Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Understanding the Temporal Variability of Rainfall Onset and Cessation of Cropping Season over Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria
No full textThis study aims to analyze temporal shifts in rainfall onset, cessation, and the length of the growing season (LGS) in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria, between 1980 and 2024. Using a climatic threshold-based method, Sen’s slope estimator, and the non-parametric Mann–Kendall test, the study evaluated changes in the timing and duration of rainfall seasons. The results revealed a delayed rainfall onset (from June toward July) and a significant extension of cessation dates into November, leading to a longer LGS by about one to two months. Monthly rainfall totals exceeded 400 mm in wet years, while extended dry spells characterized others, demonstrating clear interannual variability. These findings indicate a dynamic rainfall regime affecting crop calendars and water use planning. The study underscores the need for flexible, climate-informed irrigation and cropping strategies to optimize productivity under changing climatic conditions
Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel Using Biomass-Derived Carbon Quantum Dots from Banana Peels: A Sustainable Approach
No full textIn this study, the banana peels carbon dots (BP-CDs) was synthesized by hydrothermal method. The BP-CDs was characterized using ultraviolet - Visible spectrophotometer (UV - Vis) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The potential of the BPCDs to prevent mild steel from corroding in 1 M HCl was investigated using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) techniques. The effects of concentrations of the BP-CDs, immersion times and temperature against corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl were investigated. The inhibition efficiency (IE) of the BP-CDs generally increased with concentration. Result from weight loss technique test at 30°C, shows that corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE) of the optimum concentration investigated increased with an increase in immersion time up to 75.9 % at 72 h but decreased thereafter to about 63.7 % at 144 h. The weight loss test results further revealed that the inhibition efficiency increased with increase in temperature of the medium reaching a value of 90.2 % at 60oC. The high values of IE for the carbon dot at 60°C was indicative of chemisorption mode of adsorption of the carbon dots on mild steel surfaces. The PDP analysis showed that the BP-CDs acted as mixed - type corrosion inhibitor. The surface characterization of the steel samples submerged in the blank 1 M HCl and in the1 M HCl with carbon dots using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X - ray Spectroscopy (EDS), 3D Profilometer images as well as Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) showed decreased surface roughness of mild steel surfaces on addition of the inhibitors, an indication of decrease in corrosion attack by HCl due to the formation of passivation layer on the steel surfaces. 
Effect of Organic Manure on the Growth and Yield of Bambara Groundnut in a Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria
No full textBambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) is a leguminous crop widely grown across Sub-Saraha Africa due to its nutritional and economic benefits. The study evaluated the effect of poultry and goat manure on various growth parameters, and was conducted using the statistical method; Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to access the significance of the effects of manure types and rate on the plant growth and plant yield parameters. The experiment was a 2 x 4 factorial experiment comprising two main treatments: manure types (goat manure and poultry manure) and the application rates of 0t/ha, 5t/ha, 10t/ha and 15t/ha. This resulted to (8) treatment combinations using RCBD (Randomized Complete Block Design) and the experiment was replicated four (4) times. For mean separation, Least Significant Difference (LSD) test was applied to identify the difference between treatment groups when ANOVA showed significant effects. The results for growth parameter showed that a 5-ton manure rate consistently resulted in the lowest growth, while the 10-ton manure rate generally yielded the highest plant (7.61 cm), plant width (2.823 cm), leaf number (114.1), number of stems (38.05), plant height (34.82 cm), and stem girth (8.82 cm) for growth parameters. The result for yield parameter showed that the effect of poultry and goat manure on fresh and dry fodder weights, pod number and weight showed that 15-ton manure rate resulted in the highest fresh fodder weight (80.6 g) and dry fodder weight (68.1 g), while the 10-ton manure rate had the lowest fresh fodder weight (72.5 g) and dry fodder weight (64.7 g); overall. The study recommends applying a 10- ton manure rate for optimal growth and a 15- ton manure rate for maximizing Bambara groundnut yield
Effects of Selected Legume Crops on the Physicochemical Properties of Soils Contaminated with Spent Engine Oil in Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria
No full textThe increasing use of automobiles has led to widespread environmental pollution due to the improper disposal of waste engine oil (WEO). This study evaluated the potential of selected legume crops: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), mucuna (Mucuna pruriens), and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), in remediating petroleum-contaminated soils through phytoremediation. The experiment was conducted in the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, using a split-plot design within a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Soil contamination was induced by applying 5 liters of spent engine oil per plot, and the impact of legume crops on soil physicochemical properties was assessed after 90 days. Results showed that while particle size distribution remained unchanged (sand), groundnut significantly improved soil organic carbon (5.78 to 6.29 g/kg), exchangeable bases (Ca: 0.23 to 0.43 Cmol/kg, Na: 0.17 to 0.34 Cmol/kg), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) from 2.24 to 3.06 Cmol/kg in polluted soils compared to cowpea and mucuna. Oil pollution reduced soil moisture content ()from 216.2 to 142.2 %) and pH (5.96 to 5.57), but groundnut demonstrated the highest potential in restoring soil fertility. Given its ability to enhance soil chemical properties, groundnut is recommended for short-term remediation of used engine oil-contaminated soils. Further research is suggested to explore the long-term effects of legumes on hydrocarbon degradation and overall soil recovery
Effects of Poultry Manure Rates on Selected Soil Properties, Growth and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Ifite Ogwari, Southeasthern Nigeria
No full textThis study investigated the effects of different rates of poultry manure on soil physicochemical properties, growth parameters and crop yield of cucumber in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Ifite-Ogwari campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments (0 t/ha, 5 t/ha, 10 t/ha, 15 t/ha, and 20 t/ha of poultry manure) with four replications . The experiment was conducted at the experimental research farm of Crop Science and Horticulture. Soil samples were collected before and after the experiment at 6 weeks after planting and analyzed for pH, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, organic carbon, exchangeable cations, and other parameters. The results indicated that the application of poultry manure significantly influenced soil physical properties, with the highest total porosity and moisture content observed at the highest application rate (20 t/ha). Moreover, soil chemical properties such as pH, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, organic carbon, and exchangeable cations varied significantly among treatments, with the highest values recorded at the highest poultry manure rate. Cucumber growth parameters, including the number of leaves, vine length, and fruit weight, exhibited significant improvements with increasing poultry manure application rates. Likewise, crop yield-related characteristics such as fruit length, circumference, and number of fruits increased significantly with higher poultry manure application rates. Based on the findings, the treatment with 20 tons/ha of poultry manure emerged as the most effective in improving soil physicochemical properties, cucumber growth, and crop yield hence could be recommended for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in similar agroecological zones
Effect of Climate Change on Rice Productivity in Nigeria
No full textThis study analyzed the effects of climate change on rice productivity in Nigeria from 1991 to 2022. It assessed how climate variables such as rainfall, temperature, sunshine duration, carbon dioxide emissions, and relative humidity influenced rice productivity. The research utilized secondary data analyzed through econometric models, including the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) tests. The findings revealed that in the long run, annual rainfall and lagged temperature, carbon dioxide emissions, and relative humidity were significant at 5% determinants of rice productivity, while in the short run, current temperature and lagged climate factors played a crucial role. The study concluded that climate change significantly impacted rice productivity in Nigeria during the study period. It recommends the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties, improved irrigation infrastructure, and enhanced agricultural extension services to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on rice productivity in Nigeria
VIGILANTISM AND PROPERTY CRIMES IN CALABAR SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF CROSS RIVER STATE NIGERIA
No full textThe study examined vigilantism and property crimes- Armed robbery, vandalism and burglary in Calabar South Local government area of Cross River state, Nigeria. Relevant literature was reviewed and the theory of partnership policing was adopted as the theoretical framework for the study. The research deployed the correlational-survey design with the convenience sampling technique. Through a self-designed questionnaire, data were generated from 150 respondents. Generated data were statistically tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that vigilantism has a significant negative correlation with all property crime highlighted by the study namely; armed robbery, burglary, and vandalism. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that in addition to the official security service provided by the state, individual streets and community leaders should patronise the services of vigilante groups to prevent property crimes in their neighbourhoods. 
THE MODERATING IMPACT OF CORRUPTION: UNDERSTANDING SMEs GROWTH AND CREDIT ACCESSIBILITY FROM BANKS
No full textUniversally, SMEs have been acknowledged to be engines of growth and development given their contributions to employment and reduction in abject poverty while on the other hand, corruption generally is seen as one of the causes of poverty. Accordingly, this paper focused on moderating the role of corruption in Deposit Money Banks’ Credit accessibility and SMEs’ growth in Nigeria. Methodologically, an Ex-post facto research design was adopted through sourcing data from annual reports of companies coupled with relevant publications The outcome of the data analysis revealed that corruption has a positive and significant effect on the relationship between Deposit money Bank credit accessibility and SMEs’ growth in Nigeria, since the P-value is greater than 5%. The study recommended that even though corruption has a positive and significant effect as a moderating role in Nigeria, there is a global cry against it as corruption practices cause distortions in the economic system. It also impairs hard work, diligence and efficiency. It can diversify resources meant for society\u27s development to private and personal use and a burden to borrowers. Hence, the recommendation was crafted to eradicate corruption attitudes among loan seekers, bankers and the government. 
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS OF WOMEN FARMER COOPERATIVES AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON ACCESS TO LOAN FROM MICROFINANCE BANKS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA
No full textThis study investigates the institutional factors influencing women farmer cooperatives’ access to loans from microfinance banks in Southwest Nigeria. The specific objectives are to examine disparities between loan requests and actual access, evaluate the influence of organizational capacity, and assess the effect of safety-related qualities on loan approval. A descriptive and quantitative research design was employed, using a structured questionnaire and interview schedule to collect primary data from cooperative members in Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun States. A sample size of 370 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings reveal significant gaps between requested and approved loan amounts, with an average shortfall of 18.5%, indicating that cooperatives frequently receive less funding than needed. This shortfall is linked to microfinance banks’ conservative lending practices, risk aversion, and strict eligibility criteria. Organizational capabilities—such as functional administrative structures, regular meetings, strategic planning, and effective conflict resolution—were found to significantly enhance loan access, reflected in a grand mean score of 4.73 on a 5-point Likert scale. Safety-related qualities, including membership size, credit experience, and collateral provision, also positively influenced loan approval, with a grand mean score of 4.70. The study recommends that cooperatives strengthen financial planning and risk management to mitigate funding gaps, while microfinance banks should balance risk considerations with the need to support agricultural development. Enhancing both organizational and safety qualities can improve cooperatives’ creditworthiness and access to essential financial resources, thereby fostering growth within the agricultural sector