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GIG Work and Career Intention among University Students
Get PDFThe rapid rise of the gig economy driven by digital platforms and technological innovation has greatly altered traditional employment patterns. This study investigated the relationship between gig work and career intention among university students in Nigeria. The variables of interest are inclusiveness, flexibility, and job autonomy. A cross-sectional survey design was employed with data collected from 355 students at the Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State and University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State who actively engaged in gig work. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses such as correlation and multivariate regression were used to analyse the data collected using SPSS 24 software. The findings revealed that inclusiveness, flexibility, and job autonomy have a positive and significant impact on students’ career intentions. Flexibility is the most significant predictor, followed by job autonomy and inclusiveness. The study recommends that policymakers and educational institutions should collaborate to enhance digital infrastructure and digital skills training for university students to promote a more equitable access to gig opportunities.
Keywords: Career intention, Flexibility, Gig economy, Inclusiveness, Job autonomy
Integration of Digital Tools on Traditional Graphic Design Techniques in Some tertiary Institutions
Get PDFThe rapid development of digital technology has gradually transformed the graphic design industry thereby, creating a pressing need for educational institutions to balance foundational traditional design principles with contemporary digital competencies. This study examines the integration of digital tools with traditional graphic design techniques across some selected tertiary institutions to evaluate the effectiveness of hybrid pedagogical approaches in preparing students for modern design careers. A mixed-methods research design was employed to investigate the educational outcomes of integrated design curricula across three tertiary institutions. The study approaches a combination of quantitative assessments, measuring student’s performance and qualitative interviews with both educators and students. Participants included 240 graphic design students enrolled in fine and applied arts programs that involve varying degrees of digital-traditional integration. Data collection involved pre- and post-assessment evaluations, standardized design competency tests, and a structured interview. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and insights. Results demonstrated that students exposed to integrated curricula showed significantly higher performance scores compared to those receiving traditional-only instruction the integration approach enhanced students' adaptability to industry-standard software and being able to compete with the outside world while maintaining strong foundational understanding of design principles such as typography, colour theory, and the likes. The limitations of this study are the human personnel trained in the traditional method being able to infuse the two approaches. The research supports the adoption of integrated pedagogical approaches while institutions should consider developing and enforcing modular curricula that allow students to progress systematically from traditional techniques to digital applications, ensuring conceptual understanding precedes technical skill development. The integration of digital tools with traditional graphic design shows a necessary evolution in tertiary design curricula. Rather than replacing traditional methods, digital integration should complement and enhance traditional design education, creating graduates who possess both conceptual depth and technical versatility.
Keywords: Graphic design education, digital integration, traditional design techniques, tertiary education, pedagogical innovation, curriculum development
Female Genital Mutilation and Repressive Boundaries: Representations in Mabel Evwierhoma’s “The Cut Across”
Get PDFRepresentation is one of the creative tools used in play text to interrogate or reinforce consciousness or awareness of certain nagging socio-cultural practices in society. In recent times, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a disturbing cultural practice in Nigeria, has received scant attention despite mounting global pressure to curb the devastating practice. Scant involvement of playwrights in the fight against FGM reduces the collective efforts towards the ill-disposed cultural practice in various parts of Nigeria. This paper examined Mabel Evwierhoma’s “The Cut Across” (2022) to reveal issues surrounding the practice of FGM with attention to its repressive effects and possible reasons for sustaining the tradition. The paper deployed textual analysis and Theatre for Development (TFD) as a conceptual frame of reference. The study arrived at the fact that FGM is practised in many communities because of ignorance, fear of speaking out or being banished from the community. Also, the custodians of many communities believe that FGM eliminates infidelity. However, the revealed complications, infections, barrenness, depression, sexual rigidity and death as consequences of FGM practices. The text also emphasised exposure and education as instruments that can help women fight injustices and injurious traditions. It was recommended that Theatre for Development should be considered as a viable platform for raising issues of social change, especially for rigid traditional practices such as FGM in Nigeria.
Keywords: Local Birth Attendants, Local Circumcisers, Theatre for Development, Ill-disposed cultural practice, Repressive trends, Drama therap
An Appraisal of the Environmental Protection Provisions in Petroleum Industry Act, 2021
Get PDFThe development of petroleum resources has contributed immensely to the global energy demand and economic development over the past decades; however, it has left profound negative impacts on the natural environment and adverse human health effects in most oil-producing communities around the world. Apart from the loss of petroleum-derived revenue to corruption and ineffective government’s petroleum development policies, the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has experienced a wide range of environmental pollution, degradation, human health risks and socio-economic problems associated with petroleum exploration, development and production. The federal Government of Nigeria has responded by enacting laws and making Regulations. It has established various agencies to ensure the reduction of environmental hazards caused by petroleum extraction. Despite these efforts environmental degradation has continued unabated. This paper discusses the laws and Regulations before the Petroleum Industry Act (hereinafter referred to as Act) and the Act itself. It analyses the impact of the Act and its shortcomings. From the shortcomings or inadequacies identified, useful recommendations are made to align Nigerian Petroleum Industry practices with international standards. The paper adopts doctrinal methods of research.
Keywords: Environment, Environmental law, environmental protection, Niger Delt
Performance and Retention Outcomes of Secondary School Students learning Nutrient Cycle Using Biology Learning Activity Package (BIO-LAP)
Get PDFThis study examined the effectiveness of the Biology Learning Activity Package (BIO-LAP) as an instructional strategy for enhancing students’ academic performance and retention in secondary school Biology in Nigeria. It also explored gender- and location-based differences in outcomes. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted, involving 157 senior secondary students drawn from both urban and rural schools. Participants were assigned to two groups: one taught using the conventional lecture method (n = 84), and the other instructed with the BIO-LAP (n = 73). Achievement and retention tests were administered, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that students taught using BIO-LAP performed significantly better in both academic achievement and retention than those taught using the lecture method. Gender had no statistically significant effect on achievement or retention within the BIO-LAP group, indicating that the method is equally effective for male and female students. However, urban students significantly outperformed their rural counterparts in both achievement and retention, suggesting the influence of contextual factors such as access to learning resources and learning environment. The study concludes that BIO-LAP is a viable, student-centered instructional strategy capable of improving Biology learning outcomes. It recommends the adoption of BIO-LAP in science classrooms, continuous teacher training in activity-based instruction, and support for context-sensitive adaptations to bridge urban-rural disparities. The findings provide empirical backing for innovative pedagogies that align with national goals of improving STEM education quality and equity.
Keywords: Biology learning activity, LAP, science education, science teaching, biology education, retention, performance biology educatio
The Burden of Urinary Tract Infections: Identifying Knowledge Gaps and Preventive Strategies among Female Undergraduates in the University of Benin
Get PDFUrinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are becoming a global burden, with the leading causal organism being Escherichia Coli (E.coli). It is increasingly becoming an issue of concern among undergraduates due to lifestyle and other environmental factors. This study aimed to identify knowledge gaps and preventive strategies for UTIs among female undergraduates of University of Benin. Descriptive survey was conducted among female undergraduates of the university. Multistage sampling was used to select 234 respondents for the study. A pre-tested multiple-choice question was used to elicit information on the knowledge and preventive practices of the respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts and percentages while inferential statistics using t-test and Pearson correlation was used to show difference and relationship between the variables of interest. Findings indicate that about 46% of the respondents had moderate level of knowledge while responses varied for preventive practices with only 17.5% wiping the genital area correctly from front to back. 42.3% of the respondents change their sanitary towel after over 12 hours, 28.2% urinate less than four times daily while only 35.5% wash their genitourinary after using the rest room. The study emphasizes the need to intensify efforts to improve knowledge on UTIs among students as it is expected to impact their preventive practices. While UTIs can be treated, they can lead to more serious infections and even kidney damage if left untreated, so mass enlightenment is imperative, especially among this susceptible population.
Keywords: Urinary Tract Infections, Female undergraduates, Knowledge, Preventive practices, Nigeria
Efficacy of School-health Modifier Management Package in Managing Delinquent Behaviours of Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe paper assessed the efficacy of School-health Modifier Management Package to manage delinquent behaviours of adolescent in secondary schools in Ikpoba-Okha LGA. Four research questions, out of which three were hypothesized and tested at 0.05 level of significance were addressed in the study. A quasi-experimental research design in the form of a pre-test post-test non-equivalent control group design was used for the study. Six thousand and seventy-five (6075) public senior school students in ten schools in the LGA was used. 192 adolescents were randomly selected with multistage sampling procedure and were divided into two groups in accordance with their exposure to the Adolescent Delinquent Questionnaire and one group to the School-Health Modifier Management Package. The package was validated and its reliability was 0.77. In addition, the questionnaire was validated and its reliability established at 0.78. Data obtained were analysed with on-way analysis of covariance. Findings showed that majority (50.0%) of adolescents in secondary schools in Ikpoba-Okha LGA have moderate level of delinquent behaviour while 30.7% and 19.3% were mild and severe respectively. Findings also indicated statistically significant difference in post-intervention management of mild, moderate and severe delinquent behaviours of adolescents with SMMP, between the experimental and control groups when adjusted for pre-intervention. It was recommended that health educators and stakes at the Ministries of Education and Health should collaborate with the researchers to use the School-Health Modifier Management Package in Oredo, or other Local Government Areas and the entire State to address the social menace of delinquency in secondary schools.
Keywords: School-health, modifier, management, package, adolescent, delinquent behaviour, delinquency
The Impact of Religious Tolerance on Professional Interactions in Nigeria’s Multifaith Work Environments
Get PDFReligious tolerance plays a critical role in shaping professional interactions in multifaith work environments, particularly within culturally and religiously diverse nations like Nigeria. This paper adopts a historical and descriptive method to examine the evolution of religious coexistence in Nigeria and how it informs present-day interpersonal and intergroup dynamics in professional settings. It discusses the mechanisms through which religious tolerance enhances communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among employees from diverse faith backgrounds. The study concludes by offering evidence-based strategies for promoting religious tolerance to enhance workplace harmony and productivity
Hospital Social Workers in the Eyes of Frontline Medical Staff of University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria
Get PDFThe complexity of infirmity and it strong root in social factors, necessitated the emergence of social workers in the healthcare system. However, the frontline medical staff remains uncertain about the purpose and roles of the hospital social work professionals in the biopsychosocial healthcare interdisciplinary collaborative relationship. The focus of this study, therefore, is to ascertain how the frontline medical staff in University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) perceives hospital social workers and this help to understand the extent in which the biopsychosocial model of healthcare has been embrace in the hospital. Semi-structured interview schedule based on face-to-face interviews was conducted among the selected participant in UBTH. Following the qualitative data analysis, findings suggest that the frontline medical staff of UBTH perceive hospital social workers as insignificant members of the medical team. The findings also illustrate that the hospital social workers perform roles/responsibilities outside their scope which may be the resultant effect for the poor value of the hospital social workers services. Consequently, recommendations are offered to hospital social workers to be professionally responsible in their roles/responsibilities as these are what create their identity in the eyes of the frontline medical staff.
Keywords: Hospital Social Workers, Frontline Medical Staff, Health, Biopsychosocial, UBT
Household Solid Waste Management Practices in Low-Income Suburbs in Kaduna North and South Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe recent surge in the volume of household solid waste generation especially in Sub-Saharan Africa has become a major public health concern as it poses severe health, safety and environmental consequences to the public. Given these concerns, this study investigated household solid waste disposal or management practices among residents of low-income suburbs in Kaduna metropolitan area. Questionnaire survey was used to elicit the required information from 450 household heads, selected from six (6) low-income suburbs in the study, using the systematic sampling technique. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution and percentages as well as chi-square test were employed for data analysis. The findings showed that food scrap is mentioned as the most generated waste by 65.1% of the respondents. This is followed by products packaging (63.8%) and rubber/plastic or polythene (55.3%). The study also showed that 47.2% of the respondents disclosed that they generate less than 1kg of waste daily and that household waste according to 59.5% and 26.0% are disposed mainly at open refuse dumps and by way of burning respectively. Additionally, 48.8% of the respondents stated that household heads/tenants are solely responsible for disposing their accumulated waste. This study recommends that practical skills on how food debris can be converted to manure or compost should be taught to residents and a system of waste collection which will utilize the services of private waste collectors and individuals should be put in place by the communities and other relevant stakeholders.
Keywords: Household, Low-income, Management, Neighbourhoods, Practice