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    Lameness and reproductive performance in small ruminants in Nsukka Area of the Enugu State, Nigeria
    (2002) Eze CA
    Four communities in Nsukka Area of Enugu State, known for sheep and goat keeping were purposefully selected for this work. Seventy-one sheep and goat farms were visited between January 1995 and December 1999. During the course of visit no one animal was registered twice in one farm during the study except where the cause of lameness was entirely different from the one already reported. Information sought include species of ruminants, number kept, management practices, sex, age, lambing/kidding interval, number of lambs/kids per parity and health status of all the animals in each flock. In some cases, the hooves were cleaned and washed to reveal the cause and the extent of the lesions. Animals were classified as kids/lambs (18 months). The results of the observation were statistically analysed using chi-square and Students t-test. Of the 338 sheep, 57, 68 and 213 were lambs, young and adults, respectively, whereas out of 484 goats, 100, 76 and 308 were kids, young and adults, respectively. About 15% of the animals kept suffered various kinds of lameness. There was no significant association between age and lameness in sheep (χ2=4.45,P<0.05) and goats (χ2=3.47,P<0.05). Of the 338 sheep examined, 13 (3.83%) and 43 (12.72%) were found to be lame during dry and wet season, respectively. A significant association (χ2=8.35,P<0.05) between season and lameness in sheep was observed. The mean kidding/lambing interval (15.2±0.78 months) in lame goats was significantly different both (t=18.042,P<0.01,d.f.=138) than (10.87±1.48 months) in non-lame goats, while for sheep a mean lambing interval of (14.59±1.53 months) recorded for lame animals was also significantly different (t=9.667,P<0.01, d.f. 197) than the (11.69±1.92 months) for the non-lame sheep. Lameness adversely affects lambing/kidding interval in small ruminants. Overgrowth of the hoof, scalds and ectoparasite wounds are the main causes of lameness in small ruminants in the study area. Since the majority of lameness cases were observed during the wet season (especially in sheep), it is suggested that these small ruminants be closely monitored during this season and foot lesions promptly attended to. Dampness should be avoided in the animal pens as this will severely reduce the incidence of lameness.
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    Castration, other management practices and socio-economic implications for dog keepers in Nsukka area, Enugu state, Nigeria
    (2002) Eze CA; Eze MC
    Structured interviews were used to obtain information from 258 respondents from among 625 people who were selected by stratified random sampling from villages in five of seven local government areas of Nsukka area. Information included gender and literacy status of the respondents, whether the respondents had (between 1990 and 1995) presented any of their dogs for castration, the comparative market value of the dogs, and dog use and owner preference for castrates in performance of such duties. Information on bathing, vaccinations, confinements, use of veterinarians and cultural and religious uses of dogs also were sought. Also, 208 (80%) of the respondents had their dogs castrated. Of the respondents, 23% were literate, 37% semiliterate and 40% illiterate. Of the 367 non-respondents, 63% were not available during the time of contact and 37% resented dog keeping and therefore refused to talk. About 958 dogs were owned by respondents, of these dogs, 56%, 27% and 17% were females, intact males and castrates, respectively. There was no association between the respondent’s literacy status and dog-sex preference in performance of such uses as security, hunting, and “economic reasons”. The three most-important reasons for dog keeping were security, pet and hunting. However, the use of castrates for security was favoured by most keepers irrespective of literacy status. Most of the respondents agreed that dogs are used as gifts and 72% of the respondents agree that dog meat is a protein source. Castration should be encouraged because of its market value. Usage was low of veterinary services, confinement, and bathing of dogs.
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    A contribution to the Holocene vegetation history of Nigeria: Pollen from Ohe Pond Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria
    (2014) Njokuocha RC; Akaegbobi IM
    The pollen record from Ohe Pond (N 06° 50.156, E 007° 21.837) in Nsukka, Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria, provided strong evidence of existence of a Southern Guinea savanna in the mid-Holocene. Prior to 6417 ± 67 BP, there was a closed forest with strong Guinea savanna affinities with a more humid condition. However, after 6417 ± 67 BP, Southern Guinea savanna woodland became well established in the area. Considerable periods of high precipitation alternating with warm and dry climatic phases may have favoured the establishment and maintenance of this complex heterogeneous vegetation structure after 6388 ± 71 BP. Frequent natural fires, indicated by charred plant tissues throughout the mid Holocene, probably were important in promoting the expansion of savanna species in the vegetation. Furthermore, human impact associated with iron smelting from about 4005 ± 40 BP in the area may have contributed to depletion of the forest vegetation. The transition from the Southern Guinea savanna to derived forest-savanna mosaic vegetation became apparent at a latter part of the late Holocene around 1470 ± 79 BP. Although climate may have played a significant role in shaping the structure of the vegetation, human activities certainly played an important role in the late Holocene vegetation transformation.
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    Incidence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs presented at University of Nigeria, Nsukka Veterinary Teaching Hospital using wet smear and buffy coat techniques
    (2016) Ugochukwu CI; Omekam N; Ugochukwu EI
    Objective To determine the incidence of Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) in dogs using the wet mount and buffy coat techniques for rapid detection of microfilaria in blood samples collected from dogs, to compare the two techniques for quick detection, to find if there is age susceptibility in the incidence of dirofilariasis in dogs presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and to find out if there are breed and sex variations in the incidence of dirofilariasis in dogs presented at Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Methods Blood samples were collected from the cephalic vein of 119 dogs. The blood samples were aseptically collected via cephalic venepuncture of each dog, collected into a tube containing ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid as anticoagulant, stored in an ice pack box at 5 °C and processed and examined for microfilaria using wet mount and buffy coat techniques. Results A total of 4 dogs were positive for D. immitis microfilaria giving a prevalence of 3.36%, more male (4.83%) than female (1.75%) dogs were affected in this study. Although there was no significant difference between both groups, the prevalence was the highest in cross breeds (6.66%), moderate in local breeds (3.63%) and absent in exotic breeds (0.00%). Although there was no significant (P < 0.05) difference amongst the 3 groups, only adult dogs were found positive for D. immitis microfilaria. Conclusions Based on the results of this present study, both the wet mount and buffy coat techniques can be used at the discretion of the clinician and in the absence of modified Knott's filter test, ELISA test and other diagnostic imaging techniques, in the rapid detection of microfilaria in blood samples from suspected cases of dirofilariasis.
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    Biostratigraphy and palaeoenvironment of deposition of Nsukka Formation, Anambra Basin, southeastern Nigeria
    (2017) Bankole SA; Ola-Buraimo AO
    Biostratigraphy investigation of Nsukka Formation was carried out by subjecting well cutting samples obtained from Nzam-1 well to palynological studies with the view towards determining the relative geologic age and palaeoenvironment of deposition of the sediments. Samples were treated in the laboratory through digestion with hydrofluoric acid, sieving with 5 μm, oxidation with Nitric acid and mounting of the slides into sections with DPX mountant. A fairly high abundance and diversity of miospores were recovered, while the interval (847–1372 m) contains distinctive and diagnostic palynomorphs which are stratigraphically important. A Spinizonocolpites baculatus assemblage zone was established based on the basal occurrence of S. baculatus, Spinizonocolpites echinatus, Constructipollenites ineffectus, Periretisyncolpites sp. Periretisyncolpites giganteus, Monocolpites sp 1, Foveotriletes margaritae, Syncolporites marginatus, and Longapertites marginatus. The upper part of the interval is marked by association of Anacolosidites luidonisis (at top), Mauritiidites crassibaculatus, Retistephanocolpites williamsi, Proteacidites dehaani, Echitriporites trianguliformis, Proxapertites cursus, Retidiporites magdalenensis, S. baculatus, Retitricolpites gigeonetti, F. margaritae and Araucariacites sp. The Nsukka Formation is dated as Late Maastrichtian based on the co-occurrence of recovered index fossils. Importantly, Cretaceous–Tertiary (K/T) boundary is marked by high fossil content in the Maastrichtian sediments compared to paucity in palynomorph that characterise the overlying Paleocene facies. Palaeoenvironment of the analyzed section varies alternately from marginal marine to continental setting based on the presence of land-derived miospores and dinoflagellates.
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    Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections of dog in Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria
    (2017) Idika IK; Onuorah EC; Obi CF; Umeakuana PU; Nwosu CO; Onah DN; Chiejina SN
    The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections of dog in Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria was studied retrospectively and prospectively. In the retrospective study, records of all diagnosed helminth infections of dogs brought to the University of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Nsukka from January, 2006 to September 2013 were collated and analyzed. The prospective study was carried out between October 2013 and July 2014 by examination of 263 faecal samples collected per rectum from dogs presented to a purposively selected Veterinary Clinics in Enugu metropolis and the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The results of the 8 year retrospective prevalence study gave an overall prevalence of 56.1% and Ancylostoma species as the most prevalent helminth in the study area (33.2%). Mixed infections with more than one helminth parasite species were recorded in 8.6% of the cases. Annual breakdown of the prevalence data showed that the highest prevalence was recorded in 2009. Breed and age of the dogs were found to significantly influence the prevalence. In the prospective study, an overall prevalence of 51.7% was obtained. Ancylostoma spp. was also found most often in the study area, with a prevalence rate of 33.6%. Mixed infections with more than one helminth parasite species were found in 16.3% of the cases. A strong association was obtained between prevalence and breed of the dogs and also between prevalence and season. Due to the zoonotic nature of most of the encountered parasites and the close association between children and dogs, routine deworming, proper management of dogs and adequate personal hygiene is therefore recommended.
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    Multivariate analysis of ground water characteristics of Ajali sandstone formation: A case study of Udi and Nsukka LGAs of Enugu State of Nigeria
    (2017) Orakwe LC; Chukwuma EC
    Multivariate statistical techniques were applied for the evaluation and interpretation of borehole characteristics of the Ajali sandstone geological formation of Enugu state of Nigeria to determine the latent structure of the borehole characteristics and to classify 9 borehole parameters from 33 locations into borehole groups of similar characteristics. Two chemometric data mining techniques used were, Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA identified the borehole parameters responsible for variation in the borehole characteristic of the study area. Out of the nine parameters examined, the PCA identified borehole depth, borehole casing, static water level and dynamic water level as the most significant parameters responsible for variation in borehole characteristics. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis also grouped the 33 borehole locations into three clusters. The CA grouping of the borehole parameters showed similar trend with PCA hence validating the grouping of variations in the borehole characteristics in the geological zone. The results of the study indicate that PCA and CA are useful in offering reliable classification of the borehole characteristic of the study area.
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    Aquifer prospect and vulnerability of Upper Maastrichtian sandstones: Case of Ajali and Nsukka formations in the Northern Enugu Province, southeastern Nigeria
    (2017) Ukpai SN; Ezeh HN; Igwe JO
    Two typical aquifer systems, namely, regional aquifer and local Perched aquifer have been delineated in the study area. The regional aquifer was identified at about 100 m depth around lowland areas, although prone to polluting effects from farming activities, erosion and weathering processes. This study investigated extents of groundwater pollution and permeability of the aquifers from water sample and grain size analyses. Results show porosity ranging from 49 to 50% and hydraulic conductivities as follows: 7.0 m/day for the sandstone of Nsukka Formation, 34.6 m/day for the outcrop of Ajali sandstone and 10.4 m/day for the sandstone at saturated subsurface zone with transmissivity of about 572 m2/day. The results signify that the regional aquifer is recharged by substantial rate of infiltrations vis-a-vis surface outcrops, and is therefore vulnerable to infiltration of pollution plumes. The groundwater is mainly acidic at pH ranging from 5.05 to 7.41 with a mean value of about 6.48, hence the pollution from dissolved iron in many places. Three main water types were identified, namely, Ca-Mg-HCO3, Ca-HCO3-Cl2 and Mg-Na-HCO3-SO4-Cl2 facies, all signifying dominance of groundwater species arising from precipitation recharge. This has resulted in the influences of surface effluents from run off as indicated by nitrate pollution in some areas. Thus, active hydrologic cycle controls the chemical facies in the water resources of the region, and with its hydraulic influence on the landscape, the quality status of groundwater, as well as the growth of agricultural products have been impaired.
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    Efficacy of ivermectin against gastrointestinal nematodes of pig in Nsukka area of Enugu State, Nigeria
    (2017) Idika IK; Nwauzoije HC; Uju CN; Ugwuoke C; Ezeokonkwo RC
    Ivermectin is a frequently used anthelmintic in pig production in Nigeria, because it is very effective against a broad range of endo- and ecto-parasites. However, gastrointestinal (GI) nematode infection still remains a major threat in pig production in Enugu state, Nigeria. Hence, the efficacy of ivermectin against GI nematode parasites of pig was evaluated in pig farms located in Nsukka area of Enugu State, using the Faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). From each of 11 pig farms, 10 randomly selected female pigs were used for the study. Faecal samples were collected per rectum from each of the pigs for analysis, and their individual faecal egg count (FEC) per gram of faeces determined prior to treatment with ivermectine® (1% Ivemectin). A repeat sampling was carried out on the same pigs 12days post treatment (PT) to determine PT FEC. The efficacy of the anthelmintic, was calculated using the formular, FECR (%)=100 X (1−[T2/T1]). The ivermectin produced mean FECR% of 98.36%±0.43% against strongyle eggs and 100% against ascarid and trichurid in the farms. Consequently, at the level of the FECRT, the ivermectin used in this study was effective against GI nematode parasites of pigs in the study area, and no resistance was observed.
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    Medicinal plants used by the people of Nsukka Local Government Area, south-eastern Nigeria for the treatment of malaria: An ethnobotanical survey
    (2018) Odoh UE; Uzor PF; Eze CL; Akunne TC; Onyegbulam CM; Osadebe PO
    Ethnobotanical relevance Malaria is a serious public health problem especially in sub-Saharan African countries such as Nigeria. The causative parasite is increasingly developing resistance to the existing drugs. There is urgent need for alternative and affordable therapy from medicinal plants which have been used by the indigenous people for many years. Aim of study This study was conducted to document the medicinal plant species traditionally used by the people of Nsukka Local Government Area in south-eastern Nigeria for the treatment of malaria. Methods A total of 213 respondents, represented by women (59.2%) and men (40.8%), were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results were analysed and discussed in the context of previously published information on anti-malarial and phytochemical studies of the identified plants. Results The survey revealed that 50 plant species belonging to 30 botanical families were used in this region for the treatment of malaria. The most cited families were Apocynaceae (13.3%), Annonaceae (10.0%), Asteraceae (10.0%), Lamiaceae (10.0%), Poaceae (10.0%), Rubiaceae (10.0%) and Rutaceae (10.0%). The most cited plant species were Azadirachta indica (11.3%), Mangifera indica (9.1%), Carica papaya (8.5%), Cymbopogon citratus (8.5%) and Psidium guajava (8.5%). Conclusion The present findings showed that the people of Nsukka use a large variety of plants for the treatment of malaria. The identified plants are currently undergoing screening for anti-malarial, toxicity and chemical studies in our laboratory.
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    Detection and molecular characterisation of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing enteric bacteria from pigs and chickens in Nsukka, Nigeria
    (2018) Chah KF; Ugwu IC; Okpala A; Adamu KY; Alonso CA; Ceballos S; Nwanta JN; Torres C
    Objectives This study screened chickens and pigs slaughtered for human consumption for the presence and characteristics of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and plasmid-encoded AmpC (pAmpC) β-lactamase-producing enteric bacteria. Methods Faecal samples from 410 broiler chickens and 100 pigs were cultured on MacConkey agar supplemented with 2μg/mL cefotaxime. Antimicrobial resistance phenotypes of the recovered isolates were determined by disk diffusion. PCR and sequencing were performed to identify the ESBL and pAmpC gene variants and other associated resistance determinants. Genetic diversity of the isolates was analysed by phylotyping and multilocus sequence typing. Results ESBL-producing Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter asburiae and Providencia spp. were isolated from 17 (4.1%) and 2 (2.0%) of the samples from chickens and pigs, respectively. One pAmpC-producing E. coli isolate was obtained from a chicken. Resistance to tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol and gentamicin was exhibited by 95%, 80%, 60% and 55% of the ESBL/pAmpC-producing strains, respectively. tet(A) and aac(3)-II were the predominant genes detected in tetracycline- and aminoglycoside-resistant strains, respectively. blaCTX-M, encoding CTX-M-15 (15 isolates) or CTX-M-1 variants (3 isolates), was present in all but one ESBL-producer, either alone or in combination with blaSHV and/or blaTEM. The remaining ESBL-producer, a Providencia spp. recovered from a chicken, harboured blaVEB. The only pAmpC-positive E. coli strain carried blaCMY-2. The 11 ESBL-producing E. coli strains belonged to five lineages (ST226-A, ST3625-B1, ST10-A, ST46-A and ST58-B1). Conclusions Healthy chickens and pigs act as reservoirs of ESBL/pAmpC-producing enterobacteria that can potentially be transmitted to humans through direct contact or ingestion of contaminated meat.
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    Semen Characteristics and Hematology of Nigerian Local Cocks Fed Varying Dietary Levels of Ethiopian Pepper Fruit Meal
    (2019) Uzochukwu IE; Amaefule BC; Aba CN; Nnajiofor NW; Machebe NS; Foleng HN
    SUMMARY This study evaluated the effect of Ethiopian pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) fruit meal (EPFM) on the semen quality and hematology of Nigerian light ecotype local cocks. A total of 90 mature cocks (weighing about 1.4 ± 1.00 kg) were randomly assorted into 5 treatments groups: T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 with 18 cocks per treatment in a completely randomized design. The birds in T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 were fed basal diets containing EPFM at the levels of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g/kg diet, respectively. Semen was collected twice per week using the abdominal massage method, while blood samples were collected at the eighth week of study for hematological analysis. Sperm concentration, sperm motility, live sperm cells, normal sperm cells, and total sperm count were higher in birds fed 2 and 4 g EPFM compared to the control group. At and above 6 g/kg diet, EPFM was observed to significantly decrease semen quality. The hematology results showed no significant differences among the different treatments in the considered indices. From these findings, we conclude that addition of EPFM up to 4 g/kg diet could be used to improve semen quality of cocks without detrimental effects on the physiological status of the birds.
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    Heritage studies and challenges: implications on research results from Igboland, Nigeria
    (2019) Nwankwo EA; Itanyi EI
    Heritage studies in the Igbo area of Nigeria (Southeast Nigeria) has been faced with some challenges which have greatly affected research in the area from culture-related disciplines like archaeology, tourism, anthropology, sociology, history, and religion. This study was aimed at identifying these challenges, their implications on research results and the way forward. Amongst the identified challenges include remote location of heritage resources, traditional taboos of the people, seasonality of traditional events, attitudinal differences of heritage custodians, and dilapidated state of most heritage resources. These challenges result to poor representation of heritage resources in research results from the area. The study concluded by suggesting tolerance to traditional values and collaborative research involving researchers and relevant stakeholders from the community. The principle of triangulation was employed in the methodology, with descriptive and evaluative methods used in the analysis of findings.
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    Free, open, quantitative and adaptable digital soil map data and database for Nigeria
    (2020) Nkwunonwo UC; Okeke FI; Ebinne ES; Chiemelu NE
    Nigeria's digital soil map (DSM) and database is the most comprehensive and detailed source of quantitative information on the country's soil distribution. Digital cartography and geographic information system (GIS) operations were methods used in producing the DSM and database. We obtained analogue soil data in 8 hard copy maps (each at a displayable scale of 1: 650,000) from the Federal Department of Agricultural Land Resources (FDALR), which archived the result of Nigeria's reconnaissance soil survey. The survey started in 1985 and by 1990; it has completed the compilation of hard copy maps that outline Nigeria's major soil distribution. Our experimental design begins with electronic scanning of these paper maps. We set the scanning system to 500 dpi, creating high-resolution raster images, which were imported into ESRI ArcGIS software, for orthorectification by geo-referencing to WGS 1984 geographic coordinate system. We applied a spatial processing tool on the orthorectified images and created a geometrically-seamless mosaicked raster image for the soil data of the whole Nigeria. Using GIS on-screen digitization – with optimal snapping tolerance – we created vector polygons (spatial data) of soil components (mapping units). Finally, we coded the metadata (attributes) of Nigeria's soil distribution into Microsoft EXCEL spreadsheet, which we linked to the soil spatial data. The combined spatial and attribute soil data forms the soil database for Nigeria and provides, on-demand, vital soil information, such as thematic maps of soil characteristics. The department of Geoinformatics and surveying University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC) is the major repository of Nigeria's DSM and database.
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    Socioeconomic factors affecting households' use of indigenous forest management practices in managing non-wood forest products: evidence from forest communities in Nigeria derived savannah
    (2020) Chukwuone NA; Adeosun KP; Chukwuone CA
    Although indigenous forest management practices have been used effectively by local people in the management and conservation of forest resources, these practices are eroding, causing negative consequences on the welfare of the people and their forests. To stem the erosion of the indigenous practices and instead stimulate, preserve, or improve their use, this study determines the socioeconomic factors that drive the household's use of the practices in the management and conservation of plant species of non-wood forest products (NWFPs). The study was carried out in Nigeria derived savannah. Data was collected from 200 randomly selected households in 10 randomly selected forest communities. Multivariate probit model was used to estimate the socioeconomic factors that influence the simultaneous use of indigenous forest management practices by households. Given multiple use of the practices, the result shows that the indigenous forest management practices used by the households are selective weeding (82.98%), controlled harvesting (82.45%), enrichment planting (75.53%), fire breaks (76.06%) and indigenous protective mechanism (45.74%). The majority (71.28%) of the respondents said they managed bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis and wombulu) using the practices, while the lowest proportion (21.28%) managed bush buck (Gongronema latifolium). The result of the multivariate probit model shows that virtually all the indigenous forest management practices are positively and significantly associated and are thus, complements. However, local protective mechanisms and controlled harvesting, local protective mechanisms and selective weeding, and local protective mechanisms and enrichment planting are not significantly associated. Farming occupation significantly increases the likelihood of simultaneous use of controlled harvesting, enrichment planting, and fire breaks as indigenous forest management practices in the management and conservation of NWFP. On the other hand, age significantly reduces the likelihood of the use of controlled harvesting and selective weeding. The study recommends the provision of support for young people who are more likely to be involved in the indigenous forest management practices; support to farmers who simultaneously use the practices, for example, through the provision of credit facilities; and a proper definition of user rights in community forests.
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    Secondary school students' knowledge, attitude, and practices towards epilepsy in Nsukka City, Enugu State
    (2020) Anene-Okeke CG; Anosike C; Aluh DO; Odo LE
    Background Epilepsy is the most common noninfectious neurologic disease in Nigeria and other developing African countries. Epilepsy remains a stigmatized disease. The stigma stems from the traditional African belief, which views epilepsy as a spiritual disease. A lack of information and illiteracy has been blamed as the cause of the stigmatization. Aims The aim of the present study was to assess the awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards epilepsy among secondary school students in Nsukka. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey using a validated, self-administered questionnaire comprising four sections: demographic characteristics, awareness, knowledge, and attitude towards people living with epilepsy (PLWE). Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 23. Descriptive analysis (frequencies, percentage, mean, and standard deviations) were used to summarize the data. The relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge score and attitude score was performed using chi-square analysis. Statistical significance was set as a p-value <0.05. Results The majority of the students (87.4%) had heard of epilepsy as a disease. The most common source of information was the electronic media (21.5%). More than half (61.6%) had witnessed a convulsion in the past, and 36.9% knew someone with epilepsy. The majority of the students (66.7%) believed that epilepsy is caused by witchcraft. Jerking (77.3%) and loss of consciousness (82.4%) were identified as the commonest manifestation of epilepsy. Regarding treatment management of epilepsy, 81.3% of the students believe the use of orthodox medicine, while 85.4% would insert a spoon in the mouth when a seizure occurs as part of first-aid treatment. Nearly half of the students had good knowledge (48.1%) of epilepsy and a positive attitude (46.5%) towards the disease. The students' knowledge was associated with their school (X2 = 23.21, p = 0.001). However, students' attitude towards epilepsy was associated with their schools (X2 = 5.93, p = 0.015) and their guardians' level of education (X2 = 14.65, p = 0.012). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest poor knowledge and attitude towards epilepsy among secondary school students in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
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    A study of Ozizza archaeological and ethnographical sites and features in Ebonyi state of Nigeria: research methodological discussion
    (2020) Okonkwo EE; Ikegwu J
    Ozizza community is one outstanding heritage site, which straddles the East of Ugwuegu and Ukpa rock shelters and has a total area of 24.32km2. Ozizza is situated on a hill, with undulating plain, and lies between N900E north of Upper Afikpo. It is endowed with both archaeological and ethnographic resources; interestingly, this study arose because there has not been a systematic study of the archaeology of Ozizza. The existence of the heritage site is now in danger, particularly with the current wave of herdsmen assault and communal clashes. In this paper, we will discuss how we carried the research, choose and discussed with respondents within the Ozizza community, and essential individuals that helped to create awareness about the heritage of the Ozizza community.