Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
Not a member yet
5579 research outputs found
Sort by
Beyond Entertainment: Formal Features and the Social Function of Folktale
No full textFolktale is an indispensable component of folklore, serving as a vital medium for moral instruction and value transmission within traditional societies. This study investigates the didactic and cross-cultural functions of folktales, using The Ant and the Grasshopper as a case study to illustrate how narrative art reinforces communal ethics such as hard work, foresight, and social responsibility. Folklore, as an umbrella term, encompasses three broad categories—verbal lore, material lore, and customary lore. Within this framework, folktale belongs to verbal lore, which embodies the spoken art forms through which a society expresses its worldview, moral philosophy, and collective identity. The study adopts a comparative and interpretive approach, examining parallels between the moral lessons of The Ant and the Grasshopper and similar tales from Igbo and Yoruba oral traditions. It argues that while folktales are locally grounded in the experiences and beliefs of a people, they often reveal universal human concerns and ethical ideals that transcend cultural boundaries. By analysing the symbolic use of animal characters and the narrative strategies employed by traditional storytellers, the study underscores the enduring relevance of folktales as tools for moral education and cultural continuity in African societies
Declarative Constructions in Igbo and Mandarin Chinese: A Comparative Analysis
No full textThis study on declarative constructions in Igbo and Mandarin Chinese is necessitated by the ever increasing population of Igbo first language (L1) speakers learning Mandarin Chinese (MC) as a second language (L2). Igbo as a member of the new Benue-Congo group of the Niger-Congo language family is quite distinct from MC which is the standard variety of Chinese, a member of the Sino-Tibetan language. From the origin of both languages, it is right to assume that there could be differences in their systems and these differences could translate to impending challenges for the learners. With the application of descriptive analysis, the study examines the constituent structures of declarative sentences, pointing out their similarities and differences as obtainable in both languages. Data were elicited from grammar texts in both languages as well through native speaker intuition. Findings show that the two languages have the basic SVO word order though the constituent structures vary greatly. These differences abound in the nominal position of the determiners, the presence of numeral classifiers in Chinese NP, the position of adverbial elements, interrogative markers, as well as the negation strategies in the VP of both languages. Based on the aforementioned, this paper concludes that any Igbo L2 learner of Chinese should be mindful of the structural differences not withstanding that both languages have same basic sentence pattern so that there will be a proper understanding of the declarative operations in both languages. Such awareness in turn, should enable them to strategically adapt their learning approaches, which would enhance their performance and facilitate a more effective learning strategy for the Chinese language. This consciousness would help learners minimize learning and negative transfer
Influence of Artificial Intelligence Chabot on Students’ Learning Experience in Public Secondary Schools in Abakaliki Education Zone, Ebonyi State
No full textThis study investigated the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chabot on students’ learning experience in public secondary schools in Abakaliki Education Zone, Ebonyi State. The study sought to determine the influence of AI Chabot on grading and assessment process of students; personalized learning of students; and teacher-students’ collaboration learning process in public secondary schools. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study and data were collected using questionnaire “Influence of AI Chabot on students’ learning experience in public secondary schools Questionnaire (IAICSLE)” structured by the researcher. The population of the study was 88 English Language teachers and the sample was 45 teachers selected using purposive sampling technique. The use of purposive sampling technique enabled the researcher to select schools that have ICT units, constant power supply and digital tools. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach alpha approach. The analysis yielded the coefficient index of 0.84. Research questions were answered using the arithmetic mean while the standard deviation was used to determine the proximity of the respondents’ responses. The hypotheses were tested using t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that AI Charbot has significant influence on grading and assessment process of students in public secondary schools; Artificial Intelligence Chabot has significant influence on personalized learning of students in public secondary schools; and that AI Chabot also has significant influence on teacher-students’ collaboration learning process of students. It was recommended that government should equip the schools with AI facilities and ensure constant power supply in order to improve on teaching and learning; the school authorities should constantly organize professional development programme such as seminar, workshop, symposium and conferences to update the teachers on the use of AI in teaching and learning; while the teachers should continuously make use of AI Chabot in teaching and learning so as to enhance grading and assessment process of students
ENTREPRENEURIAL PERSONALITY TRAITS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined the effect of entrepreneurial personality trait and entrepreneurship sustainability in Delta State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The instrument used in this study was structured questionnaire. The population of this study consists of 5,500 entrepreneurs in Delta Stat. The statistical formula by Cochran was employed to determine the sample size of 384. Simple percentage analysis was used in analyzing research question. Hypotheses for the study were tested using simple regression analysis. The result from the findings revealed that extraversion trait has a significant positive effect on entrepreneurship sustainability (t = -4.699, p<0.05 and (β) of .178; openness to experience had significant positive effect on and entrepreneurship sustainability (t = -2.659, p000<0.05 and β) of.139) and agreeableness trait had a significant effect on and entrepreneurship sustainability in Delta State, Nigeria. The study examined personality trait and sustainability of entrepreneurship in Delta State, Nigeria. From the analysis it was discovered that extraversion trait has a significant positive effect on sustainability of entrepreneurship; openness to experience has a significant positive effect on sustainability of entrepreneurship and agreeableness trait has a significant effect on sustainability of entrepreneurship in Delta State, Nigeria. Therefore, the study concluded that personality trait had a significant positive effect on sustainability of entrepreneurship in Delta State, Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended that entrepreneurial personality should develop personality extroversion traits, the extroversion trait that will help to create more value for their entrepreneurial personality and for the long-term growth and sustainability of their business, entrepreneurs must hold openness to entrepreneurship sustainability that will boost the level of confidence of all their stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers) have in them for business sustainability
ENTREPRENEURAL SKILLS AND BUSINESS GROWTH IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis research study deployed entrepreneurial skills as correlates of business expansion in entrepreneurial venture firms in the state of Imo in Nigeria. Entrepreneurship is gradually emerging as the driver of economic growth, especially in the emerging economies. The research also focused on exploring the role that entrepreneurial skills - namely, leadership and networking have in the development of small enterprises. Past studies have already demonstrated the connection between these competencies and the performance of enterprises, but little empirical evidence has existed concerning Imo State. In the study four dimensions were used: relationship between sales growth and leadership skills, relationship between profitability and leadership skills, relationship between sales growth and networking, relationship between profitability and networking. A quantitative survey design was used and information was gathered based on 117 employees in purposively chosen entrepreneurial firms within the three geopolitical zones of the state; Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe. These were small businesses as each comprised between 5-49 of employees. A prepared questionnaire was the main tool of the data collection and its reliability was proved by piloting that gave Cronbach alpha of 0.81. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and Spearman rank correlation coefficient and statistical significance was established using p = 0.05. The results showed that leadership as well as networking skills have significant positive effects on the sales and profitability of any business. Moreover, leadership-networking interaction also showed a positive strengthening property of the business development. The paper arrives at a conclusion that entrepreneurial skills especially leadership skills and network are important ingredients in growing a business in small business. Their strategic nature is key in improving performance and competitiveness of firms in emerging economies such as Nigeria
Assessment of Farmers’ Knowledge Acquisition from Agricultural Technologies Broadcasted on Nasarawa Broadcasting Radio in Nasarawa State, Nigeria
No full textThe study was to assess farmers’ knowledge acquisition from agricultural technologies broadcasted on Nasarawa Broadcasting Radio in Nasarawa State. A multi stage sampling procedure was applied to select 209 farmers. The data were collected through structured questionnaire which were analysed using simple descriptive statistics. The result of the analysis revealed that majority (29.2%) were between the ages of 31- 40 years, male (86.1%), married (50.71%), having tertiary education (58.0%), with mean household size of 11 person, having an annual farm income of between ℕ100,001- ℕ200,000 with mean farming experience of 14.5 years, having a farm size of between 0- 5 hectares. Majority (70. 8%) were members of a cooperative groups and almost all (95,7) had radio set. The study identified two agricultural programmes presented by NBS radio weekly. The result of the study further shows technologies such as timely planting of crops (x̄ =4, 80), best practices in yam production (x̄ =4.75) and reputable sources of farm input (x̄ =4.55) were considered highly relevant to farmers’ needs. The result further revealed that farmers had gained new knowledge on use of improved seeds (81.2%), proper storage methods of farm produce (77.2%) and best practices in rice production (73.3%). The study also showed that the technologies mostly adopted by the respondents includes; use of improved seeds (95.7%), proper storage of farm produce (94.7%) and best practices in rice production (93.3%). It is recommended that, the programmes should be sustained as it giving out the needed information to farmers
Analysis of selected Production Variables in yam Production in Northern Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria
No full textThis study examined selected production variables that affect small-scale yam farmers in the Northern Agricultural Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. The objectives were to determine how selected production variables affect yam production, identify the constraints in yam production, and describe strategies used by yam farmers to improve yam production. A multistage sampling technique was employed to select a total of one hundred and eighty-nine (189) small-scale yam farmers. Data were gathered using a well-structured questionnaire. The collected data were examined through the application of descriptive statistical methods and regression analyses. Regression analysis revealed that the major resources that significantly affected yam production were fertilizers, herbicides, and farm size. The primary yam production constraints identified by farmers were the high cost of agrochemicals, inadequate access to credit facilities, high cost of labour, poor transportation networks, inadequate capital, and low prices for the yam produced. The findings revealed that early weeding, planting of healthy seedlings, and early harvesting to obtain additional yam crowns were strategies adopted by farmers to improve yam production. The study recommends that yam farmers join cooperatives for better loan access, expand cultivation areas to increase yield, reduce excessive herbicide use, increase fertilizer application, and collaborate with the government and private sector to improve infrastructure and market linkages and reduce postharvest losses
Contribution of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) on the Livelihood of Women Groundnut Farmers in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria
No full textThe study examined the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) on the livelihood of women groundnut farmers in Donga Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State. The objectives were to examine the level of contribution participation in VSLAs had on the livelihood of women groundnut farmers, determine factors influencing women groundnut farmers’ participation in VSLA. Multistage random sampling technique was used in sampling a total of 84 participating women groundnut farmers in Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Among respondents, 91.7% were active VSLA members, contributing varying amounts per cycle with a mean contribution of N38, 332.83 and interest of N34, 106.64 (representing 88.98% of the mean savings at the end of a circle). The result showed that 67.9% of the loan accessed from the pooled savings was used for farming purposes, while proceeds from the savings after a circle was used in supporting livelihood in the purchase of Christmas groceries, payment of children school fees and purchase of food items, ranking 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively. Regression analysis reveals significant predictors of VSLA membership to include age, education, farming experience, and income from groundnut farming at p < 0.01, and farm size at p<0.05. Constraints such as limited funds, inadequate training/capacity building and poor management of pooled funds were the leading challenges to women groundnut farmers participation in the association. It was concluded that VSLAs are a good source of funding for their farming activities and a good investment opportunity, the return of which contributed to their livelihood. The study recommended the need for targeted interventions to ensure access to funding, enhance financial literacy, promote participation in VSLAs and improve their agricultural production
Gender Analysis of Actors Involved in Production, Processing and Marketing of Sweet Potato in Kwara State, Nigeria
No full textThe study examined the gender roles of actors involved in sweet potato production, processing and marketing in Kwara State, Nigeria. A three-stage sampling technique was employed to select a total of 120 respondents. Primary data were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, gross and market margin analysis and multiple regression models. The findings revealed that 85% of the producers were males, 83% of the processors were females and there was an equal share of 50% male and female marketers. The gross margin for male and female producers was ₦209,705.90 and ₦115,222.20 respectively. The male and female processors, had a gross profit margin of ₦71,000.00 and ₦52,952.00 respectively. The male and female marketers had a gross profit margin of ₦129,700.00 and ₦130,400.00 respectively. The analysis shows that the male producers and processors have greater gross margin while the female marketer has a higher gross margin than the male making the sweet potato business profitable among all the respondents in the study area. The regression result revealed that for producers, years of experience, credit accessibility, distance covered, and market price significantly affected profit margins. Among processors, years of experience, road accessibility, market price, and consumer preference were significant predictors, while age, government policy, and market price significantly influenced marketers’ profit margins. The result further showed that the major constraints faced by male and female actors include land conflict, inadequate vine, inadequate labour, bad roads, low income and cost of farm inputs. The study recommends that provision of good roads and standard vehicles for transportation should be provided to ease market accessibility
IMPACT OF ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION ON EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined the employment and economic growth impacts of economic diversification in Nigeria using time series data from 1970 to 2022. The ADF unit root test for data stationarity showed that all the variables under study were stationary. The Johansen cointegration test showed that there was a long-run relationship among the variables. The result of the 2SLS regression revealed that while economic diversification had a significant positive impact on employment in Nigeria but an insignificant impact on economic growth of Nigeria. However, the impact of economic diversification on employment in Nigeria was infinitesimal in the level of its contribution to employment in Nigeria and its impact on economic growth did not show desired result. The study suggests that every economic diversification project should be matched with employment targets; that the government should intensify efforts to increase the magnitude of diversification; that the industrial sector should be given greater attention with respect to economic diversification for employment in Nigeria; that the federal government should establish a National Board for Economic Diversification, to specialize and concentrate on the modus operandi for economic diversification in Nigeria.