MARRIAGE, ITS CRITERIA IN ISLAM AND CHOICE OF HUSBANDS BY THE HAUSA PEOPLE OF SOKOTO

The institution of marriage has a significant place in the eyes of the Muslim Ummah as it is the only avenue that produces legitimate offspring and gives better moral training in the life of the Ummah. The paper examines the institution of marriage and its criteria in Islam. Choice of marriage partner, according to the criteria laid down by Islam. Then guardianship of a woman, dowry, witnesses, and the responsibility of women that Allah bestows on the men which is essential in Islamic marriage. The paper also highlights choice of husbands by women and the objectives of marriage in Islam. The four categories of prohibited marriages, like the Mutu’ah, marriage of a Mushrikha/ Mushrikh, marriage of women in waiting period, either from divorce or widowed. Choice of a marriage partner by educated Muslim women of Sokoto State. Literature base approach was adopted for the data used in the research. It concludes that the choice of marriage partner is very important for every Muslim as it give the family a sense of direction

Audit retention versus audit rotation : an update of the debate

Purpose: In this paper, an update is provided on the on-going debate between audit retention and audit rotation in different parts of the world. Design and Methodology: This update is provided based on a systematic review of recent scholarship that have explored the supposed benefits or drawbacks of audit rotation amidst a climate of declining confidence in audited financial statements due to a series of financial scandals over the last few years. 28 articles were examined along four key categories, including the geographical distribution of the articles, article type, research themes and research methods. Findings: The findings of the review revealed that the debate between audit rotation and retention has no end in sight with empirical studies finding conflicting results regarding the merits or demerits of adopting a mandatory audit rotation regime in various countries. A recurring message amongst many of the studies is that perhaps time has come for the auditing profession to seek an alternative solution for maintain auditor independence. Practical Implications: A recurring message amongst many of the studies is that perhaps time has come for the auditing profession to seek an alternative solution for maintaining auditor independence. The Significance of The Study: This study reveals that auditor independence cannot be obtained merely by regulation. This is evidenced by the fact that audit-related financial scandals have continued to occur over this long period of time, despite the adoption of mandatory audit rotation in many parts of the world.peer-reviewe

Comparison of environmental attitudes of science and non-science undergraduate students of Sokoto State University, Nigeria

Introduction: The relationship between man and his surrounding is as old as his origin. All his basic needs of living are from his environment. Recently, the science and technological advancement of Man is resulting to several damages to environment which in turn affect the quality of air, water and climatic factors of the environment. Therefore, there is the need for more individuals with positive environmental attitudes.  Purpose: This study aimed to compare the environmental attitudes of science and non-science undergraduate students in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Three research questions and two hypotheses were answered and tested, respectively. Methodology: Descriptive survey design was employed involving 322 science and non-science students. The instrument used for data collection is Environmental Attitude Inventory. Items of the instrument were adopted from Uzun, Gilbertson, Keles & Ratinen, (2019) and Milfont and Dukit (2010). The modified items were validated by experts and a reliability index of 0.66 was obtained after the pilot study. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The findings of the study show that the majority of undergraduate students in Sokoto State University have a moderate environmental attitude and undergraduate science students demonstrated a higher environmental attitude than non-science students. Recommendations: The study recommended that more training and workshops be organised for undergraduate students to improve their environmental attitude

Effect of Neighbourhood Characteristics on Resident's Satisfaction in Doya Area of Bauchi Metropolis

This study determines the effect of neighbourhood characteristics on residents’ satisfaction in Doya area of Bauchi metropolis to reveal the significant relationship of the effect. Field data were gathered using a structured, close-ended questionnaire containing 5 Likert scales administered to the household head of Doya area of Bauchi metropolis using simple random sampling. A total number of one hundred and twenty-five (125) valid questionnaires were used for the analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Mean score and frequency table) and linear regression method through SPSS. The study found that electricity, water, drainage, availability of schools, availability of hospital, economic activities, neighbourhood security, sanitary services, recreational facilities and accessibility are factors affecting resident’s satisfaction. It further found that satisfaction with proximity to work, water, and educational facilities were striking the highest mean score. Finally linear regression model reveals that neighbourhood condition significantly affects resident’s satisfaction. The study suggests a need for the government to provide more social amenities in the study area. Proper routine management of social amenities should be done to enhance the resident’s satisfaction in the study area

Developing A Nigerian Local Government Through Economic Gardening: A Roadmap

Economic Gardening is an innovative economic development strategy whereby local businesses are fostered and encouraged, and the skills of local workers are upgraded. Since its inception in Littleton, Colorado in 1989, this concept has been put forward by various scholars as a viable and more sustainable economic development strategy than the traditional business attraction strategy. Various implementation experiences have provided further evidence of its effectiveness in improving the quality of life of the inhabitants of a community. This paper charts a roadmap for the development and future implementation of an economic gardening strategy for a Nigerian local government whose officials have shown an interest in adopting such a strategy. A seven-step process was adopted from a review of economic gardening scholarship: 1) Working hand-in-hand with local government officials and other stakeholders, 2) Identifying the community’s assets, 3) Developing a collaborative effort amongst all stakeholders, 4) Developing a clear and transparent operating agreement, 5) Identifying the key targets for services, 6) Developing an effective way to deliver these services, and 7) Communicating regularly with the community so as to gain and retain their support. A lack of political will and a lack of adequate infrastructure were identified as the two biggest obstacles to the successful implementation of the economic gardening strategy in the local government. The first obstacle was mitigated by the fact that it was the local government officials who approached our team to develop the strategy, whilst the second obstacle was mitigated by a proposal for the development of a solar farm within the local government via a public-private partnership with an international solar firm. It is hoped that a successful implementation of this strategy will improve the lives of the inhabitants of the local government and serve as an example for other Nigerian local governments

Study of Algal Species Isolated From River Ginzo in Katsina State, as a Potential Source for Biodiesel Production

An ecological study of algae at River Ginzo in Katsina town was carried out for six weeks at three different sites. In this study, various strains of native microalgae were identified and isolated. The water's  physicochemical properties were analyzed at Kofar Marusa, Kofar Sauri, and Kofar Durbi of River Ginzo in Katsina  State. The physicochemical parameters studied showed temperature and pH range of 28oC to 31oC and 6.42 to 7.36. A total of eighteen (18) algal species were identified, out of which Ten (10) species belong to the Class Chlorophyceae with Spirogyra species having the highest cell counts, five (5) species belong to the Class Cyanophyceae with  Oscillatoria species having the highest cell count and three (3) species belong to the Class Bacillariophyceae with Nitzchia spp having the highest cell counts. Among the isolates, Chlorella species showed an increased growth rate with higher biomass productivity of (88.67±2.57) X 104 (cell/ml) after six days of incubation. The results showed that Chlorella, Spirogyra, and Oocystis species could be a possible candidate species for producing oils for sustainable biodiesel production, based on their high growth rate and presence in all the locations

Polyphenol-rich ethyl acetate fraction isolated from Molineria latifolia ameliorates insulin resistance in experimental diabetic rats via IRS1/AKT activation

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) isolated from Molineria latifolia rhizome as dietary interventions for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo. Experimental rats were induced by high fat diet feeding coupled with combined exposure to streptozotocin and nicotinamide. Treatment with EAF improved glucose tolerance and lipid profiles, but the insulin secretion was unaltered. Gene expression analyses on insulin/adipocytokine signalling-related genes demonstrated tissue-specific transcriptional responses. In skeletal muscle and liver tissues, Socs1, Tnf and Mapk8 showed consistent transcript regulation. Furthermore, hepatic translational analyses revealed sensitization on proximal insulin signalling, with reduced expression of IRS1 serine phosphorylation, increased IRS1 tyrosine phosphorylation and increased phospho-AKT (Ser473). The present findings suggested that EAF exerted its effect by modulating insulin signalling, potentially via IRS1/AKT activation. The pharmacological attributes of EAF may implicate its potential therapeutic applications for diabetes management

Occurrence and antibiogram of bacteria isolated from some sachet drinking water brands sold in Gombe metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Background: Diseases contracted through consuming contaminated water present health challenges globally, hence this study aimed to assess occurrence and antibiogram of bacteria isolated from various brands of sachet drinking water sold in Gombe metropolis. Methods: Twenty brands of samples were collected randomly, serially diluted, and cultured on nutrient agar (NA). Isolates were identified morphologically and biochemically, with antibiogram determined using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Results: All the 20 samples produced positive bacterial growths with counts ranging from 1.0x103 to 9.8x103 CFU/ml with identified colonies of Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae). Antibiogram revealed the isolates were all resistant to augmentin, cefixime, cefuroxime and ceftazidime, but E. coli and S. aureus were also resistant to gentamicin. Conclusion: The samples were contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria that were resistant to some antibiotics. Hence there is need for enforcement of drinking water standards to avoid consequences of unsafe drinking water, thus improving the health of the population

Impact of home visits to pregnant women and their spouses on gender norms and dynamics in Bauchi state, Nigeria : narratives from visited men and women

A trial program involving universal home visits to pregnant women and their spouses, with the intention to increase male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth, showed improvements in actionable risk factors and in maternal morbidity rates. This analysis report indicates that the visits improved men’s support for antenatal care, immunization, and seeking help for danger signs; increased spousal communication; led to changes in perceptions about gender violence and promoted non-violent gender relationships. However, the men’s stories described a continuing paternalistic, male-dominant position in decision-making.Global Affairs Canada (GAC)Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR

Gynaecological malignancies in Azare, North-East Nigeria: an assessment of types, stage at presentation and treatment affordability

Background: In many parts of the world, presentations for most gynecological cancers are late; this makes treatment difficult due to the cost of chemotherapy or radiotherapy which form the bedrock for cure or palliation. Objective of this study was to determine the types, stage at diagnosis, affordability of care and outcome of treatment of gynaecological cancers in Federal Medical Centre Azare, Bauchi State, Nigeria.Methods: All cases of gynaecological cancers seen over a ten-year period, from 1st January, 2003 to 31st December, 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The number of all gynaecological cases seen during the period was also extracted.Results: Gynaecological cancer cases accounted for 11.84 % of 8,642 gynaecological cases seen during the period of study.  The mean age and parity of the women were 42±5 SD years and 5±1 SD respectively. Cervical cancer accounted for 55 %, ovarian cancer 30%, endometrial cancer 6%, choriocarcinoma 5%, secondaries/ cancers of undetermined origin were 4%.  Ninety-two percent presented with advanced stage of diseases. Only 25.3% could afford the cost of full treatment, and 8.4% attained cure of their disease. The modalities of treatment available were surgery and chemotherapy.Conclusions: Cervical and Ovarian Cancers remain the leading types of gynaecological cancers in our environment and late presentations are frequent occurrence. Late presentation and unaffordability of treatments are major challenges associated with the management of these patients. Early presentation and funding mechanisms for gynaecological cancers are keys to improved cure rate and reduced mortality