THE MIDDLE CLASS AND POLITICAL TRANSFORMATION IN NIGERIA: AN APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF ASUU AND NBA

Since the end of the Cold War in 1989 and the collapse of one-party regimes in the Third World, many African countries have come to the conclusion that, political transformation is an inevitable process of attaining economic and political development. This process is expected to engender economic growth, improve citizens’ access to national politics and create conducive environment for wealth creation. Using cross-sectional survey and key informant interview methods, this study found that, the middle class is one of the strong agents of political change and development in contemporary Nigeria. It however, found weak involvement and participation of the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Nigerian Bar Association in matters relating to party formation, economic growth and development, international politics and international relations contribute to limited progress made by Nigeria on the democratization process. The study found that, despite some progress made by the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) and the Nigerian Bar Association in the democratization process, the middle class still remains one of the most marginalized classes in contemporary Nigeria

Export of Agricultural Raw Materials, Exchange Rate and Economic Growth in Nigeria: An ARDL Approach to Cointegration

This paper investigated the long run cointegration between export of agricultural raw materials, exchange rate and economic growth in Nigeria. An annual time series data was used for the period of 32 years from 1981 to 2013, and Auto Regressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) cointegration approach was employed in achieving the objective of the study. The result revealed that, both short run and long run models were cointegrated. Agricultural raw material export and exchange rate are instatistically and negatively related to GDP with the exception of exchange rate. Therefore, this paper suggested as part of its policy recommendation that, the Federal Republic of Nigeria in line with  its transformation agenda should focus more on human capital, infrastructural and agricultural sector development, and not only increase export of agricultural raw materials, but also encourage exportation of processed agricultural products for achieving inclusive economic growth and development. Keywords: Agricultural raw materials export, Exchange rates, GDP, ARDL cointegration, Nigeria.

Gender Difference in Students’ Academic Performance in Colleges of Education in Borno State, Nigeria: Implications for Counselling

This study examines the differences between students’ gender and academic achievement in Colleges of Education in Borno State. The study set one research objective, one research question and tested one research hypothesis. the population of this study include all the NCE students from three NCE awarding institutions in the state that were purposively selected for the study, the Krejcie and Morgan method of selecting sample was employed to choose (322) participants and proportionate techniques was also used to draw186 students out of 351 NCE III students’ in Kashim Ibrahim College of Education, Maiduguri and 136 students out of 210 NCE III students in Umar Ibn Ibrahim College of Education, Science and Technology, Bama. Students’ Academic Performance Aptitude Test (SAPAT) r=0.62 was used by the researchers. T-test was used to test the hypothesis raised in this study. The results indicated that there was no significant differences exist between gender and Academic performance in Colleges of Education in Borno State, in favour of female students therefore, the null hypothesis was accepted. The recommendation advanced was that: the male students lack pocket money thus, and state government should increase their annual scholarship so as to support their academic activities

Ribosomal DNA variation in landraces of bambara groundnut

The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is a basic component of all eukaryotic chromosomes which codes for rRNA. The rDNA is made of tandemly repeated units of 18S, 5.8S, 28S, ITS and IGS. The 18S, 5.8S and 28S are coding regions while the ITS and IGS are non coding. The rDNA evolves in a concerted manner such that rDNA units within an individual are almost completely identical making it a useful tool in taxonomic studies. The rDNA marker is used to discriminate between species in the same or different genus. Bambara groundnut is an under-utilized legume that is highly nutritious and adapted to low input farming systems. Despite its potential, Bambara groundnut is still cultivated in the form of landraces, and no true varieties have been developed. Precise estimate of genetic variation and genetic relationship is sine qua non for the development of improved cultivars. About 48 individual seeds (3 each) from seven landraces of Bambara groundnut, 9 wild/cultivated species of other legumes (cowpea, mungbean and groundnut) were used in this study. Analysis of the rDNA gene unit shows genetic variation in the species of the genus Vigna and Arachis. The UPGMA dendrogram constructed separates the plant species in this study into three (3) main clusters. The landraces of Bambara groundnut were placed in two different clusters indicating variation of rDNA gene units between the landraces. The analysis of rDNA gene in this study reveals the presence of genetic variation between the landraces of Bambara groundnut which could be used by scientists and breeders in the production of improved cultivars.Keywords: Ribosomal DNA, Bambara groundnut, ITS, IGS, DNA variationAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(35), pp. 5395-540

Histological changes following prolonged oral administration of sildenafil citrate in diabetics rats

Diabetes is a cluster of metabolic disorders reflected by abnormal hyperglycemia that causes chronic microvascular, macrovascular, and neuropathic diseases.Sildenafil citrate is widely used to dilate penile arteries, particularly in patient with erectile dysfunction which suggest that it may also dilate pulmonary arteries in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of sildenafil citrate on heart and lung tissues of diabetic rats. Method: The study was performed using forty-two rats (42) weighing between 150-200 grams. The rats were grouped into 7 groups (A-G) of six (6) rats per 2 group. Wound area of 1.5 by 1.5 cm was created at the dorsal surface of each rat under sedation with ketamine and lignocaine. Type I diabetes was induced using a single dose of Alloxan monohydrate at dose rate of 130 mg/kg. Sildenafil citrate was administered at a dose rate of 50 mg/kg orally daily for 21 days and 10 international units of insulin was administered intraperitoneal to the control group once. At the end of 21 days lung and heart tissues were collected for histological studies. Results: The results revealed moderate thickening of interstitial demonstrated by congestion of blood vessels and oedema of the lungs. The heart muscles were swollen with loss of striation in myocardial fibers. Conclusion: Prolonged oral administration of sildenafil citrate caused appreciable pulmonary and cardiovascular damage to diabetic rats. Therefore, precautionary measures are needed when treating diabetic patients with pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.&nbsp

Effect of Imbibition Time on Hormonal Changes of Germinating Tamarindus indica and Prosopis juliflora

Imbibition time and hormonal changes play a significant role in seed germination. This study, evaluated the effects of some phytohormones; indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin and cytokinins) and imbibition time (0, 48 and 96 hours) on Tamarindus indica and Prosopis juliflora. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the concentrations of the hormones. Results indicated significantly higher and faster in P. juliflora than T. indica. The germination rate was 4.1 - 68.1% and 4.0 - 61.4%, and model for inhibition time 28.256ln(x) and 25.791ln(x), respectively. Similarly, results also expressed highly significant variable changes in the concentrations of the four studied phytohormones between T. indica (0.491 - 0.705 mg/ml) and P. Juliflora (0.109 - 1.130 mg/ml). The concentrations of IAA and ABA were significantly higher by 60.6% and 77.7% in the seeds of T. indica than P. juliflora, respectively. P. juliflora had 37.6% and 12.5% higher cytokinin and gibberellin than T. indica, respectively. Cytokinin (0.7951 - 1.0939 mg/ml), gibberellins (0.535 - 0.757 mg/ml), IAA (0.363 - 0.419 mg/ml) and ABA (0.250 - 0.335 mg/ml) also varied significantly over the periods. In general, cytokinin and gibberellins increased by 8.1 - 27.3% and 22.9 - 23.0%, while that of IAA and ABA decreased 13.6 - 15.4% and 26.4 - 34.0%, over the imbibitions time of 0-96 hours. In conclusion, higher germination of P. juliflora is attributed to cytokinin and gibberellins, and the lower germination in T. indica to the higher inhibitory effects of IAA and ABA

Export of agricultural raw materials, exchange rate and economic growth in Nigeria: an ARDL approach to cointegration

This paper investigated the long run cointegration between export of agricultural raw materials, exchange rate and economic growth in Nigeria. An annual time series data was used for the period of 32 years from 1981 to 2013, and Auto Regressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) cointegration approach was employed in achieving the objective of the study. The result revealed that, both short run and long run models were cointegrated. Agricultural raw material export and exchange rate are instatistically and negatively related to GDP with the exception of exchange rate. Therefore, this paper suggested as part of its policy recommendation that, the Federal Republic of Nigeria in line with its transformation agenda should focus more on human capital, infrastructural and agricultural sector development, and not only increase export of agricultural raw materials, but also encourage exportation of processed agricultural products for achieving inclusive economic growth and development

Epidemiological profile of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Nigeria, July-September 2014

Introduction: In July 2014, Nigeria experienced an outbreak of Ebola virus disease following the introduction of the disease by an ill Liberian Traveler. The Government of Nigeria with the support of Technical and Development Partners responded quickly and effectively to contain the outbreak. The epidemiological profile of the outbreak that majorly affected two States in the country in terms of person, place and time characteristics of the cases identified is hereby described. Methods: Using field  investigation technique, all confirmed and probable cases were identified, line-listed and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2007 by persons, time and place. Results: A total of 20 confirmed and probable cases; 16 in Lagos (including the index case from Liberia) and 4 in Port Harcourt were  identified. The mean age was 39.5 ± 12.4 years with over 40% within the age group 30-39 years. The most frequent exposure type was direct physical contact in 70% of all cases and 73% among health care workers. The total case-fatality was 40%; higher among healthcare workers (46%) compared with non-healthcare workers (22%). The epidemic curve initially shows a typical common source outbreak, followed by a propagated pattern. Conclusion: Investigation revealed the size and spread of the outbreak and provided information on the characteristics of persons, time and place. Enhanced surveillance measures, including contact tracing and follow-up proved very useful in early case detection and containment of the outbreak