Language of instruction policy in Nigeria: assessing implementation and literacy achievement in a multilingual environment

In this study, I evaluate adherence to Nigeria's Language of Instruction (LOI) policy, which mandates that primary school students be taught in indigenous language. Using multivariate regression analysis and data from round 6 of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS6), I assessed disparities in adherence between school types (public and private schools) and location (urban/rural areas) and regions. The results reveal private schools exhibit lower implementation rates than public schools, while urban areas lag behind rural areas, and the southern region trails the north. This highlights the challenges of enforcing a uniform LOI policy in Nigeria's linguistically diverse setting. I also examine the relationship between LOI and literacy outcomes using regression and propensity score matching anaysis. Contrary to prevailing notion that teaching children in an indigenous language improves learning outcomes, my findings show that students taught in English outperformed their peers taught in indigenous languages. This departure from the norm underscores the need to reassess generalized conclusions derived from less lingustically diverse contexts, as they might not apply settings like Nigeria. It also calls for a nuanced understanding of how LOI influences learning outcomes in diverse contexts, emphasizing the importance of tailoring educational policies to local realities

Embryogenesis of 'albescens'-type of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in Eeuwens medium

The growth response of zygotic embryos of 'Albescens'- type of 'tenera' oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) using Eeuwens medium, supplemented with 1-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) was investigated. The respective concentrations (0.00 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L, 0.10 mg/L) of NAA and BAP were used singly and in combination. Zygotic embryos extracted from the 'Tenera-albescens' type of oil palm were sterilized and inoculated in Eeuwens media containing the various combinations of growth regulators. The cultures were incubated in the dark room at 26oC, 50-60% relative humidity and later transferred to the light room at 26oC, 50-60% relative humidity at 16 hr photoperiod. Subcultures were carried out at intervals of 4 weeks. Data were collected on days to shoot and root emergence, shoot length at 3 weeks after inoculation (WAI), root length and plant height at 4, 6, 8 and 10 WAI, number of leaves and roots at 10 WAI. The results showed that the concentrations of NAA and BAP singly and in combinations had significant (p < 0.05) effect on in vitro plant regeneration and plantlet development. However, synergistic effect of the two plant growth regulators as supplements were optimal for all growth parameters measured.Keywords:  Elaeis guineensis, 'Albescens', dormancy, germination, Eeuwens, in vitr

Relationship between Undergraduates Family Emotional Climate and Academic Performance of Undergraduates

This study examined the relationship between undergraduate family emotional climate and academic performances. To guide this study, five research questions were asked and five null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Purposive random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 136 respondents’ from the department of guidance and counseling. The instrument for the study is titled, undergraduates emotional climate and academic performance inventory. It has face and content validity index of 0.91. The findings of the research revealed that there is no relationship between family emotional climate and academic performance among undergraduates, males, females, 100 level and 400 levels. It was recommended that university management should create an enriched academic environment that will encourage the growth of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor activities that will enhance academic success among undergraduate. Keywords: Family emotional climate, academic performance

Dolomitization of the catoche formation, Daniel's Harbour, Western Newfoundland, Canada

In proces

Integrated Evaluation of The Clean-Up Performance of Unconventional Gas Plays: Investigating the Impact of Desiccation and Low Permeability Jail

Tight and ultra-tight gas formations refer to low permeability gas bearing formations that predominantly produce dry gas. Literature reviewed shows no study has been carried out to investigate the effects of desiccation and low permeability jail on fracture-fluid clean-up. In previous literatures (Tannich, 1975; Cheng, 2012), investigated the effects of inefficient fracture-fluid clean-up on gas production. It was discovered that liquid removal from damaged matrix, capillary pressure and relative permeability are governing characteristics of the flow of water in a fracture. The aim of this research is to investigate the impact of weak permeability jail and desiccation in fracture-fluid clean-up of unconventional gas plays. Analyzing the effects of these factors will help to mitigate the impact of residual water and maximize the recovery of natural gas. A numerical model was developed using CMG software, which was then validated by comparing the simulated model to the analytical model. Several geo-mechanical properties and their effects on the reservoir formation, gas and water production and fluid dynamics were also compared. Some preliminary results gotten from this research are both critical gas saturation and irreducible water saturation have a negative relationship with porosity as well as permeability. Towards the end of production life of the well; there are gas bubbles, which means the gas is not completely dissolved in water due to the average water saturation in the later stages of the well production. Preliminary conclusions drawn from investigations are presence of water changes the gas percolation. When there is high water saturation within the formation, then gas-water two-phase flow takes place. Gas-water ratio increases with the drawdown pressure, this agrees with the assumption in (Tannich, 1975). Both bottom-hole pressures from analytical and CMG simulation models are overlapping and almost on top of each other, wher

Modelling temperature and slice thickness effect on b-carotene, carbohydrate and moisture contents of orange-fleshed sweet potato flour

In this study, the effect of oven temperature (OT) and slice thickness (ST) of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) on Beta-carotene, carbohydrate, and moisture contents of OFSP flour was determined. A 22 full factorial experimental design with two replications was used.   The washed, peeled and sliced OFSP roots were dried to constant weights in an oven. The dried slices were milled into flour using a grinder and then sieved using a 200 µm sieve to achieve particle size uniformity. The colour parameters, carbohydrate, and moisture contents of the resultant flour were determined. Statistical analyses were done using Design Expert 12 software at (p < 0.05) significance level. Results showed that OT had significantly negative effect while ST had significantly positive effect on the pigments, carbohydrate, and moisture contents of OFSP flour. Both OT and ST, however, had significantly positive interaction effect on the dependent variables. At the design points and their proximities, the following linear equations were found to be adequate: B-carotene (b*) = 82.47 - 1.06 * OT - 1.25 * ST + 0.03 * OT * ST; Carbohydrate = 103.87 - 0.55 * OT - 1.27 * ST + 0.02 * OT * ST; Moisture content = 13.87 - 0.07 * OT - 0.11 * ST. However, at the centres of the design space, the linear equations were found inadequate for predictions, which indicated the need for further studies on quadratic or cubic model development. The results mean that 10 mm thick slices oven-dried at 85o C would give properly dried (9.4% M.C.) high-protein (6.7%) flour; while 10 mm thick slices dried at 45o C would give high carbohydrate  (76%) flour with good colour retention. In this study, the effect of oven temperature (OT) and slice thickness (ST) of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) on Beta-carotene, carbohydrate, and moisture contents of OFSP flour was determined. A 22 full factorial experimental design with two replications was used.   The washed, peeled and sliced OFSP roots were dried to constant weights in an oven. The dried slices were milled into flour using a grinder and then sieved using a 200 µm sieve to achieve particle size uniformity. The colour parameters, carbohydrate, and moisture contents of the resultant flour were determined. Statistical analyses were done using Design Expert 12 software at (p < 0.05) significance level. Results showed that OT had significantly negative effect while ST had significantly positive effect on the pigments, carbohydrate, and moisture contents of OFSP flour. Both OT and ST, however, had significantly positive interaction effect on the dependent variables. At the design points and their proximities, the following linear equations were found to be adequate: B-carotene (b*) = 82.47 - 1.06 * OT - 1.25 * ST + 0.03 * OT * ST; Carbohydrate = 103.87 - 0.55 * OT - 1.27 * ST + 0.02 * OT * ST; Moisture content = 13.87 - 0.07 * OT - 0.11 * ST. However, at the centres of the design space, the linear equations were found inadequate for predictions, which indicated the need for further studies on quadratic or cubic model development. The results mean that 10 mm thick slices oven-dried at 85o C would give properly dried (9.4% M.C.) high-protein (6.7%) flour; while 10 mm thick slices dried at 45o C would give high carbohydrate  (76%) flour with good colour retention

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Heterotis Niloticus (Osteoglossiformes: Osteoglossidae) From Anambra River, Eastern Nigeria

Fish diseases especially those caused by parasites are major problems confronting fish farmers globally. This study investigated the gastrointestinal helminth parasites of Heterotis niloticus (African Bony tongue fish) from the Anambra River basin over 12 months (January to December, 2013). A total of 294 fish were caught from three locations along the Anambra River, and transported to the laboratory for morphological and parasitological studies. Four species of helminth parasites were isolated comprising one cestode (Sandonella sandoni), two nematodes (Procamallanus laeviconchus and Dujardinascaris species) and one acanthocephalan (Tenuisentis niloticus). Out of the 294 fish species examined, the overall prevalence of infection was high (72.8%) with a mean abundance of 0.77 of helminth parasites per fish. Prevalence of helminth infection increased with increasing host weight, although there was no significant relationship (p=0.144). Similarly, there was no significant relationship between the length of fish and helminth infection. The intestine was found to be the site for most of the recovered parasites. More parasites were recovered during the rainy season. It can be concluded that H. niloticus is a new host record for P. laeviconchus. It is therefore necessary to be aware of the parasitofauna for possible zoonotic disease. Keywords: Gastrointestinal; Parasites; Helminth; Heterotis niloticus; Anambra River. &nbsp

Management and Clinical Outcome of Penetrating Keratoplasty for Long-Term Corneal Changes in Sympathetic Ophthalmia

Purpose. To report the visual outcome of penetrating keratoplasty performed on the sympathizing eye in three cases of sympathetic ophthalmitis. Methods. Interventional case series of three patients, diagnosed with sympathetic ophthalmitis, with corneal changes in the form of band keratopathy and decompensation underwent penetrating keratoplasty to the sympathizing eye. They had each sustained penetrating trauma as a child and had undergone previous cataract surgery and superficial keratectomy. Two patients had undergone lamellar keratoplasty prior to this procedure. One patient had undergone trabeculectomy for glaucoma, and she was on antiglaucoma medication. The preoperative visual acuity was 1/60 in the affected eye of each patient. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in the sympathizing eye and the donor graft size was 7.50 mm, and the host graft size was 7.25 mm. Our patients were immunosuppressed prior to the procedure to help prevent graft rejection. Result. At one year follow-up, a BCVA of 6/36 or better was achieved in all three patients. Postoperative examination of the fundus showed peripheral chorioretinal atrophy with pigmentary changes at the macula, accounting for the limited vision. The grafts remain clear to date, and there has been no recurrence of uveitis or rejection. Conclusion. Penetrating keratoplasty can be considered as a surgical option to restore useful vision in a stable sympathizing eye in sympathetic ophthalmitis, and this depends on the extent of the pathology. However, these cases require treatment with immunosuppressives to prevent graft rejection and to prolong graft survival