Capital Market as a Barometer for Development: Its Impact and Contribution to Nigerian Economy 1991-2011

This focuses on the influence of Nigerian capital market in economic development of Nigerian. One hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. The dependent variable in this hypothesis was economic development measure by gross domestic product (GPD) while the independent variables include: market capitalization (MKTCAP), total new issues (TNI), number of listed securities (NLS), number of quoted companies (NQC), value of transaction (VT), and turnover Ratios TR. The ordinary least square (OLS) technique was employed to estimate co-efficient of the variables of the multiple regression models based on the time series data collected from the Nigerian stock Exchange, Securities and Exchange Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria and federal office of statistics. The findings reveal a significantly relationship between dependent variable (economic development) and independent variables such as, total new issues and number of quoted companies, whereas market capitalization number of listed securities, value of transactions and turnover ratios showed wrong signs. It was therefore recommended that government should put more effort in developing active issues and motivating local and foreign companies and individual investors to patronize the market by way of raising funds for investment and productive purposes

A comparative study of valuation variance and accuracy between Nigeria and UK

The study compared the level of valuation variance and inaccuracy between Nigeria and UK. In order to achieve the aim for the study, a survey method was employed using questionnaire administered on respondent estate surveyors and valuers in Calabar and Uyo metropolises. The study surveyed valuers opinions on the existence of valuation variance and inaccuracy, the possible causes and the margin of valuation error and data collected through questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive statistics to find the mean score, standard deviation and percentages. The findings from the study show that valuation variance and inaccuracy is high in Nigeria as compared to UK. The possible causes include lack of standards, lack of market data/comparables, lack of regulatory framework, methods/bases of valuation adopted, client’s influence, inadequate training of valuers, imperfect knowledge of the property market, wrong assumptions on cost per square metre, lack of professional experience as well as failure to discipline valuers on cases of negligence with lack of standards ranked first with the highest frequency and mean score. The study concluded by recommending the creation of a central property database, adopting/enforcement of international valuation standards, enforcement of disciplinary measures for erring members on negligence and a defined acceptable margin of valuation error

The effect of government policy on housing delivery in Nigeria: a case study of port harcourt low Income housing programme

Housing is one of the most important needs of individuals next to food and clothing. Housing needs for low income earners has reached an alarming stage in Nigeria. On the supply side, numerous government policies have earlier aimed at disabling the massive shortage through numerous housing reform programmes. Despite these preceding efforts, housing remains an illusion to an average Nigerian. This research assessed the effect of government policy on housing delivery in Nigeria. The objectives were to determine housing needs of the low income group in Nigeria and to determine the impact of government policies on affordable housing provision to the low income group. Survey method was used to collect data from 44 respondents through the administration of questionnaires which was analyzed with statistical tools. The findings from the study shows that insufficient fund is closely related to other finance related factors identified as barriers to the accessibility of public housing by the low income group who are non-public servants. Such factors as high interest rate, low per capita income, lack of security of income, lack of collateral and high cost of public houses. The study suggest the creation of a viable secondary mortgage market, improvement of land registration and allocation, compassionate urban renewal programmes, cost saving house designs amongst others

Evaluation of HPLC-UV-DAD and antiproliferative characteristics of the leaf infusion of Ximenia americana Linn.

Ximenia americana (X. americana) is reputable for the treatment of various ailments in Nigeria. The hot aqueous extract of X. americana leaf (XA) was obtained by infusion. The antiproliferative potential of XA was evaluated employing Sorghum bicolor seed radicle as test subject over the period of 48-96 hours. The mean radicle lengths (mm), percentage inhibition and percentage growth were determined. XA was chemically characterized using colour reactions and high performance liquid chromatography with UV-diode array detector (HPLC-UV-DAD). Phytochemical investigation indicated the presence of tannins, saponins and flavonoids. HPLC analysis revealed thirteen peaks with rutin and ferullic acid eluting at 6.886 and 7.796 minute respectively. XA significantly (p < 0.0001) inhibited S. bicolor seed growth over a period of 48-96 h against the control seeds. At 96 h, XA dose-dependently inhibited seed growth, giving percentage inhibition of 23.24, 29.06, 30.68, 38.27, 49.57, 50.39, 64.60, 79.67 and 82.01% for seeds treated with 1 mg/ml, 2 mg/ml, 4 mg/ml, 8 mg/ml 16 mg/ml, 24 mg/ml, 32 mg/ml, 40 mg/ml and 48 mg/ml respectively with IC50 of 24 mg/ml. Methotrexate 0.167 mg/ml used as positive control gave inhibition of 92.76% at 96 h. This result revealed the potential of XA to inhibit the growth of fast proliferating cells of S. bicolor seed radicle

Prevalence of Hypertension in Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria: Rural versus Urban Communities Study

Recent studies have shown an increasing trend in the prevalence of hypertension in rural communities compared to that of the urban communities. This study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its predictors (if any) in both urban and rural communities of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Subjects and Method. This was a cross-sectional study of urban and rural communities of Akwa Ibom State for the prevalence of hypertension and its predictors. Two urban cities and two rural communities were randomly selected from the three senatorial districts of the state. Hypertension was defined based on the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hypertension. Results. Nine hundred and seventy-eight (978) participants were recruited from rural areas and five hundred and ninety (590) from urban centers. The rural populace had higher systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure than the urban populace (P<0.001, < 0.002, < 0.001, resp.). The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in the rural populace than in the urban populace [44.3% (95% CI 41.1–47.4%) versus 28.6% (95% CI 24.9–32.3%)]. Age, BMI, and proteinuria were independent predictors of hypertension occurrence. Conclusion. There is an epidemiologic change in the prevalence of hypertension in the rural communities of Nigeria

Prevalence of Hypertension in Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria: Rural versus Urban Communities Study

Recent studies have shown an increasing trend in the prevalence of hypertension in rural communities compared to that of the urban communities. This study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its predictors (if any) in both urban and rural communities of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Subjects and Method. This was a cross-sectional study of urban and rural communities of Akwa Ibom State for the prevalence of hypertension and its predictors. Two urban cities and two rural communities were randomly selected from the three senatorial districts of the state. Hypertension was defined based on the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hypertension. Results. Nine hundred and seventy-eight (978) participants were recruited from rural areas and five hundred and ninety (590) from urban centers. The rural populace had higher systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure than the urban populace ( &lt; 0.001, &lt; 0.002, &lt; 0.001, resp.). The prevalence of hypertension was significantly higher in the rural populace than in the urban populace [44.3% (95% CI 41.1-47.4%) versus 28.6% (95% CI 24.9-32.3%)]. Age, BMI, and proteinuria were independent predictors of hypertension occurrence. Conclusion. There is an epidemiologic change in the prevalence of hypertension in the rural communities of Nigeria

The Role of Information Technology in Enhancing National Security in Nigeria (2001 -2020)

The security problems of Nigeria have continued to stare at her very ominously and intermittently harass her, both within and outside her shores. These have lingered on and have created a clog on the wheel of the country's progress, indeed dramatically stagnating, and to say the least, truncating the mainstay of the country's survival. Several interpretations, theories, analyses, syntheses, and jingoistic conceptualization have been propagated, all producing the same result. From scientific to technological approach, religious to ritualist approach, political to social approach, the security situation rather than improving, is static and under some regimes retarded. Academic contributions, especially ideas from the humanities and indeed the discipline of history are jettisoned, in fact, quickly dusted into the waste bin. The concern of this paper is to attempt a historical investigation of the security problems in Nigeria, identifying them to show how information and communication technology can help in curbing these challenges, using the realist paradigm as a theoretical framework. This study identifies Nigerians as the cause of her security problems, who rather than face these seismic challenges head-on, abandon them – a cowardly act, ending in futility and deeper chaos. This study adopts both primary and secondary sources of data collection. It is hoped that if academic exercises are not mere, this input may create a turnaround in the security situation in Nigeria

Male responsibility and maternal morbidity: a cross-sectional study in two Nigerian states

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Nigeria continues to have high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. This is partly associated with lack of adequate obstetric care, partly with high risks in pregnancy, including heavy work. We examined actionable risk factors and underlying determinants at community level in Bauchi and Cross River States of Nigeria, including several related to male responsibility in pregnancy.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>In 2009, field teams visited a stratified (urban/rural) last stage random sample of 180 enumeration areas drawn from the most recent censuses in each of Bauchi and Cross River states. A structured questionnaire administered in face-to-face interviews with women aged 15-49 years documented education, income, recent birth history, knowledge and attitudes related to safe birth, and deliveries in the last three years. Closed questions covered female genital mutilation, intimate partner violence (IPV) in the last year, IPV during the last pregnancy, work during the last pregnancy, and support during pregnancy. The outcome was complications in pregnancy and delivery (eclampsia, sepsis, bleeding) among survivors of childbirth in the last three years. We adjusted bivariate and multivariate analysis for clustering.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>The most consistent and prominent of 28 candidate risk factors and underlying determinants for non-fatal maternal morbidity was intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy (ORa 2.15, 95%CIca 1.43-3.24 in Bauchi and ORa 1.5, 95%CI 1.20-2.03 in Cross River). Other spouse-related factors in the multivariate model included not discussing pregnancy with the spouse and, independently, IPV in the last year. Shortage of food in the last week was a factor in both Bauchi (ORa 1.66, 95%CIca 1.22-2.26) and Cross River (ORa 1.32, 95%CIca 1.15-1.53). Female genital mutilation was a factor among less well to do Bauchi women (ORa 2.1, 95%CIca 1.39-3.17) and all Cross River women (ORa 1.23, 95%CIca 1.1-1.5).</p> <p>Interpretation</p> <p>Enhancing clinical protocols and skills can only benefit women in Nigeria and elsewhere. But the violence women experience throughout their lives – genital mutilation, domestic violence, and steep power gradients – is accentuated through pregnancy and childbirth, when women are most vulnerable. IPV especially in pregnancy, women's fear of husbands or partners and not discussing pregnancy are all within men's capacity to change.</p

Life course perspectives on experiences of and responses to leprosy-related stigma in Western Nigeria

Background: In recent years, there has been a move towards understanding the processes underlying stigmatization of leprosy, a move that has come from programme implementers and researchers alike. Currently, most of what is known about leprosy-related stigma emerges from surveys conducted with health workers, medical and nursing students and the general public. Much of this research employs quantitative questionnaires and/or scales to assess the existence, severity, or both, of stigma in diverse global contexts. Whilst these studies seek evidence-based solutions for ameliorating the negative impacts of stigma, they largely ignore the experiences of persons affected by leprosy and the influence of cultural contexts on stigmatization. Moreover, little attention is given to understanding the political and economic processes which shape stigmatization. Purpose: My research aims to capture the complexity of stigma by investigating the everyday experiences of people affected by leprosy in order to understand how microsocial and macrosocial factors shape stigmatization of leprosy in Yorubaland, western Nigeria. Methods: To establish the sources, severity and persistence of leprosy-related stigma, it. was necessary to trace the global social history of leprosy and how that history has influenced the moral definitions of leprosy and stigmatization in western Nigeria. Fieldwork for the research combined life-history interviews of individuals affected by leprosy with semi-structured interviews of non-affected community members in two Yoruba towns and a sociolinguistic study of the leprosy phenomenon. Theoretical frameworks adopted to deepen my analysis of stigma were: the social model of disability and the concept of structural violelnce. Interpretation: The study provides rich contextual understandings of Yoruba ideas of leprosy and illuminates how culture and macrosocial factors such as colonization, economic/political upheavals and social structures shape people's . diverse experiences and responses to leprosy-related stigma. The study also provides compelling theoretical insights for improving policy and practice.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo

Development and characterisation of metal oxide gas sensors

There is an increasing interest among researchers of environmental sensors to improve the functionality and portability of chemical sensor devices, while applying simple materials and innovative techniques. Nanotechnology, which is at the cross-road of science, technology and arts, has provided the platform for this multidisciplinary technological development. The research described in this thesis involves the design, fabrication and characterisation of chemical sensors for the analysis of trace volatile hydrocarbons. The objective of this study is the systematic investigation of the sensing-dependence of the composition of veritable materials used in the preparation of nanocomposites, characterisation of their nanostructures, and development of their sensing mechanism based on their surface-gas interaction behaviour. This research involved the preparation of five chemical sensors using 100:0, 75:25 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100 molar ratios of tin dioxide and zinc oxide. These sensors were labelled as SnO2, 3ℤ1, ℤ, 1ℤ3 and ZnO sensors, respectively. The samples were prepared using the radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering under the same conditions. A similar set of samples were annealed. Both as-fabricated and annealed samples were characterised using field emission - scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Nanostructural analysis revealed the nanocrystalline images to have minor hillocks on a relatively dense film surface. The unannealed samples exhibited more rounded protrusions than the annealed samples. The grain heights of the as-fabricated samples were higher than the annealed samples, while there was reduction in surface roughness as a result of annealing. The grain size was observed to increase from pure SnO2 and ZnO samples toward the ℤ samples. Also, the ℤ samples were observed to reflect the lowest surface roughness parameters, while the 1ℤ3 samples showed the highest surface roughness values. The sensor signals, usually quantised in raw form, were smoothed using the Savitzky-Golay filter, before characterisation of the sensitivity of the sensors. Experimental investigation proved that gas sensitivity increased with increasing gas concentration and increasing temperature for all sensors. The best sensitivities were displayed by 1ℤ3, followed by 3ℤ1 sensor devices, while ZnO was more sensitive than SnO2. This behaviour was attributed to the high photocatalytic activity of pure ZnO and coupled SnO2–ZnO nanocomposites than pure SnO2. This fact was collaborated with the results of the thermodynamic analysis of each sensor. For both methanol and ethanol, the activation energy of SnO2 was higher than that of ZnO, while the activation energy of ¬1ℤ3 sensor devices was the lowest. It was observed that ethanol was more sensitive than methanol, indicating a possibility for good selectivity of the sensors. Statistical analysis confirmed that sensor type, gas concentration and temperature influenced respective sensor sensitivity; but the effects were varied depending on the sensing conditions and sensor types. With the development and simulation of modified chemisorption and linear models, excellent sensitivity behaviours were observed at extended concentration range. These results collaborated the facts that 1ℤ3 and 3ℤ1 sensors were the best sensors. At higher concentrations however, the ℤ sensors were observed to improve in sensitivity. With these behaviours, different sensing mechanisms were proposed for each chemical sensor. It is proposed that this result is a very significant contribution to the state-of-knowledge in the domain of scientific endeavour