Kwara State Research Articles

Utilization of ICT Resources in Teaching Chemistry in Senior Secondary Schools in Kwara State, Nigeria

Chemistry deals with the composition, properties, and uses of matter, the interaction between different matter, and the relationship between matter and energy. The utilization of Information and communication technologies in educational institutions globally has facilitated the streamlining of instructional processes, thereby fostering national stability and economic sustainability. This study investigated teachers’ utilization of ICT resources in teaching chemistry in senior secondary schools based on teachers’ gender, educational qualification, and teaching experience. The study was a descriptive research of a survey type. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 250 chemistry teachers from Kwara state, Nigeria. Five research questions were generated and answered using frequency count, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested using t-test and ANOVA at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument for data collection is a researcher-designed questionnaire titled Questionnaire on Utilization of ICT Resources (QUICT). Findings revealed that the available ICT resources were rarely utilized among chemistry teachers while most of the chemistry teachers do not utilize ICT resources for teaching chemistry. The study concludes that teachers’ gender, educational qualification, and teaching experience significantly influence the level of utilization of ICT resources in teaching senior school chemistry. The study recommended that the Government should ensure adequate funding to provide ICT resources in senior secondary schools as contained in the national policy on education. Chemistry teachers should endeavor to attend seminars, conferences, and workshops to update themselves on global best practices on the utilization of Information and Communication Technology resources in teaching chemistry.

Enhancing rural living conditions through active participation in self-help activities: Insights from Kwara State, Nigeria

In many regions, self-help initiatives serve as crucial supplements to government development strategies, enabling individuals to take charge of their own progress. This research focuses on assessing the involvement and benefits of rural inhabitants in self-help endeavors, aimed at enhancing their living standards in Kwara State, Nigeria. Using an interview schedule, data was collected from 140 respondents, and analyzed employing various statistical methods including frequency, percentages, mean scores, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that the participants were most actively engaged in fostering peaceful co-existence through voluntary efforts (average score, x̄=3.59), organizing fundraising events (x̄=3.57), and making financial contributions (x̄=3.47). Moreover, the primary perceived benefits of participating in these self-help initiatives included the reduction of poverty (x̄=2.80), improved decision-making processes (x̄=2.58), and the promotion of social solidarity (x̄=2.55). Regression analysis further demonstrated that household income and level of education significantly influenced the participants' involvement in self-help projects, with statistical significance at the p<0.05 level. Consequently, the study concludes that the rural population in Kwara State primarily engages in self-help activities to promote peaceful co-existence and has made significant strides in alleviating poverty in the region. To enhance the efficacy of self-help projects, the study recommends an increase in government support and the implementation of policies to regulate the inflation of essential materials required for such initiatives in rural communities

Religion disparity and employees’ performance: an examination of higher institutions of learning in Kwara State, Nigeria

Religion disparity and employees’ performance: an examination of higher institutions of learning in Kwara State, Nigeria

Socioeconomic Impact of Sports Tourism on Community Health Development in Kwara State, Nigeria

Sports, as a major global contributor to socioeconomic development of the society, has not been explored extensively. Therefore, the current study investigated the impact of sports tourism on the social, economic, and ecological development among the people of Kwara state, Nigeria. The study examined whether sports tourism would have a significant impact on the economic, social, and ecological development of people in Kwara state. Data was collected from a sample of 117 sportsmen and women employing a descriptive survey approach. The study probed into the multifaceted effects of sports tourism utilizing a meticulously designed questionnaire. Findings revealed that economic (c2=130.23), social (c2=159.50), and ecological development (c2=150.90) with p-values < 0.05 alpha value. The study concluded that sports tourism has a significant impact on the economic, social, and ecological development of people in Kwara state. Moreover, the study also suggested that sports tourism should be encouraged since it serves as a seasonal economic advancement for small- and large-scale business. Sports tourism is also helpful to address the social challenges that afflict rural communities thus supporting community health development.

Prosodic Analysis of Noun Class Markers in the Syntax of BÀTỌ̀NU Language

The grammatical derivation of languages varies, leading to language specificity. In particular, languages with noun classes have unique methods of realizing them through prefixing and sometimes suffixing, such as in the Bàtọ̀nu language. This study focuses on the interface between syntax and phonology in the grammatical realization of the noun class system in the Bàtọ̀nu language, spoken in the Baruteen Local Government Area of Kwara State in Nigeria. Interviews were conducted to gather data, supplemented by secondary sources. Theoretical principles from Government and Binding Theory (GB) and Autosegmental Phonology were used to represent sentence structure and the tonal analysis of the data. Previous research established that the language has seven noun class markers (NCM). We found that phonological features, such as labialization, nasalization, and tone, can influence and determine the grammatical functions of class markers in languages that attest to them. In the case of Bàtọ́nu NCM, the tone is the determining factor. We assume that the class markers are unmarked at the underlying representation (UR), and when a floating high tone (HT) is assigned to the NCM underlyingly, they function as class markers. When a floating mid-tone (MT) is assigned, they become relative clause marker variants, and when in contact with the HT focus morpheme -á in focus constructions in the language, they function as focus marker variants.

Examining the types and purpose of cloud computing used for library services delivery in academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

Background of the study: The implementation and integration of information and communication technology in library services and operations has revolutionized traditional practices, enabling libraries to adapt to the evolving needs of users in the digital era. Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to examine the types and purposes of cloud computing used for library service delivery in academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: The study used a descriptive survey approach. The population was all the 108 librarians in the eight universities in Kwara State, Nigeria. A total enumeration sampling technique was employed, and a questionnaire was used to collect data from the librarians. The study answered three research questions. Findings: The study revealed that OCLC, Word cat, Google Docs, and other types of cloud computing are being utilized by the librarians. The study also revealed that poor internet connectivity, among other challenges, militates against the use of cloud computing for academic library service delivery. Conclusion: The study concluded that the librarians make use of cloud computing for library services. The study recommends that the library should provide reliable internet facilities with fast speeds, high broadband, and reliable power supplies, among others.

Effect of Gamification Element on Students Academic Performance In Mathematics In Basic Schools In Kwara State

Gamification elements are excellent tools for promoting specific behaviors and enhancing academic performance. Method: The study used a non-equivalent group design using a 2x2x2 factorial, quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test format. The population for this study were all junior secondary students in Kwara State. The target population for this study was all junior secondary students in basic 2 (J.i.S 2) in Kwara-North. Two junior secondary schools in Kwara-North L.G.A. were chosen using a purposive sample technique because they have functional and well-equipped computer labs. School B was the control group, whereas School A was the experimental group. The two groups were intact classes. The instruments used for data collection were: The Mathematics Concepts Performance Test (MCPT) and the Quizalize gamification application. To ensure the reliability of the instrument, a pilot study was carried out the acquired results were tested using split-half Reliability coefficients, and a value of .89 was obtained. The findings of the study revealed that the adoption of gamification element has an impact on junior secondary school students’ mathematics performance, female students performed better than male students after the treatment was administered. It was recommended among others that the gamification element is successful in lowering the level of abstractness connected with the teaching and learning of some mathematical concepts at the junior secondary school level of education, mathematics teachers should incorporate it into the classroom.

Socioeconomic Determinants of Insect Pest Control Methods’ Utilization for Storage in North Central Nigeria

The impetus for this study is the need to understand factors influencing the use of insect pest control methods in North Central Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, assessed awareness and use of insect pest control methods, examined farmers’ considerations and investigated factors influencing insect pest control decisions. Using a structured interview schedule to elicit information, data was collected by means of multi-stage sampling technique to select a total of 384 cowpea farmers for this study. A purposive selection of Kwara and Niger States paved way for the purposive choice of two agricultural zones in Kwara state and one agricultural zone in Niger state. Percentages, frequency counts, ranks, mean, and ordinary least square regression was used to analyze the data. The study revealed that the intended time of sale, time required to apply method, and time of application were the factors most considered for store insect pest control. Ordinary Least Square regression estimates demonstrate positive significant relationship between farm size (t=4.681), group membership (t=4.688), and quantity stored in tons (t=2.312) and intensity of use. Conversely, years of education (t=-2.196), years of cowpea farming experience (t=-3.419), and frequency of extension contact (t=-.534) had significant negative relationship with intensity of use. In conclusion, it is recommended that policy makers and extension staff put into consideration farm size, group membership, quantity stored, years of education, years of cowpea farming experience and frequency of extension contact in optimizing extension strategy for promotion of indigenous and alternative insect pest control methods.

Impact of Revenue-Expenditure Gap on Economic Outputs in Kwara State

Internally Generated Revenue has emerged in recent times as a crucial aspect of economic growth and development. Drawing from some of the recent literature on public expenditure, this study estimated the impact of revenue-expenditure gap on output in Nigeria with a case study of Kwara State. The study employed Auto-Regressive Distributed technique on data obtained from the Kwara State Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development for its analysis. The results of the study show that there has been an upward trend in the revenue-expenditure gap in Kwara State. The implication is that the government expenditure has been more than its revenue and later translated into a deficit budget for the state. The findings also indicate that this gap slows the growth of economic outputs in Kwara State. Therefore, the Nigerian government should take urgent and adequate steps to increase their internally generated revenue.

Developing Starter Culture from Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Cow Milk for the Production of Nigerian “Nunu”

Starter cultures are mostly organisms deliberately introduced into food as a single culture or mixture of cultures to bring about fermentation and production of desired characteristics in food through metabolic and enzymatic activities. Organisms in this category have attained the generally regarded as safe (GRAS) status, are majorly lactic acid bacteria with food acidification and production of natural preservatives potential. This research was aimed at developing a starter culture for the production of local dairy drink “Nunu” Cow milk was obtained from “Gaa Mobolohunduro”, Tanke, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Potential lactose fermenters were isolated on MRS agar in pour plate technique. The isolates were characterized and identified using standard procedures. Lactic Acid Bacteria isolated were inoculated as a starter culture for milk fermentation and the products were subjected to pH, titratable acid and organoleptic assessments following standard procedures. Two of the isolated lactic acid bacteria with the best fermentation products were identified through molecular technique. A total of six isolates were obtained and identified as Lactococcus sp., Leuconostoc sp., Pediococcus sp. and Lactobacillus spp. The pH ranges from 5.46±0.01 to 6.03±0.01while the titratable acidity ranged from 0.244±0.004 to 0.526±0.006. The moisture content ranged from 90.50±0.30 to 91.75±0.35. The fermentation product from the isolated Lactobacillus sp. scored 80 % during the organoleptic assessment. Molecular evidence confirmed the two isolates as Lactic Acid Bacteria. In conclusion, isolated species could be used as potential organisms for milk fermentation.

Effect of E-Banking Services on Customers' Satisfaction in University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State

Effect of E-Banking Services on Customers' Satisfaction in University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State

Child Labour and Child Abuse as Predictors to Girl Child Dropout in Junior Secondary Schools in Ilorin East Local Government, Kwara State

Child Labour and Child Abuse as Predictors to Girl Child Dropout in Junior Secondary Schools in Ilorin East Local Government, Kwara State

Geoscientific assessment of Kemanji Dam site using Kemanji and Semon river, Kaiama area, Kwara state, North-Central Nigeria

Geoscientific assessment of Kemanji Dam site using Kemanji and Semon river, Kaiama area, Kwara state, North-Central Nigeria

Perception of Librarians in Agricultural Research Institutes Towards the Use of Big Data for Library Operations and Services in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study examined the perception of use associated with big data in agricultural research institutes' libraries. A descriptive design was employed, and thematic analysis was done on the information obtained through key informant interviews. The population of this study consists of two librarians from each of the agricultural research institutes' libraries. In the study, four research questions were addressed. The results showed librarians believe big data assists them in providing clear and straightforward information that will quickly aid the demands of the researchers in the institutes. The study also revealed how big data helps librarians better understand how they can meet the information demands of researchers. The difficulties associated with the use of big data in agricultural research libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria, stem from the presence of incompetent personnel, insufficient funds, irregular electricity supply, sluggish internet connectivity, and the expense of training and retraining on big data. In conclusion, the perception of the use of big data in agricultural research libraries allows librarians to streamline operations and services to exactly what the researcher wants. Based on the findings, the study recommends ensuring the effectiveness of big data, agricultural research libraries should recruit more data analyst experts to manage big data in their libraries and ensure alternative power generation such as solar systems, inverters or standby generating machines are made available.

COPING STRATEGIES ON CLIMATE VARIABILITY AMONG COWPEA FARMERS IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The unstable climatic conditions can no longer be predicted by farmers. The unpredictability intensity of temperature and pattern of rainfall in cowpea production has affected the farmers’ decision on production practices and general productivity. Therefore, farmers are beginning to improvise on management practices to avert the effects of climate change to remain relevant and profitable in the business of cowpea production. <strong>Objective.</strong> To examine the farmers’ coping strategies used against the effects of climate variability for cowpea production in Kwara State, Nigeria. <strong>Methodology.</strong> A multistage sampling technique was used to select 120 cowpea-based farmers. A structured survey questionnaire was used to collect primary data. Data were analysed with frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to ascertain the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and copying strategies used by farmers. <strong>Results.</strong> Majority (79.2%) of the respondents experienced high adverse effects of climate variability including abnormal rise in temperature (76.7%), irregular/unpredictable rainfall patterns (51.7%), and excessive rainfall (37.5%) on cowpea crop. The leading coping strategies used by farmers were use of fertilizer (x̄=2.73), herbicides (x̄=2.72), and planting early maturing variety (x̄=2.51). Farmers were mainly hindered by adequate irrigation facilities (x̄=1.72), inadequate access to extension services (x̄=1.66), and high cost of agrochemicals (x̄=1.60). Result education, cowpea farm size, years of experience in cowpea farming, membership in farmers group, and additional sources of information on cowpea production showed a positive significant relationship with the choice of coping strategies employed by cowpea farmers against the effects of climate change experienced at p<0.05 level. <strong>Implication.</strong> The study showed that abnormal rise in temperature and irregular rainfall patterns are affecting cowpea production and thus, some socioeconomic attributes significantly supported farmers’ choice of coping strategies employed against the effects of climate change and variability. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> The use of agrochemicals and cultivation of early maturing variety has played critical roles in coping with adverse effects of climate variability in cowpea production. </p>

Assessment of households’ food consumption strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ilorin-South LGA, Kwara State, Nigeria [Commentary

Introduction The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the agro-food sector included significant effects on existing household food dynamics and tested the resilience of the food system as a whole. The pandemic also negatively affected livelihoods as it resulted in the loss of jobs and, thus, economic hardship (Aday & Aday, 2020). This was especially true in the developing world, where the numbers of vulnerable households were high (World Bank Group, 2022). The study on which this commen­tary is based was conducted in 2022 and focused on assessing the food consumption strategies adopted by households in Ilorin-South Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. . . .

Assessment of Practices Enhancing the Prevalence of Brucellosis Among Rural Women Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Assessment of Practices Enhancing the Prevalence of Brucellosis Among Rural Women Farmers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Green library practices in selected academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study investigated green library practices in selected academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study adopted an exploratory design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 18 librarians as the participants for the study, and the interview method was adopted for data collection. The findings reveal that all the academic libraries engaged in the fumigation of their environment to preserve library resources, and the level of adoption of information and communications technology resulted in the libraries having a high carbon footprint. The results also show that the academic libraries engaged in resource-sharing for economic sustainability and that they have value for their users in terms of social and cultural support. It is recommended that university management teams provide adequate funding to develop eco-friendly practices in university libraries, and that academic libraries provide solar systems to all their library units to enhance environmentally conscious practices.

Effects of Imago Relationship Therapy on Spousal’s emotional instability married teachers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Effects of Imago Relationship Therapy on Spousal’s emotional instability married teachers in Kwara State, Nigeria

Age as a determinant of emotional health problems among secondary school teachers in Ilorin Metropolis

The study examined age as a determinant of emotional health problems among secondary school teachers in Ilorin Metropolis. The study adopted a descriptive survey of a correlation type. The researcher's instrument titled the Emotional Style Questionnaire from Kesebir et al. was used to collect the data for the study. The reliability coefficient of the questionnaire was reported to be 0.85. There was no significant relationship between ages and emotional health of secondary school teachers in Ilorin Metropolis; there was no significant relationship between ages and emotional health of younger secondary school teachers in Ilorin Metropolis; and there was no significant relationship between the ages and emotional health of older secondary school teachers in Ilorin Metropolis were postulated hypotheses of the study. These hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Pearson-Product Moment Correlation was the statistical method employed for this study. The finding of the hypotheses showed there were significant relationships between the ages and emotional health of secondary school teachers in Ilorin Metropolis. There was a significant relationship between the ages of young teachers and their emotional health in Ilorin Metropolis of Kwara State. It was also observed that there was a significant relationship between the ages of older teachers and their emotional health in the Ilorin Metropolis of Kwara State. The study recommended that counsellors should orientate teachers on how to maintain good emotional health irrespective of their age and gender.