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THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DETERMINANTS OF MATERNAL MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY IN KATSINA-ALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
No full textThis study focused on the socio-economic determinants of maternal mortality in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. The study aimed at finding out the causes of maternal mortality and measures towards reducing maternal mortality. One theory was used as framework for the study; James McCarthy Health model theory. This theory is the best approach to maternal mortality issue. The method of data collection for this study was questionnaire. The study sampled 394 respondents. Analysis on the obtained data was done using simple descriptive statistics and presented in simple percentages and frequency tables. The result of the study revealed that there are direct and indirect causes of maternal mortality. Direct causes include Hemorrhage, sepsis, edompsia, obstructed labour and unsafe abortion, while indirect causes include malaria, malnutrition, HIV/AIDS, Anemia, heart disease, hepatitis, cultural and socio-economic factors. Findings also revealed that underlying social and economic factors including gender inequality, poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, poor medical services, not attending ante-natal care, unskilled medical personnel, insufficient health centres indirectly have a negative impact on maternal mortality. The research however, recommended that government should establish more functional Primary Health Centre facilities and renovate the existing ones as well as provide adequate medical services and create other ways of sensitizing women on the importance of attending ante-natal care. The study suggested that, immunization should be done against endemic diseases regularly to prevent outbreak of diseases and consistent education on prevailing health issues should be done in public places like markets, schools, churches, mosques and village gathering to enhance health for all. Also, both illiteracy and poverty must be reduced to a lower level in order to pave way for maternal health. Programme must also be developed to improve both prevention and treatment of maternal mortality and morbidity.SEL
A CRITIQUE OF ABSOLUTE SPIRIT (GEIST) IN HEGEL’S PHENOMENOLOGY OF SPIRIT
No full textThis study examines the concept of the Absolute Spirit (Geist) in Hegel’s thought. Although this concept marks the peak of his complex philosophical system, Hegel himself did not clearly acquaint his readers with the precise meaning of this doctrine. One school of thought conjectures that Hegel identifies Absolute Spirit (Geist) with God, thereby interpreting the concept as God. Another school of thought however, rejects the possibility for a theistic reading of Hegel and argues that in his thought, ‘God is dead’. Yet, there are other contemporary views that interpret Hegel as an Epistemologist. This tradition argues that the Absolute Spirit develops from the progression of consciousness. For its part, the third standpoint conjectures that Hegel employs the concept of Absolute Spirit to develop an ontological theory or position. The present study sought to defend the thesis or position that the Absolute Spirit (Geist) is an ontological theory in which Hegel calls humanity to a life of unity and oneness. To achieve this, a qualitative research design was used. Data were sourced from text books, journals and periodicals. The study employed historical, expository and analytical methods for the research. The study found out that neither the theistic/atheistic nor epistemological readings of the Absolute Spirit alone sufficiently represent Hegel’s thought. Alternatively and specifically, it construed that Hegel’s thought above all, is a synthesis of Being. The study concludes that, the only way to make sense of Hegel’s thought is to evaluate the concept of Absolute Spirit (Geist) on merit as a principle that sums up all reality as one, and calls humanity to a life of unity and oneness.SEL
DETERMINANTS OF DIVIDEND POLICY OF LISTED AGRICULTURAL FIRMS IN NIGERIA
No full textThis study investigated the factors determining the dividend policy of listed agricultural firms in Nigeria between the year 2011and 2017. The study considered the influence of five (5) firm’s factors, which are Profitability, Previous Dividends, Liquidity, Firms’ Size, and Growth Opportunities and examined the relationship between these firm’s factors on the dividend payout ratio of listed agricultural firms in Nigeria. The study adopted the pooled regression method and the panel data estimation techniques and the test between the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) and the Fixed Effect Model was carried out. The results of the study indicate a positive relationship between dividend payout ratio and each of previous dividends, liquidity and firms’ size, but a negative relationship between profitability and growth opportunities. The results show that profitability, and previous dividends determine the dividend decision of listed agricultural firms in Nigeria. Finally, the study recommended the need for mangers to pay attention to liquidity alongside profitability and previous dividends and stabilize dividend payment in order to reduce both agency conflicts and investors’ uncertainties. The study also recommended the need for the government to ensure compliance with company law on dividend payment by listed agricultural firms and other corporate entities in Nigeria.SEL
AN EXAMINATION OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN HANNAH ARENDT
No full textThis work examines Hannah Arendt’s concept of political violence which is aimed at bringing out the nature of violence in politics. The issue of violence reflects on the nature of human community, government and its relationship with the individual. The researcher observed that the political class continues to arm the youth, and employ them to shed blood during election period. Politicians themselves are assassinated. The political system of Nigeria is characterized by violence and death. Be that as it may, Arendt therefore, challenges the contemporary and traditional ways of understanding power and violence, and provides an important critical perspective for understanding political violence and power in the contemporary world. In contrast to political realism's equation of politics with domination and violence, Arendt understood politics as a relation of friendship. From the findings, it was gathered that political violence leads to; destruction of lives and properties, domination, intimidation, political and economic instability. Arendt’s on her part assumes that; power need violence at certain moments to maintain it. Thus, it must have means of violence in reserve. The study depicts and criticizes Arendt’s thought that violence is not a tool that creates power, but that which destroys it, therefore, Arendt’s thought on political violence is inadequate in resolving some contemporary conflict. The study, therefore, concludes that her thought though weak in some areas, is still relevant and timely in salvaging and overcoming some conceptions of political violence which is based on its glorification and justification. This research work employed qualitative research design. Data were sourced from books, articles, Journals and periodicals. The research methodologies adopted in this work are historical, expository and analytical. The historical method locates Arendt’s thoughts within philosophical history; the expository method presents her thoughts in detail, while the analytical approach ascertains the strengths and weaknesses of Arendt’s position.SEL
A STUDY OF DAVID HUME’S CONCEPT OF JUSTICE
No full textThis study examines the problem associated with David Hume’s concept of justice, in which he contends that the extant theories of justice were based on artificial notion of virtue. This work therefore, highlights the problem associated with this dichotomy. The work employed a qualitative research design where data were sourced from books, journals, encyclopedia and periodicals to examine David Hume’s concept of justice within philosophical history; the expository method was employed to establish Hume’s thought on justice, the analytical method was used to x-ray Hume’s notion of justice and the evaluative method was adopted to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of Hume’s position of justice. This study therefore stands to maintain that Hume’s conception of justice as an artificial virtue is a mistake because if Hume’s establishment of the convention of justice is sound, it must be true that the participants in the convention reason from factual premise to normative conclusion. The study concludes that that Hume’s position cannot be sacrosanct because the conclusion of his arguments leaves much to be desired.SEL
IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND SKILLS OF SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS THROUGH ICT TRAINING FOR ITS FACILITIES UTILIZATION IN CLASSROOM PEDAGOGY IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined the knowledge, attitude, and skills of Social Studies teachers through ICT training for its facilities utilization in classroom pedagogy in Benue State. The study also investigated the knowledge, attitude, and skills of Social Studies teachers across gender. The study was guided by six research questions while six hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The design of the study was one group pre-test post-test quasi-experimental design. The population of the study consisted of 508 Social Studies teachers from the 303 Upper Basic Schools in the three Education Zones of Benue State. The sample of the study comprised 244 Social Studies teachers of 130 males and 94 females drawn through multistage sampling techniques. Data were collected using researcher made instruments entitled “Teachers’ Basic ICT Knowledge Test (TBIKT), Teachers Attitude towards ICT Questionnaire (TAIQ)” and “Teachers ICT Skills Observation Scale” (TISOS). The TBIKT was subjected to a reliability test using the Kuder-Richardson (k-R21) method of analysis which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.98. Similarly, the TAIQ and TISOS were subjected to reliability analysis using Cronbach Alpha which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.82 and 0.82 respectively. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while the t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results indicated that there was a significant difference in the mean knowledge scores of Social Studies teachers before and after exposure to ICT training for its facilities utilization in classroom pedagogy (P=0.000 0.05). Furthermore , it was discovered that there was no significant difference in the mean attitude rating of male and female Social Studies teachers before (p = 0.446 > 0.05) and after exposure (p = 0.145 > 0.05) to ICT training for its facilities utilisation in classroom pedagogy. It was equally indicated that there was no significant difference in the mean skills scores of male and female Social Studies teachers before (p = 0.615 > 0.05) and after (p = 0.269 > 0.05) exposure to ICT training for its facilities utilisation in classroom pedagogy. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others, that Ministries of Education and school authorities should organize more ICT training for Social Studies teachers on a regular basis to build the knowledge of teachers towards the use of ICT facilities in classroom pedagogy and that Social Studies teachers be encouraged to avail themselves of the opportunities of any ICT training provided as this could help them improve on their skills and enhance their attitude towards the use of ICT facilities in classroom pedagogy. It was suggested that this study be replicated in other subject areas to allow room for more generalization and applicability.SEL
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) AND STAFF JOB PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
No full textAbstract
The study investigated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and staff job performance in universities in North-Central Nigeria. The study was guided by six research questions and six hypotheses. The variables of the study are classroom instruction, research and publications, communication, records keeping and decision making. The study adopted the descriptive research survey design. The population of the study was 13,784 made up of all the academic staff and administrative staff in universities in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. The sample size of the study was 1,379 respondents using multi-stage sampling technique from 13 universities. The instrument used for data collection was a 36–item structured questionnaire titled “Information and Communication Technology and University Staff Job Performance Questionnaire (ICTUSJPQ)” and Interview Schedule. Data collected were analyzed using percentages for bio-data, mean rating and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Chi-square was used to test hypotheses 1-5 and t-test to test hypothesis 6 at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed among others that ICT impact on classroom instruction, research and publication, records keeping and decision making in universities in North-Central Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that university authorities should organize workshops for administrative and academic staff to help them acquire the knowledge of information and communication technology in order to enable them utilize ICT devices and software packages which will enhance classroom teaching and learning effectively and efficiently. Government through the State Ministry of Education should distribute ICT devices to universities especially state universities to enhance effective and efficient management of federal and state universities
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN BAYELSA STATE, 1996 – 2012.
Get PDFThis work “Local Government Administration and Development in Bayelsa State, 1999-2012” is aimed at examining the contributions of the third tier of government to the development of the state within our period. As is well known, the importance of Local Government as a third tier of government cannot be overemphasized as it brings government closer to the people of the grassroot. Local Government constitutes an essential or fundamental driver in national development. The discussion on local government has been increasingly important over the years owing to the roles local governments are expected to play in the promotion of grassroot development. Hence, the extent to which local governments have operated as agents of development in Bayelsa State is at the heart of this study and indeed the primary concern of this study. To this end therefore, the study examines the extent to which resources available to local governments in the state are applied to meet the developmental needs of the people. The study also examines the challenges and prospects of local governments in stimulating development in the state. Primary and secondary sources of data are utilized in this study. Apart from interviews conducted, there is reliance on existing literature in books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and even the internet sources. This study adopts the Culture-Contact Theory of Social Change. This is because Local Government Administration as it exists today is as a result of Nigeria’s contact with the British. The study is historical, descriptive and analytical
A HISTORY OF HAUSA SETTLER COMMUNITY IN AKWANGA AREA, 1800 - 2011
Get PDFThis thesis focuses on the Hausa settler community in Akwanga area of present Nasarawa State from 1800 - 2011. The problem of the study is hinged on the dominance which the histories of the major ethnic groups like the Hausa have on minority groups like the Mada. The aim of the study, therefore, is to explain the factors that attracted the Hausa to Akwanga, their impact, adaptation and challenges as they relate to the growth and development of Akwanga. The historical methodology of research was adopted by the research and this involved the analysis of primary, secondary and tertiary sources of data. In this regard, 32 oral interviews were conducted within and outside the area of study. Information was also sourced from the National Archives Kaduna, the internet as well as from books and journals. The study shows that the Mada who are mainly farmers have lived in Akwanga for more than 2,500 years and that the earliest forms of Hausa migration into the area came through seasonal migration, hunting and trading activities until the Fulani Jihads took centre stage. Thereafter, colonialism and a chain of economic, socio - political factors continued to sustain the trend. The study shows that the Hausa settler community in Akwanga had both positive and negative impact on the study area and one of the positive impact was the expansion of economic activities in the area. One of the negative effects of the Hausa settler community in Akwanga is enculturation which led to the gradual fading of Mada cultural practices as a result of the growing influence of Hausa culture in the area. The study, however, found out that in spite of the conflict that tends to thrive among indigenes and settlers in other places, there have never been violent clashes between the Mada people and the Hausa settler community in Akwanga of the Nasarawa area due primarily to the adaptability of the Mada. However, political challenges like mutual suspicion and distrust can be found among them. In this regard the work sues among other suggestions, for conscious and deliberate efforts to be made by the relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful co-existence through avenues like the staging of cultural festivals so that the Mada cultural practices will continue to thrive in the area.History of the Hausa Community in Akwang
PERCIEVED JOB INSECURITY, WORK OVERLOAD AND WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT AS PREDICTORS OF TURNOVER INTENTION AMONG BANK EMPLOYEES IN BENUE STATE
Get PDFThe study examined perceived Job Insecurity, Work Overload and Work Family Conflict as predictors of Turnover Intention among bank employees in Benue State. The sample size of 348 participants made up of 195(44.56%) males and 153(44.4%) females with ages ranging from 31 – 40 years participated in the study. The study employed a cross sectional survey design and participants were drawn from commercial bank employees by using purposive sampling technique. Four standardized psychological instruments namely: Job Insecurity Scale (JIS), Work Overload Scale (WOS), Work Family Conflict Scale (WFCS) and Turnover Intention Scale (TIS) were used for the study. Data collected were analyzed using multiple regression, simple linear regression and hierarchical regression technique were used to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that job insecurity predicted turnover intention at (R=0.657, R2=0.432, F=37.247, P 0.01). Also, job insecurity, work overload and work family conflict jointly predicted turnover intention significantly (R=0.805, R2=0.648, F=28.867, P<0.01).The study concludes that job insecurity work overload and work family conflict influences turnover intention of bank employees.The study recommends among others that management should reduce the high targets given to bank workers to meet up within a period of time and adopt a shift system to ease the employees from fatigue