Kwara State Research Articles

Perceived Factors Influencing Repayment of Agricultural Input Loans Among Rice Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Perceived Factors Influencing Repayment of Agricultural Input Loans Among Rice Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Fish farmers’ attitudes toward the use of social media in Kwara State, Nigeria

Fish farmers’ attitudes toward the use of social media in Kwara State, Nigeria

Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Self-Efficacy and Performance: A Case Study of Education Colleges in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract This study examined the relationship between pre-service mathematics teachers’ self-efficacy and their performance in Colleges of Education in Kwara State, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the connection between the respondents' beliefs, motivation, mastery experience, and performance. The research design utilized in this study was a correlational design. The population consisted of 322 pre-service mathematics teachers selected from the six Colleges of Education in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select 250 respondents. The instrument used for data collection was an adapted questionnaire titled "Mathematics Self-Efficacy Questionnaire," while the students' mathematics performance was assessed using the existing Cumulative Grade Points Average (CGPA). The questionnaire demonstrated a Cronbach Alpha reliability index of 0.87. Out of the 250 questionnaires distributed, 232 responses were deemed adequate and included in the data analysis. To test the formulated hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance, Pearson's Product Moment Correlation (r) and Multiple Regression Analysis were employed. The findings of this study revealed that there is a positive and independent relationship between pre-service mathematics teachers' belief (r = 0.25; p = 0.000 < 0.05), motivation (r = 0.22; p = 0.000 < 0.05), mastery experience (r = 0.23; p = 0.000 < 0.05), and their performance. Additionally, there is no joint correlation between pre-service mathematics teachers' belief, motivation, mastery experience, and their performance (F = 5.363; p = 0.159; 0.714 & 0.461 > 0.05). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that self-efficacy is a significant determinant factor in evaluating the academic performance of pre-service mathematics teachers. In light of these conclusions, relevant recommendations were made. Abstrak Kajian ini mengkaji hubungan antara kendiri diri guru matematik pra-perkhidmatan dan prestasi mereka di Kolej Pendidikan di Daerah Kwara, Nigeria. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk memastikan hubungan antara kepercayaan, motivasi, pengalaman masteri, dan prestasi responden. Reka bentuk penyelidikan yang digunakan dalam kajian ini adalah reka bentuk korelasi. Populasi kajian terdiri daripada 322 guru matematik pra-perkhidmatan yang dipilih dari enam Kolej Pendidikan di Daerah Kwara, Nigeria. Teknik pensampelan pelbagai peringkat telah digunakan untuk memilih 250 responden. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk pengumpulan data ialah soal selidik yang diadaptasi dari soal selidik yang bertajuk "Soal Selidik Kendiri Matematik," manakala prestasi matematik pelajar dinilai menggunakan Purata Nilai Gred Kumulatif (PNGK) sedia ada. Soal selidik menunjukkan indeks kebolehpercayaan Cronbach Alpha 0.87. Daripada 250 soal selidik yang diedarkan, 232 respons dianggap mencukupi dan dimasukkan ke dalam analisis data. Untuk menguji hipotesis yang dirumuskan pada tahap kepentingan 0.05, Korelasi Momen Produk Pearson (r) dan Analisis Regresi Pelbagai telah digunakan. Dapatan kajian ini mendedahkan bahawa terdapat hubungan positif dan bebas antara kepercayaan guru matematik pra-perkhidmatan (r = 0.25; p = 0.000 < 0.05), motivasi (r = 0.22; p = 0.000 < 0.05), pengalaman masteri (r = 0.23; p = 0.000 < 0.05), dan prestasi mereka. Selain itu, tidak ada korelasi bersama antara kepercayaan guru matematik pra-perkhidmatan, motivasi, pengalaman penguasaan, dan prestasi mereka (F = 5.363; p = 0.159; 0.714 & 0.461 > 0.05). Berdasarkan penemuan ini, dapat disimpulkan bahawa keberkesanan diri adalah faktor penentu yang signifikan dalam menilai prestasi akademik guru matematik pra-perkhidmatan. Berdasarkan kesimpulan ini, cadangan yang relevan telah dicadangkan.

Genetic characterization of parvoviruses identified in stray cats in Nigeria

Parvoviruses are a major cause of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis, leukopenia and high mortality in cats and dogs. In this study, the presence and genetic characteristics of parvoviruses circulating among cats in Nigeria are reported. Faecal samples of stray cats from live animal markets in southwestern (Oyo and Osun States) and north-central (Kwara State) Nigeria were screened for the presence of parvoviral DNA using a qPCR. Positive samples were further characterized using a qPCR based on minor groove binder probes. Overall, 85/102 (83.3 %) stray cats tested positive for feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) DNA and one cat was co-infected with canine parvovirus-2 type a. Sequence analysis of the complete capsid region of 15 Nigerian FPV strains revealed that they were up to 99.9 % similar to the American reference strain FPV-b at the nucleotide level, and three of them presented amino acid mutations in key capsid residues. This is the first report of identification and molecular characterization of FPV strains in cats in Nigeria. The high prevalence of the virus emphasizes the need for constant surveillance of the circulation of parvoviruses in Nigeria and underscores the need to deploy an effective vaccination strategy.

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.

Land Boundary Disputes Resolution: A Qualitative Study of Peace and Conflict Resolution between Erinle-Offa Communities in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study focused on land boundary disputes and the resolution challenges in the Erinle-Offa communities of Kwara State, Nigeria. The history of the two communities is laced with hostility and aggression, which has resulted in violent disputes at various times. Quite a number of works have emerged on the causes and consequences of the violent clash. However, the aftermaths of the dispute, especially the tense relationship and peacebuilding process in the area, are yet to be sufficiently interrogated. This study investigated the state of relations between Erinle and Offa as well as land dispute resolution processes in the locality involving complex actors after the last violent clash. It also examined the factors responsible for land boundary disputes between the two communities. The findings showed that negative peace currently exists in the two communities and the land conflict is a perennial one that could arise at any time. The study used both primary and secondary data. The main method of data collection was the unstructured interview, which was conducted with 120 people, made up of traditional rulers, and local, political, religious and youth leaders. Secondary data was sourced from texts, newspapers, magazines, official gazettes, archival materials and the Internet.

Science Teachers’ Perceptions of Factors Influencing Senior School Students’ Performance in STEAM

The perspectives maintained by scientific educators concerning the factors that influence the academic performance of senior high school students in the domains of STEAM have a significant impact on shaping the educational landscape in Kwara State, Nigeria. By addressing the existing limitations in research and comprehending the intricacies that affect students' accomplishments in STEAM subjects, educational practitioners and policymakers possess the potential to implement focused interventions aimed at augmenting the calibre of instruction and fostering a workforce that is well-prepared for the future. This study investigated science teachers’ perceptions of factors influencing senior school students’ performance in STEAM in Kwara State, Nigeria. This study was descriptive research of a survey type. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 81 science teachers from Kwara State. Four research questions were generated and answered using frequency count and percentage while three hypotheses formulated were tested using Chi-square at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument used was the researcher-designed titled Teachers Perception Factors Affecting Students’ Performance Questionnaire (TPFASPQ). Findings revealed that there was a significant difference between science teachers’ perceptions of factors influencing students’ performance in STEAM based on academic qualification, teaching experience and school location. The study concluded that language barriers and occasional pregnancy among female students are some of the social and cultural issues influencing their performance in STEAM. The study recommended that the government should make available standard laboratories and adequate equipment to enable effective teaching of STEAM and also school administrators should employ qualified science teachers and organize in-service training for the teachers.

FARMERS’ KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF ORANGE FLESHED SWEET POTATO IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA.

The socio-economic and health benefits of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato (OFSP) were the foremost and scientifically proven advantages of cultivation and consumption OFSP respectively. The present study seeks to understand farmers’ knowledge of health and socio-economic benefits of orange fleshed sweet potato in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 139 sweet potato farmers were sampled. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Data collected were analyzed with frequency count, percentages, mean, standard deviation and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings showed that majority (87.1%) had knowledge of socio-economic benefits of growing OFSP. Most of the respondents (63.3%) had moderate knowledge of the socio-economic benefits of growing OFSP. The respondents agreed that consumption of OFSP improve digestion (46.8%), boost immune system (31.7%) and improve vision (12.2%). Respondents additionally agreed that growing OFSP had mainly increased household income (34.5%), improved food security (47.5%) and increased participation in social activities (33.1%). Inadequate access to planting materials (79.1%) was the leading challenges to growing OFSP. PPMC analysis indicated that household size, family members involved in farming, years of experience, number of plots, income and knowledge of OFSP were the factors that influence farmers’ perception on health/socioeconomic benefits of OFSP at p≤0.05 level of significance. This study concluded that farmers had moderate knowledge level on health and socio-economic benefits of cultivating and consumption of OFSP. Therefore, agricultural extension agents should intensify efforts in the supply of planting materials and enlightenment of health benefits for improved vision.

Use of Mobile Phone for Agricultural Activities among the Arable Crop Farmers in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

The research examined the arable crop farmers’ use of mobile phone for agricultural activities in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. About 105 arable crop farmers were randomly selected for the study. Statistical tools such as frequency count, percentage and mean score were used to analyse the data. The result showed that about 75.2 % of the respondents were male. The average age of the respondents was 37.2 years. The average household size was 6 persons. The mean income of the respondents was 368,076.67 Naira. The voice call (mean = 2.46) was the most frequently used mobile phone feature by the respondents for agricultural purposes. The use of mobile phone for communicating with fellow farmers (mean=2.40) highest ranked statement on use of mobile phone for agricultural activities. The high cost of buying credit/data (mean=2.33) was the most severe factor limiting the use of mobile phone for agricultural activities. The study therefore recommends the provision of training to farmers in areas where there are gaps in their competency on the use of mobile phone for agricultural activities.

Assessment of food price hike on the nutritional wellbeing of residents in Ilorin West local Government, Kwara State, Nigeria

Assessment of food price hike on the nutritional wellbeing of residents in Ilorin West local Government, Kwara State, Nigeria

Awareness and Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence among Librarians in University Libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract 
 
 
 
 
 Problem Statement: The invention of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has greatly enhanced the potential of academic libraries' services. Purpose: This study explores the awareness and perceptions of AI among librarians in university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Method: It adopted descriptive survey method. The population of this study are 37 professional librarians in University of Ilorin’s and Kwara State University’s libraries. Census enumeration sampling technique was used to select the respondents. Questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents, with the support of two research assistants. Data collected was analysed and presented in frequency, simple percentages and mean (x). Result: Findings revealed that chatbots and Dynamed are the AI the respondents were aware of. The respondents have the perceptions that AI technologies can be adopted in university libraries, capable of replacing human librarians in future and AI is a positive development for librarians. Findings further indicated that the respondents perceived that AI is beneficial in university libraries because it provides patron-tailored recommendations to items, can reduce manual and repetitive tasks performed by librarians and facilitates the discovery of new knowledge. But the major factors affecting the adoption of AI include poor internet connectivity and lack of expertise among librarians. Conclusion: This study concluded that librarians’ awareness of AI influences their perceptions of it. It recommends among others that management of university libraries in Kwara State should train their librarians on AI.
 
 
 
 
 Keywords: Awareness, Artificial intelligence, Kwara State, Librarians, Perceptions, University libraries,
 
 
 
 
 Abstrak 
 
 
 
 
 Permasalahan: Penemuan Kecerdasan Buatan (Artificial Intelligence atau AI) telah sangat meningkatkan potensi layanan perpustakaan akademis. Tujuan: Penelitian ini mengeksplorasi kesadaran dan persepsi tentang Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) di kalangan pustakawan di Perpustakaan Universitas di Kwara State, Nigeria. Metode: Penelitian ini mengadopsi metode survei deskriptif. Populasi penelitian ini adalah 37 pustakawan profesional di Perpustakaan Universitas Ilorin dan Universitas Kwara State. Teknik pengambilan sampel sensus enumerasi digunakan untuk memilih responden. Kuesioner digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data dari responden, dengan dukungan dari dua asisten penelitian. Data yang dikumpulkan dianalisis dan disajikan dalam bentuk frekuensi, persentase sederhana, dan rata-rata (x). Hasil: Temuan menunjukkan bahwa chatbot dan Dynamed adalah bentuk kecerdasan buatan yang dikenal oleh responden. Responden memiliki persepsi bahwa teknologi kecerdasan buatan dapat diadopsi di perpustakaan universitas, mampu menggantikan pustakawan manusia di masa depan, dan bahwa kecerdasan buatan merupakan perkembangan positif bagi para pustakawan. Temuan lebih lanjut menunjukkan bahwa responden berpendapat bahwa kecerdasan buatan bermanfaat di perpustakaan universitas karena memberikan rekomendasi yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan pengguna terhadap koleksi, dapat mengurangi tugas manual dan berulang yang dilakukan oleh pustakawan, serta memfasilitasi penemuan pengetahuan baru. Namun, faktor utama yang mempengaruhi adopsi kecerdasan buatan meliputi konektivitas internet yang buruk dan kurangnya keahlian di kalangan pustakawan. Kesimpulan: Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa kesadaran pustakawan terhadap kecerdasan buatan mempengaruhi persepsi mereka terhadapnya. Saran dari peneliti adalah bahwa manajemen Perpustakaan Universitas di Kwara State seharusnya melatih pustakawannya tentang kecerdasan buatan.
 
 
 
 
 Kata kunci: Kesadaran, Kecerdasan Buatan, Kwara State, Pustakawan, Persepsi, Perpustakaan Universitas.
 
 
 

Knowledge and utilization of Traditional Birth Attendants by Women of Reproductive Age in Alanamu Community Ilorin, Northern Nigeria

INTRODUCTION The lack of access to skilled healthcare services during childbirth remains a major factor for high maternal mortality in developing countries, as traditional birth attendants (TBAs) continue to serve as the predominant providers of maternal health care in rural communities. This study explores the knowledge and utilization of TBAs by women of reproductive age in a rural community of Ilorin, kwara state Nigeria. METHODSThis study is a descriptive cross-sectional study which was conducted using a well-structured interviewer based questionnaire, administered to 212 women of reproductive age-group to collect data on their knowledge and utilization of the services of TBAs. Analysis was done using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 20. RESULTS One hundred and fifty three respondents (72.2%) had background knowledge of TBAs, 91 (40.8%) had visited a TBA at least once to carry out their deliveries, of which 73 (80.2%) of them had successful deliveries, while 18 (19.8%) had complications during their deliveries, and 7 (7.7%) were referred to health care facilities for expect management. The study showed statistical significance between the level of education of respondents and their patronage of TBAs with a p-value of 0.041, and showed no statistical significance with their level of income. CONCLUSION This study showed adequate knowledge and utilization of the services of TBAs by members of the community. The practice of TBAs has continued to thrive in rural communities; integrating their services with the standard healthcare system as well as continuous sensitization of rural communities on their roles and limitations would go a long way in reducing maternal morbidity and mortality associated with the use of poorly trained TBAs

Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling and Necessary Condition Analysis of the 21st Century Digital Literacy and Awareness of Physics Application of our Everyday Life in Kwara State, Nigeria

Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling and Necessary Condition Analysis of the 21st Century Digital Literacy and Awareness of Physics Application of our Everyday Life in Kwara State, Nigeria

Threat of Sexual Abuse Among in-School Adolescents in Kwara State

This paper reviewed on sexual abuse among adolescents to uncover areas that would lead to further researches and proffer a lasting solution. Sexual abuse of minors is an offense that is widely denounced. There exist various elements or causes of child sexual violence that the general public is unaware of. In order to safeguard children in society, it is critical to comprehend these variables. Sexual abuse has highly serious aftereffects that have a reflective impact on the victims' physical and mental health. The abuse upsets the child's bodily and mental order, the aftereffects are excruciating. Victims experience lifelong physical health issues as well as severe stress. It is therefore suggested that parents and guardians should watch their wards closely.

Detection and characterization of Salmonella enterica in the gut and liver of Clarias gariepinus obtained from main fish market in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Detection and characterization of Salmonella enterica in the gut and liver of Clarias gariepinus obtained from main fish market in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Extension Agents' Perception of Suitability of Selected e-Agriculture Information Documents in Kwara State, Nigeria

Determining the perception of suitability of selected e-agriculture information documents by Extension agents in Kwara State, Nigeria was the main focus of this study. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire among 128 extension agents. Percentage, mean and chi-square were used to analyse data. The result showed that men (87.5%) dominated extension work in Kwara State, the agents' had the required educational qualifications with a mean household size of 6 people, and they were aware of some of the e-agriculture information except legal. The extension agents agreed that 64.7% of the e-agriculture document information from Access Agriculture was suitable for end users. Among others, the non-availability of the desired technology (=1.08) was the severest of the constraints of the e-agriculture information document. Age, annual income and educational qualification had a significant relationship with awareness of e-agriculture information documents. The study concluded that extension agents were aware all items presented on e-agriculture but deficient in the legal aspect, respondents perceived some of the e-agriculture information as suitable while some were not. There is a need for the provision of desired information technology facilities to mobilize extension agents to update farmers on the availability of e-agriculture information documents

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.

Effects of Climate Change on the Health of Rural Farming Households in Oyun Local Government Area, of Kwara State Nigeria

This study examined the impacts of climate change on the health of rural family households in Kwara State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 120 farmers for the study. The data collected through structured questionnaires and interview schedules was analyzed using mean, percentages, and Chi-Square. The findings revealed that the common effect of climate change on health is heat stress (M =4.1), malaria (M=3.76), depression (M=3.43), hunger (M=3.37), and death (M=2.88). Moreover, the coping strategies to ameliorate the effect of climate change were good medical care (16.7%), personal hygiene (25.0%), proper sanitation (13.3%), planting of trees to replace felled trees (16.7%), and prayer to God (6.7%). The major constraints to adaptation were lack of information and credit. Respondents’ age (x2= 10.50. ) and educational status (x2= 14.97) were positively significant factors determining the adaptation strategies' choice. The study, therefore, recommends that free health care facilities should be given to farmers while extension services should help in increasing the awareness campaign on the best method to cope with the effects of climate change.

Assessment of Yam Flakes Production among Rural Women in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria

The study assessed yam flake production among rural women in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara state, Nigeria. The interview schedule was employed to obtain data from 120 sampled respondents. Data were analysed using percentage, mean, and Chi-square tests. Findings showed that the mean age of the respondents was 38 years, with a mean of 17.4 years of experience and an average monthly income of N23,167. The majority (78.2%) had formal education. The study concluded that drudgery and inadequate storage facilities are the major constraints affecting yam flake production in the study area. The study recommends that the Women in Agriculture (WIA) should improve the capacity building of women processors to enhance the efficient production of yam flakes in the study area.

School Violence Among Undergraduate Students in Kwara State: Implications for Counselling

School Violence Among Undergraduate Students in Kwara State: Implications for Counselling