Federal University Of Technology , Akure Research Articles

Modelling minicab drivers' disordered behaviour for choosing passenger and destination in Akure, Nigeria

<p><span>This study investigated the disordered behaviour of minicab drivers for choosing passenger and destination in Akure using the multinomial model and nested logit model respectively. Information was gathered by the distribution of questionnaires to minicab drivers plying Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) North gate to Oja-Oba axis in Akure, Nigeria. The objectives were to validate the performance of logit models; to identify the major parameters for selecting passenger and destination by disordered minicab drivers, and to examine the interrelationships of variables employed. Primary data was obtained from 314 respondents. The study found that the nested logit model gives better utility value than the multinomial logit model with ρ<sub>0</sub><sup>2</sup> = 0.48 more than ρ<sub>c</sub><sup>2</sup> = 0.46 which justifies the assertion. Also, the major parameters for selecting passengers and destination by disordered minicab drivers in Akure are transport rates variable, distance variable, and travel time variable. The study recommends that an accurate pricing policy of minicab operation should be efficiently formulated, implemented, and enacted to prevent overcharge and undercharge.</span></p>

"Level of Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures: Case Study of FUTA Shuttle Bus"

Feyisola Olajire Akinsehinwa*, Adetayo Olaniyi Adeniran, Samuel Oluwaseyi Olorunfemi and Olamilekan Matthew Aina Author Affiliations Department of Logistics and Transport Technology, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria Received: January 13, 2022 | Published: February 08, 2022 Corresponding author: Feyisola Olajire Akinsehinwa, Department of Logistics and Transport Technology, Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2022.41.006646

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State Students toward Coronavirus Pandemic

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic requiring unprecedented measures adopted to control its rapid spread. The knowledge, attitudes and perception (KAP) of the public play a major role in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. In this study, FUTA students’ KAP towards COVID-19 during the rapid rise period of the outbreak was investigated. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in FUTA in October 2021 via a self-designed questionnaire comprising 25 questions assessing KAP. Assessments on students’ attitudes and perception towards COVID-19 included questions on confidence and believe in winning the war against COVID-19 such as wearing face masks and use of hands sanitizer. Among the questionnaire completed (n=402), 58.0% were men while 42.0% were female, 17.7% were from school of Agriculture, and 20.1% were in 300 level. The overall adequate knowledge on the existence of the disease was 88.6%. The majority of the respondents displayed good attitude towards the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in FUTA as 79.6% of the students were in agreement with the rules of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). In addition, the study showed that age factors cannot affect the perception of students to COVID-19 as the P-value (0.733) is greater than 0.05.

INSECTICIDAL EVALUATION OF ANISALDEHYDE AGAINST Rhyzopertha dominica [COLEOPTERA: BOSTRYCHIDAE] INFESTING STORED WHEAT GRAINS (Triticum aestivum)

The study investigates the insecticidal potential of Anisaldehyde against the survival of R. dominica infesting wheat grain under laboratory condition. The study was conducted in the research laboratory of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, The Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria. The compound was tested at 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 µl /20g of wheat with 3 replicate each. Adult mortality of the insect was recorded at 24 h for 4 days, adult emergence, % inhibition rate and weight loss was observed. The mode of action of Anisaldehyde using neurotransmitter and digestive enzymes were also observed. It was observed that 50 µl dosage was the most effective among the treatments as it recorded 93.33% insect mortality within 24 h post-treatment and the effect was significantly (p < 0.05) different from other treatments. Only 40 and 50 µl of the compound were able to achieve 100% mortality but their effects were not significantly (p > 0.05) different from 30 µl dosage that recorded 86.67% insect mortality. The result obtained showed that 1.14 and 5.27 µl dosages of the compound are respectively required to achieve 50 and 95 % mortality of the insect at 72 h post-treatment. Both 40 and 50 µl dosage were able to cause 0% adult emergence, 100% inhibition rate and lead to no weight-loss. The 50 µl dose totally inhibited the activity of Acetylcholinesterase while a significant difference exists between the activity of lipase and others. It was evident from all observations that Anisaldehyde compound was effective. The findings also suggested that having displayed a promising insecticidal potential, it can be used as alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides for the control of stored product insects as a whole.

Genetic Variability, Heritability and Correlation Studies in Fifty Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Accessions Collected from Southern Nigeria

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important food crop in southern Nigeria with high genetic variability. However, this variability is not characterized. Fifty sorghum accessions collected from different states in southern Nigeria were evaluated for eleven agronomic characters to determine the extent of genetic variability and character association among the accessions. The experiments were laid in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Ondo State and Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu research farm during the rainy season of 2018 and 2019. Data were collected on eleven quantitative traits for genetic variability and character association. Panicle weight had the highest GCV (24.96%) and PCV (30.61%). Ten out of the eleven traits have heritability estimates above 50% which implies an opportunity for improvement among the traits with the number of days to 50% heading having the highest (98.84%). Correlation analysis showed significant and positive association among growth, flowering traits and head traits. The strong positive correlation coefficients of plant height with all the traits implies that simultaneous selection for these traits is possible for improvement in sorghum genotypes for fodder and grain traits.

Dynamical assessment of altitudinal trend of drop size distributions in a tropical region of Nigeria

A comparative assessment of different statistical drop size distributions in a tropical location in Nigeria is presented in this paper. The wet season months of the year 2014 rain data, measured using vertically-pointing Micro Rain Radar (MRR) installed at the Department of Physics, The Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria was considered. The data were archived at the Communication Research Group, Department of Physics, The Federal University of Technology Akure. The drop sizes were estimated from the fall velocity. The stratiform rainfall type was considered in this study due to its preponderance of occurrence. Three heights (160 m, 1440 m, and 2240 m) were reviewed for this study. These heights were given due consideration because of the density of the data. All the statistical distributions considered which include Lognormal, Gamma, and Weibull distributions performed better at the 160 m height compared to other heights. It was however observed that the Gamma and Weibull distribution performed better than the Lognormal distribution at this height. The results obtained in this study will be fundamental for the application of remote sensing and the propagation field in this area. The results will be useful to radio communication engineers to properly design a good fade margin in a radio communication system in this region.

URSI-NG CONFERENCE 2021 ON THE FUTURE OF RADIO COMMUNICATION: PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

I.A Adimula1, J. S. Ojo2, S. T. Ogunjo2, M.O Ajewole2, S.E Falodun2, A. A Willoughby3, and M. R Usikalu4 1 Department of Physics, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria 2 Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State 3 Department of Physics, Redeemer’s University Ede, Osun State 4 Department of Physics, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, NigeriaEmail: ojojs_74@futa.edu.ng, josnno@yahoo.com, adimula@unilorin.edu.ngList of Organizing Committee, Scientific Committee, Editorial Committee, Invited Speakers, Sponsors, are available in this pdf.

Characterization of rain specific attenuation and frequency scaling technique for satellite communication systems in a tropical location

Increased demand for satellite system applications and congestion of the lower frequency bands has mandated the foray into higher frequency spectrum which is more susceptible to rain-induced attenuation. This research explores the characterization of rain specific attenuation and frequency scaling technique for satellite communication system in Akure (7.17°N, 5.18°E, 358 m), Nigeria. Two-year archived rain-attenuation data on Ku-Band satellite link over the earth-space path of Akure was used for the study. Concurrent measurement of rainfall parameters and Eutelsat W4/W7 satellite radio beacons was carried out at the Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology Akure, between January 2017 and December 2018 using Tektronix Y400 NetTek spectrum analyzer. Estimated and measured rain attenuation statistics were compared, and exact determination of the power law coefficients which support the computation of explicit attenuation from measured rain rate was carried out. Recommended frequency scaling technique was also employed to investigate the magnitude of rain-induced attenuation at higher frequency bands. Results show that, at 0.01 percentage exceedance window, combined estimated and measured rain attenuation have respective magnitudes of about 13.09 dB and 21.43 dB. Also, estimated and scaled attenuation at 16 GHz, 20 GHz, 30 GHz and 40 GHz are about 21.97 dB, 31.78 dB, 56.64 dB, 77.23 dB and 28.36 dB, 33.95 dB, 42.17 dB, 46.07 dB respectively.

Current and Future Potable Water Demand and Supply at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

This study is aimed at assessing current and future potable water demand and supply at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria. The only source of water to the University community is ground water extracted through boreholes constructed at different locations in the University. Eighteen (18) storage and distribution reservoirs were assessed to assess their capacity to adequately supply water for the present and future population of students and staff within the institution. FUTA had a population of 28,419 in 2019, the staff made up 9.16% of the total population while the students constituted the remaining 90.84%. A 30-year population projection was made for both staff and students using the geometric increase method of population forecasting. The study revealed that the population of FUTA will grow to 62,280 persons in 2049 from 28,419 in 2019 assuming a constant growth rate of 2.65% while the current average daily water demand of the University community is 1,475.83 m3/day. The current yield of water from the boreholes in FUTA is 1,198.07 m3/day which is not sufficient to meet the daily water demands of the University community. The maximum possible yield from the boreholes is 2,443.68 m3/day under normal conditions involving stable power supply and adequate personnel. Furthermore, it is projected that by the year 2049, the average daily water demand of the University community would be 2,995.74 m3/day. The outcome of this study revealed that there is water shortage in FUTA and the situation would worsen as the years go by if adequate measures are not put in place. The construction of a dam and water treatment plant is recommended to meet the increasing water demands occasioned by increase in population .Keywords – Potable, water, demand, supply, boreholes

A Study on the Relationship between Hostel Investment and Inflation in Akure, Nigeria

One of the important objectives of holding an investment is to protect investors’ real currency value invested against inflationary trend and enjoy a continuous positive flow of real return. In Nigeria, majority of investors in real estate are uncertain concerning the hedging capability and existing relationship between return in real estate and inflation rates. This research paper identifies the degree of relationship between returns in hostel investment and inflation rates in Akure, Nigeria. Environs of Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) were chosen as a study area because of influx of investors in hostel development in the area. Data on rental and capital income were collected from registered and practising Estate Valuation Firms in the study area through self-administered questionnaire, while rates on inflation were obtained from Central Bank and Bureau of Statistics data bank in Nigeria. 25 Estate Valuation Firms in Akure consist of the target population sourced from the NIESV (Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers) Directory. Twenty-five questionnaires were administered to Estate Valuation Firms, fifteen were retrieved. The descriptive statistics include the mean return while inferential statistics used for the analysis includes Phillip Perron unit root test and Auto regressive distributed lag. The PP unit root result; shows the data sets exhibits a different combination order in terms of the integrations. Existing degree of relationship was seen to vary between hostel and inflation rates. However, instances where some hostels show a positive relationship with inflation component exist; while others show a negative relationship with the inflation components. The findings from this study will give empirical direction to both individual and institutional investors in hostels. It was recommended among others that the Nigerian government should work towards putting in place the relevant policy mix of fiscal and monetary policies to mitigate inflation rate to a single digit so that investors will be able to earn their real return.

In Memoriam: Mary Adebola Ajayi

Mary Ajayi received her B. Tech. in 1999, M. Tech in 2004, and PhD in 2014 from the Federal University of Technology Akure in Nigeria. She first worked in the Land Section of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing before joining the Department of Estate Management at FUTA where she rose from Assistant Lecturer to Senior Lecturer and then Associate Professor (Reader). Dr. Ajayi was appointed Acting Head of the Department of Estate Management in August 2019. She obtained her professional qualification from the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers and became an Associate Member. Dr. Ajayi’s research focused on gender, land and housing studies with publications on such topics as changing land use patterns, sustainable housing, property valuation, and women’s access to land, forests and housing. Mary was married with three children. She died on 7 March, 2021 after a brief illness.

Source Identification and Pollution Factors of Elements in PM2.5 Samples Obtained in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Air quality deterioration is a big concern all over the world. It affects both humans and animals in a variety of ways. Air pollution must be quantified to monitor its negative impacts and stakeholders to proffer mitigation options. On this note, our research team has taken measures in Nigeria to monitor and measure PM2.5, its associated elements, as well as local meteorological parameters during sampling period. In addition, enrichment, contamination index, and principal component analysis of associated elements were studied. For ten months (January–October 2018), PM2.5 samples were collected at three locations in Ondo State, Nigeria with coordinates (the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA)—low-density residential (LDR), Oba Ile (high-density residential (HDR), and Museum (IND, High density traffic and commercial area) (January–October). The Contamination Factor (CF), Enrichment Factor (EF), and Pollution Load Index (PLI), as well as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the samples were determined. Average PM2.5 mass concentrations [101 µg/m3 (FUTA); 120 µg/m3 (Oba Ile); and 176 µg/m3 (Museum)] were found to be higher than the WHO (10 µg/m3) and USEPA (15 µg/m3) normal limits. The concentrations of the most prominent elements were in the order; K > Na > Ca > P > Al, while the trace elements displayed Cu > Fe > Zn > Ni > Cr > Mn > Pb. Oba-Ile had the highest metal enrichment in the order: Ti > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr. The PCA resolved four factors vis-à-vis vehicular activities, biomass burning, and soil dust as the major PM2.5 emission sources. The findings could be useful in the current drive to develop national air quality guideline for PM2.5.

POLLUTION OF VEHICULAR EMISSION ANALYSIS AT FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AKURE NORTH GATE

The paper dwells on the atmospheric pollution resulting from the vehicular exhaust discharge at the north gate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Nigeria. The vehicular traffic census took place at gate on the Ilesha-Akure high way passing in front of the gate for six days. The census was conducted using a digital tally and a stop watch for nine hours at thirty minutes interval daily. The tally was pressed to count each time a vehicle passed both to and from either direction along the road at a chosen point in front of the University north gate. A daily vehicular count was obtained from the ratio of total vehicles to the total time interval of nine hours. Thereafter the average vehicular exhaust discharge, pollution source strength and pollution concentration were determined. At the same time, a data logger was used to measure the meteorological elements of the temperature, the wind speed and the relative humidity of the weather daily. The relationship between the pollution source strength and concentration with the meteorological parameters obtained with data logger, speed and distance covered by vehicles were also determined. The average daily vehicle populations within the time interval being considered were respectively 8280, 8306, 7315, 7210, 8766 and 8491 for the six days in succession. The meteorological data analysis showed that the air relative humidity and wind speed increased with decrease in temperature especially when it rained. The source strength and concentration of pollution decreased with increase in the speed of vehicles and the distance moved indicating that pollutants dispersed faster into the air in the process.

Determination of Orthometric Height using GNSS and EGM Data: a Scenario of the Federal University of Technology Akure

The advent of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Earth Gravitational Model (EGM)particularly Global Positioning System (GPS) has modernized geodetic surveying in providing horizontal and vertical positions of points with a sub-meter level of accuracy over the reference ellipsoid. The GPS gives ellipsoidal heights which makes the conversion of the heights to orthometric heights possible by incorporating a geoid model. The conventional method of determining orthometric height is tedious, time-consuming, and labour intensive. This study entails the determination of orthometric height using GNSS and EGM data. A total of forty-nine (49) stations selected within the study area were occupied for GPS observation using South DGPS instrument in static mode for the position and ellipsoidal height determination. The geoidal height values of the GPS derived data were computed using GeoidEval utility software with reference to three different EGMs (EGM2008, EGM96 and EGM84). In order to determine the orthometric heights of the selected stations, the difference between the EGM geoidal height values (NEGM) and the ellipsoidal heights were computed. The results show that the orthometric height obtained with respect to EGM2008 gives better results with a standard deviation of 9.530m and a standard error of 1.361m. The study reveals that the use of GNSS and EGM data for orthometric height determination is less expensive, less tedious, accurate and time-saving compared to the conventional approach of geodetic and spirit levelling.

Effects of acidified clay on radicle and plumule emergence in protected seeds of maize varieties (Zea mays L)

Maize is the third most important cereal in the world next to rice and wheat and with high production potential among the cereals. It is a staple crop of many nations and reputed as crop for food security. A laboratory study was conducted at the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria to determine the effects of acidified clay on the radicle and plumule emergence in protected seeds of maize varieties. The experiment was laid out in 2 by 4 factorial in Completely Randomized Design with each of the treatment in three replications. Concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl) was diluted with 200 ml of distilled water at 5, 8 and 10% concentrations. Hundred (100 g) of finely powdered clay soil was weighed and mixed with 25 ml of 5, 8 and 10% diluted HCl. One hundred and fifty (150 g) of maize seeds were mixed with 30 g of acidified clay at various rates and were kept in air tight containers for 7 days. Maize seeds were sterilized in the diluted hypochlorite solution for 30 seconds. The sterilized seeds were plated at the standard plating pattern (9 round and 1 in the middle). Emergence was observed at 24, 48, and 72 hours for the radicle emergence and after 96 hours for the plumule emergence. After each day of the plating, number of seeds that germinated were recorded. The results showed that the germination of white and yellow maize responded similarly to the treatments even at different rates. Both radicle and plumule emergence were better when seeds were treated with 10% acidified clay at 48, 72 and 96 hours of plating. White maize showed better response to the treatment compared with the yellow maize. Treated maize seeds had better germination compared with the control.

Toxicological Effect of Euphorbia heterophylla Linn

Euphorbia heterophylla has been reported to possess enormous medicinal benefits hence there is a need for holistic research on its toxicological effects. Four different solvents (cold and hot water, chloroform and 80% methanol) were used to extract the aerial parts of Euphorbia heterophylla Linn. Experimental albino rats were obtained from Federal University of Technology Akure’s Microbiology Department Animal House. Toxicological analysis of Euphorbia heterophylla extracts was carried out on the experimental albino rats. The animals were grouped into thirteen with three rats in a group different concentrations of the extracts were administered orally to different groups of the rats for a period of two weeks (14 days). Sterile distilled water was administered to the negative control group. During the 14 days of extracts administration, the animals were observed for clinical manifestations like salivation, nervousness, imitability, itching of the nose and diarrhoea. After the expiration of the two weeks, the animals were sacrificed and vital organs like heart, liver, kidney and intestine were harvested and examined for any degenerative changes and lesions. Blood samples were collected before and after the administration of the extracts to check for blood parameters (Packed Cell Volume (PCV), white blood cell count (total and differential), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and haemoglobin (Hb) estimation. The toxicological results of the extracts showed various degrees of abnormalities detected in the histopathological sections of the intestine, kidney and the heart. It was found that all the extracts at different concentrations burnt the intestinal walls of all the animals tested. There were significant reductions in the total white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophil counts while there was a significant increase in the lymphocytes count after the administration of the extracts. The findings of this study revealed that Euphorbia heterophylla had toxicological effects on the albino rats organs but increases there lymphocytes count, boosting their immune system, however advance researches to eliminate the toxic phytochemicals from the extract is recommended.

Development of an Online Repository for Academic Research Works in FUTA

Research is part of the fundamental responsibilities needed in an academic institution. Therefore, it is expected that tertiary institutions should take importance in capturing, maintaining, and preserving their student's and staff's intellectual output; It will serve a significant role in disseminating scholarly materials, preserving, and diffusing the institution's research work. Hence, the research developed an institutional repository for academic research work for the Department of Computer Science, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA). The design made use of HTML (Hypertext mark-up language), CSS (Cascading style sheet), JAVASCRIPT, PHP (Hypertext pre-processor), and MySQL database. The system requirement for the design includes a processor (CPU) with 2.16 gigahertz (GHz), 4GB of RAM, Monitor Resolution 1024 X 768 or higher, a minimum of 20 GB available space on the hard disk, Intel Pentium processor, Keyboard, 64-bit operating system, and a Window 10 operating system. This design is expected to benefit the students and other users regarding the accessibility of materials to users and preserving student research. It will help create global visibility for the research works and collect content in a single location. However, the invention is limited to the sample size. Therefore, it recommends that a more advanced repository system be developed with time, which will capture studies across all faculties in the institution or across various institutions in the country.

Effects of Sole and Combined Physical Filtration Materials on Physicochemical and Microbiological Properties of Waste Waters

Agricultural re-use of waste waters is a feasible alternative for increasing water resources for agriculture. Several methods have been adopted for improving waste water quality for safe re-use in agriculture. However, these methods are complex and difficult to use by local farmers. Hence, a study was conducted to examine the effects of a simple and cost-effective waste water treatment methods on physicochemical and microbial properties of waste waters. The research was conducted in the Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management, the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). Waste waters consisted of: fish pond effluent and municipal stream. Materials used for physical filtration of waste waters include: granite, rice husk, charcoal, and pure river sand. Prior to and after treatments, the waste waters were subjected to chemical analysis (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Nitrate, Cl, P, Ca, and Mg), physical analysis (Total solid, Total dissolved solid and Total suspended solid), and microbiological analysis (Total faecal coliforms, bacteria, yeast and fungi). Results obtained showed that sole and combined applications of physical filtration materials significantly reduced microbial loads in waste waters. Similarly, significant reductions in total solid (TS), total suspended solid (TSS) and total dissolved solid (TDS) were obtained for waters filtered with the filtration materials, both in the single and combined applications. The highest significant pH, EC and chloride were recorded in untreated fishpond effluent (T₁), while fishpond effluent filtered with rice husk (T₅) recorded the highest Significant Ca and Mg. Highest significant Nitrate was recorded in municipal wastewater filtered with rice husk (T₁₁), while highest significant P was obtained at T₅ and T₁₁. Results of this research showed improvement in the quality parameters of waste waters filtered with sole and combined filtration materials.

Rental Values and Students’ Satisfaction in Private Hostels Proximate to the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

Property rental values are readily influenced by a multitude of interrelated factors such as the state of the economy, neighbourhood amenities and property characteristics. However, there is always an expectation that rental value reflects the occupier’s satisfaction from the neighbourhood and property. As such, this study examines the satisfaction of students with private hostel facilities surrounding the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), and the effect these facilities have on the rental values of the off-campus students’ hostels. There are 17,307 students who reside in the private hostels off-campus, of which 392 students were randomly selected from the total population of residents living around FUTA South Gate and given questionnaires. Of the 392 questionnaires administered, 390 were retrieved for analysis, thus representing a 99.5% response rate. The data collected was then analyzed using the Weighted Mean Score (WMS), T-test Statistics, Spearman Rank Correlation and the Multiple Regression Analyses. The findings reveal that there is a significant difference in the rental price paid by satisfied and unsatisfied students. Thus, the satisfied students pay higher rents than the non-satisfied students for a single, self-contained apartment. These occupiers are found to be satisfied with facilities such as the toilet, bathroom, fencing and water supply system in the building. There is a positive relationship between students’ rent satisfaction and their satisfaction with hostel facilities provided. The regression analysis further reveals that rental value is a function of neighbourhood amenities and property characteristics. The study recommends that private hostel developers make adequate provision for functional facilities as these can increase students’ satisfaction as well as enhance residential property rental values.

Engineering Students’ Innovation Competence: A Comparative Analysis of Nigeria and South Africa

The main purpose of this study is to assess the role of tertiary institutions in impacting innovation competence among graduating students in the engineering discipline. To achieve this aim, two research questions were investigated: First, we examine if the graduating students possess some key innovative competence qualities innovative competence which include qualities such as creativity, leadership, self-efficacy, energy and risk propensity. Secondly, we investigate the key elements of tertiary institutions that impact innovative competence among the graduating students. A structured questionnaire was administered to graduating engineering students at the Federal University of Technology Akure, Nigeria and University of Johannesburg, South Africa during the 2019/2020 academic session and their responses were compared. Results indicate that students generally had a high assessment of their innovation competence and attributed some of this competence to their institutions learning environment.