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The study attempted to obtain empirical evidence on the status of teachers and the teaching profession in Nigeria. To undertake this study, 400 post-primary school teachers were randomly drawn from 40 post-primary schools in Midwestern Nigeria. The teacher's status questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Results of the study indicated, among others, that teachers are not well financially remunerated and that they are looked down upon because of delay in payment of salaries and allowances, thereby having a loss of sense of belonging. This situation has resulted in the low esteem and status of the teachers and the teaching profession in the society. Findings also revealed that poor conditions of service, wider negative influences and teachers' negative personal and professional behavior are critical factors responsible for teachers' low status. Some recommendations to enhance the image and status of the Nigerian teachers and the teaching profession were made. (Contains 2 tables.)

This study evaluated the manpower-training program for teaching personnel in mid-western Nigeria by the National Teachers' Institute. Overall, 240 participants involved in the training program who were randomly selected from the area constituted the sample for the study. A questionnaire designed by the authors was the major instrument used for data gathering. Analyses of the results showed that the programs are fairly effective in upgrading the skills and knowledge of the participants. It was also discovered that the programs have impacted on the level of performance of the participants in the area. It was recommended, "inter alia," that the institute be adequately funded to enable it achieve its mandate to the fullest. Since the programs are considered relevant to the training needs of the participants, it would be proper to do everything humanly possible to consolidate on the gains of the programs. (Contains 4 tables.)

Background: Oral candidiasis has proven to be endemic amongst people infected with HIV/AIDS. The initial symptoms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are accompanied by other diseases which indicate a suppressed immune system. In this study, an epidemiological survey was conducted on HIV positive patients who visited Kwara state general hospital, Kwara state specialist hospital, Civil service hospital and Cottage hospital, Ilorin. Methods: Oral swabs were collected and cultured for the isolation and characterization of Candida and speciation of isolates were done using Chromagar Candida. The socio-demographic and clinical data of the HIV patients were obtained using a structured researcher-administered questionnaire and were correlated with presence or absence of oral candidiasis. Results: Out of a total of the 300 HIV positive patients, 40 (13.4%) yielded growth of Candida species with distribution of Candida albicans 20(6.7%), Candida tropicalis 6(2.0%), Candida krusei 6(2.0%), Candida glabrata 2(0.7%) and a mixed growth of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis 6(2.0%). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 and significance level were set at p=<0.005. Conclusion: The study revealed that Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida krusei and Candida glabrata were the species causing oral candidiasis among people living with HIV/AIDS. An overall oral candidiasis prevalence of 13.4% was observed among the studied population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is usually acquired early in life resulting in an asymptomatic, subclinical, and mostly latent infection in immune-competent persons. Infections could be acquired during infancy with asymptomatic and undetectable infections in immunecompetent persons. Cytomegalovirus infection has been documented to be prevalent among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons. This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of CMV among HIV positive patients as well as to determine the risk factors associated with the transmission of the disease. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional and epidemiological survey involving 400 HIV positive patients attending Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) clinic at Ilorin and Offa general hospital, Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria. 5 ml of serum was aseptically collected from the consented participants while Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit (Biogenix, india) was used for the detection of CMV specific IgG antibodies. The test procedures were followed strictly according to the manufacturer instructions. Result: The results obtained showed that 368 samples out of the 400 samples screened for CMV were positive, which depicted a prevalence of 92% while 32(8.0%) were negative. Out of which, 270(73.4%) were females and 98(26.6%) were males. statistically, this research showed that there was a significant association between blood transfusion and CMV infection which may be suggestive that having blood transfusion could be a potential risk factor for CMV transmission (p=0.037), while there were no statistical relationship between the prevalence of CMV and some demographic characteristics such as age (p=0.71), gender (p = 0.748), educational Status (p = 0.104), occupation (p = 0.846), marital Status (p = 0.509), viral Loads (p =0.285), sexual activity (p = 0.314), and immunosuppression (p = 0.644). Conclusion: The high prevalence of CMV (92.0%) among the studied population is a clear indication that a vast majority of HIV seropositive individuals in Kwara State are at risk of contracting CMV infection and as such, more preventive measures should be employed to mitigate the menace of CMV infection among HIV positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disparities in SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance have limited our understanding of the viral population dynamics and may delay identification of globally important variants. Despite being the most populated country in Africa, Nigeria has remained critically under sampled. Here, we report sequences from 378 SARS-CoV-2 isolates collected in Oyo State, Nigeria between July 2020 and August 2021. In early 2021, most isolates belonged to the Alpha "variant of concern" (VOC) or the Eta lineage. Eta outcompeted Alpha in Nigeria and across West Africa, persisting in the region even after expansion of an otherwise rare Delta sub-lineage. Spike protein from the Eta variant conferred increased infectivity and decreased neutralization by convalescent sera in vitro. Phylodynamic reconstructions suggest that Eta originated in West Africa before spreading globally and represented a VOC in early 2021. These results demonstrate a distinct distribution of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Nigeria, and emphasize the need for improved genomic surveillance worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance has been important for informing pandemic responses but many regions remain under-sampled, limiting knowledge of circulating strains. Here, the authors sequence 378 isolates from Nigeria and identify two strains that appear to be important locally though globally uncommon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In pregnancy, the body undergoes modulation of pro-inflammation responses to ensure fetal survival, and these adjustments may decrease maternal immune defenses and promote infections. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-10, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) among pregnant women co-infected with HIV and Plasmodium falciparum in Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: This study was conducted at the Central Hospital, Benin City, Edo State. A total of 200 participants were enrolled, consisting of 150 pregnant women co-infected with HIV and P. falciparum and 50 non-pregnant women (as controls) who were neither infected with HIV nor P. falciparum. Venous blood specimen was collected for P. falciparum detection, CD4 T-lymphocyte estimation, and IL-2, IL-10, and IFN-assays using standard methods. Results: Among HIV-infected pregnant women, IL-2 (P = 0.0070), IL-10 (P = 0.0179) and IFN-γ (P = 0.1564) values were lower in primiparous women compared with multiparous women. HIV-infected pregnant women who were married had significantly higher IL-2 (P = 0.0085) and IFN-γ levels (P = 0.0332) compared with single women, while marital status did not affect the IL-10 level of pregnant women infected with HIV. Only the IL-2 levels of the HIV-infected pregnant women increased significantly (P = 0.0012) with increasing trimester. The tested cytokine levels were lower in those with malaria compared with those withoutmalariaamongHIV-infected pregnant women. Conclusions: The HIV status and not malaria infection affects the cytokine levels of pregnant women co-infected with HIV and malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study empirically examines efficiency of listed conglomerate firms in Nigeria from 2018 to 2019. The study used Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) techniques to measure and evaluates the performance efficiency of the conglomerate firms. Findings show that conglomerate firms in Nigeria are 66.67% grossly efficient in terms of CRS efficiency, VRS efficiency and SCALE efficient across board, respectively. This study therefore concludes that the inefficient firms should benchmark and bench race efficient conglomerate firms in Nigeria. And recommends that Greater managerial capacity is also required to enhance productive, allocative and scale efficiency in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering Chinese FDI in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the paper attempts to verify if the long-existing 'flying geese' paradigm (FGP) might be used to clarify the headway of Chinese migrating geese transmission of skills and job generation in SSA. Notably, since factory workers' wages have increased in China, small but important migrating geese could, perhaps, be perceived as the vanguard of the flying geese – migrating to SSA to capitalize on those SSA nations with lower costs bases. As a result, the scientific task of this paper rests on answering three questions: Why do we have growing Chinese manufacturing activities in SSA? Are these new Chinese migrating geese bridging the unemployment gap and skills shortage? Also, since the Chinese migrating geese are moving to an environment where operations are cheaper, a third question is to specifically find out if the Chinese migrating geese are in Nigeria, and if they perceive local skills development and job creation to be a salient matter? Against this backdrop, the author argues that these Chinese migrating geese seem to contribute partly in transferring skills and job creation by standing-in as a worthwhile catalyst to upgrade the follower's economy in the process of catching up a leader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dumpsites are reported as a major source of human exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. In the current study, we investigated the prevalence of Vibrio sp. and Escherichia coli from market dumpsites in selected local government areas in Edo-South Senatorial district. Bacterial isolates were isolated using standard microbiological techniques, and further identified by their morphological, biochemical and 16 S rRNA sequence. The antibiotic susceptibility test and multidrug resistance profile were done by the agar disc diffusion method. DNA extraction was done by boiling method and the presence of virulent genes (Ctx, TcpAEl tor, Zot, flicH7, Lt and Stx) in the isolates were detected by polymerase chain reaction as well as agarose gel electrophoresis. Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli were prevalent in soil and leachates from market dumpsites in selected local government areas in Edo-South Senatorial district. All the isolates were multidrug resistant, while a total of 31 isolates (26 Escherichia coli and 5 Vibrio sp.) had at least, one of the virulent genes (Lt, FliCH7, UidA, CtxA and TcpAEl tor) of interest. This study shows that Escherichia coli and Vibrio sp. isolated from market dumpsites are multidrug resistant, and possesses virulent genes, thus, making them a threat to public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the selection criterion for Islamic banking in Nigeria was examined. Thus, the study investigates whether variables like; rate of return, Islamic teaching, bank's reputation and service quality account for why customers patronize Islamic bank (Jaiz bank) in Nigeria. The general behavior of customers towards Islamic banking in Nigeria was also investigated. A survey research design was adopted and all the customers of Jaiz bank branch in Herwa Gana Ward, Commercial Area of Gombe Local Government Area constitute the population of the study. A suitable sample of 60 respondents was the study's focus. The respondents were chosen using a convenient sampling strategy. 52 of the 60 administered surveys were deemed to be valid. The data were examined using simple percentages, descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression. It was discovered that in Nigeria, customers' attitudes toward Islamic banking are significantly influenced by the rate of return, Islamic principles, and bank reputation. In order to draw in more clients, the study advises Jaiz Bank to build upon its positive reputation and enhance the quality of its services. They can also promote the religious traditions in their advertisements to attract customers who are motivated to benefit from interest free banking services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Swine production in Nigeria is encountering several constraints among which are diseases. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of swine with respect to sex, age, location and hygiene practices in the breeding sites in three piggery farms; University of Benin Animal Farm; Osasio Farm Uselu in Egor Local Government Area (LGA), and Ojemai Farm Ekehuanwa Road, Oredo LGA, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 150 pigs were sampled from the 3 piggery farms. Faecal sample (10g each) was aseptically collected from the rectum of each selected pig and processed by concentration method to microscopically identify parasites in both saline and iodine preparations. A designed pre-tested structured questionnaire was intervieweradministered to each piggery owner to collect information on husbandry practices, animal health care issues and potential risk factors associated with parasitosis. Data was analysed using SPPSS version 20 software, while odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated on each potential risk factors. Results: Of the 150 pigs examined, 130 (86.6%) were infected with five gastrointestinal parasitic agents. Strongyloides ransomi 81 (54%) was the most frequently identified parasite, followed by Ascaris suum 68 (45.3%), Giardia lamblia 31 (20.6%), Entamoeba polecki 10 (6.6%) and Trichuris suis 10 (6.6%). Single and mixed infections were not significantly associated with the observed prevalence (p>0.05). Similarly, the sex of pig was not significantly associated with the prevalence of parasites (p=0.8824). The prevalence of parasitosis among the grower (87.8%) was not significantly different from the adult swine (87.5%) (p>0.05). Osasio had the highest infection rate (90.0%) but this rate was not significantly different from the two other farms (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study confirms high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in pigs bred in Edo State, Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that farmers improve on their biosecurity and adhere to routine de-worming regimen of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystins (MCs) are the most studied toxins of cyanobacteria in freshwater bodies worldwide. However, they are poorly documented in coastal waters in several parts of the world. In this study, we investigated the composition of cyanobacteria and the presence of microcystins (MCs) in several coastal aquatic ecosystems of Nigeria. Direct morphological analysis revealed that members of the genus Oscillatoria were dominant with five species, followed by Trichodesmium with two species in Nigerian coastal waters. Oso Ibanilo had the highest cyanobacterial biomass (998 × 103 cells/L), followed by Rivers Ocean (156 × 103 cells/L). Except for the Cross River Ocean, cyanobacteria were present in all the investigated aquatic ecosystems. Ten (10) out of twenty water bodies examined had detectable levels of MCs. Furthermore, genomic DNA analysis for the mcyE gene of microcystin synthetase (mcy) cluster showed identities higher than 86% (query coverage > 96%) with toxic strains of cyanobacteria in all the samples analyzed. Also, the sequences of samples matched those of uncultured cyanobacteria from recreational lakes in Southern Germany. Our findings indicate that the presence of toxic cyanobacteria in coastal waters of Nigeria is of public and environmental health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continued use of potassium bromate in some food and cosmetic products in Nigeria against regulatory provision has continually exposed Nigerians to its deleterious effect. The mechanism of bromate induced damage in the liver and kidney is through oxidative stress. Phytochemicals have antioxidant capacity and have gained research interest in the management of oxidative stress. In this study, the effect of the ethanol extract of Aframomum angustifolium seed on kidney and liver damage induced by exposure to an acute dose of potassium bromate was measured using appropriate biomarkers. Eighteen male Wistar rats, randomly divided into 3 groups were used for the study. Group I (normal control) received distilled H2O; Group II (positive control) received 400 mg/kgbw bromate once while Group III (test) received same acute dose as Group II but thereafter treated with an oral dose of ethanol extract (750 mg/kgbw) for 10days. Half the populations of each group were sacrificed on day 3 while the remaining was sacrificed on day 10 of treatment. Liver and kidney tissues as well as blood samples were collected for analysis. Biochemical parameters; malondialdehyde, creatinine, electrolytes (Na+ and K+) concentration as well as catalase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were measured using standard spectrophotometric procedures. In the kidney tissue, malondialdehyde concentration increased significantly in all groups from day 3 to day 10 but was highest in Group II. A similar trend was observed in the liver tissue but only group III increased significantly. Catalase activity was inhibited in Group II in both kidney and liver tissues and was significantly lower than test group. Serum Na+ decreased and K+ increased respectively but Group III were comparable to the Group I. Creatinine concentration increased in all groups but was highest in Group II though it was not significant. ALP activity was significantly higher (p<0.05) in Group III on day 3 compared to Group I but was not significantly different (p>0.05) on day 10. The results of this study suggests that ethanol extract of Aframomum angustifolium seeds can accelerate the in vivo repair of bromate induced hepato- and reno-toxicity in Wistar rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophyll a levels of oceanic waters in Nigeria located in the Gulf of Guinea and adjoining water bodies were investigated in this study. Sample collections were done at quarterly intervals from March 2014 to January 2015 from fifty-five sites and spanned over eight coastal states. Integrated water sample for chlorophyll analysis was taken from a depth of 10m to the surface using a silicone hose. Determination of chlorophyll was done by a combination of filtration, extraction, homogenization, centrifugation and spectrophotometry using the trichromatic method. The range of chlorophyll a concentration was 27.5 - 1419.35 μgL-1 in oceanic waters and 32.79 - 1649.64 μgL-1 in adjoining water bodies. Chlorophyll a concentrations varied spatially and temporally, with a general observation of higher concentrations in the south-west oceanic locations in the Bight of Benin axis of the Gulf of Guinea, compared to the south-south oceanic locations in the Bight of Bonny axis of the Gulf of Guinea In the adjoining coastal waters, the Gbaji River in Badagry, Lagos, located in the South-West, had the highest overall total chlorophyll a concentration while the Brass River in Bayelsa, located in the South-South had the lowest overall total chlorophyll a concentration throughout the study period. The mean primary production, ranging from 439.85 μgL-1 to 1051.89 μgL-1, were included in six categories of <500 μgL-1; 600-699 μgL-1; 700-799 μgL-1; 800-899 μgL-1; 900-999 μgL-1 and >1000 μgL-1. Principal component analysis showed strong positive correlations of chlorophyll a with total biomass of major phytoplankton groups (Bacillariophyta, Dinophyta and Cyanophyta) and dissolved oxygen levels; negative correlation of chlorophyll a with Fe, NO3, PO4, TDS, SiO3 and turbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus is responsible for 50%-80% of Hepatocellular carcinoma cases worldwide. In Nigeria, vertical transmission remains a major route of Hepatitis B virus infection. Primary (vaccines and post-exposure prophylaxis) and secondary prevention of HBV transmission by appropriate sexual and sanitary practices are not yet optimal in the country yet measures for early detection (serological, molecular) and treatment of infected pregnant women is not a practice. This study aimed at identifying the prevalence and risk factors for Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done at the Ante-natal clinic of the University College Hospital Ibadan. One hundred and eighty pregnant women were recruited from March to August 2013, and tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (BIORAD FRANCE) using third generation ELISA, as well as HIV-1 and 2 using Uni-Gold Recombigen and ALERE determine (a rapid immunoassay designed to detect antibodies to HIV 1 and/or 2). Positive HBsAg samples were tested for Hepatitis B envelope antigen, antibody and Hepatitis B core antibody (DIAPRO Italy) while serum HBV DNA was detected using PCR. Data were obtained using questionnaires to establish and analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was 8.3% out of which 26.7% were positive for HBeAg, 53.3% had HBeAb, 20% had neither HBeAg nor HBeAb, 100% had total HBcAb and 86.7% had HBV DNA in their serum. The mean age was 32.1years, the highest HBV infection rate occurred in 25-29 year age group. Multiple sexual partners (OR- 3.987, P- value=0.026) and early age at sexual debut (OR 11.996, P- value=0.022) were independent risk factors for HBV infection. Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus infection is of high endemicity in Nigeria thus early detection, treatment of infected pregnant women, immunoprophylaxis for exposed newborns and surveillance for those with chronic infection is essential. Health education programs on prevention and control measures must be instituted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial wastewaters entering water body represents a heavy source of environmental pollution in most Nigerian rivers. In this study, we aimed at investigating the impact of brewery effluent on the bacteriological and physiochemical properties of Ikpoba River, Edo state, Nigeria. Samples were collected from 4 different locations along the river between September 2010 and December 2010. The bacteriological parameters studied were total heterotrophic counts, which had values ranging from 1.20 x 104 to 6.30 x 105 cfu/ml; total coliform counts ranged from 1.10 x 10² to 9.00 x 10² MPN.mL-1, while total Escherichia coli counts ranged from 30 to 150 MPN.mL-1 . Microorganism isolated included; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Citrobacter freundii. The physicochemical parameters studies show that most of the values obtained were higher than the WHO tolerant levels, indicating pollution of Ikpoba River by the brewery effluents. This could be hazardous to human health when used primarily for domestic activities. Therefore, improved monitoring of brewery effluent discharged into the river is highly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the implications of the attitude and perceptions of rural and urban women to the development and implementation of special skills training programmes in Nigeria. The researcher used a descriptive survey research design to discover their attitudes towards the programme and employed the Women's Attitude and Opinion Scale (WAOS) in assessing their opinion and attitude. The study showed that majority of them have a positive attitude towards the programs. In addition, it revealed that rural and urban participants differ their views on the level of women's involvement in the programmes. The author concluded that development of the programme should be sustained and improved to provide more opportunities and benefits to women.

Beef can easily be contaminated with bacteria during the meat production chain. In this work, we studied the contamination levels of mesophilic aerobic bacteria (MAB) and thermotolerant coliform bacteria (TCB) on raw beef surfaces from small shops in Helsinki, Finland and meat markets in Benin City, Nigeria. We also investigated the prevalence of Salmonella , Campylobacter , Yersinia , Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria, and cephalosporin-resistant E. coli (CREC). In total, one hundred unpacked raw beef samples from Finland and Nigeria were collected in 2019. The median MAB and TCB counts were significantly (P < 0.001) higher on beef from Nigeria than from Finland. The median MAB and TCB counts in Nigeria were 7.5 and 4.0 log 10 cfu/cm2, respectively, and 6.5 and 2.8 log 10 cfu/cm2 in Finland, respectively. Most (94%) Nigerian samples were unacceptable according to limits set by the EU. Beef samples from meat markets in Benin City were significantly (P < 0.05) more frequently contaminated with Salmonella , STEC, and CREC than beef samples from small shops in Helsinki. Salmonella , STEC, and CREC were isolated from 30, 36, and 96% of Nigerian samples, respectively, and from <2, 12, and 2% of Finnish samples, respectively. Our study demonstrates a significant difference between the bacterial contaminations of raw beef in Nigeria and Finland, along with a possible misuse of cephalosporins in animal husbandry in Nigeria. • Bacterial quality of raw beef in Nigerian open meat markets was poor. • Bacterial quality varied significantly between samples from various shops in Finland. • Salmonella and Shiga toxin-positive E. coli were frequently detected on Nigerian raw beef surfaces. • Prevalence of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli on raw beef surfaces was high in Nigeria. • No multiresistant Salmonella was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]