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The paper analyses factors enhancing pitfall in research and teaching in the Nigerian university system. Using data generated from secondary sources, it was found that so many factors are responsible for the constant decay in teaching and research in the Nigerian universities. The paper however found from literature that the high rate of pitfalls in the university education in Nigeria can be significantly attributed to lack of infrastructural facilities, poor staffing and inadequate funding. Consequently, the paper suggests the way forward which includes: provision of adequate and modern facilities (like modern class rooms, computers, modern libraries etc), adequate funding which can be provided through collaboration and partnership with universities abroad and improved creativity in the area of generation and utilization of internal revenues, and finally, attraction of high quality teachers with better salary and good conditions of service into the Nigerian universities.

To date, malaria is still a major public health issue in the world. Africa remains the most affected continent with the highest number of malaria cases and deaths. Since more than one thousand Chinese citizens are living in Nigeria, an examination of their knowledge, attitude, and practice compared with those of the local people may be essential for malaria prevention. This study adopted cross-sectional research. A total of 137 Chinese people and 299 local people residing in Kano State, Nigeria constituted the study subjects. A questionnaire was used for the collection of data on socio-demography and predictors of attitudes. The Cronbach alpha statistic was used to analyze these data. Insecticide spraying, mosquito repellents, and wearing protective clothing at night are the malaria preventive measures by both the local and Chinese people living in Kano state, Nigeria. However, there is a significant difference (P<0.05) between the two groups, with the duration of stay in Nigeria, the use of mosquitoes, attitude, and practices playing impactful roles among the Chinese people. Hence, Chinese people demonstrated better knowledge and control of malaria transmission and prevention than the local people living in Kano State. In conclusion, attitudes and practices toward malaria diseases are the major causes of the high rate of malaria in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Boko-Haram insurgency has affected livelihoods in the Northeast in all ramifications. This study reviewed scholarly submissions on the drivers and impact of the insurgency in the area. The outcome of the review showed that the insurgency is driven mainly by poverty, religious extremism, and politics. Equally, the insurgency has affected rural livelihoods entirely and has exacerbated food insecurity, unemployment, and poverty. This is because critical infrastructure like schools, hospitals, markets, and electricity/telecommunication facilities have been largely destroyed, and residents of some communities are still displaced. Hence, to better the livelihood of the people in communities where normalcy has been restored, there is the need to promote agriculture and trade by securing the communities and enhancing access to affordable agricultural inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediation role of motivation in the relationships between awareness, accessibility, perceived organizational support, and adoption of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The data was obtained using the multi-stage cluster sampling method with questionnaires administered to 254 respondents. While structural equation modelling was used for the analysis, Constructivism Theory, Digital Divide Theory, as well as Vroom's Expectancy Theory were adopted in the study. The majority of the respondents were males, married, and in their middle age with long years of work experience who had also obtained either high school diploma or Bachelor degree. The direct relationship paths showed that the exogenous construct [awareness, accessibility, Perceived Organizational Support (POS)] had a direct positive effect on the endogenous construct (ICT adoption) with an R² value of .23 (23%). The final model has an R² of 0.47 (47%) of the variation in ICT adoption explained by the model with a substantial increase in the direct model, which explains 23% of the variation. The mediation effect of motivation in the relationships between awareness, accessibility, POS, and ICT adoption was also established indicating partial mediation. The study recommends that extension organizations should be mindful of the motivation levels of their employee to facilitate the adoption of ICT in extension work, which will facilitate timely delivery of messages, cover the manpower shortages, reduce cost, as well as a total transformation of agricultural development in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the strong mechanisms in the extension service delivery is the connection between agricultural research, extension and the farmers. The evolving new model of agricultural production and the small number of extension agents question old ways of providing valuable knowledge to farmers. The goal was to define the respondents’ socioeconomic characteristics, classify the types of ICT tools adopted by the respondents and identify factors influencing the adoption of ICT in extension service delivery among the respondents. Primary data were obtained using multi-stage cluster sampling technique, using organized questionnaires administered to 254 respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used. The research used Rogers’ Theory of Innovation Diffusion, Rogers and Burde’s Theory of Social Change. The findings from the study have shown that GSM, radio, television, camera, internet, computer, CD/DVD player and VHS video are the most commonly used ICT components in various aspect of extension work. The multiple regression results reveal that gender, age, level of education and working experience has no significant contribution to ICT adoption while marital status, awareness, accessibility and motivation are the most influential factors influencing the adoption of ICT’s in extension service delivery. The study recommends that government for support the extension organizations with the most commonly used ICT components, ensure adequate awareness and access to ICT’s. The government support and interest will motivate the extension agents to adopt ICT’s tools and technology in extension service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural areas in Nigeria are the centres of agriculture-based economic activity and fuel the livelihoods of 70% and contribute over 22.30% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is estimated that Nigerian agricultural output would increase if farmers were able to access the finance they need to expand both the quality and quantity of their produce. The limited level of Agricultural credit is considered an important factor for increased agricultural production and food security because, it enhances productivity and promotes standard of living by breaking the vicious cycle of poverty of small scale farmers. The study was conducted on Overcoming Small holder Farmers’ Financial Exclusion using Anchor Borrowers’ Programme in Yola North and Yola South Local Government Areas, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected using structured on 94 farmers randomly selected. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of the data collected. Descriptive analysis revealed that respondents were relatively young with a mean age of 40 years, a mean family size of 6 people who are mostly small holder farmers with the mean farm size of 3.21 hectares and are experienced with a mean experience of 10 years. Logit result with Diagnostic statistics and VIF test results indicated that the Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test indicating that our model fits the data well. The model also correctly predicted 73.68 % of the dependent variables. The estimated VIF suggested that the explanatory variables specified in the model do not cluster together or exhibit multicollinearity tendencies. This implies that the estimates of the model to an appreciable extent are consistent and unbiased, stable over time and there was also no problem of multicollinearity. Furthermore, the result showed that membership of cooperative society, age, primary occupation, income and training were statistically significant and increases the probability of access to agricultural credit. Government policies that would encourage young people to go into agriculture should be sustained by the government at all levels in areas of credit supply, training and supply of basic production inputs to boost production, increase food security and reduction in poverty. Farmers should be encouraged to form cooperative societies to maximize the economics of scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare physical activity level and traumatic exposure between normotensive and hypertensive pregnant women in an armed conflict region of Nigeria.Methods: 130 normotensives and hypertensive pregnant women comprising of 65 participants per group participated in the study. Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to assess traumatic events and physical activity respectively.Results: Significant difference was observed on total traumatic event (p = 0.008) and all domains and intensities of physical activity except inactivity and sedentary (p > 0.05). Household activities (OR: 0.989; 95% CI: 0.981-0.996), occupational activities (OR: 0.936; 95%CI: 0.879-0.996) and sport/exercise activities (OR: 0.898; 95%CI: 0.832-0.969) were associated with a decrease hypertensive pregnancy.Conclusion: Despite exposed to traumatic events, physical activity is associated with normotensive pregnancy in an armed conflict region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed multidimensional poverty in rural parts of Adamawa State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study objectives were to: describe the respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, determine their multidimensional poverty status, and identify the determinants of multidimensional poverty in the communities sampled. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was used to collect primary data from 480 household heads selected from 16 villages across the study area. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Multidimensional Poverty Analytical Tool (MPAT) and a binary logistic regression model. The respondents' sociodemographic characteristics described in the study showed that their mean age was 46.3 years while the average household size was 7 persons. The study indicated that the majority (86.7%) of respondents were male, mostly married (91.7%) and educated (74%). The distribution of the respondents' multidimensional poverty status revealed that majority (61.7%) of the households were poor. The study revealed that multidimensional poverty in the study area is influenced negatively by age, marital status and household size. Similarly, gender, educational level, livelihood activities, farm size, livestock ownership, remittance, membership of group, and access to credit have a positive effect on multidimensional poverty. Key among the recommendations of this study is the provision of adequate basic infrastructure in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of trachoma and water and sanitation coverage in four local government areas (LGAs) of Jigawa State, Nigeria: Birnin Kudu, Buji, Dutse and Kiyawa. Methodology: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each LGA using Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols. From each LGA, 25 villages were selected using probability-proportional-to-population size sampling; in each village, 25 households were selected using the random walk technique. All residents aged ≥1 year in selected households were examined by GTMP-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trichiasis, defined according to the WHO simplified trachoma grading scheme definitions. Water, sanitation and hygiene data were also collected through questioning and direct observation. Results: In 2458 households of four LGAs, 10,669 residents were enumerated. A total of 9779 people (92% of residents) were examined, with slightly more females examined (5012; 51%) than men. In children aged 1-9 years, the age-adjusted prevalence of TF ranged from 5.1% (95% CI 2.5-9.0%) in Birnin Kudu to 12.8% (95% CI 7.6-19.4%) in Kiyawa, while the age- and gender-adjusted trichiasis prevalence in persons aged ≥15 years ranged from 1.9% (95% CI 1.4-2.5%) in Birnin Kudu to 3.1% (95% CI 2.2-4.0) in Dutse. Access to improved water sources was above 80% in all LGAs surveyed but access to improved sanitation facilities was low, ranging from 23% in Buji to 50% in Kiyawa. Conclusion: Trachoma is a public health problem in all four LGAs surveyed. The full SAFE strategy needs to be implemented to achieve trachoma elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of trachoma and water and sanitation coverage in four local government areas (LGAs) of Jigawa State, Nigeria: Birnin Kudu, Buji, Dutse and Kiyawa. Methodology: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in each LGA using Global Trachoma Mapping Project (GTMP) protocols. From each LGA, 25 villages were selected using probability-proportional-to-population size sampling; in each village, 25 households were selected using the random walk technique. All residents aged ≥1 year in selected households were examined by GTMP-certified graders for trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) and trichiasis, defined according to the WHO simplified trachoma grading scheme definitions. Water, sanitation and hygiene data were also collected through questioning and direct observation. Results: In 2458 households of four LGAs, 10,669 residents were enumerated. A total of 9779 people (92% of residents) were examined, with slightly more females examined (5012; 51%) than men. In children aged 1-9 years, the age-adjusted prevalence of TF ranged from 5.1% (95% CI 2.5-9.0%) in Birnin Kudu to 12.8% (95% CI 7.6-19.4%) in Kiyawa, while the age- and gender-adjusted trichiasis prevalence in persons aged ≥15 years ranged from 1.9% (95% CI 1.4-2.5%) in Birnin Kudu to 3.1% (95% CI 2.2-4.0) in Dutse. Access to improved water sources was above 80% in all LGAs surveyed but access to improved sanitation facilities was low, ranging from 23% in Buji to 50% in Kiyawa. Conclusion: Trachoma is a public health problem in all four LGAs surveyed. The full SAFE strategy needs to be implemented to achieve trachoma elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Couching is a traditional treatment for cataracts but often has poor visual outcomes, as identified during the Nigerian National Blindness Survey. Objectives: To investigate why couching is accessed by individuals with cataracts in northern Nigeria. Methods: The ten rural clusters in Jigawa State included in the National Blindness Survey were revisited to trace four groups of participants: cataract blind individuals, those couched or who had undergone cataract surgery and local couchers. Additional postoperative patients were recruited from the local eye department. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with cataract blind and cataract-operated participants, and 27 in-depth interviews were conducted with those couched and five couchers. Qualitative data were translated, transcribed and analysed after immersion and reflection using a thematic framework. Results: Half of the cataract blind attributed the cause to spiritual factors or past misdeeds, only 25% knew they had cataracts and 83% had not undergone ophthalmic examination. Cost, distance and unreliability of services were the main barriers to accessing surgery. Facilitators of couching were the responsiveness of couchers in relation to location, timing and payment, and immediate visual improvement. Couchers understood local beliefs, were itinerant and used a network of case finders. Conclusions: Couching is accepted as it is entrenched in traditional beliefs and indigenous knowledge systems, and couchers are responsive. Lack of awareness and inaccessibility were barriers to cataract surgery. Strategies to improve cataract surgery must take account of local beliefs and factors influencing health-seeking behaviour. Couchers were willing to collaborate with professional eye care providers, but this will require time, skill and mutual trust. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Poverty can be a cause and consequence of blindness. Some causes only affect the poorest communities (e.g. trachoma), and poor individuals are less likely to access services. In low income countries, cataract blind adults have been shown to be less economically active, indicating that blindness can exacerbate poverty. This study aims to explore associations between poverty and blindness using national survey data from Nigeria. Methods: Participants ≥40 years were examined in 305 clusters (2005–2007). Sociodemographic information, including literacy and occupation, was obtained by interview. Presenting visual acuity (PVA) was assessed using a reduced tumbling E LogMAR chart. Full ocular examination was undertaken by experienced ophthalmologists on all with PVA <6/12 in either eye. Causes of vision loss were determined using World Health Organization guidelines. Households were categorized into three levels of poverty based on literacy and occupation at household level. Results: A total of 569/13,591 participants were blind (PVA <3/60, better eye; prevalence 4.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8–4.6%). Prevalences of blindness were 8.5% (95% CI 7.7–9.5%), 2.5% (95% CI 2.0–3.1%), and 1.5% (95% CI 1.2–2.0%) in poorest, medium and affluent households, respectively (p = 0.001). Cause-specific prevalences of blindness from cataract, glaucoma, uncorrected aphakia and corneal opacities were significantly higher in poorer households. Cataract surgical coverage was low (37.2%), being lowest in females in poor households (25.3%). Spectacle coverage was 3 times lower in poor than affluent households (2.4% vs. 7.5%). Conclusion: In Nigeria, blindness is associated with poverty, in part reflecting lower access to services. Reducing avoidable causes will not be achieved unless access to services improves, particularly for the poor and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In Nigeria, rapid urbanisation and increasing life expectancy are likely to increase the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCD), including diabetes. As the epidemic of diabetes matures visual loss from diabetic retinopathy (DR) will increase unless mechanisms for early detection and treatment improve, and health systems respond to the growing burden of NCDs. We report findings in relation to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy from the Nigeria National Blindness and Visual Impairment cross-sectional Survey of adults aged =40 years (2005-2007). Methods A cross-sectional population-based sample of 13,591 participants selected by multistage stratified cluster random sampling with probability-proportional-to-size procedures were examined in 305 clusters across the country between January 2005 to June 2007 (30 months). All were asked if they were previously diagnosed to have diabetes by a doctor. Presenting distance visual acuities were measured in each eye using a logMAR E chart and all underwent a basic eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Height, weight and blood pressure were measured. Participants with visual acuity <6/12 and/or diabetic retinopathy detected on basic eye examination underwent detailed eye examination which included dilated slit-lamp bimicroscopic retinal examination by an ophthalmologist and retinal photography. Systematic sampling of 1-in-7 gave a subsample (n = 1,759) who were also examined in detail regardless of their visual acuity; and had random blood glucose (RBG) testing. Images were graded by Moorfields Eye Hospital Reading Centre. Participants were defined as being diabetic if they were previously diagnosed or RBG >11.1 mmol/l or DR was detected. Data in the subsample were used to estimate the prevalence of diabetes, and to analyse risk factors for diabetes and DR using multivariable logistic regression. Additional information on the types of DR was obtained from the other participants not in the subsample. Results In the subsample, 164/1,759 participants were excluded due to missing data (on diabetes history, retinal examination and RBG result), leaving 1,595 for analysis. 52/1,595 had diabetes giving a prevalence of 3.3% (95%CI 2.5-4.3%). 25/52 (48%) of those defined as diabetic did not know they had diabetes (new diabetics). In eight diabetics media opacity precluded retinal examination. Nine diabetics had DR (9/44 [20.5% overall]; 25% [6/24] of previously diagnosed diabetics; 15% [3/20] of new diabetics). Higher prevalence of diabetes was associated with urban residence (Odds ratio [OR] 1.87) and being overweight/obese (OR 3.02/4.43 respectively). Although not statistically significant, DR was associated with hypertension (OR 3.49) and RBG > 15.0 mmol/L (OR 8.10). Persons with diabetes had 3 times greater odds of blindness. In the 11,832 other participants in the study sample, 175 (1.5%) had a history of diabetes and 28 had DR. Types of DR (total = 37) were proliferative (10.8%) and macular oedema (51.4%). Conclusion The overall age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Nigeria was 3.25% (95%CI 2.50- 4.30) and over 10% of people with diabetes aged >40 years had sight-threatening DR. These data will enable the development of better public health strategies for the control of diabetes and planning services for DR to prevent vision loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper relatively examines the concept of corporate social responsibility and it was related to decision making process which determines the implementation or otherwise of corporate social responsibility by various individual organizations in Nigeria. The study revealed that decision making in an organization involves the process of taking action by some official person or body to approve, modify, or reject a preferred position on an issue or group of issues. This could be in form of enactments of legislation or an issuance of an executive order in an organization. We adopted the secondary method of data collection through text books, journals and periodicals. A critical examination in the study also reveal that companies or organizations in Nigeria fail woefully in the implementation of corporate social responsibility and that accounted for agitation and hesitation by the host communities to violently rise against these companies. The study concludes and recommends among other things that the 1999 constitution should be amended to compel the major organizations and companies operating in Nigeria to constantly implement the concept of corporate social responsibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine cataract surgical coverage, and barriers to modern cataract surgery in Nigeria. Methods: Multistage stratified cluster random sampling was used to identify a nationally representative sample of 15,027 persons aged 40++ years. All underwent visual acuity testing, frequency doubling technology visual field testing, autorefraction, and measurement of best corrected vision if <6/12 in one or both eyes. An ophthalmologist examined the anterior segment and fundus through an undilated pupil for all participants. Participants were examined by a second ophthalmologist using a slit lamp and dilated fundus examination using a 90 diopter condensing lens if vision was <6/12 in one or both eyes, there were optic disc changes suggestive of glaucoma, and 1 in 7 participants regardless of findings. All those who had undergone cataract surgery were asked where and when this had taken place. Individuals who were severely visually impaired or blind from unoperated cataract were asked to explain why they had not undergone surgery. Results: A total of 13,591 participants were examined (response rate 89.9%). Prevalence of cataract surgery was 1.6% (95% confidence interval 1.4-1.8), significantly higher among those aged ≥70 years. Cataract surgical coverage (persons) in Nigeria was 38.3%. Coverage was 1.7 times higher among males than females. Coverage was only 9.1% among women in the South-South geopolitical zone. Over one third of those who were cataract blind said they could not afford surgery (36%). Conclusions: Cataract surgical coverage in Nigeria was among the lowest in the world. Urgent initiatives are necessary to improve surgical output and access to surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Couching is an ancient treatment for cataract which is still practiced in some of the poorer developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The purpose of this study is to describe risk factors for couching and visual acuity outcomes in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 40 years and above in Nigeria. Methods: Probability in proportion size methods were used to identify a representative sample. Of the 15,375 adults enumerated, 13,582 were interviewed and examined. Examination included logMar acuities, slit lamp examination and dilated fundoscopy with digital fundus imaging. Results: Almost half of the 583 eyes undergoing a procedure for cataract had been couched (249 eyes, 42.7%). Individuals living in rural areas ( P = 0.033) and in the two underserved northern administrative zones ( P = 0.33; P = 0.002) were more likely to have been couched. Visual outcomes were poor according to World Health Organization categories, with 55.8% of people and 73.1% of eyes having a presenting visual acuity of less than 3/60 and only 9.7% and 2.4% of people and eyes respectively having a good outcome (6/18 or better). None were wearing an aphakic correction, and with correction acuities improved but 42.6% of eyes were still blind (< 3/60). Conclusions: Couching is still widely practiced in Nigeria and visual outcomes are very poor. The population needs to be made aware of the risks associated with the procedure, and services for high quality, affordable cataract surgery need to be expanded, particularly in rural areas and in the north of the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nomadic populations have a considerably higher risk of contracting a number of diseases but, despite the magnitude of the public health risks involved, they are mostly underserved with few health policies or plans to target them. Nomadic population movements are shown to be a niche for the transmission of diseases, including poliomyelitis. The nomadic routes traverse the northern states of Nigeria to other countries in the Lake Chad subregion. As part of the February 2016 polio supplemental immunization activity (SIA) plans in Bauchi state, a review of nomadic routes and populations identified a nomadic population who originated from outside the international borders of Nigeria. This study describes the engagement process for a transboundary nomadic population and the interventions provided to improve population immunity among them while traversing through Nigeria.Methods: This was an intervention study which involved a cross-sectional mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) survey. Information was collected on the nomadic pastoralists entry and exit points, resting points, and health-seeking behavior using key informant interviews and semistructured questionnaire. Transit vaccination teams targeted the groups with oral polio vaccines (OPVs) and other routine antigens along identified routes during the months of February to April 2016. Mobile health teams provided immunization and other child and maternal health survival interventions.Results: A total of 2015 children aged under 5 years were vaccinated with OPV, of which 264 (13.1%) were zero-dose during the February 2016 SIAs while, in the March immunization plus days (IPDs), 1864 were immunized of which 211 (11.0%) were zero-dose. A total of 296 children aged under 1 year old were given the first dose of pentavalent vaccine (penta 1), while 119 received the third dose (penta 3), giving a dropout rate of 59.8%.Conclusions: Nomadic pastoralists move across international borders and there is a need for transboundary policies among the countries in the Lake Chad region to improve population immunity and disease surveillance through a holistic approach using the One-health concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]