Ekiti State Research Articles

Geochemical, Mineralogical Properties and Industrial Applicability of Kaolin in Isan Ekiti, Nigeria

This study investigates geochemical and mineralogical property of kaolin in Isan Ekiti state, using X-Ray fluorescence and X-Ray diffractometer. The X – Ray Fluorescence of Samples is the major indicator, shows that the percentage Silicon oxide (SiO2) for both samples ranges from 50.35% to 49.76% with an average of 50.055%, Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) ranges from 24.02% to 27.25% with an average of 25.6%, Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3) ranges from 3.42% to 5.14%, with an average of 4.28%, Magnesium Oxide (MgO) ranges from 4.54% to 4.24% with an average of 4.38%, Calcium oxide from 0.67% to 0.63% with an average of 0.65%, and Potassium Oxide range from 3.97 to 2.47, with an average of 3.22%. The Results of X – Ray diffractometer for samples shows that Quartz has its peak at (34.65, 2.70, 2.01 and 2.75) 2Ө values for a sample while a sample was also identified at (32.57, 3.81, 2.23 and 1.65) 2Ө values. Kaolinite has its peak at (8.82, 4.13, 4.01, 2.84, 4.22, 4.52and 1.43) 2Ө values for a sample while another sample was also identified at (8.78,4.61, 4.42, 3.63, 6.29, 4.84 and 1.52) 2Ө values. The Anatase also has its at (4.76 and 2.32) 2Ө values for a sample while a sample was also identified at (3.64 and 3.75) 2Ө values. The Kaolinite in the samples ranges from 29.97% to 34.09% with an average of 32.03%, when compared with standard parameter, its suitable and can be used in coated paper, and when properly beneficiated, will be applicable in grades of ceramic production.

Investigation of Entrepreneurial Emotional Intelligence on Financial Performance of FIIRO Technology Adoptees in South West Geopolitical Zone, Nigeria

Success in entrepreneurial activities is vital to economic development. This has become a major issue of global concern to researchers in entrepreneurship all over the world, including developing nations where entrepreneurs, most especially the micro, small and medium enterprises, play key roles in creating employment opportunities. Therefore, researchers in this field of study should concentrate on conducting empirical research focusing on success factors to bail out ailing enterprises before they shut down, a rampant phenomenon, especially in this post-COVID-19 era coupled with recent global inflation. This study investigated the effect of emotional intelligence on the financial performance of FIIRO (Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi) technology adoptees. The study population is 250 FIIRO technology adoptees who have set up enterprises between 2020 and 2022 based on technologies adopted at FIIRO and are operating in South West Geopolitical Zone comprising Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and Lagos States. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 20 entrepreneurs per state, giving a total of 120 technology adoptees selected for the study. Research design is a cross-sectional approach. A 6-point Likert Scale questionnaire was used to collect data from 86 participants who responded to the questionnaire. Simple regression analysis through SPSS is used for data analysis to test the six hypotheses of the study. Five measures or dimensions of emotional intelligence used in this study are: internal motivation, empathy, self-regulation, self-awareness and skill building, while financial performance measures are: profitability, sales growth, market share, net asset growth and number of employees. The result shows a weak but significant effect of emotional intelligence on financial performance {R2= 0.332, F(1,84)= 10.398, p= 0.002} of FIIRO technology adoptees. Self regulation {R2= 0.115, F(1,84)= 10.889, p= 0.000} and empathy {R2= 0.157, F(1,84)= 15.641, p= 0.000} have weak but significant effect on financial performance. However, self-awareness {R2= 0.020, F(1,84)= 1.735, p= 0.191}, internal motivation {R2= 0.000, F(1,84)= 0.031, p= 0.860} and skill building {R2= 0.025, F(1,84)= 2.144, p= 0.147} have very weak and no significant effect on financial performance. Entrepreneurs would find the results of this study useful to properly harness their emotional intelligence dimensions, most especially self-regulation and empathy dimensions, to achieve the enterprise goal, which is a success.

Men's age determines sexual and reproductive health services utilisation in Ekiti State, Nigeria

ObjectiveSexual and reproductive health services are majorly patronised by women leaving -out the men, hence men's opinions are not usually known or reflected. Therefore, in this study, men's opinion on determinants of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) service utilisation among men were established. This was done in a bit to plan specific and attractive sexual and reproductive health services for men MethodsA cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 339 men between the ages of 18 and 65 years. Study participants were selected at household level from twelve communities using multistage and systematic sampling. Data were collected with the aid of structured questionnaire. Data were analysed with SPSS IBM statistics version 26 and the statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. ResultsOnly 18 % had previously utilised SRH services. Age was the only predisposing characteristic found to be associated with SRH service utilisation (p = 0.02) while distance of hospitals to participants’ residence and distance of hospitals to participants’ office were enabling characteristics found to be significantly associated with SRH service Utilisation (p = 0.00 and p = 0.04), respectively. Prevention and treatment of HIV (p = 0.03) and prevention and treatment of male sexual dysfunction (p = 0.01) were the need-based characteristics associated with SRH service utilisation. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that only age (OR = 1.40, 95 % C. I=1.03–1.90, p = 0.03) was the significant determinant of SRH service Utilisation with middle-aged men utilising SRH services more than other age groups. ConclusionThe utilisation of SRH services by men in this study was poor and this was majorly due to barriers that were service provision related. The study established that age is a major determinant of SRH utilisation by men. Age is an important factor while establishing SRH services for men, hence the need to set up specific MSRH services that are age appropriate and appealing to men.

Response of Okra Varieties to Different Fertilizer Level of Humic Acid

Background and Objective: Poor soil fertility is a great limitation to crop production. The adverse effects of chemical fertilizer and the unavailability of organic fertilizer in large quantities are another challenge. The research was conducted at the Research Farm of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria to examine the effects of appropriate doses of humic acid (HA) fertilizers for maximum performance of okra.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The two factorial experiments comprise four levels of humic acid fertilizer (0, 5.0, 10.0, and 15.0 g HA plant-1) and NPK 15-15-15 (150 kg hac-1), and two okra varieties. The two okra varieties were allocated to main plots while the fertilizer levels were allocated to sub-plots. The collected data on final plant height (cm), the number of leaves per plant, the number of fruits per plant, the weight of fresh fruit per plant (g), the fruit length (cm), the leaf area (cm3), the fruit diameter (cm), and the stem diameter (cm) and analyzed with the IRRI STAR Software.&#x0D; Results: The result showed that the traits measured were significantly different for (HA) levels and NPK fertilizers. The varieties were significantly different for the measured traits except for leaf area, fruit diameter, and fruit length while the varieties x amendment levels were significant for plant height, leaf area, fruit diameter, and stem diameter while others are not significant. The measured traits increases as the humic acid levels increase. It was observed that the plants that received 15.0 g HA plant-1 performed better, followed by 10.0g HA plant-1 and NPK 15-15-15 respectively. However, the differences in the plants that received 5.0g HA plant-1 and 7.5g HA plant-1 were minute.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is therefore concluded that 5.0g HA plant-1 should be applied for optimal okra yield.

Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurial Risk Attitude of Selected Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Nigeria

Abstract The importance of financial literacy as a source of information for making financial decisions has been acknowledged, but little research has been done on how it affects SMEs’ attitudes about taking risks. In order to examine the financial literacy and risk-taking behavior of small and medium-sized firms in Ekiti State, Nigeria, the research created an integrated model from a knowledge-based viewpoint. A survey research design was used for this study with a multi-stage sampling procedure. The study analyzed the primary data collected from the questionnaire. 154 managers and owners of SMEs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, made up the sample. According to the results of multiple regression, financial behavior, knowledge, and attitude all have a positive and substantial impact on how risk-averse small and medium-sized businesses in Ekiti State, Nigeria, are about taking risks. The study’s findings revealed that a high level of financial management literacy has a critical and significant influence on enhancing the entrepreneur’s risk-taking attitude, which leads to the growth of small businesses.

Knowledge and Awareness of Hepatitis B Infection Among Young Adults in Ekiti, Nigeria: Implications for Education and Vaccination.

Aim Hepatitis B is a preventable infection with transmission of the virus through sex, by blood and from mother to child during childbirth. Youngadults are prone to some of these risk factors, yet data on awareness and knowledge of hepatitis B among them is still limited in Nigeria and none from our locality. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B among young adults attending a tertiary health institution in Nigeria with the aim of givingrecommendations based on the findings. Methods A total of 223 young adults who attended the adolescent and young adult clinic of the Family Medicine Department of the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti between 1March and 31May2023 were analyzed using a predesigned self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge of hepatitis B was assessed by asking 12 questions relating to awareness of the disease, basic knowledge, route of transmission, the seriousness of the disease when compared to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), complications from the disease, their vaccination status and the number of doses received by the participants. Results The prevalence of awareness of hepatitis B among respondents was 88 (39.5%). Of the223 respondents studied, 158 (70.9%) had a poor knowledge scoreof the disease. There was a significant association between the highest educational background of the respondents and awareness of hepatitis B (p=0.05). Awareness of hepatitis B was also associated withprevious participation in any health screening (p=0.04) and vaccine awareness (p=<0.001). The majority of the respondents with good knowledge scores of hepatitis B preferred social media for disseminating information about their health (p=0.03). Out of all the participants studied, only one(0.4%) had completed the three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine with 11 (4.9%) of them yet to get fully vaccinated. Conclusion Efforts are needed to target social media platforms with information about hepatitis B and vaccination. With awareness campaigns of hepatitis B directed at various social media platforms, this population at risk couldbe educated about the disease and the benefits of vaccination. The low vaccination state among the respondents brought to the fore the urgent need for the government to ensure the provision of appropriate interventions for viral hepatitis among young adults.

Distribution of Esp Virulent Gene Among Staphylococcus aureus Isolates in Clinical Samples from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado - Ekiti, Nigeria

Infection with Staphylococcus aureus has been considered a major problem in hospitals. The clinical importance of S. aureus is attributed to notable virulence factors and genetic diversity. The study aimed to investigate the distribution of (Enterococal Surface Protein) esp virulent gene and different genotypes in some clinical isolates obtained from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti. A total of 100 clinical isolates were collected and screened out of which 75 samples with good S. aureus yield were used for this study. 34 (45.3%) were from males and 41 (54.7%) were from females. The isolates were drawn from across several age groups and sample types. Result of antibiotic susceptibility test against 75 S aureus isolate showed 64.0%, 58.7%, 54.7%, and 52.0% of the isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, streptomycin, rocephin, and perfloxacin respectively. Conversely 88.0% of the isolate shows resistance to ampiclox 78.7% to zinnacef, 70.7% to amoxicillin, 64.0% to erythromycin, 64.0% to gentamycin and 56.0% to septrin. Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), virulent genes esp formed clusters in S. aureus isolates used in this study. Virulence diversity was observed among isolates. The genetic typing was carried out by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) using OPT06 and OPHO6, primers. In conclusion there exist different genotypes among the S. aureus isolates used in this study revealing high level of genetic diversity occurrence among S. aureus isolates. The DNA fingerprint revealed high genetic diversity among isolates irrespective of their sources.

Evaluation of Serum Anticardiolipin Antibodies and D-dimer in Recipients of COVID-19 Vaccines in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifests itself in a variety of ways, implying a wide range of host autoimmune responses which could lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation. This study was designed to evaluate serum anticardiolipin antibodies and D-dimer in recipients of COVID 19 vaccines in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study population comprised sixteen (16) fully vaccinated subjects, fifteen (15) partially vaccinated subjects and fifteen (15) unvaccinated subjects (control). Anticardiolipin antibodies and D-dimer were analyzed using ELISA. D-dimer and anticardiolipin antibodies were significantly higher in fully and partially vaccinated subjects compared to control (p&lt;0.05). D-dimer and anticardiolipin were insignificantly higher in fully vaccinated subjects compared to partially vaccinated subjects (p&gt;0.05). Anticardiolipin and D-dimer were significantly higher in recipients of mRNA vaccines compared to viral vector vaccines (p&lt;0.05). This study discovered that recipients of the COVID-19 immunization have a higher risk of developing antiphospholipid syndrome due to increased anticardiolipin. If disseminated intravascular coagulations is present and its complications are not adequately handled, this could become more serious

Determinants of Malaria Infection Among Under-Five Children in State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study investigated the determinants of malaria infection among mothers with under-five children in State Specialist Hospital, Ikere - Ekiti, Ekiti State. The research focused on assessing mothers' knowledge of malaria infection among under-five children, exploring their perceptions of malaria infection in this age group, and examining the determinants contributing to malaria infection in this specific population. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and data were collected from 217 mothers attending the Child Welfare Clinic through convenience sampling. A questionnaire named "Determinants of Malaria Infection Questionnaire" (DMIQ) was used for data collection, which underwent validation and reliability testing. Descriptive statistics were employed for data analysis, including frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed varying levels of knowledge and perceptions among mothers regarding malaria in under-five children, highlighting areas for potential improvement in malaria education and awareness campaigns. It was recommended among others that nurses should implement targeted educational programs and awareness campaigns aimed at mothers to improve their knowledge about malaria infection among under-five children. These campaigns should cover topics such as malaria causes, transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures. Special emphasis should be placed on correcting misconceptions, such as the belief that antibiotics can cure malaria.

Empowering Agriculture: Mitigating Postharvest Losses in Tomatoes and Peppers among Male and Female Farmers in Ekiti State, Nigeria with Indigenous Technology

This research focused on the application of local technologies to minimize postharvest losses of tomatoes and peppers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Utilizing a two-stage sampling method, 138 male and 138 female vegetable farmers were randomly chosen for the study. Data collection involved questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and In-depth Interviews (IDI), with factor analysis employed for quantitative data and transcription according to FGD and IDI reporting standards for qualitative data. The study found that sack bags (86.2% of male and 61.2% of female farmers) and woven cane baskets (97.1% of male and 100% of female farmers) were the primary technologies used. Other methods like sun-drying, drying under fire, and blanching were less popular. Factors influencing the choice of local technologies included community (26.9%), cost/economic considerations (15.9%), education (12.9%), proximity to major towns (10.0%), and access to inputs/resources (8.4%). These factors collectively accounted for about 74.35% of the variation in technology utilization. The study concluded that reinforcing community beliefs and practices could promote the use of these indigenous technologies to reduce losses, while also encouraging farmers to adopt more of these available local methods.

Challenges and Opportunities of Agricultural Cooperative Societies on Economic Sustainability of Rural Dwellers in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study ascertained the influence of agricultural cooperative society on economic sustainability of rural dwellers in Ekiti State, Nigeria while the specific objectives are examining socio-economic factors affecting participation of rural dwellers in agricultural cooperative society and determine the challenges of agricultural cooperatives towards the achievement economic sustainability of rural dwellers in Ekiti state, Nigeria. The population of the study comprise of 331 selected agricultural cooperative societies in four selected local governments in Ekiti State namely Ado Ekiti, Ikole Ekiti, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Oye Ekiti Local Government Area while the sample was 175 derived from Taro model using random sampling techniques. Data for the research was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics employed are specifically percentages and frequency tables and the inferential statistics used was multiple regression analysis. The result showed that socio-economic factors: funds for production (0.000), loan (0.000), infrastructures/storages (0.015) and challenges of agricultural cooperatives: subsidize (0.002), loans repayment (0.000). There is significant effect of agricultural cooperative society on economic sustainability of rural dwellers in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study concluded that cooperative members lack sufficient funds for production due to the enormous sums of money involved, loans from government and private institutions as a result of the nation's current economic crisis, lack of opportunities for rural residents to sell their farm products.

Knowledge and Willingness to Utilize Hepatitis B Preventive Measures among Pregnant Women in Ado-Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria.

Mother-to-child transmission remains an important mode of transmission of hepatitis B infection particularly in endemic areas. The knowledge and practices of pregnant women about mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) may influence the uptake of strategies to reduce mother-to-child transmission of infection. This study assessed the knowledge and willingness to uptake hepatitis B virus infection preventive services among pregnant women in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. This was a cross-sectional study that involved 373 pregnant women at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and Maternal Child Specialist Clinics, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to assess their knowledge, practices, and perceptions about MTCT of hepatitis B infection. Only 52.5% (196) of the respondents had good knowledge, although the majority 290 (77.7%) had heard of hepatitis B infection prior to the survey. Only 147 (39.4%) of the respondents had ever had hepatitis B screening. More persons with professional jobs had good knowledge about hepatitis B infection compared with other occupations (p < 0.001). However, more respondents aged 30-34 years had poor knowledge about hepatitis B infection compared with other age groups (p = 0.045). Respondents with good knowledge about hepatitis B infection were willing to uptake hepatitis B infection prevention services (p < 0.001). This study showed that respondents with professional jobs had good knowledge about hepatitis B infection and those who had good knowledge about the infection were willing to utilize hepatitis B preventive measures. Awareness of MTCT of HBV did not translate into good practice as only few respondents had screened for hepatitis B. There is a need to intensify education about modes of transmission of hepatitis B infection with an emphasis on promoting good preventive practices.

Distributed leadership practice among heads of library and job performance of librarians in higher educational institutions in Nigeria

This study investigates DL practice among heads of library and job performance of librarians in HEIs in Nigeria. A descriptive design of survey type was applied for the study. The 164 librarians (19 heads of library and 145 librarians) in 19 public higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Ekiti, Ondo and Osun States formed the population of the study. The study adopted total enumeration sampling technique. A self-structured close-ended questionnaire and interview were used for data collection. It was found that the levels of DL among the heads of library and job performance among librarians in HEIs in Nigeria are high. The study also found that there is significant relationship between: delegation of duties and job performance, delegated decision making and staff job performance, delegated instructional supervision and job performance, and delegated administrative supervision and job performance among the librarians. There is no significant difference between the levels of DL among the male and female heads of the library. It was recommended that subordinate librarians should be trained to develop their leadership capacity to perform optimally when leadership role is distributed to them within the library.

Audio-Instructional Strategy as A Panacea to Listening Challenges Among Primary Pupils in Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State

Listening is one of the language skills that poses challenges to learners most especially second language learners. The study finds out how audio-instructional strategy can be used to help learners: to discriminate English sounds, to improve listening comprehension and spelling abilities of learners. A sample of three hundred and twenty (320) are purposely selected across all public and private primary schools in urban and rural areas of Ikere Local Government of Ekiti State. There are two groups: experimental and control groups that are given pretest and posttest through an instrument tagged. “Effective Audio- Instructional Strategy Test” (EAIST). Three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The data collected are analyzed through t-test inferential statistics and the study finds out that those samples that are treated with audio-instructional strategy perform better than those not so treated in their abilities to discriminate English sounds, respond correctly listening comprehension questions and write correct spellings. The study recommends the use of audio- instructional strategy to ameliorate pupils’ listening challenges.

Knowledge of Skin Diseases and Associated Risk Factors among Students of a Public Secondary School in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Introduction: Physiological and structural differentiation of the pilosebaceous unit occur typically in general population, such changes are usually very prominent in adolescents with increased sebaceous and apocrine secretions. Knowledge of such changes and associated factors has not been adequately described among secondary school students in Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among public secondary school students of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti (FETHI) Staff School. All data collected were analyzed with IBM version 25.0. Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used in bivariate and multivariate analyses to determine significance. P&lt;0.05 was taken as significant.

Relationship between Human Capital Development and Job Performance of Business Educators: A Study in Tertiary Institutions in Ekiti State, Nigeria

The study was on relationship between human capital development and job performance of business educators in tertiary institution in Ekiti state. Three research questions were raised and three hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted correlational survey research design. The population of the study comprised 40 lecturers in business education and Office Technology and Management departments from three Universities and Federal Polytechnic, Ado Ekiti respectively. All the lecturers were used since the population was manageable. The instrument used was a questionnaire titled Human Resources and Job Performance Questionnaire (HRJPQ). The instrument was given to experts in Business Education for content and face validity. The internal consistency of the instrument was ascertained using Cronbach alpha with a Coefficient value of 0.89. The findings revealed that there was a high positive relationship between training and business educators’ job performance, there was a very high positive relationship between mentoring and business educators’ job performance and there was moderate positive relationship between performance appraisal and business educators’ job performance. The findings also revealed that training, mentoring and performance appraisal is significant positive predictor of business educator’s job performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Management of tertiary institutions in Ekiti state need to establish a widely spread evaluation scheme to enhance performance of business educators, they should also offer training programs to business educators based on training needs which is identified through regular performance appraisal review and provide mentoring programme for them to meet their expected performance.

Quantification of radiological hazards associated with natural radionuclides in soil, granite and charnockite rocks at selected fields in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Assessment of activity levels of radionuclides that exist in soil, granite, and charnockite rock samples is very crucial because it exhibits an enhanced elemental concentration of uranium (U) and thorium (Th) contributing higher natural background activity than usual in the environment and it may cause health risk to human health through the external and internal exposure. This study determined the radioactivity levels of 238U, 232Th, and 40K radionuclides in soil, granite, and charnockite rock samples collected from selected fields in Ekiti State, Nigeria using Caesium iodide CsI(Tl) scintillation gamma spectrometer. It also evaluated indices of the radiological parameters consisting of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed dose rate (DR), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), internal hazard index (Hin), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). The calculated average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K are 30.40 ± 0.71 Bq kg−1, 3.31 ± 0.05 Bq kg−1, and 222.25 ± 14.72 Bq kg−1, respectively, which were lower than their respective world average values. Comparatively, potassium concentrations in these collected samples have a higher value than concentrations of uranium and thorium (40K > 238U > 232Th). All the evaluated values of the radiological parameters (except DR) of the appraised radionuclides were below the global permissible limits. The granite rocks, charnockite rocks, and soils from Ekiti State in Nigeria do not pose any hazardous risk to humans, but continued monitoring is necessary when these materials are used as building materials, which cause long-term radiation exposure.

Effects of Mind Mapping And Visual Imagery Instruction Strategies on Senior Secondary Schools Students’ Scientific Attitude to Mechanics in Ekiti State of Nigeria

The study examined the effects of visual imagery and mind mapping strategies on physics students’ scientific attitude to mechanics in Ekiti state, Nigeria. The study adopted 3 X 1 pretest-posttest control group quasi experimental research design. Eight senior secondary schools were be purposively selected for the experimental groups, while four schools were purposively selected for the control group. This made a total of twelve schools that were selected from twelve local government areas across all the three senatorial districts of Ekiti state for the study. A total number of two hundred and forty six physics students from the selected schools were used. The instrument that the researcher used for the study was self-designed instruments titled: Students’ Scientific Attitude to Mechanics. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) as well as inferential statistics such as Analysis of Covariate (ANCOVA) which was used to determine the significant mean and interaction effects to the variables of the study. Estimated Marginal Mean (EMM) was used to determine the performance of each group. Bonferroni pair wise and Scheffe Post-hoc analyses were also employed to trace the source of observed significance among the groups. The finding of the study revealed that there was significant effect of treatment on students’ scientific attitude to mechanics. The result further showed that those exposed to visual imagery had the highest scientific attitude mean score, closely followed by those exposed to mind mapping while those taught with conventional method of teaching had the least. Also, the finding of the study showed that there was significant main effect of gender on students’ scientific attitude to mechanics. Similarly, the finding showed that there was significant interaction effect of treatment and gender on students’ scientific attitude. Based on these findings, it was therefore recommended that mind mapping and visual imagery instructional strategies should be used in improving students’ scientific attitude.

The Psychosocial Effects of Sickle Cell Anaemia Among Couples in Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria

The function of the normal red blood cell is to transport oxygen with the help of haemoglobin while, sickle-shaped red blood cells are dehydrated, rigid and fragile causing blockage small blood vessels leading to vaso- occlusion, intravascular hemolysis and series of life threatening disorders [1]. The inheritance of homozygous sickle haemoglobin (HbS) is in accord with Mendelian laws. According to Mendelian laws, if carriers (AS) marry each other they will probably produce a sickler (SS) in ratio 1(SS): 2(AS): 1(AA) [2]. This is a descriptive study among secondary school teachers aiming at their knowledge level and specifically identifies the Socioeconomic effects of sickle cells diseased (SCD) on couples. Three hundred (300) participants were selected using simple random sampling Technique. The study instruments are a pre tested, validated, self-administered structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20; results were presented in tables and percentages. The results show that participants have good knowledge on SCD (83.3%), while 50% knows that it is an inherited blood disorders, 66.67 % knows that it can be detected via blood test. Majority of the respondents (93%) affirmed that genotype can influence their choice of partners to marry despite love and affection towards their partners. The study recommends more public health education and training to enable patients to receive optimum care for the treatment and prevention of SCD and more specialist centers should be established in high-risk communities.

Effect of Physical Activity, Exercise and Sedentary Behaviour on Academic Performance of Students in Higher Institutions

This study investigated the relationship between physical activity, exercise, sedentary behaviour, and academic performance in higher education students. Staying physically active is crucial for preserving general health and well-being. The study aims to investigate the effect of physical activity, exercise and sedentary behaviour on students' academic performance in tertiary institutions. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The population comprised 200 students from the Federal, State and Privately owned tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. Physical activity and exercise levels were assessed using a self-developed questionnaire titled: “Effect of Physical Activity, Exercise and Sedentary Behaviour on Students’ Academic Performance (EPESSAP)” as an instrument for the study. The instrument's dependability was determined using the test-retest procedure. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to collect and analyze the responses. With a reliability coefficient of 0.83, it was found that the instrument proved reliable for the research. Two hypotheses and three research questions were presented. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study revealed that most undergraduate students are aware that regular activities or exercise positively impact their academic performance; the findings of the study further revealed that a sedentary lifestyle makes students too lazy to get involved in physical activities or exercise, which eventually tells on their academic performance and that despite the wealth of knowledge on the importance of being physically active, majority of undergraduate students still live a sedentary lifestyle, among others. The study concluded that physical activity, exercise, and sedentary behaviours are not opposite ends of the spectrum. However, there are distinct behaviours with different predictors and pathways towards students' academic performance in tertiary institutions. Based on the findings, the study recommended that regular exercise can positively impact cognitive function, memory, and attention, which can lead to improved academic performance.