Awka South Local Government Area Research Articles

The Correlation Between Homesickness and Academic Achievement in Mathematics: Implications for Psychological Well-Being of Secondary School Students

This study examined the correlation between homesickness and academic achievement in mathematics among secondary school students, focusing on its implications for psychological well-being. A correlational research design was employed, involving a sample of 50 secondary school students from Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Data were collected using Scale for Psychological Impact of Homesickness (SPIH) and the Mathematics Achievement Scale (MAS). Validity was ensured through expert consultations and Principal Component Analysis. Reliability was established with Kuder-Richardson formula 21 (K-R21) and Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding α = 0.89 for SPIH and α = 0.86 for MAS. Data were analyzed using SPSS, including non-parametric tests and normality assessments. The Spearman's rho correlation analysis revealed a significant, albeit weak, negative relationship between homesickness and academic achievement, indicating that higher levels of homesickness are associated with lower mathematics performance. Further analysis using the Mann-Whitney U test highlighted significant differences in homesickness levels and academic achievement between boarder and non-boarder students. These findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional challenges in educational settings. The study advocates for the implementation of comprehensive support systems, including counseling and resilience-building programs, to mitigate the impact of homesickness on academic performance. The results emphasize the need for schools to foster supportive environments that enhance students' psychological well-being and academic success. Future research should explore additional factors influencing this relationship to develop targeted interventions..

Improving Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Chemistry Through Interaction Pattern Approach

The study determined the effect of interaction pattern approach on secondary students’ achievement in Chemistry. The study was carried out in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design. Specifically, the pre-test, post-test non-equivalent control group design was used. A sample size of 112 (45 male & 67 female) out of the 1,522 senior secondary two (SS2) Chemistry students was selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. A 50 multiple-choice objective items Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) developed by the researchers was the instrument used for data collection. The reliability index of 0.92 was obtained for CAT using Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance (w). Data were analysed mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that interaction pattern approach (IPA) significantly improves students’ achievement in Chemistry than the conventional lecture approach (CLA). Gender has no significant influence on students’ achievement in chemistry when taught using IPA. Also, there is no significant interaction effect of instructional approaches and gender on students’ achievement in chemistry. Based on the findings, it was recommended that chemistry teachers should make use of IPA to improve students’ achievement in the subject and promote gender friendly chemistry teaching and learning.

Assessing the Relevance and Availability of Instructional Materials for Biology Education in Awka South Local Government Area

Assessing the Relevance and Availability of Instructional Materials for Biology Education in Awka South Local Government Area

Microfinance institutions and entrepreneurial activities in Awka south local government area: Evidence from physically challenged persons

Given the need for inclusivity in a bid to curtail multidimensional poverty, hunger, and inequality (as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 1, 2, and 10 respectively) and in the face of struggles to achieve decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) as well as responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), the main objective of our paper was to determine how microfinance institutions (MFIs) contributed to entrepreneurial successes of physically-challenged persons residing in Awka South Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra, Nigeria. A sample was drawn from the physically challenged community operating business shops and enterprises in Awka South LGA, and descriptive survey research was employed. Copies of a structured questionnaire were distributed and collected on the spot based on the exponential discriminative snowball sampling. Responses were analyzed using pie charts, frequency distributions, and percentages, while the chi-square distribution test was used to test the hypotheses. Our major findings are that, apart from access to loans, the respondents were not aware of other services rendered by microfinance institutions and that they encountered difficulties in accessing credit facilities from MFIs sequel to protocols enshrined in their banking operations. This led to the conclusion that the contributions of microfinance institutions towards the growth of enterprises owned by physically-challenged entrepreneurs in Awka South LGA was suboptimal, although some respondents had successful business startups and scale ups as a result of interventions from MFIs. Our paper, therefore recommends that, in order to build a resilient society, MFIs operating in Awka South LGA should intensify and sustain media awareness on entrepreneurship programmes they offer to physically-challenged persons as well make their services more accessible. Again, the government of Anambra State should adequately sustain entrepreneurial programmes mapped out for physically-challenged persons so that they can become entrepreneurs rather than depend on others for their survival. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Microfinancing, Physically-challenged, Self-employment JEL Codes: M13, G21, J71, J23, D63

Parasitic Contamination of Well Water Consumed in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Contamination of water sources by infectious pathogens has been recognized as a global threat to public health especially in underdeveloped countries. This study was carried out to survey the parasitic load (eggs and cysts) of protozoan parasites found in well water sources in four different locations in Awka South Local Government area of Anambra state (Ifite-Awka, Amansea, Amaenyi and Temp site). A total of forty (40) well water samples were collected across the four locations and examined in the laboratory using centrifugation and sedimentation methods. Data obtained was analyzed using simple percentages and chi-square was used to test for differences in the parasites abundance in the different locations. A total abundance of 141 parasitic stages of Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum were found in the well water samples across the study locations. Among the study locations, Amansea recorded the highest prevalence of protozoa parasites 51(36.17%) while Amaenyi area revealed the least infection rate 23(16.31%). Giardia lamblia 72(51.06%) was more abundant in the well water samples examined followed by Entamoeba histolytica 64(45.39%) while Cryptosporidium parvum 5(3.55%) was the least abundant protozoa parasite. The result revealed that the highest abundance of parasites was recorded in Amansea 51(36.17%) followed by Temp site 38(26.95%) while Amaenyi had the least 23(16.31%). The results showed the extent of parasitic contamination of the well sources across the study areas and the susceptibility of the populace to water-borne diseases. Hence, water obtained from these wells should be properly boiled before drinking, to avoid being infected.

Assessment of Manpower Planning Strategies on Employee Performance in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State

This study assessed the impact of manpower planning strategies on employee performance in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Effective manpower planning is essential for organizations to optimize employee performance, productivity, and overall efficiency. Despite its importance, local governments in Nigeria face challenges such as overstaffing, poor skill mix, and inefficient resource utilization, which hinder employee performance. This research aims to identify the manpower planning strategies used in Awka South Local Government Area and examine the effect of staff promotion on employee commitment. Using a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 332 employees through questionnaires. The study found that while manpower planning strategies are generally perceived positively, there is a need for improvement in aligning job descriptions with organizational goals and regular reviews. Conversely, staff promotion practices were perceived negatively, with issues of merit-based promotions and transparency significantly affecting employee commitment. The study concludes that enhancing manpower planning and reforming promotion practices can significantly improve employee performance and organizational effectiveness in the local government area.

Physicochemical Parameters of Obibia Stream, Amawbia Awka South Local Government Area Anambra State, Nigeria

Physicochemical Parameters of Obibia Stream, Amawbia Awka South Local Government Area Anambra State, Nigeria

Physical and Chemical Scrutiny of Obizi River in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria for Domestic Consumption

The Obizi River in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State was examined physically and chemically to evaluate its contamination level and suitability for home use. It is important for recreational, fishing, cooking, drinking, and other applications. Its typical applications for drinking, cooking, fishing, recreational activities and other uses are limited since it flows through a canal that might be contaminated by industrial, agricultural, and other human activities. Nitrate mg/l, nitrite mg/l, magnesium mg/l, zinc mg/l, total dissolved solid (TDS) mg/l, hardness mg/l, sulphate mg/l, phosphate mg/l, alkalinity mg/l, acidity mg/l, sodium mg/l, biological oxygen demand (BOD) mg/l, chemical oxygen demand (COD) mg/l, total suspended solid (TSS) mg/l, TS mg/l, oxygen demand (OD) mg/l, and potassium mg/l are among the parameters that were evaluated. Total dissolved solids (TSS) were calculated as the difference between total solids and total dissolved solids. The zinc and nitrate elements within the samples were measured using the ultraviolet (UV) VIS spectrophotometric method. Sulphate was determined turbidimetrically by the absorption spectrophotometry. Magnesium content, total hardness, and alkalinity were measured through titration. TDS (mg/L) was measured with a Multi-Meter (HI 991300, Hanna Equipments, Romania), potassium and sodium ions were assessed by flame photometric technique, chemical oxygen demand (COD) was identified photometrically using the SpectroQuant Nova 60 COD cell test (Merck) in the range of 10 – 150 mg/L. Biological oxygen demand (BOD) was determined using the OxiDirect BOD system and total suspended solids (TSS) was calculated as the difference between total solids and total dissolved solids. Phosphates were measured using the ascorbic acid method, total solids were estimated gravimetrically, and oxygen demand (OD) was measured on-site using a dissolved oxygen meter JENWAY-3405 (Manufacturer: Barloworld Scientific Ltd., England). To find out if the results were significant or not, the parameters were subjected to an ANOVA single factor analysis. The analysis's conclusion was that the data were statistically not significant. Since nitrate and OD were above the World Health Organization's (WHO) limit while most other physicochemical parameters were below it, the ANOVA result showed that there was no significant difference between the physicochemical characteristics of the water samples. With the exception of nitrite and OD, which are above the WHO limit for domestic drinking water and other purposes, it was discovered that the majority of the physicochemical parameters fell within the organization's water quality standards for these purposes. As a result, the water quality is not good and should not be drunk unless treated.

Impact of Inflation on Savings and Investments of Cooperative Societies in Awka South Local Government Area

This study is to ascertain the impact of inflation on savings and investments of cooperative societies in Awka South local government area. The researcher set to determine the effect of inflation on member’s savings, member’s investment and roles of cooperatives in addressing issue of inflation in the study area. To guide this study, three research questions and two hypotheses were formulated in line with the objectives of the study. The study was anchored on International Fisher Effect Theory by Irving Fisher (1930). The study employed a descriptive survey design, the instrument for data collection was questionnaire constructed for the study and calibrated with the 5-point Likert ordinal measurement and rating scale. The population of the study was 268 selected cooperatives members in Awka South local Government Area of Anambra State. The sample size used was 161 cooperative members using Taro Yamane formular. Adopting a judgmental sampling technique, 161 questionnaires was distributed, and 127 copies of questionnaire were completed and returned and used for this study which represent 78.9% response rate. Research hypotheses were tested using Z-Test. The finding revealed that there is a significant effect of inflation on member’s savings in the study area, had a p-value 0.0107 (p < 0.05). With a p-value 0.0170 (p < 0.05) indicating there is a significant effect of inflation on member’s investment in the study area. In view of the findings, the study therefore, recommends that stakeholders and cooperative societies in the study area carefully consider and actively manage the impact of inflation on members’ savings. Implementing strategies such as diversified investments, inflation-adjusted interest rates, and financial education initiatives can help mitigate the adverse effects of inflation, ensuring the preservation and growth of members’ savings over time. Cooperative societies should adopt proactive measures to safeguard and enhance investment portfolios. Strategies may include diversifying investments across asset classes, regularly reviewing and adjusting investment policies in response to inflationary trends and providing members with financial literacy programs to empower them in making informed investment decisions resilient to the challenges posed by inflation and also, to sustain and enhance these initiatives.

Investigating the Risk Factors and Causes of Bipolar Disorder among Young Adults in Awka South Local Governmment Area of Anambra State.

The study was carried out to inspect the risk factors and causes of bipolar disorder amongst young adults 20-30 in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study employed descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 19,880 (20-30)of the aged in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra state. The sample for the study was 180 selected using purposive sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a 15- item questionnaire which was validated by three experts in the Faculty of Education. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach statistics which yielded reliability coefficient value of 0.87 for the three clusters. This was considered high enough to confirm the instrument as reliable. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data collected. The findings of the study revealed the risk factors, causes, management and prevention strategies to bipolar disorder in young adults in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra. The implications of the study were highlighted and it was recommended that the state government should organize health awareness programmes and also support and care should be provided to caregivers and families of those with bipolar disorder. Additionally, suggestions for further studies were made.

Beyond Conventional Medical Treatment of HIV/AIDS in Anambra State: Approaches to Enhancing Overall Well-Being

The Anambra State HIV/AIDS epidemic is a complicated issue that goes beyond standard medical therapy. Despite advances in ART and clinical care, people continue to experience stigma, discrimination, mental health difficulties, socioeconomic inequality, and limited access to comprehensive support services. Thus, the purpose of this project is to examine nutritional approach, naturopathic approach, community involvement and peer support approaches to improving the well-being of HIV/AIDS patients in Anambra State. Three research questions guided the study. This study adopted a causal comparative research design. The study was carried out in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The population of this study comprised of all healthcare providers in the 91 health centres in Awka South LGA of Anambra State. The multi-stage sampling procedure was used to draw 40 healthcare providers from four communities in Awka South LGA. A structured questionnaire titled “Beyond Conventional Medical Treatment Questionnaire” (BCMTQ) was developed by the researcher. Descriptive statistics of mean was used to analyze data to answer the research questions. The findings found that healthcare practitioners in Anambra State agree on nutritional approaches, naturopathic approach and community involvement and peer support approaches to improving the wellness of HIV/AIDS patients. Based on the findings, healthcare professionals were advised to regularly sensitize community engagement initiatives, peer-led programs, and support networks in order to foster connections, reduce stigma, improve social support, and empower people living with HIV/AIDS to actively participate in their care and community life.

Evaluation of the Perception of Teachers on Entrepreneurship Education in Public Secondary Schools in Awka South Local Government Area

This study examined the evaluation of the perception of teachers on entrepreneurship education in public secondary schools in Awka South Local Government Area. Three research questions and three corresponding hypotheses guided the conduct of the study. The study adopted descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised teachers in secondary schools in Awka South Local Government of Anambra State. One hundred and twenty (120) respondents were randomly selected as sample for this study and were used for data analysis but at the end of the exercise; only Ninety-five (95) questionnaires were retrieved for data analysis. A structured questionnaire was constructed and administered on the respondents for data collection. The hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) statistical tool was used to analyze the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance respectively. The findings of the study were as follows; the perception of teachers on entrepreneurship education significantly enhance skill acquisition of students in secondary schools. In addition, the perception of teachers on entrepreneurship education significantly facilitate the innovative skills of students in secondary schools. Finally, the perception of teachers on entrepreneurship education does significantly facilitate the entrepreneurial capability of students to willingness to take business risk. Some recommendations were made and they are; schools should include entrepreneurship courses in their curricula and must ensure that all students regardless of their academic specialization study entrepreneurship; entrepreneurship education should be grouped according to skills and abilities of students and should be linked to the academic specialization of each students in a way they can use their knowledge to identify and exploit existing opportunities around them; the learning environment should be conducive enough for learning to encourage students to pursue entrepreneurship.

Self-Actualization Needs a Panacea for Enhancing Teachers’ Commitment in Accomplishing Secondary Education Goals

The study investigated safety needs for achieving secondary education goals in Awka-South Local Government Area of Anambra State. One research question and one hypothesis guided the study. Descriptive survey design was adopted. 6 principals and 60 teachers were sampled from 19 principals and 516 teachers in 19 public secondary schools in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra. Simple random sampling technique was employed to obtain 10% of the respondents. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The validation of the instrument was done by three experts who are lecturers in the Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. This yielded reliability co-efficient of .97. Data obtained were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test statistic. Findings revealed various safety practices that will aid in achieving secondary education goals in Awka-South Local Government Area. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government should provide the appropriate security facilities to the schools to enable them get prepared in case of any emergency.

INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 ETHICS ON STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN LEARNING CHEMISTRY

This study discusses the influence of COVID-19 ethics on students’ interest in learning chemistry. Five research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was used to carry out this study. The population for this study consists of 2,644 chemistry Students in the 19 public secondary schools in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra state. A sample size of 80 chemistry students was used for the study. The simple random sampling method was used to select eight (8) public secondary schools in Awka South Local Government Area. Therefore, 10 chemistry students were selected from each of the eight secondary schools. Twenty (20) item structured questionnaires on a four-point rating scale developed by the researchers were used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts. To determine the internal consistency of the instrument, the Cronbach alpha formula was used and a reliability coefficient of 0.87 was obtained. After the administration of the instrument to the respondents, the data obtained were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research question and z-test to test the null hypothesis at the significance level of 0.05. The findings of the study revealed that social distancing, use of face masks, regular washing of hands, use of hand sanitizers and restriction of movement are common COVID-19 ethics. Also, COVID-19 negatively affected students’ chemistry learning and influences students’ interest to a high extent. It was shown that COVID-19 ethics influenced more of male students’ interest than their female counterparts as there was a significant difference between the male and female chemistry students on COVID-19 ethics on student interest in favour of the males. Thus, providing enough lesson time and provision of ICT and e-learning facilities are possible ways to improve students’ interest in learning chemistry during the COVID-19 era.

Training and Development Needs of Early Childhood Educators for Effective Instructional Delivery in Awka-South Local Government Area, Anambra State Nigeria

This study investigated the training and development needs of early childhood educators for effective instructional delivery in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria. Two hypotheses and three research questions guided the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire titled Training and Development Needs Scale (TDNS) was administered to 130 early childhood educators. The acquired data were examined at a significance level of 0.05 using the independent t-test statistic, mean, and standard deviation. Results indicated that early childhood educators needed training in managing the classroom and school to deliver education effectively. The study also showed that early childhood educators require support for practical workshops on contemporary pedagogies to provide teaching effectively. Consequently, education and training allow educators to give kids a top-notch education. As a result, it can be said that training and development empower educators to give kids a top-notch education. It was suggested that the government hold educator training programs regularly, among other things. Such programs must deal with the subject matter, the utilization of teaching aids, the planning, and delivery of lessons, classroom management, and student evaluation.

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Wild Thryonomys swinderianus (Grass-cutters) Sold at Eateries in Umuawulu Community, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Wild Thryonomys swinderianus (Grass-cutters) Sold at Eateries in Umuawulu Community, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

LEADER-MEMBER EXCHANGE AND ABUSIVE SUPERVISION AS PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

This study investigated leader-member exchange (LMX) and abusive supervision (AbS) as predictors of psychological well-being (PWB) among bankers. Participants were 299 bank employees consisting of hundred and thirty (130) males (40.5%) and one hundred and sixty-nine (169) female (59.5%). Their ages ranged from 26-54years with a mean age of 40.5 and a standard deviation of 8.51. The study adopted correlation design and multiple regression statistics to analyze the data from structured questionnaires administered to 320 bankers selected from randomly selected banks in Awka South Local Government Area. Psychological well-being scale, Leader-member exchange scale, and Abusive supervision scale were used as instruments for data collection. Three hypotheses were tested anchored on psychodynamic theory to explain the relationship among variables under study. The results revealed that the first hypothesis confirmed LMX significantly predicted PWB at R2 = .156 (15.6%), F (16.41) = .001 p<.05. The second hypothesis confirmed that AbS which significantly predicted PWB at R2 = .156 (15.6%), F (16.41) = .001 p<.05. The third hypothesis revealed that LMX and AbS jointly predicted PWB. The study recommends that both private sector and public sector organizations should take proactive organizational measures to reduce the abusive supervision and embark on sensitization workshops to enlighten management on the dangers of the menace.

Knowledge of the Causes, Risk Factors and Preventive Measures of Prostate Cancer among Male Teachers in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State Nigeria

The study was undertaken to determine the level of knowledge of the causes, risk factors and preventive measures of prostate cancer among male teachers in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of 200 male teachers in government secondary schools in Awka South Local Government Area. A sample of 100 male teachers was selected using the proportioned stratified random sampling techniques. To guide this study, three specific objectives with corresponding research questions were formulated. Data was collected using Likert scale questionnaire which consisted of 16 items. According to findings, male teachers in Awka south Local Government Area have high level of knowledge regarding prostate cancer, moderate level of knowledge on causes and high level of knowledge and practice of prostate cancer preventive measures. It was recommended that prostate cancer programs should be mounted at different settings where male teachers can be reached.

Species Composition and Biting Activities of Mosquitoes in a Selected Community in Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria

Mosquitoes are common biting and sucking arthropods whose females bite man and animals for their blood meal which leads to itching and causes diseases. The study investigated the species composition and biting activities of mosquitoes at Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, south east Nigeria. The study was carried out between November and December, 2021 and the mosquitoes were collected using the Human Landing Catch (HLC) and Pyrethrum Spray Collection Method (PSC), whereas Larval Sampling (LS) method was used to collect the immature stages of mosquito. The HLC was carried out from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and the biting peak was observed from 5:45pm to 7:00pm. A total of 158 adult mosquitoes were collected which comprised of 3 species namely Culex quinquefasciatus, Anophles gambiae and Mansonia africana. Culex quinquefasciatus was the most abundant species irrespective of the method of collection which was attributed to their anthropohilic, endophagic and endophilic nature. Pyrethrum Spray Collection method (PKC) produced the highest species of 120 mosquitoes which constitute of 75.83% (91/158) Culex quinquefasciatus, 22.5% (27/158) Anopheles gambiae and 1.66% (2/158) Mansonia africana. The HLC method caught mosquitoes of two different species which was Culex quinquefasciatus 89.29% (25/28) and Mansonia africana 10.71% (3/28). The Larval Sampling method caught 10 Culex quinquefasciatus. Although there was no significant difference among the methods of collection (p>0.05), but in the distribution of the mosquitoes species, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) among the seven (7) lodges sampled. The study observed high exposure to mosquitoes and the possibility of epidemics of mosquito - borne diseases among Ifite-Awka residents. The need for proper health education, immediate and effective control measures of the mosquito vectors, which includes environmental sanitation is highly advised.

The use of Electrical Resistivity Methods to Investigate Water Table Potentials of Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Purpose: Geophysical exploration for water table characteristics were carried out in six (6) communities of Njikoka and environs through which water table depth, depth below the water table, thickness of the saturated zone, depth with reference to mean sea level (MSL) and types of aquifer were deduced. The proven geoelectric sections of the study area based on resisitivity from the subsurface and electrical log which confirmed that depth to water table of Njikoka and environs could range from 15 m – 100 m. Depth below the water table in the study area ranged 40 m (around Nimo, Enugu Agidi) to 200 m (Ifitedunu, Ukpo) while the thicknesses of the saturated zones (aquifers) varies from 25 m to 160 m within the respective communities. Depths to Mean Sea Level were delineated to range from – 20 m to – 198 m as obtained from the difference in the water table depths and the heights above sea level which is the elevations.
 Methodology: Subsurface geophysical exploration was employed in the research of groundwater availability of Njikoka and environs. Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding which is the subsurface geophysical method was carried out only on two locations in each of the communities. The geophysical investigation was made with Earth Resistivity equipment
 Findings: From the revealed results the study area is dominated with low land topography and prominently composed of unconfined with less cases of confined aquifer as a result of the geological settings of the study area.