Ondo State Research Articles

Microbial evaluation of cooked fufu sold in some major markets in Owo metropolis, Ondo state, Nigeria

Fufu (Cassava dough-like food) is one of Nigeria's most consumed staple foods, particularly in the southern parts of the country. This study aims to detect and quantify the microorganisms in cooked fufu sold in major Owo, Ondo State marketplaces. Freshly cooked fufu samples of about 50/gram wrapped in nylon were aseptically collected from sellers in three major Owo markets and transported to the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) Crop, Soil, and Pest Management Department lab for analysis. For bacteria, Nutrient Agar (NA) plates were incubated at 37+2ºC for 24 hours, whereas PDA plates for yeast and mould were incubated at 27+2ºC for 48 hours. Count and record the colonies generating spores (cfu/g) from viable bacterium cells and fungal spores per gram of each fufu sample after incubation. Purified cultures of each isolate were obtained through subcultures and stored at 4 ºC for biochemical testing. Cooked fufu samples found mostly lactic acid bacteria like Lactobacillus plantarum, L. fermentum, L. brevis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Streptococcus thermophiles, S. mutans, Pediococcus cerevisiae, Staphylococcus hominis, Bacillus pumilus, acidophilus, L. lactis, Micrococcus spp., B. subtilis, Diplococcus spp, S. epidermidis, and Bifidobacterium and two yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zygosaccharomyces spp. Some main markets in Owo metropolis sold cooked fufu samples with bacterial loads ranging from 0.2 to 2.3 × 107 CFU/g, and yeast loads from 1.6 to 4.55 × 107 CFU/g. Good hygiene can increase the safety and quality of cooked fufu sold at Owo main markets and lower the danger of food-borne illnesses.

Haemostatic and Haematological Parameters among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in A Tertiary Health Facility in Ondo State, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains one of the non-communicable metabolic disorders associated with serious thrombotic outcomes and risk of cardiovascular disease, which can be fatal. Aim: This study was therefore aimed at comparing the levels of haemostatic and haematological parameters of T2DM and non-diabetic subjects. The study also determines the relationship between haemostatic parameters with haematological parameters among the T2DM subjects. Methods: Total of 150 participants, comprising “75” of those with diabetes and those without diabetes, were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of full blood count, Factor V, VII, and tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (TPA I-1). Test of significance of means was carried out using the One-Way Analysis of variance test, while relationships were tested using Pearson correlation and logistic regression. Results: The results revealed significantly higher levels of Factor V, VII, and TPA I-1 among participants with diabetes when compared with those without diabetes. However, significantly lower levels of red cell parameters and red cell indices were observed in the participants with diabetes. In addition, with the exception of lymphocyte and eosinophil levels, all other white blood cells(WBC), platelets, and differential leukocyte parameters were significantly higher in the subjects with diabetes. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between Factors V and VII, TPA I – 1 and Factor VII, TPA I-1 and platelets, Factor VII and Haematocrit (HCT) levels in diabetic subjects. Conclusion: Conclusively, the correlation between pro-coagulant and hypofibrinolytic factors may be accountable for the hypercoagulability and thrombotic events which characterize T2DM, thereby providing an insight into factor-specific management of the disease with haematological parameters assisting routinely predict factor levels thereafter increasing the ease of prognosis of T2DM.

Application of Geoinformatics in Civil Engineering Design and Construction: A Case Study of Ile Oluji, SW Nigeria

Subsoil engineering site condition and modeling of engineering parameters has been carried out in Ile Oluji, Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria, using geotechnical investigation, geophysical method, borehole logging, groundwater level measurement, and laboratory studies. Findings revealed that the soils are clayey of low-high plasticity/compressibility, with AASHTO classification of A-7-6. Based on average values of cohesion (48.4 KN/m2), angle of friction (17.4°), unconfined compressive strength (186.8 KN/m2), coefficient of permeability (2.13E-06 cm/s), activity (0.48), soaked CBR (7 %), MDD/OMC (1980 kg/m3/14.8 %), plasticity index (20.2 %), group index (6 %), compression index (0.0443), coefficient of volume compressibility (0.2041 m2/KN), depth to basement rock (22.2 m), static water levels 5.5 m (in well) and 21.8 m (in borehole), the soil is unsuitable for highway subgrade, subbase, and base courses. Thus, if it is expedient to use it as subgrade soil, the minimum recommended thickness is 241 – 513 mm (avg. 395 mm). The average allowable bearing capacity of the soil for square and round foundations are 268.4 KN/m2 and 267.95 KN/m2 respectively, with average total settlement of 18.3 mm for structural pressure of 100 KN/m2. For embankment, the suitability index (1.21) of the soil suggests a fair/expanding not collapsible construction material. The rock units in the area have high compressive/shear strength, modulus of elasticity, high crushing strength, low deformability; and presumable bearing capacity of 8, 000 – 10, 000 KPa when fresh, and 5000 – 7000 KPa when partly or slightly weathered. Thus are valuable as foundation constructions, aggregate in pavement, building stone, and armourstones. The correlation coefficient of the parameters are: MDD/PI vs. CBR (0.0043), LL vs. coefficient of consolidation (0.0608), PI vs. undrained shear strength/effective overburden (0.2706), PI vs. angle of shearing (0.0117), dry density vs. angle of shearing (0.0058), suitability index vs. CBRs (0.3644), clay contents vs. PI (0.1355).

Evaluation of Socio-Cultural and Political Factors on Small Scale Business Performance

The research explores the influence of environmental factors on the performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Oda, Ondo State. Primary data were gathered through the administration of questionnaires to the selected SMEs. Analysis of the data was conducted utilizing Simple Percentage, Chi-Square (X2), and Regression Techniques. The findings of this study clearly show that political and social-cultural factors have significant impact on SMEs performance in Ondo state with the result of hypotheses shown that there were significant positive effect of political and socio-cultural factors through monetary and fiscal policies on the existence of small scale business in Ondo state as the situation was showed through t-statistic and p-value (P= 0.022<0.05) on coefficient value (t=2.098>2.00) and F-stat value 7.617= p(0.034) that showed the robustness of the model with significant differences on the impact of economic factor through government measurement and control from how it was before the inception of this government tenure in Ondo state. The research concludes that environmental factors significantly affect the performance of SMEs in Niger State. In light of these findings, it is recommended that owners and managers of SMEs strategically involve themselves in ongoing monitoring and environmental scanning. This involves a thorough analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to consistently assess the overall health and vulnerabilities of their businesses.

Employee Coordination Practices and The Job Performance of Secretaries in Federal Universities in South-West, Nigeria

The study investigated employee coordination practices and the job performance of secretaries in federal universities in South-West, Nigeria. the. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Population of the study comprise 500 secretaries in the six federal universities in South-west, Nigeria. These universities are: University of Ibadan, Ibadn, Oyo State, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State and Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The stratified proportionate sampling technique was used to select 217 using Krejcie and Morgan sample size table. The instrument that was used for data collection in this study was questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.93 for Job Performance; 0.93 for Employee Coordination Practices. A total of 217 copies of the questionnaires were administered to the respondents while a total of 215 were retrieved from the field and this represents 99.0% of response rate. Descriptive statistics of frequency counts, simple percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse Research Questions 1, 2, inferential statistics (regression analysis) was used to test the hypotheses formulated at 0.05 level of significance. The level of job performance of secretaries in federal universities in South-west, Nigeria is moderate (Mean = 2.14), roles and responsibilities, participation in decision making and transparency are the employee coordination practices that exist among secretaries in federal universities in South-west, Nigeria, there was a significant influence of the independent variable (employee’s coordination practices) on job performance, F (3, 211) = 67.476, P<0.05, employee coordination practice combined accounted for 48.2% (Adj.R2= .482) variance in the prediction of job performance. it was concluded that employee coordination practices contribute significantly to job performance of secretaries in federal universities in South-west based on the findings it was recommended employee coordination practices should be properly implemented among universities for the secretaries to be effective in their job performance.

Unlocking the Economic Potentials of Leafy Vegetable: A Case Study of Farmers in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

This study analysed the economic potentials of leafy vegetable among farmers in Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. Primary data were used for this study with a well- structured questionnaire and personal interview for the collection of the data with a sample size of 150 farmers. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary technique and multiple regression analysis. The analysis of the data showed that about two-third of the farmers were male,74.7% married and the majority (58.7%) of the respondents were in their economic active age (41-50 years). Majority (94%) of the farmers were educated with the average farming experience of 14 years. The results also revealed that the major types of vegetables available in the study area were; Africa spinach, Pumpkin, water leaf, jute leaf and bitter leaf. The result on return on investment was 2.31, implying that for every N1 invested on vegetable production, there is a return of N2.31kobo which is an indication that the business is worthwhile. The study also revealed the gender, age of farmers, marital status, level of education and household size were the factors that significantly and positively influence leafy vegetable output in the area. The most serious problems encountered by the vegetable farmers were; inadequate capital, unstable price of vegetables, the incidence of pest, pilfering and theft and inadequate information. Thus, it is recommended that agricultural credit should be provided for vegetable farmers to boost vegetable production.

Users’ Perceptions on The Role of Recreational Parks in Societal Development: A Public Administration Study of Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.

Our cities gain from recreational parks' fundamental environmental, aesthetic, and recreational benefits. They also bring great economic benefits to any country. The purpose of this research is to assess Citizens' views on the state of three recreational parks and landscaping in Akure, Ondo State. The study aims to evaluate three recreational parks and landscaping in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, their properties, their impact on users, and the contribution of recreational landscapes to societal development and revenue generation. This paper also suggests better ways to maintain these recreational parks. Gardens with a broad assortment of trees and other plants are a significant recreational feature in developing countries like Nigeria. Urban and recreational facilities have been seen as a tool to improve living conditions in Ondo State. One of the most difficult aspects of maintaining recreational parks is balancing the needs of different user groups, such as those seeking solitude and those seeking raucous play and picnicking. Parks and recreation are typically the "engine" of local tourism. In a simplified tourism model, people leave their homes and travel to attractions supported by services such as hotels/motels, restaurants, and commerce.

EFFECT OF WORKPLACE DIVERSITY ON ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Organisational performance in this contemporary era is dependent on how much management is able to fully integrate the combination of employees with varied ideologies, age grades and diverse ethnic background and utilise their skills effectively. It was on this note that this study examined the effect of workplace diversity on organisational performance in selected universities in southwest Nigeria with the Social Identity Theory (SIT) and Resource-Based View Theory (RBV) underpinning the study respectively. A total of One hundred and thirtyeight (138) respondents were randomly selected from three (3) private universities in the Southwestern region namely, Achiever University, Owo, Ondo State; Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State . Findings from the study demonstrated that task performance was affected by age diversity with (r=0.869, p value <0.05); also, adaptive performance was influenced by gender diversity with (r=0.905, p value <0.05) and ethnic diversity had positive and significant connection with contextual performance with (r=0.959, p-value<0.05). the study concluded that achieving optimal performance via a diverse workforce which reflects the broader fabric of the society is crucial and essential for fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that tertiary institutions is representative of the diverse perspectives and experiences of its student body. Therefore, it was recommended that management of private university should formulate policies and practices that promote equity, fair treatment, and opportunities for professional growth irrespective of age, gender and ethnicity.

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<0.05). The study also confirmed that career management has a substantial influence on employees’ retention (R2=0.046, p-value<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.

A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Shoreline Changes in the Ilaje Coastal Area of Ondo State, Nigeria

Erosion presents a significant challenge to coastlines worldwide, and the Ilaje area in Nigeria’s Niger Delta is no different. Aggressive flooding along this shoreline has led to property damage, economic disruption, and a looming threat to the survival of riverine communities in the region. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of spatial and temporal changes in the Ilaje coastal area of Ondo state from 1986 to 2020. The analysis utilized the SCE, EPR, and LRR methods to examine shoreline changes. Additionally, spatial digitization was performed for Ayetoro, a highly susceptible coastal community, spanning from 2008 to 2023. The results indicate that approximately 86% of the coastline experienced erosion, while the remaining 14% underwent accretion. Notably, the western and central sections of the coastline emerged as the areas most vulnerable to erosion. Ayetoro, situated centrally, faces dire circumstances. The interplay of natural geomorphic processes and human activities played a role in driving these changes. Beyond the immediate physical alterations, erosion has reverberated through the local ecosystems, livelihoods, and infrastructure, posing risks to numerous communities. This study emphasizes the need for urgent actions through integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) strategies to promote coastal stability in the region. The results of the study further provide valuable insights into the need for coastal managers and planners to regularly assess the state of the coastline and proactively proffer suitable solutions to reduce rampant coastal degradation.

Structure and labor use pattern among cocoa farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria

Human labour is about the only main source of labour available to smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Smallholder farmers contribute over 85% of domestic agricultural output in Nigeria, hence, human labour accounts for the domestic food supply in Nigeria. Therefore, the need to continue supplying food for the ever-growing Nigerian population anchors on human labour productivity. In Nigerian agriculture, hired labour is predominantly used. Human labour plays a very significant role in agricultural development, especially in developing countries where technological development is still very low. In view of the importance of labour in agricultural production, this study was designed to investigate the structure and use pattern of farm labour in the study area. The study was carried out in Ondo state, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 160 farmers. After sorting for missing data, 144 cocoa farmers’ data were used for analysis in this study. Seventy-five percent of the total
 respondents were above 50 years of age and about 25.01% of the total respondents were 50 years and below. The majority (79.17%) of the farmers were men. Also, 75.07% of the respondents had a formal level of education. In the study contract type of labour is majorly used for most activities in cocoa farming while cooperative labour was seldom used. Activities such as land clearing (75.0%), planting (83.32%), weeding (95.83%), application of chemicals (91.67%), removal of mistletoes (87.50%), harvesting of cocoa pods (87.50%), conveyance of cocoa pods to the pod breaking point (95.83%), breaking of cocoa pods (100%) and conveyance of cocoa beans to the point of fermentation (88.33%) were majorly carried out by contract labour. Male labour was mostly utilized for all the activities as indicated by most farmers. Female labour was sparingly utilized for some activities such as land clearing (8.33%), planting (0%), application of chemicals (8.33%), spraying of chemicals (4.17%), removal of mistletoes (0%) and harvesting of cocoa pods (12.5%). The study recommended that funds should be made available to farmers to engage in contract labour and also there should be the need to use equipment and machinery to reduce drudgery.

Ego-Identity as Determinants of University- Community Preference for GSM Service Providers in Ondo State, Nigeria

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) operation has grown very rapidly to become a highly competitive business in the country. The popular network providers in Nigeria are MTN, Globacom (Glo), Airtel and Etisalat now 9mobile. The study investigated the strength of Ego-identity as determinants of university-community preference for GSM service providers in Ondo State, Nigeria. One research question and one hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised 38,631 undergraduate students, teaching and non-teaching staff of the four universities who were subscribers to the different service providers in Ondo State, Nigeria. Ten percent of the population was sampled, 3,865. Guttman split-half method was used for reliability of the study with r-value of Ego Identity, 0.783. Questionnaires were properly filled and used for analysis. The research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics, standard deviation and percentage. The hypotheses were tested using Discriminant Function Analysis at .05 level of significance. The results showed that ego identity (Wilks Lambda 0.583 F (3,861) 918.709 P<0, 05) classifying 28.2% of respondent’s preferences. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that the network providers should train and retrain their staff on how to rendered satisfactory services to their customers. The university community should endeavor to subscribe to the network that have high quality in order to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of its members

Study on indoor pollutants emission in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

PurposeThis study aimed to characterize the concentrations of indoor pollutants (such as carbon dioxide (CO2), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), as well as particulate matter (PM) (PM1, PM2.5 and PM10) in Akure, Nigeria, as well as the relationship between the parameters’ concentrations.Design/methodology/approachThe evaluation, which lasted four months, used a low-cost air sensor that was positioned two meters above the ground. All sensor procedures were correctly carried out.FindingsCO2 (430.34 ppm), NO2 (93.31 ppb), O3 (19.94 ppb), SO2 (40.87 ppb), PM1 (29.31 µg/m3), PM2.5 (43.56 µg/m3), PM10 (50.70 µg/m3), temperature (32.4°C) and relative humidity (50.53%) were the average values obtained. The Pearson correlation depicted the relationships between the pollutants and weather factors. With the exception of April, which had significant SO2 (18%) and low PM10 (49%) contributions, NO2 and PM10 were the most common pollutants in all of the months. The mean air quality index (AQI) for NO2 indicated that the AQI was “moderate” (51–100). In contrast to SO2, whose AQI ranged from “moderate” to “very unhealthy,” O3's AQI ranged from “good” (50) to “unhealthy” (151–200). Since PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 made up the majority of PC1’s contribution, both PM2.5 and PM10 were deemed “hazardous.”Practical implicationsThe practical implication of indoor air pollution is long-term health effects, including heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases such as emphysema. Indoor air pollution can also cause long-term damage to people’s nerves, brain, kidneys, liver and other organs.Originality/valueLack of literature in terms of indoor air quality (IAQ) in Akure, Ondo State. With this work, the information obtained will assist all stakeholders in policy formulation and implementation. Again, the low-cost sensor used is new to this part of the world.

Assessment of Bacteriological Contamination of Hand-Dug Wells in Rural and Urban Areas in Ondo State, Nigeria

The study analysed the total bacteria, total coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentrations of ten randomly selected hand-dug groundwater wells: five each from Alagbaka (Urban area) and another five from Ijare communities (Rural area) in Ondo State. Collins and Lyne’s pour plate method was used for the laboratory analysis. The laboratory results showed that 30%, 90% and 0% of the groundwater samples were above the WHO drinking water standards for total bacteria, total coliform and E. coli, respectively. Furthermore, the groundwater samples collected in the urban study area had total bacterial and total coliform mean levels of 24 and 15 cfu/100mL respectively compared to those of the rural study area with mean concentrations of 15 and 5 cfu/100mL, respectively. There was however no E. coli in the groundwater of both areas studies indicating the absence of faecal contamination in groundwater. It can therefore be concluded that there is a higher risk of microbial contamination of groundwater in urban land use than in rural land use and that groundwater in the study areas is unsafe for consumption unless it is first treated with appropriate treatment methods. For future research, the contamination level of other micro-organisms such as fungi, viruses, protozoa etc. should be assessed in study areas, as well the sources of microbial contamination in groundwater.

Knowledge and Perception of Women of Reproductive Age on Utilization of Maternal Health Care Services in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State: A Quantitative Approach

Even though Maternal health care services utilization is very important for further improvement of maternal health, limited evidence exists on the utilization of Maternal health care services among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. This has resulted into high rate of maternal mortality. Thus, this study aims to assess the knowledge and perception of women of reproductive age on utilization of Maternal health care services in Akure south local government area of Ondo State, south western Nigeria using a qualitative research methodology. Data were primarily sourced from 384 women of child-bearing age who were purposively selected across the communities in Akure south local government area through a multi-purpose sampling technique. Secondary Data were obtained from journals, hospital, records, government’s publications, newspapers, and some internet materials that are relevant to this study. Analyses of Data were carried out with the aids of descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that majority of the respondents have good knowledge but poor perception of the Maternal health care services. Majority of the respondents opined that education and religion contributed to the utilization of Maternal health care services in the local government area. The study further revealed that there is a significant association between respondents knowledge and utilization of Maternal health care services (R= 12.29, p< 0.000). There is also a significant association between respondents religion and the utilization of Maternal health care services ( R = 8.44, P < 0.01). Significant association also exists between the respondent level of education and the use of maternal healthcare service (r =16.20, p< 0.01). But here is no significant association between the perception of the respondent and utilization of maternal healthcare service ( R =10.25, p>0.777) . The study, however, concluded that women of reproductive age in Akure South Local Government area have good knowledge and poor perception maternal healthcare service which utilization is influenced by their education especially in rural communities within the study areas and their religious affiliations. Against this background, the study recommends increased enlightenment among child- bearing women on the importance of maternal healthcare services, subsidization of cost of accessing healthcare services by the governments and NGOs, strengthening the National Health Insurance scheme to incorporate family planning into its benefit package, upgrade of the existing health facilities and establishment of more health centres in rural and semi-urban areas with explosive populations.

Investigation of Entrepreneurial Emotional Intelligence on Financial Performance of FIIRO Technology Adoptees in South West Geopolitical Zone, Nigeria

Success in entrepreneurial activities is vital to economic development. This has become a major issue of global concern to researchers in entrepreneurship all over the world, including developing nations where entrepreneurs, most especially the micro, small and medium enterprises, play key roles in creating employment opportunities. Therefore, researchers in this field of study should concentrate on conducting empirical research focusing on success factors to bail out ailing enterprises before they shut down, a rampant phenomenon, especially in this post-COVID-19 era coupled with recent global inflation. This study investigated the effect of emotional intelligence on the financial performance of FIIRO (Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi) technology adoptees. The study population is 250 FIIRO technology adoptees who have set up enterprises between 2020 and 2022 based on technologies adopted at FIIRO and are operating in South West Geopolitical Zone comprising Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and Lagos States. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 20 entrepreneurs per state, giving a total of 120 technology adoptees selected for the study. Research design is a cross-sectional approach. A 6-point Likert Scale questionnaire was used to collect data from 86 participants who responded to the questionnaire. Simple regression analysis through SPSS is used for data analysis to test the six hypotheses of the study. Five measures or dimensions of emotional intelligence used in this study are: internal motivation, empathy, self-regulation, self-awareness and skill building, while financial performance measures are: profitability, sales growth, market share, net asset growth and number of employees. The result shows a weak but significant effect of emotional intelligence on financial performance {R2= 0.332, F(1,84)= 10.398, p= 0.002} of FIIRO technology adoptees. Self regulation {R2= 0.115, F(1,84)= 10.889, p= 0.000} and empathy {R2= 0.157, F(1,84)= 15.641, p= 0.000} have weak but significant effect on financial performance. However, self-awareness {R2= 0.020, F(1,84)= 1.735, p= 0.191}, internal motivation {R2= 0.000, F(1,84)= 0.031, p= 0.860} and skill building {R2= 0.025, F(1,84)= 2.144, p= 0.147} have very weak and no significant effect on financial performance. Entrepreneurs would find the results of this study useful to properly harness their emotional intelligence dimensions, most especially self-regulation and empathy dimensions, to achieve the enterprise goal, which is a success.

Lecturers’ attitude and utiliisation of google class room in tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria

This study examines lecturers’ attitude and utilisation of Google classroom learning platform for instruction in tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was used in the study. Two research questions and one research hypothesis were answered and tested in the study respetively. The sample population consisted of 300 lectures randomly selected from the three universities across the three senatorial districts (Ondo north, central and south). 100 participants were randomly selected from each of the selected public universities, making the total of 300 participants. The instrument for this study was researcher’ self-developed questionnaire titled Lecturers’ Attitude and Utilisation of Google Classroom Learning Platform Questionnaire (LAUGCLPQ). The instrument was validated by two experts. Reliability coefficient of 0.84 was obtained using Kuder-Richardson (KR21) technique. Research questions and research hypotheses were answered and tested using mean scores and t-test scores statistical tools respectively. The findings of the study showed that lecturers’ attitude towards the use of Google Classroom in tertiary institutions in Ondo State was negative. It was also revealed that the level of utilization of Google Classroom by the lecturers was very low. The results also shown that there was no significant difference between the attitude of male and female lecturers towards the use of Google Classroom for instructions (df = 298; t = 2.963; p > 0.05). It was further revealed in the study that there was a significant difference between male and female lecturers in the level of utilization of Google Classroom learning platform in tertiary institutions in Ondo State (df = 298; t = -5.125; p < 0.05). The study therefore recommends that managements of tertiary institutions should encourage both male and female lecturers to use Google Classroom learning platform in their instructional deliveries by providing all the necessary ICT infrastructures in their institutions. Also Worships and training programmes should be organised for both lecturers and students to acquire necessary skills to use Google Classroom learning platform for instructions.

Food quality and supply chain networks in dynamic business environments: evidence from the Nigerian shrimp subsector

PurposeResearch efforts aiming to improve understanding of how various organisational relationships contribute to better food quality (FQ) in a constantly changing business environment are limited. This study examines the effects of supply chain (SC) organisations on the quality of food products across multi-tiered segments with dynamic business situations.Design/methodology/approachGuided by a conceptual research framework based on contingency theory and netchain analysis, moderation-based partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse multi-tiered data from 405 shrimpers and 238 women processors in Akwa-Ibom, Lagos and Ondo states in Nigeria.FindingsThe authors' findings show that unpredictable business environments such as market turbulence (MT), power asymmetry (PA) and distrust (DT) not only directly influence SC organisations but also moderate how organisational networks contribute to improved FQ. Further results reveal that closer vertical ties such as relational contracts are prerequisites for small-scale actors to guarantee improved FQ along multiple nodes of the food system.Originality/valueThis is the first study to examine, from a contingency and multi-tiered perspective, how small-scale actors can maintain FQ across interdependent nodes of a food chain in a developing country context and to explore the complex interplay between SC networks and the quality of highly perishable food products in unpredictable business environments. Relevant theoretical and policy implications are discussed.

Pronunciation Challenges in English Language Among Undergraduate Students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria

This study investigated pronunciation challenges among undergraduates among undergraduate students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, as case study. The descriptive survey design was used for the study. The sample of the study was One Hundred (100) respondents, selected from five (5) different Departments using simple random sampling technique. The study used a structured self-constructed questionnaire for data collection. Obtained data were analysed through frequency counts and percentages. Findings of the study revealed that Mother Tongue plays a significant, but negative role, in the phonological acquisition of a second language learner. Again, Language in contact, like pidgin and creole can cause wrong pronunciation of English words among undergraduates. A detailed description of English sounds, intonation and stress as well as teaching of English words are imperative to reducing the problem of wrong pronunciation among undergraduates and second language learners of English Language in Nigeria. Based on the findings, it was recommended that stakeholders of university education should ensure that phonetics and phonology are taught and enough textbooks on each, should be provided by government and which should be effectively used by lecturers and students, in the concerned departments.

Spatial Analysis of Accident Prone Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria.

Spatial Analysis of Accident Prone Areas of Ondo State, Nigeria.