The medium of instruction controversy: language utility or inefficiency?

The choice of a medium of instruction, an aspect of status planning, is a sensitive, political and social matter in a multilingual setting. This paper explores the controversy about medium of instruction. A survey of attitude towards medium of instruction in the basic educational level was conducted in the six geo-political regions of Nigeria. A total of 600 teachers and non- teachers responded to a set of questionnaire. The result shows that language utility highly influences the choice and acceptability of medium of instruction; in fact, it may enhance its functionality.                                                                                   &nbsp

OCULAR FINDINGS IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY ATTENDING A TERTIARY HOSPITAL IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Cerebral palsy is commonly associated with ocular abnormalities which often impact on their development and education. There is paucity of studies on this in Nigeria.   We decided to study/ determine the prevalence of ocular abnormalities among children with cerebral palsy that attended the neurology clinic of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria (UITH). A cross sectional survey of children with cerebral palsy presenting at Pediatric neurology clinic of UITH between January and December 2012 was done. Age appropriate visual acuities were checked, ocular examination was done with hand held Slit Lamp and Cycloplegic refraction and fundoscopy done with indirect Ophthalmoscope. Thirty - seven (42.5%) of 87 subjects seen within that period presented for ocular assessment. There were 24 males (64.9%) and 13 females (35.1%) with a male female ratio of 1.8:1. The age ranged between 6-168months with a mean of 50.11+ 46.51months. Thirty- three (89.2%) were delivered full term while 4(10.8%) were preterm. Spastic cerebral palsy accounted for 45.9% of all the cases seen.  Strabismus was found in thirteen subjects (35.1%). This was esotropia in 7(54%) and exotropia in 6 (46%) subjects. Refractive error was found in 32(86.5%) subjects and Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) in 28(75.7%) subjects    CVI, refractive errors and strabismus are the most common ocular findings in children with Cerebral Palsy in Nigeria. Early detection and early intervention is important to achieve best developmental and educational attainment. Multidisciplinary approach involving Neurologists, Ophthalmologists, and Physiotherapist is paramount in managing these children from the time of diagnosis.

TUBE GRAFTING REDUCES INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF BACTERIAL WILT IN TWO TOMATO CULTIVARS IN ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA

Bacterial wilt, Ralstonia solanacearum, causes severe loss of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) pro-duction in Nigeria. Tube grafting of two tomato cultivars (Beske and UC82-B) on bacterial wilt-resistant tomato landrace rootstock (Tomachiva) was conducted to reduce incidence of bacterial wilt and in-crease the yield in the two cultivars. The experiments were laid in Randomized Complete Block De-sign (RCBD). Percentage incidence and Percentage Severity Index (PSI) of grafted tomato were 0.00% each in the early planting season. Incidence (1.70%) and PSI (1.50%) of grafted tomato were observed in late planting season. Non-grafted tomato had higher significant values of 42.50% and 38.80% in incidence and percentage severity index in late planting season. Grafting on Tomachiva effectively reduced the incidence and severity of bacterial wilt in two cultivars of tomato in southwest Nigeri

EFFECT OF INTERCROPPING PUMPKIN WITH CASSAVA ON SOIL MICRO- ENVIRONMENT, WEED CONTROL, CROP GROWTH AND YIELDS

Experiments were conducted in Abeokuta, Nigeria in a forest-savanna transition zone to evaluate the effects of intercropping pumpkin with cassava (Cv. Odongbo Idileru and TMS 30572) on soil micro environment, weed control, crop growth and yields. Experimental design used was Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. Intercropping cassava with pumpkin significantly reduced supra-optimal soil temperature by 1.1-2.4 0C and weed biomass by 19-140%, and increased soil moisture content by 19-33g kg,-1 light interception by 67% and earthworm cast by 87% compared with sole cassava. Intercropping did not significantly affect the vegetative characters, number of days to harvesting and harvest duration of pumpkin, irrespective of the cassava cultivars. However, intercropping with cassava significantly increased the aggregate leaf area index of both crops by 35-77% and 45-58% compared with sole cropped pumpkin and cassava, respectively. Although, tuber yield of cassava was significantly reduced by 7-11% when intercropped with pumpkin, yield advantage of intercropping increased by 42-91% compared to sole cropping.  Irrespective of the cropping system; TMS 30572 produced higher tuber yield of 5-20% than “Idileru†and 21-41% than “Odongboâ€. It is concluded that pumpkin can be grown in mixture with cassava to provide a suitable environment for growth, but this depends on the cassava cultivar. Using a short early maturing cassava cultivar with a moderate leaf area index (TMS 30572) in a mixture with pumpkin is therefore recommended.Â

EFFECT OF INTERCROPPING ON SOIL HYDRO-THERMAL REGIME, CROP PERFORMANCE AND WEED SITUATION IN A CASSAVA/OKRA INTERCROP

Experiments were conducted in Abeokuta, south-western Nigeria to evaluate the effect of intercropping okra with cassava (Cv. Odongbo Idileru and TMS 30572) on soil hydrothermal regime, weed control, crop growth and yields. Treatments were randomized within three blocks in a split-plot design. Main plot was cropping system and subplot was cassava variety. Intercropping of cassava with okra significantly reduced the soil temperature by 2-7 % and weeds biomass by 60-76 %, and increased soil moisture content by 8-21 % and light interception by 16 % compared with sole cassava. Number of surface earthworm casts was 176 % higher than in sole okra. Intercropping with cassava did not significantly affect the vegetative characters, number of days to flowering and harvesting and harvest duration of okra, irrespective of the cassava cultivars. Vegetative characters and tuber yield of cassava were also not significantly affected by intercropping with okra.  Tuber yield of Cv. Odongbo’ was significantly reduced by 15-21% than Idileru, and 31-35% than TMS 30572. Yield advantage of intercropping increased by 78-114% compared to sole cropping. It is concluded that okra can be grown in mixture with cassava to provide a suitable environment for growth, but this depends on the cassava cultivar. Using a short early maturing cassava cultivar, with a moderate leaf area index in a mixture with okra is therefore recommended.Â

Awareness of Ocular Complications of Diabetes Among Diabetic Patients In A Tertiary Hospital In Western, Nigeria

Background:- Diabetes is no longer a disease of affluent and industrialized countries. It affects virtually all ocular structures and can lead to blindness. Routine eye examination is necessary for early detection of ocular involvement and prevention of blindness. Only few diabetics have regular eye examination. Aim:- To study the awareness of ocular complications of diabetes among diabetic patients Methodology:- A cross-sectional prospective study of 148 randomly selected diabetic patients was done. A semi structured questionnaire was administered to these patients by an interviewer who is medical personnel, not below the level of a house-officer. Informed consent was obtained from the patients before filling the questionnaires. The information obtained include the biodata, educational level, duration of diabetes, whether they were aware that diabetes can affect other parts of the body, if yes which parts, which parts of the eye can it affect, how can it affect the eye, whether or not routine eye examination is necessary in diabetics, if yes how often, how did they learn about diabetes and how they think awareness of diabetic complications can be improved. The results were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 13, with chi square done where necessary. Results:- A total of 148 patients were studied. Their ages range between 21years and 82years, with a mean of 58.53 +10.4years. Majority were between 36-60yearrs of age. Eighty-three (56.1%) had educational level within secondary level 40(27 %) tertiary education while 25(16.9 %)) do not have formal education. Most common co morbid factor was hypertension, found in 44.6%. One hundred and twenty three (83.1%) were aware that diabetes could affect other parts of the body, 41% were aware of brain affectation, 54% were aware that it can affect the kidneys, 77.7% were aware that it can affect the eyes, 39.2% blood vessels, 66.2% the legs, 40.5% the skin and 41.9% were aware that it can affect the genitals. Of the 77.7% who were aware that it can affect the eyes, more than half (58.8%) did not know the part of the eye that can be affected. 20.3% knew that it can affect the crystalline lens,4.1% external eye, 13.5% the retina and 3.4% thought it can affect the combination of external eye, lens and the retina. Forty nine respondents (33.1%) did not know that routine eye examination is necessary in diabetics, 16.2% says eye examination should be once, 18.2% twice, 18.9% thrice and 26.4% none. Only 18 (12.2%) respondents got their information of eye complication from eye specialists. Sixty- one respondents (41.2%) do not know how diabetes can affect the eye, 29.7% knew that poor control is the problem, 8.8% think it is due to long duration, 7.4% believe it was a combination of poor control and long duration, 2% claim it is due to infection, 8.8% combination of infection, poor control and long duration and 0.7% erroneously believe thinking too much of DM can result in eye complication. Patients who have been diabetic for more than 10years are more aware that diabetes can affect the eye than those below 5years (92.3% vs. 7.2%, p=0.001). Awareness of diabetic complication is better in those with tertiary education than others (p=0.001). Conclusion:- We conclude that though awareness of ocular complication of diabetes mellitus is high, the level of knowledge is low. Health Practitioners especially eye care specialist need to intensify health education through media, regular health talks in clinics to increase knowledge and increase health seeking behaviours of diabetics in the

Genetics evaluation of phosphorus utilization in tropical cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp)

Genetics evaluation of phosphorus utilization in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp) was studied in a cross involving a tropically adapted genotype (IT90K-277-2) with a reported positive response to rock phosphate (RP) and a second genotype (IT89KD-288) that responds negatively to RP, using generation mean analysis of the parents, their F1, F2 and the two backcross generations. Highly significant differences among the six generations with respect to seed phosphorus (P) concentration and grain yield per plant were observed. The F1 progenies produced seeds with higher seed P concentration (0.31 mg/g) than the mid-parent value (0.27mg/g). Mean yield per plant in the F1(48.03g) that was significantly greater than the mid-parent value (28.85g) was also observed suggesting positive heterosis for the two traits. Backcrossing to both parents showed good convergence of genes on the recurrent parents. Possibility of transgressive segregation for seed P concentration and grain yield per plant in the F2 generation was also observed. Absence of significant reciprocal differences among individuals in the F1 and F2 populations suggested lack of maternal and cytoplasmic effects. Non-additive gene action (dominance and epistasis) made significant contributions to total genetic variations in both traits within the cross. Whereas seed P concentration was observed to be under polygenic control, number of genes for seed yield per plant was biased downward by epistasis. Observed narrow-sense heritability estimate (HN)) for seed P concentration of 50.51% and very low (0.040) expected genetic gain in the F3 over the F2 means suggested that although expected progress from selection could be lowered by non-additive gene effects, this trait could be transmitted to the offsprings of hybridization program with huge success, through backcrossing. Although, available soil P (6.03 – 8.09mg/kg) was observed to be below the critical level, phosphorus uptake in the F1 and the segregating generations was observed to be higher than what obtained in the parents to suggest that the progenies of a P-efficient x P-inefficient cross would be efficient in P utilization.Keywords: Generation mean analysis, Phosphorus uptake, Polygenes, Transgressive segregants, Tropical vigna

Factors Responsible for Poor Visual Outcome Following Emergency Eye Surgery in a Tertiary Eye Centre

BACKGROUND: Ocular emergencies can cause permanent vision loss if they are not recognized and treated promptly. This study was carried out to identify the factors responsible for poor visual outcome following emergency eye surgeries.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out on all patients who had surgical emergency eye procedures. Clinic and theatre records of all eligible patients were retrieved. Demographic characteristics, duration of symptoms, laterality, presenting visual acuity, documentary pictures, classfication of eye injury, duration of days before surgery, surgical procedures performed and six weeks post-operative visual acuity were obtained from the records. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25.RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-four patients had emergency eye surgical procedures constituting 16.3% of all ocular emergencies. There were 145(74.7%) males and 49 (25.3%) females with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. The proportion of students, 48(67.6%), that presented within 24 hours of injury was the highest while the civil servants, 8(17.8%), had the lowest proportion. Corneo-scleral repair topped the list of surgeries and was the commonest, 106(54.6%), procedure carried out the same day of presentation. A 3rd of the patients, 28(34.1%), who presented within 24 hours had normal vision 6 weeks post-operatively while over 4/5th of the patients who presented after 24 hours were blind six weeks post-operatively.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of eye emergency surgical procedures was high with over 4/5th of these patients becoming blind six weeks post-operatively. Some of the factors responsible for poor visual outcome were delayed presentation, pre-operative visual acuity and delayed surgical intervention.

THE INFLUENCE OF TYPE OF CUTTING AND GROWING MEDIUM ON GROWTH AND FLOWERING OF SCORPION ORCHID (Arachnis maingayi) Hook.f. Schltr

Orchids are of importance primarily for their horticultural appeal and accounts for 8% of the world floricultural trade. Scorpion orchid (Arachnis maingayi Hook) is highly prized for its beautiful long lasting flowers, but it is under-exploited in many countries including Nigeria. There is the need to determine the best type of cutting and growing medium protocols for commercial production of this species. Seven homogenous growing media (sawdust, topsoil, charcoal, coconut husk, wood shavings, maize cobs and rice husk) and two types of cutting (apical and non-apical) were compared in a factorial experiment laid out in Completely Randomized Design with six replications at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria between 2010 and 2012. Data collected on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot dry weight, days to spiking, length and number of spike, size and number of florets were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey’s HSD at p ≤ 0.05 to separate treatment means. Apical cuttings were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) superior to non-apical cuttings in terms of all parameters assessed except floret diameter which was statistically similar. For growing medium, dry matter accumulation and spike yield were in the order of charcoal > rice husk > maize cob > topsoil > wood shavings > coconut husk. Apical cuttings planted in charcoal or rice husk gave the best results relative to other media. Thus, apical cutting is the best propagating technique and charcoal or rice husk is the best growing medium for scorpion orchid cultivation. &nbsp

INTERNAL INSECURITY IN NIGERIA, THE IRONY OF MULTIPLICITY OF SECURITY OUTFITS AND SECURITY CHALLENGES

There is paucity of literature on internal security in Nigeria unlike other forms of security. Nigeria, a populous country in Africa has put in place certain numbers of security outfits to protect lives and properties of its citizenry yet the trend of criminality and security challenges are on the increase on daily bases. This study examines the security challenges in the country and assesses the role of internal security outfit. The Nigerian Police are the preeminent outfit saddled with maintenance of internal security in Nigeria. Ironically, the multiplicity of security outfit breeds inefficiency with the overlapping functions of security agencies. This study rests on observation and secondary data. The study concludes that holistic approach is required for efficiency of security agencies. The study therefore recommends collaborative efforts of security organizations in the country while there is the urgent need for modern crime fighting equipment couple with the intelligence gathering technique. More eligible men must be recruited into the existing security outfits to meet up with increasing Nigeria population for better performance