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DISCIPLINARY PROBLEMS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
Full text linkThis study investigated disciplinary problems and the management of federal universities in North Central Nigeria. Seven research questions and seven hypotheses guided the study. The literature was reviewed under theoretical framework, conceptual framework, empirical studies and summary. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 10,249 staff, made up of 4,845 academic and 5,404 administrative staff of 7 federal universities in North Central Nigeria. A sample of 512 academic and administrative staff was selected from all the seven federal universities using multistage sampling technique. A 35-item structured four-point rating scale questionnaire titled “Disciplinary Problem Questionnaire (DPQ)” and a structured interview was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts, one in Educational Management, one in Measurement and Evaluation and one in Guidance and Counseling in the Department of Educational Foundations, Benue State University, Makurdi. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained through a trial test which yielded a Cronbach Alpha co-efficient of 0.89 as the overall score. This was considered high enough to be used for the study. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while frequency, percentages and charts were used to analyse the responses from the interview schedule. Chi-square (χ2) test of goodness of-fit was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings indicated that cultism, truancy, sexual promiscuity, drug abuse, examination malpractice, bullying and indecent dressing have significant negative influence on the management of federal universities in North Central Nigeria. It was recommended among others, that religious organizations should be more serious with the moral upbringing of youths especially in helping the develop virtues of discipline, hard work, honesty and moral uprightness. This will go a long way in minimizing the issue of cultism in federal universities thereby enhancing effective and efficient management. There should also be enlightenment campaigns by government agencies, and non-government organizations for parents and children on the dangers inherent in truancy especially as it does not only affect the management but also the academic achievement of the students
TRADE OPENNESS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN SELECTED WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Full text linkThis research examines the relationship between trade openness and economic growth in selected West African countries (Cote d‟Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria) using secondary data in a multivariate panel framework for the period 1970 - 2016. The relationship between trade openness and economic growth of West African countries has been extensively investigated but the results have been mixed and inconclusive. This might be attributed to the role of omitted variables or the methodologies employed. The main objective was to establish the effects of trade openness on economic growth in these countries. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound tests, VAR Granger Causality/Block Exogeneity Wald tests, Impulse Response Functions (IRFs) and Fixed Error Variance Decomposition (FEVD), Dumitrescu and Hurlin (2012) panel Granger causality test, as well as the fixed effect Least Squares Dummy Variable (LSDV) and other diagnostic tests were employed for data estimation. The results indicated long run relationship between trade openness and economic growth in Cote d‟Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria, and that this relationship is negative but insignificant for Nigeria and Cote d‟Ivoire, but positive and significant for Ghana. In the short run, changes in RGDP are driven mostly by the error correction term and short run trade openness shocks for each country. Short run deviations from the long run equilibrium take from 1.291 years (Cote d‟Ivoire), 2.189 years (Ghana), and as long as 7.498 years (Nigeria) to return back to equilibrium. The results also indicated heterogeneous non-causality (HENC) implying that causation between trade openness and economic growth exist in a subgroup of the panel. The combination of other macroeconomic variables like investment, human capital, net inflow of FDI and the exchange rate complements the contribution of trade to economic growth. Therefore, these countries should promote appropriate trade policies devoted to foster increased local production of manufactured and agricultural goods to reduce importation and stimulate exports, as a strategy to boost economic growth
INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS’ AND STUDENTS’ PERCEIVED KNOWLEDGE OF GLOBALIZATION ON SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
Full text linkThis study investigated Teachers and Students Perceived Knowledge of Globalization
Issues in Social Studies Curriculum in Colleges of Education in North Central Nigeria.
The survey research design was used for the study. The total population of the study
consisted of 17423 respondents comprising 16831 students and 592 lecturers from the
departments of Social Studies, School of Arts and Social Sciences, in the Colleges of
Education in North Central Nigeria. A sample size of 375 respondents comprising 302
Students and 73 Lecturers drawn from a total population of 17,423 respondents using
the Krejecie and Morgan’s table for determining sample size from a given Population.
The instruments used to collect data were two structured Questionnaires titled:
Perceived Knowledge of Globalization Issues in Social Studies Curriculum
Questionnaire (PKGISSCQ) for Lecturers and Students. Ten research questions were
raised and ten hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The research questions
were answered using mean and standard deviations, while the hypotheses were tested at
0.05 level of significance using the Chi-square (X2) statistical tool. The results of this
study indicated that the lecturers’ and students’ perceived knowledge was significant on
Social Studies Curriculum. Those of gender issues, environmental issues, human rights
issues and terrorism were also significant. Based on the findings of this study, it was
recommended that 1) Social studies Practitioners and indeed Curriculum Planners
should deemphasize social studies national objectives and focus more on evolving
global trends for effective citizens. 2) Social Studies teachers should seek to ensure that
students gain greater understanding of the basic concepts in globalization for global
integration, 3) More issues of global trends such as peace studies, conflict resolutions,
refugees problems and the principle of good governance should be incorporated into the
social studies curriculum. Seminars and workshops should be organized for teachers of
social studies and new approaches and methods of teaching and learning social studies
under the dispensation of globalization issues be explored
PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE ROLE OF PUBLIC RELATIONS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SURE-P IN BENUE STATE
No full textThis study; public perception of the role of Public Relations in the Implementation of SURE-P in Benue State, sought to find out the role of public relations in the implementation of Sure-P and how the public perceived the roles. The methodology adopted in the study was survey. Questionnaire and interview were used as the research instruments for data collection. The sample size of 386 was statistically determined using the Araoye’s formula from the population of 10, 312. The study employed a multistage sampling techniques in administering research instruments. Findings revealed that public relations was needed when relating with other agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing Sure-P in the state as well as when communicating with the media; Sure-P beneficiaries; and employees. The study also found that role public relations played in the implementation of SURE-P in Benue State to include helped in publicizing Sure-P programme; assisted the news media in coverage of Sure-P and government activities; disseminated information on various agencies’ activities about Sure-P to beneficiaries; increased the internal cohesion of agencies involved in Sure-P programme; increased the agencies’ sensitive to its public’s or Sure-P beneficiaries and mobilized support for the agencies of government involved in Sure-P programmes. The study concluded that public perception of the role of public relations in the implementation of Sure-P was negative. This is because of the unfriendly relationship that exist between beneficiaries and government, also government is perceived as been nonchalant in handling SURE-P as well as lack of dialogue and public relations practitioners are not as trustworthy. The study, therefore, concluded that, public relations strategies were adopted in the implementation of SURE-P in Benue State to a little extent. Based on the conclusion drawn, the study recommended among others that for effective implementation of the SURE-P, PR should be adopted as core management function to build credibility amongst beneficiaries and management of the SURE-P and special attention must be paid to performance, ability of government to deliver service and keep to agreements as expected and demanded by SURE-P beneficiaries.SEL
FULANI HERDSMEN INVASION AND POST-HARVEST LOSSES IN BURUKU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BENUE STATE
No full textThe study investigated herdsmen invasion and post-harvest losses in Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State. Recent challenges posed by herdsmen invasion globally and locally have post-harvest losses implications. The consequences of the persistent invasion of farmland by herders affected the production and availability of food for both consumption and exportation within the context of the twenty first century and holds that: given the peculiar nature and status of the Benue Valley as the food production hub of Nigeria, there is bound to be food wastage, shortage and insufficiency if the current situation is not curtailed.The objectives of the study were to: identify farmers who have lost produce as a result of herdsmen invasion, the perceived causes of herdsmen invasion, the quantity of farm produce lost consequent to herdsmen invasion in monetary terms, the ways through which post-harvest losses occurred and finally the means through which some of the losses could be averted.The study identified 377 respondents as sample size. Data were gathered through structured interview schedulesand secondary sources. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and result presented in mean, frequency count and percentages to describe the demographic characteristics of crop farmers, the perceived causes ofFulani herdsmen invasion,and the value of farm produce lost consequent to herdsmen invasion. Result of analysis revealed that absence of extant law prohibiting open grazing(52.8%)is a major remote cause of herdsmen invasion.The ways through which Post-harvest Losses occur due to Herdsmen invasioninclude: burning of produce stored in barns, indiscriminate grazing on farm produce and spoilage as a result of abandonment of produce, when farmers are displaced by invasion. Percentage value oflosses incurred in yam, cassava, rice, groundnut, soyabeans were 68%, 77%, 72%, 76% and 73% respectively.To this end, the paper submitted that: in order to create a conducive atmosphere for the operations of both farmers and herders who are important to the socio-economic development of the Benue Valley, the global modern practice of ranching which has proven operationally effective in practicing countries such Britain, United States of America, Mexico and so should be adopted to pave way for the smooth operations of these all important economic sectors of the Benue Valley and Nigeria at large.Government legislation such as open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law,aggressivesensitization of herdsmen and farmers on the importance of open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law, forum for dialogue, compensation and rehabilitation of victimswere recommended.WORLD BAN
INFLUENCE OF FOOD CONSUMPTION ON FOOD PRODUCTION IN IBADAN, OYO STATE
No full textThis study examined the prevalent food consumption pattern and their influence on food production in Ibadan, Oyo State. The specific objectives of the study were to: identify the predominant food produced in Ibadan; assess the prevalent food consumption patterns in Ibadan; identify underlying factors affecting food consumption in Ibadan; and assess the influence of food consumption patterns on food production in Ibadan, Oyo State. Using multistage sampling technique, and a semi structured questionnaire as instrument, data for the study were collected from a sample of two hundred and four (204) respondents. Frequency counts, percentages, means and regression analysis were used as statistical tools for data analyses. The findings of the study showed that the predominant food produced by farmers in Ibadan included cereals, roots and tubers, legumes and nuts, meats and dairy products, fruits and leafy vegetables. The result also revealed the food consumption pattern in Ibadan. Major factors affecting food consumption patterns in Ibadan included cultural believes 99%, religious believes 95%, seasonality of some crops 99% and income 97% among others. The result also revealed that consumption pattern leads to increased rate of production 86.8%), increase in sales of food products 69.6%, increased income 81.9% and reduce losses 48.0%. The simple linear regression result showed that food consumption patterns have significant influence on food given that the F- statistics of 214.440 is significant at 1% level of significance and that F- value (214.440) was higher than the F-tabulated value of (1.94) at 5% level of significance. The study thus recommended among other things that effort should be made by the government and food producers to increase food production both in quantity and in quality. This can be achieved by providing soft loan/interest free credit to farmers, provision of improved farm inputs and storage facilities to the farmers.WORLD BAN
Development and Factorial Validation of an Instrument for Evaluating Students' Attitudes towards Gender Roles in the Family.
No full textThis research was aimed at developing and validating an instrument for measuring students' attitudes toward gender roles in the family using factor analytic approach. To carry out the study, six research questions were answered and four hypotheses were tested. The data for the study were collected using a 33-item questionnaire. The sample for the study consisted of 875 respondents randomly drawn using proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The result indicated that the attitudes of the students towards gender roles are marked by complexity and contradiction. They are complex in that there is no wholly consistent pattern of responses to closely related issues and there is contradiction between their adherence to the rhetoric of equality on one hand and its manifestation in the actual practice on the other. It was argued that since no meaningful development can be attained in the atmosphere of apparent gender inequality, government is therefore urged to narrow the gender gap through appropriate legislation and affirmative action programmes so that concrete national development can be nurtured and sustained.Domestic Violenc
Political Crises and the Nigerian Child
No full textThis study critically looked at the political crises in Nigeria from independence to date. From the analyses of the political crises it was discovered that Nigeria has been faced with one type of crisis or another from the period of independence to date. Such crises emanate from issues on continuous military intervention, non-patriotism to Nigeria-hood prevailing. Social injustice, mistrust among people, competition between people for wealth and power, religious differences, lack of fair elections, corruption and mismanagement, communal violence, political crises, inefficiency and authoritarianism in governance, low economic base and poverty crises. The paper highlighted far-reaching impact of these crises on Nigerian child in all the Nigerian children are the worst off in these crises. They were used as thugs or local army and trained as militant youths to carry out these fights emanating from these crises. This has caused a lot of death tolls on these youths, thereby impacting negatively on their social, political and economic development. They are also psychologically traumatized, instilling a state of fear and timidity in our youths. The paper concluded proffering ways of averting crises such as educating our youths to say no to be used as thugs and militants by politicians, ensuring good governance through genuine democracy, proper accountability, good leadership etc.Voices of Educator
HEALING IN JESUS AND CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES
No full textPuzzled by the unprecedented upsurge in healing centres, healers and a plethora of healing centred Churches in contemporary Tiv Christianity, the researcher set for himself the task of investigating this phenomenon. In view of this, he carefully formulated a research topic with the title “Healing in Jesus and Contemporary Christian Ministries: A Study of Mark 10:46-52 In the Context of selected Churches in Tivland. The method of study adopted for this work was synchronic. The sample size for the study was 119. A text was analysed and applied. Jesus’ healing of Bartimaeus is compared to what contemporary acclaimed healers do today. The research instruments of oral interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were (employed to help elicit reliable data from the respondents. Apart from oral (interviews, published and unpublished works were consulted. These were books, journal articles, encyclopedias, the internet, magazines and newspapers that embodied relevant information to this study. Findings from the study revealed that contemporary Christian healers in Tivland employ their methods of healing different from Jesus Christ. They also charge consultation fees. Further findings also revealed that some of these healers carry out their healing for pecuniary gains. Furthermore, the upsurge of healers is a consequence of the high level of poverty and ignorance in the land. As a result the study recommended that healers in contemporary Tiv society should go back to the imitation of the Master healer who is Jesus himself in all ramifications. They should not present themselves as healers but mere instruments of healing. It should also be done with all sense of altruism to improve human living standards. The study therefore concluded that healing is an integral part of evangelization. Jesus used it during his earthly ministry, to preach the gospel. However, in contemporary Tiv society, healing is not performed based on sound ecclesiology, which is intended to promote unity and to further the mission of the Church, but for personal and economic gains; contrary to that of Jesus Christ who healed for the salvation of souls.Christianity and the trendy upsurge of healing centre
EFFECTS OF MASTERY LEARNING APPROACH ON SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS’ INTEREST, ACHIEVEMENT, AND RETENTION IN GENETICS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkThis study investigated the effect of mastery learning approach on senior secondary two students’ interest, achievement, and retention in genetics in education Zone C of Benue State. Further investigation was carried out to determine the interaction effect of gender and teaching approach on students’ achievement, retention, and interest in genetics. The study was guided by nine research questions, while nine hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The sample consisted of 149 SSII Biology students selected from four government/grant-aided schools in the study area using multi-stage sampling technique. The study adopted the quasi-experimental non-randomized pre-test post-test control group design. Data were generated through Genetics Achievement Test (GAT) and Biology Interest Scale (BIS). The GAT and BIS were validated and afterwards subjected to reliability analysis using Kuder-Richardson formula 21 (K-R21) and Cronbach Alpha formula which yielded coefficients of 0.74 and 0.86 respectively. Data collected were analyzed using means and standard deviations to answer the research questions while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that students who were exposed to Mastery Learning Approach (MLA) attained significantly higher mean achievement scores in genetics than their counterparts who were exposed to the conventional learning approach (p=0.000.05); Students who were exposed to MLA attained significantly higher mean retention scores in genetics compared with their counterparts who were taught Biology using the conventional approach (p=0.000.05); Students who were exposed to Mastery Learning Approach (MLA) attained significantly higher mean interest ratings than their counterparts who were taught Biology using the conventional approach (p=0.000.05). Findings further revealed that there was no significant interaction effect of gender and teaching approach on students’ mean achievement in genetics (p=0.09>0.05), retention in genetics (p=0.25>0.05), and mean interest ratings in Biology (p=0.34>0.05). Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others, that teachers should integrate mastery learning approach into the teaching and learning process of various topics in Biology to improve students’ achievement, retention and interest in the subject generally. Teachers should actively involve male and female students in the mastery learning approach activities to avoid gender stereotyping during teaching and learning process