Maryam Umar Abulfathi, Human Physiology - Ahmadu Bello University, 2021

Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of morbidity and mortality both in developing and developed countries, but about 21% of patients with diabetes develop neuropathy. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of nicotinamide on serum electrolytes in Alloxan-induced diabetic neuropathic Wistar rats. A total of about thirty six (36) apparently healthy male Wistar rats weighing 100-150g were divided into six experimental groups (n = 6). Group I normal control group (0.1ml of water), group II standard control group (received Glibenclamide 5mg/kg), group III negative control ( received 500mg Nicotinamide) and group IV treatment group (received 1000mg Nicotinamide), Analysis for serum electrolytes after treatment was done by calorimetric method. The result for the serum electrolytes after treatment shows a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in serum sodium level, significant decrease( p < 0.05) In serum potassium level, significant decrease (p <0.05) in chloride level and also significant decrease ( p< 0.05) in serum bicarbonates level when all compare to diabetic (negative) control group. Nicotinamide may be useful in improving the clinical benefit for serum electrolytes changes excluding sodium in diabetes.

Salma Muhammad Kabir, Chemical Engineering - Ahmadu Bello University, 2024

The synthesize of bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) resins from waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles presents a promising avenue for recycling and sustainability. This study focuses on the chemical recycling of PET bottles, converting them into valuable BHET resins through a glycolysis process. Waste PET bottles were collected, depolymerized using ethylene glycol, producing bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET).The synthesis process was optimized by using six different catalysts (NaOH, Spent FCC, Ammonia, Activated Carbon, Kaolin and DES) to achieve the highest yield and optimal resin properties. Characterization of the synthesized BHET was carried out using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm the functional group which was then compared with commercial bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The physical properties of the synthesized bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) such as density, viscosity and kinematic viscosity were evaluated. Two out of the six catalysts (NaOH and Spent FCC) yielded 13.3 % and 5 % BHET respectively. This was confirmed by FTIR results comparison with commercial BHET which revealed similar functional group peaks. NaOH was found to be the best catalyst for BHET production, with highest yield conversion 94.4 %. Density, viscosity and kinematic viscosity of resulting BHET from NaOH were 1.27 gcm-3, 10.5 Pa.s and 0.11 m2 /s respectively. The results indicate that the BHET synthesized from waste PET bottles exhibits desirable properties for various industrial applications, such as coatings, adhesives, and composite materials. Additionally, it portrays the environmental impact of the recycling process, highlighting the reduction in carbon footprint and energy consumption compared to traditional disposal methods. This study demonstrates the feasibility of converting waste PET into high-value materials, contributing to waste reduction and resource conservation.

Bakare Taofeek O., Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2025

Adolescence represents a central life stage that shapes current and long-term health outcomes, and largely dependent on the level of physical activity, dietary habits, and nutritional status of adolescents. The aim of this study is to assess the physical activity, dietary habits, and nutritional status of adolescents in secondary schools in Sabon Gari Local Government Area (LGA), Kaduna state. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in March 2025 among secondary schools across three political wards in Sabon Gari LGA, Kaduna state. The study was conducted using multistage sampling technique, and 235 in-school adolescents aged 10-19 years were enrolled. An interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. Self-reported physical activity level was assessed using the Activity Questionnaire for Adults and Adolescents, dietary habits was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and nutritional status was assessed using the WHO AnthroPlus software. Complete data was provided, cleaned and analysed using SPSS version 25 for 235 adolescents that are enrolled in the study. The analysis was conducted at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Summary statistics such as mean, median and standard deviations were obtained. The results were presented as frequencies and proportions in tables and charts. Test of association between categorical variables was conducted using Chi-square test or Fischer’s exact test and independent test of predictors using linear regression where appropriate with a p-value set at <0.05.The mean age of study participants was 14.56 years (±1.656) with the majority being female (57%). The recommended MVPA level was obtained by 49.8% of the participants. The mean time of 453 minutes was spent by participants per week on leisure-time activities, followed by household-based activities (275 minutes), school-based 16 activities (251 minutes), active transportation (148 minutes), and active sports (69 minutes). The majority of the participants had frequent consumption of breakfast and cereals, roots, and tubers daily with 90.6% and 79.6% respectively, but with suboptimal consumption of other food groups such as vegetables, legumes, and fruits (59.5%) and like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs (5.1%). The study also found malnutrition with 32.3% of the adolescents underweight and 18.3% stunted. Adolescents in Sabon Gari LGA face a significant burden of physical inactivity, undernutrition (thinness and stunting) alongside suboptimal dietary quality, particularly low intake of fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Hence, integrated interventions promoting diverse and balanced diets, physical activity, especially for girls, and addressing undernutrition are urgently are urgently needed to address these concurrent health challenges in this setting.

Abbas Bashir Umar, Samirah N. Abdu-Aguye, Hadiza U. Maaji, Pharmacy - Ahmadu Bello University, 2017

In recent times, pharmacy education and practice is undergoing remarkable changes following new scientific discoveries and evolving patient needs. Therefore, many countries (Nigeria inclusive) are introducing or undertaking major transformations in pharmacy education. The main aim of this work was to explore the knowledge and perceptions of selected 4th and 5th year undergraduate students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria on the introduction of the proposed Pharm. D degree to Nigerian pharmacy schools. The study was qualitative, and used focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data. Two focus group discussions that lasted for an average of one hour were audiotaped in June 2017 with 10 students (Five participants per group). Data obtained from the FGDs was then transcribed and checked for accuracy and the transcripts analyzed using summative qualitative content analysis. The discussions revealed that the participants all agreed that the Pharm.D degree generally represented a shift in the focus of pharmacists from “products” to “patients”. Participants highlighted several advantages of the new degree such as the potential for specialization and better career prospects. On the other hand, several participants expressed worries that the degree change would be disadvantageous to people interested in other (non-clinical) areas of pharmacy practice. A number of participants also felt that the degree change was not going to be successful because of several factors within our environment including the inharmonious working relationships between healthcare professionals, inadequate infrastructure in pharmacy schools and the unwillingness of several lecturers to embrace the new degree. In conclusion, participants believed that the proposed Pharm D degree was both potentially advantageous and problematic. They recommended increasing the awareness of both staff and prospective students on what the degree entailed, allowing concurrent coexistence of both the BPharm and Pharm. D degrees, and ensuring that a balanced curriculum was designed for the new degree.

Matawal David Mcquin, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2026

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among Nigerian men, with significantly higher incidence and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa compared to developed countries. Late presentation due to poor awareness, harmful misconceptions, and inadequate screening practices contributes to poor survival outcomes. Despite the rising burden, knowledge and perceptions of prostate cancer remain poorly documented in rural northern Nigerian communities, where geographical, socioeconomic, and cultural barriers to healthcare access are most pronounced. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 177 men aged 40-70 years residing in Shika community between January and February 2026. Participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies and administered in English with Hausa interpretation. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences-SPSS version 27.0. The mean age of respondents was 53.46±8.614 years. More than half (53.1%) demonstrated poor knowledge of prostate cancer, with a mean knowledge score of 5.2±5.6. Over half (52.5%) had negative perceptions toward prostate cancer, with a mean perception score of 22.3±10.1. Educational status (p<0.05), occupation (p<0.05), and monthly income (p<0.05) were significantly associated with perception. Radio was the dominant health information source (50.8%), followed by social media (18.1%) and health professionals (14.1%). Fisher's exact test revealed significant associations between radio use and both better knowledge levels (Cramer's V=0.358, p<0.05) and more positive perceptions (Cramer's V=0.330, p<0.05), indicating moderate strength of association. Men in Shika community demonstrated poor knowledge and predominantly negative perceptions regarding prostate cancer, compounded by widespread dangerous misconceptions about spiritual causation, sexual transmission, and traditional cure.

Bashir Khalid Yusuf, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2026

Oral health is a fundamental component of general health and quality of life. Despite global efforts to promote preventive oral healthcare, oral diseases remain highly prevalent, particularly among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. Adolescence represents a critical period for establishing lifelong health behaviours. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of oral hygiene among senior secondary school students in Tudun Wada, Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 senior secondary school students selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic characteristics and KAP regarding oral hygiene. Knowledge, attitude, and practice were scored using standardised criteria. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were generated, and associations were tested using chi-square and logistic regression analyses at a 5% level of significance. The mean age of respondents was 16.36 ± 1.65 years, with 61.6% males. Overall, 47.8% had poor knowledge, 28.3% moderate knowledge, and 23.9% good knowledge of oral hygiene. Regarding attitude, 58.7% were neutral, 25.4% negative, and only 15.9% had a positive attitude toward oral hygiene. Although 92.8% agreed that teeth should be brushed twice daily, only 63.8% practiced twice daily brushing, and just 10.9% reported regular annual dental visits. Overall, 58.0% demonstrated good oral hygiene practice. Gender was significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.007) and practice (p=0.001). Females were more likely to have good oral hygiene practice (AOR=3.45, p=0.005). Regular dental visits were also significant predictors of good practice (AOR=0.12 for irregular visits, p=0.008). Despite relatively positive attitudes, significant gaps exist in knowledge and preventive practices, particularly regarding regular dental visits. School-based oral health education and strengthened preventive dental services are recommended to improve oral hygiene behaviours among adolescents.