Ilorin Metropolis Research Articles

Perceived Staff Motivation on the Adoption of Total Quality Management Practices in Nigeria

This study explores the relationship between employee motivation and the effective adoption of Total Quality Management (TQM) within modern organizational contexts in Nigeria. TQM, renowned for its all-encompassing strategy for continual enhancement, is widely recognized for its positive impact on product and service quality, employee involvement, and overall organizational effectiveness. Despite these well-documented benefits, the pivotal role of motivation in cultivating a TQM culture represents a critical yet insufficiently examined dimension. This study adopts a quantitative method using a closed-ended self-administered questionnaire to investigate the connections between motivation and TQM. The research focuses on assessing the levels of employee motivation within organizations practising TQM principles. It examines the resulting impact on various TQM dimensions, such as employee involvement and service quality. The findings revealed that staff motivation through intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation significantly affects the involvement of employees and the service quality of the selected deposit money banks in the Ilorin metropolis. The findings of this research highlight the importance of motivation in influencing TQM practices. Organizations should be mindful of the balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to foster a work environment that promotes long-term commitment and performance. Practically, the results can guide organizations in developing and implementing strategies to motivate staff in a way that supports the successful implementation of TQM practices. The findings contributed significantly to the existing body of knowledge by elucidating the critical role motivation plays in shaping TQM practices.

Quality assessment of different polyethylene-packaged groundwater in the Ilorin metropolis of Nigeria for compliance with standards

There is a notable proliferation of sachet water brands in the Ilorin Metropolis of Nigeria. However, more information regarding their safety for human consumption is required. This study aimed to determine the quality attributes of sachet water produced within the Ilorin metropolis of Nigeria to ascertain their conformity with regulatory standards. Three sachet water companies were each selected from three Local Government Areas within the study area. Physicochemical and microbial analyses were conducted on the collected water samples within 24 hours of production and monthly during 4-month storage. The results showed that temperature (25.10-30.13 ℃) and turbidity (0.37-2.84 NTU) were within permissible limits. Total hardness (36.0-136.33 mg/L) and pH (6.42-8.86) significantly (p ≤0.05) increased during storage and were above standards in some samples. There were significant (p ≤0.05) variations in chlorides (2.83-8.57 mg/L), nitrates (0.15-0.64 mg/L), sulphates (4.70-7.12 mg/L), and sodium contents (10.16-18.74 mg/L) but all were within standards. While five of the nine sachet water brands complied (2-100 CFU/mL) with the limit of 100 CFU/mL for the total viable count, all the samples failed the zero-tolerance requirement for coliform. Possible fecal contamination was concluded as the main concern with the sachet water brands produced within Ilorin Metropolis, suggesting their unfitness for human consumption. The water brands may, therefore, pose severe health hazards to consumers and threaten public health. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the likely unfitness of some sachet water brands in the Ilorin Metropolis of Nigeria for human consumption, owing to fecal coliform. This underscores the need for regulatory agencies to intensify the certification process of prospective sachet water factories. Furthermore, regular inspections of certified factories and their practices and products are recommended to ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards.

Challenges and Coping Strategies of Widows in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State

Widowhood is embedded with a lot of challenges for women which requires strategies to cope with it. This study investigated the challenges and coping strategies of widows in the Ilorin metropolis. The population for this study consisted of selected widows in Ilorin, Kwara state. The sample consisted of fifty widows randomly selected. The instrument that was used for this study is a researcher-designed questionnaire tagged “Widow Practices Questionnaire (WPQ). In testing the hypotheses, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistics were used to test the hypotheses generated for the study at a 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that the widows experience challenges such as endures psychosocial problems after their partner’s demise, endures problems of poor governmental support, experience negative pressure from the family of the demise among others. The coping strategies employed by widows are; widows never depend on the family’s provision to survive since their partner’s demise, embrace grants from religious bodies and government for survival, and cope with gifts and luxuries provided by non-governmental groups for survival among others. Also, there were significant differences in the challenges experienced and coping strategies employed by widows in the Ilorin metropolis based on age and job type; while there were no significant differences in the challenges experienced and coping strategies employed by widows based level of education. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that widows should be encouraged and supported by the government and religious bodies. Government and relevant stakeholders should endeavor to create measures and legislation that help protect the widows and preserve their rights as well as access to several benefits and the widows should be encouraged to meet counselors to disclose their problems, so that their challenges can be expertly addressed.

Interreligious Interaction in the Ilorin Metropolis

Abstract This study explores interreligious interactions in Ilorin, Nigeria, with a focus on Sobi Hill. Employing a phenomenological approach, it examines how different religious groups interpret and engage with this symbol of unity. Through historical analysis, site visits, observations, questionnaires, and interviews, the research identifies three key factors that contributes to peaceful coexistence: influential figures, evolving generational attitudes, and Sobi Hill’s religious significance. The study concludes that Ilorin’s harmonious coexistence is epitomized by Sobi Hill, where residents from various faiths gather for joint celebrations that emphasize the city’s commitment to unity.

Principals’ administrative skills in public senior secondary schools: A case of Ilorin Nigeria

Implementation of administrative skills by secondary school principals plays an inevitable role towards the attainment of educational goals and objectives. This study investigated principals' administrative skills implementation in public senior secondary schools in Ilorin Metropolis of Kwara State on the indicators of principals’ financial and physical facilities maintenance and interpersonal relationship skills. The study adopted a descriptive survey. One hundred teachers were randomly selected from public senior secondary schools in Ilorin Metropolis as a sample. The researcher instrument titled Assessment of Principals’ Administrative Skills Questionnaire (APASQ) was used for data collection. Two research questions were raised and answered to guide the conduct of the study. Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research questions raised. Findings showed that 28.8% constituted the majority of the respondents who agreed that principals had financial skills in Ilorin Metropolis. Results indicated that 45.6% constituted the majority of the respondents who strongly agreed that principals had physical facilities maintenance skills. It was shown that 42% constituted the majority of the respondents who strongly agreed that their principals had interpersonal relationship skills. Findings revealed that 68% constituted the majority who agreed that the level of principals’ administrative skills in public senior secondary schools in Ilorin Metropolis was high. It was recommended among others that principals endeavour to keep a high level of professional spirit and good moral standards in the schools to adopt their administrative skills to sustain a good working environment for teachers and other staff in their schools.

Spatial analysis of urban agriculture in the utilization of open spaces in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Growing food in upper- and lower-income countries commands different connotations and dimensions. Urban agriculture (UA) is increasingly an essential urban fabric and a critical enabler of sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1 and 2. However, this study analyses the practice of UA in open spaces within the Ilorin metropolis. The study employed the use of primary and secondary data. Questionnaire administration, interview guide, digital cameras, UA survey form, and GPS all sufficed for the instrumentation of the study. The main findings showed that in Ilorin city, 14.34Ha (31.4 percent in the core) of land was dedicated to UA, which could at least help 1500 families escape poverty. Through Average Nearest Neighbour Analysis (ANNA), the spatial analysis revealed that UA sites were clustered and not randomly distributed. Secondly, this study affirmed through mean analysis that vegetables (3.09), maise (2.86), cassava (2.64), millet/sorghum (2.46), and yam (2.31) were the dominant food staples grown in Ilorin UA sites. Lastly, access to land, failed harvest due to pest/disease, price collapse, and adverse weather events were the leading challenges affecting the practice of UA in the Ilorin metropolis. The study then affirms the need for city-level integration of UA to recognise the rights of the urban poor and UA into the land-use plan within the Ilorin metropolis.

Ecological risk assessment and phthalate ester concentrations in sediment samples from Ilorin metropolis, North Central Nigeria

The presence of phthalate esters (PEs) in the environment, common components of plastics and consumer products, is causing increasing anxiety over the prospect of negative effects on ecosystems and human well-being. Ilorin metropolis, situated in north-central Nigeria, is not immune to this environmental challenge. Recognizing the urgent need for a thorough evaluation, this study is dedicated to determining the levels and risk assessment of five PEs (diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)) in seven sediment samples obtained from farms and discharge pipes across Ilorin metropolis. It was observed that the total levels of the five phthalates varied from 1.0126 to 27.7196 ng/g in the sediment. Among them, DBP exhibited the highest concentration in sediment samples, with an average value of 12.87 ng/g, followed by DEHP (average, 10.87 ng/g), DnOP (1.865 ng/g), BBP (1.099 ng/g), and DEP (1.042 ng/g). Significant positive correlations were observed between the concentrations of DBP, DEP, and DEHP and the physico-chemical parameters of the sediments. Ecological risk assessment revealed that only DEP likely posed a minimal risk. While the findings indicate that the phthalates pose minimal or no risk, there is a need for comprehensive phthalate monitoring in these locations to minimize the influx of these substances. This proactive measure is essential to prevent potential disruptions to the delicate equilibrium of the ecosystem, which could result in a catastrophic loss of biodiversity.

Optimization of Electric Power Distribution in Ilorin Metropolis

Optimization of Electric Power Distribution in Ilorin Metropolis

Managing Stress among Nursing Students Using Solution-Focused Brief Intervention: A Quasi-Experimental Trial

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of solution-focused brief intervention on stress among nursing students in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. The study was a quasi-experimental design of pretest-posttest only design. The sample of 30 participants was purposively selected from the population of 234 nursing students at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) school complex, Maraba, Ilorin. A validated “Stress Questionnaire (SQ)” was used to measure the participants’ level of stress, which has a Cronbach Alpha index of 0.88. The intervention was conducted within eight weeks based on different tasks scheduled on the solution-focused intervention. At the pretest state, the participants’ stress level was measured to determine those that qualified for the treatment and their level of stress was measured at the posttest stage. The data collected was analysed using percentage for the demographic profile of the participants and Paired Sample t-test statistics to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The SPSS version 23 software was used to perform the analyses. The results of the study revealed that solution-focused brief intervention has effect on physical component (t = 11.57; p < .05); behavioural component (t = 16.75 p < .05); and psychological component (t = 10.85; p < .05) of stress among the participants. The study concluded that solution-focused brief intervention is an effective strategy to combat physical, behavioural and psychological manifestations of stress. It was recommended that therapists should adopt solution-focused brief intervention on stress among nursing students.

Teachers’ Innovative Practices and Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic in Ilorin Metropolis of Kwara State

This research was carried out with the aim of finding out whether there exists a significant relationship between teachers’ innovative practices and secondary school students’ performance during the period of COVID-19 in the Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State. The research adopted a descriptive correlational design. There are 53 secondary schools in the Ilorin metropolis while 15 schools that fall within the Ilorin metropolis were randomly selected. The total population of the study is 16, 698 while the sample used for the study was 378 participants which was drawn from the principals, vice principals, heads of department, and subject specialists covered in the study. Two sets of instrument were used for this study which was tagged "Teachers’ Innovative Practices Questionnaire" (TIPQ) and "Students’ Performance Proforma" (SPP) in the 2020/2021 academic session in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, and Economics. In the study, two research questions and one hypothesis were formulated and tested using PPMCS at 0.05 significant level. Results from the analysis showed that there exists a significant relationship between teachers’ innovative practices and secondary school effectiveness. In line with the results, it was recommended that: teachers should improve upon their innovative practices to help the schools to achieve more effectiveness on students’ performance.
 Keywords: Innovative Practices, Students’ Academic Performance, Secondary School

Motivational Factors as Correlates of Women’s Participation in Community Development Programmes in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State Nigeria

Smallholder farmers are significantly considered being amongst the poorest that are most affected by climate change. Climate change is rated the greatest threat to smallholders’ food production in the 21st century. Despite scientists agreeing that the world is getting warmer, it was important for this study to assess whether climate change is a reality that is known and experienced by smallholder farmers in Malawi. This paper assesses smallholder farmers’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions (KAP) towards climate change in comparison with available meteorological data for 50 years. Descriptive research design with a mixed approach of both qualitative and quantitative research methods was adopted. A sample of 183 respondents was randomly and purposefully selected to include both household heads and key informants. Data collection method included Survey Questionnaire, Key Informants Interviews, Focused Group Discussions as well as literature review. Meteorological data for 50 years was analysed to underpin farmers’ perceptions on climate change. The result shows that survey respondents’ knowledge of climate change is derived from their experiences, thoughts and ideas about how to cope with changing drought and rainfall seasons. Those results are in tandem with the conventional view based on scientific evidence that suggests changing climate in Malawi with profound impact on seasons.

Impact of Federal Government of Nigeria Economic Policies on the Teaching and Learning Process in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

This study examined the impact of Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) economic policies on the teaching and learning process in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 335 upper basic religious studies teachers as sample size of the study. The researchers’ design questionnaire was used to gather data from the respondents. The data collected were analysed using the simple percentage. The reliability of the instrument was carried out using test retest method and the reliability index was 0.87. The findings of this study revealed that the Federal Government of Nigeria economic policies of cashless and naira redesign negatively impacted the teaching and learning process among upper basic schools in Ilorin metropolis. Also, the study revealed that the Federal Government of Nigeria economic policies of cashless and naira redesign negatively affected the acquisition and utilization of instructional materials for teaching and learning process among upper basic schools in Ilorin metropolis. The study recommended that the federal government should strongly consider teaching and learning process in any economic policies designed for the populace.

Accessibility and Usability of Social Network for Career Guidiance Among Secondary School Student of Ilorin Metropolis

The research investigates the evolving nature of career guidance, analyzing the impact of social networks on students' exposure to diverse career opportunities and information sources. It underscores the shift from traditional, limited career information sources within schools and immediate environments to the vast array of resources available through social networking platforms. The study employs a comprehensive analysis of survey data, exploring respondents' perceptions and acceptance levels regarding the utilization of social networks for career guidance. Statistical analysis reveals an insignificant relationship between social network usage and career guidance among secondary students, prompting a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding the efficacy of these platforms in guiding career decisions. It was recommended that advocate for enhancing online career guidance resources, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, strengthening digital literacy programs, bridging gaps between social networks and formal career guidance, and encouraging continued research to comprehend the dynamic relationship between social networks and career choices among secondary students.

Quality assessment of hydroquinone, mercury, and arsenic in skin-lightening cosmetics marketed in Ilorin, Nigeria

Hydroquinone, Mercury (Hg), and Arsenic (As) are hazardous to health upon long-term exposure. Hydroquinone, Hg, and As were analysed in skin-lightening cosmetics randomly purchased from different cosmetic outlets within the Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria. The amount of hydroquinone in the samples was determined using a UV-spectrophotometry method at 290 nm. Hg and As were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). UV-spectrophotometry method validation showed excellent linearity (r2 = 0.9993), with limits of detection (0.75 µg/mL), limits of quantification (2.28 µg/mL), relative standard deviation (0.01–0.35%), and recovery (95.85–103.56%) in the concentration range of 5–50 µg/mL. Similarly, r2, LOD, and LOQ for Hg and As were 0.9983 and 0.9991, (0.5 and 1.0 µg/L) and 1.65 and 3.3 µg/L) respectively. All the samples contained hydroquinone, Hg and As in varying amounts. The amounts of hydroquinone, Hg and As present were in the ranges of 1.9–3.3%, 0.08–2.52 µg/g and 0.07–5.30 µg/g respectively. Only three of the analysed samples contained hydroquinone within the permissible limit of 2.0% w/w in cosmetic products. All the samples analysed contained mercury and arsenic in varying amounts. The need to periodically monitor the levels of hydroquinone, mercury, and arsenic in skin-lightening cosmetics marketed in Nigeria is recommended.

Modelling of air emissions from open burning of municipal waste in Ilorin Metropolis, North Central Nigeria

AbstractIncreased urbanization and population growth have led to a rise in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, necessitating the need for improved infrastructure and handling methods. Improper disposal practices, particularly open burning at dumpsites, have become common in emerging urban cities, posing serious environmental and health risks. This study aims at evaluating the pollutants often emitted into the environment during the open burning of solid wastes using the American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) model under three scenarios. The ground‐level concentrations of pollutants emitted were compared with the statutory limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) at selected receptor locations. The predicted maximum concentrations from the model for PM2.5 were 4184, 8633, and 10,419 μg/m3 and for PM10 were 16,481, 20,915, and 23,114 μg/m3 for scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The WHO limits of PM2.5 and PM10 were observed to be exceeded from 2500%–17,400% and 312.5%–4200% for scenario three representing the worst‐case scenario. Ilorin metropolis was revealed to be the receptor location with the highest impact. Waste‐to‐energy and other cleaner waste treatment options should be adopted to protect public health and environment.

Financial Instability and Peer Pressure as Predictors of Bullying Behaviour among Private Secondary School Students in Ilorin Metropolis

This study investigated financial instability and peer pressure as predictors of bullying among private secondary school students in Ilorin. Descriptive survey design was used in the study. Three hundred (300) respondents were selected randomly from 15 private secondary schools in Ilorin. The respondents were measured with relevant standardized scale (instruments) and data obtained was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), Multiple Regression of statistical analysis. Two research Hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.5level of significance. The result showed that there was significant relationship between peer influence and bullying among students in private secondary schools in Ilorin. (r=.736; p<0.05), there was significant relationship between Financial instability and bullying among students in private secondary school in Ilorin. (r=.671; p<0.05), when peer influence and Financial instability pulled together have significant effect on students. The analysis of variance performed on the multiple regressions yielded an F- ratio value of 44.57 and was found to be significant at 0.05 level. In view of these findings, it was recommended that counseling psychologist should intensify effort in organizing workshop for educational stakeholders on the implications of the study.

Mindfulness Skills Intervention for Alleviating Stress Manifestations Among Nursing Students in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria

The literature has indicated that nursing students are among the healthcare students that experience higher level of stress; which makes it imperative to provide them with relevant skills they can employ to overcome stressful life conditions. This study thus adopted mindfulness skills intervention to alleviate stress manifestations among nursing students in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to examine the effect of mindfulness skills training on physical, behavioural and psychological manifestations of stress among the participants. Using a quasi-experimental study of the pre-test, post-test design, three null hypotheses guided the conduct of this study. The population of the study consisted of 234 University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital nursing school students. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 participants in the treatment group. An adapted “Stress Questionnaire” (with a Reliability Index of .88) from Sinha et al. (2016) was used for data collection. The data collected were analysed using percentage and paired t-test was used to test the null hypotheses formulated at .05 level of significance. The findings revealed that mindfulness skills intervention reduced the physical (t = 19.17, p < .05); behavioural (t = 11.25, p < .05); and psychological (t = 11.51, p < .05) manifestations of stress among the study participants. Based on these findings, it was concluded that mindfulness skills intervention is not only applicable in clinical setting but can also be applied in an educational environment; hence, a comprehensive knowledge of the process and steps involved in these training becomes imperative for school counsellors to avail themselves with for imparting positive change in clients who are going through stressful situations. Therefore, it was recommended, among others, that professional counsellors should equip nursing students with such skills in order to help them overcome the physical, behavioural and psychological manifestations of stress.

Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Ilorin Airport on the Land-Use of Ilorin Metropolis, Southwestern Nigeria

This study investigates land-use patterns and changes in the vicinity of Ilorin Airport in Southwestern Nigeria using spatio-temporal analysis. Geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques are employed to analyze land use dynamics from 1972 to 2018, and make a projection to 2078. Satellite images obtained from the United States Geological Survey and primary data collected through GPS serve as the main sources of information for the analysis. The findings reveal significant shifts in land use over the study period. A marked increase in built-up areas indicates urban expansion, while grassland areas experience a corresponding decrease. These changes are attributed to the development and growth of the airport and ongoing urbanization processes in the region. The results provide valuable insights into the impact of airport development and urbanization on land-use patterns in the study area. The study highlights the importance of employing GIS and remote sensing techniques in monitoring and analyzing land-use dynamics, enabling informed decision-making and planning processes. The research contributes to the existing knowledge on land-use changes associated with airport development and urbanization. It provides a foundation for further research in the field of land-use management and spatial planning. The outcomes of this study can inform policy and decision-makers, urban planners, and other stakeholders in developing strategies for sustainable land-use practices and mitigating the potential adverse effects of airport development and urban expansion.

Investigating the use of E- Banking activities during the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria

The coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global pandemic and required certain safety precautions. These included wearing of face masks, washing of hands, and keeping necessary social distances between people. It is observed that most individuals did not follow these safety measures. For instance, during the pandemic, people did not adhere to the safety precautions of wearing face masks and social distancing. Also noticed was the large crowd at every bank branch, hence the question, why did people engage in physical banking amidst the deadly pandemic. Therefore, this research seeks to study the customer perception of Electronic Banking (E–banking) activities during the covid-19 era. The study focuses on five bank branches within the Ilorin metropolis. Data was obtained using structured questionnaires which was administered to sampled respondents, and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the analyses showed that bank customers are aware that Covid-19 can be contracted from going to the bank to queue among the crowd. However, they had no choice due to constraints to the use of E-banking services. This study provided recommendations toward solving the challenges discovered to adequately safeguard both the system operators and the general public while using E-banking systems and services.

Modelling flood hazards impacted by ungauged river in urbanised area using HEC-RAS and GIS

Ilorin City is located downstream of Asa, Oyun and Awun River Basins. The Asa River is a major river that traverses the city and divides the metropolitan area into east and west, almost equally. The river often overflows its banks to inundate adjacent communities, influencing severe economic damage and impact on human lives. However, efforts to mitigate this have majorly been focused on dredging the Asa River channel which has not solved the problem. For an accurate spatial and temporal understanding of the risks of floods and their potential hazards, it is important to estimate floods using river hydrology. The objective of this study is to model steady flow of the rivers using flow data and to map flood-prone areas in Ilorin using HEC-RAS integrated with GIS. Using the HEC-GeoRAS extension in the GIS environment, the geometric data of the rivers were obtained from the 30 m resolution digital elevation model (DEM) and input into HEC-RAS applying Manning Co-efficient values of 0.04, 0.045, and 0.04. For each river, flow data (Q) was given as the upstream boundary condition while a normal depth of 0.001 was assigned for the downstream condition to model a steady flow and inundation extents. The result of the HEC-RAS model has shown the flood-prone areas along the river channels delineated. The floodplain map produced reveals the spatial distribution and extent of the high flood-risk areas in the Ilorin metropolis. The total flooded area covers approximately 60.95 km2 (18%) majorly along the river channels. This study has demonstrated that integration of hydraulic modelling using HEC-RAS and GIS process is capable of producing an inundation flood map with good accuracy that will aid in suggesting effective measures to mitigate the impact of flooding.