Geopolitical Zones Research Articles

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Facilities in Teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria

The study assessed the use of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in teaching Financial Accounting in Federal Colleges of Education in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. 2 research questions guided the study and were examined while 2 hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised 239 male and female Financial Accounting lecturers with accounting education background. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 169 representative sample for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Information and Communication Technology in Teaching Financial Accounting Questionnaire (ICTITFAQ)” validated by two experts. Mean statistic was used to analyze data descriptively while independent sample t-test was used to test the formulated null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed among others that accounting educators (lecturers) utilize, to large extent, accounting software and telecommunication facilities to teach financial accounting in colleges of education in South-South zone of Nigeria. The results further showed no significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators (lecturers) use computer software facilities, and telecommunication facilities in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria. However, a significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators use internet in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria in favour of Federal Colleges of Education. It was recommended that Federal and State governments should intensify efforts to buy relevant software packages for teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges.

Diplomacy and Afterlife of Biafra in Nigeria

Abstract In the aftermath of the Nigerian civil war of 1967–1970, south-east Nigeria moved from scheming for global recognition of Biafra to agitating for a plebiscite that would determine whether the Igbos wish to remain a part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They have received varied degrees of international support in that regard. Using group theory to explain the diverse sectarian grievances within Nigeria, this paper locates the roles of international recognition and extra-Nigerian supports in the prodding and sustenance of the tempos of the agitations for a separate sovereign state of the Igbos out of Nigeria. The paper submits that with the covert and overt supports the separatists received from a cross-section of the global community they achieved the weakening of the ex-British colony, test the strengths and expose the inadequacies of Africa’s most populous country in remaining true to the sanctity of its inherited boundaries. The paper concludes that given the impacts of the struggles on the affected area, the south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria needs to be made into a land of peace.

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Facilities in Teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria

The study assessed the use of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in teaching Financial Accounting in Federal Colleges of Education in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. 2 research questions guided the study and were examined while 2 hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised 239 male and female Financial Accounting lecturers with accounting education background. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 169 representative sample for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Information and Communication Technology in Teaching Financial Accounting Questionnaire (ICTITFAQ)” validated by two experts. Mean statistic was used to analyze data descriptively while independent sample t-test was used to test the formulated null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed among others that accounting educators (lecturers) utilize, to large extent, accounting software and telecommunication facilities to teach financial accounting in colleges of education in South-South zone of Nigeria. The results further showed no significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators (lecturers) use computer software facilities, and telecommunication facilities in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria. However, a significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators use internet in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria in favour of Federal Colleges of Education. It was recommended that Federal and State governments should intensify efforts to buy relevant software packages for teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges

Farmers’ perspective toward a demand led yam breeding in Nigeria

This study seeks to increase the efficiency of yam breeding practice using farmers’ insight at the trait and socioeconomic levels. A three-staged multisampling procedure was employed and 792 yam farmers from four geopolitical zones, comprising 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in Nigeria were randomly selected. Farmer’s preference criteria and factors pertinent to improving the efficiency of yam breeding in Nigeria were documented. The data obtained were analyzed using a 5-point Likert scale to identify major traits farmers consider in the yam cultivar selection decision. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was used to measure the degree of agreement of ranking among the farmers. Factors influencing farmers’ trait preference for yam cultivars were evaluated using a multinomial-ordered logistic regression model. The result revealed that yam varieties with high germination rates, disease-free quality, big tuber sizes, early maturity, and good pounding attributes are held in high esteem. The most critical constraint limiting the production of yam in the study area includes pest and disease attack, climate change, high cost of seed yam, high cost of staking, and weed infestation. Sex, age, access to credit, membership to yam association, total land owned, and years of experience as a yam farmer significantly influence farmers’ ability to select yam cultivars with preferred attributes. A strategic effort needs to be given to these farmers’ desired yam attributes and factored into developing improved yam varieties for increased adoption and enhanced food security in Nigeria.

Population-Level Access to Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis in Nigeria.

Mammography, breast ultrasound (US), and US-guided breast biopsy are essential services for breast cancer early detection and diagnosis. This study undertook a comprehensive evaluation to determine population-level access to these services for breast cancer early detection and diagnosis in Nigeria using a previously validated geographic information system (GIS) model. A comprehensive list of public and private facilities offering mammography, breast US, and US-guided breast biopsy was compiled using publicly available facility data and a survey administered nationally to Nigerian radiologists. All facilities were geolocated. A cost-distance model using open-source population density (GeoData Institute) and road network data (OpenStreetMap) was used to estimate population-level travel time to the nearest facility for mammography, breast US, and US-guided biopsy using GIS software (ArcMAP). In total, 1,336 facilities in Nigeria provide breast US, of which 47.8% (639 of 1,336) are public facilities, and 218 provide mammography, of which 45.4% (99 of 218) are public facilities. Of the facilities that provide breast US, only 2.5% (33 of 1,336) also provide US-guided breast biopsy. At the national level, 83.1% have access to either US or mammography and 61.7% have access to US-guided breast biopsy within 120 minutes of a continuous one-way travel. There are differences in access to mammography (64.8% v 80.6% with access at 120 minutes) and US-guided breast biopsy (49.0% v 77.1% with access at 120 minutes) between the northern and southern Nigeria and between geopolitical zones. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive evaluation of breast cancer detection and diagnostic services in Nigeria, which demonstrates geospatial inequalities in access to mammography and US-guided biopsy. Targeted investment is needed to improve access to these essential cancer care services in the northern region and the North East geopolitical zone.

Criminal Enterprise: Explaining the Emergence of Bandit Gangs in Nigeria

ABSTRACT: Since 2011, criminal activities of armed bandits in Northwest Nigeria have skyrocketed with enormous impact on lives and livelihoods. In the first seven months of 2019, the Nigerian government recorded over 330 attacks from armed bandits that resulted in the death of about 1,460 civilians. This briefing paper—which draws on relative deprivation theory— provides an account of the increasing cases of rampant banditry in the region, focusing on the motives and drives of armed bandits in the Northwest geopolitical zone in Nigeria. The account suggests a way forward to help resolve the disconcerting increase in conflict that has the potential to destabilize not only Nigeria but also the Sahel region .

Can location factors moderate the effects of the demographic composition of SME's owner managers on the rate of mobile marketing technology (MMT) adoption?

Extant scholarly inquiries focused predominantly on the influence of demographic physiognomies of SMEs' owner-managers on MMT adoption, with dearth recourse to how the proxies of location factors such as workforce diversity and knowledge centres moderate and describe such relationship. To bridge that void, opinions of 345 SMEs' owner-managers in five industries situated in the state capital and commercial nerve cities of three Geo-political zones of Nigeria were purposively sampled. The analysis involved hierarchical regression and its outcome showed that diversified workforce and enhanced knowledge centres critically moderated the extant relationship between the demographic composition (age, gender, education and experience) of owner-managers and MMT adoption. Hence, location factors are moderators of the relationship between owner/managers' demographic composition and MMT adoption. Implicit is that understanding the demographic composition of owner-managers provides industry players with strong basis for competitive advantage, as well as opportunity to proactively and tactically make decisions that relate to MMT adoption.

Analyzing the safety implications of the upsurge in domestic usage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Nigeria

The rapid rise in domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) usage in Nigeria signifies a transformative shift towards cleaner energy. This abstract encapsulates a thorough analysis delving into the safety implications linked to this transition. Through meticulous exploration of LPG usage, safety practices, regulations, and stakeholder perspectives, the study aims to illuminate multifaceted safety dimensions in Nigeria. Employing mixed methods, including surveys and interviews, the research offers a holistic view of LPG safety dynamics. Quantitative data of 200 households across the six geo-political zones indicates increasing LPG adoption, highlighting gaps in safety awareness and compliance. Qualitative insights shed light on challenges faced by users, experts, and regulators, providing a nuanced outlook on safety concerns and potential solutions. Key findings underscore the role of safety awareness in shaping user practices and the need for robust regulations for consistent safety enforcement. Stakeholder input emphasizes collaboration against counterfeit equipment and standardized safety training. Recommendations include targeted awareness campaigns, stronger regulations, and industry-user partnerships to bolster LPG safety. The research holds far-reaching implications for policies, industry practices, and public engagement. Amid Nigeria's pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, addressing safety implications of surging LPG usage becomes crucial. This abstract offers a glimpse into a comprehensive exploration aiming to contribute to a safer LPG landscape, harnessing cleaner energy benefits while prioritizing Nigerian households' well-being.

Development and Evaluation of Instructional Video for Teaching Technical Drawing in Nigerian Universities.

This study developed and evaluated instructional video for teaching Technical Drawing to Technical education students in Nigerian Universities and also tried out to know if this teaching strategy affects students’ performance. Four research questions and one hypothesis were used for the study. The study adopted Research and Development (R&D) design for production of the video and One-group Pretest-Posttest Design to test the students’ performance. The population of this study comprised of 154 final year students and 58 lecturers in Technical Education Department from five public Universities in South-South geopolitical zone in Nigeria from which 100 students and 10 Technical Drawing lecturers were selected for the study through purposive sampling technique. To collect data for the study, the researchers developed instructional video and was faced and content validated by five experts using 40-item structured questionnaire. The student's performance was measured through 20-item pretest and posttest multiple-choice type of test. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument which gave a value of .86. A five-point rating scale was provided for the respondents to make their responses on the research questions. The research questions were analyzed using Mean and standard deviation while t-test was used to test the hypothesis at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the contents, specific objectives, instructional methods, materials, learners’ task and evaluation techniques of the developed instructional video are appropriate for teaching Technical Drawing to Technical education students in Nigerian universities. The study further revealed a significance difference between the students taught with the video and students taught without the video. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected. The researchers recommend among others that the video can be a supplementary material fo

Unveiling virtual chat group inclusiveness code of conduct by Nigerians

PurposeThis paper aims to unveil the general nature of virtual chat groups in multi-ethnic societies like Nigeria towards knowing whether and how diversity inclusiveness codes of conduct are encouraged and managed among virtual chat group participants.Design/methodology/approachData in this research was collected via five virtual focus groups of five to eight discussants each and was complemented by virtual field surveys. Responses were validated through verification of registered personal mobile phone numbers. Each design was implemented to cover Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The research was broadly framed – according to the uses and gratification theory, social inclusion hypothesis and utilitarian theory of ethics.FindingsThe research shows how virtual chat groups can enhance understanding of diversities. However, virtual chat-group outcomes are better managed if anticipated gratifications are predictable and based on the utilization of stated conduct codes.Research limitations/implicationsGiven Nigeria’s vast population, the sample size for this study is not adequate nor systematic enough towards generalizations. However, the diverse background of focus group discussants enhances the vista for understanding inclusive virtual chats in diverse societies. Moreover, the instruments of research data collection were validated.Practical implicationsThis research points out that virtual chat groups’ codes of conduct are most effective when participants can anticipate collective gratifications. However, firmness and fairness in the implementation of code of conduct principles are essential for long-term virtual group chat sustenance.Social implicationsCode of conduct principles are essential for the long-term virtual chat group sustenance. When this is achieved, some of the social problems of Nigeria may be solved, and the social, ethnic and religious differences may not hinder the proper development of the country.Originality/valueThe research exposes the nature and role of virtual chat group communication inclusivity codes of conduct amidst participants’ demographic diversity.

Influence of Entrepreneurship Education on Students’ Innovation and Creativity in Nigerian Public Universities

Entrepreneurship education is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to start and run successful businesses, as well as to foster an entrepreneurial mindset. Through entrepreneurial courses, students are expected to learn how to identify market opportunities, develop business plans, and acquire the necessary resources to bring their ideas to fruition. They also learn about risk management, financial management, and marketing strategies, which are essential skills for any entrepreneur. Hence, this study examined the influence of entrepreneurship education on students' innovation and creativity. Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyse the data collected from 244 undergraduate students in federal universities in north-central geo-political zone, Nigeria. The findings revealed that (1) there is a positive significant relationship between entrepreneurship education and students’ innovation; (2) entrepreneurship education has a significant influence on students’ creativity. Therefore, it is broadly recommended that universities should not see entrepreneurship education as the courses that must be passed through test, presentations and examinations, rather the courses should be assessed based on success recorded by students in their chosen areas of business or ingenuity (practical evaluation).

Principles of Law Instructional Module for Teaching TVET Students in Nigerian Colleges of Education

This study developed and validated instructional module for teaching principles of law to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students in Nigerian Colleges of Education. Four research questions and one hypothesis were used for the study. Research and Development design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised of 832 TVET students in five Colleges of Education in South-South geopolitical zone in Nigeria and 200 final year students were purposively sampled for the study. 82-item structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was faced and content validated by three experts and Cronbach alpha statistics was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument which gave a value of .84. A four- point rating scale was provided for the respondents to make their responses on the research questions. The research questions were analyzed using Mean and standard deviation while independent t-test was used to test the hypothesis at .05 level of significance. Findings of the study revealed that the contents, specific objectives, instructional methods, materials and evaluation techniques of the developed principles of law instructional module are highly appropriate for teaching TVET students in Nigerian Colleges of Education. The study recommended among others that the National Commission for Colleges of Education should adopt the developed principles of law instructional module for teaching TVET students in Nigerian Colleges of Education.

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Financial Performance of SMEs in Nigeria: A Study of the South East Geopolitical Zone

This article explores the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the financial performance of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study objective was to determine the extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic affected the revenue of SMEs, their profitability and their access to credit. The target population for the study were registered SMEs in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, being Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. Using purposive sampling method, thirty SME owners from each zone were selected for the study, giving a total of 150 SME owners. The study adopted a quantitative research method, using a questionnaire. The findings revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic significantly reduced the profitability and revenue of SMEs but not their access to credit. The study therefore recommended the need for business owners to minimize cost and look for possible innovations/opportunities to grow sales and improve revenue. Also government should make soft loan available to SMEs to help cushion the effect of the pandemic on their financial performance. Finally, future research should consider other related variables that have not been covered in this article.

State Security Apparatus and Emergence of Regional Armed Security Architecture in Nigeria (2015-2021)

The emergence and proliferation of non-state armed security outfits across different geopolitical zones in Nigeria in recent times is on the rise. Scholars have argued on the causes, necessity and legality of these regional security outfits. However, studies have not empirically examined the character of Nigeria state as the propelling factor for the increase in these armed security outfits. This study, therefore, examined whether the weak governance of security by the Federal Government accounted for the emergence and proliferation of people centered non-state armed security architecture in Nigeria. The study adopted the documentary method of data collection, which was then analyzed through qualitative descriptive methods of data analysis. The Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) was utilized as the foundation for our theoretical framework. Findings showed that weak governance of security by the federal government contributed to the emergence and proliferation of people centered non- state armed security outfits in Nigeria within the period under study. As a corollary of the above, this study recommended building synergy and collaboration between the state security agencies and the regional security outfits which will strengthen intelligence gathering and effective security provision.

Assessment of barriers to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain management in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to assess the barriers to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain management in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed 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 descriptive and exploratory factor analysis (EFA), while Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the reliability.FindingsThe analysis revealed that all barriers ranked above the average mean item score. It also revealed that all professionals have a convergent opinion on the barriers. EFA was used in clustering the identified barriers into two categories: technological and socio-political barrier.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was carried out in the Southwestern region which is one of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria using a cross-sectional survey method.Practical implicationsThe findings provide valuable insights into the barriers to the implementation of blockchain in supply chain management for professionals and practitioners in the Nigerian construction industry.Originality/valueThe research categorised the barriers into technological and social-political barrier and identified that lack of digitalisation is the major barrier to the implementation of blockchain technology in construction supply chain.

Relationship Among Teachers’ Occupational Interests, Job Satisfaction and Performance in Government Secondary Schools in North Central Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship among teachers’ occupational interests, job satisfaction and performance in government secondary schools in North-Central Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design using teachers in government secondary schools in the North-Central Geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A sample size of 384 teachers comprising 153 males and 231 females participated in the study through stratified random sampling procedure. Three instruments were used for the study – Vocational Interests Inventory (VII) Job Satisfaction Inventory for Teachers (JOSIT) and Teachers Job Performance Inventory (TEJOPI). The reliability of the instruments was determined through test re-test method using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient which yielded reliability indices of 0.92, 0.84 and 0.81 for VII, JOSIT and TEJOPI respectively. One research question and three hypotheses guided the conduct of the study. Data generated was analyzed using mean scores and standard deviation for the research question. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for hypotheses one and two while Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to test hypothesis three. The findings revealed that teachers in government secondary schools in North-Central Nigeria were dissatisfied with their jobs as reflected in the sectional mean of 2.712. The findings further revealed that a significant relationship existed between occupational interests and job satisfaction but not with job performance. The findings further indicated that there was no significant relationship between jobs satisfaction and Job performance. The researcher recommended among other measures, that government as the major employer of labour should ensure periodic improvements in the working conditions of teachers to enhance their job satisfaction and boost productivity.

Transition from Conventional Assessment to Authentic Assessment Methods in Tertiary Education 21st Century Classroom in South-East Geo-Political Zone

This paper investigates the shift from conventional assessment methods to authentic assessment methods in tertiary institutions particularly, in the 21st century classrooms. The paper will focus on exploring students’ preference for conventional and authentic assessment methods, the benefits and challenges of transitioning to authentic assessment methods which emphasizes real-world problem-solving and application of knowledge and skills. Descriptive survey research design was deployed in the study, guided by four research questions and four hypotheses. The population will comprise students from tertiary institutions in South-East geo-political zones in Nigeria. A sample of 1838 students was drawn from five tertiary institutions using simple random sampling and accidental sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was the “Conventional versus Authentic Assessment Methods in 21st Century Classroom Questionnaire” (CAAM21CCQ). The instrument was adapted from Saher et al. (2022) and Fatmawati (2018) respectively. The estimated reliability coefficient of the instrument using Cronbach Alpha was 0.813. the instrument was administered using Google forms. The research questions were answered with using descriptive statistics. Whereas, the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha levels using paired t-test, independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) as appropriate. Findings indicated that students prefer both assessment methods and authentic assessment foster development of the 21st century skills. Further, no statistically significant difference was found on students’ perception on challenges of authentic assessment methods and the implementation strategies based on gender and programme. It was recommended among others, that educators should combine conventional and authentic assessment methods when necessary.

Perceived Influence of the Use of E-Learning Technologies in Teaching Business Education Courses in Public Universities in South-South, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine perceived influence of the use of e-learning technologies in teaching and learning of Business Education courses in Public Universities in South-South, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study is two hundred and thirty two (232) Business Educators in public universities in South-South, Nigeria. The entire population of 232 Business Educators was studied. Structured questionnaire containing 45 item entitled “Perceived influence of the use of e-learning technologies in teaching of Business Education courses” were used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three (3) experts. The Cronbach Alpha Reliability coefficient was 0.97 and 0.91. Two hundred and thirty two (232) copies of instrument were distributed, 225 were successfully retrieved from business educators. Mean (X) and Standard Deviation (SD) were used in analyzing the research questions. The null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test statistical tool. The findings showed that digital library and Google search engine have positive influence in teaching and learning of Business Education in Public Universities in South-South, Nigeria. The hypotheses tested showed that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of business educators in Federal and State University on perceived influence of the use of digital library in teaching of Business Education in public universities and there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of the business educators in perceived influence of the use of Google search engine in teaching of business education in the public universities in the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria based on school ownership (federal/ state). Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that, the use of digital camera, digital library, video conferencing and Google search engine are believed to have influence in teaching and learning of Business Education courses in public universities in South-South, Nigeria. The study recommended among others that management of public universities in South-South zone of Nigeria should endeavour to adequately provide e-learning technologies identified in order to sustain e-learning in teaching and learning of business education courses. The educational implication is that the e-learning technologies for teaching and learning of Business Education courses influence teaching and learning of Business Education courses. Training and re-training of lecturers in the utilization of e-learning technologies should be adopted, because it will improve lecturers’ skills in business education courses and also help students to learn better and faster in the classroom.

Assessment of the Social Lost of Political Crisis in Nigeria (1960 – 2023)

Politics, since time immemorial has been the major means of administering human society. In the act of social administration, there are bound to be conflict of interests which metamorphose into crises thereby faulting the political process. This study examines the lost of political crises to the Nigerian society from independence till date. In justifying this, the study reviews the system of governance practiced, the electoral process, the political participation and other factors that constitute the Nigeria’s political culture. Structural functionalist theory, as well as the conflict theory was employed in evaluating the study. To ensure meaningful coverage of the study area, six (6) Colleges of Education (C.O.E.) was selected across the six (6) geo-political zones of Nigeria. Thirty (35) respondents were randomly selected among the staff of each of the colleges comprising of both teaching and non-teaching staff amounting to two hundred and ten (210) respondents. Eventually, one hundred and eighty (180) questionnaires were collected and used for the research. Five hypotheses were tested using the ordinal regression and non-parametric correlation (spearman’s rho) to determine the level of relationship between each pairs of the independent and dependent variables using IBM SPSS statistics 20 version software. The result revealed that bad governance was majorly responsible for political crisis which procreate institutional failure, frequency change in policies, political violence, political assassinations, economic downturn, insecurity, unemployment and low self-esteem for most citizens. In conclusion, until the Nigerian constitution re-defined politics as a social service and not social work with drastic reduction of financial attributions to political offices, the scrambling and stiff contest for political positions will continue to generate crises too disastrous for the Nigerian society. Finally, the most expensive loss of political crisis to the Nigerian society is the retardation, stagnation and retrogressiveness of social growth and development.

Knowledge, Perception, and Uptake of Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination among Nigerian Civil Servants: Implications for Evidence-Based Policies

Background: In 2021, some state governments in Nigeria made it compulsory for all civil servants to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Subsequently, the federal government adopted this policy which was met with mixed reactions. This study assessed knowledge, perception, willingness to be vaccinated, uptake, and determinants of full vaccination among Nigerian civil servants.
 Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 622 civil servants from Ministries across the six geopolitical zones and the Federal Capital Territory using selfadministered structured questionnaires. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Health Research Ethics Committee and analyses done using IBM SPSS v.26.
 Results: The mean age of the respondents was 41.6 ± 9.1 years with most respondents (486; 78.1%) having good knowledge of COVID-19. Two-fifths (252; 40.5%) agreed that there should be no blanket policy for mandatory vaccination. Most of the respondents (463; 74.4%) had been vaccinated and about two-fifths (269; 43.2%) had been fully vaccinated while about a quarter 146 (23.5%) had not been vaccinated at all. Of those (n=159) who had not been vaccinated or were unwilling to disclose their status, the majority 116 (73.0%) were unwilling to be vaccinated. Respondents with a good knowledge of COVID-19 achieved full vaccination status (p = 0.007). 
 Conclusion: Since the majority of the respondents who are Nigerian civil servants had a good knowledge of COVID-19 and had been vaccinated, this study recommends that the government continues its health promotional campaigns towards improved uptake of vaccination against COVID-19 in the populace.