Southeast Nigeria Research Articles

Lecturers’ and Students’ Perception on Role of Social Support and Psychological First Aid in Assisting Financial Fraud Victims in South-East, Nigeria

The study ascertained the perception of lecturers and students on the role of social support and psychological first aid in assisting financial fraud victims in South East Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The study was carried out in three Universities in the South East, Nigeria: the University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The population comprises of 135 students and 52 lecturers in Home Economics programme of the three Universities, making a total of 187 respondents. The entire population is used as the sample of the study because of the manageable size. A 32-item Questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The instrument is validated by three experts. Data collected is analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions. Decision on research questions is taken based on real limits of numbers. For the test of significance, the probability (p) value is used in comparison with the alpha value of 0.05, and at 90 degree of freedom (df). The study found that social support and psychological first aid can be used to help financial fraud victims by reaching out to them to help them cope with stress and psychological trauma associated with loss of properties. The study recommended that government at all levels should establish social support and psychological first aid units that will help to cater for the emotional, psychological and other needs of financial fraud victims in order to enable them recover efficiently.

Perceived Soft Skills Needed and Posessed by Baccalureate Accounting Education Graduates for Effective Job Performance.

The study examined employers’ perception of the needed and possessed soft skills/competencies by Accounting Education Baccalaureate Graduates. The study is a descriptive survey design. The population for the study comprised of employers of Accounting Education baccalaureate graduates working in both private and public sectors in Enugu, South East Nigeria. Out of the population size 200 Employers of Accounting officers were selected using simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire made up of sections was developed for the study. Section A explored the perceived needed skills to perform effectively in their workplaces while Section B requested for the level of possession of the needed skills by the employees. Three experts validated the instrument. Two research questions and two null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The items were rated on a four (4) point Likert scale. Mean score was used to analyze the research questions and t-test was used in testing the hypotheses. The findings revealed employers generally perceived 95% of the listed skills as essential for employability of accounting education graduates while about 60% of those skills were moderately possessed. Only very few were highly possessed. The findings equally revealed that there is significant difference in the mean ratings of Private and Public sectors employers’ perception of needed and possessed skills, hence both null hypotheses were rejected. The researcher therefore recommended that Universities and other Higher institutions should ensure the development of these competencies during the formative years of these Accounting educators.

Influence of Leadership Approach on Performance of Building Construction Industries in South-East of Nigeria

Influence of Leadership Approach on Performance of Building Construction Industries in South-East of Nigeria

Interrogating the Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on Livelihoods Demographics and Health of Residents of South-East Nigeria

This study focused on the effects of covid-19 pandemic on livelihoods, demographics and health of residents of South-East Nigeria. The study specifically investigated: the effects of covid-19 pandemic on livelihoods; demographic conditions; and health conditions of residents in South-East Nigeria; and how the livelihoods of such residents can be improved. It was hypothesized that “there is a significant relationship between Covid-19 lockdown and increase in fertility among couples; and that there is a significant relationship between Covid-19 pandemic and access to healthcare facilities. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Data were collected through questionnaire and FGD. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 865 respondents for quantitative study while 12 FGDs were conducted for the qualitative data. The quantitative data were processed using SPSS Version 20.0 and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The qualitative data were analyzed with content analysis. The hypotheses were tested using ANOVA to determine the variation between outbreak of COVID-19 and lack of access to healthcare facilities. It was found that the pandemic affected the livelihoods of half of the southeastern Nigeria’s residents, and a majority of them could easily pay their children’s fees before covid-19 than after; fed better before COVID-19 than after; had a better income before COVID-19 than after; were bereaved because of the poverty orchestrated by covid-19; had their movement curtailed; neglected the use of contraceptive; and was healthier before covid-19 than after. There is a significant increase in fertility due to COVID-19 lockdown at p = .012; and a significant difference between outbreak of COVID-19 and lack of access to healthcare facilities at p = .001. This means that excessive lockdowns and work-from-home orchestrated by covid-19 made couples to meet more frequently, thereby resulting in more births given the difficulty in accessing contraceptives and family planning services at that pandemic period. Besides, the lockdowns resulted in the lockup of so many healthcare facilities, and hindered access to healthcare facilities It was therefore recommended that awareness creation about opportunities that Covid-19- orchestrated changes have brought in Southeast should commence without wasting time.

Exposure hazards of As in semi-urban rivers of Anambra, South-East Nigeria: Concentrations, source apportionments, health risks, and irrigation quality assessments

The assessment of As and other water quality parameters (Fe, Mn, K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42−, PO43−, NO3−, BOD, EC, TSS, TDS, and turbidity) in the four rivers of Anambra State, Nigeria, was carried out in order to ascertain their human health risks. The results showed that As and Fe (mg/L) ranged from 0.00 to 1.39 and 0.10 to 0.26 respectively (September) and from 0.06 to 0.98 and 0.07 to 0.29 in October. As concentrations in the rivers followed the order: Obibia > Mmiri-Ukwaka > Ovia > Mmiri-Eze, and were all above the WHO permissible limit (0.01 mg/L). Ovia, Obibia, and Mmiri-Ukwaka Rivers had WAWQI >100, indicating unsafe water. As had HQing > 1 in all the rivers except in Mmiri-Eze. The strong positive correlation between As and Fe suggest their geogenic origin; hence these rivers should be treated with activated carbon before consumption.

Challenges of Fuel Subsidy Removal on Academic Engagements of Undergraduates in Public Universities in South-East Nigeria

Challenges of Fuel Subsidy Removal on Academic Engagements of Undergraduates in Public Universities in South-East Nigeria

Socio-economic and Political Drivers of Renewable Natural Resource Conflicts among Crop Farmers in Southeast Nigeria

Socio-economic and Political Drivers of Renewable Natural Resource Conflicts among Crop Farmers in Southeast Nigeria

Thermal Comfort in Naturally-Ventilated (NV) Student Hostels in Hot-Humid Tropical Environment of Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

Thermal Comfort in Naturally-Ventilated (NV) Student Hostels in Hot-Humid Tropical Environment of Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

The Burden of Undiagnosed Hypertension and Associated Risk Factors among Adults in a Rural Community in Imo Sate, South-East Nigeria

The Burden of Undiagnosed Hypertension and Associated Risk Factors among Adults in a Rural Community in Imo Sate, South-East Nigeria

Level of Knowledge of the Objectives of Teaching Patchwork and Quilting Craft in Colleges of Education in South-East Nigeria

The study sought to investigate the level of the knowledge possessed by Home Economics lecturers and students on the objectives of Patchwork and Quilting Craft. The design of the study was a descriptive survey. The study was carried out in Colleges of Education in South-East zone of Nigeria. The population of the study comprised of all the Home Economics lecturers and final year students in Colleges of Education. A census sampling approach was used in selecting all the lecturers and students for the study. A researcher-developed questionnaire titled, “Level of knowledge on the Objectives of Patchwork and Quilting Craft Questionnaire” was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts in Home Economics and Measurement and Evaluation in Universities and Colleges of Education. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach’s alpha procedure and an index of 0.84 was obtained. The instrument was administered and collected back by five research assistants. Mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. Findings show that twenty-four possible specific objectives of teaching patchwork and quilting craft in colleges of education were identified. There was a significant difference at p < 0.05 between the mean ratings of Home Economics lecturers and students on the objectives of teaching patchwork and quilting craft. Based on the findings, it was recommended that lecturers and students of Home Economics should be adequately retrained to gain more knowledge of the objectives of patchwork and quilting craft in colleges of Education.

Influence of Broadcast Media Messages on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Maternal and Child Health among Reproductive-age Women in South-East Nigeria

Influence of Broadcast Media Messages on the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Maternal and Child Health among Reproductive-age Women in South-East Nigeria

Entrepreneurial Training and Women Entrepreneurial Performance in Southeast Nigeria

Entrepreneurial Training and Women Entrepreneurial Performance in Southeast Nigeria

Evaluation of Archives and Records Management Courses in Library and Information Science Schools in South-East, Nigeria

The profession of Library and Information Science (LIS) started as an interdisciplinary field of study. Generally speaking, LIS is a profession that deals with the organization and the universe of knowledge, creation, access, collection, and preservation and or packaging of information either in physical and digital formats to serve purposes such teaching, research, and legal documentations. This paper therefore looks at an assessment of academic lecturers (librarians) in South-East Nigeria to establish from among them, their realignment into the area of Archives and Records Management research in these academic institutions. To establish the extent to which they acquire degrees in this area and offer first degree, masters and PhD degrees in Archives and Records Management. The paper also tries to find out how many of these departments are named after Archives and records Management and to establish if the naming affects the progress significantly. In doing this, academic librarians in Abia State University, Imo State University, Enugu State University, Ebonyi State University and Anambra State University were studied as case study sites. The paper finds out that none (except in one case) of these academic librarians have PhD in Records Management, none of the universities studied named the department Archives and Records Management, none offers first degree and direct masters or PhD as a degree. The null hypothesis tested was rejected to agree that the naming affects the progress of the departments in the recent times as students are no longer fashionable to LIS as it were. The paper recommends that LIS schools should change as the demand changes and that academic librarians should start acquiring degrees in this area of research to increase the potential of sustainability. The paper concludes that the profession is stagnant in South- East Nigeria as no significant changes has been adopted by the Schools studied in either research or nomenclature of academic research output in this area.

Exploring the Correlation Between Sexual Function, Mental Health, and Quality of Life among Stroke Survivors in South-East Nigeria

Stroke’s multifaceted impact necessitates understanding its effects on survivors’ psychological well-being, daily functioning, and sexual health. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between sexual function, mental health, and quality of life (QoL) among stroke survivors. This cross-sectional survey involved 82 stroke survivors recruited from selected healthcare centers in Nnewi. The stroke-specific QoL scale and Mental health inventory-38 were used to evaluate the QoL and mental health status of the participants, respectively. Male and female sexual functions were assessed using the International Index for Erectile Function and Female sexual index, respectively. Mann–Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank order correlation were used to analyze data. The participants’ mean total QoL score was 112.57±37.67, representing 46% of the maximum possible score, with the highest and lowest scores in vision (68.94%) and social role (24.39%) domains. The participants scored <50% in seven quality-of-life domains. The mean total mental health score was 141.76±13.70, with the highest and lowest scores in anxiety (70.75%) and emotional tie (50.71%) domains, respectively. Males had a mean total sexual function score of 30.80%, with none reaching the 50th percentile, except overall satisfaction (50.61%), while females scored 16.41%, with none reaching the 50th percentile and 0.0% in the pain domain. This study highlights the significant challenges stroke survivors face in QoL, mental health, and sexual function. The findings underscore the need for holistic and tailored interventions addressing these multidimensional aspects of post-stroke care, focusing on improving sexual well-being to enhance overall life satisfaction in male survivors.

Petrographic and Structural Study of Stalactites and Stalagmites of Mfamosing Camp II Cave in Cross River State, South Eastern Nigeria

This study investigated the petrographic and structural features of Mfamosing camp II cave stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is in the karst region of Udukpani in Cross River State, Southeast Nigeria. The objective of the study was to gain insights into the mineral composition, texture and structure of the stalactites and stalagmites of the cave through petrographic analysis. The study employed a methodology that involved field study, collection of representative samples, preparation of thin sections, and examination under a petrographic microscope. Field observations revealed that the stalactite and stalagmites were leucocratic in color. The rocks exhibited similar texture which was fine grained. The cave contained large number of stalactites and stalagmites of varrying lengths (icicle and cone dome shapes) with stromalitic features on the wall. The petrographic analysis revealed the predominance of carbonates (calcite) as the primary mineral. The average estimated minerals composition present were 54.5% of Calcite, 5.3% of Quartz, and 2% of feldspar for stalactites. 51% of Calcite, 5% of Quartz, and 2.67% of feldspar for stalagmites. The results shows that the major mineral composition of the speleothems the cave are CaO.

Thermal Comfort in Naturally-Ventilated (NV) Student Hostels in Hot-Humid Tropical Environment of Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

Thermal Comfort in Naturally-Ventilated (NV) Student Hostels in Hot-Humid Tropical Environment of Enugu, Southeast Nigeria

Prevalence, Awareness and Risk Factors for Hypertension in Adults Attending a Tertiary Hospital in South-East Nigeria

Prevalence, Awareness and Risk Factors for Hypertension in Adults Attending a Tertiary Hospital in South-East Nigeria

Predictors of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge among Women of Reproductive Age in Southeast Nigeria

Predictors of Abnormal Vaginal Discharge among Women of Reproductive Age in Southeast Nigeria

Promoting organisational citizenship behaviour through corporate governance

Corporate governance is a major topic of debate among scholars from different parts of the world, but little has been empirically investigated on the impact of corporate governance on the discretionary work behaviour of employees in selected deposit money banks in Nigeria. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the impact of corporate governance on the organizational citizenship behaviour of employees in deposit money banks. A cross-sectional survey design was used, which supports the use of questionnaire to collect data from the participants. Data were collected from 224 participants from 18 deposit money banks operating in south-east Nigeria. The study employed frequency distribution and linear regression to analyse respondents’ profiles and research hypotheses. Results of the study revealed that corporate governance dimensions predicted organisational citizenship behaviour indicators. The practical significance of this study lies in the possibility of improving organizational citizenship behaviour in organizations by integrating the main recommendations of this study into the corporate governance of organizations. This study concludes that corporate governance (measured in terms of leadership quality, accountability, board size, board effectiveness, and board independence) influences and improves organizational citizenship behaviour that is driven by altruism, integrity, sportsmanship, courtesy, and civic virtue.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Sit-At-Home Order and Socio-Economic Activities in South-East Nigeria

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Sit-at-home order has been prevalent in the South-east region of Nigeria since 2021 that not even the responses of the Federal Government of Nigeria could stop the unlawful order which has become a security threat. Imperatively, the study examined the effects of IPOB Sit-at-home order on the socio-economic activities of the South-east, Nigeria between 2020 and 2022. Specifically, the study interrogated the effects of IPOB Sit-at-home order on the socio-economic activities of the South-east, Nigeria in the specific areas of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), transport sub-sector and educational system of the South-east which serve as indicators of socio-economic activities. This study is qualitative and adopted documentary research design while it made use of data gathered through documented evidence/secondary sources which majorly include media publications/reports as Systems theory of David Easton served its theoretical guide. The study established that IPOB Sit-at-home order has severe consequences on all the aforementioned indicators of socio-economic activities in the South-east, Nigeria. Based on this, the study recommended the need for an internal dialogue among the Igbo traditional rulers, the governors in the South-east, Nigeria and the claimed leaders of IPOB across states in the region. More so, there should be introduction of online classes for students every Monday for the meantime while writing of examinations on Sit-at-home enforcement days should be an exception until the Sit-at-home is over. In addition, the Nigerian government should free the acclaimed leader of the group from detention and then dialogue with the group with regards to their claims and demands.