Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Adoption of improved sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) production technologies among small-scale farmers in Vandeikya, Benue State, Nigeria
No full textTechnology adoption depends on its compatibility with existing values, complexity, observability of benefits, divisibility into adoptable units, and relative advantage over current practices. This study assessed the adoption of improved Ipomoea batatas production technologies by farmers in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure (in conjunction with purposive and random sampling techniques) was used in selecting 584 respondents for this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that most respondents, 25.9% had access to improved species, 25.0% had access to improved pre-planting facilities, and 52.6% relied on manual labour. 55.0% had no access to fertilizer and manure inputs. The majority of respondents, 74.7% spotted low yield from the local Ipomoea batatas seedlings, while 15.9% indicated using improved sweet potato production technologies. However, factors such as scarcity of inputs, high cost of fertilizer and labour, scarcity of planting materials, among others, militated against the adoption of the technologies. It is recommended that Ipomoea batatas farmers seek help in the phase of difficulties during sweet potato cultivation, where they lack awareness. This involves approaching active resources such as extension agents, credit facilitators, and other technicians who have the requisite knowledge to help resolve challenges in the pre-planting, planting, post-planting, as well as harvest and post-harvesting phases of Ipomoea batatas cultivation
Effects of commercial organic fertilizer and poultry manure on soil properties, yield and proximate composition of radish (Raphanus sativus L.)
No full textOrganic fertilizer is known for its ability to improve soil fertility and enhance the availability of nutrients to the plant. To examine the impacts of commercial organic fertilizer (Agrodyke) and poultry manure on soil parameters, yield, and the proximate composition of radish (Raphanus sativus), as well as residual effects, a pot experiment was carried out at Bukola Farm in Oke Oyi, Kwara State, Nigeria. Ten treatments were used in the experiment: Control (T0), Agrodyke 10g (T1), Agrodyke 20g (T2), and Agrodyke 30g (T3) in 1.5, 3, and 4.5 litres of water respectively, Poultry manure – 90 kgN/ha (T4), poultry manure – 100 kgN/ha (T5), poultry manure – 110 kgN/ha (T6), poultry manure – 120 kgN/ha (T7), poultry manure – 130 kgN/ha (T8), and NPK (T9). Three replicates were used in the completely randomized design (CRD) of the experiment. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences in the treatment means were separated using Duncan\u27s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5 % level of significance. Application of poultry manure at 130 kg N/ha (T8) resulted in maximum values of growth and yield attributes, viz., number of leaves (15.1), stem girth (32.39 mm), root yield (126.8 g), and leaves weight (47.4 g). The residual nutrients and proximate composition, viz., ash, moisture content, crude fiber, and crude fat, in roots were also reported maximum by the application of poultry manure at 130 kg N/ha. Therefore, it can be concluded that using poultry manure increased radish quality and had better residual nutrients than NPK and Agrodyke organic fertilizer
Growth performance of Clarias gariepinus juvenile fed diets containing soaked date palm seed meal
No full textA feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of soaked date palm seed meal (Dactylus phoenix) on the growth performance and digestibility of Clarias gariepinus. A total of one hundred and fifty juvenile specimens of catfish (Clarias gariepinus), exhibiting an average weight of 13.94 ± 1.96 (mean ± SD), were allocated to individual plastic bowls (33 liters). Four iso-nitrogenous diets comprising 40% crude protein were formulated, wherein maize was substituted by soaked date palm seed meal at replacement levels of 0% (Diet 1), 25% (Diet 2), 50% (Diet 3), 75% (Diet 4), and 100% (Diet 5). The juveniles were administered a feeding regimen of 5% of their body weight daily over a duration of 42 days. At the conclusion of the experiment, it was determined that the inclusion of Soaked Date Palm Seed Meal (SPSM) was most advantageous as an energy supplement when incorporated at a 50% replacement level. The recorded values for weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein production value (PPV) were 35.60 g, 2.25% per day, 2.58, and 0.56, respectively, which were observed to be maximal in the fish receiving Diet 3. The final weights of the fish did not exhibit significant differences (P>0.05) across the various diet groups. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in FCR among the dietary treatments. Based on these findings, it is recommended that a 50% inclusion of soaked date palm seed in the diet is optimal for juvenile Clarias gariepinus, without compromising growth rates or adversely affecting digestibility parameters
Examination of the Role of a Legal Adviser to a Political Party in Handling Electoral Disputes and Litigations in Nigeria
No full textA legal adviser to a political party plays a significant role in the running of the political party. The roles of a legal adviser to a political party include but are not limited to being the custodian of the party\u27s legal framework, ensuring that its activities comply with the law to prevent disputes and electoral sanctions. His role includes handling of electoral disputes and litigations among other roles. Political parties in Nigeria are essential vehicles for political representation, bound by law to function democratically and adhere to regulatory frameworks. Failure to comply with these requirements often leads to legal disputes and sanctions. In this article, we examined the concepts of legal adviser, political party and electoral disputes and litigations as well as the theoretical frameworks in handling electoral disputes and litigations. We equally examined in details the role of a legal adviser as it relates to handling of electoral disputes and litigations. This writer used doctrinal research methodology in writing this article. This article will go a long way in provoking further discussions on the topic and it will help in strengthening our democratic institution.
Importance of the Protection of Expression of Folklore to the Society
No full textExpression of folklore is an important aspect of cultural heritage due to its role in the cultural landscape, contributing to identity, education, history, social cohesion, and artistic creativity. The article articulated the extent of legal protection Folklore enjoyed in Nigeria owing to the diverse nature of the people. The methodology adopted in the article is doctrinal given the protection accorded Folklore in Nigeria under the Copy Right Act 2022. It is found that the copyright protection of expression of folklore in Nigeria does not inure for the benefit of an individual to exploit but for the protection of a community whose folklore is registered with the Copyright Commission. Again, should there be a violation, it is only the Copy Right Commission that is legally empowered to seek redress on behalf of the complainant. It is concluded that if the expression of folklore is to be taken seriously the Nigerian Copy Right Law should be amended to enable individuals or a community whose right is violated concerning folklore to seek redress instead of waiting for the Copy Right Commission to redress on behalf of an aggrieved community.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AND ENGINEERING STUDENTS’ ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTIONS: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF ENTREPRENEURIAL SELF-EFFICACY AND ATTITUDE
No full textDrawing on insights from the theory of planned behaviour and social cognitive career theory, this study empirically examines the serial mediating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and entrepreneurial attitude on the relationship between entrepreneurship education (EE) and entrepreneurial intentions (EIs). This study adopted a quantitative approach and survey research design. Data were collected from 248 engineering students in the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria, using a self-reported questionnaire. The study performed serial mediation analysis using the Hayes-PROCESS Macro. Findings show that EE enhances students\u27 ESE, entrepreneurial attitude and EIs. Results also indicate that ESE and entrepreneurial attitude individually and sequentially mediate the association between EE and EIs. The study concludes that ESE and entrepreneurial attitude are mechanisms through which EE positively affects EIs. The results have implications for EE curriculum developers.
LECTURERS’ READINESS FOR INTEGRATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN TEACHING, LEARNING, AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
No full textThe study determined lecturers’ readiness for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching, learning, and research activities in educational institutions. Three research questions and three hypotheses were answered and tested in this study. A descriptive research design of survey type was used. The population of this study comprised 921 academic staff of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED). A total of 150 academic staff of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) were selected as sample size of the study, using purposive sampling technique. A self-researcher-designed instrument tagged: Lecturers’ Readiness, Integrating Artificial Intelligence, Teaching, Learning, and Research Activities Questionnaire (LRIAITLRAQ) was used for data collection with 0.83 as reliability coefficient. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used for answering research questions. Hypotheses were tested using PPMC. The findings of the study revealed that there was low level of lecturers’ readiness for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teaching within higher educational institutions. There was low level of lecturers’ readiness for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in learning within higher educational institutions. There was medium level of lecturers’ readiness for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research activities within higher educational institutions. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) do enhance teaching (B = 0.426, t = 8.772, p < .05), learning (B = 0.502, t = 14.201, p < .05) and research activities (B = 0.787, t = 31.175, p < .05) in higher educational institutions in higher educational institutions. It was recommended that universities management should integrate AI components into the curriculum. Additionally, lecturers are encouraged to use AI to enhance personalized teaching-learning experiences, and effectively manage course content, assessments, and student communication
INFLUENCE OF INNOVATION AND BUSINESS ACUMEN IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUCCESS IN NIGERIA
No full textThe study examined innovation and business acumen in entrepreneurship success in Nigeria. Three research questions were analyzed and three hypotheses were tested. A descriptive research design was used. The population of this study comprised all SMEs in Ogun Central Senatorial District of Ogun State Nigeria who have employees spans between 5-55. A total of 50 SMEs in Abeokuta South Local Government Area Ogun State were selected as sample size using purposive random sampling technique. A self-researcher-designed instrument tagged: Innovation, Business Acumen and Entrepreneurship Success Questionnaire (IBAESQ) was used for data collection with (r = .88). Mean and standard deviation were used for answering research questions. PPMC and regression analysis were used for testing hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that there was a positive relationship between innovation and entrepreneurial success (r = 0.345, p < .05). Business acumen has a positive impact on entrepreneurial performance (β = .381, t = 4.077, p < .05). There was significant composite contribution of independent variables on the dependent variable; R = 0.74, p < .05. The study recommended that business enterprises should engage more on innovation of their production process to improve their product quality and even enhances good enterprises sustainability
EMPLOYEES’ JOB TRAINING AND COMPENSATION AS PREDICTORS OF CORPORATE PERFORMANCE
No full textThe focus of this study was to evaluate the predictive powers of training, compensations on corporate performance (CP) using Nestlé Nigeria, Plc. Three research questions and a hypothesis were answered and tested. A descriptive research design of survey was used. The population comprised 1084 staff of Nestle Plc. in Ogun State. Seven hundred and fifty (750) staff were then selected as the sample using a purposive sampling technique. Three research instruments were used for data collection: Employees’ Job Training Questionnaire (r = .77), Employees’ Compensation Questionnaire (r = .81), and Corporate Performance Questionnaire (r = .76). Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) were used to answer the three research questions and test the hypothesis at .05 level of significance. Results revealed that there were significant relationships between: on-the-job training and CP (r = 239, ƿ <. 01), off-the-job training and CP (r = .727; p <. 01), employees’ compensation and CP (r = .270, ƿ < .01). Model summary from multiple regression showed that the predictors compositely contributed 56.0% (Adj. R2 = .560) to CP and this was significant (F (4, 726) = 230.053, p <. 05), also Multiple R (.750) indicated an overall relationship of the predictors with the explained variable. It is concluded that the management practices (job training, compensation) enhanced the attainment of corporate performance. It is therefore recommended that organisations should do more of the off-the-job training for employees, by ensuring delivery of new knowledge and skills that are applicable to the operations of the organisation, confirming logistics support, and ensuring compliance with the training needs assessment process
EFFECT OF MOBILE LEARNING APPLICATION ON STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN PHYSICS IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OGBIA LGA, BAYELSA STATE
No full textThis study examined the effect of mobile learning applications on the academic achievement of senior secondary school students in Physics in Ogbia LGA, Bayelsa State. A quasi-experimental design was employed using 180 SS II students, divided into an experimental group taught with mobile learning applications and a control group taught with the lecture method. Data were collected using a Physics Achievement Test (PAT) and analyzed with mean, standard deviation, and z-tests at 0.05 significance level. Findings showed that students taught with mobile learning applications achieved significantly higher scores than those taught traditionally. Gender analysis revealed no significant difference between male and female students, indicating that both groups benefited equally. The study concludes that mobile learning applications enhance Physics learning outcomes and recommends their integration into secondary school instruction to improve achievement and promote equitable access to quality science education