46.86 is seen at 3037.0 h with a corresponding error of 0.141. The feedback system again evaluates the uncompensated value, resolves the error and returns 75 kg corresponding to the measured value.

Theory-Practice Gap: The Knowledge and Perception of Nigerian Nurses.

Background:The theory-practice gap can be described as a lack of ability to relate the knowledge acquired in academics and research work with practice. This study aims to assess the knowledge and the perception of Nigerian nurses on the theory-practice gap in Nursing.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional correlational study was carried out with a sample of 196 nurses who were working in the Federal Medical Centre Keffi and Aminu Kano Teaching hospital in Kano, all from the northern part of Nigeria, from April to June 2019. The participants were selected using a convenient sampling technique, where a self-administered questionnaire was utilized to collect the data and analysis was undertaken using SPSS.Results:The results of this study showed that 83.80% of respondents had good knowledge and 89.10% of the respondents had good perceptions. The levels of knowledge were significantly different in correlation with the educational level of respondents (χ2 = 13.88, df = 6, p = 0.022), which was determined using a Fischer exact test. Also, the level of perception was significantly different when considering the nature of work participants undertook (X2 = 7.65, df = 2, p = 0.022).Conclusions:Given the participants' awareness and perceptions in this study, it is clear that they are well informed of the theory-practice gap. This is a call for all professionals at an individual and organizational level to work, as it will translate into gap minimization, thereby increasing the quality of health care delivery as nurses constitute the largest part of the health care team in Nigeria.

Assessing the stage of cancer presentation among patients attending the oncology unit of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria.

Background: Cancer has become a major source of morbidity and mortality globally. Despite the threat that cancer poses to global health, few countries have data on cancer incidence in Sub-Sahara Africa. The stage at which a cancer is diagnosed has a tremendous impact on the type of treatment, recovery, and survival, hence, correct staging is critical in cancer treatment/management. Objectives: To document stages of cancer presentation among patients who attended the oncology unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria for six months and determine the relationship between the stages of presentation and prognosis Methods: The study was carried out at Oncology and Radiotherapy departments of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria located in the Northern part of Nigeria. It was a prospective observational study involving two stages, recruitment stage (6 weeks) and drug therapy follow-up stage (18 weeks). A self-designed data collection form (Proforma) was used. The data collected was analysed to obtained averages and percentages using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 23) and MS Excel 2013. Descriptive statistics including cross tabulation (frequencies and percent) were performed. Results: Most patients presented at the late stage (55%) i.e. Stage III and IV which could have led to low prognosis amongst patients. Conclusion: This study showed that most patients presented at late stage due to different factors such as proximity to the health care centre, strong belief in complementary and alternative medicine, financial constraint, different sociocultural belief among other factors. Public awareness, screening and establishment of cancer centres are hereby recommended.

Traditional medicinal plants used for treating emerging and re-emerging viral diseases in northern Nigeria.

For decades, viral diseases have been treated using medicinal plants and herbal practices in the northern part of Nigeria. Though scarcely investigated, these medicinal plants could serve as potential sources for novel antiviral drugs against emerging and remerging viral diseases. Therefore, this study is aimed at investigating the medicinal practices and plants used to treat emerging and re-emerging viral diseases including hepatitis, poliomyelitis, monkeypox, smallpox, yellow fever, Lassa fever, meningitis, and COVID-19 in some northern states; Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara and Sokoto states. Administered questionnaires and oral interviews were used to collect information on medicinal plants, method of preparation of herbal formulations, diagnosis, and treatment of viral diseases. Medicinal plants were collected, botanically identified, and assigned voucher numbers. The plant names were verified using www.theplantlist.org, www.worldfloraonline.org and the international plant names index. A total of 280 participating herbal medicine practitioners (HMPs) mentioned 131 plants belonging to 65 families. Plant parts such as roots, bark, leaf, seed, and fruit were prepared as a decoction, concoction, infusion, or ointment for oral and topical treatment of viral diseases. Moringa oleifera (75.3%), Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (80%), and Acacia nilotica (70%) were the most frequently mentioned plants in Kebbi, Kwara and Sokoto states, respectively. The study revealed scarcely investigated and uninvestigated medicinal plants used to treat hepatitis, poliomyelitis, monkeypox, smallpox, yellow fever, Lassa fever, meningitis, and COVID-19. Future studies should be conducted to determine the antiviral potency and isolate novel bioactive agents from these plants against viral diseases.

Planting date and fertilizer type influenced soil quality indices and soybean (Glycine max L.) yields in derived savannah of Nigeria

Soybean is grown in many parts of Northern Nigeria, with little climatic challenges and soil organic matter. There is need to investigate possible influence of planting date of the crop in Southeastern Nigeria, an environment that is rather foreign to the crop. A study was carried out in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons at Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, to evaluate the influence of different planting dates and fertilizer types on selected soil physical and chemical properties, growth and yield of soybean. A split plot in a randomized complete block design was used with planting date (May and June) as the main plots, while six fertilizer types (poultry-droppings manure 5 t ha–1, swine-droppings manure 5 t ha–1, rice-husk dust 5 t ha–1, NPK 15:15:15 at 150 kg ha–1, urea at 100 kg ha–1 and the control) constituted the sub-plots. At crop maturity, some soil quality indices and pod and grain yields (t ha–1) of soybean were assessed. Soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen contents were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by both planting date and fertilizer type in 2018 and 2019, while soil pH was improved significantly (p < 0.05) only by fertilizer type in these two cropping seasons. Mean-weight diameter of aggregates, soil bulk density and SOC stock as well as soybean yields were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by both planting date and fertilizer type in the two seasons. Generally, planting in May improved soil total nitrogen and soybean pod yield whereas planting in June improved the other soil quality indices and soybean grain yield, the best soil amendment in either case being poultry-droppings manure but sometimes parameter-specific. The choice of planting date (May or June) in soybean production in the derived savannah and the soil amendment to use in the enterprise thus has both agronomic and environmental implications. Such a choice would depend on the indices of soil quality and/or the aspects of soybean yields (pod or grain) whose improvements the farmer intends to achieve at crop maturity.