Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Impact of magnetic field strength and pretreatment times on quality of pulsed electromagnetic field -treated shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) Powder
No full textShallot is a spice vegetable that belongs to the allium group like onion, with a stronger aroma and appetising taste, but could leach during blanching. The effects of different magnetic field strengths (MFS) and pretreatment times (PT) on the quality of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Treated Shallot Powder (PEMFT-SP) and the sensory properties of Smoked Meat (Soya) spiced with PEMFT-SP were evaluated. Shallot bulbs were treated at different MFS (8.00 to 24.00mT) and PT (5 to 25 minutes) using PEMF device. The treated samples were oven dried (at 60°C for 5 hrs) and then milled into powder. A control sample was produced by using blanching as pretreatment. Samples were analysed for chemical and sensory properties using standard methods. Chemical and organoleptic quality of PEMFT – SP were significantly varied with MFS and PT. Vitamin contents of PEMFT-SP had the highest retention at 24.00mT for 10 minutes. Mineral content of the SP samples was significantly higher than the control. Antioxidant capacity of the PEMFT-SP had the highest retention at 13.50mT for 20mins. Except for phytate, blanching as a pre-treatment was more effective than PEMF (8.00 to 30.00mT for 5 to 25mins) in the reduction of antinutritional properties. Sensory panellists judged the PEMFT-SP at MFS 24.00mT for 10 minutes to be of best acceptability. Therefore, pretreatment of SP with PEMF retained the vitamins, minerals and antioxidant content. However, studies on optimization of MFS and PT for PEMF-treatment of shallot or similar species are recommended
Foliar epidermal anatomy and pollen morphological studies of Mucuna pruriens (Linn.) DC. and Mucuna poggei Taub. in Jos, Nigeria
No full textAs a result of confusion in identification between Mucuna pruriens and Mucuna poggei, a study was carried out on the taxonomic characters with the aim to provide constant and reliable taxonomic character for easy identifications through foliar anatomy and palynological studies. The leaves of the two species were cut into the required sizes and put into the concentrated trioxonitrate (v) acid for 2 hours; the epidermises were removed with a forceps pass though different solutions to harden it and to remove excess stains and mounted on slides and observed under the microscope, under different magnifications. The pollen morphological characters were observed, measured and reported. The morphological component was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by standard methods. Anomocytic and paracytic stomatal types were found in both species studied but anisocytic stomata types was recorded in M. pruriens in addition to prevalent stomata type. Long Unicellular, non glandular trichomes were observed in both surfaces of the two species but longer in Mucuna pruriens. There was a distinctive variation in the number of stomata present on both surfaces of species studied, leading to perfect identification when dealing with fragmentation Palynologyical evidence obtained from this study shows the naturalness of the Mucuna species with their prolate-spheroidal grain type. It was recommended that molecular studies should be employed to separate this similar species
Determinants of the adoption of improved packaging materials amongst tomato farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria
No full textThe sustainability of tomato freshness relies heavily on improved packaging materials, which protect tomatoes from physical damage during transportation and storage. This study examines the determinants of the adoption of improved packaging materials among tomato farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage random sampling technique, 120 respondents were selected from three Local Government Areas known for tomato cultivation. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to randomly chosen farmers. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, standard deviation, and mean) and a Tobit econometric model were utilized for data analysis. The Tobit model results indicated that education (p = 0.0241), farming experience (p = 0.017), group membership (p = 0.038), access to extension services (p = 0.007), distance to the nearest market (p = 0.001), and training (p = 0.095) positively correlated with the adoption and intensity of improved packaging material use. On the other hand, off-farm income (p = 0.076) negatively affected adoption, showing statistical significance at 1%, 5%, and 10% levels. In conclusion, adopting improved packaging materials can significantly enhance the quality and safety of agricultural products while reducing postharvest losses. To encourage wider adoption, targeted interventions such as training, access to affordable financing, and improved infrastructure are essential
Promoting and Sustaining Social Justice in Nigeria: An Insight from the Principle of the Common Good in Canon Law Jurisprudence
No full textNigeria, a country endowed with abundant human and natural resources, is unfortunately ravaged bymultidimensional poverty due to gross absence of social justice in the country especially in the governanceof the country. To turn things around, this paper recommends adherence to social justice through,particularly, the principle of common good under canon law jurisprudence
PROCESS MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS COMMUNICATION AS CORRELATES OF EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE IN SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThe study examined business process management and business communication as correlates of effective performance in small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in Abia State, Nigeria. Two research questions guided the study while two research hypotheses were tested. The study adopted correlational design. The population of the study comprised 1,809 entrepreneurs of small and medium-scale enterprises registered with Abia State Ministry of Trade and Investment. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 226 SME managers for the study. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Three experts were used to validate the instrument for data collection. Reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach’s alpha and it yielded alpha values of 0.79, 0.81, and 0.77 for the three clusters, respectively. Data analysis was done using Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Findings from the study revealed that there was a significant positive correlation between business communication and effective SME performance. No significant positive correlation was found between business process management and effective SME performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that owners and managers of SMEs should as matter of necessity install a functional communication system for effective communication among all stakeholders of the business enterprise in order to achieve effective performance
Preliminary Page
No full textBiographyAs a child, Emmanuel Okonkwo Ezeasunyuo-Eke (Ezeani) arrived this crusty earth on the 19th day of January, 1948, the last of five male siblings. He had as parents, Ezikeakuanaonwu and Mgbafocha (nee Ezeoke) who were later converted to Christianity, as Joachim and Susanne. Both parents were indigenes of Uhunweke quarters, Umumediana kindred, Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. A dispassionate appraisal of Emmanuel’s intellectual disposition affirms that he had a brilliant scholarly walk of life which spanned forty-two years (1976 – 2018). Emmanuel had his primary school formation at St. Eugenia’s Amichi, St. Joseph’s, Onitsha. He attended All Hallows’ Seminary, Onitsha. An alumnus of University of Lagos, College of Education, Akoka Yaba, Lagos. Emmanuel is a member of the class of 75, Department of Languages (French), University of Nigeria, Nsukka. On graduation, he placed second class honours (upper division). Emmanuel was a 1975 University of Nigeria Nsukka scholar. He wrote his degree papers on 4.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA) on a 4.0 point grading system, thus, missing first class degree by a whisker. Emmanuel’s class of degree facilitated his award of teaching assistantship, to enable him pursue studies towards M.A. degree at The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. His duties consisted of a maximum of 6 hours of teaching laboratory exercises during the period of his employment, beginning (September 1, 1976 to March 31, 1977). While on M.A. degree programme at Menitoba, Emmanuel by a letter dated 25 November, 1976, was awarded a doctoral scholarship by the French government to study French literature at the University of Tours, Tours, France. But he continued with his studies at Manitoba. Emmanuel successfully completed all course work and thesis requirements for the M.A. degree in French language and literature in seven (07) months. He was awarded this degree at the Spring Convocation held on May 25, 1977. Sequel to Emmanuel’s graduation, Professor C.A.E. Jensen, Head Department of French and Spanish at Manitoba wrote on his student thus, “He was an energetic and strongly motivated student who completed course requirements and thesis for the M.A. degree in French language and literature in time to graduate at the coming May Convocation. This has happened only a few times before, in the long period of my work in this Department, most students taking an appreciably longer time to complete all requirements for the Master’s degree. I can certainly recommend Mr. Ezeani as a thoroughly reliable and conscientious student who can be counted upon to complete whatever academic task is given him”. In 1978, Emmanuel appointed lecturer II (French) was among the pioneer staff of Anambra State College of Education Awka. In the first quarter of 1979, he was awarded Federal Government of Nigeria scholarship to pursue doctoral studies in linguistics. The award was tenable at the University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke Quebec, Canada. In September 1981, Emmanuel left for Canada armed with Federal Government of Nigeria scholarship and fellowship of Anambra State College of Education, Awka. He resumed duty at Awka in September 1986, on successful completion of Ph.D. linguistics degree. Emmanuel headed French Department from 1987 to 1990, during which he participated in the interview and recommended Mrs. Justina Nneka Okoye (now Prof. Okoye) for appointment as lecturer II (French), in august, 1988 along with Mr. Samuel Maduagwuna. The turn of events in Emmanuel’s academic progression tends to suggest that he is destined for academic pioneering. Consequently, in 1992, he was among precursors staff invited to set up the Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV), in Ajara, Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria. The institution opened with Professor Ade Ojo on secondment from University of Lagos as the Director. Emmanuel’s colleague, Dr. Adejumo was from University of Jos. It was challenging to start an academic institution from the scratch: drawing courses of study from the bench mark supplied by the National Universities Commission (NUC), and ensuring conformity with NUC requirements. Adejumo and Ezeani were senior lecturers but worked amicably with junior members of teaching staff some of whom have now attained the position of deputy director of the establishment, opened in February 1992 by Raji Rasaq, with Prof. Babs Fafunwa as the minster for education. It is the premier port of call for French language immersion. Nigeria French Language Village (NFLV) was established to resolve the problem of foreign exchange scarcity, impacting negatively on students who spend the penultimate year in a francophone institution for language immersion. Emmanuel’s schedule at NFLV was quite challenging. However, it brought the best out of the energetic young man. Apart from lecturer schedule and administrative duties, Prof. Ade Ojo also entrusted Emmanuel with the task founding NFLV’s famous academic journal: Revue nigérianed’études françaises (Renef). He was, therefore de facto and de jure founding editor of the journal.On leaving NFLV in 1992, Emmanuel did a stint at University of Port Harcourt, Choba, where he taught undergraduate and Master’s Courses up till 1998. Subsequently, he berthed home, assumed duty at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Awka on 14/01/1999. At Awka, Emmanuel’s letter of appointment read French or linguistics. He opted for French which was in dire need of a helping hand. The department had only two lecturers, Prof. Julie Agbasiere and Dr. Chuma Ezike both specializing in the same area-africain francophone literature. I had to placate Prof. P.W.N. Anagbogu, the then Head of linguistics, by teaching a course on phonetics to students of linguistics. Apart from Anambra State College of Education, NFLV, Badagry, NAU, Awka is another academic establishment where Emmanuel made a notable academic impact. Lecturer I on assumption of duty, his appointment was regularized as senior lecturer with effect from 14/01/99 when he assumed duty. The few available lecturers has the challenge of teaching many students. Department of Modern European Languages had only three lecturers, some of whom had to grapple with twelve (12) hours of lecturers per week. It was excruciating. The salary abysmally low, was nowhere near economic wage. Promotions were not readily accessible. In those days, it would be over ambitious to dream of professorship. Nevertheless, Emmanuel’s promotion to readership materialized in 2003; while professorship was attained in 2006. With professorship, he reached the apex of academic position attainable in a university system. But for a person of Emmanuel’s personality, it is not enough to be a professor. A professor must show academic leadership through: teaching with dedication, research, creative output, supervision of Masters and Doctoral theses, attracting research funds, editorship of books and learned journals. Again, like Prof. Ade Ojo of NFLV, Badagry, Prof. Julie Agbasiere of NAU, Awka, in a memo dated 12/06/2002 directed Emmanuel thus, “Dr. E.O. Ezeani, give me a write-up on a possible departmental journal – title, names of advisers/consulting editors, specimen of letters to consulting editors and call for papers, guidelines to contributors etc”. Typical of a person groomed to obey constituted authority, Emmanuel complied verbatim with Prof. Julie Agbasiere’s directives. He produced “Journal of Modern, European Languages and Literatures (JMEL), No. 1, January, 2008. The journal still flourishes at NAU, MEL, Awka.Emmanuel’s interest and knack of publishing was manifest since his days at All Hallows’, Onitsha, where he served on the pioneer editorial board of “Tomorrow”. Also, at UNILAG College of Education, he was among the pioneer editorial board members of “Scholar”. He is currently the editor-in-chief of Journal of Language and Linguistics (JOLL). In Emmanuel’s undergraduate years, he has a stint with journalism. He did two years full vacation job, 1972/1973 and 1973/1974 with Daily Times publishers, Kakawa street, Lagos. He was privileged to work closely with household names in the print media viz: Alhaji Babatunde Ajose, Arioye Oyebola, Dr. Hezy Idowu, Segun Osoba, Doyin Abiola (nee Aboaba) Dr. Olu Onagoruwa and Dr. Tunde Otegbeya. On the other hand, Emmanuel’s erudite academic career can also be evaluated from the high index of his production of postgraduate diploma, Masters and Doctoral degree graduates both at NAU, Awka and other institutions where he serves as external examiner: Imo State University, Owerri, Federal College of Education Eha-Amufu; Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe among others. Emmanuel was so prolific in producing postgraduate students that an external examiner to the Department, in utmost admiration, nicknamed him, the “Doyen of NAU, MEL”. Besides teaching and successful supervision of many postgraduate students he has assessed prospective readers and professors for Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State; and University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State, respectively.
Editors:Davidson U. MbagwuScholastica EzeodiliOluchukwu F. AsaduOlivia EzeafulukweLinda C. Nkamigbo
 
FOREIGN LANGUAGES ACQUISITION FOR BETTER RELATIONSHIP AND EMPLOYABILITY: FRENCH LANGUAGE IN FOCUS.
No full textThe relationship between the acquisition of foreign languages and unemployment in Nigeria and in the world as a whole is a serious challenging subject that needs critical examination. It is to note that though, the technology has more or less turn the world into a global village and a compact family setting, human families with different cultures migrating and scattering all over the earth need to intercommunicate in different languages for better understanding, civilization, accomplishments and in enhancing job opportunities for those who are able to express themselves in different languages. It is in this view that this paper sets to look into the impact foreign languages, with special reference to French in the areas of equipping its users with employment opportunities within and outside Nigeria.
Résumé La relation entre l\u27acquisition de langues étrangéres et le chmage au Nigéria et dans le monde entier est un sujet difficile qui nécessite un examen critique. Il est a noter que la technologie a plus ou moins transformé le monde en un village global et un environnement familial compact. Les familles humaines ayant des cultures différentes migrant et se dispersant partout dans le monde doivent étre capables de communiquer entre eux dans différentes langues pour une meilleure compréhension, une meilleure civilisation, les réalisations et améliorer des possibilités d\u27emploi pour ceux qui sont capables de s\u27exprimer dans différentes langues. C’est dans cette perspective que la présente communication se penche sur l’impact des langues étrangéres, avec une référence particuliére au francais dans le domaine de la fourniture a ses utilisateurs de possibilités d’emploi au Nigéria et ailleurs
Technophobia and Use of Social Media by Undergraduates in South-West, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study examined undergraduates’ technophobia and use of social media. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The target population of the study comprised thirty-one thousand seven hundred and twenty-six (31,726) undergraduates from three selected universities in Ogun state. Stratified sampling technique was used to select nine hundred and ten (910) undergraduates which represent the sample size. A validated, self-designed and close-ended questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Findings revealed that the level of techno-phobia among undergraduates is high. The utilization of social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, You Tube, Twitter and online groups/ forums) among the undergraduates in Ogun State was high. However, there is no significant relationship between ICT-phobia and use of social media by the undergraduates. The study concluded that it is important to recognize the role of social media in modern communication and take measures to address any technophobia among undergraduates to ensure they can use technology to its maximum potential. The study recommended that universities should offer courses, workshops, and seminars that will educate undergraduates on the benefits and risks of social media and provide practical skills on how to use them effectively
GENDER AND LAND USE FOR FARMING IN RURAL UBAHA-AKPULU COMMUNITY IMO STATE NIGERIA
No full textLand is an important resource in African farming systems. It is the solid part of the earth\u27s surface and includes the rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, hills, mountains valleys. In fact, it is fundamental to people\u27s existence in most rural communities. In a predominantly farming community land is equal to life, and most activities revolve around land. Access to this important resource in our farming system is, therefore, critical to the life and well-being of the people in our rural economies. This papers examines the issues of gender by examining the differential access to this resource among men and women in our rural communities. Using Ubaha-Akpulu community in Ideato-North L.G.A of Imo State as a case study, the paper explores the dynamics of gender in the processes governing ownership and control of land resources in the community. Specifically, we look at the ownership structure, method of allocation, the target users, costs (if any), and the factors that play out in the allocation and how women’s needs are addressed in the process. The findings inform our stance and recommendations for gender -inclusiveness in policy formulations that will place women on a proper footing in rural agricultural reforms
CHURCH AND STATE RELATIONS: ANAMBRA STATE EXPERIENCE
No full textThe Church and state are expected to work together for the maximum benefit of the masses irrespective of diverse religious affiliations. The researcher have observed, however, that the two institutions seem not to work together in Anambra State. The two institutions seems to be divided owing to the culture of unhealthy rivalry among different religious groups and churches in the state. Based on the religious differences the church and political leadership of the state could not conveniently partner together as two sides of the same coin. This as a matter of fact has hindered the corporation that should have existed between the church and state leadership. To execute this research, the researcher employed the use of primary and secondary sources in gathering data. The primary sources involves interviews and direct personal observations while the secondary sources investigated the views of various scholars, which are gathered from written documents like books, journals and other literary documents. This study attempted to proffer some workable solutions on how to bridge the gap that have long existed between the church and the state. The paper recommends that it is necessary that the church and the political leadership in Anambra State will work together as two sides of the same coin (that is, working together as two distinct social institutions) in alleviating the plights of the citizens especially among the youths. With this in place there will be a remarkable progress in overall developments of the state