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Africa, despite contributing minimally to global carbon emissions (less than 4% of the global total), is disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. The continent’s high dependence on rain-fed agriculture and its relatively low adaptive capacity make it particularly vulnerable. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns have exacerbated droughts in regions such as the Sahel and East Africa, while flooding has become more common in West and Central Africa. African nations, which largely depend on agriculture for food security and livelihoods, are witnessing declining crop yields, water scarcity, and degradation of arable land. Climate change is also contributing to food shortages, loss of biodiversity, desertification, and increased disease burden, particularly malaria and waterborne illnesses. The continent is grappling with the challenge of balancing development needs with sustainable climate strategies, making global and local responses crucial. Initiatives such as the African Union's "African Adaptation Initiative" and the "Great Green Wall" project in the Sahel are examples of regional efforts to combat the effects of climate change. Nevertheless, Africa requires significant international support, both financially and technologically, to build resilience and adapt to the changing climate.

ABSTRACT<br> This study examined meat hygiene practices, safety knowledge, and inspection effectiveness among butchers in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria. The research aimed to assess the socioeconomic characteristics of butchers, evaluate their level of hygiene practices, determine the effectiveness of meat inspection and safety training programs, and analyze factors influencing the adoption of hygienic handling practices. A descriptive survey design was employed, using structured questionnaires administered to 300 respondents selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, ANOVA, and LSD post-hoc tests.Results revealed that most butchers were males (94%), aged between 20–30 years (56.67%), with moderate education—primarily Diploma/NCE holders (40.67%). Hygiene knowledge was generally high, with 68% acknowledging that improper handling predisposes consumers to health hazards and a mean knowledge score ranging from 4.70 to 5.26. However, practical adherence remained inconsistent, as only 69% used protective gear and 48.67% reported no regular meat inspection. Regression analysis showed that cooperative membership (p = 0.010), access to information booklets (p = 0.006), and Internet use (p = 0.000) significantly influenced hygiene practices, while education and experience were not significant predictors.The study concluded that although butchers possess substantial hygiene knowledge, weak regulatory enforcement, infrastructural deficiencies, and irregular inspections undermine effective practice. It was recommended that government agencies strengthen meat inspection frameworks, invest in abattoir infrastructure, and support cooperative-based and continuous hygiene training to ensure safer meat handling and public health protection.

ABSTRACT<br> Performance appraisal techniques are pivotal in enhancing employee performance within educational institutions, aligning individual efforts with organizational goals, and fostering motivation and accountability. This study examined the influence of four performance appraisal techniques—Management by Objectives (MBO), 360-Degree Feedback, Assessment Centre Method (ACM), and Point Factor Method (PFM)—on employees’ performance at the University of Lagos. Five research objectives and five hypotheses were formulated and tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The research targeted 2,500 academic and non-academic staff, with a sample of 344 employees selected using a stratified random sampling technique, yielding 327 valid responses (95% response rate). Expectancy Theory (Vroom, 1964) underpins the study, emphasizing the effort-performance-reward linkage in motivating employees. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with data collected via five self-developed structured questionnaires (MBOEPQ, 360DFEPQ, ACMEPQ, PFMEPQ, and EPQ) employing a four-point Likert scale. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Findings reveal that MBO (β = 0.643, F-value = 45.32, t-value = 6.73, p < 0.05), 360-Degree Feedback (β = 0.598, F-value = 38.45, t-value = 5.67, p < 0.05), ACM (β = 0.574, F-value = 35.12, t-value = 5.93, p < 0.05), and PFM (β = 0.539, F-value = 30.76, t-value = 4.60, p < 0.05) significantly enhance employee performance. A significant composite influence was found among the techniques (F(4,322) = 52.34, p < 0.05), explaining the performance variance, with MBO as the strongest predictor. However, resource constraints and cultural resistance in hierarchical settings may limit effectiveness. The study recommends integrating all four techniques, conducting training workshops, ensuring anonymity in 360-Degree Feedback, and allocating resources for ACM. Further research is suggested into longitudinal impacts, cross-institutional comparisons, and technology-driven appraisal systems.<br> <br> <br> Keywords: Performance Appraisal, Employee Performance<br> <br> Word Count: 280

ABSTRACT<br> The increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has highlighted the need for alternative antimicrobial agents. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial activity of bioactive compounds from Citrus Species Against Clinical Isolates. <br> The samples were collected and airdried at room temperature, prepared at varying concentrations (500 μg/ml, 450 μg/ml, 400 μg/ml, 350 μg/ml, 300 μg/ml, and lower). Sterile paper discs were impregnated with the respective concentrations of each essential oil and placed on an agar plate inoculated with S. agalactiae. The plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The zones of inhibition were measured in millimeters<br> Citrus tangerine demonstrated the most consistent antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones ranging from 12 mm to 8 mm across the tested concentrations. Citrus sinensis and Citrus paradisii exhibited moderate antibacterial effects at higher concentrations, but their activity decreased significantly at lower concentrations, with no inhibition observed below 400 μg/ml. Citrus aurantium showed antibacterial activity only at the highest concentration, with a zone of inhibition of 13 mm, which dropped to 10 mm at 450 μg/ml. Citrus limon showed no antimicrobial activity at any concentration tested. <br> The findings indicated that the antimicrobial activity of these bioactive compounds was concentration-dependent, it is recommended that further research be conducted to explore the potential of Citrus tangerine as a natural alternative for combating S. agalactiae infections, particularly at higher concentrations.

This study evaluated the proximate composition and heavy metal concentration of waterleaf (Talinum fruticosum) and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) collected from a dumpsite in Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State. Standard analytical methods were used to determine moisture, protein, fat, ash, fibre, carbohydrate, and energy content, while heavy metal concentrations (iron, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and manganese) were assessed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results indicated that waterleaf had a significantly higher moisture content (92.18%) compared to bitter leaf (72.40%), while bitter leaf exhibited higher protein (36.73%) and carbohydrate (33.7%) levels. The ash and fibre content of waterleaf (22.93% and 19.60%, respectively) exceeded that of bitter leaf (13.34% and 11.25%), suggesting a higher mineral accumulation. Energy values were recorded at 255.63 kcal/100g for waterleaf and 326.54 kcal/100g for bitter leaf. Heavy metal analysis showed that iron levels in waterleaf (1129.0 mg/kg) surpassed the FAO/WHO permissible limit (425 mg/kg), indicating potential contamination. Lead and cadmium levels in both vegetables remained within safe limits, while arsenic was not detected. Manganese concentrations were significantly higher in waterleaf (123.59 mg/kg) than in bitter leaf (23.54 mg/kg), however both were below the FAO/WHO safety threshold. These findings suggest that while both vegetables provide essential nutrients, the excessive iron concentration in waterleaf poses potential health risks. Prolonged consumption of vegetables from waste-contaminated areas could lead to bioaccumulation of heavy metals. Therefore, proper environmental monitoring, soil remediation, and public awareness are recommended to ensure food safety and minimize health hazards. This study evaluates the proximate composition and heavy metal concentration of waterleaf (Talinum triangulare) and bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) obtained from a dumpsite in Ekpoma, Nigeria. The results indicate that waterleaf has a significantly higher moisture content (92.18%) compared to bitter leaf (72.40%), whereas bitter leaf exhibits higher protein (36.73%) and carbohydrate content (33.7%). Heavy metal analysis reveals that waterleaf contains elevated levels of iron (1129.0 mg/kg) and manganese (123.59 mg/kg), as well as lead (0.25 mg/kg) and cadmium (0.10 mg/kg), which are toxic at high concentrations. Bitter leaf, although nutritionally superior, also contains detectable levels of heavy metals. These findings highlight potential health risks associated with consuming vegetables cultivated on contaminated soils and emphasize the need for environmental monitoring.

ABSTRACT <br> Nigeria’s journey towards a cashless economy began with the introduction of several initiatives by the CBN aimed at reducing reliance on physical currency. The Effects of New Monetary Policy on Economic Activities in Dutse Local Government AreA, the Challenges Faced by Rural Dwellers in Adopting Cashless Payment Systems. the Socioeconomic Implications of Cashless Policies on Rural Communities. The theory use in the study is System theory The instrument for the collection of data in this study is questionnaire A clear majority (64%) of respondents are not aware of the CBN’s specific monetary policy decisions, such as changes in interest rates or reserve requirements. This indicates a significant gap in public financial literacy and communication from monetary authorities.Half of the respondents believe CBN policy affects local prices, while 30% are uncertain. This split suggests an intuitive but not well-informed understanding of the link between national monetary policy and local economic conditions.A majority (50%) believe the CBN’s current policy is not effective in controlling inflation in Dutse, and another 34% see it as only partially effective. Only 16% express full confidence. This widespread skepticism is a serious challenge to the CBN’s legitimacy and policy credibility. The dominant challenge identified is the high reliance on the informal economy (36%), followed by poor financial literacy (24%) and weak banking infrastructure (20%). These are interconnected structural issues. Monetary policy designed for a formal, banked economy is ill-suited for Dutse’s reality. The CBN must either adapt its tools to reach the informal sector (e.g., through mobile money) or acknowledge that monetary policy alone cannot solve inflation in such an environment. The CBN should collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning, as well as Jigawa State authorities, to develop a coordinated antiinflation strategy that combines monetary discipline with targeted fiscal and structural measures. This should include investments in agricultural value chains, rural infrastructure, and security to address supply-side bottlenecks.The CBN, in partnership with Dutse Local Government, community leaders, and media outlets, should implement regular, accessible, and local-language education programs on monetary policy, inflation, and personal finance. These programs should be delivered through town halls, radio broadcasts, mosques, and schools to reach a broad audience, especially informal traders and women.

The deterioration of reinforced concrete (RC) beams due to corrosion of internal steel reinforcement poses a significant challenge to structural durability and safety. This study investigates the effectiveness of ferrocement jacketing as a retrofitting technique to enhance the flexural behavior of RC beams affected by corrosion. Ferrocement, a composite material comprising fine wire mesh embedded in a mortar matrix, offers considerable benefits including high tensile strength, crack resistance, and cost efficiency, making it a viable alternative to traditional strengthening methods. The research explores key parameters such as load-carrying capacity, crack propagation, deflection behavior, and failure modes of ferrocement-jacketed beams compared to unjacketed control specimens. Special emphasis is placed on the interaction between the original corroded reinforcement and the ferrocement layer, examining the bond performance and the extent to which the jacket contributes to improved structural performance. The study also evaluates the long-term durability of the jacketed beams under varying environmental conditions to assess resistance to corrosion and mechanical degradation. Findings from this investigation are expected to contribute significantly to the knowledge base of retrofitting techniques, offering practical insights for structural engineers in selecting appropriate rehabilitation strategies for aging or deteriorated RC structures. Ultimately, this work supports the broader adoption of ferrocement jacketing for effective and economical strengthening of reinforced concrete beams in corrosion-prone environments.

ABSTRACT<br> This study investigated the prevalence and transmission of microorganisms on footwear, with a focus on identifying the types of microorganisms present and their potential impact on human health. The research samples were collected from undergraduate foot wear in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University ( COOU) and transported to the Department of Microbiology laboratory where footwear samples collected were analyzed using microbiological techniques.A sterile swab stick was use to swab the samples and streak on the plate, and was incubated at 370C for 24hrs. Those that gave significant growth were identified by gram stain, motility and biochemical tests. The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species while the fungi isolated from the samples were Microsporum ferugineum, Aspergillosis nidulans, Conidiobolus coronatus, Penicillium species, and Trichophyton rubum. They were identified based on their colonial morphology. Table 2 shows the percentage occurrences of the bacterial isolates from the samples which include; Escherichia coli 3(30%), Klebsiella spp 1 (10%), Bacillus spp 1 (10%), Staphylococcus aureus 3 (30%), Streptococcus spp 2 (20%). From the result Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (30%) had the highest percentage occurance. The least percentage occurrence of (10%) was observed for Klebsiella spp and Bacillus spp, while Streptococcus spp had percentage occurrence of (20%). While Table 4 showed that in the result it was seen that Aspergillosis nidulans had the highest percentage occurrence of 30%, while the one with the least occurrence of 10% was observed for Trichophyton rubum. Microsporum ferugineum, Penicillium species, Conidiobolus coronatus all had a percentage occurance of 20%. Based on the findings of this study, shoes especially covered shoes should be air dried and disinfectant wipes can also be used to avoid infections from these organisms.