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Background One of the main goals of the government is to ensure a development that would enhance the living standard of the people in the society. In this regard, capital expenditure that would promote infrastructure is most desired. However, in Nigeria, the government spends more on administrative cost (recurrent expenditure) than capital expenditure. Under such condition, contributions to economic growth and national development become an illusion. Methods This study employed Augmented Dickey Fuller Test (ADF) with Bound testing procedure, time series data that covers the period from 1990 to 2020 in Nigeria were used. Results The result from the analysis showed that governmental expenditure has a significant effect on the national development of Nigeria. All the variables have a long-run relationship with economic growth (RGDP), according to the ARDL model’s results. If the government poor policies on education, health services, and infrastructure etc. are addressed, in the long-run, Nigeria will achieve monumental development. Conclusion The study adopted indices such as expenditure on Social and Community Services, Economic Services and Administrative Services to reflect the dynamics of government expenditure coupled with the yearly data garnered from the Central Bank of Nigeria spanning from 1990 to 2020.

Purpose: There is a need to better understand the impact of different contexts depending on their economic and social development on women’s entrepreneurial experience, that is how belonging to certain cultures may affect women entrepreneurs’ experiences differently. Design/methodology/approach: Using interviews, this research explores the narratives of 35 women entrepreneurs in Nigeria (sub-Saharan Africa) in a context of scarcity and where the burden of care and support falls on women. It is important to understand how entrepreneurs feel and think about the barriers and catalysts they have encountered and their identity in specific contexts. Findings/results: In Nigeria, the discourse around women entrepreneurship revolves around personal characteristics that women should emphasise, such as self-confidence, self-efficacy and determination. Therefore, they build their identity in a communitarian and pluralistic way, which is not common in developed countries that are more individualistic. Practical implications: We cannot assume that a developed world perspective, however dominant, is well-equipped to explain entrepreneurship everywhere. In developing countries, women still must fight for their legitimacy as entrepreneurs, while in developed countries women show greater agency in trying to counteract the gendered construction of entrepreneurship. Originality/value: The article follows calls in the literature, specifically that dealing with women’s entrepreneurship, to contextualise the analysis, focus on developing countries and use a qualitative approach.

Background: The impact of Digital Financial Services (DFS) on women’s economic empowerment (WEE) has aroused the attention of practitioners and scholars over the past decade. However, its influence on the WEE of women domestic workers has largely been overlooked, particularly in marginalised and vulnerable communities. Objectives: This study investigated the DFS that women domestic workers use and how they enhance the economic empowerment of women domestic workers. Method: The study utilised qualitative data from in-depth interviews with women domestic workers (n = 40) in Nigeria. Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified three themes, namely, financial security, privacy and agency, that constitute pathways to women domestic workers’ economic empowerment. Results: The findings indicate that the availability and user-friendliness of DFS play a significant role in promoting the extracted themes among women domestic workers, thereby enhancing their reputation, relevance in the affairs of the family and overall growth and development. The study indicated that ownership of a mobile phone is a foundational element that drives DFS, which powers WEE. Conclusion: Policymakers, employers and relevant stakeholders should acknowledge this importance and strive to establish mechanisms that enhance and safeguard the financial rights of domestic workers. Contribution: This study contributes to the ongoing endeavours of policymakers, governments and researchers in comprehending the expanding realm of women’s empowerment by exploring the potential of DFS as a viable means to empower all women and girls.

This article examines Proverbs 3:31–35 in the exam malpractice crisis ravaging secondary schools in Nigeria. Proverbs 3:31–35 has the central thesis of the call to avoid the company of evildoers and the blessings of going on the right path. Scholars have approached the issue of examination malpractice from an economic, social and psychological lens. In this study, the Old Testament was used as the lens for tackling the situation. This is a qualitative study using the rhetorical method. The data were obtained from the Bible, Bible commentaries, gazettes, journal articles and other periodicals. Emerged themes include: (1) warning not to join bad people; (2) consequences of the warning and (3) end point of one’s decision. Exam misconduct reflects deeper societal concerns such as corruption, weak regulatory enforcement and the temptation to succeed at any cost. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Proverbs 3:31–35 has shown that the increasing number of graduates who cannot defend their certificates and corruption is caused by the blatant and obscene nature of exam malpractice in Nigeria. Old Testament and Practical Theology were implicated in the study.

The investigation was undertaken to study some biochemical changes and cortisol levels in lameness among indigenous breeds of goats in Nigeria. Serum samples of 72 lame goats randomly selected were sampled from some villages in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Analysis of the serum samples for biochemical parameters was estimated by commercially available standardized diagnostic kits. Glucose was analyzed using the spectrophotometry procedure. Cortisol level was estimated by Immuno chemiluminescence microparticle assay method using diagnostic products of IMMULITE diagnostic products corporation, Los Angles. Cross-bred goats possessed better values for most of the biochemical analytes, a significant difference was seen in ALT with a higher value of 14.5±3.54 in Cross-bred goats at (P

The dynamic nature of today's public sector demands innovative approaches to service delivery, leading to the emergence of agility as a vital paradigm. This research investigates the transformative potential of agile methodologies in restructuring the Nigerian public sector for enhanced service delivery. Emphasizing the need for agility in response to technological advancements and global shifts, the study draws on Nigeria's digital policy frameworks, such as the Nigeria e-Government Interoperability Framework (Ne-GIF) and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030. The research advocates a shift from traditional bureaucratic structures to a more integrated, networked approach that prioritizes citizen participation and fosters service-centric cultures. The study uses a qualitative approach to gather secondary data from diverse sources and employs thematic and content analysis. The findings reveal that agile methodologies have the potential to reshape the Nigerian public sector.

The study analyzed the perceived effects of climate variability on the rice farmers in Niger State, Nigeria. Two stage sampling procedure was used in the selection of 248 rice farmers. The data was collected with the use of a questionnaire. The findings revealed that rice farmers in the Niger State were mostly male 75.4% and their average age was 39.5 years. About 98% of the rice farmers had moderate usage levels of climate adaption strategies. The most severe perceived effect of climate variability was instability of planting calendar (M.S=2.78). The highest ranked constraint limiting the usage of climate adaptation strategies was financial constraints (M.S=3.72). This study thus recommended the provision of accurate and prompt information on weather forecasts and also there should be provision of financial incentives to the farmers.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caught the entire world off guard, leading countries across the globe to implement lockdown measures and resulting in a significant loss of life and physical impairment. The study aimed to assess the demographic factors affecting awareness, perception, and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among students of a tertiary institution in northeastern Nigeria Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected randomly through the administration of a structured questionnaire. Results: Among the study population, 451 (86.1%) were aware of COVID-19 vaccines. Of these, only 188(41.7%) had received the vaccine, while 263(58.3%) had not been vaccinated. Among the vaccinated, 119(63.3%) had received one of the five COVID-19 vaccines stated, while 69(36.7%) had no knowledge of the type of vaccine they had received. Of the 263(58.3%) unvaccinated respondents, 209(79.5%) attributed their hesitancy to a lack of trust in the vaccine. Although the positive perception of COVID-19 vaccines was higher than the negative perception among the respondents, but with no statistical difference (P=0.149). There was no significant relationship between respondents' awareness of COVID-19 vaccines with their gender (P=0.3341), marital status (P=0.1657), and age group (P=0.0713), but religion showed a strong significant relationship (P=0.0015). There was no significant relationship between respondents' perception of COVID-19 vaccines with gender (P=0.1885), marital status (P=0.5869), and religion (P=0.2286). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of tailored information campaigns addressing vaccine hesitancy, promoting accurate knowledge, and addressing safety concerns to increase vaccine acceptance and uptake among students in tertiary institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mental healthcare workforce shortage in Nigeria poses a major obstacle to mental health services scale-up. Digital psychiatry may provide a veritable platform to bridge treatment gaps. Aim: To provide an overview of quantity and range of peer-reviewed publications on digital psychiatry in Nigeria. Setting: A comprehensive literature search encompassed all original, peer-reviewed research articles on digital psychiatry in Nigeria. PubMed, Google Scholar, and a direct exploration of relevant journal article reference lists were utilised. Inclusion criteria covered peer-reviewed original articles conducted in Nigeria between January 2013 and January 2023, regardless of quality. Exclusions comprised case reports, reviews, dissertations, and abstracts. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines were adhered to, while methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley was used to describe the review. Results: Fourteen studies meeting inclusion criteria exhibited two primary research areas: implementation and intervention. Most studies focused on intervention strategies, showcasing efficacy of digital devices in enhancing outcomes in depression and clinic appointments. Implementation studies indicated favorable acceptance by both clients and healthcare practitioners. Conclusion: Digital technology seems acceptable to Nigerian patients and clinicians. Policies to operationalise provision of digital healthcare services will have positive impact in addressing unmet mental health needs. Finally, the quality of the evidence from majority of studies has to be enhanced, and additional studies are required to uncover gaps in some regions of the country. Contribution: This research demonstrates that, despite some drawbacks, digital methods of providing mental healthcare are practical in Nigeria.

Abstract Background Advances in precision medicine in Nigeria suggest improving genomics education and competency among healthcare practitioners to facilitate clinical translation. Due to the scarcity of research in this area, this study aimed to assess Nigerian medical students’ perceptions about their preparedness to integrate precision medicine into their future clinical practice. Methods This was an institution-based cross-sectional study of medicine and surgery students in their clinical years attending the two fully accredited colleges of medicine in Lagos, Nigeria, between April and October 2022 using an adapted tool administered via Google Forms. The survey assessed their awareness, perceptions about knowledge, ability, and attitudes toward precision medicine, ethical concerns, and perceptions about their education in precision medicine. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess factors associated with students’ perceptions of their knowledge, ability, and attitudes. Results A total of 300 students completed the questionnaires with a response rate of 40%. Awareness of genomic medicine terminology was high (92.0%). Responses to knowledge and ability questions revealed notable gaps, however, respondents had positive attitude scores overall. Higher medical school year was independently associated with lower knowledge (ptrend = 0.003) and ability (ptrend = 0.005) scores, and knowledge score was independently associated with a higher ability score (β: 0.76 95%CI: 0.67, 0.84; p

Nigeria is a pluralistic society with multi-ethnic and multi-religious status. The dynamic Nigerian state and its many ethnic, religious, and cultural groups account for diverse political interests. Nigeria’s social and political structures are largely influenced by religion. Since independence, this development has persisted. “Who gets what, when, and how” is decided by the political class’s religious compass. Religion has helped politicians win votes in the past. Nigerians, particularly the ignorant and misinformed, vote based on religious affiliation. Hence, most Nigerian issues have religious undertone. Religion, ethnicity, and politics in Nigeria and their effects on national integration are examined in this research. The paper adopts qualitative research method, and employed descriptive methodology, with data obtained mainly from secondary sources. The findings revealed that religion, ethnicity and politics have hindered national integration, and recommends that Nigerians must foster a supranational consciousness, minimise their allegiance to their ethnic, regional, and religious groups, work to create a nation that all peoples, including majorities, minorities, and sub-minorities, can identify with by using our diversity, multi religiousness, and many identities, in favour of the Nigerian nation.

The civil society midwife democratic government in 1999. They fought for it. Although, some died in the process of agitating for democracy, and the fundamental human rights and rule of law are firmly entrenched including the freedom of association, free movement, speech among others. The paper argues that today’s democratic government was worked for but those who work for it did not participate in the transition program since the military in their characteristics are maradonic particularly that of General Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida keep transition program in perplexity and continuous. The failure of the leaders and members of civil organizations to participate is responsible for the crisis of governance. Those elected into governments across the states including the federal government largely masquerading behind politics as governance output. The paper is of the view that the civil society organization in the country cannot claim irresponsible to Nigerians, since they ushered in democratic rule, therefore, efforts must be geared towards validating the purpose of democracy and dividends of democratic governance in Nigeria.

Background: The co-occurrence and clustering of risk factors for non-communicable disease (NCD) is a global public health concern. Aim: This study aimed to assess the co-occurrence and clustering of risk factors for NCDs among in-school and out-of-school adolescents in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Setting: Secondary schools and markets in Jos North Local Government Area. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 377 in-school and 377 out-of-school adolescents, aged 10–19 years of age. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on behavioural and physical risk factors for NCDs. Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests were used for comparisons at a 5% level of significance. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: Of the 754 sampled adolescents, 386 (51.2%) were females and 368 (48.8%) were males. Adolescents aged 10–14 years made up 37.8% of the participants, 15 to 17 years of age accounted for 46.9% and 18–19 years 15.3%. Risk factors with the highest prevalence were a sedentary lifestyle (94.2%) and an unhealthy diet (92.4%). Majority (97.2%) had two or more risk factors while 1.9% of adolescents had no risk factor. More in-school adolescents (24.1%) had two risk factors compared to 14.1% of out-of-school adolescents (p 0.001); 14.1% of out-of-school adolescents had five or more risk factors compared to 2.9% of those in school (p 0.001). Conclusion: Co-occurrence and clustering of behavioural and physical risk factors was found among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents. Contribution: This study highlighted the burden of risk factors for NCDs among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents in the North-Central part of Nigeria. This is especially useful in developing targeted interventions to tackle these risk factors.

Nigeria’s security environment continues to be tense, tenuous and fluid. From all indications and yardsticks of policy planning and implementation, the country’s security architecture seems to be unraveling. As the nation’s security establishments confront multiple security crises especially in Northern Nigeria, their policy and operational reactions continue to be reactive. While the Boko Haram insurgency rages, a decade after the commencement of military operations against the group, military successes in the Northeast are at best modest. Following a decade of commitment of military resources including billions of dollars deployed to the procurement of armament and military hardware, expansion of forces’ strength and creation of special operation formations, one can ask why have the military operations continued to falter and security architecture unravel? The study was anchored on the qualitative research approach and sourced data from published and openly available official documents, scientific publications and newspapers articles, reports, opinion pieces and commentaries. Making use of this open-sourced information, this study explains faltering military operations and Nigeria’s worsening security environment to the failure of security planning, poor civil-military relations including lack of depth in intelligence agencies penetration of local communities across Northern Nigeria, rivalry among the three arms of the Nigerian Armed Forces, persistency of the poor culture of intelligence information sharing and lack of synergy and poor coordination among Nigeria’s security establishments. This study recommends that more attention need to be paid to intelligence gathering, synergy and coordination among the security establishments in the bids to enhance the prospects of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operation and other military engagements across the country.

Background: Advances in precision medicine in Nigeria suggest improving genomics education and competency among healthcare practitioners to facilitate clinical translation. Due to the scarcity of research in this area, this study aimed to assess Nigerian medical students' perceptions about their preparedness to integrate precision medicine into their future clinical practice. Methods: This was an institution-based cross-sectional study of medicine and surgery students in their clinical years attending the two fully accredited colleges of medicine in Lagos, Nigeria, between April and October 2022 using an adapted tool administered via Google Forms. The survey assessed their awareness, perceptions about knowledge, ability, and attitudes toward precision medicine, ethical concerns, and perceptions about their education in precision medicine. Multivariate linear regression models were used to assess factors associated with students' perceptions of their knowledge, ability, and attitudes. Results: A total of 300 students completed the questionnaires with a response rate of 40%. Awareness of genomic medicine terminology was high (92.0%). Responses to knowledge and ability questions revealed notable gaps, however, respondents had positive attitude scores overall. Higher medical school year was independently associated with lower knowledge (ptrend = 0.003) and ability (ptrend = 0.005) scores, and knowledge score was independently associated with a higher ability score (β: 0.76 95%CI: 0.67, 0.84; p < 0.001). Attitude scores significantly increased with increasing medical school year (ptrend = 0.04). The respondents mostly indicated concerns about government and corporate bodies' misuse of genomic data (35.7%) and the widening of socioeconomic disparities (34.0%). Although 65.0% of the respondents thought it important to learn about precision medicine, only 11.3% felt that their education had adequately prepared them for precision medicine, knew who to ask questions regarding genomic testing (10.7%), and felt their professors had encouraged the use of precision medicine (10.3%). Conclusion: Despite high awareness of precision medicine terminology and overall positive attitudes, our findings highlight gaps in knowledge and ability to integrate genomics into the care of patients and a need to improve precision medicine education among Nigerian medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of commercial bank loans on agricultural growth outcomes in Nigeria. It uses Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root test in order to examine stationarity of model input variables, documenting that all variables were stationary either at levels I(0) or at first difference I(1). The study then employed the ARDL model and Error Correction Model to estimate the long-run and short-run effects of the variables. The long-run model results showed that commercial bank credit and government expenditure had a positive relationship with agricultural output, while exchange rate had a negative effect. The error correction model results revealed that government expenditure had a positive relationship with agricultural growth outcomes, while exchange rate and interest rates had a negative effect. In conclusion, the research found that commercial bank credit had a significant positive effect on agricultural growth outcomes in Nigeria, and recommended that commercial banks' lending policies and procedures should be flexible to accommodate more farmers. The results also imply that the government should provide adequate funds for the agricultural sector, specifically increasing its financial grants to small-scale farmers, to promote agricultural output and economic growth in the country.

This study examined the intraspecific differences at the early growth of Triplochiton scleroxylon of mixed progeny origins purposively collected from Okoklo Forest Reserve (OFR), Benue State, Cross-River National Park (CRNP), Cross-River and Okomu National Park (ONP), Edo State, Nigeria. The data collected were the height, root collar diameter, internode elongation length, number of leaves and nodes of the early growth assessment of Triplochiton scleroxylon which was for a period of sixteen weeks. At the end of the 16th week of germination, OFR Triplochiton scleroxylon provenance had the highest height (22.66 cm), root collar diameter (0.85 cm), number of leaves (22) and nodes (16) while CRNP Triplochiton scleroxylon provenance had the longest internode length elongation (1.52 cm). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the height (F = 7.67), root collar diameter (F = 6.65), number of leaves (F = 17.15) and internode length elongation (F = 49.31) across the Triplochiton scleroxylon provenances vis-à-vis the 16 weeks growth period of the seedlings. The growth time of the seedlings, height, root collar diameter, number of leaves, number of nodes and internode length elongation significantly (p < 0.05) and positively inter-relate amongst each other. The study concluded that the early growth of OFR Triplochiton scleroxylon provenance performed best in height growth, root collar diameter growth, leaf and node production and could be used in the National plantation establishment and afforestation programs while the CRNP and ONP Triplochiton scleroxylon provenances could be improved upon genetically for better growth performance.

Background: Burnout is a psychological syndrome resulting from exposure to chronic work-related stress. There are, however, a few works of literature on burnout among trainee doctors in Nigeria. Aim: To determine the prevalence of burnout and its predictors among resident doctors across 16 medical specialties and/or subspecialties. Setting: The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 176 resident doctors between October 2020 and January 2021. The survey included the Proforma and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSS MP). Results: The mean age of participants was 35.10 (SD 4.07) years. The prevalence of burnout was 21.6% for high emotional exhaustion (EE), 13.6% for high depersonalization (DP), and 30.7% for low personal accomplishment (PA). Being a younger resident doctor aged 31–35 (OR = 3.715, 95% CI [1.270 – 10.871]) was the only significant predictor for the EE. Predictors of DP included the age group 31–35 years (OR = 7.143, 95% CI [2.297 – 22.216]), duty hours 50 hours per week (OR = 2.984, 95% CI [1.203 – 7.401]), and presence of work-related stress (OR = 3.701, 95% CI [1.315 – 10.421]). A good relationship with colleagues negatively predicted low PA (OR = 0.221, 95% CI [0.086 – 0.572]). Conclusion: High levels of burnout are prevalent among resident doctors, comparable to international studies. Therefore, the government and other relevant stakeholders must drive legislation and formulate policies toward addressing the work-related factors associated with burnout in the Nigerian healthcare industry. Contribution: This study highlighted the determinants of burnout among Nigerian resident doctors, which necessitates targeted interventions to address them.

Purpose. This study highlights the specific and accurate methods for forecasting prices of commonly consumed grains or legumes in Nigeria based on data from January 2017 to June 2020. Methodology / approach. Different models that include autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), artificial neural networks (ANN), seasonal decomposition of time series by loess method (STLM), and a combination of these three models (hybrid model) were proposed to forecast the sample grain price data. This study uses price data on widely consumed grains, such as white maize, local rice, imported rice, and white beans, in Nigeria from January 2017 to June 2020. Results. Our result indicates that ARIMA is the best applicable model for white maize and imported rice because it is well fitted to stationary data, as demonstrated in the sample period. The STLM is more appropriate in forecasting white beans. As white beans are highly seasonal in Nigeria, it further explains why the STLM model fits better in forecasting prices. The production of local rice is inconsistent in Nigeria because of erratic rainfall and stiff competition from the importation of rice from other countries. Therefore, and consistent with the analysis, the hybrid model is the best model applicable to local rice because it captures varying trends exhibited in the data. Originality / scientific novelty. This study suggests most accurate forecasting techniques for specific agricultural commodities in sub-Saharan African countries. It considers forecasting prices of commonly consumed grains and legumes in Nigeria and traded worldwide, such as imported rice, local rice, beans, and maize. Practical value / implications. The study highlights the importance of appropriate forecasts for policymakers, producers, and consumers to enhance better decision making and serve as an underlying incentive to guide the allocation of financial resources to the agricultural sector, which determines the structure and degree of sectoral growth.

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common disorder of sexual health seen in men in community studies. A man’s sexual health has been found to be a key factor in determining the capacity for maintaining a healthy relationship. Aim: This study sought to determine the quality of life of hypertensive men with ED attending the out-patient clinics of Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, South-South, Nigeria. Setting: This study was conducted in the Out Patients Clinics (OPC) of FMC, Asaba, Delta state, Nigeria. Methods: After obtaining approval from the ethics and research committees in Asaba, 184 consenting hypertensive men who met the eligibility criteria were selected by systematic random sampling to participate in the study from October 2015 to January 2016. This study was a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected with a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adopted from the international index of Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF). The study complied with the principles of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Results: The results showed the mean score for physical domain (58.78 ± 24.37), the psychological domain (62.68 ± 25.93), the social domain (50.47 ± 29.09), and the environmental domain (62.25 ± 18.52). Over a fifth, 11 (22.0%), of the respondents with severe ED had poor quality of life. Conclusion: This study showed that ED is common in hypertensive men and their quality of life was more impaired than those with normal erectile function. Contribution: This study contributes to holistic approaches to patient care.

Orientation: Universities in Nigeria every so often experience the challenges of workplace deviant behaviour (WDB). These acts among university’s staff could be detrimental to the attainment of the fundamental objectives of tertiary education; hence, it is vital that drastic measures are taken to curb such behaviours. Research purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of organisational justice (OJ) on WDB in Nigerian public universities. Motivation for the study: Although ample studies exist on organisational behaviour, not many empirical studies have been conducted to examine the role of organisational factors such as OJ (perception of fairness) on employee’s deviant behaviour in universities, especially in Nigeria. Research design, approach and method: This quantitative design employed a positivist research paradigm in achieving its objectives. A survey, using a structured close-ended questionnaire, was conducted among 572 employees of selected public universities in South-West Nigeria. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effect or OJ on WDB. Main findings: The findings revealed that procedural justice has significant and increasing effect on both organisational and interpersonal deviance. Conversely, interpersonal justice has a significant reducing effect on organisational deviance, while informational and distributive justice do not determine WDB. Practical/managerial implications: Based on the finding of this study, managers of public universities must pursue interpersonal justice as a way out of organisational deviance. Contribution/value-add: The study’s findings contribute to justice-deviance literature in Nigeria and highlight the need for government and management alike to emphasise interactional justice in the workplace if deviant acts are to be curbed.

Background: The need for a culturally suitable scale for suicidality within the multilingual Nigerian society necessitated this research interest. Aim: The study is a development and validation of the Redeemer’s University Suicidality Scale (RUSS). Setting: South western Nigeria. Methods: This comprised of initial generation of items; face and content validity, item refinement and administration of RUSS to 150 university undergraduates, using exploratory factor analysis at the first, second and third stages. In the fourth stage, 184 undergraduates responded to the 20-item RUSS, Suicide Ideation Scale (SIS) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Data gathered at this stage were analysed for congruent validity, reliability and norms. Results: The principal component analysis extracted four components from items whose eigenvalues exceeded one. Twenty-one of the 25 items loaded best in the first, two in the second and one on the third component(s). Only items in the first component were retained. Item-total correlation further showed that the values of one item in the first component fell below the very good discrimination and was deleted from the scale. The RUSS has a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.93. Congruence validity coefficient of r = 0.881 (p 0.001) and r = 0.605 (p 0.001) was observed between RUSS and SIS and between RUSS and GHQ-12, respectively. Conclusion: The RUSS is gender-sensitive, has acceptable psychometric properties and is recommended as a diagnostic tool for assessing suicidal behaviour in adolescents and adults. Contribution: This article contributes to the development of a culture sensitive measure for suicidality.

Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common indication for endoscopy. We aimed to describe the endoscopic findings in patients referred to our center with UGIB. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of the endoscopic findings in patients with UGIB between August 1, 2017, and April 30, 2019, in Lagos, Nigeria. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23.0. Results: Eight hundred thirty-two patients underwent endoscopy, of which 129 (16%) were for UGIB, which occurred twice as frequently in males. Melena was the most frequent presentation. Endoscopic abnormalities including gastric/duodenal peptic ulcers (39%), gastroduodenal erosions (36%), and varices (12%), were identified in 83% of the participants. Most ulcers were low risk. Conclusion: Patients presenting to our center with UGIB commonly have gastric/duodenal peptic ulcers or gastroduodenal erosions.

هذا البحث يرصد دراسة مناجيات البروفيسور زكريا إدريس أوبو حسين، دراسة أسلوبية، للوقوف على قدرة الكاتب في رسم المشاهد المختلفة في حالات النفس الإنسانية، والكشف عن مستويات المناجيات النصية، والتقديم لدلالات ما خلف النص بوصفه نصاً أدبياً خاضعاً للقراءة والتأويل. وقد تناولت الدراسة كتب مناجاته في مستوياتها الصوتية والتركيبية والدلالية محاولة لإجراء الدراسة الأسلوبية عند كل مستوى، فقد أورد البروفيسور الاستعارات والتشبيهات والكنايات بشكل تفاعلي مع الجو الملائم لكل مناجاة، وأهمية هذا البحث تظهر في قلة أمثاله في المكتبات التي تستقري مثل هذه النصوص الإسلامية الشريفة، والتي تستحق لفت النظر. وتم تقسيم الدراسة إلى أربعة مباحث، سبقهم ملخص، ومقدمة، وفي الخاتمة تم تسجيل أهم النتائج فضلا عن المصادر والمراجع، والله المستعان. Professor Zakariyau Idrees Oboh Oseni, is one of the prominent figures of Arabic and Islamic literature in Nigeria, working with University of Ilorin in Nigeria as an exemplary teacher, a writer and even a Critical critic. His poetic talent, literary ability, linguistic wealth, knowledge of the Noble Qur’an and the Prophet’s Sunnah, made him succeed in the Art of Munajat, and succeed as a sincere scholar who raises the nation a high-level education. This Research aims to study the Munajat (Monologues) of Professor Zakariyau Idrees Oboh Oseni as a stylistic study, to determine the writer›s ability to draw different scenes in cases of the human soul, to reveal the levels of textual Monologues, and to present the implications of what is behind the text as a literary text subject to reading and interpretation. The Study dealt with his Monologue books in their phonetic, structural and semantic levels, an attempt to conduct a stylistic study at each level. This approach includes a set of principles and procedures that aid the study of the text as a scientific study, through method analysis. The research is divided into three sections, preceded by a summary, followed by a conclusion.

Background: Schizophrenia is highly disabling. Though efforts at genetic mapping to identify those at risk of the illness have been promising but same cannot be said about predicting its associated disability before illness-onset (i.e., during premorbid phase). It is envisaged that Schizophrenia-related disability may be ameliorated if premorbid clinical markers are adequately predictive enough to identify those at risk and worked upon them. Aim: This study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between schizophrenia-related disability and premorbid adjustment. Setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the out-patient clinic of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: Three hundred patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia and within the age range of 18–64 years were eligible for the study. Results: Mean age of the participants was 41.9 ± 10.05 years with a slight female dominance (50.7%). Spearman’s correlation revealed a direct correlation between disability and premorbid adjustment, albeit rather weak (rs = 0.130, p = 0.025). Conclusion: Pre-diagnostic factors such as premorbid functioning may play a role in the subsequent functioning of an individual post-diagnosis. Other research efforts may focus on yet-to-be identified premorbid factors that may be targets of prevention to reduce disability in schizophrenia. Contribution: This research serves as a pioneer work on disability and premorbid adjustment and has provided a template for the early identification of those at risk of schizophrenia by providing an intervention opportunity at the premorbid stage.

The Study examined External Debt and Infrastructural Developments in Emerging economies: Evidence from Nigeria, 1979 -- 2019. The objective is to examine whether there is a nexus between external debt and infrastructural developments by evaluating the relationship between both variables using available evidences from Nigeria. The balance-growth theory was employed and the sample period covered 40 years with data obtained from World Bank Group online database. The study used Robust least square regression, Autogressive Distributed lag (ARDL), and the Error Correction Model to test the variables at the 0.05 significance level. The results indicates that external debt has positive and significant effect on the dependent variable in the short-run, but shows no significant correlation with infrastructural developments proxy by capital investments in the long-run and negatively insignificant nexus with real GDP. This study concludes that while foreign debt has significant relationship with the dependent variable in the short-run, it however, has insignificant correlation with infrastructural development in the long-run; and recommends that external borrowing contracts should be based on sound credit appraisals, to finance selfliquidating priority projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There seems to be a dearth of literature on how much Nigerian university libraries are spending on the acquisition of Online Electronic Database (OED). This study sets out to investigate the annual cost of acquiring this important and evolving aspect of library collection with the view of determining whether the returns in terms of utilization is commensurate with the invested fund. Methodology: The study adopts a quantitative research method. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data from 55 librarians in 41 academic libraries across Nigeria. The data collected were processed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Findings: Academic libraries in Nigeria spend an average of ₦12,500,000 or $32,637 on OED subscriptions annually. The study has shown that Nigerian academic libraries usually subscribe to the EBSCOhost and Research4Life databases with few adding specialized databases such as Law Pavilion, HeinOnline, Legalpedia, and ScienceDirect. To ensure adequate returns on investment, the libraries are massively providing support infrastructures, user education, and other information services. However, challenges limiting the widespread use of online databases include irregular power supply and slow internet connectivity among others. Conclusions: The study, therefore, concludes that there is a middling to low return on subscribed OED in Nigerian academic libraries. However, there are still various huddles that must be scaled for Nigerian academic libraries to reap adequate returns on their investments in online electronic databases.

This study investigated the implications of board independence and foreign ownership on audit quality of manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are to examine the effects of board independence as well as foreign ownership on audit quality of manufacturing firms quoted in Nigeria. Secondary data were carefully collected from a total of fifty eight (58) quoted manufacturing firms in Nigeria for the period (2010 – 2018) and the binary model of regression (logit, probit and gombit) was properly used for hypotheses testing. The outcome reveals that board independence had a positive and insignificant influence on audit quality while foreign ownership had a positive and significant influence on audit quality. The study therefore recommends that composition of the board should be such that its function is not undermined and one of such ways is to have an appropriate mixture with non-executive directors. Also having foreign ownership could enhance audit quality given the different corporate cultures they may possess.

Introduction: An instance of fish deaths in marine waters surrounding some communities in Bonny and Andoni Local Government Areas in Rivers State was reported in March-April 2020. This study investigated trace metals hazard in muscle of Tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron) and Silver Catfish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) from Okulu River, Rivers State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Tissues of 24 samples of Sarotherodon melanotheron and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus obtained from the river were analyzed using atomic adsorption spectrophotometer, and the health risk was estimated based on estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ). Results: The concentration (mg/kg) of iron, zinc, manganese, copper, cadmium, lead, and chromium in both species ranged 4.00 – 197.30, 9.20 – 35.30, 0.20 – 5.00, 0.00 – 73.10, 0.00 – 1.30, 0.00 – 54.70, and 0.00 – 0.50, respectively. The EDI of trace metals resulting from the consumption of both fish species was higher than the permissible tolerance intake (PTI) mg/day/60kg body weight. The THQ and TTHQ were < 1, indicating that the consumption of this food fish portends no known health concern. However, the carcinogenic risks exceeded the threshold level of 10-6 - 10-4, thus, reflecting carcinogenic tendency. Based on the results obtained, it must be ensured that the effluents discharged into open water bodies meet the recommended limits. Conclusion: There is a need to create awareness among consumers of food fish in the study area. There should be periodic monitoring of trace metals in surface waters and its food fish population to forestall potential health impact on humans.

Nigeria’s high rate of insecurity has reached a stage where people’s safety is no longer guaranteed. This article examines the extent to which the current high rate of insecurity in Nigeria has affected sustainable development in the country. The increasing insecurity situation is now in a state where kidnapping has become the norm, and destruction of lives and property has become a daily reoccurrence, affecting all efforts to achieve sustainable development in Nigeria. This article aims to reflect on some of the recent cases of insecurity in Nigeria to ascertain the major implication of these insecurities on education, religion and the economy, and seeks ways to curb the insecurity menace in Nigeria. It is also indicated that religion has been used to incite the perpetrator’s action as various terrorist groups misinterpret the religious texts to justify their actions. The article concludes by arguing that religion can provide the needed coherence and social control needed to fight insecurity in Nigeria jointly, and once the difference in diversity is handled through cohesion and the social control function of religion, all stakeholders will be able to unite and fight insecurity off from the society. It therefore recommends that religious leaders should form the minds of Nigerians with the true contextual meaning of the religious text used to instigate insecurity. Contribution: This article highlighted the major implications of insecurity on education, poverty and the economy, which have greatly affected development in Nigeria. The article brings to light a theological reflection of the role religion can play in providing the coherence and social control needed to jointly fight insecurity in Nigeria. This work would greatly benefit religious bodies, government, civil society and students.

Background: Physician self-referral occurs where a full-time paid doctor diverts patients from one hospital to another in which he or she has financial interest. Aim: This study is aimed at investigating the views of service users, physicians and policymakers on physician self-referral practice in public hospitals in Nigeria. Setting: The study was carried out in Enugu urban area of South East Nigeria. Methods: A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods was used to collect information from different categories of stakeholders. Service user views were explored through analysis of four focus group discussions involving 26 participants and 407 questionnaires completed with household members who had recently visited a public hospital and then gone to private hospitals. In-depth interviews were completed with 15 public sector doctors not involved in dual practice and eight key policymakers. Results: Thirty-four of 407 respondents (8.4%) visiting a public hospital were diverted to a private facility associated with the attending public hospital doctor. The research examined age, gender and socio-economic status (SES) as factors that might influence the likelihood of patient diversion. Advice to transfer to a private clinic usually came directly from the doctor involved but might also come from nurses. Conclusion: Physician self-referral in Nigeria could take different forms. It was found that both direct and indirect forms of diversion exist, suggesting that this is an organised practice in which dual-practice doctors and supporting hospital staff members cooperate. The study recommends, among other things, that service users should be adequately protected from any form of diversion to private practice by the public system employee doctors. Contribution: This study contributes to understanding the extent and pattern of patient diversion in public hospitals in Nigeria. The findings reveal coordinated tactics for diverting public hospital patients and provide a direction for future research in negative behaviour among healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

Background: Globally, the public health importance of mental health has gained significant attention in recent years. In Africa, many traditional belief systems impact the perceptions, attitude and management of mental illness. Women are usually the primary caregivers of mentally ill persons, but they have lower mental health literacy. Aim: To assess rural women’s knowledge, perceptions and attitudes regarding mental illnesses and the role of traditional beliefs in their management. Setting: Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a total of 295 rural women recruited through a multistage sampling method. A pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Summary and inferential statistics were measured using Epi Info version 7. The level of significance was predetermined at 5%. Results: A total of 253 questionnaires were adequately filled and analysed. Overall, just over one-third (35%) of respondents had good knowledge and only 26% had positive attitudes towards mental health and illness. About 45% reported that mental illness should first be treated in ‘the traditional way’, whilst 47% felt that there was no need for collaboration between orthodox and unorthodox healthcare for mental illness. Sociodemographic variables were significantly associated with knowledge (educational level p = 0.001) and attitude (marital status p = 0.001 and ethnicity p = 0.001). Conclusion: Respondents had poor knowledge of and attitude towards mental health, and traditional beliefs played a role in their perception and management of mental illness. We recommend community-based health education programmes to improve knowledge and help-seeking for mental illness amongst rural women.

Makerspace offers an innovative way for university libraries to render services and achieve its core objectives. However, there is low level of adoption in Nigerian university libraries, hence the need to investigate the personnel’s perception towards makerspace as an innovative learning platform. To achieve this, the descriptive research design was used to elicit data with the aid of a structured questionnaire, from the 96 library personnel in John Harris Library, University of Benin. Of the 96 copies of questionnaire distributed, 68 copies were returned and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that the library personnel were familiar with makerspace even though they still require more information about it. Also, that makerspace gives students the opportunity to acquire ew skill and enhances collaboration among learners. Moreover, the study revealed that budget constraints, high cost and maintenance of equipments, erratic power supply and lack of staff training are some of the perceived challenges to makerspace implementation. Consequently, the study revealed that university libraries should strategize on how to increase allocation of funds, organize makerspace webinar for personnel, ensure stable electricity supply and create a dedicated space for makerspace in the library. In conclusion, makerspace will provide students with the technological exposure and creative abilities required for the future, and as such effective planning should be made for its deployment and sustainability in Nigerian university libraries.

Due to the increase in population and industrialization growth, most countries in the world depend on groundwater to meet agriculture demands for food production. The increase in water contamination due to indiscriminate solid wastes has necessitated the assessment of water quality and its suitability for agricultural usage. Twenty four groundwater and ten stream water samples were randomly collected from the downslope and upslope side of the dumpsite for all the major physio-chemical parameters. The pH of water samples indicates slightly acidic to alkaline in nature. High concentrations of nitrate, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity suggest the impact of the waste on the water resource. Assessment of irrigation water quality based on Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Permeability Index (PI) and Magnesium content (MC) indicated that most of the water samples fall within the permissible standard for irrigation water. Thus, the water should be used with caution on crops for long time agricultural sustainability.

A total of sixteen Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys and five physicochemical analyses were carried out in selected locations within the Yenagoa Metropolis, in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, to delineate the concentration of ferruginous minerals in freshwater aquifers in the area. For the geophysical survey, the Schlumberger electrode configuration was employed. The resulting data obtained was processed and interpreted using Excel suite, IPI2WIN resistivity, Surfer-11 and Rockworks software. The results revealed four to six geologic layers across the area, and were used to generate geoelectric maps which showed that in most part of the study area, there were uneven distributions of shallow aquifers (4 – 10m), and uneven layers of clay and sandy-silt at varying depths up to 20m. The physicochemical analysis of raw water samples collected from five boreholes located in close proximity to the VES sounding locations were analysed for physical and chemical parameters. Physical parameters tested include colour, conductivity, turbidity, and temperature. Chemical parameters analysed are pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Alkalinity, Total Iron, Carbonate, Chloride, Sulphate, and heavy metals such as copper, chromium, nickel, cadmium, manganese, zinc and lead. The pH was determined using a Mettler Toledo (GmbH 8603 Schwerzenbach) pH meter by direct measurement. An analogue mercury thermometer was used for temperature measurements and a Hach 2100A turbidimeter for turbidity determination. Also, the concentrations of Zinc, Lead, and Copper in the water samples were obtained using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was observed that the values SO42- , Cl-, Na2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, F- have values below World Health Organization (WHO) standard in all boreholes tested while Mn2+, NH3, PO3−and Fe2+, K+, and Cu2+ have values above WHO standard in some boreholes. The pH values all showed that the water was slightly basic as the values all exceeded the neutral limit 7, with only station showing slightly elevated pH value 9, suggesting the presence of iron bacteria. F-, K+, Fe2+ and Mn2+ have values that exceeded the WHO standard. The results from Physicochemical and geophysical analysis suggest that at depths of 20 – 45m, the concentration of ferruginous minerals is high especially towards the north eastern section of the study area and so drilling should be made to approximate depths of 50 – 80m for minimal iron contamination in the aquifers.

COVID-19 pandemic has globally created economic fallout which affected general economy. How-ever, the studies of COVID-19 as it affects tax revenue collection in Nigeria are still scanty. This study therefore examines differential impact of COVID-19 outbreak on the tax revenue generation in Nigeria. This study adopts expo-facto research design and uses secondary data to gather information from the official web site of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria. This study employs Paired Sample t-test statistical tool to analyze the data with the aid of SPSS version 2020. Finding from this study indicates that the mean (Standard deviation) tests of 392.6414 (516.66364) during the COVID-19 pandemic is greater than the mean (Standard deviation) tests of 14.2857 (17.09488) before the pandemic. This study therefore, concludes that the outbreak of COVID-19 has positively contributed to the growth of tax revenue generated in Nigeria due to various tax collection strategies employed by the government. The outcome of this study is expected to move tax revenue authorities in realizing the impact of Covid-19 on tax revenue generation in Nigeria and other countries. This study recommends that the government of Nigeria should strengthen and improve on her mechanisms of tax collection employed to have increased tax revenue during the critical periods of COVID-19 even when there was total lockdown.

OBJECTIVE: Healthcare workers are at risk of exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19 disease since they are the first line contact with patients in the healthcare sector. Thus, their infection prevention and control (IPC) practices have critical implications in limiting hospital transmission of the disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we assessed the IPC practices by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak in the southwestern state of Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare workers in two local government areas (LGAs) in Ondo State. Data were collected through interviewers’ administered questionnaire to the respondents, capturing their socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of IPC, attitude, and practices toward the SARS-CoV-2 virus prevention. The data were collected between November and December 2020, then scrutinized for completeness and analysis using SPSS (version 18.0; Chicago, IL, USA). The 95% confident interval (CI) and the computed p-value were used to determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. Hence, the p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The interview was carried out on 293 healthcare workers, among which most of the respondents 235 (80.2%) were female, 80 (27.3%) were within the age group of 40-49 years (Mean ± Standard deviation: 40.2 ± 11.8), and 227 (77.5%) of the respondents were married. More than half (172, 58.7%) of the respondents were community health workers. The result showed that most of the respondents, 248 (84.6%) have good knowledge of IPC while more than half of the respondents, 195 (66.6%) have a good attitude towards IPC, and 80 (27.3%) had good IPC practices towards SARS-CoV-2 virus prevention. Significantly, the odds of having good IPC practice increased among the respondents who have been trained on IPC compared to those who have not been trained (AOR= 3.5; 95% CI= 1.5-8.3). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed good IPC knowledge and a high attitude towards SARS-CoV-2 virus prevention and control. However, the IPC practices towards SARS-CoV-2 virus prevention and control were suboptimal. Hence, the study recommends training and re-training of healthcare workers and in addition adequate supply of personal protection equipment (PPE)/IPC commodities and regular supportive supervision to ensure that IPC knowledge translates into practice among healthcare workers in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.

A cholera population model with stochastic transmission and stochasticity on the environmental reservoir of the cholera bacteria is presented. It is shown that solutions are well-behaved. In comparison with the underlying deterministic model, the stochastic perturbation is shown to enhance stability of the disease-free equilibrium. The main extinction theorem is formulated in terms of an invariant which is a modification of the basic reproduction number of the underlying deterministic model. As an application, the model is calibrated as for a certain province of Nigeria. In particular, a recent outbreak (2019) in Nigeria is analysed and featured through simulations. Simulations include making forward projections in the form of confidence intervals. Also, the extinction theorem is illustrated through simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Studies have established that chronic diseases are largely diseases of life style. It is pertinent to ascertain life style habits among young people in order to institute necessary disease prevention strategies to enable them to stay healthy as they grow older. This study aims to assess the dietary habits and physical exercise among undergraduates at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. METHODS This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 345 undergraduates of the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus using multistage sampling, a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 22. RESULTS The study included 345 students with a mean age of 22.5±3.1years, and [209 (60.6%)] female. The majority (252; 73.0%) had good knowledge of healthy dietary habits. Majority of respondents believed that an unhealthy diet is a very important risk factor for various diseases 303 (87.8%). Dietary practice showed that while only a third of them (110; 31.9%) take breakfast daily, few of them (61; 17.7%) eat 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily. Higher proportion (83.8%) of student nurses had good knowledge of healthy dietary habits than Medical students (74.8%) and Law students (74.8%), (x[2] =12.009, p=0.002); and among female students compared to male students [80.9% vs 61%, x[2]= 16.457, p=0.000). More student nurses (26.3%) also had an adequate daily intake of fruits and vegetables and least among medical students (3.6%) (x[2]=22.710, p=0.000). While the majority believed that regular exercise improves health (295; 86%), only 13 (3.8%) exercise between 3-5 times in a week. Physical exercise was highest among student nurses (13; 14.9%) and least among medical students (4; 3.6%) (x[2]=8.456, p=0.015). CONCLUSION Although most of the respondents had good knowledge and attitude about healthy dietary habits and physical exercise, their dietary practices and level of physical activity were poor.

BACKGROUND: A country’s disease control is usually a reflection of the practice of the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) strategy by those responsible in making diagnosis and handling of health records as well as the availability of IDSR materials. The specific objectives of this study are to provide information on the level of knowledge of HCWs on IDSR, availability of materials, and their utilization. METHODOLOGY: A descriptive study conducted among 310 HCWs in public facilities across the three levels of healthcare delivery selected from 22 public health facilities in Edo State, South-South Nigeria. The facilities’ IDSR materials were also examined to ascertain availability and utilization. RESULTS: The respondents’ knowledge of IDSR was fair [203(65.5%)]. The availability of critical IDSR materials in the secondary facility was abysmally poor; however, the utilization was fair across the three levels of care. There were statistically significant associations between the age (p

Applying the conservation of resource resources theory and the self-efficacy theory, this study investigates the relationship between supervisor incivility, self-efficacy, cynicism and the job embeddedness of employees in the hotel industry. The role of self-efficacy, as an important variable that mediates the relationship between the predictor and the criterion variable, is significantly evaluated. A non-probability sampling technique was used to collect 245 questionnaires from frontline employees of five and four-star hotels in Nigeria. The findings reveal that supervisor incivility has a negative effect on self-efficacy and a positive effect on cynicism, and that self-efficacy negatively affects cynicism. There was no significant relationship with job embeddedness in the study. Importantly, the investigation establishes that self-efficacy is a mediating variable between supervisor incivility and cynicism. The study noted the importance of adopting a policy that introduces periodic seminars and professional training for both employees and supervisors, as a means for curbing incivility and cynicism. The study concludes with theoretical and practical implications, leaving room for further investigation

The study investigates the management of Library personnel in the university libraries in Nigeria to determine the prevalent offences committed by library staff, sanctions imposed, and the effects of the offences on the staff. A total of 150 copies of a questionnaire were sent to all categories of library staff in the three University Libraries in Nigeria. Only 100 members of staff in the libraries completed and returned their questionnaires that were used for the study. Result shows that lateness to work, absence from work without permission and sleeping on duty are the dominant offences committed by library staff for which they were sanctioned. Besides, transportation, personal problems and inadequate finance were the major reasons why the offences were committed, while query, warning and transfer to another duty post were the common sanctions imposed. Result also shows that the sanctions had both positive and negative effects on the respondents. Recommendations that can enhance the management of library staff in the university libraries in Nigeria are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study is carried out to ascertain how attributes specific to audit firms affect the independence of auditors engaged by manufacturing companies listed on the Nigerian stock market. Objective: The study sought to examine audit attributes and independence of auditors: evidence from listed manufacturing companies, Nigeria. Methodology: Research survey conducted on 26 listed manufacturing companies with head offices in Lagos, Nigeria. The companies were selected by using the Taro Yamani method while simple random sampling was used to select the respondents and total numbers of 78 questionnaire were administered. The data collected from the survey was analyzed with the aid of Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Model ({PLS-SEM) regression technique. Results:The study found that firm tenure and size have positive and significant relationship with auditor independence. Control variable, provision of non-audit assurance services also has positive and significance relationship with independence. However, the second control variable, audit fees, showed a positive but insignificant relationship with auditor independence. Conclusion:Based on these findings, the study concluded that audit firm tenure, provision of other non-assurance audit services impairs independence while audit firm size enhances it. Unique Contribution:The study provides further evidence through a more robust analytical procedure (PLS-SEM regression technique) that audit firm attributes of tenure and rendering of non-audit assurances services impair independence while size enhances it in Nigeria’s listed manufacturing companies. Key Contribution: The study therefore recommends that regulatory provision of rotation of auditors be respected; there should be lifting of the veil of incorporation to ascertain companies that provide non audit services and sanction of auditors if it is discovered that they are providing non-audit services to their audit client under another name. It should also be ensured that accountants that are licensed to practice come together and practice as partners in a partnership instead of practicing as sole practitioners.

Christianity is one of the main religions thriving in Nigeria as seen in the high rate of proliferations of churches and plenipotentiaries who claim to be divinely called to establish and oversee their churches. The need for righteous church overseers cannot be over-emphasised. The effects of unrighteous leaderships in most churches are negatively impacting the holistic mission-mandate of the church in Nigeria. This article focuses on exegetically exploring, interpreting and applying the context of 1 Timothy 3:1–7 to the church’s leadership situation in Nigeria. Exegetical approach is used to establish the diachronic and theological influences that motivated Paul to advise Timothy about the qualifications of a plenipotentiary of God who is to be admitted to the office of an overseer, and how overseers are to conduct themselves in the house of God. The world of the early Christians can be compared with the world of Christians of the 21st century. Then as now, there are those who desire to be church overseers, but whose character and doctrines deny the fundamental principles of the church. This article argues that the categorical instructions of Paul to Timothy about the qualifications of overseers are still relevant for the church in Nigeria to be led in righteousness.

Ambient noise was analysed from a two-dimensional (2D) seismic data acquired in the Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria for the purpose of characterizing the ambient seismic noise. Sercel 428XL recording instrument was deployed on 3 traverse lines where dynamite explosive sources and geophone detectors were used. The acquired data was processed using frequency wavenumber (FK) and wild amplitude attenuation (WAA) algorithms. The dominant amplitude of the primary reflection ranges between -20dB and -10dB, while those of the ambient seismic noise varies between -42dB and -3dB. The primary reflections have dominant frequency varying from 6Hz to 75Hz while that of ambient seismic noise varies between 4Hz and 70Hz. Analysis of the noise shows two distinct ground roll modes with velocities between 400 ms-1 and 810 ms-1 both of which are dispersive with wavelength (λ) of 61.5m and peak frequency at 6.5Hz. Analysis of passive noise records acquired showed that ambient seismic (background) noise level excluding source-generated noise average of 91.56% are below 25µV, which is the tolerance noise level limit. The combination of frequency wavenumber FK and WAA filters effectively attenuated the surface waves especially ground rolls and other high amplitude noise making the primary reflection very visible and better enhanced. The filtered amplitude values estimated from signal-to-noise (SNR) analysis using cross correlation (XC) method are much higher than the values of the unfiltered amplitudes indicating that SNR are highest when noises are attenuated from the data than when noise algorithm is not applied to the data. The attributes of these seismic noises will provide further information and solution for their suppression during seismic data acquisition and processing.

Ngozi N Joe-Ikechebelu,1,2 Emmanuel C Azuike,1,2 Basil E Nwankwo,1,3 Ifeanyichukwu U Ezebialu,1,4 Williams O Ngene,1,5 George U Eleje61Health Promotion and Practice Research Unit, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria; 2Department of Community Medicine, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria; 3Office of the Chief Medical Director, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria; 4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria; 5Department of Physiotherapy, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nigeria; 6Effective Care Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Awka, NigeriaCorrespondence: George U ElejeEffective Care Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, P.M.B., Nnewi, Anambra State 5025, NigeriaTel +234 806 811 7444Email georgel21@yahoo.comBackground: Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world and one of the highest rates of new infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Within the last three decades, majority of HIV programs in Nigeria were treatment strategies with few prevention approaches. The persistence of HIV prevalence despite the treatment blueprint has led to a concerted call to HIV Prevention Cascade (HPC) theory which ensures continuous sophisticated interrelationship that stretches beyond the biomedical interventions of treatment. To our knowledge, there is no previous review on HPC theory in Nigerian context.Objectives: The aim of this review was to explore and outline the HIV/AIDS prevention cascade theory in relation to the achievement of the global 90-90-90 target set by the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS and suggest possible avenues to maximize on strengths and weaknesses of HPC in Nigeria.Methods: In this mini-review, the authors utilized standardized search measures in the review of published articles in credible domains across the HPC in PubMed, Research gate, Google Scholar, Mendeley Reference Manager and Cochrane Library from January 1980 to December 2018. Referenced sections of the articles identified were used to hand-search additional references not retrieved by the initial search engines. The authors performed an evaluation of selected studies on three cascade theories: epidemiological, behavioral and social science with an integration of the supply, demand and adherence sides.Results: We included nine review articles reporting three different cascade theories. Only one included study applied the cascade theories exclusively in Nigerian context. We could only conduct narrative synthesis.Conclusion: There is scarceness of currently published evidence on HPC in Nigerian context. HPC allows for a paradigm shift and sequential process of events to eliminate the epidemic of HIV using HIV prevention perspectives in Nigerian settings. Since data are sparse, more research is needed on HPC theory.Keywords: HIV, epidemic, HPC, prevention, cascade theory, social dimensions, Nigeria