Covenant Journals (Covenant University)
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Antidiabetic Potential of Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles with Fresh Guava Leaf
Full text linkCurrent diabetes medications have been associated with varying degrees of adverse effects and prolonged toxicity, further complicating morbidity and mortality. This necessitates the search for less toxic alternatives, such as nanoparticles. Hence, this research aimed to assess the hypoglycemic capabilities of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with fresh guava leaves. Twenty-five (25) albino Wistar rats weighing 120-230 g were obtained and allowed to acclimatize for 7 days in a well-ventilated room with a standard temperature of 29 ºC, relative humidity of 70%, and a 12:12-hour photoperiod. The experimental rats were fed food and water as appropriate and were divided into five (5) groups. Group I: (NC) non-diabetic rats, given water (reconstitution solvent); Group II: (DC) non-treated diabetic rats, given distil water; Group III: (MET) Standard control: diabetic rats administered 200 mg/kg BW Metformin; Group IV: treated animals given AgNPs and guava leaves, regular feed, and water, and Group V: treated with guava extract and induced intraperitoneally with STZ at 60 mg/kg for 48hrs to induce diabetes before treatment. The dose regimens were administered once per day for twenty-one (21) days. The results obtained revealed a significant increase (p<0.05) in mean plasma glucose relative to diabetic control groups and a substantial increase (p<0.05) in mean serum insulin when compared to diabetic control groups. Mean plasma glucose in albino Wistar rats in Table 1 displayed a significant decrease in glucose levels of rats administered AgNPs from day 1 to 14 at p<0.05. Additionally, serum insulin was significantly elevated in the AgNPs group when compared to the Metformin group at p<0.05, and this was also seen in the experimental group administered guava leaf extracts. Essentially, silver nanoparticles and guava extract showed antidiabetic activity by reducing glucose levels and synergistically enhancing the production of beta cells for glucose uptake to peripheral tissues
Accelerating Technical College-Community Collaboration for Achieving Sustainable Entrepreneurship Development in Appliance Maintenance and Repairs
Full text linkThe study was on accelerating technical college-community collaboration for achieving sustainable entrepreneurship development in Appliance Maintenance and Repairs. The study was carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population consisted of all electrical and electronic teachers and students in the five Rivers State-owned technical colleges. Purposive random sampling was used to draw 30 teachers and 80 students from three (3) Technical Colleges in Rivers State. A total of 110 respondents were therefore purposively selected for the study. A structured questionnaire consisting of 15 items on a 4-point scale of Strongly Agree (4), Agree (3), Disagree (2), and Strongly Disagree (1) was used to elicit information from respondents. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach's Alpha reliability was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument, which yielded 0.76, indicating that the instrument was reliable for the study. The instrument was administered to the respondents by the researcher and retrieved on the spot after completion. Mean statistic was used to answer the research questions. Items with a mean value of 2.50 and above were regarded as Agree (A), while items with a mean value below 2.50 were regarded as Disagree (D). The result showed, among others, that accelerating collaboration in skill acquisition enhances the achievement of entrepreneurship development in Appliance Maintenance and Repairs. Among the recommendations was that the community should provide opportunities for skill acquisition, scholarship, and mentorship to technical colleges.
 
Comparative Performance of REITS and Commercial Bank Shares in Nigeria Stock Exchange
Full text linkThis paper compares the performance of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and commercial bank shares from 2011 to 2020 for the purpose of providing investments with optimal performance for savvy investors. Share prices and dividends from annual reports were used to calculate income, capital, and total returns. Returns and risks were measured using Mean and Standard Deviation; while risk-adjusted rate of return tool measured the general performance of N-REITs and bank shares. REITs generally underperformed, compared to commercial bank shares. Only Skye Shelter REITs excelled in income return. N-REITs were found to be less risky than commercial bank stocks, but underperformed when compared to commercial banks. Skye Shelter REITs showed highest total return; while UPDC and Union Homes outperformed Access Bank and UBA. Only Polaris, GT, and Zenith banks higher income returns from the REITs. Overall, bank shares are riskier than REITs. Bank stocks offer higher returns with greater risk, whereas REITs provide stable returns with lower volatility, which is suitable for conservative investors. In conclusion, the combination of stable returns on REITs and the volatile returns on bank stocks will reduce the overall portfolio risk. Hence, investors should consider risk management by combining investment with different risk-return characteristics
Contribution of Inclusion in Real Estate Practices Amongst Real Property Valuers in Kicukiro District, Rwanda
Full text linkInclusion has become necessary due to various advantages which has been associated with it. These include but not limited to enhanced social skills, differentiated instructions, higher friendship and productivity, promoting creativity, shared learning opportunities among others. It has been demonstrated that inclusive practices have favorable effects on corporate growth and competitiveness in a variety of sectors. Real estate professionals adopting inclusive behaviors can improve tenant’s satisfaction, retention rates, and general property success, which are particularly important aspects in real estate industry, where connections and confidence are crucial. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of inclusion in real estate practices amongst real property valuers. The study’s population were 243 real property valuers, from which a sample size of 151 selected, where males (86.3%) dominated, with over 9 years of experience (55.6%). Simple random sampling technique was used, and questionnaires used for data collection. Data analyzed using frequency distribution, mean rank, and Exploratory Factor Analysis using SPSS. Obtained results revealed that majority of real property valuers (47.58%), frequently apply inclusion in their practices. Major contribution of inclusion found to be promotion of social interrelation by bringing people from different backgrounds together in friendly neighbourhoods. Followed by ensuring that all individuals have equal access to property and guarantee ownership regardless any factor. The study concludes that while inclusion is being adopted, its application can be expanded. The study recommended that, public and private organizations should create partnerships and teamwork to strategically drive inclusive real estate practices
Assessing the Impact of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Practices on Nigeria’s Economic Growth and National Development
Full text linkThis study assesses the impact of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Practices on Nigeria’s Economic Growth and National Development, as they play a vital role in achieving sustainable growth and development in Nigeria. The study uses ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation. Findings from this study show that LNGDP (-1) has a positive relationship and is highly statistically significant. A 1% increase in lagged GDP increases current GDP by 0.91%. Has a p-value = 0.0000 < 0.0, which is highly statistically significant at a 1% level. On the other hand, LNENT has a negative relationship and a marginally significant effect. A 1% increase in ENT decreases current GDP by 2.56% the p-value = 0.0833 > 0.05, it is marginally statistically significant at a 10% level. Furthermore, LNCIT has a negative relationship and a marginally significant effect. A 1% increase in CIT decreases current GDP by 0.24%. P-value = 0.0978 > 0.05, it is marginally statistically significant at a 10% level. Therefore, the study recommends that the Government should promote Regional Economic Balance; given the significant regional disparities in GDP growth, sustainable entrepreneurship, and investment, targeted regional development policies should be introduced. These policies should focus on supporting underperforming areas with tailored entrepreneurship programs, infrastructure improvements, and capacity-building initiatives. The government should enhance Policy and Institutional Support for Sustainable Entrepreneurship; the government should establish coherent and long-term policies that promote sustainable business practices. This includes integrating sustainability into national entrepreneurship strategies, offering tax incentives or grants for eco-friendly enterprises, and creating regulatory frameworks that encourage responsible business conduct. The study contributes to the growth of both sustainable growth and development.
 
Industry Voices: Identifying Critical Employability Factors Through Employer Assessment of Undergraduate Interns
Full text linkGraduate employability is a key concern in higher education, with gaps between employer expectations and graduate readiness. Industrial internships bridge academic learning and professional practice, yet employer feedback on undergraduate performance is understudied. This study analyzes industry perspectives on employability factors to inform curriculum development and enhance graduate workforce preparation. Using a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 147 employers from technology, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and professional services who supervised interns in the past year, followed by semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and factor analysis; qualitative data underwent thematic coding. Communication skills ranked highest (M=4.73, 94.6% deemed critical), followed by reliability/professionalism (M=4.68) and problem-solving (M=4.61). Factor analysis identified three dimensions: Interpersonal & Professional Competencies (32.1% variance), Cognitive & Adaptive Capabilities (19.6%), and Technical & Operational Skills (16.7%). Technical skills ranked ninth. Industry variations showed technology valuing problem-solving, healthcare prioritizing reliability, and professional services emphasizing communication. Qualitative themes highlighted a preference for soft skills, with employers valuing "attitude over aptitude." Higher education should embed communication, professionalism, and collaboration in curricula, redesign courses for real-world application, and develop internship programs emphasizing professional behaviour to improve employability.
 
Digital Transformation and Good Governance in Nigeria: Paper selected from 2nd Covenant University Conference on Leadership and Development (CUCLeD), June 11-13, 2025
No full textThis study explores the intersection of digital transformation and good governance in Nigeria, examining how technological advancements can enhance governance practices, increase transparency, and reduce corruption. The primary objective is to assess the role of digital technologies in improving public sector efficiency and service delivery. Utilizing secondary data, the research draws from governmental reports, academic articles, and case studies on Nigeria's digital governance initiatives, such as e-government platforms and digital identity systems. The study applies digital era theory and to reveal the dynamics in digital transformation and good governance. The findings suggest that digital transformation can foster transparency, reduce inefficiencies, and improve public accountability. However, challenges such as limited internet access, digital illiteracy, and infrastructural deficits hinder full-scale implementation. The study recommends enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy programs for public servants and citizens, and ensuring the protection of data privacy through robust cybersecurity policies. Additionally, public-private partnerships should be encouraged to drive innovation in e-governance platforms. By leveraging digital technologies, Nigeria can strengthen governance structures, improve public service delivery, and foster greater civic engagement, ultimately contributing to sustainable development
Fostering Peaceful Coexistence: Transformational Leadership and Inter-Group Conflict Management among Youths in Nigeria: Paper selected from 2nd Covenant University Conference on Leadership and Development (CUCLeD), June 11-13, 2025
No full textYouth involvement in violent inter-ethnic and inter-religious conflicts has become a pervasive challenge in Nigeria, thereby threatening national security and social cohesion, especially between members of neighboring communities and opposing religious groups. This study investigates the role of transformational leadership in managing intergroup conflicts among the youths in selected communities in Nigeria. Theories on leadership, fundamentalism, and conflict resolution were adopted for the study because of their relevance. Data was collected through a mixed-method approach that combined a survey and focus group discussion with 300 youths, comprising male/female and Christian/Muslim groups, from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. The study found that transformational leadership style, characterised by idealised influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualised consideration, can significantly reduce intergroup conflict and improve relationships among the youths. The findings also highlighted the importance of cultivating a transformational leadership style that can inspire and empower youths to manage conflicts successfully and coexist peacefully, despite their ethnic or religious differences. Recommendations include mentoring, training, transparent and open engagement with the youth by community and religious leaders, as well as good governance, justice and development by the government at all levels. This study contributes to existing literature on conflict management, youth engagement, and transformational leadership by providing practical information for students, researchers, policy makers, and conflict resolution practitioners
Implementation, Prospects and Challenges of the Contributory Pension Policy in Nigeria: A Theoretical Review
Full text linkThe assurances of the contributory pension policy (CPP) have dwindled in recent times, due to the reported incidence of embezzlement and misappropriation of the old pension fund. The Nigerian Union of Contributory Pensioners (NUCP) stated that the new pension scheme has compounded, rather than alleviated problems faced by retirees under the contributory pension scheme. It is in the light of the above, that this study examined the implementation, prospects, and challenges of the contributory pension policy of Nigeria using the secondary source of data collection such as the consultation of text books, academic journals, government documents and circulars, internet sources, newspapers, and so on. The textual analysis was applied in the analysis of the obtained secondary data. The periodic scope of the study is from 2019 to 2024. The findings from the study reveals several prospects and challenges of the contributory pension policy (CPP) of Nigeria enacted in 2004, and later reformed in 2014. The study further revealed that despite the observed challenges inherent in the pension policy administration, the new pension policy is better and preferable to the old defined benefit (DB) scheme. The study further observed that at the moment, the CPP in Nigeria is performing below expectation as it has not proved to be different from the defunct DB scheme, since many retirees are not receiving their pension entitlements as and when due. It is on this note that the study advanced several recommendations aimed at repositioning the new CPP in order to enhance it optimal performance and to ensure a more effective and guaranteed pension plan in Nigeria. Several recommendations were suggested in the article, such as the amendment of the provision in PRA 2014, in Part IV, Section 2, Sub-section 3, and Paragraph (a) and (b), which states that employers must make full payment of all monthly pension contributions of employees before the payment of employees’ pension entitlements at retirement; also, the minimum of 5 per cent of total wage bill for settlement of accrued pension rights (pension benefits accrued to an employee in the old pension scheme) should be reviewed upward to a minimum of 15 per cent; the activities of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) are too centralized. There is the urgent need for decentralization of its offices and functions to ensure flexibility and swift response to issues assigned to it; and so on
Leadership and Nigeria’s Health Security Development during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Implications on Medical Tourism
Full text linkThis study, titled Leadership and Development in Medical Tourism: Impact of the COVID19 Pandemic on Health Security in Nigeria, explores the role of leadership in shaping Nigeria’s medical tourism and health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focuses on government policy responses and leadership decisions made to address the crisis. The primary objectives are: 1) to analyse the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical tourism in Nigeria, 2) to identify the policy measures implemented by the Nigerian government, and 3) to assess the influence of the pandemic on Nigeria’s health security. Guided by the Contingency Theory of Leadership, which emphasises leadership effectiveness based on the specific challenges and context, this study adopts a qualitative methodology, utilising secondary data sources such as government reports, healthcare policies, expert analyses, and academic literature. Thematic analysis is applied to identify key themes related to policy responses, shifts in medical tourism, and their broader impact on health security. Findings reveal that the pandemic caused a significant decline in medical tourism, as global travel restrictions prompted many Nigerians to seek healthcare domestically. In response, the Nigerian government implemented policy measures to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve medical facilities, and address public health challenges. These efforts contributed to a positive shift in Nigeria’s health security, encouraging greater reliance on domestic healthcare and raising public health awareness. The study underscores the importance of robust leadership in managing crises and highlights the need for sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure. A key recommendation is for the Nigerian government to prioritise healthcare system development, improve medical infrastructure, reduce dependence on foreign healthcare, and invest in public health education to prepare for future health challenges