Afe Babalola University Based Journals
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Assessment of satisfaction with quality of care among insured and non-insued Tuberculosis patients in Osun State
Get PDFTuberculosis remains a major global health issue, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. Nigeria ranks first in Africa and fourth among the world’s 22 high-burden countries for tuberculosis. The quality of care delivered to tuberculosis patients has a significant impact on treatment adherence, results, and patient satisfaction. Insurance coverage is widely viewed as a critical determinant in access to quality healthcare, with substantial variations in care between insured and uninsured people. This study aims to assess and compare the level of satisfaction with the quality of care among insured and non-insured tuberculosis patients in Osun State. It is a comparative; cross-sectional design was used to study 320 tuberculosis patients (160 insured and 160 non-insured). A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the participants. The data collected was processed and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 25.0). Descriptive statistics were conducted for categorical variables. T-tests and Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions between categorical variables (p<0.05). There was a significant association between age, marital status, and the level of satisfaction with ease of access to care (p<0.05). Most respondents (both insured and non-insured) tested negative for HIV (X2= 11.227, p= 0.011). Additionally, more than half of the respondents reported that the facility was nearby (X2= 2.981, p= 0.395). The study found that the level of satisfaction with all components of quality tuberculosis care was higher among insured respondents compared to non-insured respondents. The level of satisfaction with all components of tuberculosis care received was higher among insured respondents than non-insured tuberculosis respondents
Government Spending on Human Capital Development and Economic Growth in Nigeria: The Interactive Influence of Insecurity
Get PDFUsing the Vector Error Correction Methodology, this research examined the interactive nature of insecurity on the relationship between government spending on human capital development and economic growth in Nigeria from 1992 to 2022. The study revealed that in the long run, recurrent government spending on education and health positively and significantly influenced economic growth. The interactive variable (insecurity and recurrent government spending on education and health) in the long run negatively and significantly affected economic growth in Nigeria. Furthermore, the variance decomposition result revealed that in the short run, recurrent government spending on education and health caused significant variations in economic growth, followed by insecurity and then the interactive variable (insecurity and recurrent government spending on education and health). However, in the long run, the interactive variable (insecurity and recurrent government spending on education and health) has a more significant influence on economic growth, followed by insecurity and lastly, recurrent government spending on education and health. Thus, the study recommended that the government should increase spending on human capital development, especially recurrent government spending on education and health. Furthermore, increased government spending on the country's security apparatus is also advocated
Jurisdictional Challenges in Cryptocurrency Disputes: Navigating the Legal Maze of a Borderless Technology
Get PDFThe rise of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology has introduced complex legal challenges, particularly concerning jurisdiction in dispute resolution. Traditional legal frameworks rely on geographic boundaries and centralised authority, yet cryptocurrencies operate on decentralised, borderless networks. This article examines the jurisdictional issues that arise in cryptocurrency disputes, including the challenges of determining the applicable law, identifying the responsible parties, and enforcing legal decisions across multiple jurisdictions. By analysing key legal precedents and international regulatory approaches, the study highlights the limitations of existing legal principles in addressing crypto-related conflicts. Further analysis of emerging solutions, such as smart contract jurisdiction clauses, decentralised arbitration, and proposals for harmonised international regulatory frameworks, was also studied in the article. Findings of the article suggest the need for innovative legal mechanisms that balance regulatory oversight with the decentralised nature of blockchain technology
Interrogating Election Management and Postponements in Nigeria's Electoral System, 1999-2023
No full textThe conduct of free, fair, and timely elections is considered, worldwide, the most crucial responsibility of an electoral body. In Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) bears this duty. It has conducted seven general elections between 1999 and 2023, with four of them being postponed consecutively. Therefore, the study examined election management and postponement within Nigeria’s electoral system from 1999 to 2023. The paper employed a documentary research design based on secondary data and analysed thematically. The study found that elections in Nigeria took on a new dimension and were postponed in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. INEC’s failure to hold elections on schedule was due to institutional challenges, policy inefficiencies, shortages of election materials at polling stations, malfunctioning equipment, technical difficulties, non-deployment of government security agencies, and staff involvement in fraud. These issues have led to disputed results, electoral violence, property destruction, fatalities, and voter apathy. The study concluded that the normalisation of election postponements by INEC has hindered democratic development and weakened democratic consolidation in Nigeria. It recommended enacting legislation to establish a fixed, legally binding date for general elections, strengthening institutional capacity to manage elections efficiently, and fostering collaboration with security agencies to ensure safety during elections.  
Functional and Pasting Characterization of Multigrain flour produced from Whole Wheat, Maize and Sorghum Grains
Get PDFMultigrain flours contain different types of flours produced from grains and mixed together in certain ratio. These grains offer dietary fiber, nutrient-dense protein, and lipids high in essential fatty acids in addition to their high carbohydrate and protein content as an energy source. In order to ascertain the multigrain flour's potential application in the baking industries. This research aims to develop multigrain flour from blends of maize, whole wheat, and sorghum flour and evaluate its functional and pasting qualities. Blends of whole wheat, sorghum, and maize was used to produce multigrain flour. Standard analytical procedures were used to determine the functional and pasting characteristics. The flour sample oil absorption capacity and water absorption capacities ranged from 67.24 to 111.62% and 91.58 to 224.37%. The solubility index and swelling power ranged from 3.58 to 6.98% and 461.27 to 667.10%, respectively. The flour sample's water binding capability varied from 83 to 266%. The pasting temperature varies from 64.430C to 77.350C while the setback viscosity varies from 61.42-84.75RVU. The breakdown point of the samples falls between 0.71 and 65.04RVU while the through value falls between 46.88 and 85.00 RVU. The result of this study indicated that the functional properties of the developed composite flour vary with the ratio of the three flours blended together. The multigrain flour produced can be useful in bakery production if further research is carried out on it to improve its quality
From Windfalls to Equilibrium: Modeling Nigeria’s GDP Growth with Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds Testing (1990–2023)
Get PDFThis study investigates the short-run and long-run determinants of Nigeria’s real GDP growth from 2003 to 2023, focusing on key macroeconomic variables: exchange rate, foreign direct investment (FDI), inflation, oil price, and real interest rate. Using annual time-series data and rigorous stationarity testing via Augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillips–Perron methods, we confirm a mix of I(0) and I(1) series, validating the use of the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds-testing framework. The optimal ARDL (2,3,3,0,1) model reveals significant short-run dynamics: a 1% depreciation in the exchange rate reduces GDP growth by approximately 0.04 percentage points, while a 1% increase in lagged oil prices boosts growth by 0.14 points. Notably, a 1% rise in FDI from the previous year is associated with a 1.5-point decline in current GDP growth, suggesting adjustment frictions or absorptive constraints. The bounds test yields an F-statistic of 3.19 (p ≈ 0.07), indicating possible cointegration at the 10% level and a tentative long-run equilibrium among the variables. Complementary Granger causality tests confirm FDI as a statistically significant short-run predictor of GDP, with oil price showing marginal influence. These findings underscore the need for exchange-rate stabilization, strategic FDI management, and economic diversification beyond oil dependence. The integrated ARDL approach offers a robust framework for policymakers seeking to harmonize short-term stabilization with long-term growth resilience in resource-dependent economies
Current Trends in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Hepatitis B Infections
Get PDFViral hepatitis remains a major global public health challenge, accounting for approximately 1.4 million deaths annually.Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection alone contributes substantially to this burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to timely diagnosis and treatment remains limited. Despite the availability of effective vaccines and antiviral therapies, an estimated 90% of individuals living with HBV worldwide remain unaware of their infection status, perpetuating transmission and increasing the risk of long-term liver complications. This review examines current trends in the laboratory diagnosis of HBV infection, with emphasis on both conventional and emerging diagnostic technologies. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2025 on HBV diagnostic methodologies. Traditional diagnostic approaches, including serological markers, biochemical liver function tests, and imaging techniques, remain foundational for assessing infection status, immune response, and liver disease progression. However, molecular diagnostics have become central to HBV management, with quantitative detection of HBV DNA and RNA now regarded as the gold standard for viral load monitoring and therapeutic decision-making. Advances in molecular diagnostics span multiple generations, including real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), isothermal amplification technologies, HBV RNA quantification, and next-generation sequencing (NGS). These innovations offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity, improved disease monitoring, rapid turnaround times, high-throughput capabilities, and expanded applications such as genotyping and antiviral resistance detection. Despite these advancements, significant challenges persist, notably high costs, infrastructure demands, lack of standardization, and limited accessibility in underserved populations. Achieving the World Health Organization’s 2030 hepatitis B elimination targets will require expanding access to affordable, accurate, and simplified diagnostic tools alongside strengthened health systems, workforce training, and public awareness initiatives. Continued technological innovation and global collaboration remain essential to reducing diagnostic gaps and improving outcomes for millions affected by HBV worldwide
Cross-Border Cooperation and Intelligence Sharing in Combating Transnational Crimes in ECOWAS Region
Get PDFTransnational crimes, such as human trafficking, arms smuggling, terrorism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime, continue to threaten the stability and development of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Porous borders, weak institutions, and limited intelligence-sharing mechanisms hinder the collective security efforts of ECOWAS’s fifteen member states. This study investigates the role of cross-border cooperation and intelligence sharing in combating these transnational crimes. It critically examines existing regional frameworks, evaluates their effectiveness, and explores the structural and operational challenges undermining cooperation among member states. The findings underscore the necessity of enhanced coordination, trust-building, and technological investment to strengthen regional security architecture and disrupt criminal networks. The study contributes to understanding how integrated intelligence efforts can fortify West Africa’s response to complex security threats
Intergenerational Sexual Relationships: Are Older Men and Women Sex Predators?
Get PDFAge-disparate sexual relationships are couched in unequal gender power dynamics, with grave social and health consequences. Older men dominate young women in sexual relationships owing to a masculine tendency. However, there is limited information on a new vista of age-disparate sexual relationships involving older women and young men. In this regard, this study explored gender and social inequalities in sexual relationships, which are largely undocumented. This study employed a qualitative research methodology to explore age-disparate sexual relationships between older men and young females, on the one hand, and young males and older women, on the other hand. Thirty (30) in-depth interviews (IDIs), six (6) focus group discussions (FGDs), and eighteen (18) key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted across the three main ethnic groups in Nigeria. The findings showed that older men dominated young women in sexual relationships through suppression, which undermined their ability to negotiate safer sex, diminished their individual agency, and led to multiple sexual partnerships. On the other hand, participants reported that older women lured young men into sexual relationships because of financial vulnerability, sexual urges, and young men's intentions to build contacts with the cream of society. Older men and women also preyed on their unsuspecting young victims for fetish reasons, such as ritual money and metaphysical atonement. This study showed that disadvantaged socio-economic status makes older men and women exploit and take advantage of young, unmarried women and men in sexual relationships. Wide age difference and the notion of fulfilling their side in a paid sexual intercourse make younger females and males unable to negotiate safer sex. These findings speak to gender and social inequalities in sexual relationships, which are largely undocumented in Nigeria. The study concluded that gender-based norms diminished the individual agency of emerging adults, especially females, in achieving positive sexual practices. There is a need for increased awareness of the inimical effects of age-disparate sexual relationships and transactional sex
Ethnicisation of Democratic Dividends in Nigeria and Its Implications for Good Governance and Nation-Building
Get PDFSince the return to democratic rule in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, the allocation of democratic dividends has often mirrored ethnic affiliations. This development has sparked widespread concern about fairness, good governance, and the integrative promise of democracy. This study interrogates the ethnicisation of democratic gains, where policies and public resources—including projects and appointments—are disproportionately channelled towards ethnic groups with close ties to those in political power. Rather than being shaped by merit or national interest, state decisions increasingly reflect ethnically driven strategies designed to build local support and secure electoral advantage. Consequently, democracy becomes entangled in narrow loyalties, eroding national unity and weakening public trust. Anchored in a qualitative research approach and supported by multiple case studies, this paper examines the consequences of ethnic-based resource distribution on good governance and sustainable nation-building. It raises key questions: How does this pattern affect public service delivery? What meanings does democracy assume when filtered through ethnicity? And how might such practices alter the foundations of collective national identity? The study provides theoretical reflection and practical insight, recommending reforms to recentre democracy as a unifying enterprise for all Nigerians