Bauchi State University Gadau (BASUG) is a state-owned university located in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Its main campus is in Gadau, with other campuses in Misau and Bauchi.
Childhood immunization remains one of the most effective public health interventions, yet coverage gaps persist in northern Nigeria. This study assessed parental knowledge, attitudes, and sociocultural factors influencing childhood immunization uptake in Azare, Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State. A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among parents of children eligible for routine immunization. Data were collected from 91 parents attending selected primary healthcare facilities using a pretested, researcher-developed questionnaire. Internal consistency reliability was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.78). Descriptive statistics summarized responses, while chi-square tests examined associations between parental characteristics and immunization uptake. A multivariable logistic regression model was additionally applied to adjust for potential confounders. Most respondents (66
The use of chemicals as reductants and nitrogen dopants to improve the capacitance properties of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is not only posing environmental challenges but also making the entire process expensive. Herein, we report the effectiveness of Acacia ataxacantha leaf extract as a green reductant and nitrogen dopant. The influence of the loading level of the plant extract on the structural, textural, morphological, chemical composition and capacitance properties of RGO is evaluated systematically. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analyses revealed increased interlayer spacing and defect density with higher extract loading, while X-ray photon electron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed successful nitrogen incorporation, particularly pyrrolic-N, which contributes to pseudocapacitance. The optimised sample (N-RGO-H1.5) delivered a specific capacitance of 193 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1, exceeding that of pristine RGO (95.6 F g-1). A symmetric super-capacitor assembled with N-RGO-H1.5 electrodes delivers an energy density of 8.33 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 199.28 W kg-1 and retains 54.02% of its initial energy density when the power density is triple, an indication that the device can be utilised for high-rate applications. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of nitrogen doping and improved textural properties induced by the plant extract, which promote efficient ion diffusion and charge transfer. This study demonstrates a sustainable and eco-friendly route for developing high-performance carbon-based supercapacitor materials from invasive plant resources.
Despite the 2019 Electoral Act criminalizing the offering and acceptance of money during elections, vote-buying remains a serious problem in the Nigerian political process. Additionally, the media can be seen as an effective means of bringing this unlawful act to public awareness and enlightenment. Therefore, this study sought to investigate emerging themes related to vote buying incidents reported in Nigerian media outlets. The study employed a qualitative method in which data were gathered from 11 Nigerian newspapers and subjected to content analysis. The findings revealed vote-buying as a longstanding challenge to democratic development, where political aspirants utilize monetary inducements to secure electoral victories. Another emerging theme is the opportunistic behavior of delegates during primaries. Party delegates are portrayed as individuals possessing the strategic importance and ability to extract financial benefits from aspirants. The findings also highlight that vote-buying tends to deteriorate electoral integrity in the country. Despite these challenges, there are indications of resistance and efforts to counteract vote-buying. This research calls for a strict application of the Electoral Act and the development of preventive measures that can contribute to a more functional democratic process in the country. The study is envisaged to offer valuable information that can help policymakers and relevant authorities refine strategies against vote-buying.
Bone-setting, which primarily focuses on the management of bone, muscle, and joint disorders is an age-long practice among traditional medicine practitioners globally. Traditional bone-setting and fracture management, is prevalent in many Nigerian communities. However, there is still much more information to publish on this knowledge in Nigeria. This study aimed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional bone-setting across Bauchi, Jigawa, Kogi, Katsina, Ondo, Plateau, and Taraba States of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect ethnobotanical and socio-demographic data involving 66% male and 34% female respondents. The data collected were analysed using simple descriptive statistics, while an ethnobotanical survey formula was used to calculate the ‘use value’. A total of twenty-nine plants were documented across the States. Notably, plants such as Bambusa vulgaris and Vitellaria paradoxa were commonly used across Bauchi, Kogi, Ondo and Plateau States for the purpose of stabilising broken bones to facilitate proper healing. Fabaceae (32%) was the dominant plant family cited and leaves had the highest “plant parts used” in this study. The most recurrent modes of administration were oral (including pasting, chewing and drinking) and external (primarily through massage). In conclusion, traditional bonesetting remains widely practised and patronised in the understudied Nigerian states. This practice is worth documenting, since a large number of individuals across the surveyed states continue to rely on it as their preferred healthcare option.
Bamboo shoots, locally known as Malewa or Maleya, represent a significant cultural and economic resource for the Bamasaba people in Eastern Uganda's Bugisu region. While previous research examined the processing and packaging practices for this organic food delicacy, the sustainability implications remain underexplored. This paper examines current bamboo shoot processing and packaging practices, identifies sustainability challenges affecting the bamboo shoot value chain, and proposes strategies for sustainable processing and packaging that improve economic, social, and environmental outcomes. The paper draws on qualitative data from processors and vendors to examine sustainability challenges and opportunities in bamboo shoot processing and packaging in the Bugisu region. Findings indicate that despite the nutritional and economic potential of bamboo shoots, current practices face sustainability constraints including limited awareness of processing benefits, inadequate packaging knowledge, and lack of formal value chain management. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in extending sustainability assessment frameworks to informal agri-food systems, applying stakeholder management theory to value chain formalization, and integrating packaging theory with food security and livelihood outcomes in a developing economy context. The study identifies key sustainability strategies including eco-friendly packaging adoption, stakeholder collaboration, capacity building, and policy support. Implications for sustainable agro-processing, food security, and rural livelihoods in Uganda are discussed.
