Kwara State Research Articles

Librarians’ perceptions and use of open access resources for economic sustainability in selected university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

Purpose Open access (OA) resources are free to access and help in research and teaching/learning, allowing libraries to manage resources more sustainably and effectively. Hence, this study aims to examine use of OA resources for economic sustainability among librarians in selected university libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts descriptive survey research design. Using total enumeration sampling technique, a sample of 46 professional librarians were drawn from the selected universities. Questionnaire was used for data collection, and descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. Findings The findings show that most of the librarians had high level of awareness about OA resources. Results demonstrate that majority of the librarians used PubMed Central bi-weekly. Findings show that the librarians used OA resources to support academic research, enhance library’s collection without additional cost and facilitate information access for users with limited financial resources. Results indicate that most of the librarians perceived that OA resources impact library’s operational cost and goal of economic sustainability. Practical implications This study highlights the need for targeted training and resource development to enhance the effective use of OA resources. Meanwhile, the consistent usage of OA resources suggests the importance of the resources to librarians, aligning with previous studies on frequent use of established OA repositories. Originality/value This study provides evidence on the relevance and impact of OA resources use on economic sustainability, demonstrating the importance of OA resources in knowledge dissemination and fostering innovation.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS OF HEPATITIS C INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant risk to the well-being of pregnant women and their offspring with about 1.5 million new infections occurring annually. The data on the prevalence and associated risk factors among pregnant women in Nigeria remains limited. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis C infection among pregnant women in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study enrolled 180 eligible pregnant women who visited and received antenatal care at Cottage and Civil Service Hospitals in Ilorin, Nigeria between November 2021 and January 2022. Demographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire while the antibody screening was via Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 26 at p<0.05 significant level. Of the 180 pregnant women, 8 (4.4%) were positive for HCV. The highest proportion of HCV positivity was recorded among women aged 20-30 years (75%), those with tertiary education (100%), Civil Servants (100%), married women (100%), and those in the second trimester gestational age (100%). Furthermore, 87.5% of HCV-positive patients had a history of blood transfusion and 62.5% reported scarification. However, no significant statistical association was recorded between demographic characteristics, risk factors, and HCV seropositivity (p ˃ 0.05). Although the prevalence of active HCV infection among pregnant women in Ilorin was low, the outcome underscores the importance of routine screening of pregnant women for HCV to prevent maternal and neonatal complications in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and wellbeing. This warrants further research for comprehensive data on HCV prevalence among pregnant women across Nigeria.

Determination of Trace Metal Composition in Ambient Air from Open Burning of Solid Waste in Aiyekale, Nigeria

Open burning of solid municipal waste uncontrolledly presents an environmental menace, which exacerbate air pollution and poses considerable health risks in most developing countries. This study aims at investigating the seasonal deposition fluxes, trace metal concentrations and determination of scavenging ratios of the identified metals, resulting from such practice in Aiyekale, Kwara State, Nigeria. The particulate matter of both dry and wet samples was collected using deposition gauges. The elemental composition of particulates collected was analyzed using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (EDX-RF). The deposition velocity and scavenging ratio were used to study the removal mechanics of trace metal composition of the ambient air in open burning of solid waste area. The average flux rate in the wet and dry seasons was evaluated to be 3.57 × 10-6 g/m2.s, and 2.28 × 10-5 g/m2.s, respectively. For the study area, the deposition velocities for the trace metals ranged from 5.288 × 10-5 to 4.818 × 10-3 m/s while the estimated scavenging ratio was between 0.61 – 3.96 in the study area. It was obtained from the result that Au, Mn, and Zn were better removed by gravitational particle settling while Fe, Ti, and Rh were scavenged by precipitation. The results show extremely high levels of trace metals above prescribed thresholds, highlighting the need for international cooperation in resolving air quality concerns and developing regulations targeted at lowering emissions from the burning of solid waste in the study environment.

Performance Appraisal and Job Productivity of Academic Staff in Kwara State University, Malete

Academic staff are crucial and valuable assets in any institution, such that if they are properly managed, they contribute to the overall growth and success of the institution. Performance appraisal has proven to be an effective instrument that helps institutions improve employee productivity. This paper carried out a thorough examination of the relationship between performance appraisal and job productivity of academic staff in Kwara State University, Malete highlighting the different elements, processes, and results connected to this relationship. The study examined theories such as equity theory, Herzberg’s two-factor theory to provide a conceptual framework for understanding the link between performance appraisal and job productivity. The research utilized a cross-sectional survey design, integrating a quantitative approach. With a population of 430, a sample size of 207 employees was arrived at; using the Taro Yamane Formula (1967). Multiple Regression analysis was employed on the data collected. Findings revealed that performance appraisal through teaching (PAT); research; community engagement; and community development (r=0.755, p>0.05) significantly affect academic staff job productivity in Kwara State University. The study concluded that, performance appraisal through teaching (PAT); research; community engagement; community development, and job productivity are closely intertwined aspects of the employee experience. Institutions that prioritize effective performance appraisal systems can reap benefits in terms of increased employee engagement and overall performance. The study recommended among others that, to enhance job productivity among academics and researchers, institutions should focus on creating a supportive and nurturing environment, considering the well-being of academic staff alongside research productivity.

Perception of Pre-Service Teachers on the Integration of Social Media for Learning in Universities in Kwara State, Nigeria

Perception of Pre-Service Teachers on the Integration of Social Media for Learning in Universities in Kwara State, Nigeria

Assessment of natural radioactivity and its radiological risks in the soil of local government areas (Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Irepodun, Moro, and Oyun) in Kwara State, Nigeria

Assessment of natural radioactivity and its radiological risks in the soil of local government areas (Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Irepodun, Moro, and Oyun) in Kwara State, Nigeria

Bacteriocinogenic Activity of Lysinibacillus fusiformis NR_042072.1 Isolated from Cow Milk

The prevailing increase in the search for bio-preservative in the food industry has raised a global concern. Biological substances with health benefits and no toxicity are being considered as alternatives to chemical in food processing. Bacteriocin which are proteinous substances with preservative properties are now gaining attention in this regard and the search for new organisms for the production is becoming global. This study was focused on study of bacteriocinogenic activity of a local strain of Lysinibacillus fusiformis NR_042072.1 isolated from fresh cow milk obtained from Gaa Mobolohunduro, Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Lactic acid bacteria was isolated from Cow milk, characterized and identified using standard microbiological methods. Bacteriocin was extracted from the isolate, partially purified and characterized using standard methods; and the antibacterial activity against some food borne bacteria which are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis was determined using agar well diffusion method. Effect of certain physicochemical parameters on the antibacterial activity of the bacteriocin was also determined. The isolate was identified as Lysinibacillus fusiformis NR_042072.1. The bacteriocin showed antibacterial action against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with zone of inhibition of 17.0±0.5 and 20.0±1.0 mm against respectively. The bacteriocin was active within temperature of 4-50 0C, pH 5-7.5, bile salt concentration of 0.6-1.0 % and in the presence of the enzymes trypsin and pepsin. In conclusion, bacteriocin produced by Lysinibacillus fusiformis NR_042072.1 could be used to control food spoilage caused by the test organisms.

Assessment of the Dietary Pattern of Mothers on the Nutritional Status of their Under Five Children in Ilorin Metropolis

Malnutrition is a significant contributor to child mortality and morbidity in Nigeria, with poor dietary practices of mothers of under five children being a critical indicator of their nutritional outcomes and health status. This paper reviews studies on the influence of dietary practices on the nutritional status of children in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria. The studies were sourced from various electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Sci-space, and Consensus. The study was conducted in the Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, between February 15th and March 31st, 2024. The research aimed to assess the dietary patterns of mothers of their under five children in the city. The study used a descriptive design and a multistage sampling technique to select 225 children of under-five age. The sample size was determined using the Leslie Kish multistage formula. Data collection tools included self-structured questionnaires, weighing scales for children, and meter rules. The study used SPSS 25.0 windows for data analysis, which was presented using frequency distribution tables, percentages, chi-square, and univariate regression statistical methods. The findings showed that dietary practices by mothers significantly influence the body max index of children (at p<0.05), with undernutrition being more prevalent. Overweight and normal children were the least associated with dietary practices (at p<0.05). The study also found that the dietary practice of children is affected by mothers aged at first birth (at p<0.05), suggesting that mothers aged at first birth can contribute to formulating policies on right dietary practices to enhance nutrition security, especially for young mothers between 18 and 25 years old. The findings provided insights into strategic interventions to enhance dietary practices and eradicate all forms of malnutrition associated with undernutrition in children under five years old.

Rural Transportation and its Impact on the Output and Income Generated from Cashew Production in Selected Rural Settlements in Kwara State, Nigeria

Rural Transportation and its Impact on the Output and Income Generated from Cashew Production in Selected Rural Settlements in Kwara State, Nigeria

Women in the workforce and family-related challenges of married women in Kwara State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The study examined the women in the workforce and various family-related challenges faced in Kwara State, Nigeria, in relation to certain variables. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The population consisted of all working-class married women in the Kwara State Civil Service. A combination of stratified and purposive sampling methods was utilized to select 700 respondents from local government secretariats and schools across the state’s three senatorial districts. Data on the variables under study were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, and inferential statistics of t-test. The study found worrying often about my family”, ‘lack of quality time with my husband’, and ‘arriving home late always as some of the challenges faced by working-class married women. Also, the study showed a significant difference in the family-related challenges of working-class married women in Kwara State based on level of education and number of children. It was therefore recommended that women should seek the support of their husbands with some home activities, making use of some technological devices to ease the work in the home. Like procuring a washing machine, dishwasher, vacuum cleaner etc. These and many more devices will assist in the reduction of family responsibility of the woman to the husband and children thereby reducing family-related challenges and would enable women to perform their roles effectively both at work and in the family, and also women should carefully evaluate the job responsibilities before picking up any job.

Tax Administration Practices and Compliance: Evidence from Kwara State, Nigeria

This study examines tax administration practices and their impact on tax compliance in Kwara State, Nigeria. Employing a cross-sectional quantitative survey design, the research utilized stratified random sampling to select 641 stakeholders from the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS). Data collection was conducted via questionnaires, with analysis performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. The results reveal that both tax enforcement strategies and taxpayer services have significant positive effects on compliance. These findings underscore the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms and high-quality taxpayer services in fostering a compliant tax environment. Additionally, the study highlights the need for effective communication and support for tax policies to achieve desired outcomes. The research concludes that improving enforcement strategies, enhancing taxpayer services, and ensuring proper implementation and communication of tax policies are crucial for promoting tax compliance in Kwara State. The study recommends increased tax audits, improved taxpayer services, taxpayer education, and collaboration with other government agencies to enhance the overall effectiveness of tax administration. This study contributes to the existing literature on tax administration and compliance, particularly within the context of developing economies, and offers valuable insights for policymakers and tax administrators in formulating strategies to enhance tax compliance and improve revenue generation.

Management of Inter-Religious Conflicts in Kwara State: Prospects and Challenges

Nigeria has experienced various inter-religious conflicts that have obvious effects on peace. In Kwara State, for example, inter-religious conflict has surfaced as a major feature of inter-group relations. This paper examines the management of inter-religious conflict in Kwara State. Nigeria with the use of descriptive analysis. Conflict theory was employed as the basis of the study. The Kwara State Government applied various strategies in the management of inter-religious conflict, among them attempts to provide good governance and equitable development, litigation, use of police actions to prevent or quell emergent violence, establishment of inter-faith dialogue committees and partnership with traditional and religious institutions such as the Ilorin Emirate Council. Other government response strategies include court processes and the deployment of security forces. These have attracted considerable attention. In view of the situation on ground, the study advocates for some measures towards effective management of inter-religious conflicts in the state. These include the establishment of a committee comprising all representatives of social groups within the state. The committee should provide a forum for discussing and resolving communal issues instead of resorting to violence. Besides, it is further recommended research be carried out for an in-depth understanding of the causes and solutions to inter-religious conflicts in the state, where experts in conflict resolution would be used to curtail possible outbreak of conflicts, while increased attention is devoted to the prevention of social conflicts, the peaceful resolution of existing conflicts should be intensified through constant dialogue.

Agricultural Science Teacher’s Knowledge of Rice Production Technology in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria

Agricultural Science Teacher’s Knowledge of Rice Production Technology in Edu and Patigi Local Government Areas of Kwara State, Nigeria

Diversity in the Workplace and Its Impact on Organizational Productivity: A Study of Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State.

This study investigates the impact of diversity in the workplace on organizational productivity at Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State. The study aims to determine the extent to which diversity in terms of gender, age, educational background, and religion and ethnicity influences organizational productivity in the institution. The population of the study consists of all the one thousand two hundred and ninety six (1,296) staff of the Polytechnic as at September, year 2024. Using a stratified sampling technique, a sample size of 306 respondents (160 Academic Staff and 146 NonAcademic Staff) was drawn from the study population. Data was collected through a questionnaire administered between July and September, 2024 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings from the study revealed a significant relationship between workplace diversity and organizational efficiency, highlighting the advantages of having a diverse range of perspectives and experiences for collaboration. It has been demonstrated that a diversity of employee values significantly affects corporate performance by fostering employee cooperation and collaboration, which in turn boosts productivity. Additionally, the study discovered that diverse and inclusive work cultures positively affect employee engagement, which raises organizational productivity. Furthermore, it was found at Federal Polytechnic Offa that a more productive and efficient public sector could be achieved by aligning employee values with organizational values, which also enhanced organizational culture. To sum up, this study underscores the importance of workplace diversity in improving organizational effectiveness and fostering a cohesive work environment enhancing teamwork among coworkers and increasing organizational productivity

Characterization of Fungal Contaminants in Fermented Locust Beans in Kwara State: Implications for Food Safety

Characterization of Fungal Contaminants in Fermented Locust Beans in Kwara State: Implications for Food Safety

PERFORMANCE MEASURES OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES IN IFELODUN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KWARA STATE

The study assessed the performance measures of rural development strategies in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara State. The instruments used in this study are questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observation. The adopted sample size for the study is 384 persons. Simple random sampling was used to distribute questionnaires proportionally to the nine districts according to population size. Data analysis for this research was descriptive and inferential. Multiple regression analysis was used to measure the performance of development strategies in the study area. The result from the socio-economic characteristics of respondents revealed that 66% of the respondents were male, while 34% were female. Most (51.3%) of the respondents are within the age bracket of 31-45 years. It was also observed that over 90% of the respondents have attained one level of formal education or the other and apart from 17.13% and 28.73% that engage in civil service and business enterprises other than farming, 44.20% of the respondents are solely farmers and 94.5% earn above ₦20,000 monthly. Furthermore, the State Government was the major contributor to health, transport, agriculture, and education with a percentage contribution of 28.2%, 30.4%, 29.6%, and 44.8% respectively. The regression analysis result revealed that 82% of the impact of development strategies implemented in the study area could be explained by the transport, health, and agricultural sectors. Therefore, the study recommends that the federal government be more involved in the development of the study area and rural dwellers should be involved in the initiation, planning, and execution of development programs.

Serological evidence of tick-borne Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever and Dugbe orthonairovirus infections in cattle in Kwara State in northern Nigeria indicate independent endemics.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) and Dugbe orthonairovirus (DUGV) are zoonotic viruses transmitted by ticks. Whereas CCHFV has caused numerous human cases, DUGV, although less reported, shares ticks and ruminants as hosts. Since its first discovery in Nigeria in 1964, there has been no detailed sero-epidemiological investigation on DUGV in sub-Saharan Africa. This study is aimed at assessing the current seroprevalence and associated risk factors of CCHFV and DUGV infections in Nigerian cattle. Using a cross-sectional design with random sampling method, blood samples were collected from 877 cattle on pastoralist farms and at abattoirs in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria. CCHFV IgG antibodies were detected in extracted sera using three panels of in-house indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on bacteria-expressed recombinant nucleoprotein (rNP), the cattle-adapted VectoCrimean ELISA and the ID Screen CCHF double antigen multi-species ELISA, while DUGV IgG antibodies were detected using in-house indirect ELISA with bacteria-expressed rNP, indirect immunofluorescence assay and micro-Virus Neutralization test. Overall seroprevalence rates of 71.9% (631/877) and 52.8% (451/854) were obtained for CCHFV and DUGV, respectively. It was observed that 37.9% (314/829) of the cattle were co-exposed to both CCHFV and DUGV while 34.5% (286/829), 14.8% (123/829) and 12.8% (106/829) were exposed to single infections with CCHFV, DUGV or none of the two viruses, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that only location, sex, age and tick infestation score were the risk factors that significantly affected CCHFV seroprevalence in cattle, while DUGV seroprevalence was significantly influenced by month of the year, location, cattle breed and sex (p<0.05). This is the first comprehensive sero-epidemiological surveillance for DUGV in sub-Saharan Africa. Our findings reveal widely distributed independent CCHFV and DUGV infections in cattle in Kwara State, Nigeria.

Effect of integrated pest management practices on the occurrence of pesticide residue in okra cultivated by farmers in Kwara state.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach for minimizing the negative impacts of pests on crops while reducing reliance on synthetic pesticides. This study was conducted in Kwara State Nigeria in 2023, to investigate the effects of implementation of IPM practices on the occurrence of pesticide residues in okra cultivated by the farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria, and identify the factors affecting the use of IPM practices for pest control in okra production. A sample of 245 okra farmers was selected across 4 agricultural zones of Kwara State using a multistage sampling technique. Additionally, okra samples were collected from the farmers of each community of the local government areas. The data collected from the farmers were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency count, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson product moment correlation (PPMC). The collected okra samples were taken to the laboratory for pesticide residue extraction and analysis was performed using gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometer (MS). The results showed that most okra producers in Kwara State were smallholder farmers who, despite practicing IPM, had limited knowledge of the technology. Some pesticide residues were detected in okra, out of which two were present in quantities above the maximum residue limit, while others were below the maximum residue limit. Therefore, this study recommends that the government should improve extension services in the State by providing adequate funds and training extension agents who can provide comprehensive training to farmers on the types and application of IPM as an eco-friendly technology for preventing pesticide residue in okra.

Distribution of urinary schistosomiasis and associated risk factors among school-age children in Kwara State, Nigeria

Distribution of urinary schistosomiasis and associated risk factors among school-age children in Kwara State, Nigeria

Farm Mechanization Innovation Capacity and Rice Productivity: Evidence from Small Scale Rice Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Rice is a staple diet eaten by more than fifty percent of households in the whole world. There is a deficit currently in the demand- supply production of rice when carefully observed and this is traceable to the use of crude implements and traditional methods of farming. It is to this effect that this study addresses farm mechanization innovation and rice productivity using small scale rice farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total of 261 rice farmers were used for this study out of which only 78 rice farmers adopted the farm mechanization innovation while 183 rice farmers did not. The focus group discussion (FGD) employed revealed that majority of the rice farmers do not have capacity for farm mechanization, hence the low adoption of the innovation. The FGD revealed that 65.90percent of the rice farmers had medium innovation capacity, 28.74percent had low innovation capacity and 5.36percent had high innovation capacity. Employing the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) method to evaluate the impact of farm mechanization on the productivity of rice farming households in Kwara State, Nigeria; the rice farmers that adopted the use of farm mechanization have a higher productivity of 12.68 kg/m2 as against the rice farmers who do not adopt the use of farm mechanization in their farming activities with their own productivity standing at 6.31kg/m2 . This outcome implies that farm mechanization has a positive impact on the productivity of the farmers. It is therefore recommended that quality extension services be put in place in the study area on the benefits of adopting farm mechanization. Also, the government should provide machineries for lease to the rice farmers so as to boost their productivity.