Geopolitical Zones Of Nigeria Research Articles

Enhancing sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture: Optimization of greenhouse energy consumption through microgrid systems utilizing advanced meta-heuristic algorithms

Greenhouses offer controlled microclimates that enable year-round cultivation, improving food security and agricultural productivity. However, greenhouses are energy-intensive, with heating accounting for a significant portion of the associated costs. This study explores optimal microgrid configurations, economic viability, and policy recommendations for sustainable greenhouse agriculture in Nigeria. An in-depth energy assessment of a reference greenhouse in a South Korean facility is conducted. Distinct climatic differences between South Korea and Nigeria are highlighted, emphasizing the need for tailored greenhouse designs and energy solutions. Shifting focus to Nigeria, this study investigates the feasibility of hybrid renewable energy systems with a focus on wind and solar power across six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The analysis encompasses technical, economic, and policy aspects, providing a holistic perspective on renewable energy adoption. Notably, the study uses an advanced optimization model, Teaching and Learning–Based Optimization algorithm, to assess the net present cost and baseload supply reliability, offering valuable insights for investors and policymakers. The result indicates diverse energy requirements across Nigeria, with total monthly peak energy demands ranging from 5374.80 kWh in the Southeast to 17,115.76 kWh in the Northwest, and a notable variation in the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), with the lowest at $0.07327 in Kano. Specifically, in Ogun, the net present cost for the WT-PV-ESS system stood at $520,935.45, while the PV-ESS system cost was substantially lower at $500,444.41. This confirms the effectiveness of location-specific analysis and shows the suitability of photovoltaic–battery energy storage systems for Nigeria's diverse regions, with unique considerations for specific areas. Policy recommendations, including feed-in tariffs, renewable portfolio standards, net metering, research support, and market development, provide a holistic framework for the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Improving infrastructure, market access, and financing for smallholder farmers is integral for improving food security and standards of living in rural Nigeria. In conclusion, Nigeria can leverage renewable resources to revolutionize its energy and agriculture sectors, setting an example for a sustainable and resilient future.

Achieving World Health Organization Global Breast Cancer Initiative targets: A situational analysis and action plan in Nigeria.

e13782 Background: Breast cancer [BC] is the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality in Nigerian women, with five-year survival of 44% vs. 90% in the US. The World Health Organization [WHO], through the Global Breast Cancer Initiative [GBCI], endorses a 3-pillar program that promotes early-stage detection, timely diagnosis, and expeditious treatment. We performed a situational analysis to understand predictors of achieving WHO targets in Nigeria as a basis for implementing an action plan. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a prospective multi-institutional BC patient database in Nigeria (funded by ASCO), which was expanded sequentially from a single institution in May 2022 to seven institutions representing all geopolitical zones by May 2023. All newly diagnosed BC patients enrolled in the database from 2022-2024 were included. We analyzed univariate associations with WHO GBCI key performance indicators [KPIs] using logistic regression and global p-values. Results: Five-hundred and seventy-one patients were included. Median age was 48 years (IQR 40,56). Conclusions: The utilization of a multi-institutional BC database inclusive of all geopolitical zones in Nigeria provides vital insight for monitoring progress toward WHO targets. Our findings suggest that breast health clinical encounters (through CBE or mammogram) prior to developing BC are associated with reduced diagnostic delays and early-stage BC diagnosis. For those with BC, multiple touchpoints with the healthcare system are associated with increased delays and late-stage diagnosis, which justifies the need for developing patient navigation programs. [Table: see text]

Burden and outcome of respiratory morbidities among children and adolescents with sickle cell disease-A retrospective review of emergency presentations in some Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Despite the huge burden of sickle cell disease (SCD) among Nigerian children, the burden and outcome of respiratory illnesses remain undocumented. Thus, we aimed to describe the spectrum and outcome of respiratory illnesses among SCD childrenand adolescentadmissions in ten Nigerian tertiary hospitals. A retrospective review of the SCD admission records of children and adolescents with a confirmed diagnosis of respiratory illnesses from 2012 to 2021 in ten tertiary health facilities across five geopolitical zones in Nigeria was conducted. The data, collectedbetween March and June 2023, included the age, sex, diagnosis, complications, duration and outcome of hospitalization. Of the 72,333 paediatric admissions, 7,256 (10.0%) had SCD; the proportion of SCD from the total admission ranged from 2.1 to 16.3% in the facilities. Of the 7,256 children and adolescents with SCD, 1,213 (16.7%) had respiratory morbidities. Lower respiratory disease was the most common (70.0%) respiratory entity and the majority were pneumonia (40.1.0%), followed by acute chest syndrome (26.7%). Seventeen (1.4%) patients died; all had lower respiratory diseases [(acute chest syndrome ACS (11, 64.7%), pneumonia; 5, 29.4%, and asthma (1, 5.9%). Based on the proportion of deaths among overall SCD, the 17 death cases contributed 9.4% (95% CI 5.9 to 14.5). Factors associated with deaths included duration of hospitalization less than 72 hours and lower respiratory tract diseases. Sickle cell disease is a major contributor to hospitalization among Nigerian children and adolescents, with high respiratory morbidity and mortality. Pneumonia and acute chest syndrome were associated with mortality, andthe highest risk of death within the first 72 hours.

Health systems challenges, mitigation strategies and adaptations to maintain essential health services during the COVID-19 pandemic: learnings from the six geopolitical regions in Nigeria

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic control strategies disrupted the smooth delivery of essential health services (EHS) globally. Limited evidence exists on the health systems lens approach to analyzing the challenges encountered in maintaining EHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify the health system challenges encountered and document the mitigation strategies and adaptations made across geopolitical zones (GPZs) in Nigeria.MethodsThe national qualitative survey of key actors across the six GPZs in Nigeria involved ten states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which were selected based on resilience, COVID-19 burden and security considerations. A pre-tested key informant guide was used to collect data on service utilization, changes in service utilization, reasons for changes in primary health centres’ (PHCs) service volumes, challenges experienced by health facilities in maintaining EHS, mitigation strategies implemented and adaptations to service delivery. Emerging sub-themes were categorized under the appropriate pillars of the health system.ResultsA total of 22 respondents were interviewed. The challenges experienced in maintaining EHS cut across the pillars of the health systems including: Human resources shortage, shortages in the supply of personal protective equipments, fear of contracting COVID-19 among health workers misconception, ignorance, socio-cultural issues, lockdown/transportation and lack of equipment/waiting area (. The mitigation strategies included improved political will to fund health service projects, leading to improved accessibility, affordability, and supply of consumables. The health workforce was motivated by employing, redeploying, training, and incentivizing. Service delivery was reorganized by rescheduling appointments and prioritizing some EHS such as maternal and childcare. Sustainable systems adaptations included IPC and telehealth infrastructure, training and capacity building, virtual meetings and community groups set up for sensitization and engagement.ConclusionThe mitigation strategies and adaptations implemented were important contributors to EHS recovery especially in the high resilience LGAs and have implications for future epidemic preparedness plans.

Effect of blockchain technology adoption on construction supply chain: a structural equation modelling (SEM) approach

Purpose The construction industry is frequently scrutinised by the public for a variety of issues, including waste, inefficiency, narrow profit margins, scheduling setbacks, budget overruns, quality concerns, trust deficits, transparency issues, coordination challenges, communication issues and fraud. The purpose of this paper is to assess the effect of blockchain technology adoption on the construction supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative research approach through a questionnaire survey that was conducted among professionals in the Nigerian construction industry using the snowball sampling method, which resulted in a selection of 155 respondents. The collected data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling, enabling a thorough assessment of the proposed relationships and offering valuable insights specific to the construction industry. Findings The study’s findings validated the conceptual framework established. The results indicated that implementing blockchain across all stages of the construction supply chain has the potential to improve the construction process. The study also revealed that blockchain technology will significantly affect the construction supply chain in a positive manner. Research limitations/implications This research was carried out in the South-western region which is one of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria using a cross-sectional survey method. The study holds implications not only for local construction practices but will also contribute to the broader discourse on national construction sector challenges and possible solutions. Practical implications The findings of this study will be immensely beneficial to both professionals, practitioners and stakeholders in the Nigerian construction industry in learning about the potential of blockchain technology application in improving the construction supply chain. Originality/value The study in this paper constructed and evaluated a conceptual framework by exploring the connections between the variables. The results have significant implications for the construction sector, as they provide avenues for enhancing the construction process and the overall supply chain. These findings are valuable for researchers examining the potential effects of blockchain technology on the construction supply chain.

Evaluation of Critical Corporate Governance Issues within Nigeria's Top State-Owned Enterprises

Objective: The objective of the article was to examine and analyze significant corporate governance issues prevalent in Nigeria's leading state-owned enterprises by identifying the key corporate governance issues that exist within State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), importance of addressing these critical corporate governance issues in relation to SOEs in Nigeria, explore the various factors that hinder the evaluation of these critical corporate governance issues in Nigerian SOEs and put forth recommendations and strategies for effectively managing these critical corporate governance issues within SOEs in Nigeria. Theoretical Framework: Agency Model Principals (Shareholders) Agents (Management) Performs Hires and Delegates Self Interest Self Interest 257 Talat Afza and Mian Sajid Nazir On the whole, agency theory laid emphasis on the opportunistic behavior of managers; managers try to put their interest first by forgoing shareholders’ interests. Method: The study employed a descriptive survey design, wherein 300 employees were selected through a random sampling process from a pool of over 100,000 employees belonging to various organizations such as Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Nigeria Postal Services, Nigerian Railway Cooperation, Nigeria Water Board Cooperation, and Nigeria Television Authority. The selected employees were representative of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. A questionnaire consisting of 20 items was utilized as the primary instrument for data collection. To ensure the reliability and validity of the instrument, the validation process involved the application of Lawshe's content validity template, resulting in a content validity ratio (CVR) of 1. The psychometric properties of the instrument were assessed using Cronbach's alpha. A coefficient alpha of .85 was obtained, surpassing the threshold of .70. This indicates that the instrument demonstrates satisfactory reliability. The data was collected in real-time and subsequently analyzed utilizing frequency count and percentage calculations. Findings: The results indicate that employees possess a comprehensive understanding of crucial corporate governance matters within their respective state-owned enterprises in Nigeria. Assessing these critical corporate governance issues has the potential to yield outstanding returns on investment (ROI) and enhance stakeholder satisfaction. Hence, it is of utmost importance to conduct a comprehensive assessment of critical issues pertaining to corporate governance. Conclusion: This evaluation is essential in order to protect the interests of stakeholders, attain anticipated levels of performance, promote fairness and transparency, optimize return on investment, and ultimately enhance the provision of services to citizens.

Open educational resources (OER) management: implications for policymakers on the best practices in an open education university libraries in Nigeria

PurposeThe study aimed to identify the best practices for open educational resources (OER) management in Nigerian open education university libraries and the implications for policymakers.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach was used, which included a survey questionnaire administered via Google Forms to academic librarians and other library staff of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The study’s population was 398 and 273 participants responded to the survey. The study included all academic librarians and other library staff representing the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study’s results were presented using frequency counts, percentages tables and the qualitative data analysis was done thematically.FindingsThe findings of the study are consistent with existing literature on best practices for managing OER, which emphasized the importance of establishing clear policies and strategies for OER management practices, such as guidelines for acquiring, creating, curating and disseminating OER.Originality/valueThe originality of the study concludes by recommending that policymakers should develop policies that support the implementation of best practices in OER management to improve access to educational resources and reduce costs for students.

Financial scarcity, psychological well-being and perceptions: an evaluation of the Nigerian currency redesign policy outcomes

BackgroundThe relationship between insufficient financial resources and psychological health has been extensively studied and established in various contexts. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the potential impact of the Nigerian naira currency redesign policy on the psychological well-being of Nigerians. This policy, which aimed to demonetize the economy and promote economic stability, involved changes to the physical appearance of some naira denominations (200, 500 and 1000). Understanding the effects of this policy on psychological health is essential for evaluating its overall societal impact and identifying potential areas for improvement in future currency redesign initiatives.MethodsThe study is a cross-sectional mixed-methods study involving 2237 respondents across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Utilizing the simple random, snowball and convenience sampling technique, social media platforms (Facebook and WhatsApp) were used to recruit respondents. Variables were analyzed at descriptive and inferential levels. The qualitative component comprised seven (7) in-depth interviews with participants across the geo-political zones.ResultsThe perceptions of respondents towards the policy were diverse across different demographic groups. It was widely perceived that the timing of the policy was inappropriate, considering the challenges faced in utilizing online payment platforms and the significant inaccessibility of cash. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that demographic variables played a role in explaining systematic variations in the experience of financial scarcity and its effect on psychological health during the cash crunch that ensued as a result of the Nigerian naira currency redesign policy.ConclusionsThis study identified a significant association between the psychological inventory of financial scarcity and psychological well-being among residents in Nigeria during the cash crunch resulting from the Naira redesign policy. The findings suggest that the financial scarcity experienced by Nigerians due to the policy had a substantial impact on individuals’ psychological well-being. We recommend that a holistic approach be undertaken by policymakers to ensure that policy actions not only address economic objectives but also safeguard the mental health and overall well-being of the population.

The Influence of Location on the Nutritional Composition of the Rind of Watermelon (<i>C. lanatus</i>) in Parts of Selected Geographical Zones in Nigeria

Watermelon (C.lanatus)), which was formerly only grown in the Northern part of Nigeria, is now grown in Southern parts also. It is known that weather patterns and soil composition vary as we move from the northern to the southern parts of Nigeria. However, there is little to no data demonstrating how C.lanatus' nutritional composition is influenced by its geographic location. This study therefore sought to assess the nutritional composition of the rind of C.lanatus produced in parts of four states that corresponded to four geopolitical areas of Nigeria. Samples of C. lanatus were gathered from four geopolitical zones of Nigeria which include; North-East, South-West, South-East, and SouthSouth. Fruits were cleaned before the rind was removed, blended, and freeze-drying carried out. The freeze-dried samples were subjected to established methods for the determination of the amino acid profile, vitamins, proximate, and mineral components. The results of the amino acid profile showed that distinct amino acids were present in each zone, with the southwest sample providing the highest quantities and the south-south zone providing the lowest concentrations. The rind of C. lanatus contained calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, phosphorus, and manganese in varying amounts, and samples from the south- west and north-east having the highest concentrations of both vitamins and minerals. The results of the proximate composition determination showed that the southwest sample had the highest (p < 0.05) percentage of moisture, protein, and ash when compared to other zones, and that the northeast sample had a higher percentage composition of carbohydrate, ash, and fat when compared to other zones. Thus, the C. lanatus samples' nutritional value were distributed as follows: southwest > northeast > southeast > south-south. According to the findings, C.lanatus rind's nutritional qualities can vary depending on where it is cultivated.

Using remote sensing technique to assess biomass energy potentials and appropriate site locations in Nigeria

In a bid to promote clean energy usage and conserve the forests, the Nigerian bio-energy policy was recently constituted, to help tackle the energy insecurity in the country and help increase its carbon credit in line with the United Nations development goals. This paper presents a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based assessment of biomass energy potentials and appropriate siting of biomass plant in Nigeria using remote sensing technique. It promotes sustainable and clean energy penetration and conserve forest life, which supports the UN SDGs on; Clean and Affordable Energy (SDG 7), Climate Action (SDG 13) and Life on Land, including forest sustainability (SDG 15), and the Federal Government of Nigeria's net-zero emission commitment. The weighted overlay decision analysis was employed considering multicriteria approach. The various vegetation, forest, water bodies, lands, water source locations, accessibility to roads, aspect and topography were the criteria that were considered for locating the biomass facility. Efforts were made to quantify the biomass energy potentials of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, with the possibility of locating biomass plant; North East, North West, North Central, South East, South West and South South. The results obtained in this study reflect that the north eastern part of Nigeria has the highest theoretical, technical and economical energy potentials of crop residues (1163.32, 399.73 and 110.56 PJ/yr, respectively), while the south eastern part has the least energy potential (52.36, 17.99 and 4.98 PJ/yr, respectively). Also, the north western part of Nigeria has the highest theoretical, technical and economical energy potentials of forest residues (260.18, 156.11 and 43.18 PJ/yr, respectively), while the south eastern part has the least energy potential (1.79, 1.08 and 0.30 PJ/yr, respectively). The remote sensing technique employed in this study suggested that the northern part of Nigeria is most suitable for siting biomass plants in the country.

Determination of multipurpose prevention technology choice for contraception and HIV/STI prevention: A survey of sexually active women in Nigeria

Objectives: Interest in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prophylaxis in the context of multiple sexual and reproductive health risks women face suggests a place for multipurpose prevention techniques (MPTs), which act by combining contraception and pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV into one unified delivery method. At present, condoms are a readily available form of MPTs. The study aims to determine the sexual characteristics of women in Nigeria and assess factors associated with MPT acceptance in the identified population. Materials and Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using the data collection tool Google Forms®. The survey was distributed to the prospective respondents using the snowballing technique through an instant messaging application to ensure proper circulation among the geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Interest in MPT’s was evaluated using descriptive analysis. Specifically, personal and product attributes were evaluated descriptively (frequency and response rating) and with inferential statistics (logistic regression and model validation). Results: More than one-half (57%) of the participants were sexually active in the past three months. Most of the subjects reported at least one HIV risk behavior such as engaging in sexual intercourse with a male partner without a condom (50%). Factors associated with acceptance of MPTs included perceived safety, long-lasting action, and effectiveness of the formulation. Formulation types preferred by respondents include daily pills (21%), vaginal gels (12%), and inserts (8%). Personal characteristics supporting MPT use include age (30–39) and (40–49) years, married, formally educated, being a housewife, and having not had sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive male partner and having had an unintended pregnancy. Conclusion: Most of the respondents were interested in MPTs as a daily pill. Safety, long-lasting activity, and effectiveness are the top three criteria predicting acceptance. A variety of MPTs are required to be developed to suit the varying needs of different populations. The MPT preferences must be considered during product development to promote future acceptance among women in Nigeria.

Status-Conferral Function of the Press and the Fight against Corruption in Nigeria: Issues, Trends, and Implications

The study was carried out to ascertain the relationship between the status-conferral function of the press and the fight against corruption in the country, as well the issues, trends, and the implications. The study was predicated on Status Conferral Theory (SCT) and Social Responsibility Theory (SRT). The objectives were to ascertain the relationship between the status-conferral function of the press and the fight against corruption in Nigeria and evaluate the trends, issues and the implications of status-conferral function of the press on the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Interview schedule was used to elicit information from 24 media practitioners (12 Practising journalists and 12 Journalism teachers) selected from the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, via convenience sampling method. Findings established relationship between status-conferral and the fight against corruption in Nigeria. Indicate the use of status-conferral in developmental reporting as a trend, whilst the issues of lack of integrity, objectivity and fairness in the media and no regard for the rule of law in the country, as well as corruption were highlighted, amongst others. Given the findings, the study recommends that the media should be circumspect, whilst utilising status conferral function of the press, so as not to glorify perpetuators of corruption in Nigeria, as well as not engage in witch hunt, amongst others.

The Effects of Environmental Analysis on Optimal Attainment of Local Government Administration Objectives in Developing Countries (A Study of Nigeria) 2015-2023

Environmental analysis in government administration is the process of assessing and evaluating the internal and external factors that can have an effect on an administration performance and strategy. Although the environmental analysis is important to figure administrations strength, weaknesses opportunity and threat and this knowledge can help to place her on strong footing to actualize set objectives. The study explored the Effects of Environmental Analysis on Optimal Attainment of Local Government Administration Objectives in Developing Countries with a focus on Nigeria. The study employed descriptive research design. Population of the study were drawn from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The data for the study were sourced through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive, correlations and regression analysis was applied to the study to evaluate the effects of the dependent variable on the independent variables through the aid of the statistical package SPSS 23. From the regression results its suffice to conclude that environmental analysis of Local government administration that is proxy with political, economic, social & legal, would have a meaningful influence on optimum actualization of local government objectives in Nigeria. The study recommended that local government administrators should prioritise analysis or evaluation of internal and external environment such as political, economic, social and legal state of their local government area pre and post inauguration.

Reasons for shisha smoking: Findings from a mixed methods study among adult shisha smokers in Nigeria.

Shisha smoking has increased significantly worldwide over the past decade including in developing countries such as Nigeria. We aimed to understand the reasons for shisha smoking in Nigeria in order to address the lack of context-specific evidence to inform the national response to the growing threat posed by shisha smoking. We adopted the Theory of Planned Behaviour to conduct in-depth interviews among 78 purposely sampled current shisha smokers in 13 states (six in each state), and a quantitative survey including a random sample of 611 current shisha smokers in 12 states, across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The in-depth interview data was analysed using thematic analysis whilst the quantitative survey data was analysed descriptively. We triangulated the key findings from the two datasets using a triangulation matrix organised by the three meta-themes: attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control. Positive attitudes towards shisha smoking stem from shisha flavours, perceived pleasure from shisha smoking, curiosity about product attributes, beliefs about health benefits, limited knowledge on the health effects, and weak regulation. Having friends and family members who smoke shisha and the need to belong, particularly during social events, also promote shisha smoking. Negative societal views towards shisha smoking are potentially a protective factor. The availability of and ability to smoke shisha in many places makes shisha more accessible, whilst the high costs of shisha are potentially prohibitive. The findings also indicate that quitting shisha smoking without support is difficult. Restrictions on flavours, strengthening compliance monitoring and enforcement of the tobacco control laws in relation to shisha (e.g., smoke-free environments in indoor and outdoor public places; health warnings in English on shisha products including the pots; and tax and price measures) have the potential to minimise initiation and use, and to protect the health and wellbeing of Nigeria's general public.

Validation of the Donabedian Model of Health Service Quality in Selected States in Nigeria.

Every citizen of a nation has the basic constitutional right to quality health care. However, there is a dearth of literature on the validity and reliability of the Donabedian conceptual model of health service quality in Nigeria. The current paper focused on validating the Donabedian model of quality health service in selected states in Nigeria. This is a prospective study of 479 health workforce consisting of 204 physicians, 180 nurses, and 95 health information management officers in three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire with a response rate of 87%. The overall reliability test of the variables yielded α =0.938. Data gathered was analyzed descriptively for the socio-demographic characteristics and Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the criteria according to their relative importance. Findings from the study reveal that the (RII) of all the items in the study instrument exceeded the universally acceptable threshold of 0.5, indicating a high level of care in Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria with regards to structure, process, and outcomes. The study underscored the need for the adoption of the Donabedian model in the three other geopolitical zones in Nigeria for a generalized conclusion on the validity and reliability of the Donabedian conceptual model of health service quality. We recommended that research studies on health service quality should be anchored on Donabedian conceptual model as a way to increase awareness of the relevance of the model in improving clinical care in Nigeria.

An Estimation of Digital Learning Culture Index of Secondary Education in Nigeria

The socioeconomic vulnerability of youths in developing economies is a challenge that can be mitigated by quality education and digital learning skills. However, it is increasingly demanding for developing economies still struggling with universal access to preadult education to provide their youths with quality education. Mitigating this challenge, therefore, will require a social reengineering of the educational system of developing economies. Critical to this, reengineering is a comprehensive appraisal of their educational system’s support for digital learning. We set two objectives for this study: (i) examine the digital learning culture (DLC) of secondary education in Nigeria—a typical developing economy and (ii) estimate the digital learning culture index (DLCI) of secondary education in readiness for a lifelong learning skill among the Nigerian youths. Data were collected using the questionnaire survey and the stratified random sampling technique. A total of 2,107 students’ questionnaire feedback and 666 secondary schoolteachers’ questionnaire feedback at all secondary education levels across communities in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria were analyzed. The DLCI of secondary education in Nigeria has been estimated to be 0.21. The results revealed two key findings: (1) evidence of sharp divides in DLC of secondary education among the communities in Nigeria and (2) statistical evidence that secondary education in the North-East zone of Nigeria has a higher DLCI than all other zones in the country except for the South-East zone.

Components of Preservation and Availability of Information Resources in Academic Libraries in South-South Geo-Political Region, Nigeria

The paper studied preservation and availability of information resources in academic libraries in south-south geo-political region, Nigeria. The study was hinged on correlational research design. The population of the study was culled from three academic libraries in the South-South Geopolitical region of Nigeria, namely Donald Ekong Library, University of Port Harcourt, Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan and Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 87 respondents. 84 (97%) respondents provided complete response. Data were collected, arranged and analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings show that preservation techniques of preventive preservation, passive preservation, active preservation and restorative preservation have significant relationship with the availability of library resources with active preservation having the highest significant relationship in academic libraries in south-south geopolitical zone in Nigeria. Consequently, it was recommended that libraries should engage in active preservation its collection and to ensure availability of library resources.

Curriculum Contents for Quality Education Delivery and Sustainable National Development in Nigeria

This study “Curriculum contents for Quality Education Delivery and Sustainable National Development in Nigeria’ investigated public opinion and other Education stakeholders’ reservations to the provision of quality education delivery across Nigeria. Three hundred and eighty-two (382) respondents, 268 males and 114 females were randomly selected and used as a sample of the study across six (6) geo political zones in Nigeria. The samples cut across teachers, family members, educational administrators, policy makers, university lecturers, and politicians. Survey research design was employed for the study. Cluster sampling technique was used to identify the sample of the study. Self-developed questionnaire was used to generate information for the study. Chronbach’s reliability coefficient of .701after test re-test was obtained. Simple percentage count was used to report the demographic variables of the study while descriptive statistics was used to answer the research questions, the hypotheses were tested using z test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. The Findings of the study have showed there is need to reform the Nigeria Basiceducation curriculum to provide elements of skills acquisition. All education stakeholders should team up to provide conducive learning environment for teaching and learning. No significant gender difference was found across the sample that the perceived curriculum impacted sustainable National Development at z = 2.7, Quality teacher production need to be revisited by the Nigeria National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). Based on the findings the writer offers some recommendations; the Nigeria National Curriculum Reviewers should reflect National development through education. School plants should be revisited to provide befitting structures, teaching and learning materials as a means for individual and community overall development. There is need to improve salary of teachers to avoiding attrition from schools. Stigmatisation of teachers should be avoided as a means of improving performance of teachers.

The Influence of Cultural Factors on Accounting Decisions in Entrepreneurship in Anambra State

Entrepreneurship drives economic growth, employment and innovation across the globe. This research paper aimed to empirically explore the influence of cultural dimensions on entrepreneurs’ accounting decisions with a focus on the Nigerian Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) sector. The study used quantitative methods via the survey design to gather data from entrepreneurs in two geo-political zones in Nigeria- the South West and South-East zones. Long term orientation and indulgence-restraint were the cultural dimensions found to be significantly influential in determining entrepreneurs’ accounting decisions. Long term orientation is associated with more quality accounting decisions as revealed by the positive relationship found, while higher indulgence further deteriorates the entrepreneurs’ inclination towards better accounting decisions depicted by a negative relationship. Power distance, business registration and masculinity-femininity were relatively dormant in the entrepreneurs’ psychological processes for making accounting decisions. The study concludes that cultural factors in general, are significant predictors of accounting decisions in entrepreneurship. It was recommended that entrepreneurs are constantly sensitized on the benefits involved in adopting formal accounting practices to promote a positive change in the appetite for quality accounting decisions.

Differentials in lifestyle practices and determinants among hypertensive adults from three geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

hypertension is a major public health problem globally. The occurrence has been associated with unhealthy lifestyles (such as high salt consumption, physical inactivity, excessive intake of alcohol and unhealthy diet), which are very critical for hypertension control. The study was conducted to assess the lifestyle practices and their determinants among adults with hypertension in Nigeria. data on 762 adults living with hypertension were extracted from a cross-sectional survey conducted across three States (Abia, Kano and Oyo States) in Nigeria. A semi-structured pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Knowledge of lifestyle practices was categorized into good and poor at 25th percentile cut-off point. Overall lifestyle practice was grouped into healthy and unhealthy practices. Healthy lifestyle practice was defined as score of four and above while unhealthy lifestyle practice was defined as score of three and below; in all the 7 specific domains of lifestyle practices assessed (maximum obtainable was 7). The cut off was chosen based on 90% sensitivity from the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) distribution of the scores. Data was summarized using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used to explore associations and determine predictors of lifestyle practices. Level of significance was set at 5%. the mean age of the respondents was 55.4±16.3 years. About one-quarter of the respondents (24.3%) had good knowledge of lifestyle practices. Overall, 11.8% of respondents were engaged in good lifestyle practices. Independent predictors of good lifestyle practices were earning monthly income of N30,000 and above [AOR=1.58; 95% CI (1.03-2.42)], being a farmer [AOR=1.09; 95% CI (0.55-2.18)] and artisan [AOR=1.50; 95% CI (0.70-3.14)]. the poor knowledge of lifestyle practices and engagement among adults with hypertension found in this study underscore the need to emphasize integrating lifestyle education for effective management of hypertension.