Nigerian 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

Knowledge Management and Pedagogical Innovativeness of Business Educators in Nigerian Universities

The sole responsibility of business educators through pedagogical innovativeness is to equip their students with skills to make them self-sufficient; and to positively get involved in the nation’s well-being economically and otherwise. Considering this, hence a need to investigate the relationships between the three dimensions of knowledge management (KM) and pedagogical innovativeness (PI) of business educators in Nigerian Universities. The study adopted a correlational design and data were collected from 137 business educators in public universities in Nigeria. The authors employed a bivariate correlation linear regression and path analysis via the 5000 re-samples bootstrap method. The results revealed that knowledge management dimensions such as knowledge dissemination, and responsiveness to knowledge significantly predict pedagogical innovativeness while knowledge acquisition did not significantly predict pedagogical innovativeness. The results indicate that knowledge acquisition (KA) knowledge dissemination (KD) responsiveness to knowledge (RK) are the major pointers of pedagogical innovativeness. This result will help business education program stakeholders understand the important role knowledge management plays in all work processes.

REVOLUTIONIZING NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY MANAGEMENT: IMPLEMENTING MARKET-LED STRATEGIES

This paper examines the implementation of market-led strategies in Nigerian university management and its transformative impact on higher education institutions. In response to changing societal needs and economic demands, Nigerian universities are increasingly adopting market-led approaches to enhance their competitiveness, relevance, and sustainability. By embracing principles of market orientation, customer focus, and responsiveness to stakeholders, universities seek to improve student recruitment, academic program development, research commercialization, and industry collaboration. Through case studies and empirical analysis, this study assesses the implementation process, challenges, and outcomes of market-led strategies in Nigerian university management. The findings highlight the potential benefits of market orientation in enhancing institutional effectiveness, fostering innovation, and driving organizational change in higher education.

Psychiatry as a career choice: determinants of attraction towards psychiatry among final year medical students in a Nigerian university

Background: Despite an increase in the overall number of medical students, the shortage of psychiatry trainees in Nigeria and worldwide reflects diminishing interest in psychiatry among medical students. The study examined the degree and factors influencing attraction towards psychiatry as a career choice. Method: A cross-sectional study of 71 final-year medical students who enrolled at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto State (UDUS), Northwest Nigeria between 2006/07 and 2013/14 academic session were interviewed in 2021 while in 600 level. The questionnaires were adapted from similar studies. Results: The ATP-30 revealed a high prevalence of negative attitudes towards psychiatry, the degree of preference for psychiatry as a career option was classified as low and high. Almost half (47.9%) of the participants had a low degree of preference for psychiatry as a career choice. Most (92.9%) of the participants rated job satisfaction (p<0.001) and intellectually challenging (86.7%) (p<0.001) poorly, as negative influences for not being attracted towards psychiatry as a career choice. A low proportion (8.5%) of the participants selected psychiatry as their most preferred area of specialization. Generally, the majority (85.7%) viewed psychiatry as not attractive. Among the participants, the majority perceived psychiatry as unattractive. Students' misconceptions about job satisfaction and the negative view of not being intellectually challenging were the associated factors for the negative views towards psychiatry. Conclusion: There is a need for strategy and policy to promote interest in psychiatry early in medical school and residency programs as recommended by the World Psychiatric Association.

Students’ Perception of the Impact of Class Numeric Strength on the Quality of Radiography Education and Training in Some Nigerian Universities

Students’ Perception of the Impact of Class Numeric Strength on the Quality of Radiography Education and Training in Some Nigerian Universities

Open educational resources (OER) management: implications for policymakers on the best practices in an open education university libraries in Nigeria

PurposeThe study aimed to identify the best practices for open educational resources (OER) management in Nigerian open education university libraries and the implications for policymakers.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach was used, which included a survey questionnaire administered via Google Forms to academic librarians and other library staff of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The study’s population was 398 and 273 participants responded to the survey. The study included all academic librarians and other library staff representing the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The study’s results were presented using frequency counts, percentages tables and the qualitative data analysis was done thematically.FindingsThe findings of the study are consistent with existing literature on best practices for managing OER, which emphasized the importance of establishing clear policies and strategies for OER management practices, such as guidelines for acquiring, creating, curating and disseminating OER.Originality/valueThe originality of the study concludes by recommending that policymakers should develop policies that support the implementation of best practices in OER management to improve access to educational resources and reduce costs for students.

Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies and Service Delivery in Akwa Ibom State University, Nigeria

The fourth industrial revolution is characterized by the integration of advanced technologies that are reshaping industries, economies and universities worldwide. In Nigerian universities, there is a growing emphasis on incorporating fourth-industrial revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet service and big data analytics into academic programmes and research activities. Although, at Akwa Ibom State University, e-learning and e-administration have been introduced, their applicability is substantially low. It was against this background that this study examined fourth industrial revolution technologies and service delivery at Akwa Ibom State University. The study relied heavily on a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews with lecturers and non-teaching staff of Akwa Ibom State University. The population of the study was 334 and the sample size was 321 representing 96%. The study adopted the technology acceptance theory, while the Pearson product-moment correlation analysis was applied to test the research hypotheses with the aid of a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study found that integrating fourth industrial revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence and internet service into the academic programmes and research activities of the Akwa Ibom State University would enhance service delivery. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the management of Akwa Ibom State University should incorporate artificial intelligence (A1) and internet services technologies into its system to enhance service delivery, particularly in the areas of research and administration of student records.

Evaluation of malaria cases among the outpatient visits to Ekiti State University Health Centre Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria: Pre- and Post-COVID incidence

The occurrence of COVID-19 pandemic that broke into the world in early 2020 was envisaged to affect existing diseases. This study evaluated the extent to which COVID-19 pandemic has affected malaria cases among the staff and students of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Clinical data involving malaria cases of outpatient visits to EKSU Health Centre during 2019 and 2021 were collected from the Record Department of the Health Centre for statistical analysis. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 with probability value of < 0.05 as significant. Results showed that 1,246 people visited EKSU Health Centre as outpatients in 2019 and 1,243 in 2021. Only 642 (51.5%) had malaria in 2019 while 604 (48.6%) had malaria in 2021 with no significant difference (P= 0.143) in both years. The highest malaria cases was observed in April (57.7%) in 2019 and December (55.6%) in 2021. There was no significant difference in the malaria cases across the different months of both years. Malaria cases was higher in males than females in both years but without significant difference (P= 0.429). COVID-19 appears not to have effect on malaria cases in Ekiti State University Community Ado-Ekiti and possibly in other Nigerian universities.

Trade Unionism and Welfare of Members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Uyo Branch, 2010-2020

The study emerged from the abysmal welfare conditions in the Nigerian public university system particularly as it concerns members of ASUU in the University of Uyo. The study sought to ascertain the extent to which trade unionism by ASUU has enhanced the promotion of members of the Union and to examine the role ASUU has played in ensuring the payment of fringe benefits to members. The research adopted Conflict Theory as a theoretical guide. A survey method was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire and interviews were the instruments used to obtain data from the respondents. A sample size of 301 was selected from the population using a simple random sampling technique. Data for the study were obtained from both primary and secondary sources. A one-way ANOVA statistical method was adopted to test the two research hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that there is no significant relationship between trade unionism and the promotion of the members of ASUU and that the payment of fringe benefits to members of ASUU at the University of Uyo has no relationship with unionism in ASUU. The research recommended that ASUU should adopt a workable mechanism for collaboration with the university management on timely promotion, design a precise template to guide payment of fringe benefits and encourage members to join the Uniuyo Academic Staff Multipurpose Co-operative Society.

Contraceptive methods continuation and its determinants among acceptors on repeat visits to a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital: a 10-year review

Background: Family planning is a known reproductive health modality for reducing the high maternal mortality in Nigeria. Contraceptive use and continuation is thus necessary to achieve its benefits. The study aimed to determine the contraceptive options and the factors associated with the continuation of contraceptive choices among women on repeat visits. Methods: This was a 10-year retrospective study of the family planning clinic register of all clients who presented for a repeat visit for contraceptive method continuation at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Results: There were 6939 contraceptive acceptors on repeat visits aged between 14 and 50 years (mean 31.6 years, SD 5.4). The majority were 26 to 30 years (32.9%), had secondary education (54.6%), were multiparous (90.9%) and chose the subdermal implant (34.9%) and the intrauterine contraceptive devices (27.7%) for continuation. There was a significant association between the women`s age (Df=3, F=10.81, p<0.0001), their educational status (Df=6, Χ2=38.5583, p<0.0001), their parity (Df= 15, Χ2 =76.8644, p<0.0001) and the contraceptive method continued. Conclusions: An interest in long-acting reversible contraceptives for continuation was found, and this is significantly associated with their sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics; however, we recommend cross-sectional and focus-group inquiries among clients in the different contraceptive-specific categories for further information on the reasons for their choices at subsequent visits.

Assessing the Knowledge and Perception of Artificial Intelligence for Teaching and Research among Lecturers in the Faculties of Arts in Nigeria

This study assesses the knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) for teaching and research among lecturers in the faculties of arts in Nigeria. Despite the growing recognition of AI's potential to enhance educational practices, there are significant gaps in educators' AI literacy. The research adopts a quantitative approach, surveying lecturers across Nigerian universities to gauge their awareness, engagement, and perceptions of AI integration. Results reveal a moderate level of AI awareness among respondents, with a notable interest in further training tailored to arts disciplines. Challenges such as technical barriers and limited resources hinder seamless AI integration, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and support mechanisms. Recommendations include enhanced training programs, infrastructure improvement, and ethical guidelines to facilitate responsible AI utilization in arts education. Addressing these challenges and fostering AI literacy among educators can create an enabling environment for leveraging AI to enhance teaching and research outcomes in Nigerian arts faculties.

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.

Entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigerian universities: Trends, challenges and opportunities

In a bid to improve entrepreneurial outcomes of graduates from Nigerian universities, the Nigerian government has launched a range of interventions, including a 2004 national policy mandating compulsory inclusion of entrepreneurship education in the curriculum, and support for the establishment and implementation of entrepreneurship development activities by university departments. However, not much is known about the operational nuances, challenges and impact cases that characterise the implementation of this national policy in such a vast, culturally diverse country as Nigeria. To address this lacuna, this study draws on qualitative data from five focus groups, crystalised with quantitative data from 151 students across four Nigerian Universities, to explicate the current trends, successes, and challenges of entrepreneurship development and innovation support in Nigerian universities. The paper offers recommendations on how the current policy on entrepreneurship education in Nigeria can be enhanced to improve student entrepreneurial aspirations and outcomes. It also signposts innovative pedagogic activities which could be deployed to achieve this.

The sustainability of university education toward national development: The Nigerian perspective

In regard to national development (ND), this review article (which is basically a perspective approach) presents retroactive and forward-looking perspectives on university education in Nigeria. In the past, particularly during the 1970s, the Nigerian university (NU) sector was among the most outstanding in Africa as well as globally. The best institutions drew students from around Africa, who flocked to Nigeria to study. The NU structure evidently contained four essential components for an international and effective university system, viz., world-class instructors, world-class students, a conducive learning environment, and global competitiveness. The NU structure, nevertheless, has undergone some neglect over the past thirty years and lost its distinctive identity, which raises questions about its function and applicability at the current stage of ND. Hence, some retrospective and forward-looking observations on university education in Nigeria in connection to ND are conveyed in this perspective article uses basically published articles and other relevant literature, as well as other sources and data from available literature. Hitherto, there is an urgent need for reinforcement of the university system in order to give it the desired and comparable international quality and functionality needed to meet the demands of current issues and the near future. However, this article conveys an intense belief and conviction that the NU system is still important for both the political and socioeconomic development (growth) of the nation. The article concludes by recommending the way forward in this regard.

Predictors of Student Apathy amongst Generation Z

While extant evidence suggests that generation Z students are the dominant demography in universities, drivers of their apathetic behaviour for traditional pedagogic offerings appears minimally researched. The criticality of this lacuna lies in empirical evidence citing linear relationships between apathy and reduced performance. Thus, the study ascertains the predictors of learning apathy amongst generation Z students, using Estate Management departments in public Nigerian universities. Descriptive research design was employed on 244 generation Z students. Adapting the Theory of Planned Behavior to allow for generation Z-preferred learning preferences, Ordered Logit model was used to examine student apathy predictors in public universities. The logits report state of collaborative and simulated learning as significant predictors of student apathy. The findings delineated pathways for policy reengineering towards reduced apathy and improved satisfaction in universities. This is one of few studies at the fore of identifying learning apathy of generation Z students in public tertiary institutions.

Gender Disparity in Principal Officers’ Positions in Nigerian Universities: Implications for Educational Planners and Administrators

The study investigates the gender disparities in leadership positions within Nigerian universities, focusing on principal officers such as Vice-Chancellors, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Bursars, and Librarians. Analyzing data from the 2019 Nigerian University System Statistical Digest. The study employs ANOVA statistics to establish the statistical significance of these disparities and highlights the need for targeted interventions to rectify these imbalances. The research reveals striking imbalances in gender representation across these roles. The findings demonstrate that, despite notable progress in some areas, women remain significantly underrepresented in key leadership positions, with a pronounced gender gap persisting across various types of universities (federal, state, and private). The recommendations offered encompass gender-neutral selection processes, affirmative action policies, leadership development programs, mentorship initiatives, educational campaigns, and regular data collection to promote gender equity. These proposed strategies aim to create a more inclusive academic environment where leadership positions are accessible to all based on qualifications and merit, ultimately fostering diversity and enriching the higher education landscape in Nigeria.

Investigating fertility health knowledge and lifestyle risk factors among Nigerian university students: A cross-sectional survey.

Adolescents who are unaware of infertility risk factors and the long-term health effects of their lifestyle choices may participate in unsafe sexual and lifestyle behaviors. Their reproductive goals and health may be affected by such behaviors. Adolescents' awareness of male and female infertility risk factors was assessed, along with lifestyle risk variables related to sexual behavior and psychoactive substance use. The causes of inconsistent condom use were also examined. In 2022, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken involving 598 sexually active university students from Nigeria (18.6 years±0.9), the majority of whom were female (57.2 %). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression were utilized in the data analysis to determine the influence of lifestyle factors and levels of knowledge on fertility. Most participants had a moderate understanding of male and female infertility risk factors. The results showed that female students were more informed. Multiple sexual partners and psychoactive substance use were common lifestyle variables. Younger female students, those with several partners, and participants who frequently used alcohol and narcotics used condoms inconsistently. The study emphasizes the need for fertility health and lifestyle risk education for Nigerian youth. Despite moderate knowledge, lifestyle implications on fertility are unclear. Fertility health education in schools could help students make informed reproductive choices and lower the risk of infertility and chronic diseases. Research is needed to confirm findings and inform nationwide targeted interventions.

Entrepreneurial Motivation and University Students’ Intention in Nigeria: Mediation Effect of Economic Motivation

Entrepreneurial motivation is crucial for translating goals into actions. This study investigates the correlation between entrepreneurial motivation and the intention of students to engage in entrepreneurship, with a focus on the mediating impact of economic motivation on this connection in Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional survey approach, with the discovered determinants being self-employment incentive variables. Using a random sampling approach, 417 responses were obtained from Nigerian university students in the southwestern and north-central areas. The data were examined using a method that involves breaking it down into components and structural equation modelling. This method is known as generalised structured component analysis (GSCA). The study found a noteworthy correlation between entrepreneurial motivation (the desire for achievement, the aspiration for independence, and the locus of control) and entrepreneurial intention. According to the study, economic motivation significantly mediate this relationship. To enhance entrepreneurial intentions, a focus on locus of control is crucial. Future research should explore other regions of the country.

Beyond academic discourse: practs of humour in departmental chatrooms of selected Federal University students in Southwest Nigeria

ABSTRACT Studies on humour have been extensively explored from the perspectives of stand-up comedy, hip-hop songs and others; however, existing works have not adequately researched the possibility of Nigerian university students evoking humour in their departmental chatroom through deployment of multiple codes. This paper therefore investigates how students spiced up their conversation in the departmental chatroom (DC) with purposefully composed humour through language manipulation in academic communities. Guided by an integrated framework of Jacob Mey Pragmatic acts theory, Attardo & Raskin General Theory of Verbal Humour and Peter Auer’s Typologies of Code Switching, the study examines humorous expressions in selected DC of Federal University students in southwest, Nigeria. Twelve excerpts were analysed and findings revealed code switching as a central humour strategy. Seven humour techniques and thirteen pragmatic acts were identified. The thematic issues that preoccupy the jokes were promiscuity, obligation of vigorous prayers, high consumption rate, and socio-cultural identity. The dissolution of the incongruous expressions to produce humour relies heavily on shared cultural knowledge (SCK), shared situational knowledge (SSK) and shared linguistic knowledge (SLK). The study validates existing knowledge that all humans naturally participate in humorous speech and behaviour as students engage in humorous interactions amidst their cumbersome academic programs.

Exploring the prevalence of internet crimes among undergraduate students in a Nigerian University: A case study of the university of Ilorin

Internet crime, also known as cybercrime, encompasses various illicit activities conducted through computer system and online platforms. It is a global menace that has become a pervasive issue in our contemporary society. This study delves into exploring the prevalence of internet crime among undergraduate students at the University of Ilorin with the view to examine the level of involvement of undergraduate students, identify the underlying factors, the perceived consequences, and potential control measures associated with undergraduates' involvement in internet crime. The study engaged a sample size of 400 undergraduate students, employing a stratified sample technique for comprehensive data collection using a structured questionnaire. The research revealed that the participants acknowledged the prominence of internet crime within their peer group. It uncovered the multifaceted factors contributing to the prevalence of internet crimes. The respondents acknowledged the perceived consequences of undergraduates' involvement in internet crime, encompassing financial mismanagement, expulsion from educational institutions, societal stigma, loss of personal integrity, legal consequences, and limited access to future opportunities. To mitigate this growing concern, respondents recommended various control and combative measures. These encompass the implementation of stringent rules within educational institutions, effective monitoring of students' financial activities, awareness campaigns against internet crime, provision of employment opportunities, engaging experts to address the issue, banning tools facilitating internet crime, and organizing training workshops to enhance legitimate ICT skills and wealth generation. This study sheds light on the pressing need for proactive interventions to curb internet crime among undergraduate students, emphasizing education, awareness, and policy implementation to foster a safer online environment and deter involvement in criminal activities.