In the contemporary world, human rights have become dominant ideology as it received almost unive... more In the contemporary world, human rights have become dominant ideology as it received almost universal recognition by all societies and people of all creeds. Human rights are now considered as sine qua non for the holistic development of human personality. Human dignity and autonomy remain the essence of human rights. Indivisibility and unity of the human person in the physical, intellectual and spiritual sense serves the main philosophical basis upon which human rights are premised. The quest for human rights and human dignity is universal. From a philosophical perspective, the concept of dignity derives from reason and autonomy of human being. Thus, the realisation of human rights eventually safeguards human dignity. In this paper, an attempt will be made to annotate the nature, feature and enforcement of human rights and compare them with the existing situation in Bangladesh.
The paper is on the causes and impacts of desertification on food security in Nigeria. Desertific... more The paper is on the causes and impacts of desertification on food security in Nigeria. Desertification is visible in eleven states in northern Nigeria and its effect is very glaring on the agricultural sector. Farmers have been deprived of farm lands by sand duns, inadequate water as most of the sources have shrank in volume, low income, etc. All these have negative impact on farming. Many farmers have abandoned the profession for other more lucrative activities to enable them meet their basic needs. A lot of national and international interventions have been made to ameliorate the condition. Despite these efforts, desertification persists. The paper reveals that desertification have exacerbated the problem of food security in these areas and in Nigeria in general. Government and other stakeholders should intensify efforts to combat this problem, improve poverty alleviating Programme, and plant economic trees in its reforestation efforts among others.
Whether external debt influences economic growth is still considered a crucial policy issue. This... more Whether external debt influences economic growth is still considered a crucial policy issue. This paper analyses the impact of external debt on economic growth in Nigeria. It uses the variance decomposition and impulse response from Vector Auto-Regression (VAR), a time-series econometric model to test whether or not External Debt, Ratio of External debt to Exports and other economic control variables such as: Inflation, Real Exchange Rate and Public investment stimulate economic growth proxy by gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate. Based on the two-stage data processing, the result reveals that causation between external debt and economic growth is weak in the Nigerian context and external debt could thus not be used to forecast improvement or slowdown in economic growth in Nigeria. Hence, changes in GDP cannot be predicted with changes in external debt. The policy implication of the study is that most Nigerians contract debt for selfish reasons rather than for the promotion of economic growth. For debt to promote growth in Nigeria, fiscal discipline and high sense of responsibility in handling public funds should be the watchword of Nigerian leaders.
Key words: External debt, economic growth, VAR, Nigeria.
The study assessed attractiveness of Kasumbalesa cross border market on the Democratic Republic o... more The study assessed attractiveness of Kasumbalesa cross border market on the Democratic Republic of Congo side for informal exports of maize grain, maize meal, rice and beans from the Zambian side using paired market monthly price adjustment regression models. It was undertaken due to lack of informationon attractiveness since exports were fluctuating over time. Objectives were to develop indices for net upward relative price adjustments and relative durations, and use them to assess market attractiveness. Price data were obtained for both markets from January 2005 to December 2013. Results for net upward relative price adjustment indices were 56% for maize grain, 75% for maize meal, 91% for beans and 47% for rice. Relative duration indices were 40% for maize grain, 41% for maize meal, 16% for beans and 19% for rice. The market was found to be moderately attractive for beans, maize meal and maize grain exports, and least attractive for rice exports. It recommends accurate timing of moderately attractive exports, and establishing support infrastructure to maximize export in those short periods. For rice, the study recommends identifying alternative markets to expand exports.
Key words: Kasumbalesa cross border markets, Net upward relative price adjustment, Index for net upward relative price adjustments, Index for relative durations, Market attractiveness, Attractiveness matrix.
Tinea capitis, a highly contagious skin infection, represents a significant public health problem... more Tinea capitis, a highly contagious skin infection, represents a significant public health problem, particularly among school children. Unsafe practices in its treatment have been reported in some studies. Studies have proved that oil derived from Azadirachta indica (Neem tree) seed has moisturizing and regenerative properties, containing Vitamin E as well as essential fatty acids. The use of neem seed-derived oil formulation in the management of T. capitis among school pupils in Ibadan was explored in this study. Pupils diagnosed of T. capitis in five randomly selected public primary schools were recruited. Neem oil was locally extracted from neem seed using the cold and mechanical press method and was given to pupils in covered container for application twice daily on the affected region. Infected skin circumference measured with a tape rule before treatment was compared to that obtained after weekly monitoring for four weeks. There was significant reduction in the proportion of skin circumference covered by infection over the treatment period in 80.4% pupils from 35.7 to 7.5 cm (P<0.05, t=49.42). Neem oil was effective in the clearance of infections when applied consistently. Its use should be promoted using training, public enlightenment and advocacy strategies.
Key words: Azadirachta indica, Neem oil, Tinea capitis, germicidal property, primary school pupils.
The starting of universal primary education (UPE) in Uganda was not a smooth affair. There was po... more The starting of universal primary education (UPE) in Uganda was not a smooth affair. There was politicization of primary education to the extent that politicians had taken center-stage in policy formulation and monitoring. The research suggested employment of technical personnel in policy matters. Another issue was the high attrition rate at primary level. It was recommended that government should put in place measures to effect universal primary completion. The quality of education had remained low, because of the high pupil to teacher ratio and low teachers’ morale. In that respect, government should motivate the teachers. Corruption was a big challenge in Uganda and funds were embezzled. Government should hold all civil servants involved accountable at all levels. Whereas there was UPE, a number of parents could not afford it because of poverty. Government should intensify campaigns to increase household incomes and transform society from a peasantry economy to a middle-class economy. In Uganda, there was lack of a relevant curriculum to make the school product self-reliant. This study suggested 8 years of skill-based primary education. Methodology applied in this study is non-empirical based on the concept critical analysis of issues.
Ebola disease has come to be an international public health issue. The global nature of the disea... more Ebola disease has come to be an international public health issue. The global nature of the disease has turned it into a pandemic. A discourse on Ebola is necessary to bring to fore salient factors about the disease particularly its mode of spread. The study adopted a descriptive research method which anchors on social network approach (SNA) as a model to understand the aetiology of the disease. Empirical review revealed works of scholars on epidemiological dimension on Ebola. The works of scholars also revealed the pattern of spread of the disease. In the discussion, the study has highlighted that Ebola disease is not just a localized issue but rather a global phenomenon. This requires adoption of adequate measures such as sensitization of the general population on the symptoms of the disease to reduce fear and stigmatization.
This research looks or investigates the principles and rules relating to the matrimonial dispute ... more This research looks or investigates the principles and rules relating to the matrimonial dispute settlement under the Shari’ah and how they are practicing matrimonial dispute settlement (sulh) in Nigerian or Customary Law. Its legalities, conditions, and principles were looked into and causes of matrimonial dispute in Nigeria were mentioned in the paper. Classical works on the matrimonial dispute settlement was studied in this work in contrast with Nigerian Customary system. However, the primary objective of this paper is to examine the concept of matrimonial dispute settlement (sulh) according to fundamentals of Shariah from the perspective of the Qur’an. Islamic matrimonial amicable reconciliation practice in Nigeria (ADR) and it types were also looked into. The research was conducted through qualitative method; that is, Nigeria constitution, Qur’an and hadith, journals, articles, conferences proceedings, and Islamic textbooks by respected scholars of Islam. The research was concluded by suggesting the way out of the problems.
Key words: Islam, matrimonial dispute, settlement practice, reconciliation, Nigeria.
There is an increasing usage of herbal remedies worldwide. To adequately manage safety issues ass... more There is an increasing usage of herbal remedies worldwide. To adequately manage safety issues associated with herbal medicines, the future physician must possess good knowledge of them. Medical students of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year classes, totaling 284 completed a questionnaire in a cross-sectional study which assessed their knowledge and attitude towards herbal medicines. Data was analyzed using SPSS 18 and GraphPad 5.01. The respondents had good attitude (3.365 ± 1.069/5 or 67.9%) but poor knowledge (4.697 ± 3.509/16.5, or 28.5%). Advancing years of study had a significant effect on the students’ overall knowledge of herbal medicine (p = 0.01). Majority of the students, 54.7% ever used herbal product with 77.5% of the users getting positive outcome of the treatment. The best known and used herb was the Neem plant (Azadirachta indica) used by most students to treat malaria. Although with limited knowledge, the medical students showed a high level of personal use and good attitude towards herbal medicines. Introduction of herbal medicine course in their medical curriculum should increase their knowledge and attitude so they could in the future adequately manage patients who used or intend to use herbal products together with the orthodox medicines.
This article reviews the literature to highlight the etiological relationship between Schistosoma... more This article reviews the literature to highlight the etiological relationship between Schistosoma haematobium infestation and the development of urinary bladder cancer with emphasis on the specific genetic mechanisms and tumor markers. The aim is to understand where the gaps in knowledge can be bridged. A systematic literature review was performed searching PubMed for publications between 1999 and 2012 including publications indexed within the same period. The epidemiologic and experimental association between the parasite and the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the urinary bladder and the chronic inflammatory processes induced by the eggs on the bladder wall induce macrophages to produce toxic free radicals. The loss of chromosome Y and alterations in chromosome 7, 9 and 17 in males provide explanations in the pathogenesis of SCC in males. The initiation, promotion and progression of SCC urinary bladder cancer is associated with this parasite that has been classified as a class 1 carcinogen; the pathogenesis involves the complex interaction of multiple etiologic factors from gender, genetic and immunologic predisposition, occupational, environmental exposures and geographical distribution. There is a need for future research in this area.
Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has rem... more Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest health and social issues for decades. People aged between 10 and 24 are the most affected. Research into why this population subset is affected is very pertinent. We therefore conducted a systematic review of the knowledge and attitudes of young people in Nigeria about HIV/AIDS to understand where the gaps between knowledge and attitudes can be bridged. We conducted searches in Medline, PubMed, African Index Medicus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health. World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) documents were also searched. Searches were for studies between 1986 (when HIV/AIDS was first reported in Nigeria) till date. In addition, data abstraction and quality assessment were done. 279 titles and abstracts were found, 31 articles in full text were appraised critically and 17 articles were selected based on our criteria. Constructs for knowledge and attitudes were itemized on two tables for each article based on the Health Belief Model. Even though many of the studies showed high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, it did not impact attitudes toward the disease. Fear and anxiety prevented participants from acquiring knowledge. There is a need for future research to be culturally sensitive with a focus on attitudes and correction of misconceptions about HIV/AIDS among Nigerian youth. Areas such as qualitative sexuality education in the school curriculum would be useful especially before entry into secondary school.
In the contemporary world, human rights have become dominant ideology as it received almost unive... more In the contemporary world, human rights have become dominant ideology as it received almost universal recognition by all societies and people of all creeds. Human rights are now considered as sine qua non for the holistic development of human personality. Human dignity and autonomy remain the essence of human rights. Indivisibility and unity of the human person in the physical, intellectual and spiritual sense serves the main philosophical basis upon which human rights are premised. The quest for human rights and human dignity is universal. From a philosophical perspective, the concept of dignity derives from reason and autonomy of human being. Thus, the realisation of human rights eventually safeguards human dignity. In this paper, an attempt will be made to annotate the nature, feature and enforcement of human rights and compare them with the existing situation in Bangladesh.
The paper is on the causes and impacts of desertification on food security in Nigeria. Desertific... more The paper is on the causes and impacts of desertification on food security in Nigeria. Desertification is visible in eleven states in northern Nigeria and its effect is very glaring on the agricultural sector. Farmers have been deprived of farm lands by sand duns, inadequate water as most of the sources have shrank in volume, low income, etc. All these have negative impact on farming. Many farmers have abandoned the profession for other more lucrative activities to enable them meet their basic needs. A lot of national and international interventions have been made to ameliorate the condition. Despite these efforts, desertification persists. The paper reveals that desertification have exacerbated the problem of food security in these areas and in Nigeria in general. Government and other stakeholders should intensify efforts to combat this problem, improve poverty alleviating Programme, and plant economic trees in its reforestation efforts among others.
Whether external debt influences economic growth is still considered a crucial policy issue. This... more Whether external debt influences economic growth is still considered a crucial policy issue. This paper analyses the impact of external debt on economic growth in Nigeria. It uses the variance decomposition and impulse response from Vector Auto-Regression (VAR), a time-series econometric model to test whether or not External Debt, Ratio of External debt to Exports and other economic control variables such as: Inflation, Real Exchange Rate and Public investment stimulate economic growth proxy by gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate. Based on the two-stage data processing, the result reveals that causation between external debt and economic growth is weak in the Nigerian context and external debt could thus not be used to forecast improvement or slowdown in economic growth in Nigeria. Hence, changes in GDP cannot be predicted with changes in external debt. The policy implication of the study is that most Nigerians contract debt for selfish reasons rather than for the promotion of economic growth. For debt to promote growth in Nigeria, fiscal discipline and high sense of responsibility in handling public funds should be the watchword of Nigerian leaders.
Key words: External debt, economic growth, VAR, Nigeria.
The study assessed attractiveness of Kasumbalesa cross border market on the Democratic Republic o... more The study assessed attractiveness of Kasumbalesa cross border market on the Democratic Republic of Congo side for informal exports of maize grain, maize meal, rice and beans from the Zambian side using paired market monthly price adjustment regression models. It was undertaken due to lack of informationon attractiveness since exports were fluctuating over time. Objectives were to develop indices for net upward relative price adjustments and relative durations, and use them to assess market attractiveness. Price data were obtained for both markets from January 2005 to December 2013. Results for net upward relative price adjustment indices were 56% for maize grain, 75% for maize meal, 91% for beans and 47% for rice. Relative duration indices were 40% for maize grain, 41% for maize meal, 16% for beans and 19% for rice. The market was found to be moderately attractive for beans, maize meal and maize grain exports, and least attractive for rice exports. It recommends accurate timing of moderately attractive exports, and establishing support infrastructure to maximize export in those short periods. For rice, the study recommends identifying alternative markets to expand exports.
Key words: Kasumbalesa cross border markets, Net upward relative price adjustment, Index for net upward relative price adjustments, Index for relative durations, Market attractiveness, Attractiveness matrix.
Tinea capitis, a highly contagious skin infection, represents a significant public health problem... more Tinea capitis, a highly contagious skin infection, represents a significant public health problem, particularly among school children. Unsafe practices in its treatment have been reported in some studies. Studies have proved that oil derived from Azadirachta indica (Neem tree) seed has moisturizing and regenerative properties, containing Vitamin E as well as essential fatty acids. The use of neem seed-derived oil formulation in the management of T. capitis among school pupils in Ibadan was explored in this study. Pupils diagnosed of T. capitis in five randomly selected public primary schools were recruited. Neem oil was locally extracted from neem seed using the cold and mechanical press method and was given to pupils in covered container for application twice daily on the affected region. Infected skin circumference measured with a tape rule before treatment was compared to that obtained after weekly monitoring for four weeks. There was significant reduction in the proportion of skin circumference covered by infection over the treatment period in 80.4% pupils from 35.7 to 7.5 cm (P<0.05, t=49.42). Neem oil was effective in the clearance of infections when applied consistently. Its use should be promoted using training, public enlightenment and advocacy strategies.
Key words: Azadirachta indica, Neem oil, Tinea capitis, germicidal property, primary school pupils.
The starting of universal primary education (UPE) in Uganda was not a smooth affair. There was po... more The starting of universal primary education (UPE) in Uganda was not a smooth affair. There was politicization of primary education to the extent that politicians had taken center-stage in policy formulation and monitoring. The research suggested employment of technical personnel in policy matters. Another issue was the high attrition rate at primary level. It was recommended that government should put in place measures to effect universal primary completion. The quality of education had remained low, because of the high pupil to teacher ratio and low teachers’ morale. In that respect, government should motivate the teachers. Corruption was a big challenge in Uganda and funds were embezzled. Government should hold all civil servants involved accountable at all levels. Whereas there was UPE, a number of parents could not afford it because of poverty. Government should intensify campaigns to increase household incomes and transform society from a peasantry economy to a middle-class economy. In Uganda, there was lack of a relevant curriculum to make the school product self-reliant. This study suggested 8 years of skill-based primary education. Methodology applied in this study is non-empirical based on the concept critical analysis of issues.
Ebola disease has come to be an international public health issue. The global nature of the disea... more Ebola disease has come to be an international public health issue. The global nature of the disease has turned it into a pandemic. A discourse on Ebola is necessary to bring to fore salient factors about the disease particularly its mode of spread. The study adopted a descriptive research method which anchors on social network approach (SNA) as a model to understand the aetiology of the disease. Empirical review revealed works of scholars on epidemiological dimension on Ebola. The works of scholars also revealed the pattern of spread of the disease. In the discussion, the study has highlighted that Ebola disease is not just a localized issue but rather a global phenomenon. This requires adoption of adequate measures such as sensitization of the general population on the symptoms of the disease to reduce fear and stigmatization.
This research looks or investigates the principles and rules relating to the matrimonial dispute ... more This research looks or investigates the principles and rules relating to the matrimonial dispute settlement under the Shari’ah and how they are practicing matrimonial dispute settlement (sulh) in Nigerian or Customary Law. Its legalities, conditions, and principles were looked into and causes of matrimonial dispute in Nigeria were mentioned in the paper. Classical works on the matrimonial dispute settlement was studied in this work in contrast with Nigerian Customary system. However, the primary objective of this paper is to examine the concept of matrimonial dispute settlement (sulh) according to fundamentals of Shariah from the perspective of the Qur’an. Islamic matrimonial amicable reconciliation practice in Nigeria (ADR) and it types were also looked into. The research was conducted through qualitative method; that is, Nigeria constitution, Qur’an and hadith, journals, articles, conferences proceedings, and Islamic textbooks by respected scholars of Islam. The research was concluded by suggesting the way out of the problems.
Key words: Islam, matrimonial dispute, settlement practice, reconciliation, Nigeria.
There is an increasing usage of herbal remedies worldwide. To adequately manage safety issues ass... more There is an increasing usage of herbal remedies worldwide. To adequately manage safety issues associated with herbal medicines, the future physician must possess good knowledge of them. Medical students of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year classes, totaling 284 completed a questionnaire in a cross-sectional study which assessed their knowledge and attitude towards herbal medicines. Data was analyzed using SPSS 18 and GraphPad 5.01. The respondents had good attitude (3.365 ± 1.069/5 or 67.9%) but poor knowledge (4.697 ± 3.509/16.5, or 28.5%). Advancing years of study had a significant effect on the students’ overall knowledge of herbal medicine (p = 0.01). Majority of the students, 54.7% ever used herbal product with 77.5% of the users getting positive outcome of the treatment. The best known and used herb was the Neem plant (Azadirachta indica) used by most students to treat malaria. Although with limited knowledge, the medical students showed a high level of personal use and good attitude towards herbal medicines. Introduction of herbal medicine course in their medical curriculum should increase their knowledge and attitude so they could in the future adequately manage patients who used or intend to use herbal products together with the orthodox medicines.
This article reviews the literature to highlight the etiological relationship between Schistosoma... more This article reviews the literature to highlight the etiological relationship between Schistosoma haematobium infestation and the development of urinary bladder cancer with emphasis on the specific genetic mechanisms and tumor markers. The aim is to understand where the gaps in knowledge can be bridged. A systematic literature review was performed searching PubMed for publications between 1999 and 2012 including publications indexed within the same period. The epidemiologic and experimental association between the parasite and the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the urinary bladder and the chronic inflammatory processes induced by the eggs on the bladder wall induce macrophages to produce toxic free radicals. The loss of chromosome Y and alterations in chromosome 7, 9 and 17 in males provide explanations in the pathogenesis of SCC in males. The initiation, promotion and progression of SCC urinary bladder cancer is associated with this parasite that has been classified as a class 1 carcinogen; the pathogenesis involves the complex interaction of multiple etiologic factors from gender, genetic and immunologic predisposition, occupational, environmental exposures and geographical distribution. There is a need for future research in this area.
Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has rem... more Human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest health and social issues for decades. People aged between 10 and 24 are the most affected. Research into why this population subset is affected is very pertinent. We therefore conducted a systematic review of the knowledge and attitudes of young people in Nigeria about HIV/AIDS to understand where the gaps between knowledge and attitudes can be bridged. We conducted searches in Medline, PubMed, African Index Medicus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health. World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) documents were also searched. Searches were for studies between 1986 (when HIV/AIDS was first reported in Nigeria) till date. In addition, data abstraction and quality assessment were done. 279 titles and abstracts were found, 31 articles in full text were appraised critically and 17 articles were selected based on our criteria. Constructs for knowledge and attitudes were itemized on two tables for each article based on the Health Belief Model. Even though many of the studies showed high level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, it did not impact attitudes toward the disease. Fear and anxiety prevented participants from acquiring knowledge. There is a need for future research to be culturally sensitive with a focus on attitudes and correction of misconceptions about HIV/AIDS among Nigerian youth. Areas such as qualitative sexuality education in the school curriculum would be useful especially before entry into secondary school.
Uploads
Papers by Peak Journals
Key words: Human rights, judicial activism, judicial enforcement, ICCPR, ICESCR, UDHR.
Key words: Desertification, deforestation, food security.
Key words: External debt, economic growth, VAR, Nigeria.
Key words: Kasumbalesa cross border markets, Net upward relative price adjustment, Index for net upward relative price adjustments, Index for relative durations, Market attractiveness, Attractiveness matrix.
Key words: Azadirachta indica, Neem oil, Tinea capitis, germicidal property, primary school pupils.
Key words: Universal Primary Education, peasantry economy, middle-class economy, attrition rate.
Key words: Ebola disease, transmission, epidemiology, discourse.
Key words: Islam, matrimonial dispute, settlement practice, reconciliation, Nigeria.
Key words: Complementary, practice, plant, Neem, malaria.
Key words: Human rights, judicial activism, judicial enforcement, ICCPR, ICESCR, UDHR.
Key words: Desertification, deforestation, food security.
Key words: External debt, economic growth, VAR, Nigeria.
Key words: Kasumbalesa cross border markets, Net upward relative price adjustment, Index for net upward relative price adjustments, Index for relative durations, Market attractiveness, Attractiveness matrix.
Key words: Azadirachta indica, Neem oil, Tinea capitis, germicidal property, primary school pupils.
Key words: Universal Primary Education, peasantry economy, middle-class economy, attrition rate.
Key words: Ebola disease, transmission, epidemiology, discourse.
Key words: Islam, matrimonial dispute, settlement practice, reconciliation, Nigeria.
Key words: Complementary, practice, plant, Neem, malaria.