Central Geopolitical Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

Awareness: a strategic tool for the implementation of green libraries by academic librarians

This study sought to examine the importance of awareness in the adoption and implementation of green libraries in academic libraries in Nigeria. The key objectives were to determine academic librarians’ awareness of the concept of green libraries, ascertain if greening libraries is a good innovation for adoption and implementation, ascertain reasons for the slow adoption and implementation of green libraries by academic librarians in Nigeria and to identify strategies for enhancing green library implementation in Nigerian academic libraries. The methodology used was the descriptive survey research design while all the 170 academic librarians in the twelve university libraries across the six states of the North Central geo-political zone of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja formed the population of the study. Questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed using simple percentages, mean scores and standard deviation. Various suggestions were made on how to create awareness and use it as a strategic tool in the implementation of green libraries in academic libraries. The paper concluded that implementing green libraries will enhance the visibility and value of libraries in society by showcasing their ability to contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and development issues, thereby demonstrating their continued relevance to humanity.

Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic Knowledge, Perceptions and Practices among Nigerian Academic Communities

Abstract: Purpose: This study assesses Nigerian academic communities’ (NAC) knowledge, perception, and practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Research Methodology: Online snowball sampling technique with 5-point Likert scale online questionnaire was used to assess NAC knowledge, perception, and practices amidst coronavirus pandemic. About 368 participants comprised of academic and non-academic staff from north central geopolitical zone of Nigeria participated in the study. Responses were analysed using the SPSS. Result: NAC gathered, shared, and updated their knowledge about COVID-19 mostly through social media. Participants professed social media as the most effective platform for education and updates on COVID-19 compared to the conventional media and government sources. Despite that, participants were discovered to have slight issues in differentiating real news from fake ones. The participants reasonably practised precautionary measures as directed by the government and centre for disease control. Limitations: This study is limited to academic environment while COVID-19 affects all sundries and sectors of the economy respectively. Contribution: This study contributes to the knowledge and insight of COVID-19 among NAC and suggests means of managing the virus to avoid further spread. Keywords: 1. Coronavirus 2. COVID-19 3. Pandemic 4. Nigerian Academic Communities 5. Perception

Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Food Hygiene among Food Vendors in North Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

The study was carried out to assess the Knowledge and Practice of food hygiene among food vendors in North East Zone, Nigeria. The researchers used descriptive survey design and the population of the study was some selected food vendors in North East Zone, with population of three hundred and sixty (360) where sixty (60) of them were sampled for the study through simple random sampling technique, the instrument used for the collection of data for the study was self-structured questionnaire and the data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentage. Findings of the study reveals that about 45.1% of the respondents have good personal hygiene practice while 54.9% of them have poor personal hygiene practices and in view of their food handling practices, 63.7% of them have good food hygiene practice while 36.3% have unhygienic food handling practices. Such improper personal hygiene and unhygienic food handling practices may lead to ill health and subsequent contamination of the food they handle. It is therefore recommended that food handlers should put more effort towards practicing good personal hygiene especially hand washing and the use protective devices while rendering food services.

Resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons in the North Central Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

This paper investigated the Humanitarian Crisis in the North Central zone of Nigeria and the resettlement challenges faced by Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). It was designed to find out the types and causes of Displacement in the zone and determine the readiness of IDPs to return to their original communities before Displacement. The Research was carried out in three states of the North Central Geopolitical Zone, which are Nasarawa, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory using a total of nine IDP camps. It was conducted using a combination of research designs by applying quantitative and qualitative research methods. Data was collected using three data collection tools which are questionnaires, observation schedule, and focus group discussions schedule. Results revealed that the internally displaced persons found in the North Central geopolitical zone in the states of Nasarawa and the FCT come mostly from the Northeastern states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, and were displaced due to the Boko Haram insurgency. Those living in Niger State come from within Niger and were displaced due to Banditry. Results also revealed that the majority of IDPs live in deplorable conditions within the North Central Geopolitical zone with limited access to food, education, health services, water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. The Research further revealed that most IDPs are willing to return to their original homes, and their first deciding factor to return is the restoration of security back in their communities, the second factor is their family ties, third is funding to support their return, and then fourth is government legislation that may compel relocation of displaced persons.

Assessment of Entrepreneurship in Librarianship for Poverty Reduction and Unemployment Among Librarians in Colleges of Education in North Central, Nigeria

This study was designed to assess entrepreneurship in librarianship for poverty reduction and unemployment among librarians of College of Education in North central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It is obvious that entrepreneurship reduces unemployment, promotes self-reliance, alleviates poverty and provides the opportunity for individuals to contribute to the economic development of a nation through innovative ideas. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, five research hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 levels of significance. A survey method was adapted for the study. Professional librarians, forty-eight (48) of them, selected in the Colleges of Education in the North-central geopolitical zone of Nigeria, represented the population of the study. A structured questionnaire titled entrepreneurship in librarianship for poverty reduction and unemployment (ELPRU) was administered to the respondents in the selected Colleges of Education. Out of the 48 copies of the questionnaire distributed to the respondents, a total of 45 (93.7%) copies were returned and duly completed and found usable for the study. The data collected for the study were presented and analyzed using inferential statistics. T-test was used to test the significant difference between variables in hypothesis 1 and 2, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the significant relationship among the variables in 3, 4 and 5 at 0.05 levels of significance. However, the finding of the study reveals that there is significant difference among librarians in the types of entrepreneurial skills they acquired. In this study, it is recommended that librarians, as well as other information professional, need to diversify their interests and passion for entrepreneurial opportunities within and outside library and information and also work for self-reliance without being depend on white collar jobs and/ or government. Also, government at all levels and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should provide funds for librarians in any chosen entrepreneurial opportunity available or specialization after graduation from library and information science schools.

Training and Supervision as Predictors of Business Teachers’ Job Performance for Policy and Practice in Nigerian Secondary Schools

This study investigated training and supervision as predictors of Business Teachers' Job Performance in Nigerian Public Secondary Schools. A Descriptive research design of correlation types was adopted for the study. The population consisted of the entire 1,500 Business related subject teachers from four states in the North Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. 550 samples were purposely selected as the respondents from 20 schools using proportional sampling techniques. A Structured questionnaire was purposely used to collect relevant data from the respondents. However, the checklist was used to collect WAEC/SSCE results of the sampled schools. The validity of the instrument was done by three experts from the Department of Business Education, Kwara State University. The reliability coefficient of 0.71 was obtained through a split-half method. The two research questions stated were answered using percentages and cumulative frequency statistical method, while the three hypotheses generated were tested using multiple regression analysis. The finding of the study revealed the poor performance of a student in Business-related subjects. However, there was a moderate level of Business Teacher job performance. Also, both training and supervision were discovered to be the predictors of Business Teacher Job Performance in Nigeria Public Secondary Schools. Regular capacity building such as workshops and conferences were recommended for the Teachers in addition to the regular external and internal supervision. The Government should also supply the necessary teaching facilities to help the teachers improve on teaching and learning.

Ordinal regression Assessment of orange Postharvest loss determinants among Orange Farmers in Konshisha Local Government Area of Benue State

Orange wastage through postharvest losses has contributed to food scarcity, economic loss and massive importation of food items in Nigeria. The research was mainly carried out to investigate the determinants of orange postharvest losses among orange farmers in Konshisha Local Government of Benue State, North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Primary data was collected from the orange farmers using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics and Ordinal Regression model were used to analyse the data collected. The quantity lost was perceived at six (6) categories. The results revealed that most (63.7%) of the farmers were above 34 years of age. Also the majority (95.1%) were male, while 55.3% of the respondents’ farm size was relatively large with 200 and above stands of orange. The farmers’ literacy level was 73.6%. Those that belonged to farmers groups were 39.5. Further results established the use of probit link function in the ordinal regression modelling and that the significant factors affecting orange postharvest losses in the area are farmer’s lack of education and farmers not belonging to any association or group. The only significant covariate with the postharvest loss quantity of orange is farm size. The test of parallel lines established that, the location parameters (slope coefficients) are the same across response categories.

Out of School Children: Enhancing Factors and Consequences for Sustainable Development in North Central Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria

Education is a key to development and sustainable development. Children out of school deter development and sustainable development. The purpose of the study is an investigation on Out of school children: enhancing factors and consequences for sustainable development in North Central Geo-Political Zone, Nigeria. The design of the study was a survey research design which involves the retrieving of data from selected respondents representing the entire population comprising of teachers and parents in the North Central Geo-Political zone of Nigeria. The sample size of 800 respondents was selected from the 2 sample states drawn through simple random sampling techniques. Four research questions and four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research strategies in analyzing the data. Data was gathered through questionnaire titled ‘Out of School Children Questionnaire’ (OSCQ). The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation scores and independent t test statistic was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The finding of the study revealed that poverty, child labour, teenage pregnancy and distance to school are the major causes of children out of school in the North Central Geo Political zone. Also menial jobs were major implication of out of school children. Based on the findings of the study the recommendations made were that punishment should be prescribed for parents whose children are out of school and there should be poverty reduction strategies in the development of appropriate policies and intervention strategies to help poor people improve their living standard.

The Effectiveness of Teachers in Nigerian Secondary Schools: The Role of Instructional Leadership of Principals

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of principals’ instructional leadership practices on secondary school teachers’ effectiveness in the North Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. To answer the research question of the study, the Principal Instructional Management Rating Scale (PIMRS) and the Virgilio Teacher Behaviour Inventory (VTBI) were administered to 389 teachers in 18 public secondary schools. The results indicate that instructional leadership, in terms of defining school mission; managing instructional programs; and developing a positive school learning climate, are significantly and positively associated with teachers’ effectiveness. Therefore, stakeholders in the education sector can make informed decisions and interventions to enhance teachers’ effectiveness through the principals for desirable learning outcomes. Similarly, school principals should focus more on instructional leadership practices that relate to teaching and learning in order to improve teachers’ effectiveness. This study adds to the existing knowledge on factors that determine teachers’ effectiveness in Africa, in particular, in Nigeria.

English

This paper assessed healthcare facilities location and medical waste generation and handling in Nigeria. Analysis such as descriptive statistics, correlation and factor analysis was carried out to identify gaps in healthcare facilities location and medical waste management in Nigeria. The population-to-healthcare provider ratio and healthcare waste generation rates in Nigeria were also analysed. The north central geo-political zone of Nigeria has over 9,000 healthcare facilities while the south-south zone has less than 5,000. Public primary health facilities are the most evenly located health institutions in Nigeria. Seventeen states in Nigeria are under served with regards to healthcare providers in facilities and can be classified as healthcare provider shortage areas. About 19,864.03 kg/day of waste is generated in Nigeria with the north central and north east accounting for the highest rates. Standard incineration facilities for effective medical waste management existed in 22% of all health facilities surveyed. Tertiary health facilities had adequate capacity (over 70%) to incinerate medical waste while significant gaps existed at the secondary and primary healthcare levels. Pearson’s correlation of employee capacities and waste management practices was significant. Factor analysis of variables on employee capacities and waste management practices showed that the first two components extracted accounted for 70.43% of the variance. The components matrix revealed that improving the availability of appropriate waste management equipment and control procedures is required. Healthcare policy makers in developing countries and Nigeria should strive towards equitable location of healthcare infrastructure and trained medical personnel, provision of appropriate waste management technologies, and building capacity of healthcare staff involved with the utilization, handling, and disposal of infectious and hazardous medical waste items. Key words: Healthcare, developing countries, medical waste, infectious waste, Lassa, HIV, hepatitis. &nbsp

Impact of Human Resource Management on Teachers’ Productivity in Colleges of Education in North Central Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Impact of Human Resource Management on Teachers’ Productivity in Colleges of Education in North Central Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Impact of Human Resource Management on Teachers’ Productivity in Colleges of Education in North Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

Colleges of education are established to train teachers for the education sector. This paper assesses the impact of human resource management on teachers’ productivity in colleges of education in the North-central geo-political zone of Nigeria. The researchers adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of all the 11 colleges of education in North-central, with a staff strength of 4,914. The stratified and purposive random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 495 staff, stratified along academic and non-academic, who participated in the research. A 15-item researcher-developed questionnaire titled “Impact of Human Resource Management on Teachers Productivity Questionnaire (IHRMTPQ)” was used as an instrument for data collection. Three research questions and one null hypothesis guided the study. Data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation and percentage scores. The chi-square statistic was used to test the null hypothesis at the 0.05 level of probability. The findings revealed that recruitment processes, training and development and staff welfare have a significant impact on teachers’ productivity in colleges of education. The conclusion was drawn and it was recommended, among others that administrators of colleges of education in the zone should follow stipulated due process in recruitment, increase staff training and development, and improve on staff welfare so as to motivate teachers to greater performance, which will in turn increase productivity.

Improving Youth and Adult Multilingual Basic Literacy Education in the North Central Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Improving Youth and Adult Multilingual Basic Literacy Education in the North Central Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Eliminating and Sustaining Factors Influencing Child Begging in North Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

Eliminating and Sustaining Factors Influencing Child Begging in North Central Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

ASSESSMENT OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF ELECTION POLITICAL VIOLENCE ON DEMOCRATIC SOCIAL ORDER IN NIGERIA

This study assessed the consequences of political election violence on democratic social order in Nigeria. The study was carried out in North central geo-political zone of Nigeria. The population of the study was 200 respondents across the area of study. Data was generated through structured interviews. Three research questions guided the study. The study was focused on causes of political violence in Nigeria, the consequences and how to improve the scenario for institutionalization of credible democratic order in Nigeria. It was found that ethnicity and religion, doctoring of election results, massive rigging, poverty, thuggery amongst others stimulated political election violence. Some of the consequences were: non mass oriented governance, political instability, increased cost in maintenance of security, political assassination and so on the study found that national integration, fair distribution of resources by leadership, indigenous language utilization, political education amongst others can sanitize the democratic process. It was recommended that leadership should be focused on pursuit of national interest aspiration ventures, fair treatment of all citizens of Nigeria, irrespective of tribe and the institutionalization of laws against fraudulent elections. Keywords : Assessment, election political violence and democratic social order.

FORMS OF INDECENT DRESSING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN NORTH CENTRAL GEO-POLITICAL ZONE

The study investigated the malaise of indecent dressing that has pervaded the Nigerian university campuses. One research question and a hypothesis were raised to give direction to the study. The instrument used was a questionnaire entitled “Indecent Dressing in the University Questionnaire (IDUQ)”. IDUQ was administered to 300 students randomly selected from six universities in the North Central Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. The data collected were analysed with frequency counts, percentages and One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results of the analysis showed that a high percentage of the respondents agreed that most of the forms of indecent dressing listed in the questionnaire were common among university students. The result further revealed that there was a significant difference in the modes of dressing of students in private, state and federal government owned universities, in various forms. The pair wise comparison showed that the difference exists between federal and private universities; state and private universities whereas there was no difference between federal and state universities. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among other things, that university authorities should take decisive steps in curbing this social malaise (indecent dressing) by introducing dress codes for students and strictly enforcing it.

Perception of Students on Computer Utilization and Academic Performance in the North-Central Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

The introduction and application of computer as a resource in teaching and learning process in education has contributed to the achievement of educational objectives. Students at all levels of education use computers for specified purpose. Do computers really help students to achieve academic excellence? The study investigated the perception of students on computer utilization and academic performance. It is a descriptive research with emphasis on survey design. The population comprised all Colleges of Education in North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria: made up of six states and FCT-Abuja; out of which six colleges were selected as sample. A 20-item questionnaire (CUSAPQ) was designed and validated through expert judgment and reliability co-efficient of 0.86 was obtained. The null hypotheses were tested using Chi-square and ANOVA statistical analysis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there was positive perception of computer utilization on students’ academic performance in the selected zone. Based on the findings, recommendations were made; seminar and workshops on computer utilization should be organised for the lecturers and the students to facilitate active and effective learning.

Revitalizing Literacy for Entrepreneurship among Nigerian University Students for National Growth

The fast increasing rate of under-development in Nigeria as a result of nonchalant attitudes towards literacy and entrepreneurship by Nigerian students propelled this researcher to carry out this study. The study adopted a survey research type. The population for the study was all the Nigerian students from the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Stratified ransom sampling technique was used to select 30 students (15 males and 15 females) from each of the 25 universities in this zone. A twenty-item researcher-designed questionnaire (RDQ) was used for the purpose of collecting data. The content validity of the instrument was done by two experts while the reliability of the instrument was ascertained via test re-test statistical method, thus giving 0.58 reliability index. The three null hypotheses were tested using Pearson r statistical method at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings revealed that there are positive but low correlations between literacy and entrepreneurship as well as entrepreneurship and national development having computed calculated r-values of 0.289 and 0.299 which are greater than the critical r-value of .195 respectively at 0.05 alpha level of significance. However, there was positive and high correlation between literacy and national development having calculated r-value of 1.296 and critical r-value of .195 at 0.05 alpha level of significance. Based on these, it was concluded that national development is a result of intellectual work and an easy facilitator of intellectual development is in the art of literacy. As a result of the findings and conclusion of this study, it was recommended among other things that the Federal Government should entrench mass literacy and entrepreneurship education in schools curriculum and also put up a unit that would be vested with the responsibility of monitoring the full implementation of the mass literacy program and entrepreneurship education as well.

Risk of Transfusion-Transmitted Human Parvovirus B19 Infection in Anyigba and Lokoja, Kogi State – Nigeria

Risk of Transfusion-Transmitted Human Parvovirus B19 Infection in Anyigba and Lokoja, Kogi State – Nigeria

Survey of traditional family planning methods used in Kogi state, Nigeria

In developing countries such as Nigeria, traditional contraceptive methods have been in use for many years. Nevertheless, cases of unintended pregnancies, illegal abortions and child abandonment still exist in Nigeria. Therefore, this study was designed to examine the traditional family planning methods used by couples in Kogi State, Nigeria and to identify factors that influenced the use among these couples. Kogi State is in the northern central geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It consists of 21 local government areas (LGAs) of which three were randomly selected to be included in the study. From each of the three LGAs, one urban area and two rural communities were selected for the study. A total of 360 respondents were used for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. The questionnaire was self-administered for literate respondents and structured interview for illiterate respondents. The findings revealed that approximately half of the respondents (50.5%) use traditional family planning methods and some (20.6%) do not use any form of contraception. The four most commonly used traditional family planning methods were abstinence, exclusive/prolonged breastfeeding, use of herbs and combined methods. ‘Magic’ and a ‘local chemical’ was used least. Age and level of education of couples significantly influenced their choices and use of traditional family planning methods in Kogi State, Nigeria, whereas location (rural or urban) and gender were not statistically significant. It is recommended that couples in Kogi State should be educated and counselled on the safe traditional methods of family planning to ensure their proper use and efficacy.