University of Nigeria Nsukka

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A 20 year retrospective study of rape pattern in Ebonyi State, South-East Nigeria
(2022) Ajah LO; Ajah MI; Ajah BO; Onwe EO; Ozumba BC; Iyoke CA; Nwankwo TO; Ezeanya OC
This paper investigates patterns of rape in Ebonyi state, South-East Nigeria. This was a retrospective study in which data on rape over a twenty year period (January 1999 to December 2018) were obtained from the records of the Criminal Investigation Department, Nigerian Police Force, State Headquarters, Abakaliki and the Ebonyi State Ministry of Justice, Abakaliki. The data was analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20 software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). The Chi square test and Students’ t-test test were used to analyze the categorical and continuous variables respectively. A multinomial Logistics Regression (MLR) and Pearson correlation Coefficient were used to determine the influence of the socio-demographic characteristics of the victims and perpetrators on rape of the victims. A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. This study showed an association between recreational drug use by the perpetrators and rape of the victims. There was a nexus among types of perpetrators, site of committed crime and social habits of the perpetrators with rape of the victims. Victims in urban residential areas were more likely to be raped based on the types of the perpetrators, site of the crime committed and social habits of the perpetrators than the victims in rural areas. Victims who were <18 years were more likely to be raped by neighbors (P = 0.01). Out of 8,286 perpetrators charged to court, it was only 2.9% of them that were convicted. Measures to stop recreational drug use will be useful in stemming the tide of increasing rape cases in the state. The relevant sections of Nigerian law on rape need to be altered to broaden its scope and help punish the perpetrators in order to serve as deterrents to others. Education and empowerment of females will help reduce rape and its associated stigma thereby enhancing the perseverance of the victims to the logical conclusion of the case.
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.
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.
An appraisal of data collection, analysis, and reporting adopted for water quality assessment: A case of Nigeria water quality research
(2021) Ewuzie U; Aku NO; Nwankpa SU
The appropriate acquisition and processing of water quality data are crucial for water resource management. As such, published articles on water quality monitoring and assessment are meant to convey essential and reliable information to water quality experts, decision-makers, researchers, students, and the public. The implication is that such information must emanate from data obtained and analysed in an up-to-date, scientifically sound manner. Thus, inappropriate data analysis and reporting techniques could yield misleading results and mar the endeavours of achieving error-free conclusions. This study utilises the findings on water quality assessment in Nigeria over the last 20 years to reveal the likely trends in water quality research regarding data collection, data analysis, and reporting for physicochemical, bacteriological parameters, and trace organics. A total of 123 Web of Science and quartile ranked (Q1–Q4) published articles involving water quality assessment in Nigeria were analysed. Results indicated shortcomings in various aspects of data analysis and reporting. Consequently, we use simulated heatmaps and graphs to illustrate preferred ways of analysing, reporting, and visualising some regularly used descriptive and inferential statistics of water quality variables. Finally, we highlight alternative approaches to the customarily applied water quality assessment methods in Nigeria and emphasise other areas of deficiency that need attention for improved water quality research.
Application of WHO 2007 growth reference in assessing the anthropometric status of Nigerian adolescents; A systematic review and meta analysis
(2022) Iheme G; Uzokwe C; Ezenwa H; Nwamadi C; Okonkwo E; Matthew S
Objectives The study was designed to assess the application of WHO 2007 growth reference by local studies published from 2009 to 2020 in data generation of Nigerian adolescents’ anthropometric status. Methods Meta-analysis of literatures on anthropometric status of adolescents in Nigeria by articles published from 2009 to 2020 was conducted. A bibliographic survey was carried out in several databases –Google Scholar, PubMed and African Journals Online. Review of abstracts and full texts followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The methodology for anthropometric assessment of these eligible studies were compared to WHO 2007 growth reference. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Results A total of 24 articles which captured 12,482 adolescents met the inclusion criteria. Less than one fifth (16.7%) of the studies adopted the WHO 2007 growth references in their data generation while the adult recommendations for BMI application dominated the reviewed studies. A slow increase in the adoption of the WHO 2007 growth reference was observed. Conclusion The low application of the recommended growth reference by local researchers is of concern. Hence, the need to ensure quick adoption of standard indicators/guidelines in local studies will not only promote the generation of pooled evidence to reveal cross-cutting gaps but also ensure that the public health situation is not under/over-estimated.
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.
Assessing the potentials of largescale generation of solar energy in Eastern Nigeria with geospatial technologies
(2021) Chiemelu NE; Anejionu OC; Ndukwu RI; Okeke FI
The quest to improve power supply in Nigeria has motivated the country to look for alternative energy resources to augment existing ones. Being in the tropics, Nigeria is well positioned to harness solar energy to improve its energy poverty status. Although, a number of solar energy projects have been initiated in the arid parts of the country, very little has been done in the humid Eastern part of the country. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the solar energy generation potential in Eastern Nigeria, using geospatial technologies. A spatially-explicit multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) was implemented with GIS, using a number of geospatial data products including Landsat satellite images, NASA global direct normal irradiance (DNI), ASTER Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and National Forest Reserve map covering the study area. Various derivatives, including land use and land cover (LU/LC) map, slope, and factor maps were generated in other to produce a solar energy potential map of the region. This research found that over 59,000ha (0.67% of the region) were found to be suitable for the production of solar energy.
Assessment of antimalarial medicinal plants used in Nigerian ethnomedicine reveals antimalarial potential of Cucurbita pepo leaf extract
(2022) Ezeani C; Ezenyi I; Erhunse N; Sahal D; Akunne T; Okoli C
Medicinal plants are often used to treat malaria in different parts of Nigeria and exploiting these can unravel new therapeutic leads. This study evaluated the antiplasmodial potential of selected plants used to treat malaria in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria. Leaves of three different plants (Cucurbita pepo, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Pennisetum purpureum) were collected for screening and two extracts viz., 70%v/v ethanol and dichloromethane/methanol (1:1 v/v), were prepared for each. An acute toxicity test was done in mice and cytotoxicity was assessed using human hepatoma cell line (HUH). The extracts were screened against chloroquine-sensitive P. falciparum (Pf3D7) in vitro, and chloroquine-resistant P. berghei ANKA in vivo using a 4 day-suppressive test in mice. Cucurbita pepo ethanol extract was further tested for hemolytic effect on human erythrocytes and in established infection in mice. Parameters assessed were post-treatment parasitemia, hematological indices, organ (brain, kidney, liver, and spleen) weights, and survival. The extracts were non-cytotoxic up to a test dose of 100 μg/ml and 2000 mg/kg fed - mice did not show acute or delayed toxicity. Cucurbita pepo ethanol extract (CpE) displayed excellent in vitro antiplasmodial activity with IC50 of 3.05 μg/ml. At an oral dose of 500 mg/kg, mice were observed to display significant (p < 0.01) ∼51% suppression of parasitemia. The extract did not produce any significant hemolytic effect up to a test concentration of 1 mg/ml. In established infection, a dose of 300 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.01) protected mice from anemia caused by low hematocrit. The extract produced significant (p < 0.05) elevation in red blood cells and platelet counts, and an increase in hemoglobin was evident at 100 and 300 mg/kg. Further, CpE in a dose-dependent manner, reversed liver and spleen weight increase seen in untreated, infected mice. These findings show C. pepo as a potential candidate for further studies to identify its bioactive principle(s) and possible mechanism(s) of antimalarial action.
Assessment of the performance of railway transportation in Nigeria from 1970 to 2010
(2022) Ogochukwu CG; Ogochukwu OF; Ogorchukwu IM; Ebuka IA
Railway transportation is globally seen as an environmentally-friendly mode of mass transit system. Hence, many countries have continued to take steps to enhance the efficiency of their rail transportation industry. In Nigeria, efforts at reviving the railway transportation system have seen the adoption of two managerial options: public-private partnership (PPP) (concession) and public management, but the performance of this transport system under these two managerial regimes is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this research assessed the performance of railway transportation in these two managerial options in Nigeria for a 40-year period, between 1970 and 2010. The study is based on documentary analysis with data sourced mainly from archival records. The performance variables investigated were total revenue and total number of passengers and freight carriages handled as contained in the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) Annual Reports from 1970 to 2010. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The results revealed a significant difference in the performance of railway transportation between the two management options. Whereas a marginal increase in performance was observed during concession, a drastic decline in performance occurred in the public management era under NRC. It was also observed that there was no statistically significant difference in the performance of railway transportation across the geo-political zones in the country. These results imply that poor management is one of the principal factors that had affected the performance of the railway industry in the country in the period under review. The study concluded that for Nigeria to enhance the performance of railway transportation and maximize the benefits thereof, the issue of poor management must be addressed in this vital sub-sector of the transportation industry.
Association of ticks with seasons, age, and cattle color of North-Western region of Nigeria
(2021) Okwuonu ES; Andong FA; Ugwuanyi IK
Ticks harbor pathogens that contribute to the spread of infections in a host; yet, studies aimed at investigating the seasonality in abundance and distribution of ticks on cattle population are very few. We investigated the abundance and site predilection of tick species with the sampling season, sampling site, sex, age, and the cattle color of the North-Western region of Nigeria. We screened 1,264 cattle (564 males and 700 females) from Wamakko, Kware, Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Dange-Shuni of Sokoto State, and encountered more Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp than Hyalomma and Amblyomma spp. Tick abundance related significantly (p < 0.05) with sampling seasons while the site predilection of ticks related (p < 0.05) to age and color of cattle. In contrast to the females, the male cattle had more ticks in the dry season. Cattle age, coat color, and sampling seasons influenced the distribution of ticks on a host, however, to assure an accurate evaluation of ticks on a host, other studies should consider studying ticks in these regions using a larger host sample size for a longer period of time or studies should be conducted between host of different species.
Attenuation of millimetre wave radio signal at worst hour rainfall rate in a tropical region: A case study, Nigeria
(2022) Nymphas EF; Ibe O
The classical sub-6 GHz spectrum currently being used by wireless networks cannot support the requirement of 5G and higher upcoming mobile communication networks due to its limited bandwidth. Millimeter Wave (MMW) radio systems operating at 30 to 300GHz band provides higher bandwidth, frequency reuse and communications security but suffers greatly from atmospheric, environmental and rain attenuation. The attenuation of millimeter wave radio signal at worst hour rainfall rate was therefore investigated. The data was collected from the Tropospheric Data Acquisition network (TRODAN), the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Federal University of Technology, Akure. The rainfall rates were measured at 5 and 1-minutes integration time and the Lavergnat and Gole model was used for the conversion of the measured 5 minute to equivalent 1-minute values. The results revealed that throughout the study period, about 66.67% of the sites recorded the worst rainfall events at the 15 hours Local Time (LT). The range of rainfall rate at 0.01% exceedance was 1.18 to 62 mm/hr while at 0.001% it ranged from 51.50 to 116 mm/hr. The specific attenuation at the threshold frequency of 200 GHz at the 0.01% exceedance ranged from 1.638 to 6.175 dB/km. The clear signal band frequency threshold was 60 GHz and the path attenuation ranged from 15.34 dB to 20.43 dB. These results suggest the inclusion of the estimated attenuation values by radio propagation engineers in designs for this region.
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.
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.
Dataset on rbcL-based intra-specific diversity of Gongronema latifolium Benth: (Apocynaceae) in South-East Nigeria
(2022) Omonhinmin CA; Onuselogu CC; Olomukoro E
Gongronema latifolium (Apocynaceae) is a versatile plant of nutritional and medicinal value and is widely distributed and endemic to the South-Eastern region of Nigeria. The plant is relatively wild and its natural habitat is threatened by deforestation, excessive exploitation and constant expansion of the urban areas into its endemic space. Hence, there is a need to understand its genetic diversity for breeding and conservation. The data consist of fourteen partial rbcL gene sequences, nucleotide compositions and amino acid profiles of G. latifolium. The data set provides insight on the species genetic diversity and evolution that is important for scientist and breeders alike as well as for conservation efforts of the species.
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.
Effect of public health expenditure on health outcomes in Nigeria and Ghana
(2022) Oladosu AO; Chanimbe T; Anaduaka US
Despite the prevailing literature examining the effect public health expenditure has on health outcomes in Africa, Malaria and HIV/AIDS mortality which are key indicators of the outcome variable were unconsidered when drawing inferences. In view of this oversight, we investigate the impact of public health expenditure on health outcomes in Nigeria and Ghana whilst reconceptualizing health outcome by capturing infant, maternal, Malaria and HIV/AIDS mortality. Using the health expenditure commitment at the 1999 United Nations General Assembly and the Abuja Declaration of 2000, we also assessed public policy’s role in this relationship via linear regression analysis. With hindsight, our findings disclosed a low public health expenditure in both countries despite the Ghanaian case revealing a negative relationship, which was primarily insignificant whilst Nigeria indicated a positive one. These empirical evidences accentuate the need to augment public health expenditure in both countries to boost health outcomes whilst bringing to bear the significant influence of GDP, school enrolment and residing in urban areas on health outcomes.
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.
Eradication of wild poliovirus in Nigeria: Lessons learnt
(2021) Ekwebelem OC; Nnorom-Dike OV; Aborode AT; Ekwebelem NC; Aleke JC; Ofielu ES
Introduction On August 24, 2020, Nigeria recorded a monumental success by achieving the aim of a “wild polio-free country” after completing three years without any case of wild poliovirus (WPV). Methods For this commentary, we consulted relevant publications, official documents, and working plans and policy statements of the relevant organizations responsible for Nigeria's Polio Eradication Initiative. Results Efforts to curb the challenges the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) faced in Nigeria through effective partnerships, the CORE Group Polio Project (CGPP), Volunteer Community Mobilizers (VCMs), and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners proved successful, as it resulted in Nigeria being removed from the list of endemic countries in September 2015, and subsequently declared free of WPV on August 24, 2020, following an absence of indigenous transmission for three years. Conclusion Unrelenting prioritization of polio eradication and global support is still needed to achieve a polio-free world.
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.
Genetic diversity of plasmodium falciparum isolates in Minna, North Central Nigeria inferred by PCR genotyping of Merozoite surface protein 1 and 2
(2021) Usman-Yamman H; Omalu C. J I; Abubakar A; Abolarinwa S.O; Eke S. S; Otuu CA
North Central Nigeria is one region in Nigeria with a significant incidence of malaria caused majorly by Plasmodium falciparum. This study utilizes the msp1 and msp2 genes of P. falciparum to examine its diversity and multiplicity of infection (MOI). Blood samples were collected from 247 children across selected healthcare facilities in Minna, from infants and children aged 6 months to 17 years. Of the total collection, 143 (58%) of the children were infected with P. falciparum with parasite density ≥ 1000 μl, and from which fifty (50) samples was randomly selected and presented for PCR for the characterization of msp1 and msp2 gene using nested-PCR method. Overall, 57 msp1 genotypes, including K1, MAD20 and RO33 were identified, ranging from (250-1000 bp), (100-500 bp) and (400-500 bp), respectively. In addition, 54 different msp2 genotypes of FC27 and 3D7 alleles ranging from (100-900 bp) and (100-800 bp), respectively were selected. A monoclonal infection of 39% and a polyclonal infection of 61% was recorded, however, a particularity about this study is the polyclonal nature of RO33. Determination of gene diversity revealed MAD20 as the predominant allele for msp1 with a mean MOI of 1.35 and FC27 for msp2 with 1.72 MOI. The overall MOI recorded for the study was 1.60. There was, however, no statistical significance difference between MOI and age of the child (P > 0.05). Meanwhile, findings from this study revealed P. falciparum populations were not genetically diverse with Heterozygosity (He) index of 0.0636. However, a significant level gene diversity within the antigenic markers of msp1 and msp2 was observed with He index of 0.714 and 0.830, respectively. This study has demonstrated the potential of gene diversity and MOI of P. falciparum, as important markers for assessing differences in malaria transmission intensity. Continuous malaria genetic surveillance is therefore recommended as a fundamental tool for monitoring changes in gene types and for intervention programs' effectiveness.

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