An Energy Audit Approach Towards Mitigating Power Infrastructural Dearth in Nigeria Universities: ABUAD as a Case Study

As Africa emerges, rises, and begins to forge a more positive outlook ahead, scholars, business executives, community leaders, and policymakers are increasingly calling for concerted efforts to rethink the future and come up with big ideas for the 21st century. Recognizing this, in 2013, African heads of state and government launched the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063. This agenda is an ambitious vision and action plan intended to drive Africa's change, development, and transformation for the next 50 years. The purpose of this Insights Article is threefold. First, we present an overview of Agenda 2063, including a summary of the vision and action plans. Second, we discuss opportunities and challenges for the effective implementation of Agenda 2063 for Africa's sustaining development and transformation. Finally, we propose specific areas for future management research related to Agenda 2063.

The main purpose of this study is to assess the contribution of agricultural investment to the achievement of CA´te d'Ivoire's development objectives. More specifically, it aims to analyze the extent to which the implementation of the National Agricultural Investment Programme can contribute to the achievement of the objectives and targets of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union's Agenda 2063. The methodological used combines a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model and a microsimulation model to assess the impact of agricultural investment options on different outcomes related to the different agendas above. The simulation results indicate that the implementation of the NAIP would enable CA´te d'Ivoire to make significant progress and achieve some of the CAADP, SDGs and the African union’s 2063 Agenda’s targets. Thus, the country could achieve investment targets by slightly exceeding the 10% share of public expenditure in total government expenditure and a significant increase in private investment in agriculture. This progress in terms of investment could result in an acceleration of agricultural growth so that CA´te d'Ivoire's agricultural GDP would increase at a growth rate above the target of 6% per year. It would also make it possible to achieve several SDGs by 2030, as well as certain targets of the African Union's Agenda 2063. However, despite progress in terms of productivity in some segments of the agricultural value chain, the fight against poverty will remain a major challenge that the country will not be able to meet.

Post-2020 aspirations for biodiversity

The study was conducted on the medical students’ satisfaction with references services in Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, while the data collected for the study were analyzed using frequency tables and percentage. Observation was used to determine the types of reference services and it was found that five (5) out of seven (7) reference services are provided in the library. these include CAS, user educator, Reprographic services, select dissemination of information, computerized reference sources and it was discovered that purpose of using reference section is that it enhancing the use of the resources and services of the library, it save precious time of the readers, supporting research and learning, leisure and recreation and it helps readers in locating the sources of information relevant to their needs, the study further discovered that referral services, Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI) Current awareness services, and Photocopying services that are used on a daily basis while it also discovered that inability of reference librarians to utilize new technologies to provide reference services, lack of policy implementation, lack of policy implementation, inadequate qualified staff and poor internet connectivity were the major problems affecting the provision of reference services. In conclusion the study made some recommendations which include that: management of the libraries should look toward the implementation of other medium of reference service delivery which has not been implemented in their libraries and there should be constant training and retraining of library personnel in the reference section to upskill and learn the new method of reference service delivery; and Library policies must be updated regularly.

The concept of Blue Economy (BE) is recognised as central for sustainable development that incorporates socio-economic benefits and ecological conservation. However, in Africa, much of the emphasis on BE is placed on economic gains; as a result, traditional livelihoods and small-scale local operations are outcompeted by international corporations and government initiatives, with little or no regard for social inclusion and environmental sustainability. We argue that successful BE initiatives in Africa accentuate the involvement of local communities and promote sustenance of the natural ecosystem. We define success in terms of the sustainability balance among ecological, social and economic aspects. Drawing on extensive expert experiences, observational data and literature review of case studies across the African continent, we highlight two critical findings. First, large scale BE initiatives prioritise economic gains at the expense of environmental degradation and the exclusion of local communities. Second, using the full spectrum sustainability (FSS) evaluation, we show that successful BE interventions considered ecological, economic, socio-cultural and institutional objectives. Drawing on these case studies, we propose the adoption of a collaborative framework which amalgamates the top-down and bottom-up approaches to BE management. Achieving the goal of successful blue growth in Africa is now even more challenged by the implications of COVID-19 on the BE sectors. Reimagining and rebuilding a resilient BE in Africa post-coronavirus will require a strong political commitment to promoting a balance between economic, social and environmental benefits in line with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Entrepreneurial communities within higher education play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, collaboration, and the development of future business leaders. Using Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) in Nigeria as a case study, this study explores the dynamics of creating and sustaining entrepreneurial communities in higher education institutions, with a focus on mentorship, peer networks, and collaboration. The research evaluates how ABUAD's entrepreneurship programme equips students with entrepreneurial skills while fostering a supportive ecosystem for student entrepreneurs. Through a mixed-method approach, combining a survey of 324 final-year students and interviews with eight faculty members, the study uncovers the critical role of mentorship and networking in motivating entrepreneurial ventures. Findings reveal that 96% of students participated in entrepreneurship courses. Despite successes, challenges such as limited funding and inadequate practical resources hinder entrepreneurial growth. The research highlights the importance of strengthening institutional support systems, emphasising the global relevance of entrepreneurial communities in enhancing student success and driving economic development. Insights from ABUAD serve as a model for other institutions aiming to cultivate thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Investigation of alternative water sources for fish farming using life cycle costing approach: A case study in North West Tasmania

Traditional cold ironing allows ships to shut down their auxiliary engines, during the berthing time, and to be powered by an on-shore power supply. Traditionally the energy demand is satisfied by electricity form the national grid. Alternatively, a local energy production increases the energetic self-sufficiency of the port areas and reduces the pressure on the national grid with continuous peaks of energy demand. This way the port area can be considered a microgrid, characterized by both energy producers and consumers. This paper presents an optimization model, implemented on MATLAB, to provide the best sizing for a combined photovoltaic/energy storage/cold ironing system. The ferry traffic of the port of Ancona (Italy) has been taken as case study. The proposed model returns the percentage of the energy demand covered, the interactions with the national grid, and the optimal size of the PV plant and the storage capacity basing on a Life Cycle Cost (LCC) approach. Results show that the optimal configurations are 2100 kW and 3600 kW with 5750 kWh (without and with storage system) considering lower initial and operational costs, and 3700 kW and 6400 kW with 17,350 kWh (without and with storage system) hypothesizing higher costs. All scenarios ensure an environmental saving, compared to traditional on-board diesel generators, with 87.4 % maximal CO2 reduction achieved.

As the world's pipeline infrastructure continues to age and the demand for product delivery continues to grow, every utility has been required to make decisions about the condition and adequacy of their existing pipeline systems. When utilities find that the existing systems do not have adequate capacity or have become too costly or risky to operate to meet future needs, many times replacement is the only solution. As systems are being replaced, everyone is looking to reduce up-front capital, operational, and maintenance cost through detailed design. However, there are unconsidered environmental costs associated with these financial savings. This paper uses a Life Cycle Cost (LCC) approach to address the pros and cons of using Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) or Ductile Iron (DI) pipeline material in design. The study considers the project life cycle and how each life cycle phase is impacted by standardized design approaches. For each pipeline material, the following life cycle phases have been evaluated: material production and pipeline fabrication, material transport, life cycle usage, and end of life. Each phase has been evaluated for both economic and environmental impacts. The results of this particular case study are directly impacted by the applicable design standards for the each pipeline materials. In this design example, the PVC pipeline internal diameter was significantly less than the DI pipeline internal diameter. This design consideration made the DI pipeline material hydraulically more efficient, which over the life cycle, made the DI pipeline the most fiscally and ecologically attractive alternative. This study demonstrates that specific design standards and specific system design characteristics (flow rate, pressure requirements) influence the LCC and total CO2 emissions. The conclusion of this study demonstrates that a complete pipeline design should be considered in the LCC approach before a decision is made on what material is used in design.

The main agenda of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 is to end poverty and inequality in all its forms without exception through the economic empowerment of women. The broad geographical and cultural conditions as well as the demographic conditions of society, especially MSME actors who are dominated by women and have various levels of knowledge (education, knowledge) must be the main focus. This research answers the potential for using the Islamic financing model as a tool to increase the capacity of women's empowerment and what are the obstacles to financial independence for women in Morse Indah MSMEs. This research is qualitative research with a case study approach and descriptive analytical data analysis techniques. The results of this research are that microfinance institutions have a model in the form of providing access to financial services for women such as financing and business savings through training models in management and business development opportunities. Based on the curation of analysis and research findings, the obstacles are problems in the field of access to financing, and the encouragement of digitalization/onboarding of MSMEs for women/expansion of marketing through digitalization.

This paper assesses the impact of power infrastructure investments in the developing economy of Ghana following sector restructure and reform and develops a forecasting model for predicting the future trend in electricity generation and electricity tariffs. Secondary data sourced via the World Bank Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility (PPIAF)/Private Participation in Infrastructure (PPI) Project Database for the period 1994 to 2013 and Energy Commission for the period 2000 to 2014 were used to analyze Ghana’s power generation statistics using descriptive, exploratory data analysis and polynomial prediction models. Results reveal that reform has stimulated independent power producer (IPP) investment, particularly in thermal generation capacities to complement hydro alternatives. It is predicted that in the medium term the electricity tariff will continue to rise while electricity generation will decline if additional investments in power infrastructure are not made. This paper provides a case study that critically appraises Ghana’s power sector reform; exposes the gap between policy implementation and policy objectives attainment; and proposes a simple yet novel polynomial prediction model that can facilitate short-to-medium term planning of generation and tariff management.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains a crucible of persistent conflict, particularly in its volatile eastern provinces. This article contends that the entrenched violence, exemplified by the recent resurgence of the M23 rebellion, constitutes a profound betrayal of the African Union's (AU) Agenda 2063 and its cornerstone initiative, “Silencing the Guns.” By examining the historical roots, systemic challenges, and international dynamics fueling the conflict, this piece highlights the widening chasm between the AU's aspirations and the grim realities on the ground.

Over the years successive governments have devised and launched strategies to tackle the huge housing deficit in Nigeria. In the recent past, public-private partnership was embraced and employed in a number of low-income housing schemes across the country. Four such schemes which represented a partnership between the state government and private developer, and between the federal government and private developer, were chosen as case studies. They are Sunshine Gardens and HOB Estate, both in Akure, the Doma Road Estate in Lafia and Shelter-View Estate in Ado Ekiti. The study sought to identify beneficiaries’ participation in the schemes. It was established that there was an absence of meaningful community/beneficiaries’ participation in these schemes. This absence of participation impinged on the overall performance of these shelter projects. A case was therefore made for beneficiaries’ participation in PPP arrangement for low-income housing in Nigerian cities. The advantage of having this third partner needs to be utilised to improve success on the present and future low-income housing schemes.

The study examined Students' Perception and Satisfaction with Accommodation Facilities in Afe Babalola University Ado- Ekiti. Information used for the study was collected with the aid of questionnaire administration. Multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted for the study. Firstly, the researchers divided the study population into two based on gender, that is, male and female. Secondly systematic random sampling technique was used to select every forth rooms in all the hostels for data collection at the end 75female and 75 male respondents were selected, constituting about 3% of the total study population. Findings revealed that student were generally satisfied with the facilities provided in their hostels but complained that the facilities are poorly maintained due to inadequate water supply to hostels. The study concluded thatABUAD management should ensure adequate supply of water to all hostels as a way forward and constantly maintain hostel equipment/facilities whenever need arises. The study is significant to the management of Afe Babalola University and those that are saddled with the responsibility of maintaining hostel accommodation facilities in their campus.

The study examined perception of Accounting Educators and Practitioners towards the practices of creative accounting. The study adopted descriptive research of a survey type. The population of the study comprises 187 Accounting Educators (academic staff) and practitioners at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti and Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti. The sample of the study was 60 respondents selected using a purposive random sampling technique. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Face validity of the instrument was ensured by the experts in the Department of Accounting. The reliability of the instrument was determined through a pilot-test conducted on the instrument. The reliability coefficient of 0.85 was obtained using the Cronbach alpha coefficient. The research questions were answered using mean scores and standard deviation and ANOVA test was used to test the hypotheses formulated at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that practices of creative accounting affect all the characteristics of accounting information as well as users' investment decisions and the integrity of the practitioners. In conclusion, accounting educators and practitioners indicated that creative accounting negatively affect the accounting information and the profession. Therefore, the study recommended that accounting bodies should take strict measures to curb creative accounting practices among accounting practitioners, to restore integrity and users' confidence in accounting information. Also, a monitoring group should be in place to check the draft of accounting information prepared by any organization this would be required to prepare a financial statement before being finally published for public consumption. KEYWORDS: Accounting Operation, Accounting, Auditing, Investment Decision, Financial Reporting