Fountain University Journals
Not a member yet
443 research outputs found
Sort by
Crisis in Nigeria’s Educational Sector: The Need for Stakeholders’ Intervention
No full textEducation is widely acknowledged as a key agent of economic growth and a vital instrument for supporting sustainable development. However, in recent times, the sector has suffered an extensive decay in Nigeria. This paper seeks to examine the major causes of the decay, the effects of the decay in the educational sector and the role of stakeholders in maintaining high standard in the sector. To achieve this goal, the paper utilizes secondary sources and classical theory is adopted as a theoretical lens to guide the study. The study finds that corruption, insecurity, poor funding and decline of the teaching profession are among the major factors responsible for the recent fall off in education. The paper also finds that the most conspicuous indication of the lost era of educational excellence in Nigeria is the abysmal quality of the student intake. Consequently, the educational standard has deteriorated and this has created increasing rate of illiteracy, poverty and underdevelopment among other effects. The paper concludes that there is a need for synergy among the stakeholders with a view to putting in place viable measures to deal with the embarrassing and insidious menace in Nigeria. The paper, therefore, recommends that policymakers, academics, opinion leaders and educational administrators should consider seriously the desirability of the rescue of the educational sector from the decay.
Keywords
Decay, education, challenge, stakeholders and Nigeri
State, Industries and Regulation in Nigeria: Ife Iron and Steel Company and Environmental Pollution
No full textDiscourse on environmental pollution in Nigeria has often revolved around the environmental impacts of the operations of multinational oil companies in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. However, experience has shown that other regions of the country also contend with pollution problems. Informed by this position, this study examines environmental pollution associated with the activities of Ife Iron and Steel Nigeria Limited, which is located in Osun State. The study makes use of empirical data that comprises of unstructured in-depth interviews, observation, and an interview conducted by a media house (Channels Television Station, Lagos). The data was analysed using the thematic approach. Results from fieldwork revealed that pollution from operations of Ife Iron and Steel Company are sources of concern to communities in the vicinity of its location. It is reported that soot and other particles emitting from the company’s operations are harmful to the health of the residents and undermine their sources of livelihood. Informed by its findings, this paper argues that without effective enforcement of environmental regulations in Nigeria, people’s health and livelihood will continue to be adversely affected by the negativities arising from industrial operations.KeywordsEnvironment, Air Pollution, Regulations, Iron and Steel Industries, Ile-Ife, Nigeri
Synthesis, Structural Elucidation and Antimicrobial Activity of Metal (II) Polypyridyl Complexes of 2-Amino-4-(Methylthio) Butanoic Acid
Get PDFThe interaction of selected biometals with dinitrogen donor ligand, 1,10-phennathroline (phen) and amino acid, 2-amino-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid (methionine; met) resulted in isolation of three mononuclear complexes. The prepared complexes were characterized by diverse techniques including elemental and spectroscopic analysis. From the analytical and spectral data, octahedral geometry was proposed to the synthesized metal (II) complexes. Bonding of the metal ion through N- and O- donor atoms of the ligands is revealed by infrared studies. The compounds showed moderate solubility in distilled water and in some common organic solvents. In vivo evaluation of the antimicrobial activities of the metal complexes showed improved inhibitory activity against some micro-organisms as compared to the ligands, with Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes showing the highest activities against the fungi.
Keywords: antimicrobial; mixed ligands; amino acid; polypyridy
Corruption and Nigeria’s External Image in the Fourth Republic
Get PDFThe existence of corruption is not new in the governance of countries. It is both a national and international menace with multidimensional effects thereby evoking national and supra-national efforts towards combating it. In Nigeria, it has led to institutionalisation of the fight against corruption as evidenced in the establishment of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). However, due to some factors in the fight against corruption, the effect it has on governance has continued. One area of significance is the effect it has on the country’s external image. This underscores the link between domestic politics and external relations. It is against this background that this paper examines the impact of corruption on Nigeria’s external image in the Fourth Republic. By focussing on specific cases that have generated international reactions, the paper argues that though the fight against corruption is within the purview of Nigeria’s domestic policy, the nature and outcome of such endeavour has implications for how the country in the comity of nations. It, therefore, recommends that domestic policies must not be unmindful of the likely consequences of such policy on a country’s external relations
Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity of Polyphenol-Rich Extract of Cochlospermum Planchonii Roots in Triton x-100 Induced Rats
Get PDFCochlospermum planchonii is used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Nigeria and in some other African countries. This study investigated the anti-hyperlipidemic activity of polyphenol-rich extract of C. planchonii root in triton X-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Polyphenols were extracted from roots of C. planchonii with 80% aqueous methanol and acetone. Thirty female albino rats were randomized into six groups of five (5) rats each, Group I the non-hyperlipidemic control received saline only, group II the hyperlipidemic group received only saline, group III served as hyperlipidemic rats treated with 10 mg/kg b.w. atorvastatin while group(s) V-VII were hyperlipidemic rats treated with 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w polyphenol-rich extract of C. Planchonii respectively. The effect of the administration of the extract on the serum lipid profile and hematological parameters was investigated. C. planchonii roots contained 47.7 ± 0.23 mg gallic acid equivalent / g dry extract and 49.14 ± 0.23 mg quercetin acid equivalent / g dry extract. Significant (p < 0.05) increase observed in serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and low-density lipoprotein with concomitant reduction in high-density lipoprotein concentration were mitigated by the polyphenol-rich extract. No significant changes were observed in the hematological indices of the hyperlipidemic rats at the doses investigated when compared to the control. The results indicated that polyphenol-rich extract of C. planchonii root exhibited anti-hyperlipidemic activity. Thus, it could be promoted as a recipe for protection against hyperlipidemia.
Keywords: hyperlipidemia, Cochlospermum planchonii, polyphenol, lipid profil
Comparison of Solid and Solvent - Based Syntheses, Characterization and Antioxidant Property of Metal Complexes of Sodium Diclofenac
Get PDFMechanosynthesis and solvent – based syntheses of transition metals (Ni, Co and Zn) complexes of Sodium diclofenac has been carried out by 1:1 molar ratio of the ligand to metal salts respectively. The synthesis of the metal complexes were confirmed by melting point determination, FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infra-red) and UV-visible spectroscopies. The ligand showed bidentate coordination to the metal ions through carboxylate moiety. Octahedral geometry was proposed for all the metal complexes. The antioxidant property of metal complexes was determined using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay with Ascorbic acid as control. The antioxidant evaluation results revealed that the synthesized metal complexes are promising antioxidant agents.
Keywords: Mechanosynthesis; DPPH; Carboxylate moiety; antioxidant evaluatio
Reconsidering Nigeria’s Role in the Southern African Struggles*
Get PDFThis paper examines xenophobic attacks on Nigerian nationals living in post-apartheid South African in spite of Nigeria’s significant contributions to the Southern African struggles for majority rule.“We shall endeavour to remain on friendly terms with every nation which recognises and respects our sovereignty, and we shall not blindly follow the lead of anyone. So far as is possible, the policy for each occasion will be selected with a proper independent objectivity in Nigeria’s national interest. We consider it wrong for the Federal Government to associate itself, as a matter of routine, with any of the power blocs. This freedom of action will be an essential feature of our policy founded on Nigeria’s interest and will be consistent with the moral and democratic principles on which our Constitution is based." Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, “A Policy for Foreign Affairs,†August 10, 1960, Lagos1.“It is the desire of Nigeria to remain on friendly terms with all nations and to participate actively in the work of the United Nations Organisation. Nigeria, a large and populous country has absolutely no territorial or expansionist intentions. We shall not forget our old friends and we are proud to have been accepted as a member of the Commonwealth, but we do not intend to align ourselves as a matter of routine with any of the power blocs. We are committed to uphold the principles upon which the United Nations Organisation is founded. Nigeria hopes to work with other African states for the progress of Africa and to assist in bringing all African territories to a state of responsible independence. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, “Sovereign Nigeria and the World.â€, October 8, 1960, New York
Doctor-Patient Communication: Percep-tion of Doctors’ Communication Skills among Patients in Selected Hospitals in Ibadan Nigeria
Get PDFThe importance of effective communication between patients and physicians in medical consultations has been previously underscored. This is very critical in the realisation of optimal health outcomes and general wellbeing of patients. While studies have attributed poor patients’ outcomes after consultation to poor services, understaffing, poor remuneration and inefficient structure; evidence from literature suggests poor communication between doctors and patients as an important contributing factor in incidences of conflict between doctors and patients. Thus, this study investigated the perception of doctors’ communication skills among patients in some selected hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria. Patient Enablement and Satisfaction Model (PESM) served as the theoretical underpinning while survey was adopted as the study design. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed in the selection of human and non- human samples. The city of Ibadan was stratified into local government areas (LGAs) while simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting both the LGAs and the hospitals. A total of 300 copies of the questionnaire were administered, however, 288 copies were found usable. Descriptive statistics expressed in frequency counts and simple percentages were utilized in analysing the data. Findings showed that patients have a positive perception of their doctors\u27 communication skills and the communication patients have during consultation with their doctors enabled them to understand their health conditions and comply with doctors’ recommendations. These findings underscore the importance of patient-centred communication in medical practice and have great implications for achieving desirable health outcomes for patients. The study recommends that doctors in both private and public sector in the country should adopt the patient-doctor approach during consultations
Governance Deficit and Nigeria’s Security Quagmire
Get PDFAbstractNigeria is currently troubled with a security challenge that poses a threat to the continuing existence of the country as a united corporate entity. Bad governance pioneered by military dictatorship but sustained in the post-military era has been advanced as a major cause of the perennial security crisis. This trend has robbed the nation of peace and security, which are necessary ingredients for sustainable development. This paper employs secondary data and qualitative analysis in the examination of issues involved in using good governance as an antidote for peace and security. The study reveals that good governance remains a viable instrument for achieving peace and security in the country and other developing nations of the world.KeywordsGood governance, peace, security, sustainable development, military dictatorship and democratic governanc
Palynostratigraphy, Paleoenvironments and Kerogen Evaluation of the Campanian-Maastrichtian Enugu Shale, Anambra Basin, Nigeria
Get PDFPalynological and palynofacies analyses were used to investigate the paleoenvironments and hydrocarbon potential of the Campanian-Maastrichtian Enugu Shale, Anambra Basin, Nigeria. The palynological analysis of twenty-three outcrop samples revealed diverse and abundant palynomorph assemblages, which consisted of pteridophyte spores 46.82%, angiosperms 36.9%, gymnosperms 1.48 %, algae 5.65%, dinoflagellate cysts 5.1%, fungal elements 1.17%, acritarchs 0.34%, microforaminiferal wall linings 0.01% and miscellaneous palynomorphs (Charred graminae cuticle, incertae sedis) 2.53%. Seven informal palynological assemblage zones (PAZ) with corresponding eustatic sea level changes were delineated. Palynofacies analysis revealed four palynofacies types I to IV based on the percentage relative abundances of the sedimentary organic matter (SOM). Palynofacies types P-I and P-II suggest proximal fluvio-deltaic setting, while P-III and P-IV reflect a heterolithic-oxic shelf (proximal shelf) environment, indicative of deposition in an oxidizing condition. Results of the Spore Colour Index (SCI) and Thermal Alteration Index (TAI) analyses indicate that the Enugu shales are thermally immature.
Keywords: Enugu, Campanian, Maastrichtian, Palynomorphs, Phytoclast