Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
Not a member yet
5579 research outputs found
Sort by
Extensiveness of Synthesing Instructional Resources in Aid of Special Needs Students in Secondary Schools in Anambra State
No full textSecondary education is a fulcrum of formal education in Nigeria. Cognizant of the fact that various group of learners are seen in the classroom, teachers are expected to integrate instructional resources that could ensure meaningful learning for all category of learners. This study thus investigated the extensiveness of synthesis instructional resources in aid of special needs students in secondary schools. Three research questions were raised for the study. Descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. The population of the study comprised all the 6145 secondary school teachers in the 266 public secondary schools in Anambra State. The sample for the study comprised 600 secondary school teachers drawn from the population of the study using simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was a self structured questionnaire titled ‘Extensiveness of synthesis Instructional Resources for Special Needs Students (EIIRSNS). The questionnaires were validated by three experts in Faculty of Education in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The questionnaires were trial-tested using 20 secondary school teachers in public secondary schools in Enugu State which was subjected to internal consistency reliability technique using Cronbach Alpha statistics. This yielded a mean reliability coefficient of 0.82. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that instructional resources in all the investigated indicators (assistive technologies, adapted learning materials, physical resources and modifications, specialized instructional strategies, social and emotional support resources and extracurricular and vocational resources) are integrated in a low extent in aid of special needs students in secondary schools. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that there is need for the government to allocate enough resources for the procurement and maintenance of assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers, hearing aids, speech-to-text tools) to support special needs students as well as ensuring equitable access to the learning process. Investing in these technologies will empower students with disabilities to fully participate in academic activities and overcome learning barriers caused by physical or cognitive impairments in secondary schools
‘Between Rules and Representations:’ Phonological Processes in Bini Based Englishy
No full textThis paper examined some phonological processes in Bini based English, a sub-variety of Nigerian English, and compared these processes with Received Pronunciation (RP) to assess conformity levels. Purposive samples of twenty (20) Bini speakers of English were recorded, and their pronunciations were compared to the RP model using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) for accuracy. Specifically, the study identified and analysed dominant phonological processes in the pronunciation of the subjects, using the framework of Generative Phonology. The processes include consonant deletions (e.g., the omission of final consonants), vowel substitution (e.g., the schwa being replaced by stronger vowels), consonant insertion, stopping, depalatalization, vocalization, and metathesis. Notably, these Bini-English bilinguals demonstrated a high level of deviation from RP norms, with specific challenges in consonant insertion and vowel reduction. Findings in the study revealed that Bini speakers of English have fairly internalized English phonological rules as only 47.98% (approximately 48%) could appropriately pronounce the words while a remarkable proportion of approximately 52% were unable to pronounce the words correctly. This is apparently because of the influence of mother tongue on the speech production of the subjects, and also because English phonological and orthographical systems are different from those of their indigenous language. It is based on these findings that the study affirms that nativisation, which is a product of language contact, is inevitable in the Nigerian situation
Effects of Management Issues in Business and Organisational Communication: A Study of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs)
No full textThe study sought to investigate the role and benefits of information communication technologies in organisational communication and the challenges of business and organisational communication and how to tackle these challenges with ICTs. The study is anchored on Two-way symmetrical model of public relations propounded by Grunig and Hunt in 1984.Library research method was adopted to generate data for the study. Findings revealed that, ICTs facilitate faster, wider and cost- saving communication which has been made possible by video conferencing. ICTs are used in managing relationships between an organisation and its various stakeholders using strategies like omnichannel, personal selling and customer- centric marketing. Managing and storing organisational data is another benefit of using ICTs in business and organisational communication, with cloud saving organisations can have their document stored digitally without need for large rooms for record and file cabinets. ICTs are also used to enhance operational efficiency by streamlining and optimizing business operations. Finding further revealed that, ICTs facilitate data-driven decision making by providing originations with data to make decisions geared towards customer satisfaction, this is so in that, data has become the lifeblood of modern businesses and an essential asset for informed decision-making. Findings revealed that, not listening to the communicator in a communication situation, inability to select the right word or the use of grandiloquent and outdated words, inconsistent communication channels and lack of employee engagement or low employee engagement were all challenges with business and organisational communication. It was concluded that, organisations need to use and continue to use ICTs to build relationships with their various customers and that ICTs have made immediate feedback possible and this is in line with the major tenet of Two-way Symmetrical Model which is centered on feedback. It was recommended among others that, the use of ICTs in business and organisational communication in the 21st century should not be relegated to the background because it is important for gathering data and making informed decisions
Adult Educators’ Perception and Application of Paulo Freire Problem-Solving Techniques in Training of Adult Learners in Awka South Local Government Area
No full textThis paper determined the level of adult educators’ perception and the extent of the application of the Paulo Freire problem-solving techniques in the training of adult learners in Awka-South LGA of Anambra State. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised all the 89 adult educators in the 13 adult literacy centres in Awka South LGA of Anambra State. No sample size was drawn due to the manageable size of the population. Hence the total population was used for the study. Three research questions guided the study. The instrument titled “Questionnaire on the Relevance of Paulo Freire Problem Solving Techniques for Training” (QRPFPSTT) was developed by the researchers. The instrument was subjected to face validity by two experts. Cronbach Alpha was used to test the internal consistency of the instrument and it yielded an overall coefficient value 0.78. Arithmetic mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that adult educators’ level of understanding and application of Paulo Freire’s problem-solving techniques is on a low level. It was found that adult educators agreed on the positive impacts of Paulo Freire’s problem-solving techniques on critical thinking and decision-making skills of adult learners; and Paulo Freire’s problem-solving techniques addressed the learning needs and socio-economic challenges of adult learners to a high extent but did not equip adult learners with skills to tackle unemployment and some economic issues. It was recommended, amongst others, that professional development programs should be provided for adult educators to further refine their skills in applying Freire’s methods effectively while the need for practical engagement and participatory teaching were emphasized
Effectiveness of Parole Services in Supporting Ex-Offenders\u27 Reintegration into Nigeria Communities
No full textThis study investigated the effectiveness of parole services in supporting ex-offenders\u27 reintegration into Nigerian communities. The study adopted the descriptive survey method. Three (3) objectives guided the study while three (3) research questions were raised for the study. The study adopted the sample random sampling technique to select 50 ex-offenders currently on parole, 50 parole officers from Correctional Service Owerri and 70 community leaders from selected communities in Imo State totaling 170 respondents. A 30 item questionnaire titled “Effectiveness of Parole Services in Supporting Ex-Offenders\u27 Reintegration into Nigeria Communities (QEPSERNC) was used to elicit relevant information from the respondents. The instrument was validated by experts in the field of Adult Education and a reliability coefficient of 0.87 was obtained using a test retest method from a group of 10 respondents outside the sample size. The response was based on a 4 point Likert scale and was patterned using Strongly Agreed (SA), Agreed (A), Disagreed (D) and Strongly Disagreed (SD). The research questions were answered using mean. The following findings were made, that: parole services provide adequate support for ex-offenders\u27 reintegration, parole officers are effective in facilitating ex-offenders\u27 reintegration and parole services address the specific needs of ex-offenders were inadequately provided by parole services for ex offenders; that parole services are inadequate across multiple dimensions; that inadequate funding, insufficient infrastructure, and lack of trained personnel are the major challenges facing parole services in Nigeria, that facilitating access to employment and education for ex-offenders, increasing funding for parole services and strengthening family support systems were some of the ways to improve parole system. Based on the findings recommendations were made and conclusions drawn
Motivational Incentives and Job Performance of Personnel of Cross River State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education
No full textThe study examines the influence of motivational incentives on job performance of employee of the State Agency for Mass Literacy, Adult and non-formal Education in Cross River State. Two research questions guided the study. The survey design was adopted for the study. The Population of the study comprised 200 Personnel of Cross River State Agency for Mass Literacy, adult and Non-formal education Calabar. A purposive sampling technique was used to draw up 90 personnel for the study. A structured questionnaire designed by the researchers was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was validated by three experts. The reliability data obtained were analyzed using Cronbach Alpha reliability method and a reliability coefficient of 0.99 was obtained. Data obtained were analyzed using Mean and Standard deviation. Results of the analysis revealed that staff of the Agency were not adequately motivated to perform their job by management of State Agency for Adult and Non formal education programme. It also revealed that there is no significant differences between male and female job performance in terms of motivation. Based on the findings, it was recommended that management of State Agency for Adult and Non-formal Education should sustain a continuous provision of motivational packages to enhance employees’ job performance and productivity
Gender Participation in Groundnut Value Chain among USAID Groundnut Up-scaling Project’s Participants and Non-Participating Households in Sokoto State, Nigeria
No full textThe aim of the study was to analyze gender participation in Groundnut Value Chain among USAID Groundnut Up-Scaling Projects, participating and non-participating households in Sokoto State, Nigeria. The study specifically focused on comparing the quantity of groundnut handled by males and females GVC actors and identifying factors influencing participation in GVC. Multistage sampling technique comprising purposive, random and proportionate sampling was employed to select households engaged in GVC within the five GUP PLGAs in the state. The study population consisted of 294 households that were actively engaged in the USAID-GUP, alongside additional households within the study area that were also GVC actors but not affiliated with the GUP. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study and the analytical techniques include descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal that females in both PLGAs and NPLGAs produced and sold fewer quantities of groundnuts compared to males and significant difference exists in quantities of groundnut produced and processed by the genders in PLGAs at P<0.01. Significant gender differences were also observed in the determinants of participation in USAID-GUP for males and females at P<0.01 and P<0.05 levels respectively. The study concludes that higher level education, larger household and farm sizes are significant determinants of gender participation and positively correlate with participation for both genders while older age and farming experience tend to decrease participation, particularly among women. Finally, the study recommends that tailored interventions should be developed to target specific groups more effectively
Assessment of Poultry Farming in Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria
No full textThe Nigerian poultry industry is essential to the country\u27s economy, as it supports job creation and food security. However, it encounters challenges that significantly hinder its growth. Evaluating poultry farming can provide insights into the factors affecting production levels, the affordability, and accessibility of poultry products, ultimately aiding efforts to enhance food security and nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate poultry farming practices in the Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of Borno State. Data were gathered from 99 poultry farmers using a multistage sampling technique, primarily through a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive statistics and probit regression analyses were utilized to meet the study\u27s objectives. The socio-economic analysis indicated that the poultry farmers were predominantly in their prime working years, with an average age of 44.4 years. Most of the farmers (75.8%) were male, and their average experience in poultry farming was 7.9 years. The average household size was 8 individuals, and the average poultry flock consisted of 337 birds. Additionally, 57.6% of the farmers had access to credit and received an average of 3 extension visits per month. Regarding improved poultry practices, the study found that a significant majority of respondents adopted convenience/ventilation practices (85.86%), followed by vaccination (82.82%) and bio-security measures (77.78%). Factors influencing the adoption of these practices included poultry size, household size, cooperative society membership, and the number of extension visits. These factors significantly impacted the adoption of improved practices, with probability levels of 1%, 5%, 5%, and 1%, respectively. The study also identified challenges faced by poultry farmers, with the high cost of feed being the predominant issue (88.88%). It is recommended that the government implement funding and policies to enhance extension services in the region
MICROCREDIT AND INCOME GENERATION FOR POVERTY REDUCTION AMONG RURAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
No full texthis study investigates the impact of microcredit on income generation among rural women micro-entrepreneurs in South-East Nigeria, with the aim to understand its role in poverty reduction. Despite contributing significantly to the economy, micro-entrepreneurs often face barriers like limited access to financial resources. This study is premised on the Microfinance Policy Framework introduced by the Nigerian government, to enhance financial inclusion. Employing a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from 340 respondents using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, while the t-tests was employed to assess the significant effect of microcredit on income generation. The findings indicate that while microcredit had a positive impact on income generation, the effect is modest. The results highlight significant challenges such as high interest rates, inadequate loan sizes, and poor loan management skills, which impede the full potential of microcredit. The study underscores the need for complementary measures, including reduced interest rates and enhanced business support, to maximise the benefits of microcredit in poverty alleviation. Although microcredit holds promise for enhancing income generation among rural women, its impact is constrained by structural and operational challenges. Addressing these issues is crucial for maximising microcredit\u27s role in poverty reduction and the economic empowerment of rural women micro-entrepreneurs. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence from South-East Nigeria, reinforcing the argument that microcredit can be a valuable tool for economic empowerment, particularly among low-income populations. 
IMPACT OF FOREIGN CAPITAL INFLOWS ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA
No full textNigeria\u27s economic landscape is marked by its position as one of the leading recipients of capital inflows in Africa, but has been facing challenges in effectively harnessing capital inflows for productive investments. Despite efforts to attract foreign investment through policy reforms and incentives; structural impediments such as inadequate infrastructure, weak institutional frameworks and low human capital development persist. Hence, this study examined the impact of foreign capital inflows on economic growth in Nigeria. The analysis considers variables including real gross domestic product, foreign direct investment, remittances, foreign portfolio investment, official development assistance, external debt, government capital expenditure on infrastructure, government expenditure on health, government expenditure on education, and institutional quality. Using an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model, the findings revealed that foreign direct investments, Remittances, official development assistance and external debt positively influence economic growth in both the short and long run. Importantly, infrastructure development and institutional quality, not only directly enhance growth, but also amplify the effectiveness of other economic variables like foreign direct investment and remittances. Based on the findings, it is recommended that there should improvement of Nigeria’s absorptive capacity through better infrastructure and institutional quality to optimize the benefits of capital inflows. Moreover, addressing structural barriers will enable Nigeria to better harness foreign capital inflows and drive economic growth