South-east Geo-political Zone Of Nigeria 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.

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.

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.

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.

Does Power Sector Reform Facilitate Informal Economy Development? A Study of Nigeria’s Experience in the Southeast Geopolitical Zone

This study examines the efficacy of the power sector reform in enhancing the development of the informal economy in the southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It interrogates explicitly the effect of the unbundling of the electricity sector on job creation and livelihoods of the operators of the informal economy. Utilizing the mixed methods data approach and the Marxist theory of the postcolonial state, this study argues that the power sector reform is part of the grand strategy aimed at expanding capitalist penetration and protecting the economic interests of the advanced capitalist states. This self-serving interest of the capitalist institutions, which the power sector reform intends to protect explains the crisis in the power sector manifesting in poor electricity supply and increased tariffs for electricity consumers. Indeed, these untoward outcomes have negatively affected the development of the informal economy in southeast Nigeria. It, however, recommends a reevaluation of the market-based power sector reform in Nigeria.

Appraisal of Low Vision Devices in South East Nigeria

With strategic interventions in vision rehabilitation, eye care professionals have a chance to reduce the implications of vision loss. This study appraised low vision devices in the low vision population of the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Clinical assessments including external examination, refraction, and ophthalmoscopy were carried out on 239 individuals with vision impairment seen in outreaches in 5 states of South-East Nigeria. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS (version 24.0). Statistical significance was based on p<0.05. Individuals with moderate and severe vision impairment were 53.1% and 23.0% respectively while blindness was 23.9% in the study population. More so, 64.4% of the population had never visited an eye care professional despite poor vision. Of the 32. 2% who had used a form of assistive device; magnifiers were most common. Ignorance (53.1%), distance (20.9%), cost (7.9%), and insufficient service (7.9%) were challenges faced by respondents. The relationship between the use of low vision devices and their helpfulness to daily living was significant (P=0.04); urban dwellers also had a statistically significant better access to eye care services than rural dwellers (P=0.04). A human capacity that gets drained by vision impairment will be recovered if there is a strategic low vision intervention as this leads to an upturn in the socio-economic fortunes of the region. Eye care professionals need to integrate the basic practice of low vision into their regular practice. There is also a need for public awareness of the possibilities of low vision rehabilitation to promote uptake.

Determinants of sustainable building materials (SBM) selection on construction projects

The complexity and fragmented nature and the multiple stakeholders in the construction industry often make it difficult to come up with a firm decision regarding sustainable building materials selection. The wrong choice could negatively impact the project objective and performance outcome. This study assessed the critical factor influencing the choice of sustainable building materials (SBM) selection on construction projects in the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire, non-probability (purposive and snowball) sampling techniques, and an internet-mediated survey. Data analyses were carried out using the appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical tools and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The study revealed recycled plastic, natural clay and mud, stone, bricks and tile, cellulose, stray bales, grasses, limestone, and wood timber, are the commonly used sustainable building materials. Also, their level of awareness is high while their adoption is moderate. EFA revealed that the major clusters of determinants of the choice of green building materials are: emissions minimisation, low running cost and reusability, low thermal and energy consumption efficiency, low cost and high health and safety consideration and waste minimisation. The key factors influencing the choice of sustainable building materials selection in construction are: reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, materially embodied energy cost, operating and maintenance costs, non-toxic or low toxic emissions generated by the products/materials, recyclability of the building materials, availability of the technical skills, renewable (reusable) properties, inhibiting the impact of buildings on the environment, safety and health of the occupants, and appearance and aesthetic. It is recommended that consideration be given to these factors in selecting sustainable/green building materials in the designs and specifications of construction projects.

Green Building Materials Products and Service Market in the Construction Industry

Abstract The construction industry influences and accelerates national growth and development, but it, however, contributes to unsustainable and eco-unfriendly development which impacts on the economy and environment. To encourage investment in sustainable construction, this study made a case for green building materials (GBM) products and services market in the construction industry of developing countries, through an assessment of the benefits of GBM incorporation in construction projects. The study adopted an internet-mediated questionnaire survey approach and snowball sampling techniques to gathered data from clients, consultants, professionals, and contractors/sub-contractor in the southeast geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Frequency, Percentile, Shapiro-Wilk test, Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett’s tests, relative importance index (RII) and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to analyse the collected data. The study revealed that the green construction market is unsaturated and under-tapped. With high awareness and low adoption levels of GBM, it was concluded that the most important benefits of GBM that will trigger demand and supply of GBM products and services are improved daylight and reduced need for artificial lighting, improves the quality of life, Increase employees productivity and reduced absenteeism, improve occupants health and comfort, higher profit and return on investment, leads to construction professionals specialisation, reducing greenhouse gas emission from building, reduces toxicity in the internal environment, low operating and maintenance cost, and creates new job opportunities. The uniqueness of this study lies in the assessment of the views of construction stakeholders' in the five states that make up the South-eastern geo-political zone of Nigeria, regarding the key benefits that could trigger the uptake and incorporation of GBM in construction. Developers and Investors in the industry could invest in green construction since there is a ready and unsaturated market for it.

The development outcomes of remittance inflows to Nigeria: the case of the Southeastern Geo-political zone

ABSTRACT Remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) constitute a critical lifeline for millions of individual households. It is on record that these large transfers enable recipient households to raise their living standards beyond vulnerability and subsistence levels. Unfortunately, the development potentials of remittance income are seldom factored into most pro-poor targeting programmes in many SSA countries like Nigeria. This is largely due to the problems of data inconsistency as well as those related to lack of precise information on how remittances are received and spent. Using novel survey dataset involving 450 remittance recipient and non-recipient households collected in the Southeast Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria, the study uncovers significant evidence of the impact of remittances on household expenditure and povertyusingpropensityscore matching (PSM). Specifically, households that receive remittances invest between NGN186,000 (US$1,240) and NGN205,000 (US$1,366.7) more in building constructions, land acquisitions and also invest over NGN60,000 (US$400) more in household business enterprise compared to non-recipient households. Similarly, the estimated impact of remittances on poverty shows that household poverty is lower by between 30.3% and 33.6% considering the results from all the three PSM matching estimators. The differences between the recipients and non-recipients are statistically significant. The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of pro-poor targeting programmes in Nigeria.

Knowledge of Zika Virus Disease Prevention Methods, among Female Caregivers That Bring Babies for Immunization in a Teaching Hospital, Southeast Nigeria

Zika virus disease is a disease of public health importance and was declared a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”, by the World Health Organization on February 1, 2016. It is mostly transmitted through the bite of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos. Transmission can also occur through blood transfusion and sexual intercourse. It could cause microcephaly and other neurological problems in newborns and adults, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome. It could also lead to abortion and stillbirth in pregnant women. Prevention methods are essentially targeted at transmission routes, which are mosquito bite, sexual intercourse, and blood transfusion. The study was of observational, descriptive, cross-sectional design, and conducted in a tertiary health institution in the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Two hundred and fifty-six female caregivers participated in the study, with most of them being within the childbearing age group, and educated up to tertiary level. The objective was to assess the knowledge of Zika virus infection prevention methods, among female caregivers that bring babies for immunization in a Teaching Hospital, Southeast Nigeria. Out of the eight questions that sought to assess the knowledge level of the respondents, they scored 50% and above only in three, which were on prevention through protection against mosquito bite (60.5%), avoiding unnecessary blood transfusion in endemic areas (53.9%), and avoidance of oily meals not being a preventive measure (51.2%). Respondents in the childbearing age group, and those with higher educational qualifications, generally exhibited higher knowledge level than the other respondents. Scores on questions that sought to assess their knowledge on prevention aspects related to sexual behavior, and vaccination were poor. Sensitization, or awareness creation activities for persons in this study area, ought to be designed to address the observed gaps.

The Basics of a Mobile Money-Based Financial Service: Perceptions of University Students in Nigeria

Abstract The purpose of this quantitative research was to investigate the basis and perception of mobile money (MM) service among Nigerian university students. The paper adopted a positivistic ontology and descriptive survey design. Two hundred and fifty students from five universities in the southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria were sampled. Results showed that perceived ease of use (PEOU), perceived usefulness (PU), perceived credibility (PCRED), and perceived risk (PR) had significant and positive relationship with behavioral intention. Given the results, these four fundamental issues must be central to inclusive mobile money-based financial service for Nigerian university students. The adoption of the technology acceptance model (TAM) by mobile network operators (MNO) and banks is critical to ensure acceptance of innovative and inclusive mobile-based financial service and success in the university student market.

Understanding adolescents’ moral stance on examination malpractice through the lenses of parenting styles, test anxiety, and their academic self-efficacy

Introduction. The increasing complex nature of academic dishonesty demands that empirical models are built to explain the psychosocial and motivational variables involved in the way examination malpractice is morally viewed by adolescents. This has been underexplored in Nigeria over the years given that available studies have not utilized designs that could give comprehensive understanding of pathways through which moral views of adolescents on examination malpractice could be predicted. Method. This study developed an empirical model using path analysis to explain the direct and indirect effects of parenting styles, test anxiety, academic self-efficacy on adolescents’ moral stance on examination malpractice scenarios. The multivariate predictor correlational research design was adopted. Dimensions of the parenting styles served as exogeneous variables while test anxiety, self-efficacy and moral stance on examination malpractice served as endogeneous variables with test anxiety and self-efficay serving as mediators. The sample size was made up of 741 senior seconday school students, classs one (SS1) from 15 secondary schools located in southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Results. Findings showed, among others, that the final hypothesized model fit the data satisfactorily and that permissive parenting style and test anxiety significantly and positively predicted adolescents’ amoral stance on examination malpractice while authoritative parenting negatively predicted their amoral stance on examination malpractice. Permissive parenting style had both direct and indirect significant effects on adolescents’ moral stance on examination malpractice. Discussion and Conclusion. Discussion was based on the findings resulting to the conclusión that inappropriate parenting style and problematic psychological dispositions are factors that could influence the moral views of adolescents. For appropriate intervention to be mounted for students, there is the need to incorporate how adolescents are trained by their parents.

Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction of Librarians in Federal University Libraries in South-East Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

This study examined factors influencing job satisfaction of librarians in libraries of federal universities in South-East geo-political zone of Nigeria. Two objectives and research questions respectively were stated to guide the study. Two hypotheses were also tested in the study. The study adopted a correlational design, and the population of the study was 98. Sample of the study was census which involves the use of the entire population. The instrument for data collection was researcher’s structured modified 4-point Likert rating scale. The data collected for the study were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) technique, while the hypotheses were tested for significance statistically using Spearman Rank Correlation analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between staff promotion and job satisfaction of librarians in libraries of federal universities in South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The findings further revealed that there is also significant relationship between staff job security and job satisfaction of librarians in libraries of federal universities in South-East geo-political zone of Nigeria. The study recommended that staff promotion should be done regularly and as at when due to motivate the librarians to work hard in their workplaces. It is also recommended that librarians job security should be guaranteed at all times to ensure that they put in their best in the performance of their official duties to the benefit of their libraries. Keywords: Job satisfaction, Librarians, Federal Universities, University libraries.

Underutilization of instructional materials for teaching and learning of Chemistry in Nigerian secondary schools: Ohafia Education Zone, Abia State’s Example.

This study investigated the factors associated with underutilization of instructional materials for teaching and learning of Chemistry in Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The study population comprised 86 Chemistry teachers and 1,180 Senior Secondary 2 (SS2) Chemistry students including those with special needs in the 86 public secondary schools in Ohafia Education Zone, Abia State in southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The sample size was 456 respondents of 57 Chemistry teachers and 399 SS 2 Chemistry students selected through multi-stage sampling procedure. The data collection was by questionnaire and Cronbach Alpha was applied in computing the reliability estimate of 0.97. The findings indicated that the inability of teachers to improvise and their lack of manipulative skills, among others, are factors militating against the utilization of instructional materials. The researchers recommended the necessity for adequate provision of instructional materials in the schools and for teachers to ensure that these materials are effectively utilized. Students with special needs should be catered for based on their individualized education program as stipulated by the National Policy on Education in inclusive settings.

Determinants of voter turnout in Nsukka Council of Enugu State, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract Voting is becoming of significance in Nigeria, as in many other countries in Africa. Although Nigerian electoral politics has attracted full attention from scholars, there is little research on the factors that determine voter turnout in the country at the local level, especially the South-East geopolitical zone (GPZ). This paper is a stepwise logistic regression analysis of the determinants of voting in Nsukka council in Enugu State, South-East GPZ of Nigeria. The results show that age (0.230), education (0.532), marital status (1.355), political trust (1.309) and partisanship (˗0.570) are significant predictors of voter turnout. The effect of age, education, marital status and political trust on voting is positive and statistically significant, but partisanship has a statistically significant negative relationship with voting (p<0.01). The paper highlights the importance of local level geographical differentials in the factors influencing voting in Nigeria.

Phytochemicals, In vitro Bioavailability of Beta Carotene and Anti-nutrient Composition of Some Neglected Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetables and Fruits in South East Geo-political Zone of Nigeria

Background/Objective: Vegetables and fruits are important sources of protective substances, which are highly beneficial for the maintenance of good health and prevention of diseases. Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. The study was designed to determine the phytochemicals, In-vitro-bioavailability of beta carotene and anti-nutrient composition of some neglected underutilized fruits and vegetables in Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
 Methodology: The frequently occurred underutilized fruits and vegetables were selected for the study. The food crops were harvested and identified at the Herbarium in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Twenty underutilized fruits and vegetables each were cleaned and analysed for phytochemicals, In vitro bioavailability of beta carotene and anti-nutrients composition using standard methods. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, percentage, mean, standard deviation and frequency.
 Results: The result showed that 0 - 40% of beta carotene were bioavailable in the fruits studied. The antinutrient levels in fruits were cyanide (0.02-3.47 mg), oxalate 1.22-12.38 mg and phytate traces- 12.60 mg. The range of phytochemicals in the fruits were tannins trace-10.40 mg, flavonoids 0-0.10%, saponins trace-0.051 mg, lycopene trace-94.20 mg, and phenol 0-4.01mg. The antinutrient levels in vegetables were cyanide 0.35-13.20 mg, oxalate 2.27-24.69 mg and phytate traces- 2.57 mg. The result showed that 22- 68.80% of beta carotene were bio available in the vegetables studied. The phytochemicals in the vegetables were tannins 0.10-10.30 mg, flavonoids trace-0.20%, saponins trace-0.10 mg, lycopene trace-31.20 mg and phenol 0.01-3.31 mg.
 Conclusion: The use of these neglected fruits and vegetables is imperative because of their nutritional and health benefit.

Nutritional Composition of Neglected Underutilized Green Leafy Vegetables and Fruits in South East Geo-political Zone of Nigeria

Background/Objective: Vegetables and fruits play a highly significant role in food security of the underprivileged in both urban and rural settings. The study was designed to determine the nutritional composition of some neglected underutilized fruits and vegetables in Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria.
 Methodology: The commonly occuring underutilized fruits and vegetables were selected for the study. The food crops were harvested and identified at the Herbarium in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Twenty underutilized fruits and vegetables each were cleaned and analysed for nutrients composition using standard methods. Data were presented using descriptive statistics, percentage, mean, standard deviation and frequency.
 Results: The proximate composition of the fruits ranged from 54.34-80.30% moisture, 0.27-6.21% protein, 0-3.08% fat, 0.28-8.58 % fibre, 0.33-11.05% ash and 9.08-36.61% carbohydrate. The ranges for mineral values of the fruits were iron 0.10-9.60 mg, zinc 0.02-10.30 mg, manganese 0.10-6.60 mg and calcium 5.42-46.50 mg. The vitamin contents of the fruits ranged from beta-carotene traces -5666.67 RE, ascorbic acid 0-48.82 mg and vitamin E 0 -11.99 mg. The proximate composition of the vegetables ranged from moisture 60.45-91.00%, protein 0.02-6.60%, fat 0.02-2.19%, fibre 0.04-5.01%, ash 0.04-4.20% and carbohydrate 10.30-36.61%. The ranges for mineral values of the vegetables were iron 1.40-14.80 mg, zinc trace-9.40 mg, manganese 0.07-4.80 mg and calcium 18.19-400.00 mg. The vitamin levels of the vegetables were beta-carotene 15.20-1933.33 RE, ascorbic acid 2.40-38.40 mg and vitamin E traces - 6.67 mg.
 Conclusion: The use of these fruits and vegetables should be encouraged particularly in areas where they are not produced through nutrition education in order to promote the food use of these crops.