Federal Capital Research Articles

Analysis of 4G/LTE Network Performance in North-Central Nigeria: A Comprehensive Drive Test Approach

The proliferation of mobile devices and escalating demand for data services have resulted in a substantial increase in data traffic across Nigeria, especially in the North Central region due to heavy migration of individuals and organizations towards Abuja, the federal capital. However, despite the growing adoption of 4G/LTE networks in North Central Nigeria, users encounter persistent challenges in accessing high-speed internet and poor service network. This study investigates the performance of 4G/LTE networks in North-Central Nigeria using a comprehensive drive test methodology carried out in Abuja, Lafia and Makurdi. It covered a duration of 3hrs (12.00noon to 15.00pm) for 3days (3rd - 6th January, 2024). For each test day, drive tests covered a period of data measurements divided into 3,600 time-steps, with each time-step sized at 1sec; and scaled to 1:150 units. Key metrics including network speed, latency, uptime, coverage, and signal power were evaluated across major Mobile Network Operators. Result shows that D-NGN has the highest mean speed (9.543Mbps), packet loss (2.007%), uplink percentage (97.714%), and Network coverage (87.514%). It has the least latency (25.921) but high packet loss (2.007%). However, C-NGN shows lowest mean speed (6.638Mbps), uplink percentage (38.706%) and Signal power (-78.057dBm) but lowest mean packet loss (0.121%). A-NGN has the highest mean signal power (-61.867dBm) while B-NGN has highest latency (44.070ms) and lowest Network coverage (60.731%). This reveals that D-NGN has dominance in network performance, outperforming A-NGN, B-NGN, and C-NGN. It is recommended that MNOs in North-Central Nigeria should strategically enhance their network infrastructure to improve service delivery, particularly in suburban and rural areas where performance lags. D-NGN, the frontrunner in network speed and coverage, could further solidify its market leadership by addressing identified latency and packet loss issues especially in Makurdi. Moreover, MNOs with lower performance metrics could invest in expanding coverage and optimizing network configurations to meet user demands, thereby increasing competitiveness and customer satisfaction across the region.

Adicción a los videojuegos, calidad de sueño y malestar psicológico en adolescentes y jóvenes adultos

The present research took levels of video game addiction and tested a model of structural structures to determine whether videogame addiction predicted sleep quality and psychological distress. A sample of 612 young male adults was constituted, with a mean age of 21 years (SD = 2.95) of residents of Greater Buenos Aires and 40% in the Federal Capital. They answered a demographic questionnaire, the GASA questionnaire, a sleep questionnaire and the DASS-21 that measures anxiety, depression, and stress. The results indicated high levels of video game addiction and that age introduced differences. The structural model presented a good fit and addiction predicted greater sleep difficulties and less psychological well-being. The discussion will review the implications of this research and provide suggestions for future research.

A Socio-Cultural Analysis of Users’ Intentions to Use Facemask in the Post Covid-19 Era in Nigeria

This paper investigates individuals’ intention to use facemasks in the post-COVID-19 era using the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, enforcement, rather than individual choice, drove facemask usage. In the post-COVID-19 era, the effects of facilitating condition, social influence, price value, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, experience and habit on the intention to use the facemask were investigated using the regressions analyses. A total of 417 respondents took part in the selection from government organisations, including higher institutions and public offices in South-West Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). The result shows that facilitating conditions and hedonic motivation positively influenced the intention to use the facemask, while price value, experience and habit have negative impacts. Findings from this study suggest that facemask manufacturers and distributors must suitably design their products to suit the value perception of the user and beliefs that trigger social status and hedonic motivations in conjunction with the primary health benefits of the facemasks. It is recommended that further improvement of the facemask technology, such that it can convert traditional facemasks into smart technology with increasing emphasis on fashion and style, while adhering to safety measures be promoted by policymakers and manufacturers. While facemask manufacturers must see that the quality of their products meets up to ASTM (or relevant) standards, for which user-friendly, durable, microbe-resistant, yet biodegradable materials have been used, policymakers must organise regular sensitization programs on the importance of mask usage, and as well promote continuous development of improved technologies for nosemask designs.

Effect of Workplace Satisfaction on Employee Performance: Case Study of Federal Capital Development Authority Abuja

Effect of Workplace Satisfaction on Employee Performance: Case Study of Federal Capital Development Authority Abuja

Effect of National Assembly Constituency Projects on Educational Infrastructure Development in Selected Rural Communities, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja

This study assessed the effect of National Assembly constituency projects on educational infrastructure development in selected rural communities, (FCT), Abuja 2015-2023. It examined how these projects have affected the availability of educational infrastructure development in selected rural communities. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis through surveys and qualitative insights from document review and stakeholders. The quantitative component utilised a structured survey questionnaire based on a Likert scale to assess community perceptions of the National Assembly constituency projects' effect in addressing educational infrastructure development needs in rural communities. Additionally, chi-square tests were employed to analyse the relationship between National Assembly constituency projects and their effect on the availability of educational infrastructure development in selected rural communities, FCT, Abuja. Key findings revealed that National Assembly constituency projects have significantly affected the availability of educational infrastructure development in selected rural communities, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The study recommended that policymakers should sustain funding of National Assembly constituency project interventions on educational infrastructure development in the rural communities, FCT, Abuja and beyond.

Optimum enterprise combination of selected food crops and broiler production systems in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Optimum enterprise combination of selected food crops and broiler production systems in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Analysis of dumpsites and their potential health risks to residents of Jahi District, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria

Analysis of dumpsites and their potential health risks to residents of Jahi District, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria

A GIS-Based Approach for Assessing Urban Development Potential in Federal Capital Territory Nigeria

Urban development potential assessment is essential for guiding the spatial expansion of cities, optimizing land use, and ensuring sustainable urban growth. In the context of rapidly urbanizing regions, such as Nigeria, understanding development potential helps mitigate the challenges of urban sprawl, infrastructure strain, and environmental degradation, hence, this study is aimed at a GIS based approach for assessing urban development potential in federal capital territory Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to: identify and categorize the key factors influencing urban development in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria; assess the reliability of the identified factors using consistency index and sensitivity analysis; determine the potential areas for urban development in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria using analytical hierarchical process; and produce an urban development potential map defining the extent of urban development potential across the urban landscape of the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The study employed the assessment of relative priorities in modelling and mapping urban development potential in Federal Capital Territory Nigeria. This assessment was based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including slope, elevation, proximity to road network, population density and proximity to developed areas. The Analytical Hierarchical Process was utilized to compare and establish the relative importance of these criteria by means of matrix comparisons. Subsequently, these criteria were assigned relative weights. Weighted Overlay technique was applied to generate the final development potential map. The study revealed that Abuja Municipal Area had the highest potential development area, covering an area 851.40 km2, with Bwari and Kuje Area Councils as having the second and third highest development potential with an area coverage of 312.40 km2 and 279.69 km2 respectively. Gwagwalada and Kwali Area Councils were ranked fourth and fifth with a developable area coverage of 180.20 km2 and 127.60 km2 respectively, while Abaji Area Council was ranked the least with developable area coverage of 40.27 km2. The study successfully integrated an approach to investigate development potential within the Federal Capital Territory. This evaluation approach, is hereby recommended to be used as tool for planning and decision making in urban development in the study area.

Assessment of Primary Healthcare Centres for Care of NonCommunicable Diseases in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Assessment of Primary Healthcare Centres for Care of NonCommunicable Diseases in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Decision-making model in digital commerce: electronic trust-based purchasing intention through online food delivery applications (OFDAs)

PurposeThis research aimed to raise awareness about the need for safety measures and features of online food delivery applications (OFDAs) to build electronic trust (e-trust) with augmented purchase intention among customers. Moreover, this study explores the attributes of electronic commerce (e-commerce) and how e-trust influences the purchasing intention of consumers while ordering food through OFDAs including fear of contagious diseases. Determinants of e-commerce in the digital era profoundly impact the performance of enterprises.Design/methodology/approachData from 493 food consumers collected from Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Pakistan, who were regular users of OFDAs. To scrutinize the dataset, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the construct validity in this research study. Structural equation modeling (SEM), which is facilitated by Smart-PLS, was employed to examine the direct, moderation and mediation effects of the proposed model.FindingsResults revealed the positive and significant impact of the e-trust on the purchase intention. Additionally, e-trust acted as a mediating factor in the connection between electronic security (e-security), electronic privacy (e-privacy), usability, electronic payment (e-payment), electronic innovativeness (e-innovativeness) and the buyer's purchase intention. Furthermore, the fear of contagious viruses negatively moderated the e-trust and purchase intention that weakened buying behavior.Originality/valueThis research is primarily centered on enhancing the comprehension regarding safety orientation within the context of an evolving restaurant industry. The findings of this study hold substantial contributions for academics, web developers, application designers, OFDAs, restaurants and other businesses since they indicate the attractiveness of OFDAs in generating feelings of pleasure and boosting users' intentions to keep using the application.

Attitudes and Practice of Solid Waste Management among Residents of Federal Capital Territory Municipal Council, Nigeria

Background: Attitude is a major determinant of health behaviour. Proper management of solid waste at the household level can only be achieved by identifying the attitude of residents towards household solid waste management practices. Solid wastes (SW) are materials created from human activities that are no longer useful. They are disposable solid materials and might be hazardous to human well-being, e.g. plastics, wood, food, textiles, metals, glass, leather, sanitary waste, septic tank waste, etc. Aim: This study assessed the attitude of Abuja residents towards solid waste management practices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Municipal Council. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. The respondents for the study were adults from randomly selected households in the AMAC and Bwari suburbs of Abuja FCT. Data was collected from 197 respondents using a self-structured questionnaire (α=0.78). Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0 Findings: The study showed that the residents of the FCT municipal agreed that organic and plastic materials are the most solid waste materials produced. There was a positive attitude towards waste collection through waste bins (mean value: 2.79, SD: 1.214) but a very poor attitude towards separation of solid wastes before final disposal (mean value: 1.45, SD: 0.939). Conclusion: Despite having a favourable attitude towards collecting their solid wastes in waste baskets (bins) and plastic bags and temporary storage of their solid waste before disposal, 47.2% of FCT residents still dump refuse along the roadside and have a very poor attitude towards separating solid wastes before final disposal. Keywords: Solid waste, Management practices, FCT Municipal council, Solid Waste Management

Entomological Collections and Identifications of Mosquito Faunas in Selected Area Councils of Nigeria Federal Capital Territory

Entomological Collections and Identifications of Mosquito Faunas in Selected Area Councils of Nigeria Federal Capital Territory

Grade inflation in Pakistan higher education: teachers’ perspective

ABSTRACT The issue of grade inflation has been studied in many countries across the globe, yet it remains under-researched in Pakistan. This study aims to understand grade inflation in Pakistani universities by examining the contributing factors and its consequences. The data for this study was collected through in-depth interviews of 20 professors from four (two public and two private sector) universities in the federal capital of Islamabad, Pakistan. The data reveals that the major cause for grade inflation in the selected universities was the competition between public and private universities to recruit students without giving due consideration to merit. Additionally, the culture of hiring untrained candidates as visiting faculty who aspire to be hired in permanent positions was a key contributing factor that led to grade inflation. Other factors include the limitations of the semester system and individualised directed studies. This study recommends the need to monitor and revisit the examination and grading system in Pakistani universities to enhance imparting quality education and to compete at the international level.

INNOVATIVE RADIATION SHIELDING: PERFORMANCE OF LOCALLY MADE BaSO4 -COATED BUILDING BLOCKS FROM FCT, ABUJA AS LOW COST EFFECTIVE RADIATION BARRIERS

This study explores the innovative use of locally made blocks from four area councils (Abuja Municipal, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali) within the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, coated with Barium Sulfate paint, as an effective shielding material against radiation. Soil samples were collected from each area, and blocks measuring 10 cm x 10 cm with varying thicknesses of 1-4 cm were molded. These coated blocks were exposed to low-energy X-rays at 100 kV and 10 mAs, and radiation doses passing through them were measured using a Raysafe Thin-X dose meter, including the free air exposure without any block. One uncoated block from Abuja Municipal area was also exposed to compare the effectiveness of barium sulfate. The Linear Attenuation Coefficients and Half-Value Layers for the blocks from each council area were determined. The block sample derived from soil collected in the Abuja Municipal Area and coated with Barium Sulfate exhibited the highest linear attenuation coefficient of 1.114 cm⁻¹ and the lowest half-value layer of 6.22 mm. In contrast, an uncoated block from the same soil showed 0.702 cm-1 and 9.87 mm as the linear attenuation coefficient and the half-value layer respectively. Blocks from the Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali Area Councils showed linear attenuation coefficients of 1.027, 0.900, and 0.968 cm⁻¹ and half-value layers of 6.75, 7.70, and 7.16 mm, respectively. These values were compared with the half-value layers of concrete and lead. From the findings, Barium Sulfate coated blocks were found to be the most effective and cost-efficient alternative for radiation shielding.

Determinants of Backyard Livestock Farming amongst Households in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

This study analysed the determinants of backyard livestock farming among households in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. The sample size was 166 randomly selected from 6 towns in two local government councils in the FCT, Abuja. Primary and secondary data were used for the study and questionnaire and interview schedules were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistics were respectively used to analyse the objectives and hypotheses of the study. Results revealed that the average age, household size and farming experience of respondents was 43.01 years, 7 persons and 10.14 years respectively. Also revealed was the fact that female-dominated backyard livestock farming (76.51%), most (56.63%) of who were married and of secondary school educational level (51.81%). Most (71.69%) of them were into full-time farming and of Christian religion (59.64%). The majority (40.36%) of the farmers realized an annual income level of N100,001 - 200,000 and realized an average income of N194,578.31 on a per annum basis. Several benefits like provision of income (mean = 3.55), source of food to the family (mean = 3.40) and source of savings (mean = 2.87), amongst others were derived from backyard livestock farming. Most of the respondents were favourably disposed to the derived benefits derived from the farming practice even though they were confronted with some challenges like, lack of finance with a mean of 3.16, outbreak of pests and diseases (3.03) and theft (mean = 2.93), amongst others that plagued backyard livestock farming practice. However, socioeconomic variables such as respondents’ gender, age, marital status, education and farming experience were significant variables and related to the annual income earned from the backyard.

Perspectives of relatives of patients with end-stage kidney disease on kidney sources, commercial kidney donation, and barriers to living kidney donation in Nigeria: a qualitative study.

Kidney transplantation is the best mode of kidney replacement therapy. However, the shortage of organ donations has been a major challenge globally. Relatives of patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are potential kidney donors. We explored their perspectives about kidney donation, kidney commercialisation, and barriers to kidney donation. In-depth interviews were conducted among 28 relatives of ESKD patients across the six geopolitical zones and Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The interview focused on potential sources of kidney donors, kidney commercialisation and barriers to kidney donation. ATLAS.ti version 9.0.22.0 was used for data analysis. Mean age of the study participants was 41.57 ± 14.55years; 54% were females, 60.7% were married, 93% had tertiary education and 75% were first degree relatives of ESKD patients. There were 7 themes and 28 subthemes generated in this study. The potential sources of kidney donors identified by the study participants included commercial, hospital, family and non-family member donors. While some opined that a family member is the best choice as a kidney donor, others preferred a commercial donor. The majority of those interviewed do not believe that it is wrong to purchase a kidney, and would be willing to do so. Identified factors that promote kidney commercialisation were unwillingness of a family member to donate, having the financial capacity to purchase a kidney, non-fitness of family members to donate. Identified barriers to kidney donation were age, poor health status, polygamy, perceived poor expertise of the medical team, perceived risk of the procedure, parental influence and religious beliefs. The majority of participants lacked correct information about kidney donation. Implementation of educational programpolicies and laws regulating and reinforcing ethical principles of kidney donation and transplantation should be ensured.

Access To and Use of Information by Human Trafficking Victims for Empowerment in Kubwa Metropolis, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Access To and Use of Information by Human Trafficking Victims for Empowerment in Kubwa Metropolis, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Women and Urbanisation in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

This study examines women's role in the urbanisation of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. From the standpoint of feminist theory, urbanisation is believed to create expanded opportunities for the general populace as well as for women, who typically face discrimination in rural economies. However, the initial FCT master plan ended up being distorted by the dynamics and complexities of Abuja's urbanisation and growth process over time, which is driven by political and economic realities. There are drawbacks to urbanisation in civilisations with strong sociocultural norms and values, such as the fact that women must endure various forms of gender inequality, discrimination, and exclusion, particularly in the political sphere, which present significant difficulties. This study makes use of secondary data to demonstrate how the FCT's 2003 reconstruction to its original Master Plan provided chances for active participation in which women were included for both native people and newcomers. In a similar vein, the Federal Capital Development Authority's (FCDA) and other local council offices, which hired indigenous people for their departments and agencies, significantly altered the way of life for women from being rural farmers to empowered workers. In order to address the issues facing women in the FCT, empowerment must be a multifaceted process that transforms the economic, political, social, psychological, and legal conditions of the weak (women). It must also aim to demolish cultural, traditional, and social norms that devalue, disempower, and dispossess women, with a primary goal of meeting their needs.

MUSHROOM PRODUCTION BY SMALL-SCALE FARMERS: AN APPROACH TO ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND REDUCING HUNGER AMONG RURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

The study was carried out to investigate mushroom production by small-scale farmers as an approach to economic empowerment and reducing hunger among rural households in North Central Nigeria. The study used 389 respondents sampled through multi-stage sampling technique from three States and the Federal Capital Territory. Descriptive and inferential statistics (Binary logit regression model and Binomial test) were used to analyse the data. Results showed that the majority of the respondents were males (59.13%), married (53.47%), with the average age of 37.37 years, a mean household size of five persons and a mean educational level of 14years. They were mostly into farming (32.90%) and at full- time level (77.63%). The farmers earned an average annual income of N360,539.85 and N426,092.55 before and after adding mushroom to their farming activities and were satisfied with the proceeds from mushroom production. Strategies such as establishing and participating in cooperative groups (mean = 3.55), development of improved mushroom growing materials (mean = 3.40) and extension agents training of farmers on input use for mushroom production (mean = 3.30) were advocated to increase mushroom production. Socio-demographic characteristics such as gender, marital status, age, educational level, household size and farm status positively influence the income earned by farmers from mushroom production. It is recommended that there is need for a robust extension programme to be carried out on farmers training on the use of inputs.

SMALLHOLDER FARMERS’ INTENTION TO USE AND THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS ELECTRONIC PAYMENT PLATFORMS IN GWAGWALADA AREA COUNCIL OF THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, NIGERIA

Smallholder farmers in Nigeria have not been substantially influenced by the country's growing usage of payment systems, and it is unclear what these farmers think of the electronic payment platforms available in the study region. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ intentions to use and attitudes toward electronic payment platforms in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Ninety-three smallholder farmers were sampled using a multi-stage sampling technique. The study adopted descriptive statistics, the Likert scale, and the Probit model to achieve the specific objectives. The result showed that the majority of the respondents were single with an average age and household size of approximately 38 years and 6 persons respectively. Most of the smallholder farmers in the study area showed intention to use electronic payment platforms for their transactions. The farmers also expressed confidence in using electronic payment platforms and strongly agreed that the use of electronic payment platforms is risky and therefore preferred human tellers to electronic payment platforms. The Probit model analysis revealed that the coefficient of education and income (P<0.05) positively and statistically influenced farmers’ intention to use electronic payment platforms. The study suggests that programs be developed in the study area to facilitate electronic payment options, increase farmers' income, and inform farmers of the advantages of using electronic payment platforms for utility and financial transactions in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.