Nasarawa State University

The 21st century has ushered in technological advancements, with drones used for news gathering by television stations worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and use of drone technology for news gathering among television stations in Abuja, Nigeria. The study used an interview method, in which 10 journalists from NTA NEWS24 and AIT stations were interviewed to obtain results. The study was anchored in the Technology Acceptance Model, which showed the usefulness of gathering information from dangerous scenes using drones and the ease of remotely piloting the aircraft from a safe location to cover certain events without being harmed. Findings from the interview revealed that the camera operators at both television stations were the most knowledgeable among newsroom journalists in using drones, as they were adequately trained. Findings also showed that newsworthy events that used drones for coverage included natural disasters such as floods, sporting events, and protests. The study concluded that NTA NEWS24 and AIT stations have fully incorporated drones into their news gathering. Therefore, it was recommended that television stations should go beyond training only camera operators to utilise drones and also train reporters, in line with television stations worldwide.

Malaria continues to pose a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where more than 95% of global cases and deaths occur. Despite WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria (GTS) targeting a 90% reduction in malaria mortality by 2030, progress is hindered by persistent transmission conditions, fragile health systems, and emerging resistance to drugs and insecticides. Epidemiological models are increasingly applied to guide malaria control, yet their diversity and complexity present both opportunities and limitations for policy use. The aim of the proposed systematic review is to explore the epidemiological models that have been applied to malaria transmission in SSA, discuss how these models have been applied in informing malaria control measures as well as long-term elimination planning, and address the methodological strengths, limitations, challenges in implementing them, and their policy and strategic implications. This study presents a systematic review of malaria modeling efforts in SSA, with a focus on the strengths, weaknesses, and practical applications of different approaches. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a PROSPERO-registered protocol, we searched five databases (PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Web of Science, and African Medicus Index) for studies published up to December 31, 2024. Eligible articles were screened by three independent reviewers using predefined PECO criteria, and data were extracted on study context, model type, interventions, populations, and outcomes. The quality of the methodology used in the modelling studies that were included was determined using the ISPOR-SMDM good research practices framework. This framework assesses major areas of model structure, assumptions, transparency, validation and reporting. Since most of the included studies represented mechanistic epidemiologic transmissionmodels, rather than clinical prediction, studies, a formal risk-of-bias instrument, like PROBAST, was not utilized. Risk of bias was actually not measured, the modelling quality and reporting practices were instead appraised with the help of the ISPOR-SMDM assessment. Following systematic screening, a total of 102 studies met the inclusion criteria. The most prevalent models were transmission-focused models (52.9%, 54 articles), which involved disease dynamics. Intervention models contributed 21.6% (22 articles), optimal control models 9.8% (10 articles) and combined optimal control-cost-effectiveness models 15.7% (16 articles). Key gaps include limited incorporation of drug and insecticide resistance, migration dynamics, and climate variability. We conclude that future modeling for SSA must be better tailored to local transmission patterns, age-specific vulnerabilities, and programmatic needs, while promoting open access, transparent methods, and collaborative use cases. Strengthening the alignment between modeling outputs and policy priorities will be critical for achieving effective and sustainable malaria control in the region.

The extensive use of antibiotics in intensive poultry production has raised serious concerns regarding residual drug accumulation in edible tissues and the associated risks to animal health, food safety, and public health. This study assessed the presence, concentrations, and biological implications of residual antibiotics in broiler chicken breast and liver samples from poultry farms and retail supermarkets in Keffi metropolis. Broiler chickens were administered commonly used antibiotics, including fluoroquinolones, sulphonamides, gentamicin, oxytetracycline, neomycin, tylosin, and penicillin, while a control group received no antibiotics. Antibiotic residues in poultry and supermarket samples were analyzed using chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques. Secondary exposure and bioaccumulation were assessed in albino rats fed antibiotic-contaminated chicken meat. Microbial isolation and antibiotic sensitivity testing were conducted using standard culture and disk diffusion methods. Antibiotic-treated broiler chickens exhibited altered locomotor activity, heat stress (body temperature increase of 0.5–1.0 °C), reduced feeding behaviour, and increased mortality, with some groups losing up to two birds. From weeks 5–8, all antibiotic-treated groups showed significantly higher body weight compared to controls (P < 0.05). Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of multiple antibiotic residues in both breast and liver tissues, with liver samples consistently showing higher accumulation. Quantitatively, residue concentrations exceeded international Maximum Residue Limits, reaching 4.88 mg/g in poultry breast and 11.42 mg/g in poultry liver for penicillin. Supermarket frozen chicken samples showed even higher levels, with oxytetracycline concentrations as high as 30.08 mg/g. Gentamicin, oxytetracycline, and penicillin residues were detected in albino rat tissues, confirming dietary bioavailability. Microbial analysis revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Citrobacter, and Lactobacilli, alongside retained antimicrobial activity of residues against selected bacteria. These findings highlight significant risks to animal welfare, food safety, and public health and underscore the urgent need for strengthened regulatory control, routine residue monitoring, and responsible antibiotic stewardship in poultry production.

Mapping dynamic soil properties (DSPs), such as pH and nutrient levels, that fluctuate under management practices (fertiliser application, liming, irrigation, etc.), seasonal cycles, and environmental factors, is essential for precision agriculture, yet reliably quantifying them from satellite imagery remains a challenge. In this study, conducted in a semi-arid agricultural region of Tunisia covering 480 km², we challenge the standard composite-first paradigm by systematically evaluating the relationship between specific satellite acquisition dates and the predictability of DSPs. Using a dense time series of Sentinel-2 imagery (2019-2023) and 215 soil sampling points, we modelled key DSPs (pH, K, P₂O₅, EC, and Na) and soil moisture suctions (pF2.8 and pF4.2) using both temporal mosaic and date-specific approaches, with the latter being applied only on dates with at least 50 valid samples after cloud and vegetation filtering. Our results reveal a crucial limitation of the temporal mosaic approach, which yielded poor predictive performance, validated by low RPIQ values, for all properties. In contrast, date-specific analysis showed that certain DSPs, notably pH, K, and P₂O₅, could be predicted with high accuracy on specific optimal dates. At the same time, EC and Na remained poorly predicted, likely due to a low proportion of saline points in the dataset. We conclude that in such semi-arid agricultural environment, the temporal context of image acquisition is a decisive factor for successfully mapping specific DSPs, mandating a strategic shift from universal composites toward date-specific modelling for operational soil mapping.

This study examined the effectiveness of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-driven cognitive restructuring intervention in enhancing the achievement orientation of schooling adolescents in Karu Educational Zone, Nigeria. Guided by a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group, pretest-posttest design, the study involved a sample of 106 secondary school students (50 males and 56 females) randomly drawn from two schools. Participants in the experimental group received an eight-week ICT-driven cognitive restructuring programme that combined multimedia presentations, digital storytelling, interactive discussions, and online quizzes, while the control group received no intervention. Achievement orientation was measured using a 35-item Achievement Orientation Questionnaire (AOQ) developed by the researchers, with a reliability coefficient of 0.84. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), with pretest scores serving as covariates. Results revealed that students in the experimental group recorded significantly higher posttest mean achievement orientation scores compared to those in the control group (F = 53.97, p < .001). Gender differences were not statistically significant (F = 1.87, p > .05), and no significant interaction effect was found between gender and the intervention (F = 0.004, p > .05). These findings underscore the efficacy of ICT-driven cognitive restructuring in reshaping irrational beliefs, enhancing motivation, and fostering achievement-oriented mindsets among adolescents. It is therefore recommended that schools integrate ICT-driven cognitive restructuring interventions into guidance and counselling services, teacher-led instructional strategies, and policy-supported programmes to address the growing problem of academic apathy and declining motivation among Nigerian adolescents.

The acquisition of skills has been globally recognised as a legitimate tool towards employment creation and the sustained economic development. The study examined the role of skill acquisition on employment generation in Nigeria with respect to the Industrial Training Fund (ITF). The analysis of the data was based on descriptive statistics in terms of tables and simple percentages, whereas the objective was verified at a significance level of 5% using the Generalised Linear Model (GLM). The outcome showed that the involvement in ITF programmes and relevance of skills were significant in terms of employment creation that were positively and statistically relevant with coefficient of 0.3641 and 0.1445 respectively, whilst technical proficiency, soft skills, and industry alignment were significantly not relevant with coefficient of 0.131, -0.1655 and 0.580 respectively. The research falls to the conclusion that formal attendance at skills acquisition schemes like the ones adopted by the ITF, has a significant positive impact on the employment opportunities, creation of entrepreneurial possibilities, and income generation of the beneficiaries. Nevertheless, bottlenecks of poor facilities, little connections with the private sector, and poor alignment of industries still hinder the best results. The research thus suggests that the government and other stakeholders ought to enhance the institutional capacity of the ITF by providing sufficient funds, frequent review of the curriculum and the close working relations with industries. Moreover, after the training programmes like business start-up grants, mentorship programmes, and access to microfinance programmes are to be institutionalised to translate the learnt skills into long-term self-employment and inclusive national development.

This study investigates the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on price stability and employment dynamics in Nigeria from 2020 to 2024 using quantitative econometric techniques. Adopting an ex-post facto research design, the study employs secondary data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), World Bank, and International Labour Organization (ILO). Time-series regression models, including the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL), and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), were applied to evaluate both short- and long-run relationships among inflation, unemployment, food and fuel prices, and policy interventions. Results reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased inflation by approximately 5.2 percentage points, driven largely by food and fuel price escalation. Unemployment also rose by 1.2 percentage points, indicating widespread labor market disruptions. The positive relationship between inflation and unemployment demonstrates a departure from the traditional Phillips curve, reflecting stagflationary conditions during the pandemic. Furthermore, the interaction effects show that COVID-19 amplified both inflationary pressures and employment shocks. However, from 2022 onward, gradual recovery was evident, with unemployment declining to 3.07% in 2023 as GDP growth improved. The study concludes that the COVID-19 crisis reshaped Nigeria’s macroeconomic landscape by weakening the traditional inflation-employment nexus and exposing structural vulnerabilities in price and labor systems. It recommends strengthening fiscal coordination, expanding social protection, and stabilizing energy prices to cushion future economic shocks and sustain post-pandemic recovery.

This study evaluates UNICEF’s communication-for-development (C4D) strategies aimed at reducing six major childhood mortality diseases (measles, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and tuberculosis) in Plateau State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 400 questionnaires were distributed across the three senatorial districts, and 367 valid responses were recovered (response rate 91.8%). Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with seven-point Likert items and analysed using frequency and percentage distributions. Results indicate high awareness of the six diseases (90.7%) and substantial reach of UNICEF campaigns (81.0% awareness of campaigns). Respondents reported that mass media, interpersonal communication (health workers/community volunteers), and engagement with religious/traditional leaders were effective strategies, with 84.6% agreeing that multiple communication channels are used and 87.7% indicating improved disease awareness. However, gaps remain in consistent application across localities and in digital engagement. Based on findings, we recommend strengthening local language content, formalising community volunteer training, piloting SMS/WhatsApp reminders in targeted LGAs, and expanding monitoring and feedback mechanisms. These findings provide actionable guidance for UNICEF and state health actors seeking to optimise communication strategies for immunisation and child survival.

This study explores the relationship between ESG Reporting (ESGR) and financial performance (FP) in Nigerian telecommunications companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Using panel data from 2017 to 2023 and a Random Effects Model (REM), the research examines the impact of carbon emissions (CE), employee diversity (ED), and board composition (BC) on FP. Results indicate that CE have a negative effect on FP, while ED positively influences it. Although the effect of BC on FP is not significant, the study suggests investing in cleaner technologies, promoting employee diversity, and increasing board representation to enhance financial performance and mitigate environmental risks. Telecom companies can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting renewable energy and sustainable practices. Improving diversity metrics and financial results can further enhance the impact of employee diversity on financial performance. Challenges such as cultural biases and regulatory obstacles may impede board diversity in Nigeria's telecom sector. The study provides insights and recommendations on ESGR for policymakers, regulators, and investors in developing economies to achieve a balance between sustainability and financial growth.