Nigeria Populace Research Articles

Entrepreneurship skills framework for fostering the employability of industrial technology students

<span lang="EN-US">The rising rate of youth unemployment and its attendant consequences on the general populace in Nigeria has assumed a frightening dimension. The academia and other relevant stakeholders have gradually come to realize that the possession of academic qualifications alone cannot guarantee a good quality job. Nigerian higher intuitions are now introducing entrepreneurship studies in their school curriculum without a clear framework. Research has shown that this does not guarantee total graduates unless we have an entrepreneurship skills framework that is functional and discipline-based. Noting that entrepreneurship is classified into two folds; entrepreneurship specific and entrepreneurship mindset, this study intends to develop an entrepreneurship skills framework that will promote the employability of the students of Electrical Technology in Colleges of Education in Nigeria. The survey research that employs the sequential exploratory mixed methods was used for the study. The population for this phase consists of entrepreneurs and academics in Nigeria. The use of the partial credit model in the Rasch analysis model guaranteed the consensus of the experts on each of the items being measured. The outcome of the study will contribute to the social-economic peace and sustainability in Nigeria and the body of knowledge in entrepreneurship regarding electrical technology.</span>

EGG PRICE RESPONSE TO INCREASE IN THE PRICES OF MAIZE AND SOYBEAN MEAL IN NIGERIA USING ECONOMETRIC TOOLS

Poultry egg productionn depends greatly on maize and soybean meal which affect the price of egg directly. Egg has been confirmed as one of the cheapest sources of protein. This study was aimed at estimating the relationship between egg price (EP) response to maize price (MP) and soybean meal price (SBMP) changes in Nigeria from 1990 to 2021Time series data in respect of SBMP (N/Kilogramme), MP (N /Kilogramme) and EP (N /Crate) in local currency were obtained. Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test and, the Johansen cointegration technique were employed to test for the stationarity of the variables and the long-run relationship between variables, respectively. Result of the study shows the presence of one co integrating long run equilibrium relationship between the variables. The Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) estimates showed that MP and SBMP had a negative influence on egg production which consequently transform to high price of egg. Policies on reduction of MP and SBMP should be implemented so as to reduce the EP and make the produce more available to the Nigeria populace.

Epstein Barr Virus nuclear antigen and sociodemographical characteristics of HIV-infected individuals in two tertiary health facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the opportunistic pathogens that affects HIV infected individuals. Although high prevalence of EBV has been well documented in Africa and some parts of Nigeria, such data are sparse from Rivers State, Nigeria. Thus, this study aimed at determining the Epstein Barr virus nuclear antigens and the sociodemographical characteristics of HIV-infected individuals in two tertiary hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria. Plasma from 182 HIV-infected individuals attending the Retroviral Clinics of UPTH and RSUTH in Rivers State, Nigeria were tested for antibodies specific for EBNA by IgM ELISA assays. Overall prevalence of IgM antibodies against Epstein Barr Nucleic Acid (EBNA) was 20.9%. The study showed sex-related statistical variances in the seropositivity of anti-IgM (females 23.5% vs. males 16.4%, p<0.05). Higher seropositivity occurred in age range 0-20 years (25.0%) than other age range, divorced and widowed (50.0%) than the married (25.7%) and singles (10.1%), among tertiary education (24.7%) than secondary (20.5%) and primary education (8.3%), Islamic religion (56.3%) than Christian religion (17.5%), and social/healthcare workers (37.5%) than other occupational groups. Summarily, higher seropositivity of anti-IgM antibodies against EBV was observed in HIV-infected individuals in UPTH than their counterparts in RSUTH. Nevertheless, 20.9% of the HIV-infected individuals in this study that were categorized with current/ongoing primary infection, owed to VCA-IgM detection, were positive for EBNA IgM antibodies. In conclusion, this study clearly confirmed that EBV seropositivity considerably increased with age, sex, marital status, educational level, religion, and occupation. Thus, this study verified earlier studies that presented high EBV seroprevalence, touching >50.0%the populace in Nigeria. Future larger and multi-center clinical research are suggested to address some unanswered seroepidemiological questions.

ASSESSMENT OF THE EXTENT OF POST-HARVEST LOSSES ALONG THE CASSAVA VALUE CHAIN IN ANAMBRA STATE

Addressing food security challenges is vital to the future of Africans and Nigerians. Despite the economic importance of cassava to the teaming populace in Nigeria, it is not devoid of post-harvest losses. This study explored the extent of post-harvest losses along the cassava value chain in Anambra State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and was conducted in Anambra State in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria. The study population comprises all cassava farmers in the state's four Agricultural Zones (AZs): Onitsha, Aguata, Awka, and Anambra. Multistage, purposive, and random sampling techniques will be used to select the respondents for the study. Primary data was used for the study and collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Shannon's diversity index, and the Tobit regression model based on the study's objectives. The study revealed that the size of cassava postharvest loss is 266,116 kg. The chain of highest loss is at harvesting, which accounts for about 55 % of the total loss, followed by the loss at processing, 33 %, and then a loss at distribution, 12 %. The Tobit regression result of the factors responsible for cassava post-harvest loss shows that poor processing skills, farmers' well-being, poor planning, and pest and disease attacks are the significant factors determining cassava post-harvest loss in the study area. The study, therefore, recommends that policies be implemented to help the farmers reduce the losses, especially by enforcing adequate training of local farmers in cassava processing.

Impact of dialectic behaviour therapy and assertiveness training on the mental health of socially stressed senior secondary students

Social stress resulting from substance abuse is a growing global concern. It is linked to mental health with psychosocial challenges faced by a large number of the populace in Nigeria. It is worrisome, especially among students in senior secondary schools in Port-Harcourt Metropolis. Thus, this research examined ‘Dialectic Behaviour Therapy and Assertiveness Training’ in managing psychosocial mental health problems of senior secondary school students who abuse substances in the Port-Harcourt metropolis. Tests before and after the study had a population of 9.650 students and employed quasi-experimental procedures. For the study, a 75-student sample from senior secondary school 2, comprised of 37 males and 38 females, was selected utilizing a multistage selection approach. Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Family/Friends Trouble, Edinburg Mental well-being scale, and Social Phobia Inventory were the instruments utilized to collect the data. Findings revealed significant differences in the psychosocial problems of adolescents in senior secondary schools because of the interventions, however, dialectic behaviour therapy made more impact in the reduction of adolescents’ social stress though both treatments had a significant impact. Keywords: Assertiveness training, dialectic behaviour therapy, mental health, social stress, substance abuse

Effects of Indoor Environmental Quality in Urban Housing on Residents' Health and Wellbeing in Nigeria

The building industry's contribution as a non-clinical contributor to the quality of life is its impact on occupants' health. A health-based standardised questionnaire and a digital data collection device were used to investigate the susceptibility of building indoor air quality (IAQ) to infectious diseases. PM2.5 (63 μm/m3) and PM10 (228 μm/m3) obtained exceeded the international standard. Some associations between certain building characteristics and potential risk factors for certain diseases were seen. This study provides a platform for future intervention in housing and public health policies and addresses the conundrum of safe and healthy buildings for the urban populace in Nigeria

A critical analysis of the extent to which social determinant of health explains health inequalities regarding maternal mortality in Nigeria

This article critically analyzes and quantified the extent to which social determinants of health explains health inequalities regarding maternal mortality in Nigeria. Evidence suggests that maternal mortality is predominant in developing countries. This formed the rationale in using Nigeria as a case study for critical analysis. This study showed the relationship between social status/determinants, health inequalities and maternal mortality outcomes in Nigeria. Using a critical analytical approach, this study shows that access to a good health care by maternal patients depends on a number of social determinants (such as education/awareness, income level/unemployment, cultural beliefs, insecurity, environmental conditions and healthcare decline/lackadaisical attitude displayed by some health workers in some parts of Nigeria) which can be linked to explain health inequalities that results in maternal mortality in Nigeria. To tackle inequalities, this study recommends targeted social policy reforms and maternal program/education for affected populace in Nigeria.

Pilot groundwater radon mapping and the assessment of health risk from heavy metals in drinking water of southwest, Nigeria

Radon and heavy metals are sources of groundwater pollution and are identified as potential carcinogens. Southwest Nigeria's populace mostly relies on groundwater source for drinking. This study aims to map radon distribution in groundwater of southwest Nigeria and to determine the health risk of radon and heavy metal in drinking water. Radon concentrations of 145 groundwater samples were measured using RAD7 electronic radon detector and heavy metal concentrations of 52 groundwater samples were measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Radon concentration distributions were delineated using geographical information system. Radon concentration of water samples ranges between 1.6 Bq l−1 and 271 Bq l−1 with an average value of 35.9 ± 38.4 Bq l−1. The average groundwater radon concentration is higher than US-EPA recommended level of 11.1 Bq l−1 but lower than the WHO recommended limit of 100 Bq l−1. The estimated average annual effective radiation doses to infants, children, and adults are 29 μSvy−1, 41 μSvy−1 and 92 μSvy−1 respectively. The radon distribution map of the study area reveals regions of high, medium, and low groundwater radon concentrations. The average concentration values of heavy metals in groundwater samples are of the order Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > Cd. 84% of groundwater exhibits good to excellent quality in terms of heavy metal pollution. However, about 16% of the samples which lie in the sedimentary regions of Ogun and Lagos States exhibit poor to very poor quality. Overall, ingestion of groundwater in the study area may not pose a serious health hazards from radon ingestion and heavy metal toxicity.

The church and genetically modified food in Nigeria: An ethical appraisal

The church in Nigeria does not seem to know the trend in food production where genetically modified food has taken hold of global agriculture. Pastors and Priests seem blank on what is happening, either because of ignorance, carelessness, or due to lack of biblical basis on which to teach or formulate policy. Despite these, the Christian populace in Nigeria is not left out in the onslaught of genetically modified organisms and foods as they continue to consume these products. This paper ethically appraises the role of the church in raising awareness and educating her adherents on the issues surrounding genetically modified food in Nigeria. Following qualitative and Christian ethical approaches, the paper argues that Christian churches in Nigeria should establish a committee that will study and advise them on the harmless foods for consumption in Nigeria.

Wildlife species diversity indices and seasonal distribution assessment in road-side markets of South-west Nigeria

Wildlife species are under serious exploitation by the rural populace in Nigeria because hu­man beings have understood their ecology. The need to update the existing knowledge of wildlife population is therefore essential. Twenty-three games markets along five Roads in South-west Nigeria were visited to document the wildlife displayed for sale. Two hundred and fifty copies of structured questionnaire were administered using systematic random sampling (odd) method for wildlife species information from market stakeholders. Direct method was counting for species and their numbers. Data generated were analysed through Species Diver­sity Indices Assessment. All emergent species were compared with International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) abundance rating. Road seasonal distribution of the marketed wildlife was determined by percentages, standard deviation, standard error of mean, mean differences, t-test, and tests of significance and Diversity Indices. Results revealed that 69,398 wild animals were displayed. Also more wildlife were sold during rainy than dry seasons. Appropriate recommendations of government sensitization of rural and urban settlers against over-utilization of wildlife resources, encouragement of the public towards animal domesti­cation and others were made.

Does economic shocks influence household's healthcare expenditure? Evidence from rural Nigeria

Health is profoundly influenced by several factors outside the traditional realm of healthcare. This paper employed a two-step Heckman selectivity model to examine factors influencing the decision to spend on health and the effects of economic shocks on health expenditure. The results from the first stage shows that the likelihood of spending on health increased with age, education, income, and decreases if the household is living in the northern region of Nigeria and uses mosquito bed-net. The findings from the second stage estimation show that a fall in the price of food items, an increase in the price of inputs for household enterprises and loss of job are the significant shocks that affect household health expenditure. Based on these findings, this study concluded that fall in the prices of major food items consumed within the household increased income available for health care among the farmers. Going forward, the study recommends the provision of holistic health-economic-welfare interventions for the marginalized rural populace in Nigeria.

ASSESSMENT OF IMPACT OF COVID-19 CHALLENGES ON PSYCHOSOCIAL WELL-BEING OF NIGERIANS

Assessment of the impact of COVID-19 challenges on the psychosocial wellbeing of the Nigerian populace are the focus of this paper. There are diverse reasons for the essence of assessment of this pandemic; however, the major reason is to document it for future generations. This study, therefore, examined the challenges faced by the populace as a result of COVID-19 pandemic in the South-Western zone and Nigeria as a whole. The study was conducted using a volunteering sampling technique and 335 participants were used using telephone inquiry. Those who completed the interview were 203 (60.6%) males and the rest 132 (39.4%) were female respondents. The instrument has a reliability coefficient of 0.76. Some of the challenges or impacts of COVID-19 on Nigeria populace are hunger, lawlessness, arm robbery, economic crisis, political crisis, financial problem, and hike in the price of essential commodities, young adults resulting in abuse of drugs, raping, pool betting, and internet fraudsters. The spiritual houses like churches, mosques, and shrine were closed up, couples that have given up raising child still found themselves in it as a result of lockdown order and finally the loss of love ones due to CORONA Virus. Based on these findings it was concluded that COVID-19 among the citizenry had cost Nigerians a lot of havoc. Article visualizations:

Utilization of Stranded Associated Flare Gases for Electricity Generation in Situ Through Gas-to-Wire in the Niger Delta

The large volume of stranded associated gas in the Niger Delta which has sadly been flared holds great prospect in addressing Nigeria’s electricity problem if properly harnessed. The predominance of central electricity production system has over the years shown incapability in generating enough electricity needed by the Nigeria populace. Even with the little generated, large losses are seen as they are transmitted from areas of generation to areas of consumption through the national grid system. A new system of electricity system has to be initiated capable of generating electricity even in smaller amounts for a geographical location. This power when generated and utilized insitu will save losses from transmission lines serve areas not previously contacted by the grid system. In this work, gas-to-wire technology is used to convert 5MMscfd of stranded associated flare gas in Ohaji North in the Niger delta to electricity using combine cycle gas turbine. The gas volume was sufficient for the production of 44.2 MW of electricity per day. Economic evaluation of the project gives a Net present value at 10% discount rate of USD 108150066, the pay-out-time of 2.69 years and a discounted cashflow rate of return of 37 years making the project a highly profitable one recommended for Nigeria as a solution to the poor electricity generation problem.

Auricular Anthropometry in South Western Nigeria Populace: Age and Sex Disparity, a Tool for Identification and Auricular Reconstruction among Nigerian Blacks

INTRODUCTION: There are population variations among people from different regions around the world in terms of auricle dimensions. This means it is not suitable to use foreign standards of auricle dimensions as a guideline for Nigerians undergoing plastic pinna reconstruction. Knowledge about the normal human ear dimensions and morphological features of various populations can be helpful from the anthropological and forensic point of view to provide data procedures for the inclusion and exclusion of persons for identification on the basis of ear variations collected from criminals. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among the populace of South-West, Nigeria between. Two hundred subjects (100 males and 100 females) between 10 and 50 years of age were selected for the study. They are divided into four age range groups in years. Group A (10-20), B (21-30), C (31-40) and D (41-50). The anthropometric parameters of the external ear were measured by the indirect method and variation according to age and sex were studied. These are the Total length of the ear (TLE), the Total width of the ear (TWE), Total lobular length (TLL) and Total lobular width (TLW). RESULTS: Our study showed the distribution of age and sex into four groups(A-B) with most of the males falling in B (N=32) while the females in group A (N=36). The age range for the subjects enrolled in the study was between 10 to 50 years. Group B has the highest number of subjects (N=64), while Group D had the least number of subjects (N=32) as well as the least number of male subjects (N=12). CONCLUSION: This study has shown a significant difference between auricular anthropometry in relation to age and sex of the subjects studied with men having relatively higher mean values than women.

Understanding the Nigerian Healthcare Delivery System: A Paradox of Preventive Medicine Since the Colonial Epoch

No human society is mundane to healthcare delivery method. Apparently, the process of healthcare delivery depicts the extent of the social development of a particular society. However, the healthcare delivery process in Nigeria from the colonial era attained a new paradigm by shifting from the practice of traditional medicine to the western styled patterns. Since the colonial Nigeria, both the traditional and western medicine has been dependable sources of preventive medicine for the Nigeria populace. In spite of the outright condemnation of the traditional healthcare practices, it received unbridled patronage by a larger Nigeria populace, thus the post-independence Nigeria witnessed a paradox of health care delivery.
 Aim: This paper aims to provide an understanding on the revolutions in the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria since the colonial period.
 Methodology: An extensive review of literature was carried out to elicit information on the Nigerian healthcare delivery since the colonial period.
 Results: The study revealed that the Nigerian healthcare delivery system is characterized by high cost. The study also showed that Nigeria has been witnessing inequitable distribution of healthcare facilities since the colonial period.
 Conclusion: The healthcare delivery system in Nigeria is not a colonial invention but the advent of the colonial masters brought about an outstanding transformation in the healthcare delivery process of most Nigerian societies. Thus, the practice of preventive medicine is indigenous to the Nigerian people.

Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites in Sickle Cell Disease Patients Attending Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Several studies have shown that sickle cell disease (SCD) is made worse by infections; it was necessary to carry out this study to ascertain the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections to the number of SCD patients infected compared to Non-SCD patients, the impact of the infections on Pack cell volume (PCV) of the SCD patients in Nigeria populace. A total of 140 stool samples were collected from both SCD patients and Non-SCD patients. 3 ml of venous blood, seventy samples in total were collected from the SCD patients only. The blood and stool samples were collected from September 2005 to November 2005; structured questionnaire was administered to each of the patient that gave consent to be part of the study alongside with questionnaire interview. The stool samples were analysed macroscopically and microscopically using saline, iodine and formal-ether concentration technique. The blood samples were analysed by micro-heamatocrit method. The findings showed that a total of six parasites were identified among the SCD patients and a total of thirteen parasites were identified among Non-SCD patients. Although the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was low among the research participates, the identified parasites fell into the 4 major categories of intestinal parasites, an indication that SCD patients can be susceptible to any of the intestinal worms/protozoa. Despite a low prevalence of intestinal parasites among the studied individual at the time of this study, it is however, necessary for regular laboratory investigations for intestinal worm/protozoa since they are still a public health problem.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life among Rural Populace in Nigeria

The study investigates factors influencing quality of life (QoL) among rural people in Nigeria. Two hundred and Twenty one (221) consenting adults within the rural area were sampled. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Results revealed that respondents with low level of life stressor significantly reported higher score on quality of life than those with high level of life stressors. More also, there was no gender difference in the level of quality of life among the rural people. Age, gender, marital status, number of wives, number of children, and experience in rural area, occupation and educational attainment predicted quality of life. It was concluded that rural life stressor and demographic characteristics are significantly related to rural dwellers quality of life.

Factors Influencing Quality of Life among Rural Populace in Nigeria

The study investigates factors influencing quality of life (QoL) among rural people in Nigeria. Two hundred and Twenty one (221) consenting adults within the rural area were sampled. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Results revealed that respondents with low level of life stressor significantly reported higher score on quality of life than those with high level of life stressors. More also, there was no gender difference in the level of quality of life among the rural people. Age, gender, marital status, number of wives, number of children, and experience in rural area, occupation and educational attainment predicted quality of life. It was concluded that rural life stressor and demographic characteristics are significantly related to rural dwellers quality of life.

A Retrospective Study of Multidrug Resistant Salmonella typhi in Nigeria

Multi drug resistant Salmonella typhi are strains of S.typhi that can withstand the therapeutic effects of two or more antibiotics, mostly the first line antibiotics, which include Chloramphenicol, Cotrimoxazole, Streptomycin, Tetracycline, Sulfonamides, Trimethoprim and Ampicillin. This study is basically carried out to expose the detrimental effects of this menace (Multi drug resistance) among most of the populace in Nigeria. Susceptibility tests using various test antibiotics were carried out on Salmonella typhi isolated from various clinical samples in Nigeria. The data obtained from the states studied revealed that most of the Salmonella typhi isolated were 100% resistant to most of the first line antibiotics. All S.typhi isolated in all the states studied were highly susceptible to Ciprofloxacin, except in Niger where 90% of the isolates were resistant to this antibiotic. This study is therefore intended to create awareness on the menace of multidrug resistant Salmonella typhi and how the problem can be controlled through measures such as; the production of new antibiotics and vaccines, the acquisition of modern health facilities and techniques for easy detection of multidrug resistant strains and the development of adequate drug storage facilities.

Looting the Looters: The Paradox of Anti-Corruption Crusades in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999-2014)

The ubiquitous nature of corruption in Nigeria's political boulevard has been a cogged wheel that backpedal developmental liberation in the country. Consequently, Nigerian government embarked on major reform that led to the creation of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to eliminate the scars of corruption in Nigeria's political map during Olusegun Obasanjo's regime. However, the anti-corruption institution has received a lot of criticism among the general populace in Nigeria. The agency has been accused of politicization, selective operation, lack of transparency and as an instrument of political persecution. Therefore, this study investigates to what extent Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) becomes a political device in the hand of politicians in facilitating further looting and persecuting political enemies. The paper argues that various regimes in Nigeria's fourth republic, ranging from Olusegun Obasanjo's administration (1999-2007), Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s regime (2007-2010) and Goodluck Jonathan’s political dispensation (2010-2014) employed anti-corruption agency as a shield to foster corruption and persecute political opposition. A drastic measure is suggested for the efficiency, effectiveness and absolute autonomy of the agency in Nigeria.