South-eastern States Of Nigeria Research Articles

Exploring factors shaping library engagement and satisfaction: A study of students with visual impairment in South-Eastern Nigeria

Libraries in Nigeria have long struggled to adequately serve the information needs of visually impaired individuals, particularly those who are literate. Despite this, scholarly research addressing these issues in South-Eastern Nigeria is lacking, highlighting the urgency of investigating predictors of user satisfaction among visually impaired students in SLMCs. The research design utilizes a survey methodology across four states in South-Eastern Nigeria, encompassing a total population of 95 individuals. Data collection involves administering questionnaires to visually impaired students and SLMC personnel, followed by comprehensive data analysis using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings reveal a positive correlation between information needs, library accessibility, and user satisfaction, while library services and media-format availability did not significantly influence user satisfaction. Impediments to user satisfaction include inadequacy of media formats, contents, outdated materials, lack of equipment, and recording studios. Addressing these challenges is crucial to improving library engagement and user satisfaction among visually impaired students in South-Eastern Nigeria, ultimately fostering more inclusive and supportive educational environments.

Linear Morphometric Analysis of Auricular Measurements of a Nigerian Igbo population

The human ear (auricle) is an important body component in biometric studies and forensic identification. The purpose of this study was to evaluate linear auricular morphometric measurements of a Nigerian Igbo population. 300 participants (142 males to 158 females) of at least 16 years of age were randomly recruited from settlements in the South-Eastern states of Nigeria. The participants were made to sit in a Frankfort horizontal position and auricular measurements such as total ear height (TEH), ear width (EW), lobule height (LH) and lobule width (LW) were obtained using a digital vernier caliper (validated by calibrating to 0.01mm). The ear index (EI) and lobule index (LI) were calculated using the measurements. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 23.0). The following mean values were recorded for males: TEH [Right (R) = 47.01±6.30, Left (L) = 46.24±5.85], EW (R = 25.06±4.14, L = 24.68±4.32), LH (R = 13.92±2.61, L = 13.99±2.18), LW (R = 12.99±2.30, L = 13.30±1.94), EI (R = 53.47±7.23, L = 53.28±6.69) and LI (R = 95.17±18.12, L = 96.80±18.56); for females, TEH (R = 48.25±6.83, L = 48.25±6.24), EW (R = 25.19±3.93, L = 24.57±4.21), LH (R = 14.44±2.67, L = 14.89±2.55), LW (R = 13.37±2.26, L = 13.78±2.04), EI (R = 52.50±6.85, L = 50.93±7.05) and LI (R = 94.60±19.59, L = 94.30±16.63). Gender differences were highly significant regarding total ear height, lobular length and width, as well as the ear index of the left auricle. This study provides a baseline data for auricular morphometrics of adult Nigerian Igbos and could be used as an ergonomic guide towards the creation of hearing aids in the future and to solve possible forensic issues associated with identification of remains.

Prevalence of Escherichia coli in retail poultry feeds in Southeastern Nigeria

Poultry feed manufacturing and distribution are confronted with feed microbial quality challenges arising from disease outbreaks traceable to contaminated feeds. Lack of feed biosecurity measures at sales depots, exposure of feeds for retailing, and unhygienic handling compromise the microbial quality of feeds. Feed could hence become a source of pathogenic microbes to poultry and humans. This study evaluated the prevalence of Escherichia coli in retail poultry feeds in three States of Southeastern Nigeria using a purposive sampling method. A total of 389 feed samples were collected from four feed types (broiler finisher, broiler starter, chick grower, and layer ration) belonging to 11 feed brands (coded A to K) from retail outlets in Umuahia (Abia State), Abakaliki (Ebonyi State) and Enugu (Enugu State) for the study. Escherichia coli was isolated from some of the feed samples following standard laboratory procedures. Samples from Abia were the most bacterial and E. coli positive (87.7 and 74.6%, respectively) while feed brands G and F (100%, respectively) followed by J and A (80.7 and 72.7%, respectively) were the most contaminated. No bacterial contaminant was detected in brand D while layer ration was the most contaminated feed type (76.8%). The source of samples was significantly related to the frequency of bacterial contamination (χ2: 68.473, p < 0.000 for State; and χ2: 92.765, p < 0.000 for feed brand). Feed brand and feed type did not affect E. coli colony count but colony counts were higher than the permissible level for coliforms in feeds, and values reported for feeds in intact bags. In conclusion, exposing feeds for retailing compromises feed microbial quality. Graded bagging of retail quantities would help to preserve the microbial quality of poultry feeds from factory to farm.

The Influence of Satellite TV Stations on Cultural Practices in Eastern Nigeria

Culture comprises the whole complex of distinctive spiritual, intellectual and emotional features that characterize society, our thought about life, and our ideas. Culture has the capacity to bring about the change of attitudes needed to ensure peace and sustainable development which is known as the only possible way forward for life on planet earth; it shapes the way we see the world. Considering the prominence of Satellite television as a virtual medium, this study sought to know the influence of media imperialism and the claim that it has affected and undermined South-Eastern sociocultural norms and values. More so, this study examined the influence of satellite television stations in the south-eastern states of Nigeria, the region that is fully immersed with her culture. It specifically examined how satellite television has affected the knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs and any other capabilities and habits acquired by Nigerians as a member of the society. The research methodology utilizes descriptive statistics with a self-designed questionnaire used to elicit information from a sample of 180 respondents. The findings of the study revealed that the relationship between satellite television stations and sociocultural practices is high and statistically significant.

Security Challenges and Sustainability of Gender Equality in Access to Quality Education in South-East Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of security challenges on the sustainability of gender equality in access to quality education in South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to ascertain forms, causes and consequences of security challenges on the sustainability of gender equality in access to quality education in the South-Eastern states of Nigeria. Five research questions and five corresponding hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised estimated 63, 935 respondents that comprised 22,576 male and female teachers and 41, 359 parents in the study area. Multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted and 759 respondents comprising 378 teachers and 381 parents were randomly selected. The instrument for data collection was a 46-item structured questionnaire on a 4-point modified Likert scale designed by the researchers with response options ranging from Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), to Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD). Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics involving mean and standard deviation, while hypotheses were tested at a .05 level of significance using independent sample t-test statistics. Results of the study revealed among others that human, perceived socio-political Exclusion, cultural and internal factors which resulted in agitation for self-rule through the instrumentality of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), constitute security challenges to sustainability of gender equality in access to quality education in the South-East Nigeria which affect sustainability of gender equality in access to quality education as it increases school dropout rate, and unfriendly learning environment. The study recommended among other things that, Federal and South-East state governments should use dialogue and strategic communication framework to curb security challenges that threaten quality education in the South-Eastern Nigeria and that constructive engagement of youths through Technical and vocational education, and the unconditional release of the IPOB leader could curb the security challenges in the area.

Bacteriological quality of frozen chicken sold in the capital cities of the South Eastern States of Nigeria

Aims: To determine and compare the bacteriological quality of frozen chicken sold in the Capital cities of the South Eastern States of Nigeria. Method: A total of 150 samples (frozen chicken) were collected from different Capital cities (Abakaliki, Awka, Enugu, Owerri and Umuahia) of the five (5) South Eastern States of Nigeria, which were 30 samples each State. The Aerobic Plate Counts (APC), Total Coliform Counts (TCC), Psychrotrophic Plate Counts (PPC), Escherichia coli counts, Staphyococcus aureus counts and the presence of Salmonella spp were determined by plate count technique using the appropriate media. Colony counts were taken from the plates with the specified number of colonies. Results: For the Capital cities which are Abakaliki, Awka, Enugu, Owerri and Umuahia, the samples mean values for the Aerobic Plate Counts (APC) were 9.61×106, 8.50×106, 6.12×106, 8.10×106 and 6.46×106 respectively, the Total Coliform Counts (TCC) were 4.80×103, 5.59×103, 2.46×103, 2.62×103 and 3.72×103 respectively, the Psychrotrophic Plate Counts (PPC) were 5.71×106, 4.57×106, 4.22×106, 5.53×106 and 4.41×106 respectively, the Escherichia coli counts were 2.33×103, 2.68×103, 1.56×103, 1.80×103 and 2.12×103 respectively, the Staphyococcus aureus counts were 5.58×103, 3.93×103, 4.36×103, 4.16×103 and 4.11×103 respectively and the incidence of Salmonella spp were 19, 13, 6, 15 and 16 respectively. Abakaliki with the highest mean values counts and highest incidence was the Capital with the highest bacterial load/contamination. Awka was the Capital with second most bacterial load. Enugu was the Capital with the lowest bacterial load. Owerri and Umuahia were contaminated but had bacterial load lower than those of Abakaliki and Awka samples. The bacterial load of Owerri and Umuahia tends to be equivalent. The mean values of the Capital cities exceed the international permissible limits and there were presence of Salmonella spp Conclusion: The frozen chicken meats sold in the Capital cities of South Eastern States of Nigeria are highly contaminated and can cause food poisoning when eaten raw or under cooked. Therefore, proper cooking should be done before consumption.

Bacteriological quality of frozen chicken sold in the capital cities of the South Eastern States of Nigeria

Bacteriological quality of frozen chicken sold in the capital cities of the South Eastern States of Nigeria

BEYOND RELIGION AND ETHNICITY: Sit-At-Home and Freedom Agitations among the IGBO in South-Eastern Nigeria

The concept of "sit-at-home" is a recent term used by freedom agitators, particularly of Igbo extraction, to get the attention of the Nigerian government to grant sovereignty to the Indigenous people of Biafra. It is also a concept that challenges the authority of the government while asking it to end marginalisation and to release the leader of IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, who was arrested and is presently in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Sit-at-Home, particularly in Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi (South-Eastern states of Nigeria), has been given socio-political interpretation. Generally, politics is supposed to be the machinery for resolving conflict and governing the people sincerely. Unfortunately, it has become an agent of disunity in the Nigerian state. This has led to several agitations in the past, but they are more vocal in present times. The agitations for freedom have often triggered violence and conflict between the government and the freedom agitators, given room for the marginalisation of certain regions, and consequently proved Nigeria's government's inability to decide on behalf of the governed. The methodology used in the study is a qualitative phenomenological method. The study examines the challenges and implications of the concept for the socio-economic, socio-political, socio-cultural, and socio-religious lives of the people of southeastern Nigeria. The paper observes that this face-off could be resolved if the needs of the Igbo were critically examined and attained. The paper calls on the government to organise a dialogue and a referendum in order to end the menace in the South-Eastern region.

Coinfection of Tuberculosis and HIV in Nigeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS are major public health issues globally. The burden of these diseases is particularly significant in Nigeria due to the high TB and HIV/AIDS prevalence. This meta-analysis for the 1st time addressed the TB/HIV coinfection prevalence in Nigeria at the regional level. A total of 58 relevant publications comprising 80 studies (n = 44,508) were obtained from PUBMED, ScienceDirect, African Journals Online, and Cochrane Library databases using carefully constructed keywords combinations. The PRISMA guideline was followed for this meta-analysis. Two independent reviewers conducted the publication screening, data extraction and methodological quality appraisal with a third reviewer serving as arbitrator. The pooled estimates were calculated using the random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q and I 2 statistic. Univariate and multivariate meta-regressions were done to predict sources of between-study heterogeneity. Overall, the pooled prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection was 25.8%. The highest coinfection prevalence of 34.3% was recorded among the North Central States of Nigeria, while the least prevalence of 19.3% was recorded among the Southeastern states of Nigeria. There was a paucity of published articles from the Northeastern states of Nigeria. There was a significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 > 90%, p < 0.001), but meta-regression analysis only explained < 10% of it. This study has shown that the prevalence of TB/HIV coinfection remains significantly high in Nigeria. Constant surveillance should be rigorously implemented with special attention given to the Northeast due to the ongoing crises that are compounding the problem.

Management of Teachers’ Soft Skills Development and Flexible Learning Environment as a Correlate of Teachers’ Effectiveness in Unity Schools in South-Eastern States, Nigeria

This study investigated the management of teachers’ soft skills development and flexible learning environment as a correlate of teachers’ effectiveness in Unity schools in South-Eastern states of Nigeria. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. Two research questions were answered while two hypotheses were tested. The population of the study comprised all the 901 teachers of the 14 Unity schools in the 5 South-Eastern states of Nigeria. Stratified and disproportionate sampling techniques were used to select 399 sample size that was determined from the population using Taro Yamane Formula. Two sets of instruments titled; “Management of Seamless Technology Integration Questionnaire” and “Teachers’ Effectiveness Questionnaire” were used for data collection. Face and content validity was ensured by five experts including the researcher’s supervisors. The reliability coefficients of the two instruments were calculated to be 0.79 and 0.81 using Cronbach Alpha method. Multiple and simple regressions were used to answer the research questions. Analysis of variance associated with multiple regression and t-test associated with simple regression were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. It was found that management of: teachers’ soft skills development and flexible learning environment positively correlate (0.92 and 0.86 respectively) to teachers’ effectiveness in Unity schools in South-Eastern states of Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was concluded that management of seamless technology integration is positively and highly significant to teachers’ effectiveness in Unity schools in South-Eastern states of Nigeria. It was therefore recommended among others that school administrators in the 14 Unity schools in the South-Eastern states should immediately embark on self-development in the management of seamless technology integration.

Consumption and utilization of fruits, leaves, and seeds of cola (pachycarpa and lepidota) in two southeastern States of Nigeria

Background: Cola pachycarpa and Cola lepidota are two varieties of fruit known as Monkey cola. They are from the same plant family. The plant was predominantly found in the wild until recently. There is basic information on the leaves, seeds, and fruits of this plant. However, there is paucity of empirical studies on their consumption and utilization pattern.&#x0D; Objective: The study evaluated the consumption and utilization pattern of the leaves, fruits and seeds of these two varieties of Monkey Cola, pachycarpa and lepidota in two South-Eastern States of Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey. The survey employed a multi-stage random sampling technique to select 808 adults from different communities in Isiala Mbano local government area of Imo State and Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State. A structured validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on consumption and utilization pattern of the fruits, leaves and seeds in the survey areas. Data was analysed statistically using IBM-SPSS (Special Package for Social Sciences) version 20 software.&#x0D; Results: Cola pachycarpa was more popular (84.5%) and the fruits were consumed mainly raw (99.0%). The leaves and seeds are not eaten but used for medicinal purposes, though the seeds ranked highest in this regard (48.3%).&#x0D; Conclusion: The fruits particularly Cola pachycarpa were popular. They were consumed raw while the leaves and seeds were solely used in traditional medicine.

Physico-chemical properties and mineral content of Apis Mellifera L. honey samples sourced from different localities in Anambra and Enugu States, South-eastern, Nigeria

Six honey samples were collected from various locations in Anambra and Enugu states in southeastern Nigeria and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and mineral composition. pH, moisture, protein, fats, ash, polyphenol, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and sugar were among the physicochemical parameters studied. Minerals such as potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, sodium, cadmium, and lead were also investigated. The samples had pH values ranging from 4.00 - 4.40. Moisture content ranged from 8.95% - 14.30%, ash 0.21 - 0.54%, protein 0.21- 0.74%, fat 0.00 - 0.50%, polyphenol 2.75 - 12.00%; free acidity 33.60 - 89.890 meq kg-1 and HMF 18.70 - 75.43 mg/kg. The sugar assays revealed that all of the honey samples contained the appropriate quantity of sugar for acceptable quality honey, albeit there were substantial variances in the values recorded across the locations. The mineral composition revealed that potassium was the most abundant element, followed by zinc, calcium, magnesium, and sodium. In the samples, no cadmium or lead was found. The results of the evaluated honey samples revealed that the majority of the measured parameters recorded met international standards, indicating that they were safe for human consumption.

North Atlantic Oscillation and Rainfall Variability in Southeastern Nigeria: A Statistical Analysis of 30 Year Period

This study analyzed rainfall variability in Southeast region of Nigeria using graphical models, as well as using statistical approach to investigate any significant relationship between the global North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) Index and the regional rainfall variability in region. The study was conducted in three States of Southeastern Nigeria namely, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States that lie between Latitudes 40 40’ and 80 50’N and Longitudes 60 20’ and 80 50’E. Data for the study included 30 years (1988 - 2017) archival time-series monthly rainfall values for the three study States, acquired from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), offices in the states, and Standardized values of NAOI (North Atlantic Oscillation Index) for the same period, which were collected from a website, on the NOAA Data Center, USA. In the data analyses, the first method was adopted by using graphs to illustrate mean annual rainfall values for thirty years. Coefficient of variability was employed in evaluating the degree of variability of values from the mean rate. The second analysis was accomplished using correlation models to ascertain any relationship between NAOI and rainfall in Southeast Nigeria. The results showed a significant variability of rainfall in the region from January to December (mean monthly) within the study period. A negative correlation value of 0.7525 was obtained from the correlation analysis, showing that the global NAO index and rainfall variability deviate in the opposite direction. Coefficient of multiple determinations (CMD) subsequently showed value of 0.031%, being the variation in rainfall as influenced by the global teleconnectivity, and this means that the NAO index has zero or no influence on rainfall variability in Southeast region of Nigeria.

Health care Providers' Perceptions About Overweight and Obesity Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Nigeria.

HIV infection was associated with significant weight loss before the advent of potent antiretroviral therapy (ART). Weight gain while on treatment was seen as a clinical indicator of treatment success. Perceptions of health care providers (HCPs) about obesity among people living with (PLHIV) were examined. We conducted 16 key informant interviews with HCPs in two states in southeastern Nigeria, which were then coded thematically. The respondents included seven physicians, four nurses, three adherence counselors, and two pharmacists. The analysis revealed three key themes: HCPs do not see excess weight gain as a problem; there are several challenges in managing obesity among PLHIV; and comorbidities play a role in the management of obesity among PLHIV. We conclude that obesity among PLHIV is an important clinical issue that HCPs need to address with the commencement of ART.

Female Labour Dominance in Petrol Pump Stations in the South-Eastern States of Nigeria

Female Labour Dominance in Petrol Pump Stations in the South-Eastern States of Nigeria

Changes in Body Mass Index Among Antiretroviral Therapy Naïve People Living with HIV in Southeastern Nigeria

The proportion of people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are overweight or obese is rising, leading to a double epidemic of HIV and obesity. The purpose of this retrospective longitudinal study was to examine changes in body mass index (BMI) among PLHIV who were new to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in two states in Southeastern Nigeria. The BMI at baseline and 12 months were compared and the difference in proportions in each BMI category was tested. The association between the BMI at 12 months and the demographic and/or clinical variables was examined using multiway analysis of covariance. The study included 2,146 participants. After 12 months on ART, the number of participants who were obese increased by 135% (81 to 190), while those who were underweight decreased by 130% (306 to 133). Overall, the BMI increased in 30.2% of the participants. Further analysis showed that age (p=.009; &amp;eta;2=.005), baseline BMI (p&amp;lt;.001; &amp;eta;2=.435), baseline regimen (p&amp;lt;.001; &amp;eta;2=.031), HIV stage (p=.039; &amp;eta;2=.007) and CD4 category (p&amp;lt;.001; &amp;eta;2=.012) were all associated with increased BMI after 12 months of ART. Healthcare providers should be mindful of the likelihood of excess weight gain among PLHIV who are on ART and develop a plan to proactively address it.

Screening of African Yam Bean Accessions for Imbibition and Seed Physiological Quality

African yam bean is a nutritionally-important but neglected food crop with several health benefits. But its large scale cultivation and consumption are still limited by lack of systematic genetic improvement and breeding programme for the crop. Preliminary studies have established that the inherent field establishment potential of African yam bean is low. Hence the need to screen available accessions to identify those with outstanding seed physiological qualities for selection as parental materials for further improvement. Thirty-four African yam bean accessions were collected from different farmers in five states of Southeastern Nigeria. Seed physiological quality (viability and vigour) was assessed using hundred seed weight, water imbibition, standard germination, accelerated ageing and conductivity tests. The mean squares due to varietal effect were significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05) for germination index and highly significant (p &amp;lt; 0.01) for all other traits. Accessions ENAGag, ENAGmg 1 and, ENAGmg 2 had high standard (&amp;gt; 80%) and accelerated ageing (&amp;gt; 70%) germination percentages. Only 11 of the accessions had an accelerated ageing germination percentage of above 50%. All but one of the 34 accessions had conductivity values less than 5.00 &amp;micro;Scm-1 g-1. On the average, African yam bean seeds require up to 76.9% moisture of their initial weight over a period of approximately 53 hours prior for the commencement of germination process. Accessions ENAGag, ENAGmg 1, ENAGmg 2, ENNKob, ENNSog, IMISis, IMOKeo 1 and IMOKeo 3 were outstanding and are therefore potential candidates for genetic improvement of seed quality in African yam bean.

Does Organizational Climate Moderate the Relationship Between Psychological Hardiness and Adherence to Criminal Investigation Procedure Among Police Investigating Officers

The aim of this study was to explore the moderating role of organizational climate on the relationship between psychological hardiness and adherence to criminal investigation procedure (ACIP). A total of 403 Nigerian police investigators selected purposefully from the headquarters of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) in the five South Eastern states of Nigeria were assessed on the predictor variable psychological hardiness, moderating variable organizational climate, and on the outcome variable ACIP using self-report questionnaire. The result of Moderated multiple regression analysis showed that psychological hardiness and organizational climate predicted the variance in ACIP. Similarly, organizational climate moderated the relationship between psychological hardiness and ACIP. The findings show that both psychological hardiness and organization climate are relevant factors for enhancing ACIP among investigating police officers.

Comparative Analysis of Existing and Optimal Maintenance Policy of Water Borehole Schemes in South Eastern States of Nigeria

A study optimising maintenance cost of water borehole schemes in South Eastern states of Nigeria (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States) was carried out. Data was collected from 260 boreholes spread across all local government areas in the states. Optimisation results showed that for boreholes (submersible pumps) pumping once per day, the optimal preventive maintenance frequency and resulting savings in cost are 2 and ₦521,076 for Abia; 2 and ₦783,963 for Anambra; 2 and ₦458,242 for Ebonyi; 2 and ₦740,964 for Enugu; 2 and ₦605,187 Imo. For boreholes pumping twice per day, the optimal preventive maintenance frequency and resulting savings in cost are 5 and ₦1,896,301 for Abia; 4 and ₦3,692,655 for Anambra; 5 and ₦786,913 for Ebonyi; 4 and ₦4,187,161 for Enugu; 4 and ₦2,477,609 for Imo; and for boreholes pumping thrice per day; 8 and ₦2,798,330 for Abia; 7 and ₦8,372,862 for Anambra; 7 and ₦6,485,293 for Ebonyi; 10 and ₦4,014,240 for Enugu; 10 and ₦6,021,503 for Imo; with no downtime as opposed to the wasteful current practice of no preventive maintenance with downtime of up to 12 months or more. As a recommendation for a borehole scheme, there should be a check on the type of submersible pump and generator capacity as the choice made directly affects the total operational cost.

AGE AND BODY WEIGHT AT PUBERTY IN MUTURU HEIFERS UNDER DIFFERENT FEEDING REGIMES

Age and body weight at puberty were studied in two groups of Mutun helfen aged 4 to 7 months and comprising 13 heifers in each group. Group 1 heifers received nutritional supplementation et lating of a mixture of dry brewer's spent porin and palm kernel cake in a ratio of 1:1 addition to normal grazing. Group 1 theifers were grazed without any supplementation. From the age of 10 months and tasting for a period of 6 months, blood samples were collected twice weekly from each heifer via the jugular vein into heparinized Vacutabner tubes. Samples were centrifuged within 30 minutes of collection and the plasma stored frozen until assayed for progesterone using coat-2-count solid phase 125, radioimmunoassay kits. Body weights of all heifers were also recorded bi-weekly during the experimental period. Puberty was assumed to have occurred in any heifer when plasma progesterone values reached/exceeded i mg/ml. Results showed that Group 1 heifers were significantly younger (P&lt; 0.01) at puberty than Group II heifers (12.25 + 0.20 months vs. 14.60+1.67 months) but their body weights did not differ significantly (90.50+ 1.82 kg &amp; 85.20+ 0.87 kg for Groups I and II heifers, respectively). These results show that under improved feeding, puberty in Muturu heifers could be attained relatively at an early age. the first oestrus in the young female, is due to ovarian changes which are in turn controlled by complex endocrinological events. In the Mutury bull, Ezekwe (1992) observed that under improved husbandry and nutritional conditions, puberty was attained at an early age of 11 months and a body weight of 87 kg. The study also revealed that Muturu bulls could be used for breeding from the age of 15 months. Studies on female reproduction of indigenous Nigerian Cattle breed have concentrated largely on zebu (Bos indicus) cattle (Johnson and Gambo, 1979, Zakari et al., 1981; Oyedipe et al., 1982; Dawuda et al., 1989). There is thus a dearth of inforination on the reproductive characteristics such as puberty of indigenous Nigerian non-zebu cattle like the Muturu. The Muturu, which is the most widely distributed indigenous non-zebu cattle in the southeastern states of Nigeria, has a population of 42,000 out of an estimated total national population of 177,000. The Mutunu is highly tolerant to trypanosomiasis and is also well adapted to the hot humid conditions prevalent in the southern rainforest areas. Despite these obvious advantages, the Muturu is considered an endangered breed because of its rapidly declining numbers (Adeniyi, 1984). The need to document important aspects of its reproductive characteristics is therefore impelling. This study was thus undertaken to determine the age and body weight at which Muturu heifers attain puberty under improved husbandry and management conditions.