South-East Geo-political Zone Research Articles

Students’ Perceptions of and Preferences for assessment feedback in higher education: Implication for evaluators

The ability to communicate to students the extent of their strengths and weaknesses following assessment is a crucial element for high-quality teaching and learning. In this context it is referred to an assessment feedback. Feedbacks from assessments serve primarily as a means of favourably imparting developmental knowledge, i.e., assessing students' future work in order to facilitate learning. There has been a recent movement towards conceptualising assessment feedback as a relational and dialogic process; consequently, it is imperative to ascertain students' preferences and perceptions. The dedication of evaluators is vital to support learning advancement and guarantee the value of assessment comments. In order to ascertain students' opinions about and preferences for assessment feedback, this study presented the findings of a descriptive and inferential survey. The "Students' Perceptions of and Preferences for Assessment Feedback Scale" (SPPAFS), a 49-item structured questionnaire was utilised to gather responses from 300 undergraduate students who were sampled from three federal universities in the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study was directed by four research questions, and two hypotheses were examined at the significance level of p<.05. The findings supported the claim that students did not regularly receive assessment feedback by revealing that despite receiving high-quality feedback from assessments, lecturers at the institutions were not as eager or proactive in offering it to their students. It was established that since students perceive assessment feedback as crucial for their personal growth and learning, they hold positive and favourable views of it. Additionally, the students favour more conversational, individualized, and online device-based modes of evaluation feedback. It was suggested that in order to give assessment feedback in real time, evaluators and teachers should take advantage of technological advancements. This would enable even more customised assessment feedback that is geared towards the needs and learning preferences of each student.

Evaluation of the Implementation of Pre-Primary Education in the South-East Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Pre-primary education is globally recognized as important stage in the life of a growing child. This is because experiences at this stage have far-reaching effects on the behaviour of the child as adult member of the society. This study is an evaluation research which focused on the implementation of pre-primary education using policy stipulations as the standards. It is also a survey study because the researchers went to the field to meet the things on the ground with instruments that enable data collection and reports are presented as seen without manipulations. The area of the study is Imo State in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The population of teachers in the four hundred and seventy threee-primary schools in the State is Five Hundred and Forty One. The sample size is One Hundred and seventy eight teachers in 38 pre-primary schools drawn using proportionate cluster random sampling techniques. This is to achieve a good spread across the three education zones of the state and each zone was represented in the sample according to its school population. Instruments for data collection were school records, interview and observation checklists and a proforma for abstracting the teachers qualifications. Four research questions guided the study. Findings include that 93.26% of the teachers were not trained to teach in the pre-primary education level, teaching and learning materials were far inadequate, and the teachers focused more on getting the pupils learn to carry out written works, thus maintaining strict academic work and strong discipline as opposed to independent activities that boost initiatives and creativity. It was recommended that teachers should be sponsored to go back to school and get training in the early childhood education among other recommendations.

Undergraduate Students' Intention to Start their Own Business in Nigeria: the Importance of Family-Support, Innovativeness and Alertness

Entrepreneurship is one of the effective solutions to address a range of social and economic issues. Therefore, the Nigerian government decided to integrate entrepreneurial subjects in tertiary institutions to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen students' entrepreneurial prowess and intentions. Entrepreneurial development requires an understanding of the factors that are intrinsic to the entrepreneurial process. The current study examines the relationship between university students' entrepreneurial intention, family-support and innovativeness alertness. Survey design was used and convenience sampling was employed in obtaining a sample of seven hundred (700) respondents across selected federal universities in southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The results demonstrated a favorable correlation between students’ entrepreneurial intention and innovativeness, entrepreneurial alertness, and family-support. Furthermore, among undergraduate students, family-support mitigated the association between entrepreneurial awareness and entrepreneurial ambition, but it had no effect on innovativeness. Our research indicates that when trying to encourage college students to take entrepreneurial actions through policies or educational programs, educators and policymakers should take into account the influence of exogenous factors such as family-support. They should also reconsider the current models of entrepreneurial education that are widely used in our educational system in order to integrate inclusiveness of both exogenous and endogenous factors influencing entrepreneurship.

Implication of Security Breaches on Nigeria’s Security Development: Examination of IPOB in South-East Geo-Political Zone

This paper examines the consequences of security breaches on Nigeria’s security progress, specifically analyzing the actions of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the south-east geopolitical zone. The study explores the various and complex outcomes of security breaches, taking into account issues relating to national security, economic ramifications, societal unity, considerations of human rights, international relations, governmental reactions, attempts towards peace-building, and initiatives for reconciliation. By conducting a thorough analysis, it highlights the interdependence of these consequences and the need for a comprehensive approach to effectively tackle security concerns. The paper emphasises the significance of dialogue, inclusive governance, economic advancement, community policing, safeguarding human rights, engaging with the media, diplomatic initiatives, investing in education and social services, and monitoring underlying factors in addressing security risks and fostering sustainable development. This paper seeks to enhance comprehension of security dynamics in Nigeria and provide insights for policy responses that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the South-East region and the entire country, with a focus on the case of IPOB.

Assessment of Central Bank of Nigeria Assisted Entrepreneurship Training (2016-2019) and Self Employability of Youths and Adults in South East Nigeria

The research examined the 2016-2019 Central Bank of Nigeria Assisted Entrepreneurship Training (CBN-AET) and self-employability of youths and adults in the South East geo-political zone of Nigeria. It was intended to find out whether the CBN-AET is effective for reducing unemployment of youths and adults, facilitating readiness for self-employment and facilitating access to start-up funds among youths and adults in South East Nigeria. The focus group numbered 8,063, which encompassed secondary school leavers, university undergraduates, graduates of diverse fields, business owners, civil servants and other interested persons in the study area, who have benefited from the training. Ex post facto research design was adopted to conduct the study, which covered the five States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo within the South-East geo-political zone, using a random sample of 300. Validated and reliable interview schedules added to observation were used for data collection, plus available/existing records at the Central Bank of Nigeria South East Entrepreneurship Development Centre (CBN-SEEDC). Data analysis was by quantitative content analysis. The findings included remarkable number of youths and adults (beneficiaries) who secured start-up funds through business plan writing, which portrayed an advantageous feature of the training for facilitating employability in the geopolitical zone.

Pattern of Journalists’ Reportage of Security Issues in Anambra State, Nigeria, in 2023

Security in Anambra State in the Southeast geopolitical zone is a priority issue. This is because the free movement of people doing business and pursuing their goals, the prosperity and happiness of citizens, the freedom to go about achieving ones purposes is dependent on a secure State. Journalists on the other hand have a duty under their surveillance and correlation functions to provide news and information on the state of security within their areas of jurisdiction. It thus becomes imperative to evaluate the pattern of media reportage of security issues in Anambra State from the perspective of the journalists themslves. The objectives of the study were to; determine if security issues are well reported by the media in Awka, Anambra State, examine the slant of media reportage of security issues in terms of favour to some group, determine the basic challenges faced by the media in reportage of security issues and find out the level of cooperation between security agencies and journalists in the media reportage of security Issues.The study is anchored on Social Responsibility Theory and Framing Theory. It adopted a survey research approach and drew a sample size of 162 respondents based on census sampling. Questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. Major findings from the study reveal that journalists in Awka report security issues fairly well, that majority of the journalists do not slant their news, that fear was the basic among the challenges faced by the journalists in the reportage of security issues and that journalists in Awka do not have free access to the PPRO or DPO and other security agents in the State. Among others, the study recommended that media organisations, the security formations and the State government should pay careful attention to journalists in this sensitive and hazardous line of duty, that seminars and workshops involving journalists and security agents should also be organized from time to time in order to foster unity among journalists and security agents and government should also empower security agencies and journalists with requisite resources and motivation to do more in securing lives and property.

Effects of Cultural Factors on Cost Performance of Multinational Construction Organizations

Purpose: This study examines the effects of cultural factors on cost performance of multinational construction project organisations with a view towards identifying the most effective cost performance variables affected by the influence of cultural practices. Purposive sampling technique was adopted in deterring the number of construction professionals identified in construction companies with international market experience involved in the delivery of building, civil, and heavy engineering construction projects within the south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Outline: A well-structured questionnaire was used to sample respondent’s opinion. Data analysis was through frequencies, percentile, and Mean Item Score (MIS). Findings: Research findings proved that irrespective of the positive effects of educational culture which improves cost performance by ensuring that projects are executed at estimated cost and within client’s budget (Mean = 4.34) and the result of effective communication culture which ensures value for money and return of customer as project is designed to suite client’s budget while maintaining standard quality delivery (Mean = 4.16), political culture tends to have mixed effect on cost performance as project design cost, labour, material and equipment cost, profit and overhead cost, etc. (Mean = 4.30) is found to be responsible for cost overruns of construction projects. Research Implication: The study recommends among others that multinational construction organisations pay great attention to the political style practiced in the host community / country in which they operate.

People’s Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: The Prospect for Social Work Practice in the Post-Pandemic and Future Pandemics

The changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have resuscitated different mindsets in people. While much attention has been focused on the effect on health and the economic system, the study diverted attention to the disrupted social life and psychological trauma caused by the pandemic. This qualitative study explored people’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they will be leveraged to promote social service delivery through social work intervention in the post-pandemic era. The data were collected through phone interviews involving 12 participants, comprising both social workers and nonsocial workers within the Southeast geopolitical zone. The generated data were analyzed thematically and arranged in quotes. The study found that the pandemic has both positive and negative implications for the social and psychological well-being of people. However, there was no effective engagement of social workers’ intervention amidst the need for social service during the pandemic. As a result, the level of preparedness of social workers for effective social service delivery in the post-pandemic era is not adequate. However, the finding reveals prospects for social work in Nigeria. The study suggests a swift government response, which will involve revitalizing the social work profession in Nigeria to enhance social service delivery. Also, social work, especially in the health care setting, should leverage this to make its voice heard in society through enhanced education and practice. However, future research should consider exploring new perspectives in social work education and practice based on the experience of COVID-19 to ensure better social service delivery.

Development and Evaluation of Instructional Video for Teaching Educational Research Methods in Nigerian Universities

This study developed and evaluated instructional video for teaching educational research methods to students in Nigerian Universities and also tried out to know if this teaching strategy affects students’ performance. Four research questions and one hypothesis were used for the study. The study adopted Research and Development (R&D) design for production of the video and One-group Pretest-Posttest Design to test the students’ performance. The population of this study comprised of 684 final year students and 138 lecturers in Faculty of Education from five public Universities in South-East geopolitical zone in Nigeria from which 296 students and 52 lecturers were selected for the study through simple random sampling technique. To collect data for the study, the researchers developed instructional video and was faced and content validated by five experts using 40-item structured questionnaire. The student's performance was measured through 20-item pretest and posttest multiple-choice type of test. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument which gave a value of .83. A five- point rating scale was provided for the respondents to make their responses on the research questions. The research questions were analyzed using Mean and standard deviation while t-test was used to test the hypothesis at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the contents, specific objectives, instructional methods, materials, learners’ task and evaluation techniques of the developed instructional video are appropriate for teaching educational research methods in Nigerian Universities Faculty of Education. The study further revealed a significance difference between the students taught with the video and students taught without the video. The researchers recommended among others that the video can be a supplementary material for distance learning, especially for learners who can learn independently. T

Supply Chain Integration and Marketing Success of Agricultural Producers in South-East Nigeria

This study examined the relationship between supply chain integration and marketing success of agriculture producers in Nigeria. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and the correlational research design. The population of this study is made up of all the agricultural producers in South-East Nigeria. The exact population of agricultural producers in the South-East Geopolitical Zone is unknown, hence the Cochran’s formula was used to arrive at a sample size of 384 agricultural producers. The 384 agricultural producers were drawn from the five (5) states in the South-East Geopolitical Zone. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed statistically while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r) was used to test the hypotheses. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) was computed using SPSS 23.0 version. The findings revealed that internal integration has significant relationship with sales growth of agricultural producers. The study also found a significant relationship between internal integration and market share growth of agricultural producers. A significant relationship was reported between supplier integration and sales growth of agricultural producers. The study also confirmed a significant relationship between supplier integration and market share growth of agricultural producers. The study equally found a significant relationship between customer integration and sales growth of agricultural producers. The study also discovered a significant relationship between customer integration and market share growth of agricultural producers. Based on these findings, it was concluded that supply chain integration is a significant predictor of marketing success of agricultural producers in South- East Nigeria. In line with the findings and conclusion, it was recommended that agricultural producers and marketers should embrace supply chain integration as it would enable them achieve marketing success.

Strategies for Effective Utilization of Hybrid Approaches for Improve Instruction in Office Technology and Management (OTM) In Public Tertiary Institutions in South East, Nigeria

This study was carried out to investigate strategies for effective utilization of hybrid instructional approaches in Office Technology and Management (OTM) in public tertiary institutions in South East, Nigeria. The study answered two (2) research questions which were raised based on two (2) variables. Two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05level of significance. The study adopted descriptive survey research design and the study area was South East geo-political zone of Nigeria. The population of the study consisted of two hundred and sixty-eight (268) business educators employed under Business Education Department of public tertiary institutions in South-East Geopolitical zone, Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Strategies for effective utilization of hybrid instructional approaches in office technology and management questionnaire (SEUHIAOTMQ)” with 18 items. The instrument was validated by three experts, two in business education and one in science education. Reliability of the instrument was determined through pilot test using Cronbach Alpha Reliability Statistical Tool. The analysis yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while independent t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the analysis revealed that utilization of flipped model and rotational teaching strategies can enhance effective teaching of Office Technology and Management (OTM) in public tertiary institutions. The study also revealed that gender and years of experiences did not affect the opinion of business educators’ opinion on strategies for effective utilization of hybrid or blended instructional approaches in Office Technology and Management (OTM) in public tertiary institutions in South East, Nigeria. The implication of the findings was that that every business educator should attend regular in-service education so as to keep abreast of current and future innovations in teaching. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that management of public tertiary institutions in South East, Nigeria should from time to time train business educators on emerging technologies which can be adopted for hybrid instructional approaches in public tertiary institutions.

Diplomacy and Afterlife of Biafra in Nigeria

Abstract In the aftermath of the Nigerian civil war of 1967–1970, south-east Nigeria moved from scheming for global recognition of Biafra to agitating for a plebiscite that would determine whether the Igbos wish to remain a part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. They have received varied degrees of international support in that regard. Using group theory to explain the diverse sectarian grievances within Nigeria, this paper locates the roles of international recognition and extra-Nigerian supports in the prodding and sustenance of the tempos of the agitations for a separate sovereign state of the Igbos out of Nigeria. The paper submits that with the covert and overt supports the separatists received from a cross-section of the global community they achieved the weakening of the ex-British colony, test the strengths and expose the inadequacies of Africa’s most populous country in remaining true to the sanctity of its inherited boundaries. The paper concludes that given the impacts of the struggles on the affected area, the south-east geopolitical zone of Nigeria needs to be made into a land of peace.

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Financial Performance of SMEs in Nigeria: A Study of the South East Geopolitical Zone

This article explores the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the financial performance of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study objective was to determine the extent to which the Covid-19 pandemic affected the revenue of SMEs, their profitability and their access to credit. The target population for the study were registered SMEs in the South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, being Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. Using purposive sampling method, thirty SME owners from each zone were selected for the study, giving a total of 150 SME owners. The study adopted a quantitative research method, using a questionnaire. The findings revealed that the Covid-19 pandemic significantly reduced the profitability and revenue of SMEs but not their access to credit. The study therefore recommended the need for business owners to minimize cost and look for possible innovations/opportunities to grow sales and improve revenue. Also government should make soft loan available to SMEs to help cushion the effect of the pandemic on their financial performance. Finally, future research should consider other related variables that have not been covered in this article.

Transition from Conventional Assessment to Authentic Assessment Methods in Tertiary Education 21st Century Classroom in South-East Geo-Political Zone

This paper investigates the shift from conventional assessment methods to authentic assessment methods in tertiary institutions particularly, in the 21st century classrooms. The paper will focus on exploring students’ preference for conventional and authentic assessment methods, the benefits and challenges of transitioning to authentic assessment methods which emphasizes real-world problem-solving and application of knowledge and skills. Descriptive survey research design was deployed in the study, guided by four research questions and four hypotheses. The population will comprise students from tertiary institutions in South-East geo-political zones in Nigeria. A sample of 1838 students was drawn from five tertiary institutions using simple random sampling and accidental sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was the “Conventional versus Authentic Assessment Methods in 21st Century Classroom Questionnaire” (CAAM21CCQ). The instrument was adapted from Saher et al. (2022) and Fatmawati (2018) respectively. The estimated reliability coefficient of the instrument using Cronbach Alpha was 0.813. the instrument was administered using Google forms. The research questions were answered with using descriptive statistics. Whereas, the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha levels using paired t-test, independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) as appropriate. Findings indicated that students prefer both assessment methods and authentic assessment foster development of the 21st century skills. Further, no statistically significant difference was found on students’ perception on challenges of authentic assessment methods and the implementation strategies based on gender and programme. It was recommended among others, that educators should combine conventional and authentic assessment methods when necessary.

State Repression and Militarization of Secessionist Movement in Southeast Nigeria

The advent of democratic regime in Nigeria coupled with its principles of freedom of speech, expression, and association, spark up the rebirth of the Biafra secessionist movements in the southeast geopolitical zone. Such groups like the Movement or Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), the Biafra Zionist Federation (BZF), and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have stepped up struggles for the actualization of the sovereign state of Biafra through protests and other forms of social mobilization. The protests have triggered tension and heightened insecurity, with the security agencies often applying excessive force to quell the protests. The extant literature is awash with narratives regarding the recent upsurge and persistent centrifugal demands by pro-Biafra secessionists, fifty years after the Nigerian civil war; scholars agreed that Nigeria state has at one time or the other applied repressive measures to quell secessionist agitations in southeast Nigeria, this in turn have led to increased militarization of these separatist agitations. But none have concretely showed how state repression have aggravated this secessionist agitation in southeast Nigeria. This work is guided by one research questions: How is state repression implicated in the increased militarization of secessionist agitation in southeast Nigeria? This is qualitative research that made use of the Expo-facto research design. Data was collected through secondary sources and analyzed using content analysis and the Gellnerian theory of nation and nationalism. Our findings showed that state repression is to a great extent implicated in the increased militarization of secessionist agitations in southeast Nigeria. Our recommendation was the government should be proactive towards secessionist movements, and instead of the use of force, should adopt a non-kinetic method in tackling such cases, to avoid further militarization of these agitations in southeast Nigeria. Government should also ensure that every ethnic group is included and build the spirit of a nation-state in every citizen.

Interrogating The Absence of The National Council on Public Procurement: Bidders and Contractors Perspectives

Despite the concerted commitment of numerous government entities to a transparent, efficient and cost-effective procurement process since the passage of the PPA in 2007, the National Council on Public Procurement, created by the PPA in 2007, has not yet been constituted. The objective of this study was to examine how the government's failure to establish the National Council on Public Procurement (NCPP) affected the due process mechanism and the public procurement system. This investigation employed a survey methodology. The study was conducted in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The population for the study was, 205 contractors engaged in the Federal Government's minor works procurement process within the South East Zone since the enactment of the PPA. A sample of 117 contractors was drawn using both the purposive/judgmental and random sampling methods. Data gathering sources included both primary and secondary sources. The primary data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire with both closed- and open-ended questions, while books, journals, and other papers served as secondary data sources. Data analysis utilized descriptive and inferential statistics in particular. Ironically, the results demonstrated that the government's unwillingness to establish the NCPP in compliance with the articles of the PPA (2007) had no adverse effect on the public procurement system.

Phylogenetical Identification of Trichoderma species; an Antagonistic Isolate from South-East Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

The most significant food crops in West Africa are edible yam types (Dioscorea spp.). Farmers have been extremely worried about yam rot brought on by a fungal infection. The objective of the study was to discover environmentally friendly Trichoderma species from yam tubers using a phylogenic technique and to assess their biocontrol capabilities. Thirty samples of both healthy and diseased yam tubers were taken aseptically from farms in the Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, and sent to the laboratory for microbiological investigation. The samples were analyzed using conventional microbiological techniques, and dual culture assay method was also used to test antagonistic response. Fusarium sp., Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium sp. were the fungi isolated and identified as pathogens, while Trichoderma strains, Trichoderma asperellum (JN004180.1), and Trichorderma koningiopsis (MF5087061) were identified as the isolated biological control agent. A. Niger’s growth was inhibited by the biological antagonist T. asperelleum by 78.6%, Penicillium sp. by 51.2%, and Fusarium sp. by 69.2%, whereas A. Niger’s growth was inhibited by the antagonist fungus T. koningiopsis by 76.6%, Penicillium by 46.1%, and Fusarium by 61.5%. This study demonstrated the ability of two strains of the fungus Trichoderma, Trichoderma asperellum (JN004180.1) and Trichorderma koningiopsis (MF5087061), to biocontrol the common pathogenic fungi that destroy yam in South-Eastern Nigeria and other parts of the world. It is crucial that Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa commercialize the Trichoderma sp. biological control agent since doing so will make it easily accessible to low-income farmers.

Perceived Impact of Accreditation on the Management of Universities in North Central Nigeria.

The higher education sector in North Central Nigeria is experiencing a notable shift, focusing more on accreditation as a crucial tool to evaluate university quality. Accreditation ensures that institutions meet set standards, aiming to enhance the region’s higher education system. However, there’s an urgent need to understand how accreditation affects university management, specifically in terms of staffing sufficiency and environmental cleanliness in public universities. The study investigated the perceived impact of accreditation on the management of universities in North Central Nigeria, utilizing two research questions and two hypotheses as a guide. A survey research design was employed for this study. Out of the population of 14,347 academic and senior non-academic staff members from Federal and State Universities in the North Central States of Nigeria, a sample of 388 staff members was selected. The sample selection was determined using the Taro Yamane formula for sample size determination and involved a multi-stage sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire titled “Accreditation and Management of Public Universities Questionnaire” (AMOPUQ). To ascertain the instrument’s reliability, a trial-test was conducted in the South-East Geo-political Zone. The collected data were analyzed using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient to determine the internal consistency. An overall internal consistency reliability coefficient of 0.87 was obtained. The structured questionnaire developed by the researcher underwent scrutiny by two experts in Educational Administration and Planning, one from Agricultural Education and one from Measurement and Evaluation, both from the College of Agricultural and Science Education, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi. Additionally, an expert from Education Management at Benue State University provided input. They assisted in vetting the instrument, ensuring content clarity, accuracy, and relevance to elicit the required information. Descriptive statistics, such as mean and standard deviation, were used to answer the research questions. Furthermore, the hypotheses were tested using Chi-square (χ2) test of independence statistics at the 0.05 alpha level of significance with SPSS version twenty. The study found that accreditation has a significant impact on the adequacy of teaching and non-teaching staff and environmental sanitation in public universities in North Central Nigeria. Among the recommendations made, accreditation bodies should establish mandatory staffing standards as part of the accreditation process. This would necessitate organizations seeking accreditation to meet specific staffing requirements, ensuring their commitment to adequate staffing levels. The implementation steps would include defining clear staffing standards, incorporating them into accreditation criteria, conducting regular audits, providing support and resources, monitoring and improving staffing levels, and collaborating with stakeholders.

Security Challenges and Sustainability of Gender Equality in Access to Quality Education in South-East Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of security challenges on the sustainability of gender equality in access to quality education in South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The purpose of the study was to ascertain forms, causes and consequences of security challenges on the sustainability of gender equality in access to quality education in the South-Eastern states of Nigeria. Five research questions and five corresponding hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised estimated 63, 935 respondents that comprised 22,576 male and female teachers and 41, 359 parents in the study area. Multi-stage random sampling technique was adopted and 759 respondents comprising 378 teachers and 381 parents were randomly selected. The instrument for data collection was a 46-item structured questionnaire on a 4-point modified Likert scale designed by the researchers with response options ranging from Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), to Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD). Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics involving mean and standard deviation, while hypotheses were tested at a .05 level of significance using independent sample t-test statistics. Results of the study revealed among others that human, perceived socio-political Exclusion, cultural and internal factors which resulted in agitation for self-rule through the instrumentality of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), constitute security challenges to sustainability of gender equality in access to quality education in the South-East Nigeria which affect sustainability of gender equality in access to quality education as it increases school dropout rate, and unfriendly learning environment. The study recommended among other things that, Federal and South-East state governments should use dialogue and strategic communication framework to curb security challenges that threaten quality education in the South-Eastern Nigeria and that constructive engagement of youths through Technical and vocational education, and the unconditional release of the IPOB leader could curb the security challenges in the area.

Human Capital Development and Firm Productivity in Nigerian Brewery Industry

The study examined the effect of human capital development on productivity of selected brewery firms in the south-south and south-east geo-political zones of Nigeria. Cross sectional survey design was adopted, with a population of 7802 employees. A sample size of 380 was determined based on Taro Yamani’s sample size determination formula. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire and analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 software. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. It was found that level of training had a positive and significant effect on firm productivity (ß = 0.618, p < 0.05), level of education had a positive and significant effect on firm productivity (ß = 0.922, p < 0.05), while level of job experience had a positive and significant effect on firm productivity (ß = 0.688, p < 0.05). The study concluded that human capital development is critical to the enhancement of productivity in the brewery industry and as such recommended that management of brewery industry should strive to facilitate a high level of training since it had a positive and significant effect on the level of productivity in the industry. Also, human resource management department in the brewery industry should endeavor to adopt a system of on-the-job training and development of staff with higher level of education and job experience, in order to build knowledge and skills relevant for adequate increase in productivity.