Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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DEVALUATION AGAINST IGBO GIRL CHILD: A CHALLENGE TO SOME FAMILIES
It is obvious that most African societies including Igbo operate patriarchal system of male headship and female subordination in social and cultural values, hence, male headship and women subordination is both social, religious and cultural values among African societies. Since values define the position and role of sexes among the Igbo, they equally pose serious challenges to some families who cannot fill the gaps created in their homes by unavailability or incapability of available male children to perform some task. Availability of female children in such families makes no difference as opportunities are denied them merely because of their sex. The inefficiency on the male side most often make the parents to wish the sex can be switched. The objectives of this study are: to highlight the resultant effects of devaluation against the Igbo girl child in some families, to reveal continued segregation and gender bias among the Igbo society despite enlightenment and development level and to proffer solutions to remedy the situation. Again this work is to discourage women hyper-subordination in social and cultural values especially in this twenty-first century. Gender inequality theory is used. The study is expository and survey research. The research used literature materials and interviews posed to some individuals to source data. Among the findings of this work is that gender inequality is merely a socio-cultural construct. It is advised that equal values should be placed on both male and female children as this would help to harness the natural capabilities of every child irrespective of the gender
L’ENSEIGNEMENT DU FRANCAIS EN MILIEU MARITIME : QUEL DEFI A RELEVER ? LE CAS DU GHANA
This study focuses on the teaching and learning of French as a Foreign Language (FLE) in the context of Francais sur Objectifs Spécifiques (FOS). The target population is one hundred and thirty English-speaking learners at the Regional Maritime University (RMU), Nungua, Accra. The study aims to examine the linguistic and language difficulties of our learners, and how our learners are motivated to learn French. It also seeks to explain our learners’ immediate study environment (ISE); what is able to influence their behaviors, as well as their decisions. The present work will focus on all first-year learners at all levels of the undergraduate program at RMU, which is Ghana\u27s only maritime university. The research design will be mixed. A questionnaire of 24 questions, face-to-face interviews and observations will be used to collect data from learners.
RESUME Cette étude focalise sur l’enseignement et l’apprentissage du Francais Langue Etrangeére (FLE) dans le contexte de Francais sur Objectifs Spécifiques (FOS). La population cible constitue cent trente apprenants anglophones de la Regional Maritime University (RMU), Nungua, Accra. L étude vise a examiner les difficultés linguistiques et langagiéres de nos apprenants, et comment nos apprenants sont motivés pour apprendre le francais. Elle cherche également a expliquer l’environnement d’étude immédiat (ISE) de nos apprenants; ce qui est capable d’influer sur leurs comportements, ainsi que sur leurs décisions. Le présent travail se penchera sur l\u27ensemble des apprenants en premiére année, a tous les niveaux du programme de licence a la RMU, qui est la seule université maritime du Ghana. Le modéle de recherche sera mixte. Un questionnaire de 24 questions, des entretiens en face a face et des observations seront utilisé pour recueillir des données auprés des apprenants
LE CONFLIT DES GENERATIONS A TRAVERS DAKAR DES INSURGEES D’OUMOU CATHY BEYE
In Oumou Cathy Bèye’s Dakar des insurgées, we find conflicts between two generations: the old and the young. While old fatalists accept with resignation all that happens to them, believing that everything has been irrevocably fixed by destiny, and reject change in any form, young and assertive characters continuously fight and try to improve their lives by accepting modern changes. Older adults try to impose social and religious cultures on young ones, especially cultures that have the tendency to rob people of peace and make life difficult. However, despite generational conflict and fierce opposition from their parents, young ones find the courage to achieve their personal goals. The opposing positions of older adults and that of younger ones regarding formal education and marriage (the right time for marriage and the choice of a spouse) form the basis of our interest in reading Dakar des insurgées. At the end of a critical study of the selected text, we observed that although difficult, individuals can overcome generational conflicts, accomplish their set goals and improve their condition in life, and, most importantly, mend relationships that were once broken by such conflicts.
RésuméDans Dakar des insurgées d’Oumou Cathy Bèye, on rencontre des conflits entre deux générations : des vieux et des jeunes. Alors que des vieux fatalistes acceptent tout ce qui leur arrive avec résignation, croyant que tous les événements sont irrévocablement décidés par le destin, et par conséquence ne veulent que rien change, des jeunes personnages assertifs luttent continuellement et s’organisent pour améliorer leurs conditions de vie en acceptant des changements modernes. Des vieux imposent sur des jeunes, des cultures sociales et religieuses que des jeunes rejettent, surtout celles qui ont la tendance de briser la paix et rendre la vie difficile. Mais malgré le conflit des générations et la violente opposition de leurs parents, des jeunes trouvent le courage dont ils ont besoin pour réaliser leurs objectifs individuels. Les positions opposées des vieux et des jeunes sur la formation formelle et le mariage (le temps propice et le choix d’époux/épouse) forment la base de notre intérêt dans la lecture de Dakar des insurgées. À la fin de cette étude critique du texte choisi, nous avons constaté que bien qu’il soit difficile, il est possible pour des individus, de surmonter des conflits des générations, réaliser leurs objectifs et améliorer la condition de vie, et plus important, réparer des rapports qui étaient autrefois brisés par le dit conflit
EFFECT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE INDEPENDENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY DISCLOSURE
This study evaluated the effect of audit committee independence on environmental sustainability disclosure of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria covering a period scope of twelve (12) years from 2012-2023. This study specifically assessed the effect of audit committee independence on effluent disclosure using panel data from the annual reports and accounts of nine (9) listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Ex-Post Facto research design was employed while inferential statistics via Pearson correlation coefficient and Panel least square regression analysis was employed to test the hypotheses of the study. The results from the test of hypothesis showed that audit committee independence has significant positive effect on effluent disclosure. This study concludes that audit committee independence has significant effect on environmental sustainability disclosure. Consequently, it is recommended that Audit committee be granted independence to enable them perform their functions effectively
ASSESSMENT OF ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIALS AND MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION (MIC) OF EXTRACTS OF DRY carica papaya SEEDS ON MULTIDRUG RESISTANT (MDR) CLINICAL MICROBIAL ISOLATES
Background: Infections caused by drug-resistant microorganisms are usually more difficult to treat, require longer hospital stays, and are associated with higher mortality rates. Researchers and scientists have begun using medicinal plants as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Various parts of medicinal plants including carica papaya are being examined.
Aim: This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activities of aqueous and 40% ethanolic extracts of dry carica papaya seeds against some clinical isolates, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the median lethal dose (LD50) of the extracts.
Methods: Both extracts were tested at 10mg/ml (5%), 50mg/ml (25%), 100mg/ml (50%) and 200mg/ml (100%) on the bacterial and fungal isolates. The in-vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of the aqueous and 40% ethanolic extracts were determined using Disc diffusion technique. Test organisms were obtained from the laboratory, resuscitated in peptone water, sub-cultured into nutrient agar for the bacteria test organisms and Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) for the fungi test organisms and incubated at 370C for 24hours. The test organisms were standardized by matching with the appropriate McFarland’s standard. LD50 was ascertained using modified Lorke’s method (Lorke 1983) using 26 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus).
Results: Both extracts had antimicrobial activities of varying degrees based on Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) interpretive criteria (CLSI, 2012). The 40% ethanolic extract gave a higher antibacterial activity on the test organisms than the aqueous extract. MIC of 12.5mg/ml was observed from the 40% ethanolic extract. LD50 for both extracts was found to be greater than 5000mg/kg.
Conclusion: It can be inferred that extracts of dry Carica papaya seeds have antibacterial and antifungal potential
Lignocellulosic Characterisation of Thatch Grass Sourced from Southeastern States of Nigeria for Particleboard Manufacturing
The shift from thatch grass, a traditional roofing material, to modern materials in Nigeria has led to the underutilisation of the plentiful thatch grass species, raising concerns about environmental risks like bushfires. This study explores an innovative solution by repurposing species of thatch grass as an eco-friendly material for particleboard Manufacturing, which supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The research includes an in-depth lignocellulosic analysis, examining components such as lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, extractive content, and pH. Advanced techniques, including TAPPI methods, were employed for accurate determination. The lignin content for thatch grass samples ranged from a minimum of 20.998% to a maximum of 26.591%. Cellulose content exhibited variations, ranging from 40.873% to 45.086%. Hemicellulose content displayed variability, ranging from 20.556% to 27.349%. Extractive values fell within the range of 4.624% to 6.083%. The pH values for all samples remained within the range of 6.52 to 7.00. The results indicate that thatch grass species exhibit favourable lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contents within ranges suitable for particleboard Manufacturing. Extractive values and pH levels are consistent and meet industry standards. The results highlight the emerging possibilities of thatch grass species as a sustainable and environmentally friendly material for particleboard manufacturing in Nigeria, fostering eco-conscious practices and promoting a circular economy approach
Acalypha wilkesiana Leaf Extracts Influence Heart Disease Risk Factors in 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced Rats
Blood is pumped to all parts of the body by the heart muscle to provide oxygen, nutrients, and remove waste products. This is a foundational study to investigate the influence of ethanol leaf extract of Acalypha wilkesiana on some serum markers which are risk factors of heart disease, in 1,2-dimenthyhydrazine (DMH)-induced rats. Male albino rats were divided into six groups (A to F) of five rats each. Group A was control while rats in groups B to F were subcutaneously injected with DMH at 40 mg/kg body weight thrice a week for 6 weeks. Group B rats served as DMH control; group C had Xeloda for 6 weeks and groups D to F had graded doses (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg body weight) of the extract orally for 6 weeks. DMH treatment recorded significant increases in LDL-cholesterol, cholesterol, and VLDL-cholesterol and decrease in triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol when compared with control. Doses of the leaf extract recorded significant dose-dependent elevation of cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides but reduction in LDL-cholesterol, glucose and total protein when compared with DMH control. Xeloda treatment did not record any significant change in lipid concentrations when compared with DMH control. The results indicate that A. wilkesiana significantly and non-significantly altered the risk factors associated with heart disease factors induced by DMH toxicity
Developing Peacebuilding and Entrepreneurship Education to Empower Women and Youth: Sustainable Development Approaches for Southeast Nigeria
This study investigated the relationship between entrepreneurship education and peacebuilding. This intersection plays a critical role in empowering women and youth in Southeast Nigeria. Giving women and young people skills in entrepreneurship and peacebuilding can promote social cohesion and economic resilience in light of the socioeconomic and political challenges facing the region, such as poverty, unemployment, and conflict. While addressing the particular difficulties faced by women and youth in southeast Nigeria, the paper emphasised the importance of education in establishing a sustainable path for development and peace. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative techniques. This simple mixed-methods design allows for an effective analysis of both the measurable outcomes and personal experiences. The study also found that the region can move toward long-term peace and development if these vulnerable groups are given the skills necessary to settle disputes and generate economic opportunities. A comprehensive approach that incorporates entrepreneurship and peace education into regional and national development frameworks is crucial, as the study\u27s recommendations for policy reforms highlight
The Impact of Digital Technology and Information Communication Technology on English Language in Nigeria
The proliferation of digital technology and Information Communication Technology (ICT) has significantly influenced the use and teaching of the English language in Nigeria. This transformation is evident in various spheres including education, media, and everyday communication. In educational settings, digital tools and ICT have revolutionized English language instruction, providing innovative platforms for interactive learning, access to a vast array of online resources, and the integration of multimedia content that enhances comprehension and engagement. Furthermore, social media and digital communication platforms have altered the dynamics of language use, introducing new forms of expression, slang, and abbreviations that reflect a hybrid linguistic culture. While these technologies have democratized access to information and fostered global communication, they have also presented challenges such as the erosion of formal writing skills and the potential for the proliferation of non-standard English. Additionally, the digital divide remains a critical issue, as unequal access to technology exacerbates educational and linguistic disparities. This study adopts a qualitative research methodology, utilizing a comprehensive literature review and thematic analysis to explore these phenomena. The theoretical framework is grounded in the Theory of Blended Learning Instructional Approach (BLIA), which provides insights into the integration of traditional and digital learning methods. This abstract encapsulates the dual-edged impact of digital technology and ICT on English in Nigeria, highlighting both the advancements in linguistic proficiency and the emerging challenges that need to be addressed to ensure equitable and effective language education in the digital age