Nigerian Federal Universities Research Articles

Predictability of Job Satisfaction and Self-esteem on Organisational Commitment among Non-academic Staff

Organisational commitment remains the backbone of growth and development in for-profit and nonprofit organisations. However, studies investigating organisational commitment in educational sectors have produced different results. Therefore, this study examined the predictability of job satisfaction and self-esteem on organisational commitment among non-academic staff in a Nigerian federal university. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted, a purposive sampling technique was used to select one federal University, and a convenience sampling technique was used to select participants to administer the questionnaires. Data were collected from 292 participants using validated scales and analysed using independent samples t-test and multiple regression analysis. At the same time, the hypotheses tested were accepted at a p < .05 level of significance. The result revealed that job satisfaction and self-esteem jointly predicted organisational commitment among study participants [R2 = .05, F (2,291) =7.37, p < .05]. Moreover, the results showed that job satisfaction independently predicted organisational commitment among study participants (β =.22, p <.05). However, self-esteem did not independently predict organisational commitment among study participants (β =.08, p >.05]. The study concluded that job satisfaction more than self-esteem tends to predict organisational commitment among study participants strongly. It is recommended that human resources planning units in higher institutions should put in place robust programmes that would enhance organisational commitment among their employees.

Addressing Sexual Harassment in Nigerian Higher Institutions Through the Feasibility of a Digital Anonymous Feedback System

Sexual harassment remains a persistent and pervasive issue in Nigerian higher institutions, yet incidents often go unreported due to fear, stigma, and distrust in existing reporting mechanisms. This study investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of introducing a digital anonymous feedback system for students as a proactive measure to curb sexual harassment on university campuses. The aim is to provide students with a safe and confidential platform to report incidents of harassment, thereby empowering them to speak out without fear of retaliation. Using a quantitative research approach, a questionnaire was administered to students from selected Nigerian federal universities to gather data on their perceptions of sexual harassment reporting, the potential impact of an anonymous digital feedback system, and recommendations for addressing the issue. Findings reveal significant barriers to traditional reporting systems, including fear of reprisal and lack of trust in institutional responses. However, there is strong support among students for implementing an anonymous digital feedback system, with confidentiality and accessibility cited as key benefits. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Nigerian higher institutions prioritize the introduction of digital anonymous feedback systems, dedicate sections of their websites for lecturer ratings and anonymous reporting, and conduct awareness and training programs on sexual harassment prevention, including claims verification measures. By implementing these strategies, universities can create safer and more inclusive learning environments where students feel empowered to report sexual harassment without fear of reprisal.

Information literacy competencies of legal personnel in Nigerian federal universities: An empirical analysis

This study centered on investigating the information literacy (IL) competencies of legal personnel at Nigerian federal universities (NFUs). The study was guided by six specific objectives. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting a population of 168 legal personnel at 43 NFUs. The total enumeration technique was used as a sample for the study. Questionnaires and observation checklists were used as data collection instruments. The researcher administered 168 questionnaires through research assistants, receiving a retrieval rate of 97.00% (163 completed questionnaires). Findings revealed that respondents displayed high competencies in locating, searching, evaluating, selecting, and communicating information resources (IRs). However, their competency in using IRs was found to be low. The study recommends that IL training should be considered a priority by both legal personnel and librarians to ensure smooth cooperation that would facilitate legal services delivery and IL training should be made more regular, consistent, holistic, and widely embraced. That is, any form of IL training should be implemented in both conventional and digital forms so that no individual would be left out.

Demographic variables and perceptions of corruption among undergraduates: Evidence from a nigerian federal university

Previous studies suggest that beliefs, attitudes, experiences, cultural norms, personal values, and socioeconomic status shape perceptions of corruption. However, there is a lack of research exploring how undergraduates' demographic variables influence their views on corruption, creating a significant knowledge gap. To address this gap, this study examines how undergraduates' perceptions of corruption vary according to demographic variables, such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and academic level. Following a positivist research philosophy, this quantitative study used a cross-sectional ex-post facto research design. A sample of 315 undergraduates, selected through a proportionate stratified random sampling technique, participated in a physical survey. Data were collected using the Demographic Variables and the Perception of Corruption Questionnaire (DVPCQ). Due to the absence of established instruments demonstrating strong psychometric properties in the specific context of this research, the DVPCQ was developed. Its face and content validity were confirmed by domain and psychometric experts, and its construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis. The instrument was reliable, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.87. The study's hypotheses were tested at the 0.05 alpha level using independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). All statistical tests were performed using JASP software. The results revealed significant differences in perceptions of corruption based on age, gender, income level, academic level, and marital status of students. Specifically, younger, female, lower-income, lower academic and married students perceived corruption more favourably than older, male, higher-income, higher academic and single students. This finding implies that anticorruption campaigns should be customised to appeal to older, male, higher-income, higher academic and single students more inclined to perceive corruption unfavourably. Campaigns should focus on educating students about the negative consequences of corruption and promoting integrity and transparency. These recommendations would interest policymakers, educators, and researchers aiming to combat campus corruption.

Participant/Avoidant Learning Approaches and Academic Performance in Cost Accounting: A Study of South-South Nigerian Federal University Students

Since most students are unaware of the various learning approaches and the best style for learning a particular course (for example, Cost Accounting), they tend to perform below their best. Also, due to the nature of cost accounting as a core accounting course, which has to do with real-work experience and computations, students tend to adopt a different learning approach in learning the course. As a result, they tend to perform below their best. The participant learning approach is an instructional method that actively involves students in their learning process. It emphasizes engagement, interaction, and hands-on experiences rather than passive reception of information. The correlation between avoidant learning strategies and students’ academic achievement in disciplines such as cost accounting is a subject of considerable interest and pertinence. The study investigated the correlation between participant/avoidant learning strategies and students’ academic achievement in cost accounting at four Federal Universities in the South-South region of Nigeria. The population consisted of 556 final-year accounting students from the accounting departments of four Federal Universities. The researchers used a descriptive research design and a randomly selected sample of 248 students. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to analyze the association between the learning style preference of senior accounting students in cost accounting and their academic performance in the preceding semester’s final grade. The study found a significant positive correlation between participants’ learning approach and students’ academic achievement in cost accounting. Conversely, there was a significant negative correlation between the avoidant learning approach and students’ performance in cost accounting. The study recommends fostering self-motivation among students, encouraging them to seek approval from parents and instructors, and exposing them to diverse learning styles. This self-motivation is believed to facilitate the acquisition of appropriate learning strategies for effective learning. The research suggests that students who adopt an avoidant learning approach tend to perform poorly academically. To address this issue, it is recommended that instructors and fellow students discourage.

Teachers As Researchers: Assessing Research Literacy Levels Among Pre-service Teachers in Nigerian Universities

This study assessed the research literacy levels among pre-service teachers. The study adopted a descriptive design and sampled 297 pre-service teachers from two Nigerian South-eastern federal universities. Five research questions guided the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured question guide and a self-developed Research Literacy Test (RLT). Rasch model analysis established the unidimensionality and reliability of the research literacy test (RLT). Moreover, mean scores, standard deviations, t-tests and content analysis were used to answer the study research questions. The study findings showed that pre-service teachers' research literacy level was at the information literacy level. Significant differences were not found between males and females in their research literacy components except at the information level; males were generally more research literate than females. Finally, pre-service teachers indicated that they believe their faculties hold a positive disposition towards their acquisition of research literacy. Keywords: Content Analysis, Gender, Information Literacy, Knowledge of Research Literacy, Pre-service Teachers, Rasch Model Analysis, Research Literacy, Statistical literacy

<p>Understanding Third Language Learners’ Communication Apprehension, by Employing their Socio-Demographic Profiles, Academic Motivation and Self-Efficacy as Predictors</p>

Introduction. Communication apprehension is significant in understanding the language skills acquisition of foreign language students. However, studies on communication apprehension have been devoted mainly to second language learners of the English Language. Consequently, there is, in the body of literature, insufficient evidence to understand factors that impact communication apprehension of third language learners. This gap can limit the capacity of researchers interested in foreign language to understand the mechanism underlying third language learners’ communication apprehension. This warranted the need to investigate the predictive powers of socio-demographic variables, academic motivation, and self-efficacy on the communication apprehension of French, Chinese and German third language learners in Nigerian Federal universities. Method. A hierarchical regression analysis was conducted on a sample of 278 third language learners (French n = 148; Chinese n = 78 and German n =52). Socio-demographic variables (age, gender and language of specialization), dimensions of academic motivation (intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, motivational strength) and self-efficacy served as the predictor variables while communication apprehension was the criterion variable. Results. Results revealed that while the socio-demographic variables were not significant predictors, intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy negatively and significantly predicted third language learners’ communication apprehension whereas motivational strength became a positive and significant predictor of third language learners’ communication apprehension only when their self-efficacy was entered in the model. Discussions and conclusions. Based on the findings, it was concluded that possession of strong self-efficacy beliefs and high intrinsic motivation might be essential for third language learners to overcome their communication apprehension.

Prevalence of malaria infection amongst students of a southwest Nigerian federal university

One of the dreadful parasitic infection that ravages the lives of the very young and old in Sub-Saharan Africa is Malaria. It is a serious public health problem. Although interventions to curtail and curb it prevalence at various tiers of government local, state and federal were enforced, however, such strategy is not well disposed of in the citadel of learning –university amongst the students This form the basis of the objective of the study and why it is conducted. Method: We examined the prevalence of malaria infection among students of the Federal university of Technology, Akure. Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 300 patients between April 2019 to September 2019. Aged between 15 -30 years that visited the Medical centre with complaints and symptoms ranging from headache, body pains, undulating high temperature, nausea and vomiting abdominal cramps etc. Antimalarial drugs were not administered until outcome of laboratory result is available within a short while. Result: A total number of three hundred (300) subjects were screened for malaria infection 183 (61%) were male while 117 (39%) were female. The number of individuals with malaria infection were 242 (80.6%) of the 300 subjects screened for malaria. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of students infected with malaria parasitaemia is 80.6% of the student populace screened in the university under the study which indicated a high rate of prevalence of malaria. lt is therefore exigent to execute strategic interventions through health education in form of seminars/ workshop for the students and ways of prevention and elimination of the vector – anopheles mosquito in the environment.

Prevalence of malaria infection amongst students of a southwest Nigerian federal university

Prevalence of malaria infection amongst students of a southwest Nigerian federal university

Influence of Occupational Stress on Work Engagement among Nigerian Library Personnel

The study examined occupational stress and job engagement among library personnel at selected Nigerian state and federal universities. A descriptive survey methodology was employed in the study. This study used questionnaires for ascertaining work engagement and occupational stress to survey 76 respondents. Results indicated that library personnel experienced high occupational stress, which displayed significantly low levels of job engagement. In contrast, those with a low level of occupational stress showed significantly increased levels of engagement at work. The data suggested that female library personnel reported experiencing more occupational stress than male library personnel and the mean difference was statistically significant, t (74) = -3.416, p =.001. The limitation of this research includes the smallness of sample size, which calls for a larger sample to validate the findings further. Rational emotive behavioral therapy can be adapted for managing the levels of work engagement and occupational stress in librarians.

Evaluation Of Medicine Use Pattern and Practices Among Pharmacy and Medicine Students of a Nigerian Federal University

Evaluation Of Medicine Use Pattern and Practices Among Pharmacy and Medicine Students of a Nigerian Federal University

Fee-based electronic information services and effective service delivery by federal university libraries in Nigeria

The study investigated fee-based electronic information services offered in Nigerian federal university libraries, their effects on library services, challenges faced by libraries that implemented the services and possible solutions to address the challenges. A descriptive survey research design using stratified random sampling was used for the study. The population of the study was Nigerian federal university libraries. The population size for the study is 116. Using Krejcie and Morgan’s table, a total of ninety-two (92) professional librarians were sampled. Google form was used for data collection. Out of 92, 87 (80.04%) librarians responded to the questionnaire. The results obtained from the analysis were presented in tables using frequency and the mean by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, version 25). The findings of the study revealed that the only university of Lagos in federal university libraries that partially implemented two services (internet access and laptop lending). The research also revealed that in the university of Lagos, the services enable the library to generate more income, it increases library users’ patronage among others. The challenges faced by the University of Lagos while rendering the fee-based services include poor planning, the problem of pricing policy and negative perception of fee-based services by the patrons among others. The study concluded that Nigerian federal university libraries have not yet implemented fee-based electronic information services to their full course. The study recommended among others that seminars and conferences should be organized to enlighten the stakeholders of Nigerian federal university libraries on the benefits of fee-based electronic information services for effective library service delivery.

ANÁLISIS DE LA PARTICIPACIÓN EN EL PROGRAMA DE DESARROLLO PROFESIONAL DE PROFESORES NIGERIANOS

In human capital management, the most imperative thing is to think about the human capital that is skillful, innovative, proactive, and profitable for comparative advantage. Any professional development programme (PDP) (Training for Higher Education, Conferences, and Workshops) embarked on by any institution should increase the output and development of both the staff and the university. This study, therefore, sought to investigate lecturers' rate and location of participation in professional development. The rate of participation was investigated using a descriptive survey design. The study participants were all lecturers in Nigerian Federal Universities. The 280 participants were chosen using a stratified sample procedure. The instrument's face, construct, and content validity was done with the internal consistency via Cronbach Alpha indicated 0.70. The research questions were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, graph, mean rating, and rank ordering). Thus, the finding indicated that the Nigerian universities’ lecturers have a high participation rate in PDP. Cross-border training that will enhance university lecturers' productivity should be encouraged more in Nigeria via a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Assessing the adoption of knowledge acquisition practices in selected Northwestern Nigerian federal university libraries

Knowledge acquisition practices entails acquiring knowledge from documents, training, mentoring, conferences, interactions, experts and the use of information and communication technology facilities among others There is limited evidence of the adoption of knowledge acquisition practice in Northwestern Nigerian federal university libraries. The purpose of this study was to establish whether Northwestern Nigerian federal university libraries have adopted knowledge acquisition practices (KAP). This study applied descriptive research and had a target population of three hundred and ninety-three (393) librarians and the sample size of the study was 191. Both questionnaire and interview schedule were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics were used in analyzing the data collected while tables, and charts were used for tabulation and presentation. The study found out that tacit knowledge was acquired from seminars, conferences, workshops, research collaborations among others while explicit knowledge was acquired through documents and ICT tools. The study recommends the acquisition of tacit knowledge through sponsorship to enable librarians acquire tacit knowledge in research collaboration and formal training.

Assessment of the traditional and emerging roles of university libraries in Nigeria

This study was conducted to assess the traditional and emerging roles of university libraries in Nigeria. Census sampling technique was used to sample all the 43 Nigerian Federal university libraries. Structured questionnaire was adopted for data collection. Data were analysed using frequency count and mean scores. Results indicated that the traditional roles were rooted in acquisition and preservation of information and in the provision of access to information in various formats. The respondents agreed with only 7 of the possible 18 emerging roles of libraries indicating that the understudied libraries are slow in attuning to the internet, World Wide Web and ICT. Respondents agreed with 11 out 15 possible challenges militating against the adoption of emerging roles of academic libraries in information service delivery. Most of these challenges are administrative and personnel. It was concluded that while university libraries are aware of the traditional roles of libraries, they are yet to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the trio of the internet, World Wide Web and ICT. The recommendation is that the library should adopt the technologies of the internet, World Wide Web and ICT and acquire necessary training in implementation of these innovations to boost library service delivery.

Status of electronic records management (e-RM) in African university libraries: experience from Nigerian universities

PurposeThis study examined the state of digital records management in Nigerian university libraries. It investigated the extent university libraries have captured/created, utilized, planned, organized and developed the skills of librarians, etc. for effective management of electronic records.Design/methodology/approachDescriptive survey design was adopted. The area of the study was Nigeria. The population of the study was 231 academic librarians and senior technical and administrative staff drawn from 12 federal university libraries. Data were collected and analyzed using questionnaire, checklist and version 20 of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS). Information obtained through oral interviews was analyzed qualitatively and incorporated in the discussions. The analytical framework was the Readiness Assessment Guide developed by the International Records Management Trust/World Bank in 2004. The criterion of judgment was that any item or statement of the research instruments that obtains a mean value of 2.50+ was rated high, and low if less than 2.50.FindingsThe results revealed that ICT facilities were available in Nigerian federal university libraries but the manner and extent of utilization, planning, organizing, re-skilling the staff, budgetary provisions and adoption of international best practices, etc. for e-records was low. Adequate funding, steady power supply, full internet services and adoption of global best practices for e-records management were some of the recommendations.Practical implicationsThis study has established that the status of ICT facilities and current digital records management in Nigerian university libraries have not been properly managed and therefore are likely to become vulnerable or inaccessible for future transactions.Originality/valueThe gap in the literature about the dart of empirical studies on the status of e-RM in Nigerian university libraries has been bridged.

AN ASSESSMENT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING TECHNIQUES IN THE PREVENTION OF REVENUE LEAKAGES IN NIGERIAN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES

Purpose: Forensic accounting reflects the application of investigative and analytical techniques for the purpose of resolving fraudulent practices. The purpose of the research was to examine the extent at which Forensic Accounting Techniques serves as a panacea for preventing Revenue Leakages in Federal Universities in Nigeria. 
 Methodology: Primary data were collected with the aid of research questionnaire and used in this study. The sample size of 238 respondents was determined from a census of targeted EFCC, internal audit staff of selected Nigerian Federal Universities. This study applied a statistical tool, which described and evaluated the relationships between Forensic accounting techniques and revenue leakages.
 Findings: The methodology shows that Forensic accounting data analysis techniques have positive effects on revenue leakages in Nigerian Federal Universities. This implies that a forensic data analysis technique can help in uncovering leakages of revenue in Nigerian Federal Universities. The implication is that when these technologies are applied, there would be drastic reduction in revenue leakages. From the findings, it was concluded that the application of forensic accounting techniques will help in preventing revenue leakages in Nigerian Federal Universities.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: On the basis of these findings and conclusion, it was recommended that forensic accounting data analysis and technology techniques should be employed in Nigerian Federal Universities to help them curb revenue leakages in the system. That will help to discover and analyse patterns of fraudulent activities and develop sorts of digital tools that would be found helpful in fighting economic and financial crimes within the system.
 Keywords: Forensic Accounting, Revenue Leakages, Frauds, Forensic Accounting Technologies

Assessment of Hand Hygiene Compliance in the Context of COVID19 Among Paediatric Nurses in a Nigerian Federal University Teaching Hospital

Assessment of Hand Hygiene Compliance in the Context of COVID19 Among Paediatric Nurses in a Nigerian Federal University Teaching Hospital

Digital Libraries and Access to Information in Nigerian Federal Universities: The Impact of Technology Variables

The paper examined the impact of technology variables on access to information by undergraduates in the digital libraries of federal universities in Nigeria. The study was an empirical research which adopted Ex-post-facto as the design. The questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 1,506 respondents drawn, using a multi-stage technique, from the population of 30,121 undergraduates in addition to the entire 21 library staff of seven federal universities purposively selected from southern Nigeria. Focus group discussion and interview sessions were also used to complement the questionnaire responses. Data generated were analysed using frequency and percentages. Responses from the focus group discussion and the interview were analysed qualitatively. The findings revealed that technology variables such as system usability, interface design and content usefulness make a low impact on the undergraduates’ access to information. It was recommended among others that training programs should be organised by the libraries to equip the undergraduates with the digital literacy skills required for effective access to information.

Performance assessment of electronic theses and dissertations initiatives in Nigeria

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance of electronic theses and dissertations (ETD) initiatives in the repositories of federal government-owned universities due to the poor global visibility of ETDs from Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach An explanatory case study empirical research method was adopted for the study. Using an adapted methodology of Ghosh (2009) and multiple data gathering techniques, data was collected based on the three domains of the network of excellence on digital libraries (DELOS) digital library reference model. Findings The ETD initiatives in repositories of Nigerian federal universities have not made remarkable progress as digital libraries based on policy, content and system architecture. The specificity of ETDs is not clearly stated in the policies where available. The repositories housing the ETDs are also not compliant with the open archive initiative-protocol for metadata harvesting framework. Research limitations/implications The study focussed on ETD initiatives in federal government-owned universities. Although the findings of the study are relevant to other institutions in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. It cannot be used as a basis for the generalisation based on other performance metrics. Practical implications This research study concluded that electronic theses and dissertations in Nigerian institutional repositories are not well managed for effective service delivery and long-term accessibility. The ill-management of the ETD initiatives is the reason for the poor global visibility and accessibility of these research output from this part of Africa. Originality/value The study assessed ETD initiatives using constructs from a theoretical framework.