Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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IMPACT OF COOPERATIVE LEARNING INSTRUCTION ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ECONOMICS IN ANAMBRA STATE
No full textThis study is a survey on the impact of cooperative learning instruction on academic achievement of secondary schools students in Economics in Anambra State. Four research questions and three null hypotheses tested at .05 level of significance guided the study. The study adopted the Quasi-experimental research design. In this quasiexperimental design pre-test and post test where administered to both experimental and control groups. It was carried out in Awka Education Zone of Anambra State. The population of the study comprised of all the SSS2 students in the 45 public secondary schools in Awka Education Zone. The sample of the study is 166 senior secondary school students (SSII) drawn from the population of the study. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select subjects for this study. Six intact classes were used for this study. Subjects for the cooperative learning instruction are 90 in number. This consists of 43 males and 47 females. The total number of subjects for lecture-based instruction are 76. This group consisted of 40 males and 36 females. This brings the sample size to one hundred and sixty-six (166), 83 males and 83 females. The instruments for data collection are two in number: the Economics Achievement Test (EAT) and senior secondary school (SSII) first term examination results of the students in Economics were collected and used to determine the present academic achievement of the students. The instrument was face, content and construct validated by three (3) experts, two (2) from the department of Educational Foundations Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Their contributions and corrections helped the researchers to produce a copy for the study. Application of the KuderRichardson\u27s formula K-R20 yielded .76 for the Economics Achievement Test items for the reliability. Means and standard deviations were used to answer the research questions. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. Results of the research showed that cooperative learning instruction has high impact in enhancing students’ achievement in Economics. Despite the fact that there was mean indication that the male students achieved higher than the female students in the Economics using cooperative learning instruction as an instructional approach, the ANCOVA revealed that cooperative learning instruction has high impact for male than female. Based on the findings of this study, cooperative learning instruction of teaching was recommended to be adopted as one of the common approaches of teaching and learning of Economics in schools. In schools where such communicative approach is being practiced, care should be taken to ensure proper application of the approach
ENHANCING TEACHER EDUCATION FOR EMPLOYABILITY IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA: A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN APPROACH
No full textTeacher education in Nigeria, and particularly in Anambra State, faces persistent challenges in aligning graduate preparation with the dynamic demands of the contemporary labor market. Communities in the region have historically played critical roles in supporting schools through funding, moral guidance, cultural preservation, and infrastructure development. However, these contributions remain largely informal and ad hoc, limiting their potential impact on teacher education outcomes. This paper explores a systematic, institutionalized community-driven approach to teacher education aimed at enhancing graduate employability. Anchored in Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, Epstein’s Theory of Overlapping Spheres of Influence, and Human Capital Theory, the study proposes integrating structured community participation, digital literacy, entrepreneurship education, culturally responsive pedagogy, and intergenerational mentorship into teacher training programs. Drawing from Nigerian and global evidence, the paper argues that such an approach fosters the development of teachers who are pedagogically competent, technologically skilled, culturally aware, and economically versatile. Key challenges and opportunities are critically examined, and policy recommendations are provided to institutionalize these strategies for sustainable improvements in teacher quality and employability. 
BOARD DIVERSITY AND DISCRETIONARY ACCRUALS: A COMPARISON BETWEEN NIGERIA AND GHANA FAMILY-OWNED LISTED FIRMS
No full text It is now an established concern in academic and professional discourses that majority ownership in family-owned firms confiscate the interest of the minority ownership. Therefore, the study examined and compared the effect of board diversity on discretionary accruals between Nigeria and Ghana family-owned listed firms. Sceondary data were sourced from the published annual financial reports of the concerned purposively selected 32 and four listed firms from the Nigerian Exchange Group and Ghana Stock Exchange market respectively. The study covered a seven-year period from 2017 to 2023. The inferential analysis was based on pooled ordinary least square and panel corrected standard error regression. The descriptive analysis results showed the presence of more discretional accruals practices among listed family-owned firms in Ghana than in Nigeria. Based on inferential analysis, aside structural diversity (board independence) that presents similar effects on discretional accrual in both countries, other two board traits such as female gender and educational background (financial expertise) present positive but different significant effects on discretionary accruals. Therefore, the study concluded that board peculiarities impact earnings quality (measured using discretional accrual) among listed family-owned firms in Nigeria and Ghana. Thus, inclusion of more female gender in the board of listed family-owned firms should be done with caution for long time sustainability of listed family-owned firms, while inclusion of more finance and account professionals in the board of the firms should be prioritised as a matter of policy
COST STRUCTURE AND SHAREHOLDER WEALTH MAXIMISATION AMONG LISTED MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN NIGERIA
No full text The study examined the effect of cost structure on shareholder wealth maximisation among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. The specific objective was to ascertain the effect of cost of sales, cost of selling and marketing, staff cost and administrative cost on the shareholder return of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was adopted in the study. Twenty listed consumer goods firms made up the population of the study while purposive sampling was used to select fifteen listed consumer goods firms. Secondary data used were sourced from the annual reports of the firms over an eleven year period from 2014 to 2024. Preliminary analyses were done using descriptive test, correlational analysis, linearity test, chow test, heteroskedasticity test, autocorrelation test, and cross-sectional dependence test. Hypotheses were tested using panel estimated generalised least square regression. The study found that: cost of sales has a positive and significant effect on shareholder return of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria (β = 0.0384, p = 0.0000); cost of selling and marketing also exerts a positive and significant effect on shareholder return of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria. (β = 0.0216, p = 0.0326); staff cost shows a negative and highly significant effect on shareholder return of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria (β = -0.3162, p = 0.0000); administrative cost has a positive and significant effect on shareholder return of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria (β = 0.2023, p = 0.0002). In conclusion, not all cost components carry equal weight in shareholder wealth outcomes, and that the structure and composition of firm expenditures play a decisive role in influencing the financial rewards shareholders derive from their investment. The study recommends that production and supply chain directors of listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria should prioritise strategic investments in raw material sourcing, inventory control systems, and production efficiency technologie
CONTEMPORARY REFORMS ON AUDIT REPORTS AND THE QUALITY OF FINANCIAL AUDITS: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA
No full textAudit communication tool – audit report has long been criticized for ineffectiveness in communicating audit findings to stakeholders. Following plethora of audit failures, a number of reforms were introduced to enhance the communication of key audit findings. This study identified the disclosure of key audit matters and audit engagement partners’ name as core reforms to the audit report and examined their effects on the quality of audit of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. Data were extracted from the audited financial reports of one hundred and two listed non-financial firms across ten (10) industries. The findings, using fixed effect method to estimate the panel model, indicated that both reforms have positive and significant effects on earnings management thereby suggesting a reduction on audit quality in listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. The study submitted, amongst others, that key audit matters and audit engagement partners’ names significantly reduce audit quality of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. It was recommended amongst others that regulatory pronouncements should be reviewed to embed peculiarities in the corporate world so as to enhance the communication of audit findings while the two variables observed in this study should be appropriately managed by the regulatory authorities
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCES OF NON FINANCIAL FIRMS LISTED IN NIGERIA
No full text The study evaluated the significance of the effect of environmental sustainability practices of non financial firms listed in Nigeria on its financial performances. Specifically, the study determined the effect of environmental sustainability reporting practice on financial performance of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. It further investigated the effect of corporate governance reporting practice on financial performance of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria. Sampling a total of 55 non financial firms selected from ten sectors, the secondary data collated from the firms’ audited annual report of 2015 – 2024 were subjected to relevant hypotheses analysis using Robust Least Squares Regression Model operated with E-Views 12. It was found that Environmental sustainability reporting has a positive and significant effect on financial performance of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria (β = 1.90; p = 0.0000). Moreso, the study discovered that Corporate governance reporting has a positive and significant effect on financial performance of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria (β = 1.63; p = 0.0000).In conclusion, the findings collectively indicate that sustainability reporting across environmental and the corporate governance dimensions, play critical roles in enhancing the financial standing of listed non-financial firms in Nigeria, as measured by net asset per share. .The study recommends that environmental teams should enhance tracking and reporting of climate-related disclosures, resource use efficiency, emissions controls, and biodiversity impacts, positioning the firm as an environmentally responsible entity that aligns with regulatory standards. Also, the Audit Committee should be reinforced through the transparent publication of board practices, risk oversight, independence criteria, and ethical frameworks in financial disclosures, thereby promoting accountability, reducing agency risks, and enhancing investor confidenc
ENDING MATERNAL AND NEONATAL TETANUS IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH BY 2030: A ONE HEALTH PERSPECTIVE ON ELIMINATION STRATEGIES
No full textMaternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) remains a preventable yet persistent cause of mortality in the Global South. Despite major progress since the 1989 WHO initiative, the goal of global elimination by 2030 is threatened by health inequities, fragile systems, and environmental exposure. This review examines MNT elimination through a One Health lens, integrating human, animal, and environmental perspectives to expose hidden transmission pathways and new intervention opportunities. It synthesizes current evidence on immunization, clean birth practices, surveillance, and community engagement, while highlighting cross-sectoral strategies such as veterinary collaboration, sanitation reform, and environmental hygiene. Drawing lessons from successful elimination programs in India, Uganda, and Senegal, the paper argues that sustainable elimination depends on multisectoral coordination, gender equity, and culturally grounded community ownership. The path to ending MNT by 2030 lies not only in vaccines, but in aligning health systems, environmental management, and social structures under a unified One Health strategy. This review highlights how integrating One Health principles can accelerate the elimination of maternal and neonatal tetanus in the Global South. It emphasizes cross sectoral collaboration, community engagement, and innovative technologies as essential components of sustainable, equitable strategies
Optimized Power Loss Prediction in IEEE 118 Bus Network using Multilayered Feed-Forward Neural Networks
No full textAccurate power loss estimation is crucial for efficient power system operation and planning. Traditional methods rely on assumptions, leading to inaccuracies. This study employed Multilayered Feed-Forward Neural Networks (MFNNs) to develop a model that estimates real and reactive power losses in power lines. Load flow techniques were used to obtain variables for training several models. The desired model was selected after adjusting neuron numbers and comparing the performance indicators of other models. The 118-Bus IEEE test network was modelled using MATPOWER. The Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation algorithm trained the model on generated data. Results show that the 25-neuron model performed best, achieving the least mean square error (0.00047543) at 1000 epochs. Correlation coefficients revealed a 0.99999 value for 20-neuron and 25-neuron models. The analysis identified the 25-neuron-based trained model as the most accurate for predicting power losses. It was observed that the 25-neuron model achieved optimum performance with the highest correlation coefficient (0.99999) recorded and the Least mean square error (0.00047543) at 1000 epochs. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of ANNs in estimating power losses in transmission lines. The recommended 25-neuron-based trained model provides the best predictions from studied models, enhancing power system efficiency and planning
Sustainability of Dye Effluent Using Adsorptive Properties of Awka Clay: Kinetics and Modeling (RSM, ANFIS, and ANN Analysis)
No full textAzo dyes are toxic dyes of environmental concern due to their stable aromatic structure. The research work focused on the removal of CR pollutants from aqueous solution via utilizing the adsorptive qualities of acid-modified Awka clay (AMAC). The batch adsorption was conducted to investigate the process variables effect. The adsorption mechanism was investigated. The thermodynamic properties ΔS, ΔH, ΔG, and Ea were determined. The optimum CR removal was predicted using the ANN, ANFIS, and RSM models. The maximum dye removal of 99.99% was achieved at a temperature of 323 K, an adsorbent dosage of 1 g, a contact time of 150 min, an initial dye concentration of 100 mg/l, an adsorbent particle size of 75 μm, and pH 2. A maximum equilibrium adsorption capacity of 19.9999 mg/g was obtained. The adsorption mechanism result indicates that two or more steps influence the adsorption process. Thermodynamic results suggested an endothermic, favorable, spontaneous, and physical adsorption process. The RSM model, with an R² of unity, is statistically more significant than the ANN and ANFIS models. A maximum reusability capacity of 97.2% was achieved after three cycles. These obtained results confirm AMAC as a reliable adsorbent for CR removal from effluents
A Hybrid Liu-Ridge Method of Handling Multicollinearity in Linear Regression Models
No full textMulticollinearity is a critical challenge in linear regression analysis, causing instability and unreliability in Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimates when independent variables are highly correlated. While existing biased estimators, such as Ridge Regression, Liu Estimator, and Kibria-Lukman Estimator, partially address this issue, they often fall short of achieving optimal Mean Squared Error (MSE) performance across varying conditions. This study introduces the Hybrid Liu-Ridge (HLR) estimator, a novel integration of the Modified Ridge Type (MRT) and Modified Liu (MLIU) estimators, designed to robustly handle multicollinearity. A comprehensive theoretical analysis demonstrates the superiority of the HLR estimator, particularly in minimizing MSE compared to its predecessors. Performance evaluation via Monte Carlo simulations, conducted under varying multicollinearity levels, error variances, and sample sizes, confirms the consistency of the HLR estimator in outperforming existing methods. Real-world applications using agricultural and economic data further validate its robustness and practical utility. By offering improved reliability and adaptability, the HLR estimator represents a significant advancement in addressing multicollinearity, providing researchers and practitioners with a superior tool for regression analysis