Ahmadu Bello University

Permanent URI for this community

https://nerd.ethesis.ng/handle/123456789/498

Browse

Browsing Ahmadu Bello University by Issue Date

Filter results by year or month
Now showing 1 - 20 of 70
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    PROBLEMS OF RESEARCH IN THE NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES: A CASE STUDY OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY
    (1990) SHEHU USMAN ABDULLAHI, DVM, PhD
    This essay on research problems is presented in four chapters. Chapters I and II discuss research activities in general with emphasis on the Nigerian situation. It was observed that Nigeria lacks concrete policy on research activities. There is no one organization that co-ordinates all government-sponsored research activities in the country. Most of the research activities in the country are conducted in the universities and research institutes established by government. Unfortunately funding research in these organizations is greatly inadequate. The Nigerian private sector was found to play an insignificant role in funding and conducting research. Chapter III discusses in details research activities at the Ahmadu Bello University with emphasis on problems encountered by researchers. It was observed that although the University established a body to co-ordinate research activities, there was little evidence of such co-ordination. Several problems associated with research activities were encountered. These problems include lack of co-ordination and inadequate funding, equipment, technical staff support, library facilities, computer services and means of dissemination of research information. Chapter IV summaries the findings of the study and provides suggestions on how to solve some of the problems associated with research in the universities in particular and the nation in general. It was concluded that research activities in the country are poorly funded, conducted and co-ordinated. It is suggested that each University should establish a University Research Division to co-ordinate research activities in the University. The body is to report to a Nigerian University Research Board (NURB). It is also recommended that a Nigerian Research Institute Board (NRIB) be formed to co-ordinate research activities in the research institutes. The NURB, NRIB and any other government research organizations are to report to a national body on research to be called National Research Council of Nigeria in the office of the Vice President of Nigeria. It is hoped that, through this recommended organization, research will be widely publicised for the benefit of the country.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    LINEAR PROGRAMMING AS TOOL FOR RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN THE PRINTING AND PUBLISHING INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA
    (2003) OLADELE, OLUGBENGA KOLAWOLE
    This research work examined three problems: applicability of the linear programming method of allocating scarce resources to the allocation problems printing firms in Nigeria and its challenges; the use of the method to appropriately allocate scarce resources in the printing industry; and the determination of any other method of allocation used in the industry. To achieve these objectives, the researcher formulated the research hypotheses. Primary data were obtained through questionnaires, interviews, and direct observation of procedures. Secondary data were obtained from texts, journals and other unpublished works. The data obtained through questionnaires were analysed and interpreted using the percentage method. In order to test the hypotheses, the researcher used the Chi- square method of statistical analysis. Other data were tested using the linear programming methods (simplex and graphical). It was found out that linear programming is applicable to the allocation problems of a printing firm; that it can also be used to appropriately allocate their scarce resources for the achievement of optimality; that many printing firms prefer other methods tike mental judgement and the use of budgets for allocating their resources; and that many firms were not using such mathematical models because of in-exposure, and sheer unwillingness to change from the old method. It was recommended, among other things, that printing firms in Nigeria should adopt the use of linear programming method for resource allocation; that more academic institutions in the country should include Printing Technology in their curriculum; that the government should get involved in the regulation of printing standards in the country and that operators of printing houses should employ well-educated staff.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Hydroxyurea Utilization in Nigeria, a Lesson in Public Health
    (2007) Aliyu ZY; Babadoko A; Mamman A
    Hydroxyurea is a successful and cost effective drug therapy for sickle cell disease. Treatment with hydroxyurea is associated with a significant decrease in sickle cell complications, hospitalizations and transfusion requirements by about 50% and mortality reduction by 40% in clinical studies. The drug is unfortunately underutilized in sickle cell disease in the United States despite clear efficacy data and management experience. There is no data on the utilization of hydroxyurea in Africa, a part of the world with the highest global burden of sickle cell disease. We prospectively interviewed 206 consecutive adults and pediatric sickle cell patients as part of the Nigerian pulmonary hypertension screening study and reviewed over 1000 patients followed longitudinally at Ahmadu Bello university teaching hospital in Zaria, Nigeria. We also interviewed 10 hematologists (3 specialists and 7 hematologists in training) at the same university hospital. 65% of the 206 prospectively evaluated patients met the Multicenter Study of Hydroxyurea clinical indications for hydroxyurea treatment. No patient (zero percent) was on hydroxyurea therapy. All hematologists (100%) reported their discomfort with instituting hudroxyurea. Barriers to hydroxyurea utilization identified by practitioners included safety and toxicity profile (100%), patient compliance (100%), effective follow up (100%), drug availability (100%), affordability (100%) and specifically concern for reactivation of latent tuberculosis (50%) and carcinogenesis (100%) and teratogenicity (100%). Only 5% of patients had been informed of or were aware of hydroxyurea as a treatment option in sickle cell disease. Patient related barriers to hydroxyurea identified include lack of awareness (95%), cost (100%), availability (100%), need for frequent follow up (90%), pregnancy restrictions and need for concomitant contraceptive use (98%) and risk of infections (98%). Our study indicates the absolute lack of hydroxyurea utilization in a major health care center in Nigeria. Nigeria has the highest incidence of sickle cell disease in the world with about 150,000 children born with the disease annually. Sickle cell disease accounts for about 9 –16% of under-five mortality rates in the country. The sickle cell disease related morbidity, mortality and health systems financial burden remains very high in Nigeria and most of Africa. Local health care provider education and support and patient counseling and education are needed for the successful introduction of hydroxyurea in Nigeria. Clinical studies designed to assess the safety and efficacy of hydroxyurea in unique African settings is needed to facilitate the introduction and utilization of hydroxyurea in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Socio-demographic correlates of psychological distress among male patients with infertility in Zaria, Nigeria
    (2012) Yusuf AJ; Maitama HY; Amedu MA; Ahmed M; Mbibu HN
    Objectives To determine the level and socio-demographic correlates of psychological distress among males with infertility. Subjects and methods This cross-sectional descriptive study involving males with infertility was carried out at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria between June and December 2011. The respondents were initially evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and a sheet designed for the collection of socio-demographic data. Patients who scored above the cut-off points of HADS were further interviewed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview (MINI) depression and anxiety module. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences for Windows, version 15. All tests of significance were carried out at a 5% level of probability. Results A total of 81 respondents with a mean age of 35.1±6.7years participated in the study. 56 (69.1%) had a formal education. The mean number of years of education was 8.5±6.0. More than 50% of the respondents had received unorthodox treatment for infertility, and about 35% had a previous history of sexually transmitted infection (STI). 26 (32.1%) patients scored above the cut-off points of HADS. Psychological distress was found in 23 (28.4%), 14 (17.3%) patients were found to be depressed, while 9 (11.1%) had a generalized anxiety disorder. Psychological distress was significantly associated with a history of marital divorce (χ2=24.99, p=.001). Conclusion Male infertility is associated with psychological distress in Nigeria and the rate is comparable to that of other parts of the world.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Effects of Honor Codes and Classroom Justice on Students’ Deviant Behavior
    (2014) Kura KM; Shamsudin F; Chauhan A
    This study examined the influence of honor codes and classroom just ice on students’ deviant behavior. One hundred and two final year undergraduate students studying in various higher institutions of learning in Nigeria part icipated in the study, including Bayero University, Kano, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Kano State Polytechnic and Federal College of Education, Zaria. Pearson correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, independent sample t-test and one-way ANOVA analysis were conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to analyze the data. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that Honor codes had a significant negetive effect on students’ deviant behavior. On the contrary, the results showed that classroom justice had no significant effect on students’ deviant behavior. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed a significant difference instudent deviant by gender, age categories and ethnicity. The managerial implications for the school administrators, lecturers and educational policy makers a rediscussed.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A ten-year study of prostate cancer specimens at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (A.B.U.T.H), Zaria, Nigeria
    (2015) Oluwole OP; Rafindadi AH; Shehu MS; Samaila MO
    Background In recent years attention has focused on malignant prostatic lesions due to the perceived high incidence of prostatic carcinoma in different geographical areas worldwide. Unfortunately, African American race/ethnicity is one of the three primary non-modifiable risk factors confirmed for prostate cancer. Objective To analyze the pattern of distribution of prostate cancer among men in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Patients and methods This is a 10-year retrospective histopathological analysis of all prostate cancer cases diagnosed between January 1991 and December 2000 in the Department of Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (A.B.U.T.H), Zaria, Nigeria. Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E) stained histology slides were retrieved and studied. The patients’ bio-data were retrieved from the patient case files and departmental records. After histological assessment, the tumours were classified according to WHO recommendation. Histological grading and staging of adenocarcinoma was done using the Gleason Score. Results Between January 1991 and December 2000, a total of 151 cases of prostate cancer were seen, constituting 4.1% of all malignancies and 10.1% of male malignancies seen during this period. The diagnosis was based on histopathological analysis of specimens obtained from Trucut needle biopsies and open prostatectomies. The patients’ age ranged from 30 to 79 years with a mean age of 64.5 years. The peak age at diagnosis was in the seventh decade, while two relatively young patients were found to have prostate cancer at the age of 30 and 32, respectively. All the tumours were adenocarcinomas, 51.6% were poorly and 58.4% moderately differentiated. Conclusion Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Zaria, Northern Nigeria. Most of the patients presented late. The peak age at diagnosis in this review was the seventh decade and two patients aged 30 and 32 years were found to have prostate cancer.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An update on oestrus synchronisation of goats in Nigeria
    (2016) Omontese BO; Rekwot PI; Ate IU; Ayo JO; Kawu MU; Rwuaan JS; Nwannenna AI; Mustapha RA; Bello AA
    This review is aimed at providing information on current status of oestrus synchronization as a management tool in goats in Nigeria. Oestrus synchronisation is a reproductive tool that enables goat farmers breed their animals within a short pre-determined period. The principle of oestrus synchronisation is chiefly the control of the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle and two basic mechanisms are employed. These include the use of prostaglandins or its analogues to shorten luteal life/induce premature luteolysis or the use of exogenous progesterone to prolong luteal life, thereby simulating the activity of natural progesterone produced by the corpus luteum. The latter is advantageous where the reproductive status of the flock is unknown. However, the former is easy to apply and only effective in cycling animals. Pharmaceutical products that have been employed in ES protocols in Nigeria include Lutalyse®, Estrumate®, EstroPLAN®, Fluorogestone acetate®, Sil-Oestrus®, Medroxyl-progesterone acetate®, Synchromate-B®, PMSG®, and more recently, the Controlled Internal Drug Release® (CIDR) devices. Over the last three decades, many attempts have been made at assessing the response of goats to various oestrus synchronisation agents and protocols in Nigeria. However, the low availability of these pharmaceutical agents and cost preclude the widespread use of oestrus synchronisation technique in goat production. The inclusion of gonadotrophins in oestrus synchronisation protocols have been reported to improve oestrus responses in goats, while season has been reported to influence the efficiency of oestrus synchronisation programmes. Increasing the dose levels of exogenous hormones in oestrus synchronisation protocols has caused variable and sometimes inconsistent effects. The effects of combining the male stimulus with exogenous hormones, seasonal variation, extra-label use of products and short-term nutritional manipulation on oestrus responses in goats require further evaluation. It is concluded adoption of oestrus synchronisation practice portends enhanced goat production in Nigeria.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Analysis of Nigeria Research Reactor-1 Thermal Power Calibration Methods
    (2016) Agbo SA; Ahmed YA; Ewa IO; Jibrin Y
    This paper analyzes the accuracy of the methods used in calibrating the thermal power of Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1), a low-power miniature neutron source reactor located at the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. The calibration was performed at three different power levels: low power (3.6 kW), half power (15 kW), and full power (30 kW). Two methods were used in the calibration, namely, slope and heat balance methods. The thermal power obtained by the heat balance method at low power, half power, and full power was 3.7 ± 0.2 kW, 15.2 ± 1.2 kW, and 30.7 ± 2.5 kW, respectively. The thermal power obtained by the slope method at half power and full power was 15.8 ± 0.7 kW and 30.2 ± 1.5 kW, respectively. It was observed that the slope method is more accurate with deviations of 4% and 5% for calibrations at half and full power, respectively, although the linear fit (slope method) on average temperature-rising rates during the thermal power calibration procedure at low power (3.6 kW) is not fitting. As such, the slope method of power calibration is not suitable at lower power for NIRR-1.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Estimating NIRR-1 burn-up and core life time expectancy using the codes WIMS and CITATION
    (2017) Yahaya B; Ahmed YA; Balogun GI; Agbo SA
    The Nigeria Research Reactor-1 (NIRR-1) is a low power miniature neutron source reactor (MNSR) located at the Centre for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria. The reactor went critical with initial core excess reactivity of 3.77mk. The NIRR-1 cold excess reactivity measured at the time of commissioning was determined to be 4.97mk, which is more than the licensed range of 3.5–4mk. Hence some cadmium poison worth −1.2mk was inserted into one of the inner irradiation sites which act as reactivity regulating device in order to reduce the core excess reactivity to 3.77mk, which is within recommended licensed range of 3.5mk and 4.0mk. In this present study, the burn-up calculations of the NIRR-1 fuel and the estimation of the core life time expectancy after 10years (the reactor core expected cycle) have been conducted using the codes WIMS and CITATION. The burn-up analyses carried out indicated that the excess reactivity of NIRR-1 follows a linear decreasing trend having 216 Effective Full Power Days (EFPD) operations. The reactivity worth of top beryllium shim data plates was calculated to be 19.072mk. The result of depletion analysis for NIRR-1 core shows that (7.9947±0.0008) g of U-235 was consumed for the period of 12years of operating time. The production of the build-up of Pu-239 was found to be (0.0347±0.0043)g. The core life time estimated in this research was found to be 30.33years. This is in good agreement with the literature
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    IMPACT OF SERVICE QUALITY ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES INTENTION TO PURCHASE INSURANCE IN KADUNA STATE
    (2017) Abdulyakeen SHUAIB
    The important roles that SMEs and insurance are playing towards achieving economic growth had been widely acknowledged. Between the duo, a symbiotic relationship exist. The entrance of so many players into the insurance industry should be a source of joy to SMEs in Nigeria as they are exposed to a myriad of risks. In order to achieve the mutual benefits that exist between them, insurance firms as a matter of fact, should provide quality service. For over two decades, it has been acknowledged that service quality has become a great differentiator as well as the most powerful competitive weapon which many firms in the service arena possess. This study therefore investigated the impact of insurance firms‟ service quality on SMEs‟ intention to purchase insurance in Kaduna state. Survey research design was employed in the study which is cross sectional in nature. Primary data was collected through self administered questionnaire issued to the respondents using stratified sampling technique. The data was collected from a sample of 174 out of a total population of 201 SMEs operators in Kaduna state. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected for the study with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Gap and multiple regression analyses were used for the hypotheses formulated for the study. The findings revealed that SMEs are willing to purchase insurance but the level of the quality of service provided by the insurers in the state is discouraging. The study recommended that drastic efforts should be made by the insurers to improve their services in terms of reliability, assurance, empathy and responsiveness that will meet the expectations of SMEs in the state.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A controlled study to investigate anti-diarrhoeal effect of the stem-bark fractions of Terminalia avicennioides in laboratory animal models
    (2017) Suleiman MM; Oyelowo BB; Abubakar A; Mamman M; Bello KD
    Due to the shortcomings associated with modern synthetic antidiarrhoeal drugs, it is important to find newer, safer and cheaper antidiarrhoeal agents from natural sources. The study was conducted to evaluate the anti-diarrhoeal activity of the fractions of the stem-bark of Terminalia avicennioides in laboratory animal models. The effect of different concentrations (1.0×10−3, 2.0×10−3, 4.0×10−3 and 8.0×10−3mg/mL) of the aqueous methanol (AMF), ethyl acetate (EAF) and hexane (HXF) fractions of T. avicennioides were tested against spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced contractions of rabbit jejunum as well as on histamine-induced contraction of guinea pig ileum. Similarly, the effects of the AMF on gastro-intestinal transit time, castor oil-induced diarrhoea and castor oil-induced enteropooling were evaluated. The AMF, EAF and HXF at concentrations of 1.0×10−3, 2.0×10−3, 4.0×10−3 and 8.0×10−3mg/mL attenuated the contractile effects of both the spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced contractions of rabbit jejunum and that of histamine-induced contraction of guinea pig ileum in a concentration-dependent manner. The AMF at doses of 200, 300 and 500mg/kg produced significant (p<0.05) reductions in gastrointestinal transit time of charcoal and incidence of castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice relative to the untreated control. Similarly, at doses of 300 and 500mg/kg, AMF significantly (p<0.05) reduced the weight and volume of intestinal fluid in the treated mice when compared to the untreated animals. The results of this study showed that the stem-bark of T. avicennioides possesses spasmolytic effect and could be a potential antidiarrhoeal agent. However, detailed pharmacological trials are required to justify the clinical use of the plant for treating diarrhoea.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    An epidemiological study of 270 cases of carcinomas of the head and neck region in a Nigerian tertiary health care facility
    (2017) Fomete B; Agbara R; Adebayo ET; Osunde OD; Adeola DS
    Introduction Oral cancer is the sixth most frequently occurring malignant tumor and is the major cause of morbidity and mortality with high metastatic and invasive tendency. The incidence of oral cancer differs widely in various parts of the world with a range of 2–10 per 100,000 populations per year, approximately 300,000 new cases. Incidence and mortality as a result of oral cancer are higher in developing countries when compared to developed countries. This is the reason for the occurrence of the peak age in later decades of life. Patients and methods All consecutive cases of histologically diagnosed cases of orofacial carcinomas seen at the Maxillofacial Unit, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Nigeria over a 10 year period were retrospectively analyzed. Results Over the study period, a total of 1116 cases of maxillofacial conditions were seen in the unit out of which 270 represented orofacial cancers, giving a prevalence of 24.19%. Of the 270 cases, male accounted for 159(58.9%) while females were 111(41.1%) giving a male to female ratio of 1.43:1. The age ranged from 5 to 90 years, mean (SD), 48.4(16.12) years and patients in the 4th to 6th decades (47.7%) were mostly affected. There was no gender difference in terms of distribution of the tumors according to age. Conclusion Squamous cell carcinoma of the orofacial region has continued to pose great challenges to care givers and practitioners involved in their management.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Benign prostatic hyperplasia in a 23year old man with progeroid syndrome
    (2018) Ahmed M; Lawal AT; Bello A; Abubakar A; Maitama HY
    Introduction Progeroid syndromes are characterized by accelerated aging and early development of diseases typically associated with aging. Premature development of tumors including BPH, maybe observed in these patients, which can lead to significant bladder outlet obstruction. Observation The index patient was a 23year old man who presented to us with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), features of obstructive nephropathy and was noticed to have been aging rapidly. He had features of premature aging, bilateral cataract and enlarged benign prostate (BPH). He eventually succumbed to obstructive nephropathy and urosepsis. Conclusion Progeroid syndromes may be associated with premature development of obstructive BPH.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Molecular docking of crystal structure of dopamine d1beta receptor with r-turmerone
    (2019) Omoniyi AA; Musa SA; Adebisi SS; Yaradua FA; Mahmud MS; Daodu SE; Bello ZM; Badmus IT