Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Study on the Improvement of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Ugwuoba Clay Using Palm Stalk Ash
No full textThis study investigates the enhancement of the microstructural, physical and mechanical properties of Ugwuoba clay through the incorporation of palm stalk ash (PSA) as a reinforcing additive. Ugwuoba clay reinforced with 10wt.%, 20wt.%, 30wt.%, and 40wt.% of PSA were prepared and tested for flexural strength, refractoriness, thermal shock resistance, and other physico-mechanical properties. Results indicate that the inclusion of PSA has a significant influence on the microstructure of the Ugwuoba clay. Additionally, the addition of PSA enhances the flexural strength but reduces both refractoriness and thermal shock resistance with an increasing weight fraction of PSA. Also, the physic-mechanical properties (linear shrinkage, bulk density, modulus of rupture, apparent porosity, and water absorption) of one of the reinforced samples (30wt.% PSA reinforced Ugwuoba clay composite) at increasing sintering temperature between 900oC to 1300oC was compared to those of the unreinforced Ugwuoba clay. Results show significant influence on the physico-mechanical properties with increasing sintering temperature. The study demonstrates that PSA can effectively enhance the mechanical properties of Ugwuoba clay with minimal reduction in its thermal properties. However, this approach provides an insight into sustainable utilisation of agricultural waste and contributes to value-added material development, while further studies can be carried out to improve on the thermal properties affected. These findings highlight PSA’s potential as a sustainable reinforcement in clay-based ceramics for moderate thermal applications such as kiln linings, insulating bricks, and structural ceramics
Water Quality Assessment for Irrigation Purpose in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
No full textThis study assessed Water Quality for Irrigation Purpose in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from upstream (Uwa), midstream (Nto Nsek Afaha), and downstream (Afaha Ikot Ebak) during both dry and rainy seasons. Important water quality indicators such as Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Soluble Sodium Percentage (SSP), Permeability Index (PI), and the Magnesium to Calcium ratio (Mg/Ca) were analyzed. During the dry season, SAR was 0.10, SSP was 3.66%, PI was 69.33%, and Mg/Ca was 0.73. In the rainy season, SAR was 0.14, SSP was 4.99%, PI was 66.89%, and Mg/Ca was 1.05. These values fall within safe ranges for irrigation. However, RSC was 1.41 meq/L in the dry season and 1.47 meq/L in the rainy season, both classified as “doubtful,” indicating the need for caution with long-term use. Other results showed that pH ranged from 6.80 to 7.90 (dry) and 6.70 to 7.10 (rainy), TDS ranged from 38.33 to 44.67 mg/L (dry) and 39.68 to 40.20 mg/L (rainy), while EC ranged from 26.50 to 29.50 µS/cm (dry) and 25.11 to 26.32 µS/cm (rainy). The dominant ions were bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), calcium (Ca²⁺), and sulfate (SO₄²⁻) with hydrogeochemical trend of HCO3− > Ca2+ > SO42− > Mg2+ > Cl− > K+ > Na+ (dry season), and HCO3− > SO42− > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Cl− > K+ > Na+ (rainy season). Based on the forgoing, surface water from the Qua Iboe River in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State can be used for irrigation to drive the agricultural productivity in the area. However, routine monitoring of both irrigation water quality and soil chemical properties is essential to prevent cumulative degradation and to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability. This study provides information into localized water quality, offering practical guidance for policymakers/farmers in smaller agrarian communities, contributing to the broader goal of food security. Future research should assess the long-term effects of using Qua Iboe River water with doubtful RSC on soil health and crop yield, and explore low-cost mitigation strategies
Development and optimization of fluted pumpkin stems fiber using Taguchi’s approach for Natural Fiber Reinforced Plastics Composite (NFRPC)
No full textThis research article investigated the development and characterization of Fluted Pumpkin stem fiber (FPSF) and the use of Taguchi’s approach for optimization Natural Fiber Reinforced Plastics Composite (NFRPC). Emphasis was on the fiber development process, fiber extraction, surface treatment and fiber characterization. In this work, the tensile test experiment has been conducted using treated and untreated Telfairia occidentalis stem fiber and the results showed that the treated fiber has high tensile strength value of 124.2N/mm2, as compared to untreated fiber with 42.1N/mm2. Furthermore, design of experiment (DOE) technique was planned using Taguchi L9 orthogonal array method to optimize the properties of new composite material. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was performed to determine the optimal parameter levels and its statistical significance on each of the properties (Thermal conductivity, Tensile strength,). The results showed that all the chosen parameters have significant effects on the properties of new materia
Investigating the improvement of spectral efficiency of massive MIMO systems in Rayleigh fading channels and LOS propagation channels
No full textOver the last decade, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems have substantially enhanced the spectral efficiency (SE) of cellular networks, and in recent years, Massive MIMO (mMIMO) technology has leverage on that to provide more significant improvement of SE in 5G network. However, most of these improvement have been recorded over flat fading channels and frequency selective fading. This work deviated from the norm by investigating the level of improvement of SE of mMIMO systems in Rayleigh fading channels and line of sight (LoS) propagation channels. To achieve this, conceptualized system models were devised for an uplink massive MIMO systems comprising of a two-tier heterogeneous network (HetNet) and a downlink massive MIMO system comprising of a two-tier HetNet from where mathematical models were developed. The systems were evaluated using user-specific performance indicators, such as the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), along with system-level utility measures, including the average spectral efficiency. The results show that increasing the base station antenna count improves the spectral efficiency of the system which can grow remarkably as the base station antenna count approaches infinity. Moreover, deploying more base station antennas than the number of active UEs in a cell can enhance the downlink average spectral efficiency, facilitated by precoding schemes like Maximum Ratio Transmission (MRT) and Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE). This finding is same for both Rayleigh (NLoS) fading channels and LoS propagation channels.
 
Implications of Plant Composition, Distribution and Diversity in Hadejia Wetland National Park, Jigawa State, Nigeria
No full textNational Parks are vital ecosystem in Nigeria, faces threats to its biodiversity due to inadequate conservation strategies. Despite its importance, the park\u27s floristic composition, diversity, distribution, and abundance of tree species remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap hinders effective conservation and management, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment of the park\u27s forest resources. A random sampling design was employed, with four 100x100m plots assessed in Hadejia Wetland National Park. Data collection involved identifying tree species with Dbh of 10cm and above, abundance, and distribution. Descriptive statistics used to analyze species abundance and distribution patterns. Diversity was assessed using the Shannon-Wiener Index (HI), while frequency, relative frequency, density, and abundance were calculated to characterize the park\u27s floristic composition. The study revealed 50 plant species in Hadejia Wetland National Park, with Fabaceae being the most dominant family. High species diversity of 4.63 with several species of economic, medicinal importance represented with high abundance of Hyphaene thebaica. 78, Ziziphus mauritiania 68, Acacia nilotica 60, Polyacantha spp 59 while several species had low frequency as one (1). The density and relative such as Hyphaene thebaica (0.003; 4.8), Ziziphus mauritiana (0.0022; 4.4), Acacia nilotica (0.002; 3.7) and Polycantha spp (0.019; 3.7) having a higher density. The study revealed high species diversity with economically valuable species like Hyphaene thebaica, Ziziphus mauritiana, and Acacia nilotica dominating the landscape. Therefore, there is a need for conservation and sustainable management. Hadejia Wetland National Park has a rich array of plant species and high diversity. 
Effect of Organic Supplements on Stem Cutting Technique of Kolanut (Cola acuminata) Propagation
No full textKolanut is an important crop with substantial socio-economic values cultivated for their nuts. The major challenges in their propagation are due primarily to prolonged juvenile phase and erratic germination which necessitates needs for efficient and reliable propagation techniques. Improved propagation techniques will increase production, thereby ensuring stable and sufficient supply for both local and international demands. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate potential of organic supplements to enhance propagation of kolanut through stem cuttings. Treatment consists of organic supplements (Aloe vera leaf, Banana fruit, Moringa leaf and Onion bulb) and water as control, and laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) replicated three times. Branches 1-2years old, 1-1.5meters long and 2-3cm in diameter obtained from mature and healthy kolanut trees were treated with organic supplement extracts and untreated control. Data were collected on plant vigour, signs of rooting, survival rates and number of active buds, and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results revealed that plant vigor was significantly higher for Aloe vera (88.9%), Moringa (88.9%), Banana (80.0%) and Onion (77.8%) compared to water (68.9%). The percentage of rooting was highest in banana (88.9%) > Aloe vera (77.8%) and Moringa (77.8%) > onion (66.7%) and water (60.7%) with lower values. Survival rates were significantly higher in cuttings treated with all extracts (100.0%) compared to water (88.9%). The study concludes that Banana and Aloe vera extracts showed higher efficiency for stem cutting of kolanut, and can therefore be used as supplements for effective vegetative propagation
Assessment of Women Role in Agroforestry Practice in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria
No full textThis study was carried out to assess role of women in agroforestry practice in Jos-North Local Government Area of Plateau State using two study area Mazah and Naraguta. Simple random sampling was used to administered 75 copies of questionnaire in each of the two study areas thereby having a total of 150 selected respondents, out of which 139 was retrieved (Mazah; 75 and Naraguta; 64). Data collected were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The results from the study showed that agroforestry practices carried out in both study areas range from Taungya (55.4%), agri-silviculture (16.5%), shifting cultivation (16.5%), silvo-pastoral (7.2%) and horti-silviculture (4.3%). The specific roles played in agroforestry by respondents range from harvesting of tree products (41.7%), tree planting and maintenance (37.4%), seedling production (8.6%) and processing (3.6%) respectively. The study also showed that agroforestry serves as source of income (44.6%), source of food (24.5%), timber production (16.5%) and medicinal purposes (12.9%). The study was able to establish that agroforestry practices have significant improvement on their crop production, and resultant increase in their incomes. It is therefore recommended that women involvement in agroforestry should be encourage in the study areas through advocacy and availability of inputs that will promote their performance for better output
POLITICAL CORRUPTION AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA, 2015 – 2023
No full textPresident Buhari came to power in the 2015 elections and one of his main campaign promises was to fight the corruption that was seen as rife in his predecessor’s administration. However, years after, corruption still subsists as one of the greatest challenges facing Nigeria. In recent time, public attention has been drawn to the spectacles of corruption cases in Nigeria especially in the agencies of government. This has shown that moral values are fast diminishing among the people. As it were, integrity, honesty and dedication to duty have collapsed in the society and particularly among politicians, political office holders and government officials. The menace of corruption in Nigeria poses a great threat to the democratic governance of the country. This study, titled " Political Corruption and Democratic Governance in Nigeria, 2015-2023" aims to investigate the impact of political corruption on democratic governance. Specifically, the study seeks to examine the effects of bribery, embezzlement, and nepotism on transparency, government accountability, and the rule of law, respectively. Grounded in the Principal-Agent Theory, propounded by Michael C. Jensen and William H. Meckling in 1976, the study elucidates how the dynamics between principals (citizens) and agents (government officials) contribute to corruption within democratic institutions. The findings reveal that bribery significantly impacts transparency, embezzlement affects government accountability, and nepotism influences the rule of law in Nigeria\u27s democratic governance. The study recommends strengthening anti-bribery measures, enhancing financial oversight, promoting merit-based appointments, and increasing public awareness to combat corruption and improve governance. These recommendations are aimed at fostering a more transparent, accountable, and equitable democratic system in Nigeria
Table of Contents
No full textUBS Journal of Business and Economic Policy, Volume 3, Issue 2, April 2025 editio
THE IMPACT OF NON-OIL REVENUE ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA
No full textThis study investigates the impact of non-oil revenue on the economic growth of Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the effect of customs and excise duties on the GDP of Nigeria; evaluate the effect of value-added tax on the GDP of Nigeria, and ascertain the effect of company income tax on the GDP of Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design was employed, and the study made use of secondary data obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletins, spanning from 1993 to 2022. A sample regression (error correction model) analytical tool was employed. The error correction model technique was used in estimating all the models in order to investigate the relationship between the dependent variables and independent variables. A Unit root test was conducted to show whether a time series variable is non-stationary and possesses a unit root and to validate the data used in the study\u27s analysis to prevent erroneous regression findings. This research concluded that company income tax has a significant effect on GDP in Nigeria, while value-added tax (VAT) and customs and excise duties have no significant effect on GDP in Nigeria for the period under review (1993–2022). The study recommends, among others, that the government should look for ways of introducing policies that will improve non-oil revenue, especially the value-added tax (VAT) and customs and excise duties (CED), in order to boost our gross domestic product.