Federal Universities Research Articles

Female Undergraduates’ Perception of Feminist Depictions in the Woman King Film

This study sets out to ascertain the opinions of female undergraduates on portrayals of feminism contained in the movie The Woman King (2022). The study used focus group discussion to elicit data from female undergraduates in Anambra State, Nigeria, in order to determine the inherent feminist themes in the selected movie and ascertain how they perceive them. Three universities were randomly selected from the nine universities in the state to represent the three forms of university ownership in Nigeria, which are federal, state and private universities. twelve focus group discussants were purposively selected from each university based on their availability and willingness to participate in the exercise. Analysis of data was done and presented thematically. Results showed the various themes female undergraduates identified from the selected film and female empowerment through leadership was most striking among them all. Their views about the feminist representations are those of inspiration and thought-provocation. The study recommends that film makers should be more diverse in creating feminism perspectives to provide a more comprehensive representation of feminism ideals and experiences and give a deeper exploration of feminism struggles within historical contexts that would offer a richer understanding of the challenges faced by the female folks.

INFLUENCE OF COMPETITION STRATEGIES ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION AMONG ACADEMIC STAFF OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH-EAST, NIGERIA

This study examined the impact of Competition Strategy on conflict resolution among academic staff of Federal Universities in the North-East, Nigeria. A research question, and null hypothesis was formulated from the objective of the study. Descriptive survey was adopted as a design for the study. A total of five thousand five hundred thirty-five (5,535) academic staff of the six Federal Universities in North-East Nigeria form the population of this study, out of which one thousand one hundred and seven (1,107) respondents were purposely sampled for the study. A self-designed questionnaire titled “Competition Strategy and Conflict Resolution Questionnaire” (CSCRQ) was distributed to the respondents. The overall dependability coefficient was determined to be 0.76, indicating that the instrument is dependable. The data was analyse through descriptive and inferential statistics. The Chi-square test was employed to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 significant level. Findings indicated that competitive strategies affected conflict resolution among academic personnel in Federal Universities in North-East Nigeria. It further suggested that implementation of a competitive strategy for conflict resolution will effectively address conflicts among academic staff of federal universities in the North-East Nigeria. It was recommended among others that University management committees be mandated to introduce a competitive strategy by organizing regular competitions via conferences, seminars, and workshops, allowing academic staff to demonstrate their intellect. This would foster respect and harmonious coexistence among the personnel.

The changing relationship between racial identity and skin color in Brazil

In recent years, Brazil's non-White (Brown and Black) population became a numerical majority for the first time since the 19th century. Although we know this change was mostly due to racial reclassification, we do not know how such changes are related to skin color, the primary marker of race in Brazil. Using data from six Latin American Public Opinion Project (LAPOP), or America's Barometer, surveys from 2010 to 2023, we examine how changes in racial self-identification (White, Brown, or Black) are related to respondent skin color (light, medium, or dark). We ask how the association between self-identified race and skin color changed over the 13-y period and to what extent these trends varied by educational level. We found a "darkening" of racial identification over time, especially among those with medium and dark skin, who increasingly identified as Black. Brazilians with light skin increasingly identified as Brown, but this was partly explained by changes in interviewer reporting of skin color in the same period. We found only minor evidence that education level was related to changing racial classification over time. Our findings further understanding of recent trends in racial reclassification, which may reflect growing Black consciousness and the extension of racial quotas to both Brown and Black Brazilians in federal universities and public sector jobs.

Industrial Disputes Management and Academic Staff Welfare Improvement in Nigerian Universities

There is a growing need to address the unique challenges of academic staff in universities such as unsatisfactory welfare and incessant disputes. In this regard, industrial dispute management was looked into as a tool to improve the welfare of academic staff in Nigeria. The study adopted the quantitative research approach and descriptive research design. The population of the study was academic staff from six federal universities in Southwest, Nigeria. A sample size of 377 was determined using the Taro Yamane sample size determination and was distributed to the selected Universities based on their respective population. The study sourced for primary data through which a structured questionnaire that was administered online to academic staff. Data collected were analysed with inferential statistical techniques such as correlation and regression analysis. The study found that collective bargaining has significant negative impact on the welfare of academic staff in the universities investigated (β=-0.494, p<005). Similalry, industrial communication had a negative significant impact on the welfare of academic staff in the universities investigated (β=-0.438, p<005). Furthermore, joint consultation had a negative significant impact on the welfare of academic staff in the universities investigated (β=-0.462, p<005). It was also revealed that industrial democracy had a negative significant impact on the welfare of academic staff in the universities investigated (β=-0.319, p<005). It was concluded that the existing industrial disputes management tools are not helping out in improving academic staff welfare in the universities. The study recommends a new approach to improving academic welfare without disputes.

Sociocultural and Digital Communication Challenges in AI Adoption for Classroom Communication: Insights from Nigerian Colleges of Education

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education offers transformative possibilities, particularly in enhancing classroom communication. However, its adoption remains uneven, especially in developing countries like Nigeria, where sociocultural, linguistic, and infrastructural barriers persist. This study investigates the adoption of AI-mediated communication among academic staff at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data from 200 respondents with qualitative insights to explore the extent of adoption, challenges encountered, and sociocultural influences. Results indicate that while 19.2% of respondents extensively use AI tools, a significant portion faces challenges such as inadequate funding (42.3%), limited technical expertise (15.4%), and infrastructural deficiencies (25%). Moreover, sociolinguistic issues, including the mismatch between AI tools and local languages, hinder effective communication. Resistance to change, rooted in traditional teaching norms, further complicates adoption. The study contributes by highlighting the interplay between sociocultural norms and technological resistance, offering a multidisciplinary perspective on AI integration in education. Recommendations include targeted professional development, infrastructure improvements, and the creation of culturally adaptive AI tools. These findings provide a replicable framework for enhancing AI adoption in similar educational contexts globally. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts of AI integration on teaching outcomes and develop policies addressing ethical considerations in AI usage. This study underscores the critical need for inclusive and localized AI solutions to bridge the technological gap in education.

Smart Document Management and Capture Platform

With the increasing volume of digital documents generated every day, effectively storing and organizing them has become an essential task. Smart Document Management and Capture Platform (SDCP) has evolved as a vital technology that enables organizations to efficiently gather, process, and manage their documents. This study aims to provide an understanding of document management practices in a college setting. Specifically, the study discusses the importance of documents, document management programs, their benefits, and how these records are managed in the college. A thesis submitted by Tijjani Aliyu on Records Management in Federal College of Education, found that colleges keep their paper-based records primarily in files and on wooden shelves, which increases the risk of data loss. The use of document management platforms can reduce this risk, as well as eliminate the need for physical storage. Additionally, these platforms can make all documents readily available and easily retrievable in one location. Furthermore, SDCP can benefit academic staff by assessing teachers' overall work performance.[5] Key Words: Smart Document management and capture Platform (SDCP), Document Management platform, paper- based records, college, storing.

The Role of Citizenship Education on Enhancing the Promotion of Unity in Nigeria: Implication for Primary Education

Citizenship education, as a pedagogical approach, emphasizes the development of civic responsibility, tolerance, and national identity, which are essential for addressing the challenges posed by Nigeria's ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity. The study explores how the integration of citizenship education in primary schools helps inculcate values such as respect for diversity, patriotism, and conflict resolution skills among young learners. Using a survey research design, data were collected from 320 Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) students from Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, and Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, in Anambra State, Nigeria. Purposive random sampling was employed to select respondents from Social Studies, Economics, English, and Igbo Language departments. A structured questionnaire with 15 items on a 4-point Likert scale was used for data collection, and reliability was confirmed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Data analysis involved mean scores, with a cutoff of 2.50 for agreement. Findings revealed that ethnic hatred, religious intolerance, distrust, lack of basic education, and colonial policies are significant barriers to unity in Nigeria. Citizenship education was found to promote unity by enhancing the appreciation of diversity, instilling values of cooperation and tolerance, and equipping individuals with conflict resolution skills. However, challenges such as a lack of qualified teachers, insufficient instructional materials, and inadequate commitment from educators hinder its effectiveness. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating citizenship education into primary education to cultivate values that promote unity among young learners. The research findings imply the need for systematic transformation in the basic education curriculum, by integrating programs that comprehensively teach the values ​​of tolerance, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

Personal Factors as Predictors of Attitude Towards ICT Utilisation Among Lecturers of Students with Special Needs in Nigeria

Teaching students with special educational needs in higher institutions of learning, through the use of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities and equipment is beneficial to both the students and their lecturers. This study, therefore, investigates the contribution of lecturers’ personal factors (age, teaching experience, area of specialization and educational qualification) to the attitude of lecturers towards the use of ICT in teaching students with special educational needs in higher institutions of learning in Oyo State Nigeria. The descriptive research design was used, while the multi-stage sampling procedure was adopted for the study. There was a purposive selection of two institutions namely, the University of Ibadan and Federal College of Education (Special) Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. Using random sampling technique, 80 lecturers were selected from the two institutions. An adapted questionnaire on the attitudes of in-service teachers toward the use of the ICT was adopted for data collection. Data was analysed using frequency counts, percentages and multiple regression statistics. Demographic profiles revealed that the majority of the respondents were aged 44 years and above, highly experienced lecturers, Ph.D holders, special educators and from the non-science disciplines. The joint contribution of personal factors to lecturers’ attitude towards the use of ICT in teaching persons with special educational needs shows a multiple correlation R of 0.147 and a multiple R2 of 0.022. Also, the relative contributions of the independent variables to the dependent variable, expressed as beta weights, reveal: age (β = 0.02), teaching experience (β = 0.10), area of specialization (β = 0.07), and educational qualification (β = 0.03) respectively. The study concluded that the selected demographic variables are not significant predictors of lecturers’ attitude towards the use of ICT in teaching students with special educational needs in higher institutions of learning. It was recommended that all categories of lecturers, notwithstanding their demographics, should be encouraged to acquire more skills in the use of ICT tools for teaching their students with special educational needs and use these skills effectively for enhanced learning outcomes.

Exploring the relationships between connection to nature, environmental stewardship, career aspirations, and identity

The environmental workforce remains largely White, despite calls to diversify. There exists a narrative that environmental education programs can enact change by cultivating Connection to Nature (CTN) among individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). We contend that more work is needed to understand the full range of factors that keep individuals who identify as BIPOC from environmental degree programs and careers. We conducted survey research to explore the relationships between CTN, stewardship towards the natural world, environmental career aspirations, and identity. We administered our survey to high school students enrolled in a federal college readiness program, called Upward Bound. Our results are important for environmental education programs to consider because they suggest that fostering CTN is a promising leverage point, but not a sufficient strategy on its own for supporting individuals who identify as BIPOC as they consider careers in the environmental fields.

Design and Testing of Brush Robot as Innovation in Improving STEM Instructional Out-Come in Pre-Service Teachers in Plateau State.

In this study, an experimental research design was used to design and test brush robots with pre-service teachers in Federal College of Education Pankshin Plateau state. This intends to solve the problem of innovation deficit in classroom instruction. The population for the study consisted of all NCE one students in the department of early childhood offering the course Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics STEM in the 2023/2024 session. A Sample of 30 Pre service NCE teachers participated in the research. A robot brush was constructed using low cost kits in the robot design stages. The instruments used consisted of Robot Parts test and the Solve-It tasks (design and functionality test) with Cronbach alpha reliability of 0.81. Treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Data was collected and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicated that pre-service teachers have poor knowledge of robot parts such as DC motors. This implies that pre-service teachers are novice to robot part and use Also, participants were very competent in robot design process activities and robot base cutting. Participants also showed average competence in Robot stage cutting, construction of rollers and fixing of robot parts. They however showed only fair competence in coupling of robots parts. Findings indicate that the teachers designed robots have high educational value. The robots are averagely complete in form, ease of use motion and durability. The designs however have low compliance to safety. It was recommended amongst other that Teacher training colleges should organised in-service training to improve teacher competent in handling engineering and technology parts and programming of STEM robots.

Differential Gender Effect of Technical and Vocational Education Students’ Human Capital on Long-term Economic Growth in Nigeria

From a gender view point, this study examines the relationship between the human capital of technical and vocational education students and the fundamental principles of long-term economic growth in Nigeria. The study used a correlational survey research approach. The study was directed by four research questions, and four null hypotheses were developed. The population for the study consisted of all 400 level undergraduate students (N = 286) of technical and vocational education in Federal and State-owned Universities in South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The population was of a manageable size, thus there was no sampling. Data was gathered via a questionnaire. Three research experts- two from Ambrose Alli University in Ekpoma, the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, and one from the Measurement and Evaluation University of Benin in Benin City, Edo State validated the instrument. The instrument's dependability was assessed using Cronbach alpha reliability, and a reliability coefficient of 0.85 was found. In order to address these inquiries, bivariate correlation was utilized. Multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance were used to examine the hypotheses. The results showed that, fundamental values and both general and particular human capital were positively correlated long-term growth. Students in technical and vocational education, whether male and female, encounter nearly the same kinds of human capital overall. Keywords: Technical and vocational education, Differential gender effect, Human capital, Long-term economic growth.

Mathematical Model on The Control of Intestinal Torsion in Pigs

An institutional based research at Federal College of Education (Technical) Ekiadolor, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, examined a pig farm in the Ovia North East Local Government Area, investigating a mathematical model on the control of intestinal torsion in pigs through vaccination and fibre-rich nutritional feeds. It results in the application of a four-compartment mathematical model for pig intestinal torsion, which is made up of the classes S, I, V, and R for the Susceptible, Infected, Vaccinated and Recovered classes. This model is used to solve for the reproduction number (R0) using the Next Generation Matrix (NGM), to solve the positivity model, to solve for the existence and uniqueness of the model, and to plot the model graphs using Maple.

Comunicação pública, emoções e afetos: estratégias de comunicação de universidades federais no Instagram

This study reflects on public communication based on the platform society. It analyzes the discourse of Brazilian federal public universities on Instagram by focusing on strategies for capturing emotion and forming emotion in persuasive speech. Results found the mobilization of affections around the speaker (ethos) and the audience (pathos) without dispensing with public communication information (logos).

THE IMPACT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING ON ACADEMIC STAFF WELFARE IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH WEST, NIGERIA

Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of collective bargaining on the welfare of academic staff in federal universities located in South West Nigeria, focusing on six selected institutions. Theoretical Framework: The research is framed within the context of labour relations theory, exploring how collective bargaining as a mechanism influences various welfare dimensions of academic staff. Method: A quantitative research approach was adopted, utilizing a descriptive research design. The study's population comprised academic staff from the six universities, with a sample size of 377 participants determined through the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using statistical techniques to assess the relationship between collective bargaining and staff welfare. Results and Discussion: The results indicate a significant negative impact of collective bargaining on academic staff welfare (β=-0.494, p<0.05). Contrary to its purpose, collective bargaining has not adequately addressed welfare issues, potentially worsening existing challenges faced by academic staff in the studied universities. The discussion emphasizes the need for improved bargaining strategies to promote staff well-being. Research Implications: The study's findings highlight the importance of developing more effective and collaborative collective bargaining processes. These are critical for enhancing welfare outcomes and addressing systemic challenges within federal universities. Originality/Value: This research contributes to the literature on collective bargaining by providing empirical evidence from the Nigerian higher education sector, revealing its counterproductive effects on academic staff welfare. It offers practical insights for policymakers and unions in designing more strategic negotiation frameworks.

SOCIETAL INFLUENCES AND ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT AS DETERMINANTS OF MORAL DECADENCE AMONG STUDENTS WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (SPECIAL), OYO

The research entitled "Societal Influences and Academic Environment as Determinants of Moral Decadence among Students with Hearing Impairment in Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo" investigates the effects of societal and academic factors on the moral conduct of students with hearing impairments. The study adopted a descriptive survey research approach, sampling 300 students using purposive sampling and utilising three measures to assess moral decay, societal values, and academic influences. The findings indicated a significant prevalence of moral decline, characterised by behaviours such as academic dishonesty and substance addiction. The research indicated that societal values exhibited a negative correlation with moral decay, whereas the academic environment demonstrated a substantial positive impact. Statistical investigations, encompassing Pearson’s correlation and multiple regressions, validated a significant combined effect of societal and academic influences on students’ moral behaviour, explaining 98.4% of the variation. The study finds that addressing these elements is essential for mitigating moral decline among students with hearing impairments.

Addressing Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Higher Institutions Through the Feasibility of a Digital Anonymous Feedback System

Sexual harassment remains a persistent and pervasive issue in Nigerian higher institutions, yet incidents often go unreported due to fear, stigma, and distrust in existing reporting mechanisms. This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing a digital anonymous feedback system for students as a proactive measure to curb sexual harassment on university campuses. The aim is to provide students with a safe and confidential platform to report incidents of harassment, thereby empowering them to speak out without fear of retaliation. Using a quantitative research approach, a questionnaire was administered to students from selected Nigerian federal universities to gather data on their perceptions of sexual harassment reporting, the potential impact of an anonymous digital feedback system, and recommendations for addressing the issue. Findings reveal significant barriers to traditional reporting systems, including fear of reprisal and lack of trust in institutional responses. However, there is strong support among students for implementing an anonymous digital feedback system, with confidentiality and accessibility cited as key benefits. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Nigerian higher institutions prioritize the introduction of digital anonymous feedback systems, dedicate sections of their websites for lecturer ratings and anonymous reporting, and conduct awareness and training programs on sexual harassment prevention, including claims verification measures. By implementing these strategies, universities can create safer and more inclusive learning environments where students feel empowered to report sexual harassment without fear of reprisal.

Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of NCE III Teaching Practice Students in Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoko Lagos State

Information Needs and Seeking Behaviour of NCE III Teaching Practice Students in Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoko Lagos State

Ecological Assessment of Weed Species in Two Secondary Forests in Anambra State Nigeria

An ecological study was done on weed species in two secondary forests present in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Campus and Federal College of Education Umunze, Anambra State, Nigeria. Data was collected from the two study sites which were randomly divided for adequate coverage and proper representation. Species dominance, abundance and diversity of weed species were recorded. The result of the study showed that a total of 21 weed species were recorded in Plot 1 study area which is at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka campus; Pennisetum purpureum had the highest species abundance in the study site, with a total frequency of 93 and Dominance index of 28.97. Pennisetum purpureum had a relative density of while Tridax procumbens was the second most abundant with a frequency of 40 and Dominance of 7.10. Rhynchospora corymbosa showed the least abundance with a frequency of 6. The result of Shannon Wiener index for weed species in Plot 1 study was 2.56 and this showed that there is high diversity of weed species in the study area. Meanwhile, the result of the study in Plot 2, which is at Federal College of Education, Umunze showed that a total of 18 weed species were recorded; Imperata cylindrica had the highest species abundance in the study site, with a total frequency of 87 and Dominance index of 27.43, while Cypertrus rotundus was the second most abundant with a frequency of 67 and Dominance index of 10.5. Acanthus Montana showed the least in abundance with a frequency of 6 and Dominance index of 1.02. The result of Shannon Wiener index for weed species in Plot 2 study was 2.47 and this also showed that there is high diversity of weed species in the study area. This result invariably indicates a great potential for utilization in conservation and ecological purposes.

Radiological Risk Assessment of Building Materials Used in Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Lagos State, Nigeria

Multiple building constructions necessitating a regular influx of different soils for building purposes within Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, in Lagos State, Nigeria spurred a radiological risk assessment of selected soil samples. Five (5) construction points were identified and ten (10) soil samples were collected. A gamma spectrometer was used to evaluate the natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) present in the soils. IAEA-certified standard materials of RGU-1, RGTh-1, and RGK-1 were used to determine the full peak efficiencies of gamma energies 609, 1120, and 1764 keV for 238U, 2614 keV for 232Th and 1460 keV for 40K. Activity concentration, absorbed dose, annual effective dose equivalent, hazard indices, and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were estimated to assess possible radiological risks in the building soil samples. Results from the analysis revealed the highest radioactivity among soil samples was 674.3 Bq/kg from 40K and the lowest was 18.5 Bq/kg from 226Ra. The absorbed dose (D) varies from 65.8 nGy/h to 215.3 nGy/h with an average value of 136.6 nGy/h, and the annual effective dose equivalent ranged from 0.081 mSv/y to 0.264 mSv/y with an average value 0.168 mSv/y. The internal and external hazard index ranged from 0.49 −1.46 and 0.39 − 1.32 respectively which is not completely below the hazard index threshold value ≤ 1 as recommended by UNSCEAR. The ELCR values ranging from 0.222 × 10-3 − 0.726 × 10-3 with an average value of 0.461 × 10-3 predicted an insignificant carcinogenic risk with the probability of four persons in every 10,000 persons.

Utilization and Challenges of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Teaching and Learning Business Education in Tertiary Institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim of the Study: This study investigated the utilization and challenges of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning within business education programs at tertiary institutions in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study employed a descriptive survey design to examine ICT use in teaching and learning Business Education at Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe (NOCEN), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, and the Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze in Anambra State, Nigeria. With a population of 553 (51 lecturers and 502 students), a sample of 232 was randomly selected. Data were collected through interviews and a validated 39-item questionnaire, with a reliability coefficient of 0.89. Analysis of responses including 99% return rate, involved frequency distribution and mean scores to assess ICT utilization and challenges in these institutions. Findings: The study reveals that while ICT tools such as the internet and email are widely used and considered beneficial for enhancing educational quality, significant challenges persist. These include inadequate infrastructure, funding issues, and inconsistent power supply. Strategies for overcoming these obstacles include improved funding, enhanced ICT literacy, and regular power supply. The findings underscore the need for strategic policy implementation and institutional support to maximize ICT benefits in business education. Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of ICT integration in Nigerian tertiary education and provides actionable recommendations for policy makers and educators.