Nigerian Private Universities Research Articles

Unethical Behaviour and Corporate Performance in University System: A study of Nigerian Private Universities

The study investigated whether there exists a relationship between unethical behaviour and corporate performance in the university system, and hence determined the impact of unethical behavior on corporate performance in the Nigerian university system with private universities as reference. A survey design was employed with a questionnaire instrument administered to 250 university staff drawn from four private universities in South-west, Nigeria, using a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques. The response data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential analysis. The descriptive analysis showed that unethical behaviour exists in Nigerian private universities. A multivariate Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was used for the inferential analysis and to specify the relationships among the construct variables in the study. The bootstrapping technique of the PLS-SEM was used to estimate the parameters in the model, with the aid of the Smart-3 software. The result of the factor loadings, reliability test, convergent and discriminant validity revealed that the construct variables are fit for the PLS-SEM. The path analysis revealed that financial malpractices are a major unethical behavior affecting corporate performance adversely. Furthermore, unethical behaviours from university staff and university administration have significant negative influence on corporate performance. The study concludes that unethical behaviour is a key driver of poor corporate performance in the Nigerian university system. Therefore, it is recommended that policy makers in the university should adopt a holistic approach to ethical management that is oriented toward zero tolerance for unethical behavior in the university system

Covid 19 Pandemic and Lecturers’ Perception on Income and Satisfaction in Nigerian Private Universities: Qualitative Evidence from Al-Hikmah University

The pandemic's immediate effects may be gloomy, but it also presents a rare opportunity for learning, transformation, and resilience-building within Nigerian universities' educational systems. Against this backdrop, the Covid-19 pandemic and teachers' perceptions of income and satisfaction in Nigerian private universities were the subjects of this study. The study was accompanied by the formulation of two research questions. The entire faculty at Al-Hikmah University makes up the study's population. Participants were chosen using two non-probability sampling strategies. Purposive and convenient procedures were specifically used to pick four academic staff members from various faculties. Relevant data for the study was gathered using an interview methodology called the "Interview Protocol on Income and Satisfaction (IPIS)". Data collected were analyzed using thematic method. Findings indicate that lecturers’ were satisfied with the level of income in the university. Specifically, they are satisfied in terms of regular payment of Salaries and other fringe benefits. Also, findings revealed that the pandemic had impact on Al-Hikmah University in many ways. The study recommends that management of Al-Hikmah University should come up with another source of income to increase revenue drive, this will enable them have more financial buoyancy, to increase the satisfaction of their lecturers. Additionally, there should be aggressive planning and policy mix should be set up in order to provide for the staff in the closest future, this will empower the University to prepare and take actions in case of future occurrences.

Selfitis and body image satisfaction among undergraduates in a Nigerian private university

BackgroundSelfitis and body image satisfaction among youths are major concerns for mental health practitioners globally. This study determined the level of selfitis and body image satisfaction among undergraduates’ students in a Nigerian private university, as well as the relationship between the two concepts. MethodA descriptive research design was employed to recruit 440 undergraduate students from Bowen University, Iwo in Nigeria, using a proportionate sampling technique. Selfitis Behaviour scale and body self-image questionnaire-short form were used to collect the data. The data were analysed using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) Version 21. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out at p < 0.05. ResultsThe mean age of the respondents was 20.9 ± 2.4, and the majority (69.5 %) of the undergraduate students were females. More than half (58.2 %) of students had borderline selfitis and 34.5 % had chronic selfitis. Environmental enhancement (3.25 ± 0.9) and attention seeking (3.15 ± 1.0) were the main reasons students were involved in selfitis. Most (60.9 %) of the students were partially satisfied with their body image, and only few (17.7 %) were highly satisfied. Negative affect (4.30 ± 1.1), fatness evaluation (4.22 ± 1.2) and overall appearance (4.04 ± 1.0) were the most common body image satisfaction subscales identified. There was a negative correlation between body image satisfaction and selfitis behaviour among the undergraduate students (r = -0.334**, p–value < 0.0001). ConclusionMore than half of the undergraduates had borderline selfitis and one third were suffering from chronic selfitis. Many students were satisfied with their body images, and body image satisfaction negatively influenced selfitis behaviour. Therefore, more awareness should be created on positive self-image and acceptance of oneself among undergraduates.

Assessment of Architecture Students’ Knowledge of Passive Design Strategies in Academic Buildings in a Typical Nigerian Private University

Buildings use more than 40% of the energy consumed worldwide. This has prompted the development of numerous strategies to guarantee that buildings can still function maximally with reduced energy use. The concept of passive design strategies has been widely employed in architectural professional practice to ensure the reduction of building energy usage is kept to a minimum and enhance building performance. In architectural design training, however, despite the study of building climatology, several students are still seen designing buildings in tropical climates with little adoption of passive design strategies. To this end, this study aims at assessing the knowledge level of graduate architecture students at Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State of passive design strategies in academic buildings. The case study research approach was used, and respondents were chosen through random sampling. A total of 84 students were given structured questions to answer in order to collect primary data. Data were analysed using frequencies and percentages in SPSS, and the results were presented using tables. Respondents’ level of awareness and importance of the various concepts associated with passive design in academic buildings were considered. The study revealed that respondents have good knowledge about passive design strategies. Building materials, day lighting, and natural ventilation were identified as the most crucial among the passive design strategies used for academic buildings in achieving users' comfort and reducing energy conservation. Also, building mass was observed to be considered the least important among the passive design strategies. Keywords: Academic building, Architecture students, Design strategies, Passive design, Thermal comfort.

INFLUENCE OF ORGANISATIONAL CAREER MANAGEMENT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AND RETENTION OF ACADEMIC STAFF OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Nigerian private universities are increasingly recognising the importance of incorporating career management into their human resources strategies. This is done to enhance performance and cultivate dedicated employees who are willing to remain with the institutions for an extended duration. Therefore, this study examined the influence of organisational career management on the performance and retention of employees in the three private universities located in Ondo State, Nigeria (Achievers, Elizade, and Wesley). The research used descriptive survey and quantitative data analysis. The data for this research was collected using Google Forms, an online survey platform, that facilitates the distribution of questionnaire to respondents via email and WhatsApp platform. Convenience sampling technique was employed to select 244 employees according to their respective faculties. The findings of this study indicate that career management has a statistically significant positive effect on employee performance (R2=0.100, p-value&lt;0.05). The study also confirmed that career management has a substantial influence on employees’ retention (R2=0.046, p-value&lt;0.05). This study concluded that the implementation of efficient organisational career management (OCM) is crucial for enhancing performance and retaining valuable employees. Therefore, this study recommends that management should allocate resources to support the professional development of employees. These resources may include career workshops, career centres, career assistance, counselling, coaching, and mentorship. By providing these resources, employees can improve their job performance and committed to the future goals of the institutions.

Basic Psychological Needs Predicting Physical Activity Participation among Young Adults

It is alarming that despite the numerous accrued benefits of physical activity participation, many young adults in tertiary institutions engage in inactive and sedentary lifestyles, which can be linked to many cases of morbidity and mortality. However, according to the self-determination theory (SDT), individuals have three basic psychological needs (BPNs) that are essential for healthy growth, development and well-being. The necessity to fulfill these BPN’s can stimulate and encourage young adults to engage in regular physical activity and enhance their well-being. Therefore, this study examined the role of BPN’s in predicting physical activity participation among young adults in Nigerian private university. A total of 735 students, comprising 408 males (55.5%) and 327 females (44.5%), with ages ranging from 16 to 35 years (mean = 22.8; SD = 5.42), were randomly selected from a private university in the South-west, of Nigeria. The Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale (BPNES) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) were used to collect data. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study showed that the BPN’s of autonomy (r =0.233, p&lt;0.05); competence (r =0.188, p &lt; 0.05), and relatedness (r = 0.477, p&lt;0.05) positively correlated with physical activity participation. Additionally, the results found that 25% had low, 57.1% had moderate and 17.8% had high levels of physical activity participation among the participants. There was a significant gender difference between males and females’ in their levels of participation in physical activity (t =2.866, p &lt; 0.05), with males reporting higher mean scores than their female counterpart. Regression analysis showed that BPN’s predicted physical activity participation among young adults (F (3,731) = 73.968, p &lt; 0.05) with 23% of its variance accounted for by the independent variables. Furthermore, autonomy (ß = 0.071, t = 1.970, p &lt; 0.05) and relatedness (ß = 0.478, t =12.589, p &lt; 0.05) were predictors of physical activity participation with relatedness being reported as the most potent predictor. These findings provide an insight into focus the importance of satisfying the relatedness and autonomy aspects of BPN’s in young adults. Developing interventions that target these identified indices can promote continuous and regular participation in physical activity. Keywords: basic psychological needs, relatedness, autonomy, physical activity, young adults ‬

Antecedents of Depression among Undergraduates in Nigerian Private Universities

Prevalence of the effect of depression on young adults’ well-being has turned out to be a priority as a result of the simultaneous increase in mental health problems among individuals. Depression being a mental disorder that comes with unhappy mood, loss of interest, low self-worth, insomnia, and poor concentration seems to be ravaging the younger generation, especially undergraduates in tertiary institutions. Hence, this study investigated the antecedents of depression among undergraduates in Nigerian private universities. The research objectives were to (1) examine the level of depression among the undergraduates; (2) assess the past history of depression among the undergraduates;( 3) assess the level of perceived family support among the undergraduates; (4) determine the significant relationship between the history of depression and levels of depression; and (5) to assess the significant relationship between the history of depression and perceived family support. This research work made use of the quantitative source of data, through which data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and administered to 365 undergraduates. The findings showed that the majority of the undergraduates manifest one level of depression or the other, as about one-fifth of the respondents show signs of no form of depression and are thus regarded as normal. The study also showed that the level of perceived family support received by the undergraduates was found to be moderate, and there was a significant relationship between the history of depression and perceived family support. It was also found that there is a significant relationship between history of depression and levels of depression. The study recommends that counseling centers be provided in all institutions so as to give help to students battling with one issue or the other so as to avoid a high level of depression. In addition, parents are advised to show a positive and caring attitude to their children as the experiences a student experiences at home could have a significant influence on the student in school, which could lead to depression or otherwise.

Healthcare-Seeking Behaviours of Undergraduate Students and Their Perception of Health Services in a Nigerian Private University Health Centre

Background: Health-seeking behaviour is defined as the behaviour of people who malfunction or feel sick to find a suitable treatment. One of the critical factors influencing health-seeking behaviour is the satisfaction obtained from healthcare services, which is often linked to the quality of the service received. Objective: To assess university students' health-seeking behaviour and perception of healthcare services provided at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study of 425 undergraduate students of Babcock University was conducted using a validated structured questionnaire. The socio-demographic characteristics, health-seeking behaviour and perception of available services were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: About half of the respondents (50.6%) had poor health-seeking behaviour, and most (68.5%) had a positive perception of the healthcare services rendered by the institution’s healthcare facility. Some factors that affected healthcare-seeking behaviour included the non-availability of medications (37.2%), the attitude of healthcare workers (32.5%), and the cost of care (13.6%). Conclusion: The study demonstrated good health-seeking behaviour and a positive perception of the available healthcare services. However, the factors associated with poor health-seeking behaviour included unavailable medications and the poor attitude of healthcare workers. Regular appraisal and pharmacy restocking should be done to ensure an up-to-date supply of commonly prescribed medications.

Predictors of online health information seeking behaviour of non-medical undergraduate students might vary.

As more people across Generations X, Y, and Z continue to use the Internet meet their information needs, this study assesses the characteristics influencing the online health information seeking behaviour (OHISB) of non-medical university students. Previous studies on the subject in Nigeria have largely assessed the concept of OHISB among university students without examining the determinants of such behaviour. To determine the predictors of OHISB among non-medical undergraduate students of a Nigerian private university. Adopting a cross-sectional research design, the study utilized a semi-structured questionnaire administered via Google forms. Some 361 non-medical undergraduate students were recruited purposively with a response rate of 84.2%. The questionnaire obtained data on students' socio-demographics, Internet usage, and OHISB. Presence of a chronic condition, gender, and college showed significant associations with students' OHISB. 'Mothers' occupation' and 'prior experience' became significant predictors of students' OHISB. The results align with studies that stressed that chronically ill persons would search for health information on the internet and that presence of chronic illness is among the predictors of OHISB. These findings add to evidence from other countries that had identified health literacy and presence of chronic illness as significant predictors of OHISB among students.

Factors influencing suicidal ideation and self-harm among undergraduate students in a Nigerian private university

BackgroundSuicide and self-harm have been documented as the main cause of death among young adults. Nigeria as well as other low-income countries is reported to have a higher prevalence rate of suicidal ideation and self-harm as compared to high-income countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that influence self-harm and suicidal ideation among university undergraduates.ResultsFour hundred fifty students consented to participate in this study where 61.3% were female with mean age of 20.02 + 1.88 years. More than 46% (208) had moderate social support while 80.4% had a high self-esteem and 72.7% low environmental factor scores. There was an association between self-esteem (p=0.001), social support (p<0.001), and self-harm but no association between social support and suicide ideation (p=0.199) as well as between gender and self-harm (p=0.118).ConclusionsThere was some form of influence from self-esteem, social support, and environmental factors on self-harm and suicidal ideation. Interventions tailored towards these factors in order to improve mental health outcomes among undergraduates are needed.

Remote teaching and learning in Nigerian private universities

Education systems around the world faced an unprecedented challenge in the wake of massive school closures mandated by the spread of COVID-19. Nigeria as a country, has her own fair share of the ravaging COVID-19 when the incident case of the corona virus was reported, and since left the country with plethora of myths and realities about what the virus is. Part of the realities brought by this public health emergency is the use of remote teaching and learning to facilitate learning process beyond COVID-19 era. The use of video streaming platforms such as Zoom, Google Classroom, Google Meet, YouTube, Microsoft Team and others are explored to give tasks and assignments to students without necessarily meeting face-to-face. Some believe that the unplanned and rapid move to remote teaching and learning with no proper training, insufficient bandwidth, and little preparation could result in poor user experience with attendant un-conduciveness to sustained growth. Although, there have been some criticisms about remote teaching and learning especially when it is delivered incorrectly and inefficiently, however, with the adoption of an excellent learning management system, many benefits may likely be derived. Others believe that a new hybrid model of education will emerge with significant benefits. Therefore, this study explored the various remote teaching and learning tools adopted and the scope of their application in postgraduate training in Nigerian private universities. It also addressed the benefits, lessons learnt and challenges faced in the adoption of remote teaching and learning. The possible ways of addressing the identified challenges by the management of Nigerian private universities especially in the post-Covid19 era was also examined.

The Influence of Perceived Organizational Support on Talent Management and Job Performance

The purpose of this present study stems from the fact that weak talent management in Nigerian private universities has contributed tremendously to the poor performance of the academic employees of the institutions, which is severely affecting the country's university education system and causing them to decline. The study employed a descriptive research survey to analysis the demography respondents of the study while partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was used to test the formulated hypotheses of the study. The population was 1,249 academic employees of the selected private universities in Nigeria, while 355 self administered questionnaires were administered, fully completed and returned. According to the findings, talent management has a significant impact on job performance, and POS mediates the relationship between talent management and job performance. Based on previous research, this study contributes to the field of study both practically and theoretically by adding to the body of knowledge by providing insight into the mediating position of POS on talent management and job performance in the Nigerian private university system. It also helps to identify the need for talent management in the Nigerian university system, likewise, providing empirical solutions to the performance challenges experienced by private universities in Nigeria. Keywords: job performance, pos, talent attraction, talent management, talent retention

Comparing the incidence of pneumonia in children seen at a Nigerian Teaching Hospital before and during the COVID -19 pandemic

Background: Following the outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID 19) worldwide, many governments across the world including the Nigerian government had to implement measures to curtail the spread of this virus. Such measures included social distancing and personal hygiene which could have also helped to reduce the transmission of pneumonia among other infectious diseases.&#x0D; Objective: To assess the effect of COVID-19 on the incidence of pneumonia in children seen at the Department of Pediatrics, of a Nigerian private University Teaching Hospital.&#x0D; Method: We retrospectively analyzed the data of the patients seen with pneumonia in all the Pediatric units of the Teaching Hospital from April 2019 to March 2020 (pre-pandemic period) and compared it with that of those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic from April 2020 to March 2021.&#x0D; Result: There was a 28% decrease in the total number of children seen in the department from 5,657 in pre-pandemic period to 4,079 in the pandemic period. There was a 17% decrease in the mean number of children seen with pneumonia monthly from 4.92 to 4.08 in the pandemic period. This is despite the relative increase in the incidence rate of pneumonia in children seen from 1.04% in the prepandemic period to 1.2% in the pandemic period. We noted more complications of pneumonia including heart failure and anaemia in the pandemic period (24.5% of cases) than in the pre-pandemic period (15.3% of cases).&#x0D; Conclusion: The incidence of pneumonia in children seems to have increased in the wake of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Innovative Entrepreneurship and Economic Sustainability in the Selected Private Universities in Nigeria

Extant studies have found that entrepreneurship remains immune from business uncertainties to achieve economic Sustainability. Although fewer studies show that innovative entrepreneurship is more than creating an enterprise, a destructive process is an impetus in achieving economic Sustainability amid business uncertainties. To this end, this study empirically examines the impact of innovative entrepreneurship on economic Sustainability in the selected private universities in Nigeria during the Pre and Post COVID-19 era. Five private universities in Nigeria were selected from the four phases of private universities in Nigeria since the deregulation of university education in 1999. In addition, descriptive statistics results from the last five Universities Webometrics rankings found that Covenant University only had a persistent economic sustainable trend between 2016 to 2019, while all the selected private universities except Covenant University were not remarkable in economic Sustainability amid the post-COVID-19 era between 2019 and 2020 in this study. To this end, the study concluded that before COVID-19, most selected private universities failed to display innovative entrepreneurship vis-à-vis lecturers to students teaching ratio, routine teaching methods, stagnated learning techniques, limited sectoral competitions, presence rank, impact rank, openness rank, excellence rank, and among others. Therefore, establishing a university is entrepreneurship but will not guarantee economic Sustainability if not driven by evolutionary innovation amid the post-COVID-19 and beyond uncertainties. Thus, the study recommends all stakeholders, including the University management, staff members, and the government, to be evolutionary in their mindset to achieving economic Sustainability amid COVID-19 and beyond among Nigerian private universities.

Innovative Entrepreneurship and Economic Sustainability in the Selected Private Universities in Nigeria

Extant studies have found that entrepreneurship remains immune from business uncertainties to achieve economic Sustainability. Although fewer studies show that innovative entrepreneurship is more than creating an enterprise, a destructive process is an impetus in achieving economic Sustainability amid business uncertainties. To this end, this study empirically examines the impact of innovative entrepreneurship on economic Sustainability in the selected private universities in Nigeria during the Pre and Post COVID-19 era. Five private universities in Nigeria were selected from the four phases of private universities in Nigeria since the deregulation of university education in 1999. In addition, descriptive statistics results from the last five Universities Webometrics rankings found that Covenant University only had a persistent economic sustainable trend between 2016 to 2019, while all the selected private universities except Covenant University were not remarkable in economic Sustainability amid the post-COVID-19 era between 2019 and 2020 in this study. To this end, the study concluded that before COVID-19, most selected private universities failed to display innovative entrepreneurship vis-à-vis lecturers to students teaching ratio, routine teaching methods, stagnated learning techniques, limited sectoral competitions, presence rank, impact rank, openness rank, excellence rank, and among others. Therefore, establishing a university is entrepreneurship but will not guarantee economic Sustainability if not driven by evolutionary innovation amid the post-COVID-19 and beyond uncertainties. Thus, the study recommends all stakeholders, including the University management, staff members, and the government, to be evolutionary in their mindset to achieving economic Sustainability amid COVID-19 and beyond among Nigerian private universities.

A comparative study on stress, anxiety, and depression amongst medical and nursing students in a Nigerian private university.

This study compared the stress, anxiety and depression level reported by medical and nursing students in the first two years of their clinical training (i.e medical students in 4th and 5th year; Nursing students in the 3rd and 4th year). Descriptive research design was employed and the sample size of 102 was calculated by G power 3.1 using the difference between two independent means (two groups).&#x0D; A total of 51 medical and 51 nursing students studying at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso were randomly recruited. Depression, Anxiety and Stress questionnaire (DASS 21) was adopted for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out. Medical students reported higher mild depression (78.5%) and mild anxiety (82.4%) but lower mild stress (64.7%) compared with Nursing students viz. mild depression (68.6%), mild anxiety (76.5%) and mild stress (72.5%). Students older than 20 years experienced more depression (t=-3.51, p=0.001), anxiety (t=-3.625, p=0.000) and were more stressed (t=-7.86, p=0.000) compared to those less than 20 years. Also male students are more anxious (t=2.01, p=0.04) and more stressed (t=2.26, p=0.03) compared with female students. Students who had never repeat a course were more depressed (t=2.30, p=0.000), more anxious (t=-5.320, p= 0.000) and more stressed (t=4.904, p=0.000) than those who had repeated a course. Though not significant, medical students are more anxious and depressed than nursing students and nursing students are more stressed than medical students. Age and gender of the students affected the level of stress, depression and anxiety. Therefore, medical and nursing students should be taught on coping strategies to sustain their mental health.

Engineering Students' Perception of Online Learning During the Emergency Nationwide Lockdown in Nigeria.

The global pandemic forced the closure of learning institutions and an abrupt switch from physical (face-to-face) learning to e-learning. The Academic Staff Union of University postulates that e-learning will not work during the period. This paper evaluates the attitude of engineering students in a Nigerian private university to e-learning during the period of national lockdown in Nigeria. A questionnaire was designed to collect students’ attitudes about learning efficiency, quality, and associated cost. Ease or difficulty of the transition to e-learning, digital skills requirement, commitment to e-learning, digital skills improvement, and preferred test mode were studied. In addition, the relationship between gender and preferred test mode was examined. 73 students responded to the questionnaire. A significantly lower percentage (4%) of the engineering students prefer the e-learning method, while a more significant percentage (62%) of the respondents prefer blended learning. Gender has no significant relationship with the preferred learning mode of the students. Moreover, the students found the e-learning approach to be expensive. Finally, there is still much to be done by Nigerian educational stakeholders to improve the experience of e-learning in Nigeria.

Students’ Enrolment in Nigerian Private Universities: The Pull Effect of Corporate Image and Promotional Appeal

University’s corporate image and promotional appeal are fundamental to students’ decisions during enrolment into the private ivory towers in Nigeria. The proliferation and high- rate competition among private universities has warranted the adoption of marketing communication strategies that could capture and retain the attention of prospective students and their sponsors. The main objective of the study was to examine the influence of brand image and promotional appeal on students’ enrolment decisions into Nigerian private universities. To accomplish this goal, a survey research design was adopted and 354 undergraduates from two (2) purposively selected private universities were sampled, using simple random sampling. data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Regression, were used for the data analyses. The results show positive significant influence of university’s brand image on students’ enrolment at F= 84.714, df= 353, sig. at 0.000. Similarly, the finding also shows that promotional appeal influences students’ enrolment at F= 291.125, df = 353, sig. at 0.000. This study contributes to the exiting knowledge in the area of brand image, promotional appeal and students’ enrolment. The insights discovered from this study would help to facilitate, develop and focus on building corporate brand image that will encourage students’ enrolment. This will also be useful for universities that wish to improve on the level of students’ subscription into different programmes offered by the institutions.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Internet Addiction among Clinical Medical Students of a Nigerian Private University

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of internet addiction among undergraduate clinical medical students of a Nigerian private university.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross sectional descriptive study&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, Bingham University, Jos campus, Plateau state, Nigeria, between May and July 2021.&#x0D; Methods: We included 383 (147 males and 236 females, age range 18 – 49 years) clinical medical students of Bingham University. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire which included questions about socio-demographic factors, the pattern of internet use and the standardized Internet Addiction Test questionnaire developed by Dr Kimberly S. Young in 1998. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine associations between internet addiction and various risk factors.&#x0D; Results: Out of 402 students who were administered questionnaires, 383 completed the questionnaires giving a response rate of 95.3%. Of these, 145 (37.9%) were mildly addicted to the internet, 30 (7.8%) were moderately addicted and 1 (0.3%) was severely addicted to the internet. The mean age of the study participants was 22.7 ± 2.7 years. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (P = .002), and having trouble sleeping (P = .002) were significantly but negatively associated with the development of internet addiction while hours spend on social media (P &lt; .001) was significantly and positively associated.&#x0D; Conclusions: Internet addiction is an emerging disorder in this era of almost global access to internet facilities.

Overcoming Workplace Challenges during COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from Telecommuting Academic Staff in Nigerian Private Universities

This exploratory study provides insights into the utility of telecommuting in times of adversity such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is still active globally, and also locally, as Nigerian institutions were shut down since March 2020, avoiding physical, in person contacts within the campuses. Telecommuting, or Working From Home (WFH) is becoming the new normal in pedagogy, as academic staff in some universities continue to exercise their roles in terms of Teaching, Research and Community Service. Utilising the benefits of Contingency Theory, the paper analysed the nature of telecommuting in the context of the unexpected events, the changing dynamics of the workplace and the new future of work. The paper is largely qualitative, relying largely on secondary sources of data and some primary information for analysis. The difficulties and challenges faced by several Public and Private Universities in Nigeria, like inadequate classroom spaces, hostels, infrastructure can be overcome by the introduction of a hybrid form of learning that incorporates Telecommuting and Virtual Online Learning as part of the pedagogy in the academic activities of Universities.