Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Is polysaccharides impactful in Poultry Nutrition? A Mini-Review
No full textNigeria\u27s poultry sector is essential to meeting the country\u27s expanding population\u27s economic needs and food security. However, poultry productivity and health are severely hampered by the tropical climate, which is marked by high temperatures and humidity. Optimizing the nutrition of poultry is crucial to reducing these difficulties. In the production of broilers, polysaccharide complex carbohydrates made up of many monosaccharide units have become important dietary components. Their inclusion in poultry diets has been shown to enhance growth performance, improve feed efficiency, and bolster immune function, particularly in stress-prone tropical environments. They further demonstrate their environmental sustainability by lowering greenhouse gas emissions through higher feed conversion ratios. Additionally, the use of polysaccharides supports resource efficiency by repurposing agricultural by-products, reducing waste, and minimizing reliance on synthetic additives. These benefits contribute to the economic sustainability of poultry farming by lowering veterinary costs and enhancing overall productivity. By lowering the demand for antibiotics and lowering the possibility of antibiotic resistance, the incorporation of polysaccharides into poultry feed also supports biodiversity conservation. Because of their antioxidative qualities, poultry can withstand heat stress and maintain steady production even in the face of environmental changes. By increasing resistance against climatic and environmental stressors, polysaccharides have the potential to promote sustainable poultry production, especially in tropical regions, as this review highlights
Proximate Composition Of Fermented Maize-Soybean Composite Flour Blends
No full textThe objective of this study was to determine the proximate composition of fermented maize-soybean flour blend. Maize grains were sorted, cleaned, fermented for 48 h, oven dried (60 °C to constant weight), milled to flour and then sieved (250 μm) to produce maize Flour. The soybean was sorted, cleaned, boiled, cooled, dehulled, and fermented for 48 h with Rhizopus oligosporus (0.4g per 100g of beans), oven dried (60 °C to constant weight), milled and sieved (250 μm) to produce fermented soybean flour. Through mixture design, maize and soybean flours samples were blended in the ratios 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50 to obtain composite flours while 100% maize flour and 100% soybean flour served as controls. Proximate composition of the samples was evaluated using standard AOAC method. The results showed that the composite flours produced were more nutritious than the control flour samples. Carbohydrate was the most abundant, followed by the moisture content and the crude protein. Flour sample with 90:10 (Fermented maize:fermented soybean) had the highest carbohydrate content (70.91%). Flour sample produced with 50:50 fermented maiz:fermented soybean had the highest moisture (10.76%), crude protein (11.55%), crude fibre (4.78%), fat (3.35%) and ash (2.39%). Based on the findings from this research, it recommended that for nutritional enhancement and optimum complementation, flour blends of fermented maize and fermented soybean could be produced at a ratio of 50:50
Automated Irrigation Practice and Coconut Production among Smallholder Farmers in South-South Nigeria
No full textThis study investigates the market structure, conduct, and performance of sugarcane in North Central Nigeria. Employing a multi-stage sampling approach, 235 sugarcane marketers were randomly selected from a pool of 575 using the Slovin’s formula. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using the Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, marketing margin, and marketing efficiency model. Market analysis reveals income inequality, with Gini coefficients ranging from 0.61 to 0.72. The closer the value of gini coefficient is to unity, the greater is the degree of income inequality and the higher is the level of concentration of sellers and vice versa. The diagonal connecting points of (0, 0) and (1, 1) on the Lorenz curve depicts the 450 line or line of perfect equality. The graph showed the cumulative percentage of sugarcane marketers against the cumulative percentage (%) of sugarcane total sales or income which reveals that the market is an imperfect market. The study identifies pricing factors influencing market conduct, with net margins and profitability ratios confirming sugarcane marketing as profitable. Sensitivity analysis suggests potential profit optimization by reducing transportation and storage costs. The study concludes that sugarcane marketing is profitable in North Central Nigeria and recommends interventions such as establishing training centers, offering capacity-building workshops, implementing flexible credit policies, and enhancing security for marketers
Prospects and Challenges of using Fish Species for Biomedical Research in Nigeria: A Review
No full textThis review investigates the prospects and challenges of using fishes for biomedical research in Nigeria, highlighting the potential benefits and research application of various fish species in biomedical studies. Fish species have been utilized in biomedical research in different parts of the world due to their unique anatomical, physiological and genetic characteristics.Many fish species have been used in biomedical research, including zebra fish (Danio rerio), Mexican tetra fish (Astyanax mexicanus), killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri), goldfish (Carassius auratus), Medaka (Oryzias latipes), Clarias gariepinus (African Catfish), Tilapia species (e.g., Oreochromis niloticus), Common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Zebra fish (Danio rerio) is one of the most commonly used species due to its genetic similarity to humans and it’s ability to serve as models for various human diseases. The various aquatic habitats in Nigeria provide a rich source of fish species that can be used for different biomedical studies. The potentials of biomedical research is also driven by the fast growth of aquaculture and the study of fish as bio indicators for environmental health. There is also a growing interest in utilizing fish species for biomedical research,in the areas of cancer research, drug development, and toxicological studies in Nigeria. Despite the potential benefits of using fish species in biomedical research, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. Limited infrastructure, funding, and professionalism in fish research may hinder the progress of utilizing fish models in biomedical research in Nigeria. To fully realize these potentials of utilization of fishes for biomedical research, investments in infrastructure, funding and capacity building in fish biology and biomedical studies are necessary
Development of Library and Information Science Education in South-East Nigeria: Trends, Challenges and way forward
No full textThis paper investigated the development of Library and Information Science Education in South-East, Nigeria: Trends, challenges and way forward. The study is a qualitative survey based on literature review. Various definitions of Library and Information Science (LIS) Education from different scholars were examined. Research articles on the establishment of Librarianship education in Nigeria and in various institutions particularly in South-East were reviewed. The development of LIS education in South-East, Nigeria is not without its attendant challenges. An intentional observation of the researchers as librarians and intensive interactions with undergraduate students of Library and Information Science showed that few students are not knowledgeable of the emerging trends in their field of study. This is rather expected given that theoretical knowledge acquired about the discipline in the society falls short of what is needed in an emerging economy. The challenges that have marked the developments of LIS education in South-East, Nigeria are not insurmountable. However, the collaborative efforts of the relevant stakeholders in the LIS community can bring about a sustainable solution to the development of LIS education in South-East. Hence, the recommended approaches suggested which covers LIS students’ cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills. It is expected of university administrators to organize workshops and seminars that would ensure that Library Science Practitioners in the library are taught the use of ICT for collection development in line with global trend of librarianship.
RESISTIVITY TECHNIQUES FOR GROUNDWATER EXPLORATION IN PARTS OF BASEMENT COMPLEX OF SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
No full textQuality water for use has been abysmally difficult to come by in the Oye Ekiti metropolis. Thus, an aggressive exploration effort toward providing clean water is essential in the area. The study is within the coordinates of longitudes 50 41\u27 40 "E - 5043\u27 20"E,and latitudes 70 31\u2750"N -7ᵒ 62\u27 50"N. Thus 9 Horizontal Profiling (HP) traverses, 9 Spontaneous Potentials (SP) traverses, and 31 Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points were employed to assess the groundwater potential of the area. The SP identified zones that show a peak of varying polarity indicating streaming potential which is evidence of groundwater movement.The movement is majorly directed in the East-to-west axis, indicating the major groundwater flow directions in the area.HP inversions and 2D models from most of the traverses indicate aquiferous layers with average resistivity and depth range of 10.5 – 93.5 Ωm and 50 – 90 m in the area. The geologic sections delineated five subsurface geologic layers; this includes the topsoil, laterites, sandy clay, weathered basement, and fresh basement. The resistivity range of the fresh basement is 535 – 6176 Ωm. The weathered basement is generally thin and constitutes the main aquifer unit within the area. The resistivity low of the weathered basement could indicate enhanced permeability due to significantly fractured density and the tendency for moderate groundwater potential and yield through the groundwater potential map. The area could therefore be said to portray a moderate groundwater potential
L’ONTOLOGIE AFRICAINE EST-ELLE DISCRIMINATOIRE EN MATIЀRE DE GENRE? FÉMINISME RADICAL, LANGAGE ET IDÉOLOGIE
No full textThis paper examines the place of radical feminism and its language to Africa’s drive towards achieving sustainable development. Feminism is a movement and an advocacy for equal rights, power and opportunities for women. Through critical assessment of language and ideological projections in African women feminist literatures, this study assesses how African ontological placement challenges or converges with the radical feminist ideology, vis-a-vis patriarchal structures, gender discrimination, and liberation. This conceptual and analytical study adopts a qualitative and interpretive research methodology. The study systematically compares and contrasts African ontological placements and radical feminist conceptions to identify points of convergence, divergence, and potential synergy. This study argues that some schools on feminism, especially Calixthe Beyala’s proposition of a world strictly feminine, are antithetical to African socio-cultural ontological conceptions. This kind of ideology will obstruct rather than enhance the achievement of sustainable development of African women.
RÉSUMÉ Cet article examine la place du féminisme radical et de son langage dans l’élan de l’Afrique vers un développement durable. Le féminisme est un mouvement et une revendication pour l’égalité des droits, du pouvoir et des opportunités pour les femmes. À travers une évaluation critique du langage et des projections idéologiques dans les littératures féministes africaines, cette étude évalue comment le positionnement ontologique africain remet en question ou converge avec l’idéologie féministe radicale, en lien avec les structures patriarcales, la discrimination de genre et la libération. Cette étude conceptuelle et analytique adopte une méthodologie de recherche qualitative et interprétative. L’étude compare et contraste de manière systématique les conceptions ontologiques africaines et les conceptions féministes radicales afin d’identifier les points de convergence, de divergence et les synergies potentielles. Elle soutient que certaines écoles du féminisme, notamment la proposition de Calixthe Beyala d’un monde strictement féminin, sont antithétiques aux conceptions ontologiques socioculturelles africaines. Ce type d’idéologie entraverait plutôt que de favoriser le développement durable des femmes africaines. 
L’ENGAGEMENT SOCIAL ET L’HERITAGE LITTERAIRE DANS LE ROMAN DE JACQUES ROUMAIN
No full textThis study analyzes the social, political, and literary dimensions of Gouverneurs de la rosée by Jacques Roumain, highlighting the struggle against social injustice and the quest for hope within Haitian society. We explored the role of political commitment through the main character, Manuel, and the symbolism of communal struggles in a postcolonial context. The analytical method employed is a multidimensional approach combining traditional literary analysis with elements of postcolonial criticism and sociology. Throughout the study, we focused on the novel’s major themes to emphasize the continued relevance of Roumain’s work. Particular attention was given to Roumain’s use of magical realism, which allowed us to bridge the real and the supernatural in order to illustrate the internal tensions of Haitian society. The findings reveal that Gouverneurs de la rosée is a politically engaged work offering a sharp critique of social injustices while underscoring the importance of collective resistance. The study concludes that, although the novel was written decades ago, it continues to speak to us today and serves as a powerful tool for reflecting on the political and cultural challenges of contemporary society.
Résumé Cette étude analyse les dimensions sociales, politiques et littéraires de Gouverneurs de la rosée de Jacques Roumain en mettant en lumière la lutte contre l\u27injustice sociale et la quête de l’espoir dans la société haïtienne. Nous avons exploré le rôle de l’engagement politique à travers le personnage principal, Manuel, et la symbolique des luttes communautaires dans un contexte postcolonial. La méthode d’analyse utilisée repose sur une approche multidimensionnelle combinant l’analyse littéraire traditionnelle avec des éléments de critique postcoloniale et de sociologie. Au cours de l’étude, nous nous sommes concentrés sur les thèmes majeurs du roman pour souligner l’actualité de l’œuvre de Roumain. L’étude a porté une attention particulière à l’usage du réalisme magique par Roumain ce qui nous a permis de relier le réel et le surnaturel pour illustrer les tensions internes de la société haïtienne. Les résultats obtenus montrent que Gouverneurs de la rosée est une œuvre engagée qui offre une critique acerbe des injustices sociales tout en soulignant l’importance de la résistance collective. L’étude conclut que même si le roman est écrit depuis des années, il continue à nous parler aujourd’hui et se révèle être un outil puissant de réflexion sur les enjeux politiques et culturels de la société actuelle
An Appraisal of Issues and Challenges of Operation of Leases in Nigeria
No full textThe problem of the mode of creation of lease agreement as a result of the provision of Land Use Actwhich is seeking Governor’s consent has been appraised in this article. The aim is to appraise theissues and challenges of operation of leases by considering the requirement of alienation through theprovision of consent in the Land Use Act which causes delays, exorbitant consent fees and numerousland charges levied on applicants. The methodology adopted in this research is doctrinal in which boththe primary and secondary sources of materials were analyzed such as statutes like Land Use Act, 1978and journals and articles in the area of this research. The major finding of this work is the challengesfaced in the course of the creation of lease as a result of consent provision in the Land Use Act, 1978,which must first be had and obtained. This research recommends that the consent provision in thestatute should be amended to reduce the hardship involved in seeking and obtaining same
Comparative Analysis of the Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Asset-Backed Securities inSouth Africa, Malaysia, and Nigeria
No full textThis paper provides a comparative analysis of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing asset-backed securities (ABS) in South Africa, Malaysia, and Nigeria. The objective is to examine how legalstructures influence the development, stability, and investor confidence in securitization markets acrossthese jurisdictions. The study evaluates the historical evolution of ABS, existing regulations, operationalchallenges, and the impact of these legal frameworks on financial markets. The paper utilized thedoctrinal research methodology to review legislative instruments, regulatory policies, and marketperformance indicators across the three jurisdictions. The study draws insights from financial laws,government regulations, and scholarly literature to highlight key similarities and differences insecuritization practices. The paper found that South Africa and Malaysia have well-developed ABSmarkets due to structured regulations, strong financial institutions, and high investor confidence. SouthAfrica\u27s securitization framework benefits from clear government policies and regulatory oversight,while Malaysia has successfully integrated Islamic finance principles into ABS markets. Conversely,Nigeria\u27s ABS market remains underdeveloped, primarily due to the absence of a dedicated legalframework, regulatory gaps, and low investor participation. The paper recommends legal reforms inNigeria, including enacting a specific securitization law, enhancing regulatory oversight, andpromoting market transparency. It also recommends adopting international best practices andstrengthening credit rating systems to improve investor confidence. By implementing these measures,Nigeria can foster a more robust securitization market, contributing to financial stability and economicgrowth