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Modeling the Dynamics of Youth Involvement in Yahoo-Yahoo (Cybercrime) and Yahoo+ (Ritualism) in Nigeria: A Mathematical Approach
No full textThe rising involvement of young people in yahoo-yahoo (cybercrime) and yahoo+ (ritualism) has become a major societal concern, particularly in Nigeria, where economic instability and peer pressure drive vulnerable individuals into these illicit activities. This study develops a deterministic compartmental model to analyze the transition of youths through different stages: vulnerability, engagement in yahoo-yahoo, progression into yahoo+ (ritualism), and recovery through rehabilitation. The model accounts for key factors such as recruitment rates, peer influence, the probability of transitioning to ritualistic practices, rehabilitation effectiveness, and relapse risks. A stability analysis of the equilibrium points, which are the yahoo-free and endemic, provides insight into long-term trends based on the basic reproduction number, R0R0, determining whether yahoo-yahoo (cybercrime) and yahoo+ (ritualism) persist or decline. Numerical simulations reveal potential strategies to reduce youth participation in these activities. Based on the model's findings, the study offers policy recommendations to support sustainable youth development and mitigate this growing societal threat
A Fourth-Order Compact Finite Difference Scheme for First Order Initial Value Problems
No full textIn this paper, a fourth order Compact Finite Difference Scheme(CFD) for the numerical solution of first order initial value problems (IVPs) of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) is discussed. Compact finite difference scheme is a class of numerical methods that are particularly designed for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). However, in this paper, we consider the compact finite difference scheme for approximating the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations. The application of this scheme enables the solution of first-order ODEs across all grid points in just one computational sweep (single iteration), rather than requiring repeated iterative updates. Numerical examples have been included to demonstrate the accuracy of the scheme and Numerical results compared with the exact solution and other existing methods from recent literature. The scheme is shown to be efficient for the numerical integration of first order differential equations
Another New Two Parameter Estimator in Dealing with Multicollinearity in the Logistic Regression Model
No full textIn logistic regression models, the maximum likelihood method is always one of the commonly used to estimate the model parameters. However, unstable parameter estimates are obtained due to the problem of multicollinearity. In this article, a new two parameter biased estimator is proposed to combat the issue of multicollinearity in the binary logistic regression models. The proposed estimator is a general estimator which includes other biased estimators, such as the Logistic Ridge, Logistic Liu and the estimators with two biasing parameters as special cases. The properties of the proposed estimator were derived, and six (6) forms of biasing parameter k (generalized, maximum, median, mid-range, arithmetic and harmonic means) were used in this study. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the superiority of the new two parameter biased estimator over the existing estimators are obtained. Also, Monte Carlo simulation studies are executed to compare the performance of the proposed biased estimator. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate some of the theoretical results. The proposed estimator outperforms all the other estimators in the various design of experiment used in this study
Department of Mathematics, University of Jos, Nigeria.
No full textWe investigate nonassociative Moufang loops of odd order p1p2 2q4, where p1, p2, q are distinct odd primes satisfying p1 < p2 < q. We show that there exists a normal Hall subloop of order q4 in L, and further prove that subject to some extra conditions the Moufang loop of this order is associative. Notably, the Loops Package gap4r5 does not contain Moufang loops of order p1p2 2q4, indicating a gap in the current knowledge of higher-order Moufang loops. Our results provide new insights into the structure and properties of nonassociative Moufang loops, building upon existing research
FROM COLONIAL OCCUPATION TO A NATIONAL FORCE, THE ARMY IN NIGERIA: PAST EXPERIENCES, PRESENT REALITIES, AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
No full textThe Nigerian Army came into existence as an army of occupation introduced by the British colonialists to protect their economic, strategic, and political interests in Nigeria. However, a major challenge facing the transformation of the Army has been how to transit from its perceived colonial role to that of a national force. The paper discusses the growth of the Nigerian Army from inception up to its present state. It highlighted the following as some of the inadequacies of the Nigerian Army: the perception of regional domination of the force due to the lopsidedness in the demography of the officer’s corps and rank and file; the issue of the Army’s inability to successfully tackle internal insecurity due to some lapses in its composition and operational strategies; and the lack of acquaintance by troops with their operational environment and other related constraints. It recommends amendments to the structure and operations of the Army for better, efficient, and effective operations as well as some critical adjustments for efficient future operations. These include a review of its policy to ensure that its personnel do not serve in their homelands, or alternatively establish a language policy whereby all personnel are encouraged to be proficient in one major Nigerian language apart from their native tongues. It also proposes the establishment of a new corps that would be trained in guerrilla warfare to tackle internal security
The Entrepreneur and Financing Dilemma: The Formal and Informal Sectors in Nigeria
Get PDFThe aim of this study is to investigate the entrepreneur and financing dilemma in the formal and informal sectors in Nigeria, focusing on how access to financial resources, regulatory environments, entrepreneurial backgrounds, social networks, and interest rates influence the success of entrepreneurs. A quantitative research methodology was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 384 small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners across Nigeria. The questionnaire featured Likert scale items designed to measure the impact of specific variables on business success, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. The findings reveal that access to financial resources and a supportive regulatory environment significantly enhance entrepreneurial success. A robust entrepreneurial background and effective social networks positively correlate with business performance. In contrast, high interest rates negatively impact business success, indicating a critical area for economic and financial policy intervention. The study concludes that improving access to financial resources and reforming regulatory frameworks are crucial for fostering entrepreneurial success in Nigeria
UNDERWRITING PRACTICES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
Get PDFThis study examines the extent to which underwriting practices influence the financial performance of insurance companies in Nigeria. This study was conducted using expo-facto research design and cross-sectional analysis. The study tested the extent to which set of independent variables (Underwriting profit, Underwriting expenses, Net premium, Net claim) affects the dependent variable (Profit Before Tax). A sample of ten insurance companies were selected from the pool of registered firms. Secondary data were extracted from the audited annual report of the selected insurance companies, the data covering a period from 2013 to 2022. The statistical tool that was employed in analysing the data is E-VIEWS statistical software 10.0. Analysis was based on descriptive statistics while hypotheses were tested using simple and multiple panel regression analysis. Based on the results obtained from the study, it was revealed that the extent to which underwriting profit influences profitability is 2.29%, thus, it does not significantly affect profitability. The extent to which underwriting expenses and net claim affects profitability are 47.45% and 61.50% respectively, making them significantly affect profitability. Net premium on the other hand significantly contributes to profitability by 66.93%. From the multiple regression analysis result, underwriting practices influences financial performance by 66.33% and the variable that stood out as a major and strong influence is net premium, therefore, insurance companies must ensure they get their rating right as that is a non- negotiable factor for profit. The study recommends that insurance companies should focus on having healthy underwriting practices while diversifying revenue streams. Finally, the study suggests that further studies should make use of qualitative methods and consider the effects of consumer behaviour and preference on underwriting practices and financial performance
Language as a Tool for National Cohesion and Development in Nigeria
No full textLanguage is an important part of nationality given that it is one of the main components of national identity. Being multi-ethnic and multilingual, Nigeria needs to be effective in her use of language to help her remain united and develop as a nation. This paper looks at the role that language plays in socio-cultural life, education, and politics of Nigeria. It employs library information with focus on the use of language as a tool for national cohesion and development in Nigeria. The article posits that language can be more instrumental to Nigeria’s development economically, politically, socially and culturally, with the people remaining united in diversity. It shows that governance, socio-cultural interactions, and education cannot be successfully achieved in a given nation outside language. It is thus a necessary agent for peace, harmony, unity and progress in every nation. The paper recommends English as a lingua franca that should be taught to every Nigerian for better integration within the system. It concludes that language is a major tool if cohesion and national development are to be achieved in the nation
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS' PERCEPTION OF BLENDED, ONLINE AND FACE-TO-FACE LEARNING APPROACHES
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic brought a new phase to learning in the world. Online learning existed before the pandemic but was uncommon among full-time undergraduate students, especially in public institutions. The study sought the public and private universities' experience during COVID-19 and their preferred learning mode among blended, online, and face-to-face teaching. This study showed the population's perceptions of which mode of learning was preferred and which made learning more student-centred, considering their experience during the Covid-19 lockdown. Some authors reported that some learners performed well academically during the lockdown. The study adopted an analytical survey research design. Simple random sampling method was adopted to pick respondents from the Faculties of Science and Arts who had experienced the three learning modes from the University of Lagos and Mountain-Top University. A self-developed validated questionnaire was used to collect data. The data collected were analysed using frequency, percentages, and mean. The hypotheses were tested statistically at a 0.05 significance level with the chi-square test of independence. The findings of the study showed that face-to-face interaction was the preferred choice. Recommendations include the creation of an awareness of the need for Higher education to consider the preferred mode of learning by the learners to improve the output from the University system and be future-ready in the 21st Century
EXAMINING UNDERGRADUATES’ PERCEPTIONS OF CHATBOTS IN LEARNING: AN INTEGRATION OF TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE MODEL WITH THE VALUE-BASED ADOPTION MODEL
No full textWith the continuous advancements in technology, chatbots are poised to play an increasingly crucial role in education. This study aims to explore how undergraduates perceive chatbots for learning activities. The study investigated the interconnected dynamics between Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Value-Based Adoption Model (VAM) constructs, which include perceived enjoyment, perceived risk, and perceived value. These factors are examined to predict the attitudes of undergraduates and their acceptance of chatbots for higher education learning experiences. A survey involving 365 participants was conducted, and the hypotheses were assessed using Structural Equation Modeling (SPSS-AMOS). The study underscores the primary factors influencing chatbot acceptance among undergraduates, including perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude, and perceived value. It is noteworthy that perceived risk and perceived enjoyment did not play a significant predictor of students' attitudes and their acceptance of chatbots for learning. It is therefore recommended that higher institutions of learning and technology developers customize the chatbot applications to meet the needs and preferences of students and promote the integration of chatbot technology in supporting learning within the higher education landscape of Nigeria