Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Pollution from timber processing industries in Nigeria: challenge and adaptive measures
No full textProduction industries process raw materials (input) and generate by-products (residues) of various forms. One of the major challenges of industrial sectors in Nigeria is pollution resulting from improperly managed and indiscriminately disposed residues. Noise produced from the use of heavy industrial machines is another major source of pollution from industrial processes. The timber industry is among the production industries in Nigeria that is renowned for its great contribution to the economy’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, throughout the wood supply chain-from sawmills to final products, the wood products manufacturing industry is a potential source of environmental pollution. This paper examines viable adaptive measures in the management of air, land, noise, and water pollution with a view to addressing the challenges of environmental pollution. During sawmilling procedures, huge biomass is generated into residues (sawdust, shavings, trimmings, edgings, and so on), noise is produced from mechanical processes, and particulates are released as byproducts of fossil fuel combustion from machines and power-generating sets. In Nigeria, large volumes of residues or byproducts are indiscriminately disposed of (or improperly managed) in most timber processing industries. It is noteworthy that environmental pollution is among the challenges with far-reaching harmful effects on Nigerian citizens. And could lead to pollution-related problems, including flooding, disease outbreaks, pandemics, health hazards, and death. The identified pollution-related challenges from timber industries in Nigeria and their associated consequences can be drastically reduced if conscious efforts are put in place. Hence, this study recommended the reconstitution of timber residues
IMPACT OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND TENURE ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED FINANCIAL COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
No full text The study examined impact of independent director educational background and tenure on financial performance of listed financial companies in Nigeria from 2015-2023. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated and tested in the study. The study was anchored on resource dependency theory while the ex post facto research design was applied in this study. The population of this study is forty-nine (49) financial companies listed on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) for the period between 2015 and 2022. The study population figure was gotten from the Nigerian Exchange Group Website 2022. The population of the study comprised of listed banks and insurance companies. The study\u27s final sample size was determined using a strategy of purposeful non-probability sampling. Therefore, a total of thirty-seven (37) quoted financial companies comprised of deposit money banks and insurance companies on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) formed the sample size of this study. The study relied on only secondary data, with the major source being the annual financial statements of the sampled companies for a period of eight (8) years (2015 to 2022). This study employed the use of the Panel Least Square (PLS) analysis technique. The study revealed that independent director’s educational background has significant effect on corporate performance (ROA) of listed financial companies in Nigeria for the period under investigation and that independent director tenure has no significant effect on corporate performance of listed financial companies in Nigeria for the period under investigation. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that the management of financial companies in Nigeria should consider the appointment of independent directors of their respective institutions on based on the financial expertise of the individual so as to enhance corporate performance of listed financial companies in Nigeria
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION, KOGI STATE
No full textThis study investigated the effects of conflict management on organizational performance, focusing on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State. The research employs a survey design approach. The total population for the study comprises of 315 employees of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State, which involves the State Headquarters and branches in the twenty one Local Government Areas in Kogi State with a total population of (315). The study adopted Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size formular to arrive at 169. A total of 169 questionnaires were distributed to staffs of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kogi State. Furthermore, 169 questionnaires were completely filled and returned. The study used multiple linear regression and frequency table to analyze the result. Findings reveals that accommodating conflict management style demonstrates a significant and positive effect on organizational performance, with a t-statistic of 12.464, a beta coefficient of 0.564, and a significance level of 0.000. Furthermore, the collaborative conflict management style significantly and positively affects organizational performance, as evidenced by a t-statistic of 8.019, a beta coefficient of 0.406, and a significance level of 0.000. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the critical role of conflict management styles in shaping organizational performance. The study recommended that the independent National Electoral Commission in Kogi State, Nigeria, consider integrating and promoting accommodating conflict resolution approach within their organizational culture. It was also recommended that organizations should actively promote collaborative approach, particularly in scenarios where creative problem-solving and consensus-building are critical
THE TECTONIC SETTING OF THE ROCKS AROUND SHINTAKU AREA SOUTHEAST OF LOKOJA, NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA
No full textSamples collected from eight locations in the Shintaku area were analyzed using AAS and interpreted with tectonic discrimination diagrams to ascertain the tectonic setting, a major factor controlling the lithology, chemistry, and preservation of deposits. The TiO2-K2O-P2O5 plot shows that the samples obtained from the study area show continental characteristics. More plots were made which show the type of magma that formed the rocks and their tectonic settings: The Ti vs Zr diagram shows varieties ranging from island arc lavas to within-plate lavas. The R1-R2 plot shows that the formation of the rock varied from anorogenic to post-orogenic environments. Syn-collisional and post-orogenic environments are synonymous with volcanic arc granites (VAG) in the scheme and this environment is related to the process of crustal thickening often by the underthrusting of a crustal "slice" below another. The geotectonic discrimination plots revealed that the samples from the study area were formed from island arc granites (IAG), continental arc granites (CAG), continental collision granites (CCG), continent-epeirogenic uplift granites (CEUG), post-orogenic (PO), and rift-related granitoid (RRG). From the Nb/Yb vs TiO2/Yb diagram the samples obtained from the study area plot within OIB or near theT mantle array field strongly support continental than any other environment. The rocks in Shintaku area, from the foregoing, are formed because ofthe subduction of the oceanic plate into/under the continental plate. The oceanic plate subducted and basaltic rocks in the oceanic crust melted as a result of heat and pressure to form magma. This magma moved to the continental region to be subducted along with a few oceanic basaltic rocks reflecting continental environmental setting of the plots. Hydrothermal alteration processes in altered granites and magmatic/post magmatic processes could have influenced the variation and redistribution of the major oxides and trace elements distribution, respectively
FUNCTIONALIZATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MULTIWALLED CARBON NANOTUBES (MWCNTS)
No full textMulti-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) are cylindrical structures composed of rolled-up graphene sheets with diameters of a few nanometers and lengths up to several hundred micrometers. The uniqueproperties of MWCNTs, including their high electrical and thermal conductivity, strong mechanical strengthand chemical stability make them attractive in various applications. This study functionalized the MWCNTsvia chemical methods using 60 % nitric and sulphuric acid solutions for 3 hours each. The material waswashed thoroughly with hot deionized water until neutral pH was obtained and the powdered sample wasdried in an oven at 105 oC for 3 hours. The powdered sample was characterized by Scanning ElectronMicroscopy (SEM), Elemental Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), BrunauerEmmett-Teller (BET) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). SEM confirmed large cavities and sparsely web shapewhile EDX gave atomic distribution of the material and revealed carbon and oxygen as major elements, and sodium and sulphur as minor elements present in the MWCNTs. The (FT-IR) result of the MWCNTs spectra showed broad band peaks at 3448.84 cm-1 and 3414 cm-1 which corresponds to O-H stretching mode of hydroxyl groups on the surface of the nanotube. The BET surface area result of the material indicated higher surface area with 865.66 m2/g. The (XRD) results confirmed prominent diffraction peaks which is common to all carbonaceous material. 
ANALYSIS OF CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF POOR SANITATION AND HYGIENE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABA METROPOLIS, ABIA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study analyzed the causes and effects of poor sanitation and hygiene in secondary schools in Aba
metropolis, Abia State, Nigeria. Descriptive research survey design was adopted for the study. There
are 7 Local government areas in Aba metropolis in which 120 respondents were randomly selected
through purposive random sampling technique guided by research advisor 2006. Three research
questions guided the study. Mean scores were used as statistical tools for the study. Findings showed
that the respondents agreed to the main causes, and the effects of poor sanitation in secondary schools
with a grand mean of scores of 2.88, 3.08 and which is greater than the critical mean score of 2.50. It
was recommended that the government and non-governmental organizations should make adequate
provision of toilets and urinary facilities for the schools
The Use of E-Faciliatation in Teaching And Learning of Algebra Among Secondary Schools Students in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, Nigeria.
No full textThis study investigated the use of e-faciliatation on Students\u27 achievement in algebra at Gwoza local Government Area of Borno State Nigeria. The study adopted a quasi experimental design type. The study was based on six weeks of continuous interaction with the selected samples drawn from 35 secondary schools. Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) was developed by the researcher which was duly validated. The reliability index was calculated using Kuder Richardson formula method (K-R 20) which gave 0.78.Two research questions were raised and three research Hypotheses were generated which were tested at 0.05 level of significance using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Stratified random sampling technique was used in selecting the sample which consists of 105 participants. The experimental group comprises 32 male and 23 female participants. The control group comprises 28 male and 22 female participants. The results of the study revealed that participants who were taught using e-faciliatation performed better significantly than their counterparts taught with the conventional method, and that the female participants taught Using e-faciliatation also achieved better than the male counterparts. It was recommended that e-faciliatation should be infused by the Mathematics teachers when teaching algebra.
 
DIFFERENTIAL ITEM FUNCTIONING IN NATIONAL EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL TESTS
No full textEducational tests result serve as important yardsticks through which society evaluates the outcomes of its educational system. Consequently, it is essential that educational institutions and examination bodies design assessments (test) that accurately capture the intended characteristics of their examinees. This study examined Differential Item Functioning (DIF) in the tests administered by the National Examinations Council (NECO) and assessed its impact on the tests\u27 reliability. The study was guided by two research questions and tested two hypotheses, employing an ex-post-facto research design. The population included all candidates who took the 2023 NECO Mathematics and Economics examinations in Nigeria. Sampling was conducted in two stages: selecting the subjects and then choosing the participants. Data collection utilized the 2023 NECO past questions for these four subjects, which had already been validated by NECO\u27s Examinations and Standard Unit in Nigeria. Since NECO provides these standardized instruments, the researcher did not independently determine their reliability. Candidate responses to selected test items were collected directly from NECO for analysis. The research questions were analyzed using an item response theory parameter logistic model with Marginal Maximum Likelihood estimation, along with mean and standard deviation calculations. Hypothesis 1 was tested through Thissen’s Likelihood Ratio Test (LRT) for DIF, and Hypothesis 2 was examined using a test of equality of alpha coefficients at a 0.05 significance level. Findings among others indicated that, on average, the test items for NECO Mathematics and Economics favored male students more than their female counterparts. The study recommended that NECO should conduct DIF analysis on their assessments to ensure the quality and fairness of test items. 
A Comparative Analysis of the Committee System in the Nigeria National Assembly and other Assemblies around the World
No full textThe legislative arm of government is the arm that represents the people, makes laws for the country, and conductsoversight functions on the executive. Its functions are numerous and tasking. Therefore, they create committees toreduce their workload and perform their task more efficiently. This paper examined the roles of committees inseveral legislatures of the world in order to shed light on the importance of committee system in a legislature orparliament. Through this paper, it was discovered that although there are differences in every legislative committeeas they have their unique systems and styles, nevertheless, they have general similarities in their mode ofdetermining membership of the committees, functions of the committees, powers of the committees, and so on. Thispaper adopted the doctrinal research methodology and relied on primary and secondary sources. Through thispaper, it was understood that the role of committees in every legislature is of paramount importance. They cannot bedone without as that would lead to inefficiency in the legislature. The paper recommended that members ofcommittees and the legislature at large should conduct training regularly to improve their abilities so as to betterimprove themselves and the whole legislature. Also, members of the media department in the legislature should bediligent and participate in publicizing the activities of the committees so as to carry the citizens along; finally,committees should be staffed adequately so as to ensure efficiency in their activities
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS TEACHERS’ COMPETENCY IN EVALUATING STUDENTS’ AFFECTIVE AND PSYCHOMOTOR DOMAINS OF SENIOR SECONDARY CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION IN BENUE STATE
No full textThis was a study on science and Mathematics teachers’ competency in evaluating students’ affective and psychomotor domains of senior secondary classroom instruction in Benue State. Four research questions and four null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Descriptive survey design was used. Population comprised all Science and Mathematics teachers in Makurdi LGA of Benue State. Sample consisted of 104 (78 Science and 26 Mathematics) teachers in 26 senior secondary schools obtained using multi-stage sampling. Validated Science and Mathematics Teachers Competence in Evaluating Classroom Instruction Questionnaire (SMTCECIQ) constructed by the researchers had reliability coefficient of 0.89 computed using Cronbach alpha. Data obtained were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and Independent sample t- test to test the formulated null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results showed: significant difference in the mean ratings of science and Mathematics teachers’ competency to objectively evaluate science students’ affective area during classroom instruction; No significant difference in the mean ratings of science and Mathematics teachers’ competency to objectively evaluate science students’ psychomotor area during classroom instruction; No significant difference in the mean ratings of science and Mathematics teachers’ competency to objectively evaluate science students’ affective and psychomotor areas during Mathematics classroom instruction. The study recommended among others that, science teachers Association and Mathematics Association of Nigeria should frequently organise conferences, seminars and workshops and encourage teachers to attend in order to increase their knowledge and skills to objectively evaluate students’ affective and psychomotor areas