The Use Of Teaching Methods And Styles In The Nigerian University System: The Curriculum And Policy Implications For Change

Teaching methods at the University level are supposed to emanate from the Nigerian National Policy on Education and stated curriculum, which have been found to affect learning outcomes significantly.  This study surveyed popular teaching methods at the undergraduate level in Universities within the South-West geo-political zone of Nigeria.  Six universities were used for the study with two federally owned, two state owned, and two privately owned.  The sampling technique used was stratified random sampling with 270 lecturers at the undergraduate level participated in the study.  The standardized test Principles of Adult Learning Scale (PALS) was adapted to suit the Nigerian situation and used for the study.  A sit-in-observation/interview schedule method was used.  The findings revealed that the most common method of teaching used by lecturers tended towards teacher-centered pedagogy. This is not in consonance with the principles of andragogy.  The fact that a teaching background is not emphasized along with the stipulated Ph.D. degree for lecturers may be a contributory factor to the present state of affairs.  It was therefore recommended that lecturers be encouraged to obtain a diploma in the art of teaching and focus more on getting the learners to be more self directing in learning. 

Access To Higher Education For National Development In Nigeria: Distance Education To The Rescue

The paper examined the place of Distance Education (DE) as a method of Adult Education in Nigeria and its contribution to national development. The paper discussed DE practice and challenges in some African countries and related this to the Nigerian situation. The paper further noted the challenge of the national admission body for regular tertiary institutions with reconciling the ratio of applicants to those admitted. Incidentally, DE, which is originally a form of Adult Education, is fast becoming a replacement for regular higher education. The implication of this on Adult Education practice in Nigeria is that the changes in the demographics of participants in DE, along with other challenges, affect the essence of Adult Education provision, access and its conduct. The paper analyzed the concept of DE and noted that distance education is currently used to replace, instead of support mainstream education in Nigeria by eroding the more desirable non-formal approach. The paper agrees that DE can be used as a tool, per excellence, for human and national development, if practiced in its proper context, and attracts the desired target candidates. Several suggestions were proffered for better conduct of DE, including the use of awareness campaigns to attract the right candidates into DE programs as well as better provision of access to regular education for the youth to stem their influx into DE. The discourse has great implications for lifelong learning, access, national development and adult education practice in Nigeria and globally

Screening of fungi isolates from soil, pulp waste water and rotten wood for cellulase producing potentials

Pulp waste water, soil from agricultural waste dump site and rotten wood were investigated for the presence of fungi with cellulolysic ability. Fungi Isolates obtained from the samples were identified based on cultural and morphological characteristics. Seven species of fungi namely, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzea and Fusarium from soil, Penicillium notatum, Mucor resmosus and Aureobasidium sp from rotten wood, Trichoderma citrinoviride, Fusarium salani, A niger and P notatum from pulp waste water were isolated. Among the seven fungi species , A. niger, F. salani, and P. notatum recorded the highest frequency of occurrence, (2), while T. citrinoviride, R. oryzea, Aureobassidium sp recorded frequency occurrence of one (1)each and the cellulytic activity was determined by the ratio of zone of clearing and colony diameter. The difference in zone of clearing produced by the fungi isolates (A. niger, T. citrinoviride, F. salani), on CMC containing plate were not significantly different at (p˂ 0.05). Highest cellulase activity ratio was exhibited by T. citrinoviride (1.39), followed by A. niger from soil (1.30).This result highlights the potential of T citrinoviride as strain for industrial production of cellulolysic enzyme.Keywords: Cellulase, Enzymes, Aspergillus sp., A. nige

Ethanol production from lignocellulosic materials by fermentation process using yeast

Rapid industrialization and growing population result to high demand for energy. Depletion and rise in price of petroleum as well as environmental pollution necessitates the need for alternative source of fuel, hence bioethanol production. Rice bran (Oryza sativa), Corn bran (Zea mays) and Sorghum bran (Sorghum guinense) and saw dusts of Khaya senegalensis (Red wood), Terminalia superba (Black wood), Gmelina arborea (White wood), were used for the study. The yeasts used for the study were isolated from fermented beverages (Sorghum beer, Millet beverage and Palm wine). The results of the lignocellulosic biomass of white saw dust, red saw dust, black saw dust, rice bran, corn bran and sorghum bran revealed cellulose components as 77.78%, 75.55%, 68.59%, 64.83%, 54.82% and 55.14% respectively. A total of 25 yeasts were isolates and identified using API 20C AUX strip. The yeast isolates, K2, B5, B7 and P1 had the highest ethanol tolerance value of 14%. The results showed that the ethanol-producing ability of the yeast isolates ranged from 4.1% to 10.3%. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses showed that ethanol is the main compound produced by yeasts from the lignocellulosic materials. This study revealed that Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from palm wine (P1) is best in ethanol production and tolerance, and this high prolific strain can be exploited or engineered for ethanol production. Therefore, Lignocellulosic biomasses are recommended as raw materials for producing ethanol, which is a promising alternative energy source as against the depleting petroleum.Keywords: Ethanol, Lignocellulose, Yeasts, Beverages and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Physico-chemical quality attributes and fatty acid profiles of pork from Windsnyer and Large White gilts

The objective of the study was to assess the physico-chemical pork quality attributes and fatty acid profiles of indigenous Windsnyer (WS) and Large White (LW) gilts. Twelve gilts of each breed were fed similar commercial diets from weaning until slaughter at the age of 21 weeks. The m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was sampled. Differences in muscle pH values obtained 24 hours post mortem (pH24) were not significant in pork from the WS or LW gilts. Pork lightness 24 hours post mortem (L*24) was significantly lower in WS gilts than in LW gilts. Muscle saturated fatty acids (SFA) were higher in WS gilts than LW gilts. Fat of LW gilts had higher polyunsaturated (PUFA), n-6 fatty acids, n-3 fatty acids and PUFA: SFA ratio than WS gilts. The study showed preferential attributes of pork from LW gilts than from WS gilts. The accrued information could benefit the food industry by assisting researchers and nutritionists to interpret the quality of pork from different pig genotypes for health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, it aids in determining the concern about pork as a cardiovascular risk factor and acts as a planning tool for public-health programmes.Keywords: Fatty acids, indigenous pigs, pork quality, tendernes

Pericardial effusion in a patient with hyperthyroidism: A case report

Pericarditis and pericardial effusion are commonly associated with hypothyroidism. It is an uncommon association with hyperthyroidism. We present a case of pericarditis/pericardial effusion in a 28-year-old Nigerian lady with hyperthyroidism. There was resolution of the pericardial effusion with antithyroid  medications and steroid therapy. We recommend a high index of suspicion of this association in patients  with hyperthyroidism and/or Graves’ disease

The burden and risks of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria: A desk‐based review of existing literature and data

Background: Pneumonia is a leading killer of children under‐5 years, with a high burden in Nigeria. We aimed to quantify the regional burden and risks of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria, and specifically the states of Lagos and Jigawa. / Methods: We conducted a scoping literature search for studies of pneumonia morbidity and mortality in under‐5 children in Nigeria from 10th December 2018 to 26th April 2019, searching: Cochrane, PubMed, and Web of Science. We included grey literature from stakeholders' websites and information shared by organizations working in Nigeria. We conducted multivariable logistic regression using the 2016 to 2017 Multiple Cluster Indicators Survey data set to explore factors associated with pneumonia. Descriptive analyses of datasets from 2010 to 2019 was done to estimate trends in mortality, morbidity, and vaccination coverage. / Results: We identified 25 relevant papers (10 from Jigawa, 8 from Lagos, and 14 national data). None included data on pneumonia or acute respiratory tract infection burden in the health system, inpatient case‐fatality rates, severity, or age‐specific pneumonia mortality rates at state level. Secondary data analysis found that no household or caregiver socioeconomic indicators were consistently associated with self‐reported symptoms of cough and/or difficulty breathing, and seasonality was inconsistently associated, dependant on region. / Conclusion: There is a clear evidence gap around the burden of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria, and challenges with the interpretation of existing household survey data. Improved survey approaches are needed to understand the risks of pediatric pneumonia in Nigeria, alongside the need for investment in reliable routine data systems to provide data on the clinical pneumonia burden in Nigeria

Health system challenges for improved childhood pneumonia case management in Lagos and Jigawa, Nigeria

Background: Case fatality rates for childhood pneumonia in Nigeria remain high. There is a clear need for improved case management of pneumonia, through the sustainable implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) diagnostic and treatment algorithms. We explored barriers and opportunities for improved case management of childhood pneumonia in Lagos and Jigawa states, Nigeria. / Methods: A mixed‐method analysis was conducted to assess the current health system capacity to deliver quality care. This was done through audits of 16 facilities in Jigawa and 14 facilities in Lagos, questionnaires (n = 164) and 13 focus group discussions with providers. Field observations provided context for data analysis and triangulation. / Results: There were more private providers in Lagos (4/8 secondary facilities) and more government providers in Jigawa (4/8 primary, 3/3 secondary, and 1/1 tertiary facilities). Oxygen and pulse oximeters were available in two of three in Jigawa and six of eight in Lagos of the sampled secondary care facilities. None of the eight primary facilities surveyed in Jigawa had oxygen or pulse oximetry available while in Lagos two of three primary facilities had oxygen and one of three had pulse oximeters. Other IMCI and emergency equipment were also lacking including respiratory rate timers, particularly in Jigawa state. Health care providers scored poorly on knowledge of IMCI, though previous IMCI training was associated with better knowledge. Key enabling factors in delivering pediatric care highlighted by health care providers included accountability procedures and feedback loops, the provision of free medication for children, and philanthropic acts. Common barriers to provide care included the burden of out‐of‐pocket payments, challenges in effective communication with caregivers, delayed presentation, and lack of clear diagnosis, and case management guidelines. / Conclusion: There is an urgent need to improve how the prevention and treatment of pediatric pneumonia is directed in both Lagos and Jigawa. Priority areas for reducing pediatric pneumonia burden are training and mentoring of health care providers, community health education, and introduction of oximeters and oxygen supply

Achromobacter xylosoxidans respiratory tract infection in cystic fibrosis patients

The aims of this study were to evaluate the frequency of Achromobacter xylosoxidans infection in a cohort of cystic fibrosis patients, to investigate antimicrobial sensitivity, to establish possible clonal likeness among strains, and to address the clinical impact of this infection or colonization on the general outcome of these patients. The study was undertaken between January 2004 and December 2008 on 300 patients receiving care at the Regional Cystic Fibrosis Center of the Naples University “Federico II”. Sputum samples were checked for bacterial identification. For DNA fingerprinting, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was carried out. Fifty-three patients (17.6%) had at least one positive culture for A. xylosoxidans; of these, 6/53 (11.3%) patients were defined as chronically infected and all were co-colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Of the patients, 18.8% persistently carried multidrug-resistant isolates. Macrorestriction analysis showed the presence of seven major clusters. DNA fingerprinting also showed a genetic relationship among strains isolated from the same patients at different times. The results of DNA fingerprinting indicate evidence of bacterial clonal likeness among the enrolled infected patients. We found no significant differences in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and body mass index (BMI) when comparing the case group of A. xylosoxidans chronically infected patients with the control group of P. aeruginosa chronically infected patients

Thermal properties comparison of hybrid CF/FF and BF/FF cyanate ester-based composites

[EN] Insights within thermal expansion, conductivity, and decomposition dependencies with temperature on symmetrical and unsymmetrical layered carbon (CF) or basalt (BF) fabrics in combination with flax fibers (FF) were approached. Driven by commercial application and environmental concerns, the paper draws attention on a modified formula of cyanate ester with a common epoxy resin under an optimized ratio of 70:30 (vol%) as well as on the hybrid reinforcements stacking sequences. Synergetic effects were debated in terms of the CF and BF stacking sequences and corresponding volume fraction followed by comparisons with values predicted by the deployment of hybrid mixtures rules (RoHM/iRoHM). CF hybrid architectures revealed enhanced effective thermophysical properties over their BF counterparts and both over the FF-reinforced polymer composite considered as a reference. Thermal conductivities spread between 0.116 and 0.299 W m-1 K-1 from room temperature up to 250 C on all hybrid specimens, giving rise to an insulator character. Concerning the coefficient of thermal expansion, CF hybrid architectures disclosed values of 1.236 10-6 K-1 and 3.102 10-6 K-1 compared with BF affine exhibiting 4.794 10-6 K-1 and 6.245 10-6 K-1, respectively, with an increase in their volume fraction.The corresponding author gratefully acknowledges the financial assistance of German Academic Exchange Service-DAAD that enabled and supported the internship with Fraunhofer Research Institution for Polymeric Materials and Composites-PYCO, Germany. Many thanks go to Dr. Christian Dreyer and Dr. Maciej Gwiazda for the resin formula and access to the composite manufacturing technology.Motoc, DL.; Ferrándiz Bou, S.; Balart, R. (2018). Thermal properties comparison of hybrid CF/FF and BF/FF cyanate ester-based composites. 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