University of Abuja
  • Abuja, Nigeria
Recent publications
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterised by amyloid plaque accumulation and neurofibrillary tangles. Early detection is essential for effective intervention, but current diagnostic methods that enable early diagnosis in clinical practice rely on invasive or costly biomarker scanning. This study aimed to explore the utility of 7T MRI in assessing hippocampal subfield volumes and their correlation with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in prodromal AD. Methods Fifty‐six participants, including AD patients and healthy controls, underwent 7T MRI scanning. Automated segmentation delineated hippocampal subfield volumes, with subsequent normalisation to whole brain volume. Results Significant differences in hippocampal and subfield volumes were observed in prodromal AD patients, even when they did not exhibit high MTA scores on 3T MRI or show any whole brain volume loss. Additionally, the volume of the entorhinal cortex (ERC) correlated significantly with CSF amyloid‐β levels, suggesting ERC's potential as a proxy CSF amyloid‐ß measurement. Conversely, no significant associations were found between CSF 181‐Phosphorylated‐tau or total tau levels and any hippocampal subfield volumes. Discussion These findings show the potential use of 7T MRI, particularly in ERC assessment, as a biomarker for early AD identification. Further validation studies are warranted to confirm these results and elucidate the relationship of ERC volume with CSF biomarkers.
Infectious diseases and fetal wastage (FW) present major challenges in livestock management, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. This study assessed the season variations, incidence rate and economic impact of prevalent diseases and FW at the Kubwa (KB) abattoir in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja, Nigeria. Over a year-long period (January to December 2023), we analyzed 5,779 cattle through daily post-mortem inspections. Disease identification was based on morphological and gross lesions characteristic of the conditions studied. Economic losses from condemned organs and FW were calculated using the formula TEL = N × P × W. The results indicated statistically significant seasonal variations in the incidence of Fasciolosis (FS), Paramphistomosis (PP), and FW, with p-values of 2.52x10^-10, 3.33x10^-9, and 0.003, respectively. In contrast, Tuberculosis (TB), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Dermatophilosis (DM), Abscess (AB), and Moneziasis (MZ) did not show significant seasonal variation. The total economic impact of condemned organs and FW was 104,348 USD (equivalent to 99,130,600 NGN at the time of the study), representing a considerable threat to food security and substantial economic losses for farmers. Considering the zoonotic potential of some diseases, which can be transmitted to those handling the carcasses, there is a critical need for enhanced inspection protocols, continuous disease surveillance, and timely reporting in slaughterhouses. The notable economic losses from condemned organs also underscore the necessity of implementing pregnancy tests for female animals before slaughter to protect food security and support the nation’s economy. These findings highlight the essential role of abattoirs in improving food security, detecting zoonotic diseases, and bolstering public health and economic stability in low-income countries.
The organic geochemical and petrological analyses of calculated vitrinite reflectance of the Early Permian to Middle Triassic Formation section of the Sydney Basin in Australia have revealed the source for the widely distributed oil and gas shows in the basin. The coal formations of the Permian in the Sydney Basin have a higher hydrogen index with much higher TOC extracts than the non-coal formations of the Permian in the same basin. Some source-specific parameters attained from biomarkers, such as n-alkanes, regular isoprenoids, terpanes, diasteranes, and steranes, show that oil was generated and expelled mainly from organic matter derivatives of higher plants deposited in the oxic environment. The biomarkers associated with maturity, source, and aromatic hydrocarbon are mostly from coal core samples. However, extracts from non-coal samples have an organic geochemical signature, indicative of mixed terrestrial and prokaryotic organic matter deposited in a suboxic environment. Significantly, it is different from the coal extracts. Still, the molecular signature of some of the coal samples shows prokaryotic organic matter present in the extracts, indicating a thin section of possibly a calcareous lithology interbedded within the coal measure formation. Genetically, the coal extracts of the Permian in the Sydney Basin, Australia, provide a new insight into the generation and expulsion of oil from coal, which might be responsible for the widespread oil and gas shows in the basin. This raises the possibility of commercial oil accumulation in the early Permian coals to Middle Triassic sandstones, perhaps in the deeper part of the offshore basin.
Local government administration has been described as a vital vehicle to achieving sustainable development at the grassroots. This study seeks to examine project execution and rural development in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The core objectives of the study to examine the perception of the rural dwellers on developmental project execution in FCT-Abuja, impact of projects execution on rural development in FCT-Abuja and factors influencing project execution and rural development in FCT-Abuja. The study adopted survey research whereby questionnaire was administered to residents in selected area councils in FCT-Abuja. Taro Yamane formula was used to arrive at a sample size of 400 out of a total population of 3,067,500. Data gotten through questionnaire were arranged in tables, pie chart and analyzed using simple percentage and mean average. Secondary data elicited from journal articles, books and official documents were analyzed using desktop research method. The study found out that majority of the respondents in the selected area councils were dissatisfied about projects executed by area councils where they reside. Also, poor project conception, planning, misappropriation of funds, financial corruption and inadequate project management experts were significant factors affecting project execution and rural development in area councils in FCT-Abuja. The study recommended that social media and other media platforms can be used by area councils' authorities to disseminate the progress reports of area councils' developmental projects so that the local peoples' perception can be changed positively. Lastly, well-articulated projects conception, planning, involvement of professional project managers, adequate monitoring and evaluation of project expenditure can improve execution of projects and rural development in FCT-Abuja.
Importance Rapid digitalization of health care and a dearth of digital health education for medical students and junior physicians worldwide means there is an imperative for more training in this dynamic and evolving field. Objective To develop an evidence-informed, consensus-guided, adaptable digital health competencies framework for the design and development of digital health curricula in medical institutions globally. Evidence Review A core group was assembled to oversee the development of the Digital Health Competencies in Medical Education (DECODE) framework. First, an initial list was created based on findings from a scoping review and expert consultations. A multidisciplinary and geographically diverse panel of 211 experts from 79 countries and territories was convened for a 2-round, modified Delphi survey conducted between December 2022 and July 2023, with an a priori consensus level of 70%. The framework structure, wordings, and learning outcomes with marginal percentage of agreement were discussed and determined in a consensus meeting organized on September 8, 2023, and subsequent postmeeting qualitative feedback. In total, 211 experts participated in round 1, 149 participated in round 2, 12 participated in the consensus meeting, and 58 participated in postmeeting feedback. Findings The DECODE framework uses 3 main terminologies: domain, competency, and learning outcome. Competencies were grouped into 4 domains: professionalism in digital health, patient and population digital health, health information systems, and health data science. Each competency is accompanied by a set of learning outcomes that are either mandatory or discretionary. The final framework comprises 4 domains, 19 competencies, and 33 mandatory and 145 discretionary learning outcomes, with descriptions for each domain and competency. Six highlighted areas of considerations for medical educators are the variations in nomenclature, the distinctiveness of digital health, the concept of digital health literacy, curriculum space and implementation, the inclusion of discretionary learning outcomes, and socioeconomic inequities in digital health education. Conclusions and Relevance This evidence-informed and consensus-guided framework will play an important role in enabling medical institutions to better prepare future physicians for the ongoing digital transformation in health care. Medical schools are encouraged to adopt and adapt this framework to align with their needs, resources, and circumstances.
Plant design is essential in improving the performance of a plant, reducing the cost of production, enhancing material handling costs as well as generating a good return on investment. Poorly designed facilities are susceptible to higher production costs and material handling, and inadequate utilization of resources such as This study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of integrating non-linear generalized structured component analysis with systematic layout planning methodology for facility layout design to derive a statistical inference from the combination. The study adopted the non-linear Generalized Structural Component Analysis methodology on a proposed plant layout dehydration of fruits and vegetables. At the end of the study, it was observed that it was possible to adopt non-linear GSCA in plant design to derive meaningful statistical inferences when the ratings were inverted. The study proposes these findings as novel. The transposed rating table results obtained were better than the Initial experiments performed and it’s suggested that when integrating non-linear GSCA to facility design the inverted approach should be adopted. The results also proved that nonlinear generalized structured component analysis is suitable and can be incorporated as a new plant design approach.
Objectives A stochastic version of the deterministic model for meningitis epidemic by Yaga and Saporu (A study of a deterministic model for meningitis epidemic. J Epidemiol Methods 2024;13:20230023) is developed. Method The stochastic mean system of equations for possible state of an individual in the model and the extinction probabilities for carrier and infective are derived. Comparison of the system of stochastic mean equations and its deterministic analogue of profiles for the various compartments and the case-carrier trajectories show similar pattern with a time shift difference. Results This indicates that there must be caution in using the deterministic analogue as an approximating system of the stochastic mean equations for inferential purpose. Simulation studies of the comparison of the compartmental profiles for the general case; model I, with the assumption that a proportion ( φ ≠0), of the infected susceptible can move directly to the infective stage and that of the special case, model II, when φ =0 is examined for various values of ϵ (odds in favour of a carrier transmitting infection) ≤ 2 2\le 2 . It is only when ϵ =2 that model II can approximate model I in all compartments except that of the carrier. Transmission rate, β , loss of carriership rate, σ and ϵ are identified as the most sensitive parameters of the extinction probabilities. Threshold results derived for carrier and infective extinction probabilities are distinct but bear some relation, transmission rate required for carrier extinction is square of that for infective. Conclusion It is concluded that carriership play a more prominent role in the transmission of meningitis epidemic and efforts aimed at control should be targeted at reducing the transmission rate and increasing the loss of carriership.
Background A significant gap exists in understanding the effectiveness of intra-class (same-class) level peer mentorship programmes designed to enhance academic performance, well-being, and student involvement among underperforming medical students. This study assessed the effectiveness of intra-class (same-class) peer mentorship programme on the academic performances, subjective well-being and school engagement of academically underperforming medical students in Nigeria. Methods This was a quasi-experimental research consisting of the pretest-posttest control design at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. Preclinical medical students from same class level were categorised into three groups: 7 academically underperforming students (mentees) scoring below 45% on the continuous assessment test (CAT), 12 mentors scoring 70% or above, and 30 controls scoring between 50% and 70%. Participants completed the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS) and the self-University Student Engagement Inventory (USEI) before and after the 6-month programme, led by an experienced educationist. A post-programme CAT assessed academic performance, and quantitative data were analysed using paired-samples t-tests to evaluate changes in academic performance, SVS and USEI. The dimensions of students’ subjective vitality and the school engagement were considered in the analysis. Results A total of 49 students were included in the study, with 7 (14.3%) in the mentee group, 12 (24.3%) in the mentor group and 30 (61.2%) in the control group. The same-class peer mentorship intervention led to a significant improvement in CAT scores for the mentee group, with their median score rising from 40.0 to 70.0% (p = 0.003), while the control group’s median slightly decreased. The mentee group’s SVS (p = 0.722) and USEI (p = 0.388) scores non-significantly improved post-intervention. However, specific USEI items revealed significant post-intervention improvements in mentees’ classroom engagement or increased participation in discussions (p = 0.001) and enjoyment of school (p = 0.031). SVS items showed non-significant differences between groups post-intervention. Conclusion The same-class peer mentorship intervention significantly improved CAT scores among academically underperforming medical students, with modest gains in SVS and USEI scores. While overall vitality and engagement changes were not significant, classroom engagement improved. These findings support intra-class peer mentorship in medical education.
Introduction Gross domestic product (GDP) has been shown to affect government spending on various budget heads including healthcare and the purchase and distribution of vaccines. This vulnerable situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted and exposed the fragile nature of equitable access to vaccines for childhood immunisation globally. A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association of country income status and GDP with vaccination coverage of vaccines for childhood immunisation and other major infectious diseases around the globe will inform global and national policy on equity in living standards and vaccine uptake. This study was carried out to identify factors influenced by GDP that affect access, distribution, and uptake of childhood vaccines around the world using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Methods Data were extracted for the burden of major infectious diseases of childhood immunisation programmes, factors affecting access to vaccines, vaccine procurement platforms, vaccination coverage and percentage of GDP used for the procurement of vaccines. Factors influencing the global vaccination coverage rate were also assessed. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022350418) and carried out using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results Data from 195 countries showed that the following infectious diseases had the highest burden; human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, Ebola and yellow fever. Low-income and some lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) used COVAX and UNICEF for vaccine procurement while high-income countries (HICs) preferred national and regional public tenders. Global vaccination coverage for tuberculosis, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, polio, meningitis and HPV had a significantly higher coverage than COVID-19. Being an HIC and having coverage data collected from 1985 to 2015 as the most current data were associated with high vaccination coverage. The percentage of GDP spent on vaccine procurement did not influence vaccination coverage. Conclusion Low-income countries and LMICs should prioritise vaccine research and improve on development capacity. Countries worldwide should share data on vaccine expenditure, vaccination coverage, and the development and introduction of new vaccines and technologies to facilitate equitable vaccine access.
Progress towards universal birth registration coverage has continued to lag in many developing countries despite continued interests and investments by governments and international agencies. As the primary caregiver, women are often saddled with the responsibility of getting their children’s birth registered and may be motivated to do so. However, this may not come to reality in situations where they are not empowered to participate in household decision-making that allows them to mobilize resources for this purpose. This study set out to investigate the spatially varying relationship between women’s empowerment and birth registration coverage at disaggregated level of States in Nigeria. Using data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, we constructed indices for women’s empowerment regarding household decision-making and healthcare utilization through factor scores generated from factor analysis that pooled several related questions on each of the empowerment indicators. Each woman was then classified into one of highly empowered, moderately empowered or less empowered category, and a geostatistical model that considers the neighbourhood structure of the spatial units was used to quantify the spatially-varying relationship with birth registration while accounting for other possible determinants. The results show huge variation in the likelihood of registering births among the highly empowered women. Though coverage appears to be generally lower in most northern States, there are a few States where the highly empowered women have high chances of registering their births. Birth registration coverage could benefit from interventions that seek to enhance women’s participation in household decision-making everywhere in the country.
Capital flight remains a topical issue as it presents developmental challenges to developing economies facing insufficient investible capital. The study observed an empirical lack in threshold adjustment rate of convergence in capital flight literature and how response variable reacts to predictors at various quantiles. Hence, this study investigates the asymmetric cointegration between capital flight and domestic investment in Nigeria between 1981 and 2021 using the threshold autoregressive quantile regression model. Empirical results from four distinct models validate the supposition that domestic investment is a reversal function of capital flight. The quantile regression results suggest that there exists a high sensitivity of domestic investment and a degree of convergence to percentile change in predictors. More importantly, the threshold adjustment favours a positive threshold and indicates an elevated degree of convergence to equilibrium. Furthermore, an increase in capital flight above the threshold value will severely hurt domestic investment. The study recommends that the quality of institutional and legal frameworks be put in place to fight corruption and curb capital flight as well as provide a business-friendly environment to boost domestic investment in Nigeria.
Engaging in research during medical training is crucial for fostering critical thinking, enhancing clinical skills, and deepening understanding of medical science. Despite its importance, the shortage of physician-scientists lingers with many trainees and junior doctors encountering challenges navigating the research process. Drawing on current literature, this article provides a comprehensive roadmap, categorising 12 actionable strategies into five themes, to help medical trainees overcome common obstacles and optimise their research experience. The strategies include early planning, research conduct and integrity, productivity and time management, collaboration and dissemination, and personal growth and development. By implementing these evidence-based recommendations, derived from current literature and expert insights, medical trainees can refine their research skills, produce high-quality outputs, and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community, ultimately enriching their medical training and future careers.
Background To address the growing burden of hypertension and related diseases, Nigeria seeks to reduce excess dietary sodium through policymaking. The current study aims to describe the levels and sources of dietary sodium intake among Nigerian adults to inform targeted policies for reducing sodium intake. Methods From June 2023 to July 2023, adults aged 18 to 70 years old were recruited from the Federal Capital Territory, Kano States, and Ogun States to participate in a population-based, cross-sectional non-communicable diseases survey. Data were also collected to assess levels and dietary sources of sodium through four 24-hour dietary recalls by trained study personnel with 90.7% response rate. Concurrent 24-hour urine sodium data were collected. The primary analyses included the distribution of sodium intake and sources of sodium, overall and by sex and state. Results were adjusted to the Nigerian population. Multivariate regression models evaluated associations between baseline sociodemographic factors and sodium intake. Results Among 537 participants, 365 (68.0%) were female, and median (Interquartile range) age was 38 (27, 48) years. Adjusted median (IQR) daily sodium intake according to 24-hour dietary recalls was 3,803 (2,663, 5,085) mg per day with higher intake reported among males (males: 3,878 [2,663, 5,032] mg/dl; females: 3,415 [2,373, 4,689], p<.0001). Two-thirds (67.0%) of the sodium intake was from home-cooked meals. Nearly half (48.7%) of sodium came from discretionary sources, including 21.4% from bouillon. Salt and yaji spice added at the table accounted for 9.1% of sodium intake and was highest among females (18.8%) and males (13.7%) in Kano. On the other hand, sodium from street food was highest in males (35.9%) and females (34.2%) in Ogun. After adjustment, older participants and those with higher education had lower daily sodium intake compared to younger participants and those with less education, respectively. Results were similar when excluding individuals with cardiovascular disease or hypertension. Conclusions Adults in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, and Ogun consume nearly twice the recommended level of dietary sodium. Most dietary sodium intake came from home cooked foods, nearly half of which came from discretionary sources, which has important policy implications for SHAKE package implementation.
Background Early diagnosis is crucial in Alzheimer's disease (AD) for optimal treatment outcomes. Neuropsychometric assessments, particularly using the Uniform Data Set Neuropsychological Battery (UDSNB3.0) [1], provide insights into cognitive domains in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease before significant hippocampal atrophy occurs. This study leverages 7T MRI, which offers superior spatial resolution, to investigate these correlates. Method Forty‐seven participants were recruited (24 AD patients and 23 matched healthy controls [HC]; age range: 40 ‐ 76 years). Participants selected for the study met the ATN criteria [2] for symptomatic Alzheimer's disease with CSF‐Amyloid positivity. Participants with significant hippocampal atrophy (i.e. MTA score of >2 on clinical MRI at 1.5/3T [3] were excluded. Imaging was carried out on a Philips Achieva 7T scanner equipped with a Nova Medical single‐channel transmit and 32‐channel receive (1Tx32Rx) head coil. The acquired images included PSIR sequences (TE/TR=3.1/6.9ms; FA=60°) with isotropic 0.55 mm resolution, as well as T2‐weighted FSE sequences (TE/TR=119/5900ms; FA=90°) with a resolution of 0.38x0.39x1.50 mm³. Result The reduction in the volume of CA1 hippocampal subfield in patients with AD significantly correlated with multiple cognitive domains, highlighting its central role in various aspects of cognitive function (see Table 1 and Figure 2). The change in volume was not significant for the whole brain showing that the hippocampus was changing particularly and not simply as part of general brain atrophy. A significant linear correlation was evident between the volume of CA1 and the total MoCA score (R² = 0.47; p=0.02), indicating a particularly strong correlation with the memory category with p<0.05. There were also significant correlations between CA1 and specific cognitive subdomains including executive function, attention, language, Orientation, Craft Story Immediate, Number Span Backward. Conclusion The observed result, indicating a robust correlation between the CA1 hippocampal subfield volume and various cognitive measures, in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between neuroanatomy and cognitive function.
Background Despite the proven efficacy of evidence-based healthcare interventions in reducing adverse outcomes and mortality associated with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a vast majority of affected individuals in Africa remain deprived of such care. Hydroxyurea (HU) utilization among SCD patients in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) stands at less than 1%, while in Nigeria, approximately 13% of patients benefit from HU therapy. To enhance HU utilization, targeted implementation strategies addressing provider-level barriers are imperative. Existing evidence underscores the significance of addressing barriers such as inadequate healthcare worker training to improve HU adoption. The ACCELERATE study aims to evaluate the adoption of HU among providers through the Screen, Initiate, and Maintain (SIM) intervention, facilitated by healthcare worker training, clinical reminders, and task-sharing strategies, thereby enhancing patient-level SCD management in Nigeria. Methods This study will implement the SIM intervention, encompassing patient screening, initiation of HU treatment, and maintenance of dosage, which will be implemented via the TAsk-Strengthening Strategy for Hemoglobinopathies (TASSH TCP), derived from our team’s TAsk-Strengthening Strategy for Hypertension control (TASSH) trials. Employing a sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach within the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) framework, this study will assess SIM adoption by providers in Nigeria. The primary outcome is the rate of SIM adoption at clinical sites at 12 months, with secondary outcomes including sustainability/maintenance of SIM intervention and implementation fidelity. Discussion This study’s findings will offer crucial insights into effective SCD management strategies, leveraging existing SCD clinical networks and resources in Nigeria to enhance HU adoption among providers in a scalable and sustainable manner. Additionally, the study will inform best practices for implementing HU therapy in resource-constrained settings, benefiting healthcare providers, policymakers, and stakeholders invested in improving SCD care delivery. Trial registration NCT06318143.
Introduction Newborn Screening (NBS) is a public health program designed to identify and provide early interventions for infants with genetic disorders such as Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Lack of awareness and unwillingness to participate in the NBS by caregivers and some healthcare workers are major contributing factors impeding NBS for SCD. Objective To evaluate the level of awareness and acceptance of NBS for SCD and the determinant factors influencing caregivers in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Methods The study employed a descriptive, quantitative design using questionnaires administered to healthcare workers and caregivers at immunization and antenatal clinics of 10 selected Primary Healthcare Centers (PHC) in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Result A total of 357 participants, comprising 301 caregivers and 56 health care workers responded to the questionnaires. Among the caregivers, 171 (57.2%) were not aware of NBS for SCD. Two hundred and ninety (97%) expressed willingness to participate in the NBS. However, 32 (10.6%) indicated reluctance to accept positive results of SCD. The majority, 175 (59.1%) of the caregivers strongly agreed that NBS for SCD helps in the early detection and management of SCD, while 7 (2.4%) disagreed. Notably 272 (90.4%) of the caregivers had secondary and tertiary education. Among the healthcare workers, 39 (73.6%) were aware of NBS for SCD and 30 (73.2%) have recommended it to caregivers. Conclusion This study revealed a low level of awareness of NBS for SCD among caregivers. However, there was a high level of acceptance among them. The level of awareness is high among healthcare workers. Education emerged as the major factor determining the knowledge and attitude of caregivers toward NBS for SCD.
Water pollution has become a growing threat to human society and natural ecosystems in recent decades. It increases the need to understand surface water quality assessment better using chemometric tools within aquatic systems. This study sampled the water quality of 21 parameters at multiple sampling points in Jabi Lake during wet and dry seasons (August–December 2021) using various statistical methods including cluster analysis, principal component analysis/factorial analysis, discriminant analysis, and box plot analysis. These samples were examined for physicochemical parameters employing standard techniques. The study revealed significant seasonal variations in water quality. During the wet season, key measurements included total dissolved solids (100.40 mg/l), dissolved oxygen (13.72 mg/l), and electrical conductivity (97.14 µs/cm). The dry season showed higher levels of most parameters, with total dissolved solids at 137.91 mg/l and electrical conductivity at 230.93 µs/cm. Statistical analysis identified strong correlations between various parameters, notably between phosphate and total hardness in the wet season ( r = 0.978, α = 0.05) and between pH and temperature in the dry season ( r = 0.995, α = 0.05). The study identified four principal components explaining 98.5–100% of the variance, representing various pollution sources including organic waste, domestic sewage, and natural factors. The findings indicated that dry season water samples were more polluted, with some parameters exceeding World Health Organisation standards, suggesting potential health risks. The research demonstrated the effectiveness of multivariate statistical techniques in analysing complex water quality data and provided valuable insights for water resource management, particularly regarding seasonal variations' impact on water quality.
Stability of existing agreements is the major means of investment protection at the disposal of multinational oil companies. This is achieved by inserting stabilization clauses to ensure that future changes in policy or legislation of the host country does not affect the existing agreement. Multinational oil companies are nevertheless confronted by the reality that stabilization clauses do not in fact provide the requisite immunity against host government action. On the part of host countries, it is recognized that their right to enjoy maximum benefits and to avoid adverse consequences from the exploitation of petroleum cannot be compromised on the ground that stability is an express term of the agreement. Therefore, renegotiation in the event of a fundamental change of circumstances surrounding the agreement appears to be a viable option for both parties to a petroleum agreement. Hence, this research examines the twin concepts of stability and renegotiation and their significance in international petroleum contracts.
Nigeria's status as a favourable destination for foreign direct investment as well as a place where local creative talent can flourish is in jeopardy due to the activities of individuals that place no value on intellectual property (IP). Experts have highlighted that one major snag to development of intellectual property in Nigeria is piracy and counterfeiting. It has ripped off many producers, manufacturers, artists, marketers and stakeholders of the benefits of their creativity and also prevented the industry from rapid financial growth and development. It is in this light that we intend to look at the place of piracy and counterfeiting to the social and economic development in Nigeria.
The role of Industrial property in aiding the growth of entrepreneurship is enormous. The issues of SMEs to national economic growth, especially in developing economies in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. One of the vital roles of entrepreneurship is accelerating the growth of SMEs. However, the entrepreneur is visible because of the development of Intellectual property and its protection. It is the hope and aspiration of every developing nation to achieve accelerated economic development. This can only be achieved through aggressive participation of the private sector and this role is assigned to the entrepreneur. But does this economic burden rest solely on the entrepreneur’s shoulders? It is this pertinent issue that would be looked at in this paper amongst others.
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2,680 members
Olumide Owolabi
  • Computer Science
Samuel Abayomi Asala
  • Department of Anatomical Sciences
Nafarnda Wesley Daniel
  • Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Dr R. I. Rauf
  • Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science
Mohammed Oludare Idrees
  • Surveying & Geoinformatics
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Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na'Allah