Asymptomatic bacteriuria is common in pregnant women and if untreated could lead to serious complications. Despite this, its prevalence and microbiological characteristics have not been well studied in Kano and they vary among different populations. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence, microbiological characteristics and pregnancy outcome of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy among women who came for antenatal booking clinic at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) Kano. A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected 200 consenting pregnant women who came for antenatal booking from November 2010 to January 2011. Samples of 10-15 mls urine were examined for pus cells and bacteria and then cultured on cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar. Colony counts yielding bacterial growth of 105/ml or more of pure isolates were deemed significant. Isolates were identified to specie level. Antibiotic sensitivity test was done, treatment was given and pregnancy outcome was determined. Urinalysis and Full Blood Count were done. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy was 9%. Parity and Pyuria had statistically significant association with asymptomatic bacteriuria (P < 0.05). The commonest organisms isolated were Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus saprophyticus. Following treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria, there was no statistically significant difference in pregnancy outcome compared to patients who did not have the condition. The incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy in AKTH is low. Screening of pregnant women using urine microscopy culture and sensitivity should be reserved for pregnant women with higher risk of developing asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions of academics on the acceptability of the intercalated medical degree program in an attempt to proffer solutions to breach the gaps in manpower shortages in the medical profession.Methodology: This is a descriptive cross sectional survey. Randomly selected 150 academic staff of various medical colleges spread across Nigeria, who attended an educational programme in Abuja Nigeria in September 2018 completed semi structured questionnaires after consenting to participate in the study. Data from the retrieved questionnaires were collated, entered into Microsoft excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Most of the analyzed data were represented in percentages for ease of comparison.Findings: Sixty five percent of the respondents were aware of the intercalated (dual) Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)/ Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree programme, offer it in their institutions and believe it is worthwhile. The merits of the dual degree programme from this study were an additional degree, more experienced medical doctors in terms of research and exit strategy for some medical students who may change their minds half way into the medical programme. The disadvantages reported were prolonged study period and increased cost of study.  Majority of the respondents, who were academic staff of medical colleges were aware of, and favoured the establishment of intercalated MBBS degree programme in more Nigerian medical colleges.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: There is scarcity of literature on the intercalated degree programme in Nigeria. This research may influence policy change that will improve medical education. From the results of the study, it is recommended that the stakeholders in medical education should consider giving accreditation to more medical colleges that have the capacity to commence intercalated medical degree programs in Nigerian Universities as an option to interested medical students with good potentials.