Kwara State University Journals
Not a member yet
291 research outputs found
Sort by
AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL AND INSTITUITIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION IN CLASSICAL ISLAMIC JURISPRUDENCE
Get PDFThis paper provides a comprehensive appraisal of the legal and institutional framework for consumer protection as developed within classical Islamic jurisprudence. Grounded in the ethical and legal teachings of the Qurʾān and Sunnah, Islamic law embedded consumer protection within its broader objectives (Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah), including the preservation of wealth, prevention of harm, and promotion of public welfare. Through a detailed examination of doctrinal foundations—such as the prohibitions of fraud (tadlīs), excessive uncertainty (gharar), and unjust enrichment—the paper demonstrated how Islamic jurists constructed a sophisticated legal infrastructure under Fiqh al-Muʿāmalāt to regulate market behaviour and uphold fairness in trade. The paper also explored the institutional role of the ḥisbah and its official, the muḥtasib, as a pivotal enforcement mechanism in the Islamic market system. Drawing on historical case studies, particularly the administration of Caliph ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb, the paper illustrated how classical Islamic governance actively monitored market ethics, correct injustices, and protect consumer rights through a fusion of legal, moral, and administrative measures. In addition, the paper examined contemporary manifestations of the ḥisbah in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Nigeria, and noted both parallels and divergences from the classical model. It found that while modern institutions often retained the moral oversight functions of the ḥisbah, their capacity to enforce consumer protection remained limited—particularly in jurisdictions such as Northern Nigeria, where ḥisbah agencies focused primarily on public morality rather than market regulation. Ultimately, the paper concluded that classical Islamic consumer protection principles could be meaningfully reintegrated into modern regulatory frameworks. It argued that the classical Islamic legal tradition offered not only a robust ethical foundation but also practical legal tools that were adaptable to contemporary consumer challenges—especially in light of globalization, digital commerce, and increasingly complex economic systems. This synthesis of tradition and modernity held significant potential for enhancing consumer protection in Muslim-majority societies
Oviposition site preferences of fall armyworm moth, Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on selected crops under a no-choice scenario
No full textABSTRACT
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is a destructive invasive pest threatening food security across Sub-Saharan Africa, especially maize-based systems. This study assessed the oviposition preferences of female fall armyworm moths on maize, cowpea, and okra – crops commonly intercropped by Nigerian smallholder farmers – under no-choice laboratory conditions. Two-week-old seedlings of each crop were individually exposed to mated female moths in sleeve cages for 72 hours, and egg masses were examined for quantity, position on plant, and distribution across leaf surfaces and regions (distal-, mid- and proximal- portions of the leaf). Results showed maize and cowpea were significantly more preferred than okra, with maize receiving the highest total number of egg masses and eggs. Interestingly, cowpea had the highest number of eggs per mass, suggesting its potential as a viable secondary host. Okra received the fewest eggs and was associated with a high proportion of off-plant oviposition. Across all crop types, females consistently preferred to lay eggs on the abaxial and distal portions of leaves rather than stems or adaxial surfaces. These findings highlight that while female fall armyworm moths may not strictly follow the preference–performance hypothesis at the plant species level, they exhibit marked discrimination at the microhabitat scale
Design, fabrication, and performance analysis of a locally sourced hot-air balloon for high-temperature environments
Get PDFABSTRACT
This research focuses on addressing the difficulty of manufacturing low-cost aerial platforms in developing regions by fabricating a functional hot-air balloon in Ilorin, Nigeria, with the exclusive use of indigenous materials. The methodology involved the use of polyester and Teru fabrics, developed from a novel Acrylic- Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA) sealing method and a locally sourced borax-boric acid fire retardant. Quantitative analysis of the components shows that the treated fabric attained an 80-85% air permeability reduction rate while the burner system achieved a 62% heat target output. The analysis also indicated an underestimated significant buoyancy penalty of over 12% resulting from high ambient temperatures (35°C). In conclusion, this study successfully shows the viability of utilizing local materials for functional aerospace vehicle components, developing a vital methodological framework. Hence, it provides needed performance data for future low-cost designs in high-temperature environments.
Soil characterization and land suitability evaluation of Kwara state university teaching and research farm, Malete
No full text Characterisation, classification, and land suitability analysis are fundamental to land potentials for agricultural purposes and management decisions, planning, and utilisation, providing a link between resource assessment and the decision-making process. This study was conducted to characterise and evaluate the land suitability for maize and soybean cultivation. Two soil profiles were dug based on topographical variations, and soil characterisation followed FAO guidelines. Soil samples were collected from genetic horizons for laboratory analyses. Surface samples (0–25 cm) were also collected across the sites. Morphological, physical and chemical properties were assessed using appropriate methods. The results revealed a textural variation from loam to sandy clay loam in Pedon 1, and sand to sandy clay loam in Pedon 2. Surface soil pH values ranged from 6.25 to 6.75, indicating a moderately acidic condition, favourable to most crops and soil microorganisms. However, the soils exhibited low levels of available phosphorus, exchangeable bases, and cation exchange capacity (CEC), while climatic factors such as rainfall, temperature and humidity were not limiting. Also, no land unit was classified as highly suitable (S1) for maize or soybean. Most areas were rated as marginally suitable (S3) due to fertility constraints and topography. In order to improve land productivity, soil fertility-enhancing practices are recommended
The critical role of hyperparameter tuning in machine learning: Implications for reproducibility and model comparison
Get PDFDespite being a fundamental aspect of machine learning model development, hyperparameter tuning remains underreported in the literature. This article highlights the importance of hyperparameter optimisation, outlines common hyperparameters across various algorithms, and discusses the consequences of inadequate hyperparameter documentation. We argue that the lack of transparency in hyperparameter settings impedes reproducibility, hinders fair model comparisons, and contributes to the hyperparameter deception. The importance of hyperparameter tuning in machine learning was demonstrated by comparing the performance of the decision tree, support vector machine and random forest models on Iris, Digits and Breast Cancer datasets using default and tuned hyperparameters. This further justifies the need to document and report the process and values of the hyperparameter settings used in the models. To facilitate this, an architecture that encourages the documentation of the hyperparameters has been proposed. By emphasising the need for comprehensive reporting, this study aims to raise awareness and encourage best practices in machine learning research.
Effect of hot water treatment on some post-harvest qualities of stored sweet potato tuber
Get PDFPostharvest losses constitute a major problem for sweet potato tuber production worldwide. The losses are often initiated by pathogen infection causing sprouting and rotting during storage. Sweet potato tuber sprouting and rotting causes loss of weight, firmness and undesirable appearance, affecting market value. Hot water treatment (HWT) can potentially preserve sweet potato tuber. The current study investigated the effect of hot water treatment on some post harvest quality of stored sweet potato tuber. The qualities studied included weight loss, thickness, firmness and appearance using standard methods. All samples were treated in HWT (50oC) for 10-, 15- and 20-minutes’immersion, and stored at a room temperature of 27 ± 2oC for 4 weeks. The results showed that all the treatment times (10, 15 and 20 minutes) had significant effects (p < 0.05) on the quality of stored sweet potato tubers. Application of HWT for 10 minutes maintained tuber qualities- weight loss, thickness and firmness (p < 0.05), and resulted in the best appearance. It is showed that HWT at 500C for 10 minutes’ had great potential in extending the shelf-life and preserving the post harvest qualities of sweet potato tuber
AN EXAMINATION OF LEGAL PROTECTIONS AND RIGHTS GUARANTEED TO DEFENDANT IN THE NIGERIA CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Get PDFThe Nigerian criminal justice system is designed to uphold the legal protections and rights guaranteed to defendants, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) and other relevant statutes. This paper examines the basic rights and protections guaranteed to the defendants which include the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, the right to a fair and public hearing by an impartial Court, the right to legal representation, and protection against self-incrimination. Additionally, defendants are entitled to be informed of the charges against them, to have adequate time and facilities to prepare their defense, and to examine witnesses. It also considers the legal framework safeguarding defendants\u27 rights in Nigeria, The 1999 Nigeria Constitution, The Evidence Act, The Police Act, The Correctional Service Act, Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 which introduced significant reforms aimed at reducing delays in trials, preventing arbitrary detention, and promoting respect for human rights. Also, Legal Aid Act 2011, Anti-Torture Act 2017, African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 1983, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It identify some challenges by highlighting the gaps in implementation, overcrowded prisons, prolonged pretrial detention, limited access to legal aid/legal representation, Corruption and Abuse of Power, Judicial Delays, and systemic inefficiencies persist, undermining the full realization of these rights. It thus emphasizes the need for sustained judicial reforms, Strict Enforcement of Human Rights Laws, capacity building, Improved Legal Aid Services and public awareness to ensure that the principles of justice, fairness, and equity are upheld in the criminal justice system.
CORRUPTION AS AN IMPEDIMENT TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA AGREEMENT AND AFRICAN TRADE: THE NIGERIAN PARADIGM
Get PDFThis study looks at corruption as an impediment to the implementation of African Continental Free
Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement and African trade. The paper undertook an overview of the corruption in Nigeria. It also discussed the legal and institutional efforts to tackle the issue of corruption. It also appraised the challenges of corruption on trade in Africa, especially the AfCFTA. A doctrinal research method, relying on primary and secondary sources of data collection was used. The primary source comprised legislations (1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria; Economic and Financial Crimes Act, 2004; Independent Corrupt Practices Commission Act 2004; Public Procurement Act, 2004 and a host of other transparency laws) and case law. The secondary source included textbooks, journal articles, newspapers, conference proceedings and the Internet sources. The study revealed that there is official corruption in Nigeria’s public life, capable of interfering with national development. It is also found that the challenges of official corruption have a deleterious effect on international trade, especially the trade in Africa. The legal and institutional frameworks in Nigeria are not robust and inadequate to curb official corruption, if weak implementation of the laws is not prevented. The study concluded that corruption is a major impediment to trade in Africa which needs to be curbed through stronger implementation of the domestic laws of the State Parties.
THE LEGALITY OF THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME FOR NIGERIAN MUSLIMS
Get PDFHuman life faces challenges) and health is not left out. It suffices to say that life and health are inseparable twins. Protection of human life should be prioritized by giving special attention to health, this is because if health is challenged, medical attention becomes essential, and as such, requires finances. National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was established to facilitate quality and cost-effective health care services(s). Notwithstanding the importance of this scheme, its legality under the Islamic Law is challenged, and this has militated against its acceptability among some Muslim Scholars, because Muslims\u27 acts and involvements are guided by the Islamic Law and the operation of (NHIS) is partly inconsistent with the Islamic Law. The article investigates the operational aspect of (NHIS) that are in contravention of the Islamic Law, it analyzes the mode of operation of the Islamic Health Insurance (Takaful).It gives insight on Islamic law compliant Health Insurance (Takaful) and creates awareness of the Islamic Health Insurance (Takaful), proposing Tabarru’ and waqf as viable Islamic tools to sustain health insurance in Nigeria. To achieve this, the doctrinal research method has been adopted, wherein literatures were consulted and reviewed, the result is to divulge the inconsistency of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), with Islamic Law, intimate the Muslim majority of the benefits in Islamic Health Insurance (Takaful).