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The paper was written as part of the efforts to find solution to the the falling standard of education in Nigeria. The education stakeholders and government alike strongly held the view that the standards had fallen and recently the Minister of Education called for the declaration of a state of emergency in education in order to take extraordinary measures to restore the education system to its glorious past. Against that background, the paper was written to draw attention to the fundamental issues, principles and practices which largely determine the standards of education across the world. Often, the school system in Nigeria had paid less than required attention to such fundamental issues while focusing disproportionately on matters of funding and lack of infrastructure and facilities. It is the position of the paper that though funding, infrastructure and facilities are indispensable, a proper understanding of the fundamentals of the learning system and their proper management can empower schools to record high academic achievements irrespective of their settings and material circumstances. The paper therefore addressed themes such as learner characteristics, curriculum development, instructional resources, instructional strategy, teacher competency, learning assessment and reward system.

In this paper, a social-academic platform has been evaluated as one of the vital services that foster collaborative learning and increase the usage of academic web portals. However, the absence of the social and academic aspects in the context of the platforms available to the institutions in the study has resulted in usability concerns and reduced usage for interactions between their vital stakeholders -- tutors and students. The importance of an institution's web portal for alternative learning outside physical classrooms or lecture halls has been signalled by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. In this study a platform has been evaluated via a standard post-task usability assessment scaling metric -- System Usability Scale (SUS), to examine the portals' usability and to validate the construct of perceived social learning and sharing of knowledge by random evaluators via the post-system usability assessment tool. The outcome of the post-system evaluation noted empirically that, the system perceived learnability was 70.9% and the usability scale score was 83.9% with excellent usability at the 90th-95th percentile range. Consequently, the study outcome suggests that the social academic web portal platform in the era of the pandemic is adaptable, usable, and can be used to foster social academic interactions between lecturers and students in learning institutions, and therefore increase the web portal's usage.

A regular feature of the Nigerian tertiary education context is large numbers of students crammed into small classrooms or lecture theatres. This context had long begged for the creation of innovative learning spaces and adoption of engaging pedagogies. Recourse to technology support and experimenting with the WIKI as a learning tool at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria gave us an insight into the benefits and challenges of the set-up and use of new knowledge technologies in our technology-poor context. This paper reports on an experiment in an extra-large (XXL) class of freshmen (2000+) in a module of second language project writing using the WIKI. The paper emphasises the unique advantages of the WIKI in a large blended learning class and the affordances for socio-cultural and collaborative learning experience. In creating new learning teams and forging collaboration among learners leveraging one another's abilities, the wiki experience extended the "classroom" beyond the physical space, engaged students in interactional communication in the second language, encouraged negotiation of meaning, and challenged learners in finding their "solutions" to real life problems around them, aside from acquisition of hands-on digital literacy. The paper reports on how learners experienced and participated in learning on a technology supported module. Data for the investigation and evaluation of students' learning experiences were collected using teacher observation of team formation and collaboration on activities offline and tracked students' logs, footprints and activities on group pages online; students' feedback on the end-of-course learners' evaluation forms; and their reflections as gleaned from their comments, encouraged and freely made continually by many from inception through to the end of the course, on the front page of our wiki. The report employs both qualitative and quantitative parameters. Results indicated a large number of students felt satisfied that the learning experience, though difficult, was worth their while; it opened up new vistas to the world; it got them working and learning to collaborate in groups; they developed a level of autonomy they would like to keep, and would like more of their courses supported by technology and thought the medium offered hope for the future, as it opened up new vistas in their learning. (Contains 5 tables.)

The Public Service in Nigeria is beset with poor service delivery concerns arising from poor performance of employees. This is against the backdrop of renewed intention of governments and public sector organisations globally to continuously enhance the performance and productivity of employees. This paper focuses on how effective the implementation of performance management can influence performance in the public service. The public service over the years has been entangled with issues of poor performance and low productivity of employees. Globally, performance management in the recent decades has been a valid tool for achieving improved output. It is a strategic and integrated human resource approach used by organisations to observe, assess and monitor progress against set targets and standards. The paper adopted the theory of Goal Setting as an explanatory framework. The methodology of the paper is qualitative with focus on descriptive analysis. The paper argues that the normal practice of evaluating performance in the MDAs through the Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APER) is weak and restricted in approach, and has not significantly impacted on effective performance and improved service delivery over the years. The paper recommends the adoption of effective guidelines where line managers would be assigned enhanced roles in the performance evaluation and management process. This can be achieved through the adoption of a national policy framework on Performance Management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this qualitative study, the authors addresses the complexities of the Nigerian Social Studies teaching context taking into cognizance the pervasive and lecture-based pedagogical process centered on rote learning and memorization. Democracy being a globally enthroned system of government can only endure when the citizens are actively involved by making input into the system of governance. Nigerian educators, particularly Social Studies educators, must rethink their teaching practices that will produce responsible democratic citizens. To achieve this, there is need to guide a transition in the teaching approach from rote learning to critical thinking. This paper therefore advocates for a restructuring of both the curriculum and instructional approach that will give Nigerian students the desired disposition to think for themselves so as to become good citizens in a sustainable democracy.

Students have the right to be taught by competent teachers who have a clear understanding of how students imbibe instructions and such teachers must be given appropriate resources in terms of tools to carry out the assignment. This article examines the effects of supervision and quality of teaching personnel on students' academic performance in the context of schools in a specific developing country context, that of Nigeria. Also this paper examines the differences in the effects of supervision and quality of teaching personnel on students' academics performance in the public and private secondary schools. It does so by testing a model of such effects using a set of data collected from a sample of Nigerian secondary school teachers. Analysis shows supervision dimensions to have strong effects on secondary school students' academic performance. Supervision had significant add-on effects to quality of teaching personnel in prediction of secondary school students' academic performance. (Contains 6 tables.)

This research paper presents the main theme of the revenge of conscience in John Grisham‘s A Time to Kill (1989) The emergence of Arabic play in Nigeria cannot be easily traced. However, the first published one is the Oseni‘s al ‘Amid al-Mubajjal (The Honorable Dean) in 1994.Thereafter, more than forty of the Nigerian Arabic plays have emerged. The aim of this study is to give a summarized translation of the play and critically examine its literary elements such as the themes, setting, characterization and plots as portrayed in the Arabic play. The research is also significant as it exposes the moral value of the play. The researcher used the descriptive method of research. The play is a reflection of what goes on in some Nigerian Universities where some students and staff are being oppressed by some wicked staff. Having examined the literary styles, it is found that literary elements are used by the author to a large extent to pilot the organic unity of the play. It is recommended, therefore, that the play should be staged on international television stations for the benefit of humanity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discourses on herding have focussed on the "exact" representations of the social actions of itinerant herders who clash with farmers while grazing on supposed cattle routes. Media coverage on the herdsmenfarmers conflict has deployed ideologically laden terms to represent herding as trespassing on farmlands and herders as foreigners and trespassers. Using van Leeuwen's Representation of Social Actions and Actors model and Martin and White's Appraisal Framework, this paper examines how different trespassing-related terms (i.e. invade, attack and destroy) were deployed in the Nigerian newspaper headlines to represent herders and their activities with a view to discussing the kinds of representations that were constructed of the nomads through the texts. Findings revealed that using transactive role allocations, nominalization, descriptivation, identification, aggregation and attitudinal lexicalization, these social actors were evaluated negatively as intruders, raiders, and destroyers. The negative othering underscores the general perception and suspicious treatment of nomads in their host farming communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agitations by labour unions in the country have become a recurring decimal and this has led to a series of arrests and death of members in the course of fighting for their legitimate rights of improved welfare packages. In this incessant face-off between government and labour unions in the country, many scholars have written voicing the opinions. While some blamed successive government on their insensitivity to the plight of Nigerian workers, others condemned the actions of workers as falling below expectation as many are inefficient and incompetent. But, an area where attention has not been focused on, has to do with the value of dignity of labour among the Nigerian workforce. It is therefore pertinent to take a critical look at the religious value of the dignity of labour vis - a - vis the attitudes of those in the corridors of power and the plight of workers who are the fulcrum on which the economy upon which any nation stands. It is in light of this that this paper will examine among other things, strike actions in Nigeria, and the meaning of 'dignity of labour' from a religious perspective. Lastly, a clarion call will be made on stakeholders in labour matters on the need to address the lingering gridlock between government and labour unions in the country in order for the efforts of the present administration at revamping the economy not to be a mere waste of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-spite of the progress recorded under the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the enthusiasm towards the ongoing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria, stakeholders in Nigeria have expressed concerns on the adequacy of the existing evaluation system to communicate accurate results, facilitate learning, effectively measure performance and feedback stakeholders premised on evidence. This paper therefore reviewed and identified evaluation related challenges under the MDGs and proposed innovative approaches for evaluating the SDG 2. The article covered the Nigerian nation and in-depth review and content analysis of relevant secondary data, available locally and from development sources. The study identified numerous factors which limited MDGs' evaluation to include late take-off of implementation, restricted focus on performance measurement and individual projects, limited deployment of innovations, negative competition, duplication and limited coordination by donors, uncertainty of funding, weak capacity and focus. Given the peculiar and inter-linked nature of SDG 2, the article recommended for the deployment of adaptive innovative practices to measure this Goal, premised on systems, principled and multi-stakeholder analyses, juxtaposed within the framework of a holistic results-based M&E approach. The Nigerian Association of Evaluation, Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Development Partners and National Planning Commission should step-up arrangement for the development of a national evaluation policy and effectively synergize to stimulate the introduction and adaptation of best practices in support of SDG 2 evaluation in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The paper aims at investigating how user education is organized, coordinated and implemented in South East Nigeria Federal University Libraries. It also addresses the challenges encountered by academic librarians in the process and itemizes the strategies for enhancing user education. Methodology: Survey method was adopted and the instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. Population of the study was twenty-six and. twenty-six copies of the instrument were administered. All the copies were returned and were found usable. Descriptive statistics involving frequencies, percentages and mean scores were used for data analysis Findings: Only one university library did not have user education policy but all of them had written objectives. User education lectures were compulsory and credit bearing. Responsibility for delivering user education lectures differed among university libraries. Coordination and implementation of user education studies were centered in the university library but the university libraries differed in the manner in which coordination of library user education was handled. Course-related and course-integrated instructions were the means of delivering user education lectures and an examination taken by students before the end of the session was the only means of evaluation of library user education. Hands-on demonstration using workstations, online resources and online databases were not being used during lectures. Practical Implications: Students were not exposed to the current ICT technologies of accessing and retrieving information resources. So, their approach to library usage remained mainly traditional Originality/Value: The value of this paper lies in the identification and recommendation of available critical ICT-enabled library services which could provide students with current approaches to library use. It articulated various categories of evaluation of both the course content and course lecturers in order to improve both the quality of the content of the course and the erudition of the academic librarians Keywords: Academic librarians, coordination, evaluation, Federal University Libraries, implementation, libraries, planning, South East Nigeria, user education. Paper Type: Empirical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of leadership in redressing the failed state status of Nigeria with a focus on the present administration (between 2010 and 2012). For the past three years, Nigeria has been keeping the ugly company and ranking consistently as the fourteenth on the list of failed states, but the governing elites have been making spirited campaigns and slow haste in explaining away this situation. Through heavy reliance on secondary sources of data, the utilization of elite theory as framework, backed by the analytical approach to the issues raised/discussed, the paper observed that the ranking of Nigeria on the failed state index ignores some historical facts and current situational realities which make the failed criteria suspect and questionable. There is therefore the need to rethink and tinker with some of these criteria to reflect socio-economic and political performance in realistic terms. Purposeful and people --centered approach to governance capable of redressing the dysfunctions of the Nigerian state is also canvassed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study explores performance assessment models in academic libraries and show-cases the practical experiences at the Covenant University Library. The paper which is based on an observational study of the researchers' daily work experiences and review of literature identified constraints to performance assessment in academic libraries and has attempted to give solutions. The paper concludes that academic libraries should overcome constraints and imbibe the culture of performance assessment that involves a continuous and periodic process of fine-tuning critical management and functional processes, either reactively or proactively through deliberately designed parameters (indicators). It extrapolated from the unique experiences of the Centre for Learning Resources, Covenant University to construct a model (Lib-PERFQUAL) for libraries around the world. This is a model that comprises all indicators necessary to maintain continuous relevance and achieve utmost efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) including community health extension workers (CHEWs) in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria participated in a hypertension training series following the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) model which leverages technology and a practical peer-to-peer learning framework to virtually train healthcare practitioners. We sought to evaluate the patient-level effects of the hypertension ECHO series. Methods: HCWs from 12 of 33 eligible primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in the Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program (NCT04158154) were selected to participate in a seven-part hypertension ECHO series from August 2022 to April 2023. Concurrent Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program patient data were used to evaluate changes in hypertension treatment and control rates, and adherence to Nigeria's hypertension treatment protocol. Outcomes were compared between the 12 PHCs in the ECHO program and the 21 which were not. Results: Between July 2022 and June 2023, 16,691 PHC visits were documented among 4340 individuals (ECHO: n = 1428 [33%], non-ECHO: n = 2912 [67%]). Patients were on average (SD) 51.5 (12.0) years old, and one-third were male (n = 1372, 32%) with no differences between cohorts in either characteristic (p ≥ 0.05 for both). Blood pressures at enrollment were higher in the ECHO cohort compared to the non-ECHO cohort (systolic p < 0.0001 and diastolic p = 0.0001), and patients were less likely to be treated with multiple medications (p < 0.0001). Treatment rates were similar at baseline (ECHO: 94.0% and Non-ECHO: 94.7%) and increased at a higher rate (interaction p = 0.045) in the ECHO cohort over time. After adjustment for baseline and within site variation, the difference was attenuated (interaction p = 0.37). Over time, control rates increased and medication protocol adherence decreased, with no differences between cohorts. Staffing levels, adult patient visits, and rates of hypertension screening and empanelment were similar between ECHO and non-ECHO cohorts (p ≥ 0.05 for all). Conclusions: The ECHO series was associated with moderately increased hypertension treatment rates and did not adversely affect staffing or clinical capacity among PHCs in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. These results may be used to inform strategies to support scaling hypertension education among frontline HCWs throughout Nigeria, and use of the ECHO model for CHEWs. Trial Registration: The Hypertension Treatment in Nigeria Program was prospectively registered on November 8, 2019 at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04158154; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04158154). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite rainfall estimates (SREs) play a crucial role in weather monitoring, forecasting and modeling, particularly in regions where ground-based observations may be limited. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of three commonly used SREs—African Rainfall Climatology version 2 (ARC2), Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) and Tropical Application of Meteorology using SATellite data and ground-based observation (TAMSAT)— with respect to their performance in detecting rainfall patterns in Nigeria at daily scales from 2002 to 2022. Observed data obtained from the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) are used as reference data. Evaluation metrics such as correlation coefficient, root mean square error, mean error, bias, probability of detection (POD), false alarm ratio (FAR), and critical success index (CSI) are employed to assess the performance of the SREs. The results show that all the SREs exhibit low bias during the major rainfall season from May to October, and the products significantly overestimate observed rainfall during the dry period from November to March in the Sahel and Savannah Zones. Similarly, over the Guinea Zone, all the products indicate overestimation in the dry season. The underperformance of SREs in dry seasons could be attributed to the rainfall retrieval algorithms, intensity of rainfall occurrence and spatial-temporal resolution. These factors could potentially lead to the accuracy of the rainfall retrieval being reduced due to intense stratiform clouds. However, all the SREs indicated better detection capabilities and less false alarms during the wet season than in dry periods. CHIRPS and TAMSAT exhibited high POD and CSI values with the least FAR across agro-climatic zones during dry periods. Generally, CHIRPS turned out to be the best SRE and, as such, would provide a useful dataset for research and operational use in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - This paper seeks to adopt an investigative approach to post-occupancy evaluation using major technical and functional criteria of performance on the facilities of a postgraduate hostel at the campus of the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach - Data collection was based on a survey through self-administered questionnaires in which users of the building were asked to report on their perceptions and experience of the facility. The user satisfaction survey was developed based on the students' feedback on their experience with 29 identified performance criteria obtained from a review of the literature and an interview with a member of the university's hall management committee. Data at the organizational level were collected by personal interviews with the facilities manager and co-ordinator of hostels of the university. Findings - The user satisfaction survey identified areas of deficiency, particularly in maintenance, and facilitated the assessment of the overall performance of the building. Originality/value - This study demonstrates how universities in Nigeria can assess the management of hostel facilities by hostel administrators and facilities managers. Apart from the results of the user satisfaction survey being useful as evidence to access funds for the improvement of student hostel facilities, the feedback will be helpful in the design and management of new hostel facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An estimated 6 million children under the age of five in Nigeria (out of nearly 31 million) risk not reaching their full developmental potential. The dearth of context-relevant measures poses a challenge to the planning and implementation of effective interventions. This study assesses the utility of the Early Childhood Development Index (ECDI) in Nigeria. We used the Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys to track progress among 3- to 4-year-old children (n = 11,073); 3-year-old, 51%; female, 49%. Using random calibration samples, the results from psychometric tests indicate that while over half of the children were on track in their development based on the ECDI, the instrument had low to average internal consistency and weak face validity, suggesting an inadequacy in capturing ECD information of value. At the outset of the launch of the new ECDI2030, the results of this study point to the need for continued discourse and advocacy for the use of culturally appropriate measures of child development, and a child-centered community engagement approach. This is essential in ensuring accountability and responsive interventions for the children served and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nigeria ranks second in the global prevalence of diarrhoea with most cases concentrated in the Northern-region of the country. This research explored the antidiarrhoeal efficacy of the hydroethanolic extract of Piliostigma thonningii leaves (HEPTL), locally used to manage diarrhoeal conditions in Kebbi State, Nigeria. P. thonningii leaves were screened for their secondary metabolites and mineral constituents. Using 3 standard-diarrhoea models, female Wistar rats completely-randomised into six-groups of six animals each were utilised for probing the antidiarrhoeal activity of HEPTL. Animals in groups I and II served as the negative and positive controls, whereas the rats in groups III, IV and V respectively received 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight-(bw) of HEPTL. Six secondary metabolites and eight minerals were found in the extract, with flavonoids and calcium being the most abundant while steroids and zinc were the least prevalent, respectively. High performance liquid chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 19 bioactive substances. Furthermore, there was a significant (p<0.05) and dose-related reduction in diarrhoea onset, water content, and wet faeces count. Similarly, the amount of intestinal fluid and average distance traversed by the charcoal-meal were decreased dose-dependently by the HEPTL with a commensurate rise in the suppression of intestinal fluid accrual and peristalsis. Acetylcholinesterase, Na+/K+-ATPase, reduced glutathione, intestinal-alkaline phosphatase and protein levels increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas superoxide-dismutase, catalase, intestinal-nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels all fell significantly (p<0.05). However, the level of intestinal glucose was not significantly altered. Overall, the HEPTL exhibited a profound effect in the alleviation of the severity of diarrhoea, notably at 200 mg/kg bw. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for the appreciation of values and knowledge diversity has contributed to the increasing relevance of stakeholder participation in the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of development projects. Using mixed methods research design and indicators, this paper assesses the outcomes of the participatory monitoring and evaluation (PME) process of the Tada Shonga Irrigation Project, Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 103 respondents were randomly selected for questionnaire administration, and 5 respondents interviewed for the study. An Outcome Perception Index (OPI) was developed to assess stakeholders' perception of the extent to which the project had met its objectives. The study found out that the project's PME process was deficient, and the outcomes of the project and its PME process had been a mixed bag. The study further established a significant relationship between the deficient PME process of the project and project outcomes, although the relationship is indicative, rather than proof of a possible causal relationship. This was corroborated by the qualitative analysis which highlighted other critical factors affecting project outcomes. The study concluded that stringent M&E framework must be imbued in government policies to ensure success and sustainability of projects and programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to analyse, statistically significant, quantitative variables that determine the share price of oil and gas sector companies listed on the Nigerian Stock exchange, during the economic slowdown period of 2009-2013, after the world financial crisis of 2008, and investigate whether the signalling hypothesis holds or not. In terms of analytical tools, multiple regression analysis is used. During dividend increase announcements, the regression coefficient determinant ( R2) indicates that over 90 per cent of variations in stock prices is explained by variations in dividend announcements. This study supports the dividend signalling hypothesis ( DSH) but discredits the efficient market hypothesis. During a dividend decrease, the R2 for both equations indicates that over 64 per cent of variations in stock prices is explained by variations in dividend announcements. This result also supports the DSH. The implication of this is that racketeers can capitalise on this and make unjustified returns. By so doing, both sector investors and the stock market will be short changed. As this research considers only the oil and gas sector, further studies need to be conducted that consider possibly all listed firms in the Nigerian stock market, within the same interval to further investigate if the signalling hypothesis will hold or not. But most appropriately, applicable, as a comparative study of the same sector before and after the world financial crisis of 2008 the paper seeks to find out if this phenomenon is also applicable to OPEC member states. This research is in progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information about effects of agricultural land uses on soil properties is essential for sustainable utilization of soil resources and conservation of the ecosystem. This study was carried out to assess the impact of agricultural land use types on selected quality indicators of some soils of Amalla in Nsukka, South-East Nigeria. A total of 15 composite soil samples were collected each from cassava farm, maize farm and oil-palm plantation farm at 0-15 cm soil depths in 5 different study locations. Three farms practicing each of the land use type at each location were taken as replicates. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done following the generalized linear model of Statistix 9.1 laid in a Completely Randomized Block Design. The results shows that the mean values of sand, silt and clay contents ranged from 74.60-80.80%, 11.00-14.00% and 7.39-11.40% in the farm locations, respectively. The mean soil bulk density ranged from 1.18-2.05 g/cm³ and was significantly (P<0.05) different among the land use types, except at Ibagwa farm. The sand and silt contents of the soils did not differ significantly (P<0.05) among the land use types in most of the study locations. The clay content differed significantly across all land use types in all the sampled locations, and was significantly higher under the oil palm compared to both cassava and maize farming systems. The significantly (P<0.05) higher soil organic carbon (OC) content was found under the oil palm land use, while the lowest organic carbon of 0.34% was found in the cassava farm locations. Soil organic matter (OM) was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in the oil palm (2.1% - 2.9%) and lowest under the cassava farm (0.59%-1.3%). Generally, the OC content (0.34%-1.34%) recorded under the various land use types was well below the bench mark for most crop requirements, and soil's structural stability might fail. The soils are thus, predisposed to greater risk of low fertility and water erosion. More detailed studies on environmental and economic aspects of these land uses are strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Psydrax horizontalis Schum. & Thonn; is used traditionally in the treatment of malaria, fever, and management of diabetes in Nsukka, South-eastern Nigeria. Owing to its increasing ethno-medicinal relevance, proper identification and evaluation are vital to prevent adulteration. This research article presents a detailed pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation on the leaves of Psydrax horizontalis which will be used in its identification and consequent standardization. Methods: The fresh and powdered leaves were evaluated for their macroscopic and microscopic features. Physicochemical properties and phytochemical screening were carried out based on standard procedures by World Health Organization (WHO). Results: Psydrax horizontalis is a petiolate, stipulate and compound bi-pinnate leaf with reticulate venation, entire margin, chordate base and has opposite leaf arrangement. Microscopic diagnostic characters observed were paracytic stomata, unicellular covering trichomes, microsphenoidal shaped calcium oxalate crystals, lignified vessels and fibres as well as numerous starch grains. The total ash, water soluble ash, sulphated ash, acid insoluble ash compositions were 6.5, 0.5, 2.75 and 0.5% respectively. The moisture content, alcohol soluble extractive and water soluble extractive values obtained were 8.8, 3.8 and 3.7% respectively. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening showed flavonoids, tannins, steroids, phenols and alkaloids at 100.00±0.035, 22.00±0.036, 19.50±0.024, 15.00±0.032 and 13.00±0.014 mg/g respectively as the major phytochemical constituents. Conclusion: The pharmacognostic standards of the leaves of Psydrax horizontalis were determined and serve as quality control parameters for their purity, identification and standardization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The implementation of the country-wide comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) curriculum among in-school adolescents remains abysmally low and mHealth-based interventions are promising. We assessed the effect of a mHealth-based CSE on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, attitude and behaviour of in-school adolescents in Ilorin, northcentral Nigeria. Methods: Using schools as clusters, 1280 in-school adolescents were randomised into intervention and control groups. Data was collected at baseline (T0), immediately after the intervention (T1) and 3 months afterwards (T2) on SRH knowledge, attitude and practice of risky sexual behaviour (RSB). Data analysis included test of associations using Chi-square, independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Predictors were identified using binary logistic regression. Results: In the intervention group, there was a statistically significant main effect on mean knowledge score (F = 2117.252, p = < 0.001) and mean attitude score (F = 148.493, p = < 0.001) from T0 to T2 compared to the control group which showed no statistically significant main effects in knowledge (p = 0.073), attitude (p = 0.142) and RSB (p = 0.142). Though the mean RSB score declined from T0 to T2, this effect was not statistically significant (F = 0.558, p = 0.572). Post-intervention, being female was a positive predictor of good SRH knowledge; being male was a positive predictor of RSB while being in a higher-class level was a negative predictor of RSB. Conclusion: The mHealth-based CSE was effective in improving SRH knowledge and attitude among in-school adolescents. This strategy should be strengthened to bridge the SRH knowledge and attitude gap among in-school adolescents. Trial registration Retrospectively registered on the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (pactr.samrc.ac.za) on 19 October 2023. Identification number: PACTR202310485136014 Plain Language Summary: In Nigeria, the implementation of a nationwide sex education programme for adolescents going to schools is below expectation but using mobile health (mHealth) interventions could help. In this study, we looked at how a mHealth-based sex education programme affected the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of in-school adolescents in Ilorin, Nigeria. We divided 1280 students into two groups, one received the mHealth-based intervention and the other did not receive it. We collected data before the intervention, right after it, and 3 months later to see any changes in SRH knowledge, attitudes, and risky sexual behaviours. We used various statistical tests to analyze the data and find patterns. The results showed that the group that received the mHealth intervention had significant improvements in their knowledge and attitudes about SRH from the start of the study to 3 months after the intervention. However, the control group, which didn't get the intervention, didn't show these improvements significantly. While the risky sexual behaviour score decreased slightly in the intervention group, this change was not significant. After the intervention, we found that being female was associated with better SRH knowledge, while being male was linked to more risky sexual behaviours. Also, being in a higher class level was associated with low risky behaviour. In conclusion, using mHealth for sex education helped improve the SRH knowledge and attitudes of students. This approach could be scaled to fill the gap in SRH knowledge and attitudes among adolescents in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study relates groundwater quality to land use types in Lagos State. Fourteen samples were collected from hand dug wells and boreholes, seven each from rural and urban land uses in the study area. Ten parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chloride, nitrate and sulfate) were determined using standard methods. The resulting water quality indices revealed that 58.09% of the samples were rated very poor while 21.73%, 9.08% and 11.1% were rated poor, good and excellent, respectively in rural land use. The analysis of samples drawn from urban land use revealed that 76.55% of the water was unfit for drinking while 14.4%, 6.42% and 2.63% were found to be very poor, good and excellent, respectively. pH, total dissolved solids, chloride, total hardness and nitrate were beyond the permissible limits for urban land use while, pH, total hardness and nitrate were above permissible limits for rural land use. These parameters were found to be responsible for the poor water quality rating in the study areas. The paper recommends a comprehensive effective sewerage system for safe disposal of sewage, efficient waste water handling and control of urban runoff to prevent groundwater quality deterioration in the study areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

kwong e.w.-y., pang s.m.-c., choi p.-p. & wong t.k.-s. (2010) Influenza vaccine preference and uptake among older people in nine countries. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(10), 2297–2308. Aim. This paper is a report of a study delineating factors that influence older people’s preferences and uptake of the influenza vaccine in nine countries. Background. Vaccination uptake for the aging population in many countries still remains below the World Health Organization recommended rate. Older people who perceive higher susceptibility to and severity of influenza, and more benefits from vaccination and action cues prompting vaccination, tend to accept the vaccine, but those with more perceived barriers to vaccination are less likely to accept it. Method. A total of 208 older people from China, Indonesia, Turkey, Korea, Greece, Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Nigeria were recruited to 14 vaccinated and 12 unvaccinated focus groups. They shared their experiences of influenza, and influenza vaccination, and promotion of influenza vaccination in focus groups. The data were collected in 2007. Findings. We identified five themes and generated a hypothetical framework for in-depth understanding of vaccination behaviour among older people. Participants’ vaccine preferences were determined by their behavioural beliefs in vaccination, which were based on their probability calculation of susceptibility to and severity of influenza and vaccine effectiveness, and their utility calculation of vaccine, healthcare and social costs. Action cues prompting vaccination and vaccine access further affected the vaccine uptake of participants with vaccine preferences. Vaccination coverage was likely to be higher in the countries where normative beliefs in favour of vaccination had formed. Conclusion. The hypothetical framework can be used to guide healthcare providers in developing strategies to foster normative beliefs of older people in vaccination, provide effective action cues and promote vaccine access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the study patterns and problems militating against women distant learners in Oyo and Osun States, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted in the study. The population of the study consisted the 522 female distant learners of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan (Oyo State) and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife distant learning centres (Osun State) in the 2007 / 2008 academic year. The sample of the study consisted of 240 female distant learners from the two institutions (120 from each of the institutions). The selection of the female distant learners from the institutions was based on stratified sampling method. A set of instrument titled; 'Questionnaire on Women Distant Learners (QWDL) was specifically developed for the study to elicit relevant information on the associated problems and study pattern of distance learners particularly those that are women. It was established in the study that home environment, household chores, maternal responsibilities, isolation, and concentration problems constitute barriers to private learning in Nigeria. The emerging pattern of the study habits appears to be in response to these major barriers. The paper notes the impact of these barriers as evident in several learning problems. Their implications for women education, particularly, in areas where women are poorly represented, are discussed. Steps to enhance the education of women as a disadvantaged group are also suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to its affordability in disease-affected communities and suitability for field application, microscopy has historically been considered the gold standard for field diagnosis of trypanosomosis in rural settings. Aim: This works aims to compare the performance of microscopists on bovine trypanosome microscopy by organizing the first comparative assessment on a correct reading of slides by laboratory professionals using the read slide results and a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire in North-central Nigeria. Methods: Ten participants were addressed, as they were sent a panel of two slides (Slide 1: No Trypanosome present; Slide 2: Trypanosome present) and a questionnaire. Results: All participants greater than 41 years old reported correctly the presence and absence of parasites on slides. Only 3/8 of microscopists from routine diagnostic laboratories reported correctly the presence of the parasite. Conclusion: Our study confirmed errors in reading slides. Therefore, training of microscopists besides a nationwide quality assessment is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relatively little is known about readiness of urban health systems to address health needs of the poor. This study explored stakeholders' perception of health needs and strategies for improving health of the urban poor using qualitative analysis. Focus group discussions (n = 5) were held with 26 stakeholders drawn from two Nigerian states during a workshop. Urban areas are characterised by double burden of diseases. Poor housing, lack of basic amenities, poverty, and poor access to information are determinants of health of the urban poor. Shortage of health workers, stock-out of medicines, high cost of care, lack of clinical practice guidelines, and dual practice constrain access to primary health services. An overarching strategy, that prioritises community-driven urban planning, health-in-all policies, structured linkages between informal and formal providers, financial protection schemes, and strengthening of primary health care system, is required to address health needs of the urban poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An evaluation was done to better understand the utilization of empirical formulas and discrimination diagrams in the determination of sediment origin, frequently in Central Africa. For this purpose, a database was established for geochemical data (major and trace elements) collected from present-day environments or Mesozoic deposits with variable environments and source geologies from two countries of Central Africa (Cameroon and Nigeria). The plotting of modern sediments and ancient rocks in the same diagrams has revealed the low impact of diagenetic processes on the chemical compositions. The results suggest that the proximal provenance proposed by several authors that used empirical formulas and discriminant diagrams to infer the origin of sediments are not always appropriate for all types of sediments. This study shows that chemical index of weathering (CIW) and plagioclase index of alteration (PIA) derive from chemical index of alteration (CIA). It is therefore recommended that they should be used with caution while taking into account the regional geological settings, the location of source area, the paleoweathering of source rocks, and hydraulic-sorting effects. In addition, it is also recommended to use other diagrams such mobile alkaline earth metals versus chemical index of alteration (CIA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the depression and examination failure among students of tertiary institution in Cross River State, Nigeria and its counselling implication. Descriptive research survey was adopted for the study. The population of the study was all the students both male and female in all the major tertiary institution in Cross River State, Nigeria. A total of 1,000 students between the ages of 15 - 20 years were selected using multistage sampling technique. A self-designed questionnaire title Depression Evaluation Scale (DES) was used to elicit information from respondents. The instrument was validated and reliability was obtained using test-re-test method. The reliability co-efficient was 0.75 at 0.05 level of significance. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive analysis for the general questions raised while t-test was used to test the hypothesis raised at 0.05 level of significance. The result showed that there is significant difference between male and female students with depression. It was also revealed that there was a significant relationship of depression and mass failure among male students than female counterpart. Based on the findings, it is concluded that depression is a health and behavioural challenge among students in tertiary institution, it was recommended that school counsellors should design an effective counselling programme to assist the students with depression in our tertiary institutions across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivation: Aid agencies that support public accountability reforms commonly do so in the same places and with similar state and civil society actors. However, the combined effects of their separate programmatic actions are rarely analysed. Purpose: This study departs from conventional analysis of aid agency relationships that focuses on the macro level of donor co‐ordination and harmonization. Instead, we look at the interactions that happen in practice between aid agency programmes on the ground. Through doing so we propose a new conceptual lens for understanding these interactions. Methods and approach: We explore how programmes with overlapping public accountability goals interact in specific locations and with what effects, based on qualitative fieldwork on four recent programmes that overlapped in sub‐national areas of Pakistan and Nigeria and supported by lighter‐touch research on two programmes in Mozambique. Findings We identify three distinct categories of "interaction effects"—synergy, parallel play, and disconnect. These effects came about both with and without direct engagement between the aid agencies themselves. Synergistic interaction effects—aid agency actions reinforcing one another in pursuit of greater public accountability—were common. Parallel play—siloed working—was also common, risking missed opportunities to extend impact. The study identified one outright disconnect—where aid agency actions undermined each other. Policy implications: Using this "interaction effects" lens in practice could inform and strengthen aid agency strategies—avoiding conflicting actions and siloed working—and achieving more through synergy with others, particularly in complex contexts. This applies both in programme design and in adapting to other aid programmes' actions in real time. Development programme research and evaluations would benefit from broadening their lens beyond single‐programme studies to understand the combined effects of multiple actors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examined teachers' competence in evaluating students' learning outputs. It was a descriptive survey design whose area of coverage was 2021/2022 school year in public secondary schools across Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. Four out of seven Local Government Areas, 20 out of 100 secondary schools and 496 out of 1,502 teachers (evaluators) formed the sample of the study. Each teacher had one student to examine on; punctuality, obedience, self-control and honesty (Affective Domains); the evaluation methods considered were formative and summative evaluation. The sampling methods adopted were purposive, simple random and systematic sampling methods. Two sets of questionnaire were used for data collection in addition to students' result sheets (first term junior secondary school two (JSS 2) and teaching staff disposition (teachers' register). The two sets of questionnaire were Teachers' Competence Evaluation Questionnaire (TCEQ) and Teachers' Score on Students' Affective Domain Questionnaire (TSSADQ). The questionnaire instruments were validated by experts in different areas of research affected. The results obtained from the test-retest pilot study were correlated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation to obtain the internal consistency of the measures whose coefficient was 0.76. Data collected were analyzed using contingency chi-square technique to test the formulated null hypotheses. It was found that evaluation methods influence students' learning outputs and that the quality of teacher competence evaluation also influence students' affective domain. It was recommended that teachers should intermittently evaluate students learning in the course of instruction and not forgetting the final evaluation. Also, teachers should improve their evaluation strategies by making learning a life-long affair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of social media-based dance therapy in reducing symptoms of depression among evacuees of the Russia–Ukraine war. The participants were randomly assigned to no dance therapy (n = 162) and social media-based dance therapy groups (n = 162). The dance therapy group took part in 12 sessions of dance therapy while the no dance therapy group did not receive any intervention. The result showed that before the dance therapy intervention, participants in both groups reported severe depression symptoms. After the intervention, participants in the dance therapy group dropped from severe depression to normal depression while those in the no dance therapy group dropped to major depression. During the follow-up assessment after 3 months, participants in the no dance therapy group reported moderate depression while those in the dance therapy group still maintained their normal depression classification with a drop in their depression score from 46 to 26. Overall, the result showed that there was a significant main effect of time and the depression score of the participants, F (1,304) 203.143, p = 0.001, eta = 0.401. No interactive effect of gender and the impact of the treatment on reduction in depression symptoms was detected, F (1,304) 3.232, p = 0.073. However, there was a significant main effect of treatment condition on depression symptoms, F (1,304) 495.023, p = 0.001. We highlighted the implication of these results on health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Okra [ Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] is a nutrient-rich economically important vegetable crop grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Okra is one of the horticultural mandate crops of the National Horticultural Research (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria. It is an under-studied crop in terms of genetic improvement in Nigeria. In response to farmers' demand for improved varieties, the institute commenced efforts in developing novel okra varieties. However, a successful and sustainable crop improvement program depends on the identification of market-driven demands and the availability of variation in the crop germplasm. In view of the above, this research began with an appraisal study to assess the current situation of okra production and to identify farmers' preferred traits for establishing breeding priorities. According to the results of the participatory rural appraisal, some of the important constraints affecting okra productivity are lack of improved varieties, diseases, pests, and drought. The quest to assess variability in the collected okra accessions and select superior varieties with farmers' preferred traits, fifty (50) okra accessions were evaluated in the field for 3 consecutive years (2019–2021) using a 5 × 10 α-lattice incomplete block design with three replications. The ANOVA revealed high significant variation (p < 0.001) in the number of days to first flower, pod length, and pod girth. The variability observed among the accessions will be useful in the selection of potential parents required for hybridization and generation of progenies with desirable traits for farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the findings regarding information literacy (IL) delivery in primary school libraries in Enugu State, Nigeria. The discussion is based on IL content and delivery methods, as well as their effectiveness. The study was an instrumentation research in which experiment was used to test effect of a developed IL curriculum. In order to ascertain the effect of the curriculum, pretest was given to the whole subjects prior to the commencement of the teaching. Subjects, received teaching covering the whole topics for second term-a period of 12 weeks. A post- test was thereafter given and the hypothesis tested was that: There is no significant difference between the information literacy skills of pupils participating in library period programme and those not participating, The hypothesis was tested using t-test statistics. The study made use of mean score, standard deviation and charts to present and analyse data. Observations showed that pupils exhibited tremendous development as regard their literacy and communication skills, library use skills, and critical thinking skills during the cause of the treatment. The study also found that pupils taught with library period curriculum did significantly better in the project given than those not taught. It was therefore concluded that the library period programme (LPP) might have been responsible for the higher performance of the experimental group. This had some implications for educational policy makers, school administrators, school librarians and class teachers. It was therefore recommended that all stakeholders need to promote information literacy in order to make pupils lifelong and comfortable learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents an assessment of wind energy potentials of six selected high altitude locations within the North-West and North-East geopolitical regions, Nigeria, by using 36-year (1971–2007) wind speed data subjected to 2-parameter Weibull distribution functions. The results showed that the maximum mean wind speed is obtained in Katsina as 9.839 m/s while the minimum value of 3.397 m/s is got in Kaduna for all the locations considered. The annual wind power density and energy variation based on the Weibull analysis ranged from 368.92 W/m2 and 3224.45 kWh/m2/year to 103.14 W/m2 and 901.75 kWh/m2/year in Kano and Potiskum for the maximum and minimum values respectively. Furthermore, Katsina and Kano will be suitable for wind turbine installations while Gusau will only be appropriate for wind energy utilization using taller wind turbine towers whereas Kaduna, Bauchi and Potiskum will be considered marginal for wind power development based of their respective annual mean wind speeds and power densities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Syncretism has remained a persistent issue among the Igbo-speaking Christians of Nigeria. This is observed in the double allegiance of faith among many of them who, interestingly, are devotees of both Christian and African traditional beliefs/systems. Besides the belief in ritualistic charms, many Igbo/Igbo-speaking Christians consult diviners for various reasons, including security and prosperity, causes of illness and death, ways of preserving life, as well as to discern the mind of God about one's future and destiny. Moreover, traditional oath-taking among other African traditional religious practices is common among many Igbo Christians. This article sets out to critically examine the factors that are responsible for the persistence of religious syncretism among the Igbo Christians. The study adopts a qualitative phenomenological research design and descriptive method for data analysis. Personal interviews and library resources constitute the primary and secondary sources of data, respectively. The findings reveal that lifethreatening factors such as illness, disease, insecurity, and fear are some of the principal causes of religious syncretism among the Igbo Christians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unmet need for postpartum contraception is high. Integration of family planning with routine child immunization services may help to satisfy unmet need. However, evidence about the determinants and effects of integration has been inconsistent, and more evidence is required to ascertain whether and how to invest in integration. In this study, facility-level family planning and immunization integration index scores are used to: (1) determine whether integration changes over time and (2) identify whether facility-level characteristics, including exposure to the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI), are associated with integration across facilities in six urban areas of Nigeria.Methods: This study utilizes health facility data collected at baseline (n = 400) and endline (n = 385) for the NURHI impact evaluation. Difference-in-differences models estimate the associations between facility-level characteristics, including exposure to NURHI, and Provider and Facility Integration Index scores. The two outcome measures, Provider and Facility Integration Index scores, reflect attributes that support integrated service delivery. These indexes, which range from 0 (low) to 10 (high), were constructed using principal component analysis. Scores were calculated for each facility. Independent variables are (1) time period, (2) whether the facility received the NURHI intervention, and (3) additional facility-level characteristics.Results: Within intervention facilities, mean Provider Integration Index scores were 6.46 at baseline and 6.79 at endline; mean Facility Integration Index scores were 7.16 (baseline) and 7.36 (endline). Within non-intervention facilities, mean Provider Integration Index scores were 5.01 at baseline and 6.25 at endline; mean Facility Integration Index scores were 5.83 (baseline) and 6.12 (endline). Provider Integration Index scores increased significantly (p = 0.00) among non-intervention facilities. Facility Integration Index scores did not increase significantly in either group. Results identify facility-level characteristics associated with higher levels of integration, including smaller family planning client load, family planning training among providers, and public facility ownership. Exposure to NURHI was not associated with integration index scores.Conclusion: Programs aiming to increase integration of family planning and immunization services should monitor and provide targeted support for the implementation of a well-defined integration strategy that considers the influence of facility characteristics and concurrent initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background. Mental health disorders have received little attention amongst people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Depression is the most common psychiatric consequence of HIV/AIDS diagnosis. Its prevalence is higher among PLWHA than the general population. Objectives. To determine the prevalence of depression, to identify its associated factors and, lastly, to determine its association with treatment outcome measures among PLWHA on antiretroviral therapy (ART) aged ≥ 18 years receiving care at the HIV clinic of General Hospital, Lagos. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the systematic random sampling method to select participants over a period of 14 weeks. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was designed to capture socio-demographic, behavioural, psychosocial, HIV and health-related information, as well as the clinical data of the participants. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression. The relationships between depression and other participants’ characteristics were tested with Pearson’s chi-squared (χ2 ) test. Logistic regression analysis was used to minimise confounding, and the level of statistical significance was set as a p-value of ≤ 0.05. Results. The total of 279 respondents, with a mean age of 43.1 ± 10.3 years, were predominantly females (67.7%). The prevalence of depression among the participants was 24%. Factors such as occupation (p = 0.041; 95% CI, 0.43 to 3.63), alcohol intake (p = 0.036; 95% CI, 0.62 to 3.82), cohabitation (p = 0.025; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.82), stigmatisation (p = 0.008; 95% CI, 0.92 to 3.70) and personal history of depression (p < 0.001; 95% CI: 1.75 to 6.38) showed statistically significant relationships with depression. Conclusions. The burden of depression is high among PLWHA. Identifying and unravelling factors associated with depression among PLWHA and advocacy against stigmatisation will play a significant role in reducing this burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guava (Psidium guajava Linn) is a common fruit tree in Nigeria with different species; the leaves, fruits, and the bark are often used in folklore for different medicinal purposes. However, there is a dearth of information on safety assessment of the leaves extract of guava from different species. These studies conducted toxicological evaluation of white, red, and pink guava leaves extract in rats for 14 days. Oral administration of 50, 500, and 5000 mg/kg BWT was carried out; they were observed for toxicity signs hourly for the first 6 h after administration, and every day of the experimental period. Clinical indicators, body weight differences, mortality, and biochemical parameters were examined during the experimental period. There were no deaths, a slight body weight increase was observed in the rats, and no clinical sign was noticed throughout the period of the experiment. There were no significant changes in the rat tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the serum liver indicator enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphate (ALP), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), bilirubin) and serum renal marker enzymes (creatinine, urea, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)) of rats administered when compared with the control. This entail that the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) estimate of white, red, and pink guava leaves extract is 50–5000 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined Website Use and Evaluation by Senior Library Staff in Ibrahim Babangida Library (IBL), ModibboAdama University of Technology, Yola. The objectives of the study were to determine the types of website used by senior library staff in IBL, to identify the purposes for which website is used, to ascertain whether website evaluation criteria is applied and to find out the challenges encountered while using website. The study adopted descriptive survey research design and employed structured questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The entire population of twenty (20) senior library staff was studied. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that majority of the respondents indicated using educational based website for academic purposes. The study further revealed that accuracy as a criteria for website evaluation was used. Power failure was identified as a major challenge attributed to the use of website. It was recommended that senior library staff should endeavour to use of other types of website apart from the educational & research, information, library and news websites among others. The challenge of Power failure needs to be properly addressed by the university management, through the provision of alternative power sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use and continuous use of the website in the developed countries universities are predominant, and the developing countries universities are heightening their effort in the aspect of education technology. The reason why one university website is better than the other concerning quality and accessibility is the focus of this study and this prompt evaluation of 141 Universities in Nigeria across the Federal, State, and the Private ownership. We opted for a hybrid approach to cover the gap in the previous studies. WebQual and SITEQUAL as a framework is adopted based on the web analytical tools. The study contributes theoretically by combining two website quality theories to explain the inhibitors, improvement, quality and future updates of Nigeria Universities websites based on ease of use, processing speed, aesthetic design, interactive responsiveness, entertainment, trust and usefulness and come up with a new WebFUQII model. The contributes to methodology by using web diagnostic hybrid tools that gives more explanatory power. The study also gives managerial implications and guides future direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to compare plotting accuracy and interpretation of weight gain patterns in average and small infants on road-to-health (RTH) and the new World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts in Enugu, Nigeria. Child health staff plotted standard weights on both formats. Twelve plotted charts were created, permutating three different weight trajectories (fast, steady, and slow) ending at two attained weights (average and small), with each plotted on both chart formats. Respondents were shown four of these charts and asked to describe the weight gain pattern shown and what action this pattern would prompt. There were 222 respondents, of whom 78% were hospital based; 54% were nurses, 32% medical doctors, and 13% nutritionists. Plotting accuracy was good on both the WHO and RTH charts, but rating of weight gain was generally poor. On the RTH chart, slow weight gain was correctly recognized in only 19% average and 35% small infants, and responses were not significantly associated with the pattern shown. On the WHO charts, slow weight gain was correctly recognized in 40% average and 65% small infants ( p = .002 and <.001), but they were also more likely to rate small children with normal growth as slow weight gain. In a logistic regression model, final weight predicted a slow weight gain rating more strongly (OR = 2.4; 1.8-3.2) than an actual slow weight gain pattern (OR 1.8; 1.1-1.6). Health staff seemed unable to recognize slow weight gain and were influenced more by current weight than actual weight gain pattern, though the new WHO format improved recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]