University of Nigeria, Nsukka

About: University of Nigeria, Nsukka is a education organization based out in Nsukka, Nigeria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 10211 authors who have published 13685 publications receiving 138922 citations.

Collusion and competition in colonial economies: banking in British West Africa, 1916-1960

Abstract: This article examines the collusion between the only two major banks to operate in British West Africa for most of the colonial period after 1916, Barclays and the Bank of British West Africa. The companies' records reveal that the alliance was more far-reaching than has previously been shown, escalating to include not only comprehensive price-fixing but also restrictions on the products offered. The article considers the reactions of African and European customers and the colonial governments, and analyzes the motives that sustained the collusion for so long and the political circumstances that permitted it. The arrangement was partly a defensive response to a perception that the market was too small for full rivalry, but there was a rent-seeking element too. Finally, the article explores the implications of the bank alliance for the broader economies, reflecting on the relation between the security that the banks achieved through their agreements and their very cautious lending policies.

A review of neurological disorders seen at the Paediatric Neurology Clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu

Abstract: A review of 965 children with neurological disorders, seen at the Paediatric Neurology Clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, over a 3-year period (1985-1987), revealed that epilepsy was the most common neurological problem affecting 60% of the children, followed by cerebral palsy (16%), speech disorders (8.3%), mental retardation (7.2%), behaviour disorders (2.2%), paralytic poliomyelitis (1.55%), premature craniosynostosis (1.0%), visual and auditory impairment (1.0%) and muscle disorders (0.72%). Perinatal problems such as birth asphyxia, severe neonatal jaundice and infections were the most common aetiological factors identified. Facilities for rehabilitation of the children were inadequate and this, together with the people's ignorance of the natural history of some of the neurological disorders, may account for the high rate of default from follow-up observed in this study. The need for improved maternal and perinatal health services and vigorous health education strategies is emphasized by this review. The positive effect of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is reflected in the sharp decline in the proportion of children with neurological disorders owing to paralytic poliomyelitis, from 9.2% in the period 1978-1980, to 1.55% in the present study.

Explaining socio-economic inequalities in immunization coverage in Nigeria

Abstract: Globally, in 2013 over 6 million children younger than 5 years died from either an infectious cause or during the neonatal period. A large proportion of these deaths occurred in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Immunization is one way to reduce childhood morbidity and deaths. In Nigeria, however, although immunization is provided without a charge at public facilities, coverage remains low and deaths from vaccine preventable diseases are high. This article seeks to assess inequalities in full and partial immunization coverage in Nigeria. It also assesses inequality in the 'intensity' of immunization coverage and it explains the factors that account for disparities in child immunization coverage in the country. Using nationally representative data, this article shows that disparities exist in the coverage of immunization to the advantage of the rich. Also, factors such as mother's literacy, region and location of the child, and socio-economic status explain the disparities in immunization coverage in Nigeria. Apart from addressing these issues, the article notes the importance of addressing other social determinants of health to reduce the disparities in immunization coverage in the country. These should be in line with the social values of communities so as to ensure acceptability and compliance. We argue that any policy that addresses these issues will likely reduce disparities in immunization coverage and put Nigeria on the road to sustainable development.