Southwestern States Of Nigeria Research Articles

Resource inequality and quality of secondary education: a study of uneven policy in rural schools of southwestern Nigeria

Recent Studies have investigated the influence of the resource factor on the quality of secondary education (QSE) in Nigeria. However, the research on the resource factor as a predictor of quality of secondary education in rural communities of Southwestern Nigeria remains scanty. This study, therefore, investigated the contributions of the resource factor (RF: Resource Adequacy-RA and Resource Utilization-RU) to QSE in rural communities of Southwestern Nigeria (RCSN). The study was located within a pragmatic paradigm that incorporated the convergent parallel design in the collection, analysis and interpretation of the qualitative and quantitative data. The multi-level mixed methods sampling technique was adopted in selecting 467 secondary school graduates, while total enumeration technique was adopted in selecting 134 teachers. Six participants for the Key Informant Interviews comprised three principals and three senior officials from the Teaching Service Commission and Ministry of Education from three selected states in southwestern Nigeria. Two research questions were raised, and one hypothesis was formulated for the study. Two research instruments, namely, the Secondary School Graduate Aptitude Test (SSGAT) and Resource Factor Teachers’ Questionnaire (RFTQ), with reliability coefficients of 0.715 and 0.853, respectively, were used for the study. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, while qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis. The resource factor with resource adequacy (x=2.50) and resource utilization (x=2.77) influenced QSE. The resource factor (r=0.75) had a negative significant relationship with QSE. The study affirmed that addressing resource inequality in rural communities is urgently required to stem the ebbing tide of quality secondary education in Nigeria.

A Comparative Model Analysis of Predictors of Community Pharmacists’ Collaborative Practices in Two Southwestern States in Nigeria

Background: In community pharmacy practice, pharmacists are expected to engage in collaborative activities to deliver quality service to clients. However, due to the hybrid nature (social and commercial dimensions) of the practice, certain subjective behavioral norms-competitive and information-sharing behavior may have potential influence on the collaborative behaviors of community pharmacists
 Objectives: Based on the theory of planned behavior framework, the study tests the influence of subjective norms-competitive behavior and information-sharing practices on the collaborative behavior of community pharmacists; and, investigated possible differences in the perception of respondents in two southwestern states in Nigeria
 Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study with randomly administered questionnaires to 421 community pharmacists from two purposively selected states- Lagos (230) and Ogun (191) in southwest Nigeria. A structural equation model was developed using Analysis of Moment Structures software (AMOS). Group differences were evaluated using the chi-square difference test.
 Results: Competitive behavior and information-sharing behavior are substantial predictors of collaborative behaviors among community pharmacists (R2=0.97, p<0.001). Multigroup analysis revealed differences in perception between respondents in the densely populated and less densely populated settings. Model comparisons revealed insignificant group differences.
 Conclusion: The study confirmed that information-sharing and competitive behavior have a positive and significant influence on collaborative behavior. The findings of the study imply that no link exists between the geographical placement of community pharmacists and differences in their practice behavior. Professional associations and regulatory bodies should provide training and engage in participatory workshops to strengthen the right collaborative attitudes among community pharmacists. The study provides a theoretical framework for further studies in inter- and intra-professional relations among healthcare professionals.

Slenderness coefficient and growth characteristics of Africa giant bamboo: Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C. Wendl

The tree slenderness coefficient (SC) has been widely used as an index of the resistance of trees to windthrow, and the slenderness coefficients of different tree species have been intensively studied. However, very little or no information is available for the slenderness coefficients of bamboo in many parts of the world including Nigeria. Here, we evaluated the slenderness coefficient of African giant bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) in order to ascertain its level of resistance to windthrow and its suitability as a wind break. The study was undertaken in three states of south-western Nigeria (Osun, Oyo and Ondo states), with the diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (TH) of the bamboo culms being measured. The volume, basal area and slenderness coefficient were evaluated and the relationship among the parameters and the slenderness coefficient was enumerated through correlation analysis. Regression analysis was undertaken to form models for the prediction of the slenderness coefficient for the study areas. The slenderness coefficients of bamboo culms were negatively correlated with diameter at breast height (DBH), volume and basal area but positively correlated with height for the three states. The graphical results indicated that bamboo has a slenderness coefficient below 70 and may not be at high-risk for windthrow, based on the model developed to predict slenderness coefficient values from (i) DBH and (ii) Height. The DBH function provided the best predictions and a Power model was found to have the best fit for prediction. We conclude that B. vulgaris has a low slenderness coefficient and it can be used as a wind break.

Residents’ satisfaction with urban renewal projects in south-western Nigeria

The study described in this paper examined residents’ satisfaction with urban renewal projects in south-western Nigeria. The aim was to provide guidelines that could enhance sustainable urban renewal projects in the study area. Primary data was collected from residents in selected cities in states in south-western Nigeria. The states were categorised into three homogeneous groups: Lagos/Ogun, Oyo/Osun and Ondo/Ekiti. One state was randomly selected from each group, namely Ogun, Osun and Ondo. Thus, the following capital cities where urban renewal projects were concentrated in these states were selected: Abeokuta, Osogbo and Akure. A set of questionnaires targeted at residents was administered to household heads living in one of every 20 houses in the 31 political wards. A total of 1,671 questionnaires were administered, of which 1,555 copies were retrieved for the study. Data collected was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Secondary data included maps of political wards from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), maps from ministries of their respective states, number of residential buildings from National Population Commission (NPC), among others. On average, the condition of renewal projects provided by the governments in the study area is moderately satisfactory. Construction and rehabilitation of roads was adjudged the best (3.9 out of 5). Further, a mean score of 2.8 was obtained for all the projects taken together. This shows that the respondents were fairly satisfied with the urban projects implemented in the study area. The study concluded that low level of involvement of members of the public in the planning and implementation of urban renewal in the study area did not negatively influence their acceptability of the projects executed.

State of solid waste disposal and suggested fixes for Iwo and Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria

Factors governing stakeholders' choice of gathering and disposing of solid wastes in some southwestern states of Nigeria were appraised using Iwo and Ibadan as case studies. The objectives were to determine associated challenges and recommend possible improvements. The study administered 1,400 structured questionnaires, out of which 873 (62.3%) were respondents. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed an upward trend in solid waste disposal in the two communities, according to stakeholders' income and household size. Solid wastes generally encountered in the study areas include foods, leaves, papers, clothing, leather, hair attachments, nylons, plastics, metals, and cans which often litter the dump environment. The economic cost of a sack-load of waste was *N200 in Iwo and N495 in Ibadan, and the frequency of waste removal is 150% higher in Iwo than in Ibadan. The average distance to the dumpsite is 2 km, which discourages low-income earners who are mostly pedestrians. Ibadan residents are culturally disposed to dirty streets and drainages/gutters with solid wastes; unfortunately, the situation in Iwo is not different. Stakeholder perceptions of factors impacting waste disposal in Iwo gave greater weight to (1) income and spending power, (2) culture, (3) religion, (4) governmental intervention, and (5) health factors in that order. In Ibadan, (1) income and spending power, (2) health factors, (3) occupational hazards, and (4) religion were rated in that sequence. It is conjectured that these issues demand strong attention in efforts to build functional capacities for solid waste disposal.

Missing Data, Statistical Power of Likelihood-Ratio Test and Differential Item Functioning in NECO Mathematics Examination in Nigeria

The study examined the percentage of missing data by persons and items, and the effect of missing data on statistical power of likelihood-ratio test across differential item functioning magnitude The study adopted the ex-post facto research design. The population consisted of 1,034,629 candidates that sat for the June/July 2017 NECO mathematics examination. The study sample comprised all the 194,009 students that sat for the examination in the six Southwestern states of Nigeria. Data collected was analysed using frequency count, percentage, Likelihood-ratio Test and Multiple Imputation Chained Equation and T-test respectively. Results showed that 42.2% of examinees had one or more missing responses and that all the items of the 2017 SSCE Mathematics test attracted missing responses. The result also showed that 56 of the 60 items of the NECO Mathematics functioned differentially with respect to gender and that 55 of the 56 items displaying DIF flagged non-uniform DIF. Furthermore, results showed that likelihood ratio DIF test method identifies more differential functioning items when missing responses of examinees were replaced with Multiple Imputation Chain Equation and that there is no significant difference in the power of loglikelihood ratio test in detecting DIF items under traditional method of imputing missing data and the mice method. The study concluded that missing data had no significant influence on the statistical power of likelihood-ratio test for detecting differential item functioning in mathematics examination

Assessment of the Burden and Factors Associated with Missed Opportunities for Vaccination in a South-Western State of Nigeria: Toward Immunization Agenda 2030

ABSTRACT Background: Immunization Agenda 2030 prioritized the tackling of certain factors stalling immunization progress globally, among which are missed opportunities for vaccination (MOV), when eligible children have contact with health facilities without being vaccinated. Aim: This paper presents the baseline of an implementation research aimed at assessing the burden and identifying the factors leading to MOV in a South-Western Nigerian state. Materials and Methods: The 10-step World Health Organization MOV strategy was used to select local government areas and health facilities in Lagos State purposively. Children 0–23 months and healthcare workers were sampled through exit interviews with caregivers and knowledge, attitude, and practice surveys with health workers. MOV was estimated using documented (child health card or health facility register) vaccination histories included in the National Immunization Programme (NIP). Result: Among the caregivers, 475 (79.2%) had complete documentation of vaccination histories among which 292 (61.5%) children were eligible for vaccination. About 15% of the eligible children had one or more MOVs at the survey dates. Among curative service visits, 80% of the children had MOVs compared to 6.7% for vaccination visits. Among the healthcare workers, about two-thirds have poor knowledge of NIP and are not aware that the immunization status of children should be screened at each visit. Conclusion: The findings showed that MOV occurs especially in non-vaccination visits, where healthcare workers care less about immunization statuschecks. Active immunization status checks and providing linkages for immunization services may help in reducing MOV and improving immunization coverage rates in Lagos State towards fulfiling immunization Agenda 2030.

Modelling Willingness to Pay of Electricity Supply Using Machine Learning Approach

Background: Electricity has long been regarded as a catalyst for enhancing economy growth in developing countries. The availability of electricity can drive a country’s growth by allowing firms to take advantage of it to increase its productivity enhancing technologies, the bulk of which are reliant on electricity. Objective: In view of the above, this study aims to model the willingness to pay of electricity supply to consumers in southwestern states of Nigeria using machine learning approach. Methods: The study was conducted in six southwestern states in Nigeria. This data contain information which was obtained through longitudinal survey using a google form questionnaire. The data contains the category of the respondents, type of commercial activity, average daily electricity supplied, willingness to pay of electricity supply per month and so on. K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Random Forest, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree and Boosting Classification models were considered. Results: Among the models considered, KNN, SVM and Boosting classification models perform better in classifying whether a consumer is willing to pay for electricity consumption or not. Conclusion: The information obtained from this research can be used to produce insight into electricity production in the states.

Quality Characteristics and Αlpha-Tocopherol Content of Shea Butter Samples from Selected Markets Within Three Southwestern States of Nigeria

Shea (Vitellaria paradoxa) butter samples from selected markets in Nigeria were analyzed for AOAC quality characteristics and α-tocopherol content. The α-tocopherol was determined by RP-HPLC and mg per serving and % daily values (% DV) were estimated. The ranges of acid value (AV) [mgKOH/kg], free fatty acid (FFA) [%], peroxide value (PV) [meqO2/Kg], iodine value (IV) [gI2/100g] and saponification value (SV) [mgKOH/g] were 2.20- 2.59, 1.15-1.30, 0.75-0.95, 44.43-47.85 and 170.08-259.30, respectively. The -tocopherol had a retention time of 3.561 minutes and its content ranged from 1.15-2.60 mg/100 g in the samples, but 5.25 mg/100 g for the laboratory sample. Milligram (mg) per serving and percentage dietary value were 0.16-0.74 and 1.07-4.93, respectively. Quality characteristics varied significantly (p < 0.05) both within and across different markets. Based on the PV and IV results, the marketed shea butter samples may be both food and industry-grade but failed the FFA test. Similarly, 40% of samples did not qualify for domestic consumption and food industry applications. Hence, the samples with <5% DV values cannot serve as dietary sources of α-tocopherol. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 21(2): 105-115, 2022 (December)

Prevalence of prediabetes in an urban Nigerian population using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a global problem in emerging economy Nigeria. Early detection can help delay or prevent the disease. Aims: This study aims to characterize the prevalence of prediabetes in the study population using the validated Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC) in the adult population in an urban Sagamu Ogun State South-Western Nigeria. Patients and Methods: Healthy participants (n=581) aged 18-65yrs with no known history of T2DM or pregnancy were recruited from local urban churches in Sagamu. The FINDRISC questionnaire was then administered, which included questions on age, BMI, waist circumference, vegetable consumption, physical activity, history of high blood pressure, family history of T2DM and history of high blood sugar. Results: Overall, 51.8% of the participants were assigned a risk of developing T2DM in the next 10 years, with a range of categories from slightly elevated to very high risk; 34.4% of the participants had a risk score of 7-11, indicating a slightly elevated risk; 11.2% of the participants had a risk score of 12-14, indicating a moderately elevated risk, while 5.3% of the participants had a risk score of 15-20, indicating a high risk and 0.9% of the participants had a risk score higher than 20 indicating very high elevated risk. The gender distribution of the risk scores showed that 1.7% of the males and 9.5% of the females had a moderate to high risk (score ≥ 12) of developing T2DM in the next 10 years. The FINDRISC score was positively and significantly correlated with body weight (r=0.49; p<0.001), BMI (r=0.55; p<0.001) and age (r=0.27; p<0.001). This prevalence of prediabetes is similar to that found in other studies in Nigeria. Conclusion: This study confirms the use of this simple and non-invasive screening tool for T2DM among adults in Nigeria. It is also a useful tool to increase awareness of this condition in the population.

Adoption of Project Scheduling Tools in the Nigerian Construction Industry

Many studies have reported the benefits of using Project Management scheduling tools. Their use in building projects in Nigeria has however not been given adequate attention. This study identified the project management scheduling tools used in the building construction industry in Southwestern Nigeria, examined the motivations for their adoption and assessed the impact of the tools. Primary data were collected using three sets of questionnaire administered on 50 Project Managers, 50 project clients and 150 Project Workforce from 25 purposively selected firms from Lagos, Oyo and Osun States in Southwestern Nigeria. The study revealed that 68% of the firms performed their project management scheduling activities with dedicated software, 32% executed theirs manually while another 32% used both methods. The study further shows that the most commonly adopted scheduling tool was Microsoft Project (84%), followed by Primavera (10%) and Customized software (6%). The study also revealed that project scheduling activities were shortened by about 32 hrs using scheduling tools. In addition, enhancing work performance, meeting stakeholder’s expectations, and promoting interactiveness among others were found to have an impact on the motivation to adopt scheduling tools. The adoption of scheduling tools was found to have a positive impact on parameters such as meeting customer expectations, completing projects within budget and estimated time and finishing projects. The study recommended as management practice the adoption of scheduling tools in the construction industry in Southwestern Nigeria.

The predictive influence of access factor on quality of secondary education in remote areas of Southwestern Nigeria

The dichotomy in the distribution of educational opportunities across African countries has become a recurring phenomenon between rural and urban communities. However, the remote and rural communities seem to be bearing the brunt of uneven access to quality education than cities. Thus, improving access to quality education in remote areas where educational advantages are scarce or not available remains a great challenge in Nigeria. This study, therefore, investigated the influence of access factor (AF: Physical Access-PA and Economic Access-EA) on Quality of Secondary Education (QSE) in remote areas of Southwestern Nigeria (RASN). The study was located within a post-positivist paradigm that incorporated the convergent parallel design. The multi-level mixed methods sampling technique was adopted in selecting 467 secondary school graduates. Six participants for the Key Informant Interviews comprised three principals and three senior officials from the Teaching Service Commission and Ministry of Education from three selected states in Southwestern Nigeria. Secondary School Graduate Aptitude Test (SSGAT) and Secondary School Graduate Access Questionnaire (SSGAQ) instruments were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation, while qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis. The access factor with physical access (67.3percent) and economic access (61.3percent) influenced QSE. The study concluded that enhancing access to QSE should be improved in RASN.

Seroprevalence, co-infection and risk of transmission of Hepatitis B and D virus among hospital attendees in two South-western states in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Infection with both Hepatitis B (HBV) and D (HDV) virus causes more severe liver damage than HBV alone. Superinfections among chronic HBV infected cohorts often lead to HDV persistence with rapid progression to cirrhosis, necessitating continuous surveillance to determine their prevalence and relative contribution to liver pathology. A cross-sectional study among hospital outpatients in Ekiti and Osunstates was conducted using random sampling technique. Blood samples were collected from 410 participants and tested for HBV serological markers. All samples positive for HBsAg samples were tested for Hepatitis D virus antigen (HDAg), serum anti-HDV IgM, and serum anti-HDV IgG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The prevalence of HBV infection among the 410 samples was 12.4% (CI 9.5–15.9). Past HBV exposure was detected in 120 (29.2%), while 147(35.8%) were susceptible to HBV infection. Among the HBsAg positive individuals, 9.8% were hepatitis D antigen (HDAg) positive, while 3.9% and 1.9% were positive for IgG anti-HDV and IgM anti-HDV, respectively. Risk factors associated with HBV infections in this study were multiple sexual partners and sharing of sharp objects. Our investigation has verified the endemicity of HBV in Nigeria and revealed that HBV- HDV co-infection is highly prevalent in south-west Nigeria.

Study of activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th for assessment of radiation dose in agricultural soils of southwestern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Gamma spectrometric measurement of natural radionuclides activity concentrations by HPGe detectors was conducted in 150 agricultural soil samples collected from six states of southwestern Nigeria. The overall activity concentrations of radionuclides ranged from 15.27 to 972.00 Bqkg−1 for 40K, 0.66 to 336.19 Bqkg−1 for 232Th and 1.32 to 123.01 Bqkg−1 for 238U, with mean values of 143.95, 17.02 and 22.92 Bqkg−1, respectively. The overall averages results from this study were generally lower than worldwide average value of 420, 33 and 45 Bqkg−1 for 40K, 238U and 232Th, respectively, thus minimal transfer to plant may be expected. The estimated radiation dose levels of the soil indicated acceptable limits for general public exposure. The radioactivity levels of 40K, 232Th and 238U in the investigated agricultural soil of southwestern Nigeria are within acceptable limits. Therefore, stochastic radiological health effects of radiation exposure by farmers may not be feasible at the current moment.

Socio-environmental Factors as Determinants of Social Well-being of Adolescents in Foster Homes in Southwestern Nigeria

Aims: This study sets to discover the socio-environmental factors as determinants of social well-being of adolescents in foster homes in Southwestern Nigeria.
 Study Design: This study was a descriptive survey.
 Study Area: The study was carried out in the six States in Southwestern Nigeria.
 Methodology: Study participants were selected among adolescents in foster homes using stratified, proportionate and simple random sampling techniques, the data collection was done using Questionnaire (which contained three separate standardized instruments: Socio-Environmental Factors Scale (SEFS), Social Well-Being Scale (SWBS) and Adolescent Fostering Questionnaire (AFQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
 Result: The results showed that peer influence, academic performance and attitude of the foster family were significant to social wellbeing of the adolescents. This result shows that although all the components of social factors correlated with the social well-being of the fostered adolescents, there is an insignificant relationship between social well-being and environmental factors of the fostered adolescents. Some (24.5%) of the adolescents saw their neighbors as very supportive and friendly and are welcoming to them. 13.7% were unable to decide on their neighbor’s character towards them 7.7% noticed their neighbors pitying them always, although most of them cannot say their minds out.
 Conclusion: Fostered adolescents undergo more challenges within the child welfare system that may further compromise their social well-being. Adolescents in foster care, are exposed to risk factors such as poverty and maltreatment, which negatively affect their social skills. Providing safe, stable, and nurturing homes for the adolescents may wane the deleterious effects of their experiences by exposing them to protective factors that can encourage resilience.

Amotekun: Assessing the Religious Paradox of a Community Policing Typology in South-Western States of Nigeria

The study assesses the religious paradox of Amotekun as a typology of community policing outfit in the South-Western States of Nigeria. Amotekun was created by the state governments out of a perceived failure of the Nigerian government to provide security and protection through the regular police force in the south-western states which are prone to serious insecurity challenges due to their populations’ outburst, economic realities and peculiar social environments. Second, the study addresses the dispute about the name and biblical (or religious) source for Amotekun which suggests a heightened religious sensitivity and debates leading to motivation for a viable area of intellectual research. The study is based on a critical historical review of extant literature, participant observation and personal interviews. The paper argues that it would not be easy to deny the irreligious and religiousness and Africanness of Amotekun as a typology of a community policing outfit.

Technologies Needs of Arable Crop Farmers of Oyo and Ekiti States of South-Western, Nigeria

In ensuring food production in the face of food insecurity, appropriate production technologies are inevitable. This study therefore investigated the technologies needed by arable crop farmers of Oyo and Ekiti States in South-western Nigeria. The study employed multistage sampling techniques to select 235 respondents. Quantitative data for study was collected using structured interview schedule while qualitative data was collected during Focus Group Discussion. Quantitative data was analysed with frequency distributions, percentages, mean and ranking as descriptive statistical tools, while Ordered probit regression and T-test inferential tools were used to draw inferences between the variables. The information from quantitative data was used to explain the findings. Results of the analysis revealed that the mean age of the respondents was 45.56 years, both male (76.2%) and female (23.8%) farmers were sampled with different educational background, while 15.7% had no formal education and with 21.44 mean years of farming experience. Majority (66.8%) engages in farming as primary occupation with maize (99.1%), cassava (91.5%), and leafy vegetables (40.4%) as the main arable crop cultivated in the area. Agronomic best practices (WMS = 1.86) and inputs technologies (WMS = 2.07) were ranked first and second on the level of needs of the identified arable crop production technologies, Finance (WMS = 1.88) and inadequate farmland (WMS = 1.81) were ranked as highest in the challenges to the use of arable crop production technologies among the farmers. Ordered probit analysis result established that age (z = 4.41***), sex (z = 1.92**), years of farming experience (z = -2.45**), extension contact (z = -1.72*), and farm size (z = 2.09**) exhibited significant relationship with the level of need of different identified arable crop production technologies among the arable crop farmers in the study area. The study therefore, recommends the need to encourage arable crop production by ensuring appropriate application of different arable crop technologies coupled with adequate training of rural farmers through extension service; the technology providers should align the technologies with the arable crop farmers’ need as it would encourage efficient utilization of such technologies among different users.

Application of 2d Electrical Resistivity Imaging for Mineral Ore Exploration Within a Basement Complex Formation

A geophysical survey using electrical resistivity was carried out in Gbede community within latitude (8˚17’37.7”N-8˚17’49.8’’N) and longitude (4˚20’45.9’’E - 4˚20’58.8’’E) area of Oyo State southwestern Nigeria. The survey was to determine the location and the lateral extent of the suspected Iron Ore deposited in the area using 2D resistivity imaging.using a resistivity meter, Wenner array configuration and electrode spacing ranging from 5 – 25 m was implored in the survey. Five (5) electrical profiles each with 120 m long were conducted within the area. The RES2DINVsoftware was used on the data acquired for processing and inversion. The result of resistivity imaging revealed the lateral continuity of mineral ore deposit within the first layer(top soil) with resistivity values ranging from 395 Ωm to 6619 Ωm at a mean depth of 13m. These values of resistivity suggest the presence of mineral ore in the form of magnetite and hematite which all constituted over 69% of iron in the study area.

Causes, enablers and perceived solutions to teenage pregnancy: a qualitative study in a South-Western State in Nigeria.

teenage pregnancy remains a major public health issue in Nigeria with many teenagers being fated to early motherhood resulting in a life filled with turmoil. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of teachers and students of high schools on the causes, enablers and solutions to teenage pregnancy. this study employed an exploratory design using a qualitative approach. Participants were selected using purposive sampling technique and a total number of 33 participants interviewed. Data collection was done by means of audio-recorded semi-structured interviews and data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Descriptive statistics were used to generate participants' demographic profile. three themes emerged from the study. They include perception of teachers and students on the causes of teenage pregnancy, perceived enablers of teenage pregnancy and solutions to teenage pregnancy. Findings revealed that the majority of the participants had knowledge of teenage pregnancy but had limited knowledge of contraceptives, particularly the students. Almost all participants viewed teenage pregnancy as a more common occurrence in their community than in schools. Participants identified poverty, peer pressure and poor parental control as causes of teenage pregnancy. Participants further identified poverty, substance abuse and lack of education as enablers of teenage pregnancy while perceived solutions included poverty eradication, abstinence from sexual activities, girl child education and government involvement. Majority of the participants disagreed with giving condoms to teenagers in schools. among other causes of teenage pregnancy identified in this study, poverty was a recurring theme. Therefore, there is, a need for the government of Nigeria to combat poverty at all levels, as a strategy to curb teenage pregnancy while not neglecting other causes.

Early detection of paediatric cancer: Equipping primary health-care workers in Nigeria

Background: Paediatric cancer patients in Nigeria continue to arrive at specialist centers with advanced-stage disease. The reasons for this are myriad, not least of which are delays in detection, diagnosis, and referral for treatment. While delayed presentation has often been reported from the perspective of delays from caregivers' decisions, institutional deficiencies in the health care system may account for an unmeasured portion of the factors leading to delayed presentation. This project centered around training of health-care professionals at community level to detect potential paediatric cancer signs and refer appropriately. Aim: The aim of the study is to access the immediate impact of training on early detection and referral of possible paediatric cancer cases in the community and primary level health care workers and professionals in the Southwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective review of the training impact in three South-Western states in Nigeria. Scores before and after the training were analyzed using the IBM SPSS statistics, version 23 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: A total of 732 primary health care workers were trained. In the pre assessment evaluations, 44.8% of participants reported that cancer did not occur in children, 47.2% did not know any referral pathway for a child suspected of cancer. The post training assessment indicated an improvement in participants' understanding of common paediatric cancers types and how to refer a suspected case for specialist diagnosis and attention. Mean scores before and after the training were 3.5/15 and 12.5/15, respectively. Conclusion: Training health-care professionals working at the community level can have an immediate and measurable impact on early detection and referral for paediatric cancers, as seen by the difference in pre training and post training assessment scores. There remains a need for continuous training to ensure early referral and ultimately increase survival indices of children diagnosed with cancer in Nigeria.