Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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The Role of Digital Literacy Programs in Bridging Digital Divide Gap among Middle-Aged Adults in Nigeria
No full textAs the world increasingly relies on digital technologies and industrial revolution, middle-aged adults face a growing risk of exclusion due to a lack of digital literacy. Digital divide disproportionately affects middle-aged adults, limiting their access to essential information, services, and social connections. This paper examines the concept of digital literacy, digital divide, middle-Age adults, forms of aging among middle-aged adults, digital divide among middle-aged adults, digital literacy programs for middle-aged adults, constraints of digital literacy programs for middle-aged adults, conclusion and recommendation
Enhancing Language Skills in Nigeria Adult Education: Opportunities and Challenges
No full textThis study explores the opportunities and challenges of enhancing language skills in adult education programs in Nigeria, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in promoting effective language learning among adult learners. As language proficiency is essential for personal development, civic engagement, and economic empowerment, the study examines current practices in adult literacy initiatives, the linguistic diversity of Nigeria, and the socio-economic factors influencing adult education. Opportunities such as the integration of technology, community-based learning, and bilingual education models are discussed as potential avenues for improvement. Conversely, the paper also addresses persistent challenges, including inadequate funding, limited access to qualified instructors, and the marginalization of indigenous languages. The article concludes by recommending policy reforms, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative facilitator training approaches to strengthen language acquisition in adult education, ultimately contributing to national development and lifelong learning
A Multimodal Comparative Analysis of Hurt in Nigerian Literature: Exploring Gender Differences in Linguistic, Stylistic, and Pragmatic Representations
No full textThis study undertakes a multimodal comparative analysis of hurt in Nigerian literature in the work of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart (1979) and Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood (1979), exploring gender differences in linguistic, stylistic, and pragmatic representations investigating how male and female authors represent hurt and how these representations define, conform and/or challenge societal norms and values. This work relies on a mix theory of Trauma theory, stylistics, and post colonial theory. It uses a combination of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), stylistics, and pragmatic to investigate how hurt is constructed and conveyed in Nigerian literature and what these constructions reveal about gendered experiences, cultural norms, and power dynamics. Data was primary collected from the two novels under study. A qualitative and quantitative approach were used in the analysis. The findings reveal significant differences in how male and female authors represent hurt, with female authors employing more emotive language and stylistic devices to convey emotional pain, while make authors tend to use more direct and assertive language. The study also portrays the importance of considering the cultural and social context in which the texts were written, and how these contexts influence the representation of hurt. This work therefore is an addition to the field of literary linguistics, gender studies and African literature, providing new frontiers into the complex and multifaceted nature of hurt in Nigerian literature
IGBO APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM AND SME DEVELOPMENT IN IMO STATE NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined the role of the Igbo apprenticeship system in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development in Imo State, Nigeria, with a focus on its cultural and economic contributions. A descriptive survey research design was employed, involving 150 purposively selected participants from Owerri, including apprentices, master craftsmen, and business owners. Data collection was conducted using a validated structured questionnaire, and analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). The findings revealed that the Igbo apprenticeship system significantly contributes to preserving Igbo traditions, fostering community cohesion, and promoting local economic development. It also demonstrated a strong relationship between integrating traditional practices and modern economic initiatives, suggesting opportunities for technological advancement and policy support. The study concluded that the apprenticeship system remains a vital tool for cultural preservation and economic empowerment and recommended integrating technology and fostering collaboration with contemporary business practices to maximize its impact
SKILL ACQUISITION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN ONITSHA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE
No full textThis study examines the influence of skill acquisition on entrepreneurship development in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The study aims to identify the entrepreneurial skills essential for business success, assess the impact of skill acquisition programs, and explore the barriers hindering entrepreneurship development in the region. Using a descriptive survey design, the study sampled 378 respondents selected through simple random sampling from a population of 7004 registered entrepreneurs. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (ANOVA). The findings revealed that critical entrepreneurial skills such as risk-taking, adaptability, networking, market research, and leadership are vital for business success. Skill acquisition programs were found to significantly enhance entrepreneurship development by equipping individuals with practical knowledge and business acumen. The study concludes that skill acquisition is a pivotal driver of entrepreneurship development, but its effectiveness depends on addressing systemic barriers. The study Recommended that there should increase in government funding for entrepreneurial programs; enhanced awareness campaigns, and the establishment of well-equipped skill acquisition centers. By fostering a supportive environment for skill development and entrepreneurship, stakeholders can unlock economic potential, reduce unemployment, and promote sustainable growth in Onitsha North and beyond
Farm Demonstration of Influence of Cattle Manure Rates on the Agronomic Parameters of Three Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Varieties for Small Scale Farmers in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
No full textField experiments to investigate the influence of Cattle manure on Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Varieties was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences of Federal University Wukari, Taraba State during the 2024 growing season. Treatment consists; 0t/ha,10t/ha, 15t/ha and 20t/ha rates of cattle manure and varieties were Clemson, prerana Fi and local variety and laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Data were collected on growth and yield parameters (Plant height, number of leaves per plant, and fresh pod weight). Results obtained indicated that growth and yield of okra was lowest in control treatments which showed that the cattle manure used in the study positively influenced the performance and yield of okra. Cattle manure positively increased okra plant height and number of leaves compared to control treatments. There was significant effect with in respect to number of leaves in 2024 growing season. Stem girth was significantly increased with cattle manure compared to control treatments. According to this research the experiments it could be deduced that 20t/ha cattle manure and prerana Fi seems to promote higher growth and yield of okra. Thus, it should be recommended for farmers growing okra in this zone
Effectiveness of Digital Extension Services in Enhancing Rural Development for Households in Kebbi State
No full textThis study examined the effectiveness of digital extension services in enhancing rural development among farming households in Kebbi State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 343 respondents across Kebbi State’s four agricultural zones. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and logistic regression models. Results from the socio-economic analysis revealed that (60.1%) of respondents lacked access to digital extension services, while (75.2%) had some form of formal education and (82.5%) had more than five years of farming experience. A majority operated on 1–3 hectares of farmland and (65%) lacked access to credit, indicating limited financial capacity. Findings on accessibility and utilization showed that (61.2%) of respondents owned digital devices, primarily basic mobile phones (92.9%), yet only (42.9%) had internet connectivity. Awareness and utilization of digital extension services were low, at (37.9%) and (28.0%), respectively. Among users, the most common platforms included SMS-based agricultural information (73.7%), mobile farming applications (52.6%), and social media groups (42.1%). Paired t-test results demonstrated that users of digital extension services had significantly higher mean yields (3,850 kg/ha) and annual farm incomes (₦850,000) compared to non-users (2,920 kg/ha and ₦630,000, respectively) at p < 0.01. Users also reported greater access to market information (82.5%) and use of improved inputs (77.9%) than non-users (45.8%) and (50.4%), respectively). These findings indicate that digital extension services substantially improve agricultural productivity and income. Logistic regression results identified education level (β = 0.158, p = 0.001), farm size (β = 0.093, p = 0.002), access to credit (β = 0.564, p = 0.042), membership in farmer groups (β = 0.732, p = 0.012), and access to digital tools (β = 0.847, p = 0.006) as significant predictors of adoption. Farmers with higher education, larger farms, better financial access, and group membership were more likely to use digital extension services, while age and farming experience were not significant predictors. The study concludes that digital extension services have a positive and statistically significant effect on farmers’ productivity, income, and technology adoption in Kebbi State. To maximize their potentials, the study recommends targeted interventions such as digital literacy training, improved ICT infrastructure, affordable internet access, localized digital content in local languages, and expanded access to credit for smallholder farmers
Technical, Allocative and Economic Efficiency of Maize Seeds Beneficiaries of SAA/KSADP in Kano State, Nigeria
No full textThis study analyzed the technical, allocative and economic efficiency of maize seed producers who are beneficiaries of the KSADP/SAA initiative in Kano State, Nigeria. Data were collected from 156 randomly chosen beneficiaries using structured questionnaire. The analysis employed descriptive statistics and stochastic frontier analysis. Findings revealed that the average was 47.27 years with majority (98.72%, 98.08% and 84.72%) being male, married and possessing some form of formal education respectively. The mean score for technical, allocative and economic efficiencies of 0.92, 1.08 and 0.99 respectively. It was further found that age, gender and years of experience were significant predictors of technical inefficiency (all at P<0.01). While allocative efficiency was affected by age, gender, educational level and years of experience. The study concludes that the beneficiaries effectively allocate their resources. It is recommended that low-interest credit is required to enable them upscale their production to make seeds available at affordable price to farmers