Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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INVENTORY MANAGEMENT OPTIMIZATION AND PERFORMANCE OF MAIN POWER ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined the effect of inventory management optimization on Main Power Electricity Distribution Company (MPEDC), a subsidiary of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Enugu State. Specifically, the study investigated the relationship between inventory levels and operational efficiency of Main Power Electricity Distribution Company, and the effect of inventory management practices on customer satisfaction within the study area. The study made use of descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 210 personnel of the company, selected from the main office and the three districts/Feeder wise of the company. The major statistical tools of analysis were frequency tables, percentage as the descriptive statistics, and Pearson Correlation and multiple regression analysis as the inferential statistics. Findings from the study suggest that inventory levels have significant positive effect on operational efficiency; inventory management practices have significant positive effect on customer satisfaction. The study concludes that inventory management optimization is a critical driver of operational, financial and customer-related outcomes within the electricity distribution company in Enugu. The study recommends that Electricity Distribution Companies should maintain optimal inventory levels through real-time tracking and demand forecasting the prevent stockouts and ensure uninterrupted operational activities. 
MITIGATING STRATEGIC RISK AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE RESOURCE CONSERVATION: FOCUS ON SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA CONSTRUCTION FIRMS
No full textThis study examined the effect of strategic risk mitigation on sustainable resource conservation among construction firms in South-East Nigeria. The increasing intensity of construction activities in the region has heightened concerns about inefficient resource utilization, environmental degradation, and long-term sustainability challenges. Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability, many construction firms continue to face strategic risks arising from weak planning systems, regulatory uncertainty, technological limitations, and economic instability. Against this backdrop, the study empirically investigated the relationship between risk identification, risk mitigation, and sustainability outcomes in selected large-scale construction firms. A survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 2,505 management staff from 25 registered construction firms across the five states of South-East Nigeria. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 345 respondents was determined, while 313 valid responses were analyzed. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale. The instrument was validated through face and content validity and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression with SPSS version 27. Findings revealed that risk identification has a significant positive effect on operational efficiency sustainability (R² = .189, F(1,311) = 72.316, p < 0.05), indicating that proactive identification of financial and project-related risks enhances revenue stability and operational performance. More importantly, risk mitigation was found to have a strong and statistically significant effect on resource conservation sustainability (R² = .345, F(1,311) = 163.788, p < 0.05), explaining 34.5% of the variation in sustainable resource conservation practices. The study concludes that strategic risk mitigation significantly enhances resource efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental performance in construction firms. It recommends the institutionalization of comprehensive enterprise risk management systems to strengthen sustainability outcomes in the construction sector of South-East Nigeria
THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION TO COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION AND TAX DISPUTES IN NIGERIA
No full textDispute resolution is an inevitable aspect of commercial and economic relations, particularly in developing economies such as Nigeria where litigation remains slow, costly, and procedurally complex. This paper examined the role and contributions of alternative dispute resolution (ADR), with particular emphasis on arbitration, to the effective settlement of commercial and tax disputes in Nigeria. The paper adopts a doctrinal and comparative methodology, relying on statutory provisions, judicial decisions, and scholarly opinions, while drawing lessons from arbitration practices in the United Kingdom and the United States. The findings revealed that arbitration offers significant advantages over litigation, including speed, cost efficiency, confidentiality, procedural flexibility, and improved commercial relationships. Despite these benefits, the paper identified persistent challenges such as limited awareness among stakeholders, judicial delays in enforcing arbitral awards, and outdated legal frameworks that undermine confidence in Nigeria as an arbitration-friendly jurisdiction. The study concluded that arbitration remains a vital tool for enhancing commercial justice and economic growth in Nigeria if properly supported. It recommended the integration of ADR mechanisms into the formal court system, improved judicial interpretation of arbitration laws, increased stakeholder education, clearer enforcement guidelines, and the adoption of international best practices to strengthen Nigeria’s commercial arbitration regime.
TAMING INTELLIGENCE: WHY AI REGULATION MUST BE UNIFORM AND UNIVERSAL
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from a technological innovation within a niche/industry and into a global infrastructure that boosts governance, trade, communication, education, national security, and daily social interactions. Sadly, the legal and ethical frameworks governing Artificial Intelligence remain fragmented, inconsistent, largely industry-specific and heavily dependent on domestic political priorities. The present fragmentation produces regulatory arbitrage, inconsistent protection for human rights, and global vulnerabilities. This paper argued that the scale, speed, and cross-border influence of Artificial Intelligence necessitate a uniform regulatory structure, one based on shared global ideas, standards, and coordinated execution. Using a doctrinal research methodology by reliance on both primary and secondary sources such as international law, human rights standards, cyber governance, and economic regulation, the paper looked at the problems with current models, identified opportunities for global partnership, and suggests paths to a global AI regulatory structure that can protect humanity and still allow for innovation. it recommended amongst others, that a universal uniform global AI regulatory scheme be evolved, as a panacea to dealing with the negatives issues an unregulated Artificial Intelligence structure portends.
EVALUATION OF THE IMPACTS OF WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE (WASH) ON COVID-19 SPREAD IN NIGERIA
No full textCorona viruses are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV) (Hayk, 2020). Nigeria, with its large population and high urbanization rate, faces significant challenges in providing adequate water, sanitation and hygiene services to its citizens. Many Nigerians lack access to basic hand washing facilities with soap and water, which further increases the risk of disease transmission. The government\u27s efforts in implementing WaSH programs have been hindered by factors such as weak governance, institutional frameworks, and infrastructure. The study focuses on the impact of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) in curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. It highlights the importance of access to clean water, basic sanitation facilities, and good hygiene practices, particularly hand washing, in preventing the transmission of diseases like COVID-19. The study emphasizes that without these essential components of WaSH, the risk of outbreaks and the spread of diseases is high. Hence, information from this study will provide insights and information to guide policymakers, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations in addressing the WaSH needs in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the crucial role of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in preventing the spread of diseases and improving the overall health and well-being of the population. 
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATERMELON (CITRULLUS LANATUS) SEEDS RELEVANT TO PROCESSING EQUIPMENT DESIGN
No full textThis study investigated some physical characteristics of water melon seeds with the aim of utilizing them in the design of the processing machinery. Commonly applied techniques were employed to determine the length (mm), width (mm), thickness (mm), 1000-unit mass/mass (g), arithmetic mean diameter (mm), geometric mean diameter (mm), sphericity, surface area (mm), volume (mm3), true density, bulk density, porosity, static coefficient of friction of squash seeds at 7.5% moisture content, and angle of repose. Water displacement method was used to determine the seeds volume and density, while electronic weighing balance was used to determine weight. Five different structural surfaces were used to determine the static coefficients of friction of watermelon seeds: glass fiber, plywood, glass, rubber, and galvanized metal sheet. The results showed that the length was 14.0 mm, the width was 7.07 mm, the thickness was 3.69 mm, the mass of one thousand seeds was 40.79 g, the arithmetic mean diameter was 11.02 mm, the geometric mean diameter was 9.10 mm, the sphericity was 1.99 %, the surface area was 256.10 mm2, the volume was 297.20 m3, the true density was 743.96 kg/m3, the bulk density was 567.20 kg/m3, the porosity was 60.17%, and the static coefficients of friction was 7.5. Angles of repose pouring were 40.33°, angles of repose discharging were 37.24°, glass fiber was 0.37%, plywood was 0.75%, glass was 0.45%, rubber was 0.61%, and galvanized metal sheet was 0.59%. The findings will help with an effective layout of equipment for the culinary processing industry\u27s seeding, harvesting, processing, conveyance, classification, grouping, and casing of watermelon seeds. Therefore, it is concluded that the results of the current research will provide more information about the requirements for machines used in watermelon processing as well as handling
IMPACTS OF DUMPSITE LEACHATE ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA AND ENVIRONS: A PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND HEAVY METAL ANALYSIS
No full textGroundwater contamination from improper solid waste disposal is a critical environmental issue in urban areas like Awka South Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra State, Nigeria, where rapid population growth and inadequate waste management exacerbate leachate infiltration into aquifers. This study evaluates the impact of dumpsite leachate on groundwater quality by analyzing physicochemical parameters (hardness, alkalinity, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, potential of hydrogen (pH), Total dissolved sold (TDS), and turbidity) and heavy metals (lead, mercury, chromium, and arsenic) in groundwater and leachate samples from six locations: Amawbia, Agu-Awka, Ifite Awka, Okpuno, Amaenyi, and Amansea. Samples were collected from boreholes, wells, and dumpsite runoff, analyzed using standard methods (APHA, 2017), and compared against World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water guidelines and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) irrigation standards. Results indicate that groundwater physicochemical parameters largely comply with WHO limits, with minor exceedances in pH (e.g., Ifite Awka 6.33) and turbidity (up to 2.114 NTU). Leachates exhibit greater deviations, including acidic pH (6.14–6.52), high turbidity (up to 5.891 NTU), and elevated nitrates (up to 47.807 mg/l), suggesting landfill influence. Heavy metal concentrations frequently exceed WHO health-based limits, with lead (up to 0.267 mg/l), mercury (up to 1.352 mg/l), chromium (up to 2.706 mg/l/), and arsenic (up to 0.231 mg/l) posing toxicity and carcinogenic risks for drinking. For irrigation, most parameters meet FAO guidelines, except some chromium and arsenic in leachates. The study highlights significant groundwater contamination risks from leachate, particularly heavy metals, necessitating remediation, improved waste management, and geospatial monitoring to protect public health and agricultural sustainability in Awka South LGA
ASSESSING TEMPERATURE INFLUENCE ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND CRUDE OIL DEGRADATION RATE IN WATER ENVIRONMENTS
No full textUnderstanding the effect of temperature on crude oil degradation is critical for optimizing remediation strategies in aquatic environments. This study investigates how temperature variation impacts physicochemical parameters and biodegradation time in crude oil contaminated freshwater and saltwater systems using a controlled batch reactor design. Experimental reactors containing crude oil contaminated environment subjected to a temperature range of 15120 °C and monitored over varying contact periods. Key physicochemical parameters analyzed included total dissolved solids (TDS), conductivity, total hardness (TH), chloride, alkalinity, sulphate, pH, nitrate, turbidity, oil and grease (OAG) and dissolved oxygen (DO). Conductivity generally declined with prolonged contact time, while TH showed a continuous decline, suggesting mineral precipitation and consumption during microbial activity. pH decreased progressively with temperature rise, which is consistent with increased microbial metabolic byproducts. Nitrate concentration declined in both systems, indicating its utilization as a nutrient source for microbial degradation. Overall, crude oil degradation occurred faster in saltwater compared to freshwater, attributed to ionic strength and better microbial adaptation. These findings highlight that temperature and contact time are critical determinants of degradation kinetics, making them essential considerations for designing in-situ and ex-situ remediation systems. 
EFFECT OF PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS STRATEGY ON IMPROVING SPEAKING PERFORMANCE AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS II OF ZONE ONE, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study focused on investigating the effect of Phonological Awareness Strategy (PAS) on improving speaking performance among Senior Secondary School II students in Zone One, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study aimed to examine the extent to which PAS enhances students’ pronunciation and fluency in English speech production and to assess differences in speaking performance between students taught using PAS and those taught through conventional methods. The study was built on the Phonological Processing Theory (Wagner & Torgesen, 1987) and the Speech Learning Model (Flege, 1995). It employed a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test control group design. A total of 120 students were randomly selected from four schools, and data were collected using a validated Speaking Performance Test (α = 0.84). the results of the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics to answer the research questions and hypotheses were tested using t-test at .05 level of significance. The study also revealed significant improvements in pronunciation and fluency among the PAS group. The study concluded that phonological awareness instruction had significantly enhanced Senior Secondary School II students’ speaking performance, and recommended that the findings of the study should be integrated into English pedagogy. 
Enhancing Hydrocarbon prospect delineation through cross-plots and rock physics model: a case study of the NKO field onshore Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria
No full textThe NKO Field, located in the Central Swamp Depobelt of the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, is a structurally complex hydrocarbon-bearing system. This study integrates cross-plot analysis and rock physics modeling to enhance reservoir characterization and hydrocarbon prospect delineation. Well log and seismic data from 32 wells were used to delineate lithofacies, evaluate petrophysical properties, and characterize reservoirs. Results show the reservoirs thin northeastward, with cross-plot analysis effectively distinguishing four fluid/lithology zones: gas, oil, brine, and shale. Rock physics modeling indicates that plastic deformation predominates, causing compaction, reduced porosity and permeability, and impacting hydrocarbon productivity. A petro-elastic model was developed to differentiate reservoir rocks from non-reservoirs, providing insights into elastic and lithological properties. Upscaling of porosity, permeability, net-to-gross, water and hydrocarbon saturation, and facies successfully captured heterogeneity, faults, fractures, and multiphase flow behavior in the reservoirs. A 3D grid-based geological model estimated hydrocarbon volumes: Stock Tank Oil Initially in Place (STOIIP) of ~102.9 million stock tank barrels with a 35% recovery factor, and Stock Tank Gas Initially in Place (STGIIP) of ~1.11 billion stock tank barrels with a 100% recovery factor. These findings demonstrate that integrating cross-plot analysis with rock physics models enhances reservoir evaluation, supports accurate identification of hydrocarbons, and informs optimal field development strategies