The main purpose of this study was to determined competency training needs of polytechnic Pre-service technicians for diagnosis and repairs of modern automobiles in North-Eastern Nigeria. The study sought to answer two research questions using Competency Outcome Performance Assessment (COPA) model framework. It is paramount importance to note that competency training needs of diagnosis and repairs of modern cars requires practical and effective training skills to be able to adequately repair them. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was made up of 384 technicians in automotive technology in the NBTE accredited polytechnics in Northern Nigeria. Out of 384 a sample of 192 was randomly selected for the study. The questionnaire consisted of 192 tasks on diagnosis and repairs skills needed, developed with reference to curriculum of National Automobile Technician Education (NATE) and National Vocational Certificate in Automotive / Mechatronics approved by National Board for Technical Education. The questionnaire was divided into two sections: A & B, (see Appendix I). Section A contains items designed to obtain personal information of the respondents, while section B is divided into four sub-sections (I, II, III & IV). The instrument was developed using COPA Model structure, adapted from Lenburge et al (2009). A four-point rating scale ranges from Highly Needed (HN) = 4, Needed (N) = 3, Moderately Needed (MN) = 2, Least Needed (LN) = 1 was employed in sub-section I, while four-point rating scaled ranges from most relevant (4), highly relevant (3), moderately relevant (2) and less relevant. A reliability test of the instrument was also conducted and analyzed using Cronbach Alpha coefficient method and yielded an overall reliability coefficient of 0.80. Data generated from the use of the questionnaire was analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 23rd version software using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. Findings revealed relevant interactive strategies needed in the training of polytechnic Pre-service Technicians in diagnosis and repairs of modern Automobiles. Based on the findings of the study, appropriate recommendations were made, among which is, that the identified modern technology skills should be integrated into the curriculum of Automotive Technology programme in Nigerian polytechnic. Identified interactive skills will help lecturers in developing lesson plan using the competencies that are essentially needed by Pre-service automotive technicians in order for them to prepare on how to teach them appropriately.

Background and Aims: For many centuries herbs and spices have traditionally been used to treat or manage a variety of diseases. The formulation of food supplements containing single or multiple herbs or spices is now popular. These formulations provide biochemical, pharmacological and medicinal benefits due to their diverse phytochemical constituents. Methods: In the present study, Diapin® -a food supplement containing Olea europaea L. leaves extract, Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J. Presl stem extract, Nigella sativa L. seed oil, Cocos nucifera L. oil and vitamin D3 -dissolved in absolute ethanol was evaluated for α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, elastase, neuraminidase, adenosine deaminase and arginase inhibitory activity. Results:The supplement strongly inhibited neuraminidase (IC 50 = 0.272 ± 0.007 mg/mL), while adenosine deaminase, acetylcholinesterase, elastase and arginase were moderately inhibited (with an IC 50 of 4.562 ± 0.052, 5.396 ± 0.563, 5.783 ± 0.058 and 6.800 ± 0.067 mg/mL respectively). The less inhibition activity was on α-amylase and α-glucosidase (IC 50 = 9.593 ± 0.582 and 14.010 ± 2.280 mg/mL respectively). Conclusion:The pharmacological activities of Diapin® can be attributed to its opulent phytochemical composition. The present findings support the folkloric claim of Diapin® supplement having antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-ageing, and immune bolstering properties, in addition to the mitigation of Alzheimer's disease and the alleviation of neurological dysfunction.

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the major cash crops grown mostly in northern Nigeria, nevertheless with perpetual scarcity at off season due to its perishability as actors lacked adequate storability thus, sells at low price to avoid spoilage at hand.  The study seeks to evaluate onion value chain actors (producers and retailers) in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Purposive, simple random and convenience sampling procedures were used in selecting 210 onion producers and 40 retailers using structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS software and marketing margin model. The result of the study revealed that the mean output of onion per hectare was 71.58 bags with an average price of ₦15597.05. The total gross marketing margin of 14.38% out of 19.12% constitutes the total marketing costs with net marketing margin of 4.77%. Producers’ and retailers’ marketing profit share was ₦9331.61 and ₦2324.33 per bag respectively. Production and marketing constraints identified were; high cost of inputs, pest and disease attack, poor storage facilities and poor pricing. In conclusion, redress of constraints may enhance marketing margin of the actors. The study recommends for government/nongovernmental sustainable financial, technical and educational interventions for the value chain improvement in the study area.

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