Nigerian Higher Institutions Research Articles

Role of Vice-Chancellors on Conflict Resolution Management in Nigerian Higher Institutions: Lessons from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife

The study examined the roles and causes of leadership crisis and management strategies adopted in the attempt to resolve conflicts involving students, lecturers, and non-academic staff versus vice-chancellors in Nigeria higher institutions with particular reference to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Two basic methods of primary are adopted here, viz, questionnaire and personal interview. The questionnaire was essentially utilized to assess the leadership role of vice-chancellor in conflict management. This becomes useful when one considers the fact management of conflict resolution is always focussed around the person and office of the incumbent vice-chancellor in most universities. The interview method allows for face-to-face analysis of events thereby making it possible for clarification on controversial issues. In this way, one is opportune to ask further questions germane and relevant to this study. Data derived from the secondary sources include data already provided by original investigators. In this study, the secondary data sources include books on university administration, conflict and conflict management, governance, and other relevant books and journals. Others are published and unpublished articles, official documents, dissertations, magazines, and publications. Two former vice-chancellors were examined as regards the problem of perennial crisis in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Respondents were asked to rate the two former vice-chancellors using their organizational competence, leadership style and positive relation with staff and students as rating criteria. The questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive analysis such as scores and percentage. The study discovered evidences of mismanagement of conflict which made most conflicts in the universities violent. It observed that most conflicts in Nigerian universities might have been averted if the leadership in Nigerian universities could be more democratic, sensitive, and flexible in conflict periods. The study concluded that the welfare of staff and students should be given more attention if perennial conflicts with school authority are to be overcome in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Role of Vice-Chancellors on Conflict Resolution Management in Nigerian Higher Institutions: Lessons from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife

The study examined the roles and causes of leadership crisis and management strategies adopted in the attempt to resolve conflicts involving students, lecturers and non-academic staff versus vice chancellors in Nigeria higher institutions with particular reference to Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Two basic methods of primary are adopted here, viz, questionnaire and personal interview. The questionnaire was essentially utilised to assess the leadership role of Vice Chancellor in conflict management. This becomes useful when one considers the fact management of conflict resolution is always focussed around the person and office of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor in most universities.The Interview method allows for face-to-face analysis of events thereby making it possible for clarification on controversial issues. In this way, one is opportune to ask further questions germane and relevant to this study. Data derived from the secondary sources include data already provided by original investigators. In this study, the secondary data sources include books on university administration, conflict and conflict management, governance and other relevant books and journals. Others are published and unpublished articles, official documents, dissertations, magazines and publications. Two former vice chancellors were examined as regards the problem of perennial crisis in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Respondents were asked to rate the two former vice chancellors using their organisational competence, leadership style and positive relation with staff and students as rating criteria. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive analysis such as scores and percentage. The study discovered evidences of mismanagement of conflict which made most conflicts in the universities violent. It observed that most conflicts in Nigerian universities might have been averted if the leadership in Nigerian universities could be more democratic, sensitive, and flexible in conflict periods. The study concluded that the welfare of staff and students should be given more attention if perennial conflicts with school authority are to be overcome in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Enhancement and Innovation in Higher Education in Nigeria through Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Entrepreneurship Education

It is well reported that one of the factors that plague higher education system in Nigeria is lack of intrigue to discover an innovative effort that should bear on research and development, thus the backwardness of Nigeria among the comity of highly developed nations globally. Widely reported also, is that effort to implicate innovative discoveries among students through research and development (R & D) is not given the desired attention in Nigerian higher institutions. With mind cast on a possible situation that the world economy could be submerged into catastrophic social vices, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with its entrepreneurship component, has been acclaimed a system that could circumvent the eventual odd. In this paper, need for creative empowerment through TVET and entrepreneurship education for creativity and innovation were considered; with emphasis on indicator factors to global economy. The paper concludes that to join in the bandwagon of improved economy, stakeholders in Nigerian education must not neglect TVET education.

IMPLEMENTATION OF MOBILE VIRTUAL LABORATORY: CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY

The growing availability of mobile devices across developing countries and coupled with increase awareness of mobile learning as well as the use of mobile devices for laboratory practical warrant the exploration of its wider application in learning. This study explored the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of mobile virtual laboratory in a developing country. A Nigerian higher institution was selected because of its peculiar location in a rural area and was important in the evaluation of the Internet penetration in rural areas of Nigeria for m-Learning. A designed questionnaire for need analysis was distributed to 132 consented participants and the resulting data were analysed using SPSS-21. The study shows that the term mobile learning was not too new to majority of the learners as (44.7%) indicated that they had heard about it. However majority of the respondents (78.8%) had never heard about Mobile Virtual Laboratories. MTN data plan was mostly used for Internet because of its N1000 (5 US dollars) data plan. Again, majority of the respondents used Blackberry (57%) and Android phones (32%). Based on the findings in this study, the network, data plan, device type and learners awareness were important factors characterising the needs and choices of learners. Overall, uptake of mobile learning will be easy and enhanced if determinants of learners needs and choice as identified in this study are considered in the implementation of mobile virtual laboratory in a developing country.

The Changing Nature of Work-Life Balance in Nigerian Higher Institutions

The Nigerian higher education is continuously changing in terms of focus and expansion. The changes are therefore putting pressure on the work and expectations of both academic and academic support staff and affecting work life balance. The objective of this paper is to examine some taken for granted assumption of Work Life Balance (WLB) in Nigerian higher education as it affects workers’ performance and productivity. Using qualitative method and relying on interview and observation, twenty eight academic staff and twenty two academic supports were interviewed from Kwara State University, Malete, Nigeria. It was found that work life balance is one of the major factors affecting workers’ performance and productivity. It was also discovered that the long hours of work including weekends and public holidays of academic staff is due to additional responsibilities and shortage of staff. The paper recommends that government and various institutions should take proactive approach to work life balance. The paper recommends that academic staff should be given limited administrative responsibilities and a reduction in teaching workloads.

The role of ICT in skilled manpower development through vocational technical education among higher institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria

This research focused on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in skilled manpower development through vocational technical education among higher institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. One research question and hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The target population for this study was 2,420 respondents comprising 2,210 vocational education trainees and 210 vocational educators. A total of 221 vocational education trainees and 21 vocational educators were selected using simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit the needed information from the trainees and educators. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research question and independent t-test statistic to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. From the analyses, it was found out that ICT played significant role in skilled manpower development, especially in the area of engagement of vocational technical students, development of skilled ICT professionals, establishment of ICT human infrastructures, increased knowledge of computer, acceleration of capacity building, and strengthening vocational technical teaching in Nigerian higher institutions in Cross River State among others. Based on these findings, it was recommended among others that the government as a matter of priority should provide the necessary ICTs infrastructure, trained manpower, adequate budgetary allocation, and uninterrupted power supply to enhance sustainable beneficial role derivable from ICT application for skilled manpower development through vocational technical education in Cross River State, Nigeria. Key words: Information and communication technology, vocational education, vocational educator, vocational education trainees.

Participatory Roles of Private Sectors in Management of Home Economics Programme in Nigerian Higher Institutions

This paper focuses on roles of private sectors in management of Home Economics programme in Nigerian higher institutions of learning. The entire programme of Home Economics is not left for the government alone. The private sectors tries to allow the students of this area to carry out some exercise in their establishment like allow them to do the student SIWES, teaching practice etc. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n7p9

Modelling the determinants of icts policy formulation in technical and vocational education in nigerian institution of higher learning

Developing sound and relevant Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) policies in education and higher learning institutions in particular is still not exhausted in some developing countries around the world. Despite ICTs adoption in education, mostly higher institutions of learning deploy the use of such facilities without relevant policies guide showing how, what, where and when these facilities are going to be utilised. In order to develop ICTs policy in those institutions, specific areas for consideration need to be developed. Therefore, this study aimed at developing a model based on linear regression and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) of significant determinants that need to be given priority during ICTs policy formulation in Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in Nigerian higher institutions of learning. One hundred and forty (140) respondents comprised of policy makers, administrators and lecturers responded to a structured questionnaire addressing research question and its corresponding hypothesis. A conceptual model developed consisted of 7 observed variables that will serve as areas that should be considered in ICTs policy for TVE programmes in Nigeria. A model was recommended for adoption and implementation in higher institutions offering TVE in Nigeria

Towards a Model of E-Learning in Nigerian Higher Institutions: An Evolutionary Software Modeling Approach

Towards a Model of E-Learning in Nigerian Higher Institutions: An Evolutionary Software Modeling Approach

Computer-Assisted Programmed Instruction Revisited: A Study on Teaching Typewriting in Nigerian Higher Institution

Computer-Assisted Programmed Instruction Revisited: A Study on Teaching Typewriting in Nigerian Higher Institution

Computer-Assisted Programmed Instruction Revisited: A Study on Teaching Typewriting in Nigerian Higher Institution.

In the last few decades, technology has been a significant tool in almost all human endeavour (Hancer& Tiizemen, 2008). The integration of technology into education is a growing phenomenon; hence hugeamount of money is being invested into Information and Communication technologies (ICTs) ineducation across the globe in order to ensure improved students’ academic performance (Trautman &Klemp, n.d.). Since the development of various ICTs, computer technology has come to play significantroles in instructional process, thereby transforming the learning environment (Efendioghi & Yelken,2010; Rosenberg, Grad & Matear, 2003). The hope and quality of achievements of nations nowadaysis dependent on the science of technology innovations and the integration of appropriate technologicaldevices in education. To improve the standard of education, adequate attention must be given toinstructional techniques employed by the teacher. Instructional methods are process of cognitive,affective and psychomotor development targeted at contributing to students’ performance (Uhumuavbi& Mamudu, 2009).

The Dilemmas of Adopting Performance Related Pay as a Reward Strategy for Academic Staff in Nigerian Public Higher Institutions of Learning

In today organizations, many employers of labour in private driven and public driven organizations seems to be attracted to performance related pay (PRP) as a means of reward and compensation. Even though PRP strategy is claimed to have distinct advantages over automatic pay increase (formal and transparent reward systems linked to tenure and promotion), they are still not without problems. Among these problems envisage in Nigerian higher institutions of learning are the issue of acceptability of performance related pay as a means of reward and compensation, and low level of motivation and performance. These aforementioned problems were raised in the study research questions and also answered. This was achieved by assessing the extent to which academic staff through administered questionnaire in Nigerian higher institutions of learning believe that the introduction of performance related pay will indeed bring about the claimed motivational and performance enhancement benefits.

Framework for Entrepreneurship Education in Nigerian Higher Institutions of Learning

It seems fair to argue that opinions from Nigeria’s government and its policy makers, and the management of various Nigerian higher institutions of learning concerning the mandatory introduction of entrepreneurship education in all disciplines so far have lacked a common framework. This lack of framework is responsible for the unending debates as to what way should the old curriculum be change to integrate entrepreneurship education? What should constitute the scheme of the entrepreneurship course if a change in curriculum is indeed needed? Whose responsibility the entrepreneurship course teaching should be? And many questions regarding the integration of entrepreneurial theoretical and vocational education still remain unanswered. Hence, this study seeks to give a clue to the aforementioned unending debates and unanswered questions; and advance the need for entrepreneurial education in Nigerian higher institutions of learning by reviewing and synthesizing available entrepreneurship education literature. The paper concludes that entrepreneurship education initiative is ideal for Nigeria, be a country that have been in economic stagnation since early 1980s; and that the right and competent teaching staff of various higher institutions that are knowledgeable in entrepreneurship studies should be saddled with the entrepreneurship theoretical teaching responsibility and the vocational aspect should be the responsibility of staff in those disciplines that have bearing to the vocational entrepreneurship education activities structured

An Application of Multivariate Analysis in Modeling Students Placement in Nigerian Higher Institutions

Problem statement: Students’ placement into courses of study in most (if not all) tertiary institutions in Nigeria had long been a problematic exercise. Most students get placed into courses of study they are ill suited to and then for which they are ill prepared. Approach: This research focused on the polytechnic, taking the newest federal polytechnic as a case study, that is, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu. The research tries to design a predictive model for the purpose of placing incoming students from the Pre-National Diploma (Pre-ND) programme, into courses of study based on the students’ performance at the Pre-ND level. The classification model sought to assign a student into a course of study, through the analysis of subjects scores at the Pre-ND level. Results: Discriminate analysis technique was applied and results obtained indicated different subjects in the different courses as the strongest contributors for the placement of students into different courses of study. The science courses have similar subjects as strong contributors, while the management courses share the same subjects mix as contributors to a student’s placement into a course. Conclusion: The natures of the models constitute discriminate factors and the potential for its improvement in future are also discussed in the research.

Energy savings opportunities at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka

This paper examines the potential for energy savings in Nigerian higher institutions with particular reference to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Electricity consumption and cost profiles for a period of 10 years indicate a steady rise attributable to marginal improvement in staff living standards, increasing students’ enrolment, infrastructural development, preponderant use of inefficient electrical appliances and increasing business activities within the community. Investigations show that about 51% of the total electricity consumption occurs in staff housing units, 16% in students’ hostels and the balance in academic and public buildings on the campus. An internal energy policy, awareness creation and establishment of an energy management unit in the University system are some of the measures that can guarantee good savings. This paper estimates electricity savings potentials of 10-20% in Nigerian higher institutions through well articulated and vigorously pursued energy efficiency programmes in the system.

Functional Analysis of Effective and Affective Space Setting for Industrial Design Programs in Nigerian Higher Institutions

Space setting relates to the environment designed and created as a workplace for a group, which affects individuals and evokes some behavioral response from them. This paper analyzes the role of sensory receptors in the interaction between people and their environment in the particular case of Industrial Design Programs in tertiary institutions. It recommends that planners and architects in collaboration with industrial designers must make concerted efforts in the planning and design of the space setting that reflects trainees’ needs. It is expected that good design of such spaces will nurture and enhance the academic performance, social, physical and psychological growth, and development of the trainees.

Pattern of Computer and Internet Use among Teachers in Higher Institutions in Nigeria

This research borders on assessing teachers’ competences in the use of ICT tools in teaching and research in Nigeria. Two common ICTs: the computer and the internet were selected, and the skills and attitudes of teachers in 7 Nigerian higher Institutions were assessed. About 760 questionnaires were distributed to 7 higher institutions comprising 4 Universities, 2 Polytechnics & one College of Education; a response rate of 67% was achieved. Our result showed that about 96.7% of the teachers have access to a PC and 84.9% have self-owned PCs. Access to Internet stood at 88.6% and the point of access was traced mostly to cyber cafes (49.8%), although slightly over half of all respondents (54.4%) claimed to have access point in their offices, and one out of every 5 have Internet connections at home. Encouragingly, 40.8% and 37.5% have more than 5yrs experience using both computer and the internet respectively and a paltry 8.5% have used both the computer and the internet for less than one year across the institutions. About 53% of these teachers were found to be frequent with the use of the computer out of which 45% spend up to 5hrs on a weekly basis. On the overall, time spent online per teacher is calculated at about 5hrs per week. A good number of the teachers were found to be proficient with varied computer applications and several Internet services (mean=3.51, S.D 1.08). To foster improved access and use of both Computer and the Internet, a number of useful policy directions are advanced. This tends to increase Teacher's productivity in all higher school of Learning.

Academic Qualification And School Type Differentials In Nigerian Higher Institutions\' Secretaries Performance In Automated Offices

This study x-rayed the academic qualifications and school type differentials in higher institutions\' secretaries\' performance and productivity in automated office. The study was based on two Nigerian polytechnic and three Nigerian universities. 335 respondents served as the sample for the study. The Higher Institutions Secretary\'s Productivity Assessment Form with cronbach coefficient alpha of 0.81 was used in the collection of data that was analysed with Analysis of Variance at 0.05 significant level. Academic qualifications of Nigerian higher institutions\' secretaries and school type were found to have significant impact on their performance. It was however suggested that Nigerian higher institutions\' secretaries should be encouraged to acquire higher degrees. Secretaries\' skills should be improved through seminars workshops and in-service training, while Nigerian higher institutions (polytechnic and universities) should be equally equipped. And that state government owned higher institutions should be made to enjoy financial reinforcement from the federal government.IFE PsychologIA Vol. 15 (2) 2007: pp. 164-178

CD roms and multimedia projector as complimentary educational technology in teaching music in colleges of education in Nigeria

This paper examines the potentials of utilizing Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) and the multimedia projector as complimentary educational technology for teaching music in colleges of education in Nigeria. While recognizing the problem of ineffective methods of teaching in Nigeria's educational system, the study highlights the advantages which both selected technologies would bring to the world of teaching and learning music in Nigerian higher institutions as a whole and teacher education in particular. It went on to provide useful and practical steps on how any music teacher who desires a positive and radical change in his/her approach to teaching could explore these potentials to achieve the desired results. Far-reaching and practicable recommendations, which include promotion and procurement of new technologies, acquisition of skills and their utilization by individuals and various educational institutions as well as the role of government in adequately funding higher education were also made. Nigerian Music Review Vol. 6 2005: pp. 89-94

Anthropometric comparison of cephalic indices between the Ijaw and Igbo tribes

Cephalic index is an important parameter for classifying populations. In the present study, 200 students with age range of 17 to 25 years of Ijaw and Igbo origin from some Nigerian higher institutions of learning were measured for head length and head breadth and cephalic index was worked out. One hundred comprising 63 males and 37 females were of Ijaw tribe 53 males and 47 females were of Igbo tribe. The result obtained showed that the Ijaw males had a mean cephalic index (CI) of 80.98, Ijaw females 78.24, Igbo males 79.04 and Igbo females 76.83. Thus Ijaw males belong to brachycephalic group, while Ijaw females, Igbo males and Igbo females are mesocephalic. On the average, the mean C.I. in the two tribes were 0.05). The result of this study will be of importance in forensic medicine, anthropology and in genetics. Keywords : cephalic index, tribes and anthropometry Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 12(1) 2006: 137-138