Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area Research Articles

Eradicating Poor Achievement in Basic Science and Technology through Learning Activity Package: How Do Students Behave in Nigeria?

This study was designed to determine the effects of Learning Activity Package (LAP) teaching method on students’ achievement in basic science and technology with special consideration to the moderating effect of learning styles. A pre-test - post-test quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. Three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study for data collection and analysis. The sample for the study comprised sixty-nine (69) students from two (2) co-educational junior secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode local government area of Ogun state, Nigeria. Basic science and technology achievement test (BSAT) and learning styles self-assessment questionnaire were used as instruments in collecting data for the study. Data collected were analysed using ANCOVA and MCA in order to determine the magnitude of students’ post-test achievement scores in basic science and technology. Findings of the study showed a significant main effect of teaching strategy on students’ academic achievement in basic science and technology (F (1, 57) = 8.362, P < 0.05). However, no significant main effect of learning styles on students’ academic achievement in Basic Science and Technology (F (1, 57) = 0.070, P > 0.05) was revealed, neither any significant interaction effects of teaching strategies were found. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Learning Activity Package (LAP) teaching method should be incorporated into the teaching of basic science and technology at the junior secondary school level. Furthermore, Learning Activity Package should be particularly introduced into system approach to instruction in basic science and technology at all levels of teacher education.

Youth Engagement in Nigerian Politics: Age and Gender Differentials (as Perceived by Ijebu-Ode Community)

The importance of youth involvement in political and developmental processes of society can hardly be exaggerated. However, despite the large percentage of young people in Nigeria and the historical importance of intergenerational continuity with an emphasis on national identity, very little is really known about the degree of youth engagement in the country’s politics. Therefore, this study, in the form of a descriptive survey, analyzes gender and age differentials of youth participation in Nigerian politics. A random sampling technique was used in selecting 200 youths from 5 political wards (40 from each ward) in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Additionally, a self-structured questionnaire was designed and used for data collection, while a t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were employed to test the three hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed no significant gender difference ( t = 1.56, P > 0.05) or age difference ( t = 1.44, P > 0.05) among the young population of Nigeria actively engaged in politics in the country. Conclusively, the authors recommend that efforts should be geared towards fighting illiteracy and unemployment in the country, as these are known to be main reasons for vandalism, senseless violence, anarchism, racketeering, and cultism among the Nigerian youth, while realistic political organizations under control and leadership of the young population should be formed.

Screening of newly-diagnosed adults with Tuberculosis for Diabetes mellitus and Impaired Glucose Tolerance in a Local Government Area in Ogun State, Nigeria

Background: Emerging patterns in epidemiological transitions have led to increased risk for Non-Communicable Diseases and infectious conditions globally. Diabetes mellitus (DM) in a population is one such risk factor that could lead to the development of Tuberculosis (TB) due to weakened immune functions in affected persons, with implications for mortality. If not diagnosed early, DM also leads to poor treatment outcomes in TB. Objective: To assess the prevalence of DM and impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes) among newly diagnosed tuberculosis cases in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 newly diagnosed Pulmonary TB patients in ljebu-Ode LGA. The patients were selected from four health facilities and were screened for elevated Fasting Blood Glucose levels using a laboratory spectrophotometer (glucose oxidase method). Results: The mean age of the 100 study participants was 33 years (± 9.82), with ages within 19 -62 years. Eleven (11.0%) had elevated blood glucose levels suggestive of DM, while 20 (20.0%) had impaired fasting blood glucose levels. Among these 31 patients, 18 (58.0%) were males while 13 (42.0%) were females. The modal ages were within 20-39 years. Conclusion: Screening for DM by healthcare providers should be routinely conducted before commencing TB patients on treatment. This will aid early detection, improve treatment outcomes of TB and prevent mortality among patients with these co-morbidities.

INFLUENCE OF HOME AND SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON CUMULATIVE CHILDREN LEARNING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Several studies examined the relationship which exists among home, school, learners and teacher-related factors and academic performance in different subjects at various levels of education. Intriguingly, there seems to be meager literature and diverse opinions on how majority of these factors affect children cumulative learning in classroom instructional process at the primary school level. This study therefore examined the influence of home and school environmental factors on cumulative children learning in primary schools. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. Four research hypotheses guided the study. A sample size of 150 pupils eventually participated from five (5) schools in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The Home and School-Related Factors Scale HS-RFS) and Primary Schools Cumulative Results (PSCRs) were used to gather data for the study while Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression statistical tools were used for data analysis. The results showed that there is significant correlation between home and school environmental factors and children cumulative learning in primary schools (Home Environment: B = .236 (23.6%), P<0.05; School Facilities: B = .205 (20.5%), P<0.05; School Location: B = .135 (13.5%), P<0.05). In view of the findings, it is recommended that communities, school administrators and government representatives still need to work collaboratively to improve on those factors which contribute to pupils’ learning in order to enhance the output from curriculum instructional process in primary schools. Article visualizations:

Mother Tongue and Learning Environment as Students’ Predictors of Academic Achievement in Reading Comprehension

The study examined mother tongue and learning environment as students’ predictors of academic achievement in reading comprehension. This study adopted an ex-post facto design. The population consists of all senior secondary school students in Ijebu-North and Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in selecting the sample. Four (4) senior secondary schools were randomly selected from each of the Local Government Area, making a total number of eight (8) senior secondary schools. Stratified random sampling technique was adopted in selecting 50 students from each of the selected senior secondary schools, 25 students each represent the gender totaling 400 students selected for this study. The instruments used for this study were two instruments, a questionnaire and an achievement test on reading comprehension. Kurder-Richardson 21 formula was used to obtain the inter-item reliability coefficient of 0.72 and items on achievement test on reading comprehension was extracted from a past questions of Ogun state unified examinations on English Language. The data analysis involved multiple regressions Analysis. The results were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Based on the findings, it was deduced that there is no significant composite influence of mother tongue and learning environment on students’ achievement in English Language. There is no significant relative influence of mother tongue on students’ achievement in reading comprehension. Part of the recommendations made was that teachers should be encouraged in using mother tongues in teaching. Teachers should cultivate a positive perception towards the use of English in school.

English

Increase in food borne infection has been linked with the lack of knowledge of food borne infection (FBI) and poor food safety practice (FSP) of food handlers. This is a major determinant of the kind of patronage received by local restaurants and fast food restaurants. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge of FBI and FSP of local food handlers in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Four hundred and seventy three local food handlers (snacks and cooked food handlers) were recruited for the study. Interviewer&rsquo;s administered questionnaire was used to gather information on knowledge and practice and a score index was then created. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15. Frequencies, percentages, Chi square and correlations were done. The results revealed that majority (66.4%) of the respondents were female and 17.0% food handlers had no formal education. Majority (84.5%) of the respondents earned below N30,000.&nbsp; About 41.6% food handlers had poor knowledge FBI. Only 7.6% respondents had adequate knowledge.&nbsp; Also, 31.5% respondents had poor FSP. Educational qualification of respondents had a significant relationship with their knowledge of FBI (P=0.001) and it also significantly affected their FSP (P=0.0011). Furthermore, monthly income of respondents did not affect the practice of FSP (P=0.216) and the type of outlet of respondents had no significant effect on FSP (P=0.654). Knowledge of FBI and FSP of food handlers have a poor correlation coefficient (r&lt;0.24).&nbsp; The knowledge of FBI among food handlers is adequate, but this does not translate into practice. &nbsp; Key words: Food vendors, food borne infection, food safety practices, knowledge score, disease outbreak, hygiene, micro-organism.

Psycho-social Factors Affecting the Teaching and Learning of Introductory Technology in Junior Secondary Schools in Ijebu-Ode Local Government of Ogun State, Nigeria

This study focused on to determining the psychosocial factors af fecting the teaching and learning of introductory technology in junior secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode Local Government area of Ogun S tate, Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Two hundred students (one hundred males and one hundred and females) were used for the study. Data were collected through questionnaire. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were the statistical tools used for the analysis. The study established that the dif ference between the responses of male and female students on how the school, home and interest facilitates the teaching and learning of introductory technology was not significant. The study concluded that the school, home and the interest of the students facilitate the teaching and learning of introductory technology.

Gender, Need-Achievement and Assertiveness as Factors of Conceptions about Math among Secondary School Students in Ogun State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of Gender, need-achievement and assertiveness on conceptions about math among senior secondary school students in Ijebu-Ode Local government area of Ogun state. Using an ex-post facto survey research design and multiple sampling methods, a total of 350 participants participated in the study. 127 (36.3%) were male, 223 (63.7%) were female. 150 (42.9%) were from female only schools, 150 (42.9%) were from co-educational schools and 50 (14.3%) from male only schools. Validated scale was used for data collection. The two hypotheses stated were rejected based on statistical insignificance. There was no significant relationship among gender, need achievement, assertiveness and conceptions. It thus follows that there are other variables, (apart from the ones that were considered in this study) that significantly influence conceptions about mathematics among secondary school students. Attention should therefore be focused on further studies in this area, in order to be able to pigeon-hole the factors that may account for the different conceptions about math, so that right measures will be applied to help students change the wrong conceptions and be better in mathematics as a school subject.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SCHOOLS` INSTRUCTIONAL PLANT AND TEACHERS` TASK PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The study examines the relationship between School Instructional Plant and Teachers` Task Performance in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area, Ogun-State, Nigeria; taking into consideration; teachers‘ educational qualification, sex, marital status and location of school. 600 teachers were randomly selected from ten secondary schools consisted the respondents and two types of questionnaire - School Instructional Plant Questionnaire (SIPQ) and Teachers` Task Performance Questionnaire (TTPQ) were developed based on a four – point Likert Scales. Five hypotheses were generated and tested in the study using chi-square to determine whether sex differences, educational qualification, marital status and location of schools affected Teacher`s perception of school instructional plant. Based on the findings, the five hypotheses were rejected showing that there is a strong relationship. Key words: Nigerian, relationship, schools` instructional plant, secondary schools, teachers` task performance.

Effect of constructivist-based teaching strategy on academic performance of students in integrated science at the junior secondary school level

Integrated science plays vital role in Nigerian science education programme because it prepares pupils at the Junior Secondary School level for the study of core science subjects at the Senior Secondary School level which in turn brings about students’ interest in science oriented courses at the tertiary institutions. Despite government’s efforts to encourage science teaching and learning among Nigerian students right from the Junior Secondary School level, the enrolment of students in core science subjects and science oriented courses at the Senior Secondary School level and tertiary institutions level respectively, is not encouraging. This is as a result of Junior Secondary School students’ negative attitude towards integrated science. Research reports indicate that this negative attitude was caused, majorly, by teachers’ conventional (lecture) method of teaching integrated science. Research reports on the effectiveness of constructivist-based teaching strategy revealed that the strategy enhanced students’ academic performance. In view of this, this study examines the effectiveness of constructivist-based teaching strategy on academic performance in integrated science by Junior Secondary School students in South-West Nigeria. Quasi-experimental research design was used to achieve the purpose of this study. Participants were 120 Junior Secondary School Students randomly selected from four out of the 25 co-educational Junior Secondary Schools in Ijebu-ode local government area of ogun state, South-west Nigeria. Findings revealed that the constructivist instructed students had higher scores on the post test and the delayed post test, compared to those exposed to conventional (lecture) method of teaching. We concluded that if integrated science teachers could incorporate constructivist-based teaching strategy into their teaching methods, there would be an improvement in academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in integrated science. The researchers recommended that integrated science teachers should incorporate constructivist-based teaching strategy in their methods of teaching. Key words: Nigeria, constructivism, conventional (lecture), integrated science, academic performance, junior secondary school III students.

Effect Of Constructivist-Based Teaching Strategy On Academic Performance Of Students In Integrated Science At The Junior Secondary School Level

Integrated sacience plays vital role in Nigerian science education programme because it prepares pupils at the Junior Secondary School level for the study of core science subjects at the Senior Secondary School level which in turn brings about students’ interest in science oriented courses at the tertiary institutions. Despite government’s efforts to encourage science teaching and learning among Nigerian students right from the Junior Secondary School level, the enrolment of students in core science subjects and science oriented courses at the Senior Secondary School level and tertiary institutions level respectively is not encouraging. This is as a result of Junior Secondary School students’ negative attitude towards integrated science. Research reports indicate that this negative attitude was caused, majorly, by teachers’ conventional (lecture) method of teaching integrated science. Research reports on the effectiveness of constructivist-based teaching strategy revealed that the strategy enhanced students’ academic performance. In view of this, this study examines the effectiveness of constructivist-based teaching strategy on academic performance in integrated science by Junior Secondary School students in South-West Nigeria. Quasi-experimental research design was used to achieve the purpose of this study. Participants were 120 Junior Secondary School Students randomly selected from four out of the 25 co-educational Junior Secondary Schools in Ijebu-ode local government area of ogun state, South-west Nigeria. Findings revealed that the constructivist instructed students had higher scores on the posttest and the delayed posttest, compared to those exposed to conventional (lecture) method of teaching. We concluded that if integrated science teachers could incorporate constructivist-based teaching strategy into their teaching methods, there would be an improvement in academic performance of Junior Secondary School Students in integrated science. The researchers recommended that integrated science teachers should incorporate constructivistbased teaching strategy in their methods of teaching

Use of Agricultural Science Teachers as a Means of Poverty Reduction Among Farmers in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

Use of Agricultural Science Teachers as a Means of Poverty Reduction Among Farmers in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

Strategies for Improving Participation and Performance of Girls in Secondary School Science in Nigeria: Science Teachers\' Opinions

This study provides empirical evidence for improvement of participation and performance of girls in secondary school science in Nigeria. A total of 120 science teachers drawn from eight out of the thirteen secondary schools in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State returned the questionnaires for the study. Data were analysed using simple percentages and t-test. The findings indicate that initiation of awareness programmes on the relevance of science for parents and girls and also making perception and attitudes of teachers vis-a-vis girls in science positive will go a long way in improving girls participation and performance in science. Furthermore, organization of science groups and clubs for girls and adoption of teaching strategies that are attractive to girls by the teachers are favoured by the science teachers for the improvement of girls' participation and performance in science. The opinion of the science teachers is that gender-biased curriculum materials should also be reviewed. However, the science teachers feel that making the standard for promotion of girls from one class to the next class lower than that of the boys will not help in improving girls participation and performance in school science. The study further reveals that there were significant differences between the opinion of male and female science teachers and opinions of experienced and inexperience teachers but there was a significant difference between the opinions of science teachers having degree and NCE certificates. The implications of the revelations are discussed. Gender & Behaviour Vol.3 2005: 453-464

ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING LOAN DEFAULT AMONG POULTRY FARMERS IN OGUN STATE NIGERIA

This study is interested in determining factors infl uencing default in loan repayment among poultry farmers in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. A total of 100 poultry farmers were randomly sampled from the study area. Probit model was employed to determine and analyse the factors infl uencing default in loan repayment in the study area. Descriptive statistics were also employed to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers. Finding revealed that majority of the farmers in the study area are educated. About 55.0 percent of the farmers source their credit from formal fi nancial institutions. Result from the probit model revealed that fl ock size of the farmers signifi cantly infl uence default in loan repayment at (P<0.10) level. Age of the farmers signifi cantly infl uence default in loan repayment at (P<0.01) level, while Educational level and Income of the farmers also signifi cantly infl uence default in loan repayment at (P<0.05) level.