South-East Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

The impact of small scale fish farming on poverty reduction in South-East Zone of Nigeria

Over the years, successive administrations in Nigeria have embarked on numerous poverty reduction programmes aimed at reducing the poverty rate in Nigeria. These efforts have not yielded much result as poverty rate has continued to soar and pervade every geo-political zone in Nigeria. The poverty situation, coupled with the low uptake of fish farming technology in the south-east zone has prompted the need to examine the impact of small-scale fish farming on poverty reduction in the south-east zone of Nigeria. The dependent variable of the study is poverty reduction, which has household expenditure as its proxy. The independent variable is small-scale fish farming, proxy by income, employment, food security and consumption multiplier. Data collection was made through in-depth Interview (IDI) guide, while analysis was done using thematic analysis technique. A total of 40 participants, comprising of 30 fish-farm owners and 10 employees were selected purposively from the states of Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo for the interview. The study findings suggest that small-scale fish farmingin the study area impacts positively on poverty reduction, as increase in each of the independent variables tends to increase the dependent variable. The study recommended the establishment of fish farm settlements; granting of credit facilities to fish farmers; establishment of skill acquisition and training centers for farm employees; and improvement electricity supply and road network for lower energy cost and easy transportation of fish products. Keywords: Fish Farming, Small-Scale, Poverty Reduction.

Influence of the Implementation of Nigerian University Commission Library Parameters on Accreditation Readiness for Academic Programmes in Federal Universities of South-East, Nigeria

The study investigated the influence of the implementation of Nigerian University Commission library parameters on accreditation readiness for academic programmes in Federal Universities of South-East, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. The population of the study comprised 161 academic librarians in the five federal universities located in the South-East zone of Nigeria. These are; University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Michael Okpara University, Umudike, Federal University of Technology, Owerri and Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo. The census sampling technique was adopted for the study since the total number of academic librarians in the five universities was within a manageable size. The sampling method was considered appropriate because it allows statistical enumeration and participation of all members of the population in the study. Data was collected using questionnaire and analysed using regression analysis. Findings show that libraries are under staffed in most universities in the South East of Nigeria and the libraries had information resources to a great extent, but still needed to widen their services given the growing student population and new courses offered. The study therefore concluded that it is imperative for university administrators through the governing councils to employ more library staff in all cadres (professionals and para-professionals) as well as support staff. Also, the academic library environment should be made more conducive to attract clienteles to the library at all times and maintenance of furniture and equipment at libraries should be standardized, while upgrade and expansion services should also be done systematically.

Entrepreneurship Education as Correlate of Postgraduate Employability in Southeast, Nigeria

This study aims to investigate the correlation between entrepreneurship education and postgraduate employability in Southeast Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational survey design. The population for this study consisted of all the 8,461 postgraduate students admitted in all the federal universities in South East Zone of Nigeria in the 2017/2018 academic session. A sample of 846 postgraduate students was selected using stratified random sampling technique. The Entrepreneurship Education Questionnaire (EEQ) was used as the primary instrument for data collection. The findings of the study revealed a significant relationship between entrepreneurship education and postgraduate employability in Southeast Nigeria. This suggests that postgraduate students who have higher levels of entrepreneurship education are more likely to be employed after graduation. Additionally, the study did not find any significant moderating effect by gender on the relationship between entrepreneurship education and postgraduate employability. This study suggests that entrepreneurship education has a strong positive correlation with postgraduate employability in Southeast Nigeria. The findings of this study contribute to the existing literature on postgraduate employability and entrepreneurship education, particularly within the context of Southeast Nigeria.

Determinants of technical and allocative efficiencies in catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Production in South-East, Nigeria

The study analysed technical and allocative efficiencies and their determinants in Southeast zone of Nigeria with the objectives of examining and identifying the socioeconomic characteristics of the catfish farmers in the area, the technical and allocative efficiency levels of the farmers, the determinants of technical and allocative efficiencies in catfish production, and the effect of pond systems on technical and allocative efficiencies. Multi stage and simple random sampling procedures were adopted in the selection of 384 respondents for the study. The results showed that majority of the farmers were males, educated up to secondary school level, with the mean fish production experience of 9.6 years, and high use of family labour. It was also found that average stocking rate was 2,500 per production phase with average duration of production of 6months. The result on the efficiency distribution showed that the mean technical and allocative efficiency levels of the farmers were 0.73 and 0.87 respectively. The results further pointed out that the socio-economic characteristics included in the study significantly contributed to technical and allocative efficiencies of catfish farmers in the area with experience standing out as the most important. Lastly, it was found that farmers who farmed in earthen ponds allocated their resources more efficiently.

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.

Biological Factors As Predictors Of Hyperactive Behaviour Among Pupils In South East Nigeria

This study investigated the extent biological factors predict hyperactive behaviours of pupils in South East, Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational research design. Two research questions and two null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance, guided the study. The research questions and hypotheses sought to establish the extent of relationship that exists between biological factors and hyperactive behaviours of pupils. The sample for the study consisted of 1,566 (713 males and 853 females) respondents drawn through multi-stage sampling procedure from 3915 (1857 males and 2058) primary five pupils with hyperactive behaviour in 5477 public primary schools in South East, Nigeria. The data obtained through the administration of the instruments were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient to answer research questions. Linear regression was used to test null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed the following findings: Biological factors to a very highly positive and significant extent predicted hyperactive behaviours of pupils in the South-East Zone of Nigeria. Biological factors predicted 82.10% of the variance observed in hyperactive behaviours of pupils; there was no significant gender difference in the relationship between biological factors and hyperactive behaviours of pupils. Gender predicted only 11.4% of the variance observed in the relationship between biological factors and hyperactive behaviours of pupils. Among the educational implications was that the study could provide supportive frameworks from which one can assess how the pupils explore the environment and master the challenges within that environment. It was thus recommended that Educational psychologists, school counsellors and teachers should provide primary school pupils with hyperactive behaviour and their parents information from this study; which would help them understand the primary components of biological approach to hyperactivity and the impact of hyperactivity in the exploration of the environment of pupils with hyperactive behaviour.

The Magnitude of Low Vision and Blindness: Association with Socio-Demographic Determinants and Ocular Pathologies Amongst Adults in Enugu, South-East Nigeria

Background: Low vision and blindness are emerging public health challenges worldwide. Nigeria, despite being the home for growing elderly population, does not have well-structured, low vision and rehabilitative services. South-East zone of Nigeria has the highest prevalence of low vision in the country. The changing demographics and epidemiologic transitions call for urgent need to generate recent data on the magnitude of low vision and blindness and advocate for establishment of Low vision and rehabilitation services. This study evaluated the magnitude of low vision and blindness, and highlights its association with socio-demographic factors in adult patients. Methods: This is a cross-sectional hospital based study. A total of 400 participants were enrolled. Thorough ocular evaluation to confirm diagnosis of low vision / blindness was carried out. Data was analysed with SPSS 20.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were done. Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-Square or Fisher exact test were performed where appropriate and a p-value of <0.5 was considered significant. Moderately Severe Visual Impairment, MSVI and Severe Visual impairment/ Legal Blindness accounted for 72.8% and 91.0% respectively amongst those that were above 41 years of age. Prevalence of Visual impairment increased with advancing age and low education was associated with VI. Conclusion: The study observed that advancing age is constantly associated with visual impairment and blindness. Glaucoma contributed significantly to impairment of vision. The study buttressed the need for development of low vision and rehabilitation services in the state. Knowing the huge economic consequences of low vision/blindness, stakeholders should be encouraged to invest in comprehensive eye care. Keywords: Low vision/Blindness, Elderly, Rehabilitation services

Business Process Re-engineering and Courier Firms’ Delivery Speed in South East Zone of Nigeria

This study was conducted to examine the influence of business process re-engineering (BPR) on Courier firms’ delivery speed in South East Zone of Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted in this study. The study had a population of 239 and sample size of 149. The research instrument recorded 78% response rate. Research data were analyzed with multiple regression. Findings of this study showed that business process re-engineering had a significant positive influence on courier firms ‘delivery speed in the South East Zone of Nigeria. Specifically, it was established that business process renovation exerted a significant positive influence on courier firms’ delivery speed (Beta =0.752, t=4.099, p<0.05); business process automation exerted a significant positive influence on courier firms’ delivery speed (Beta =0.782, t=5.179, p<0.05) and that business process networking exerted a significant positive influence oncourier firms’ delivery speed (Beta 1.039, t=4.023, p<0.05). Following these findings, it was recommended that the Management of courier firms in the South East Zone of Nigeria should regularly renovate their service processes through replacement of old and outdated machines and equipment, prioritize the automation of aspects of its operations through increased investment in emerging ICT infrastructure and should network its work system to effectively integrate its employees, processes and technology so as to facilitate speedy service delivery that delights clients and so commands repeat patronage.

Economic viability of value-added cashew products processed in Southeast zone, Nigeria

The “Agricultural Promotion Policy (2016–2020)” is an initiative of Nigeria’s government, designed to create jobs and wealth for participants in the agricultural value chains through value addition to export crops such as cashew. However, it is not known how cashew processors have exploited this opportunity to improve their economic returns from value-added cashew products, processed in the Southeast zone, Nigeria. Consequently, this study analysed the economic viability of value-added cashew products processed in the Southeast zone of Nigeria. Specifically, the objective was to determine the cost-benefit analysis, rate of return on investment, net income, and variability of value-added cashew products processed in the Southeast zone, Nigeria. A descriptive research design involving a cross-sectional survey of 353 randomly sampled participants was administered with a structured questionnaire. Ratio statistics, gross margin, benefit-cost ratio analysis, rate of return and ANOVA were applied to analyze the data. The results show that variable cost constitutes >96 but ≤98% of the total cost of cashew value addition. The average net income from 1 kg of value-added cashew products is profitable with cashew kernel yielding the highest net income (N2,724.4 (US $7.6) > cashew nut (N2,547.9 (US $7.1)) > both cashew products (N2,340.4 (US $6.5)). The benefit-cost ratios for 1 kg of value-added cashew nut and cashew kernel were slightly higher (1:1.4) respectively than that of both cashew products (1:1.3), suggesting that value-added cashew products deliver positive net income to the processors. Equally, the rate of returns (RORs) for 1 kg of value-added cashew products yield the highest (38.1%) in cashew kernel > cashew nut (37.4%) > both cashew products (34.1%). The coefficient of dispersion (COD) in revenue and cost of value-added products shows the least risk in cashew kernel (0.097) and the highest risk in both cashew products (0.122). The study provides empirical evidence for potential small and medium-scale investors to make an informed investment decision about value addition to cashew products. It is recommended that government should encourage people to engage in value addition to cashew products because of its high rate of return, and assist processors with credit to procure modern processing equipment to enhance profitability and income generation.

Organizational Effectiveness of Brewing Firms in South East Zone of Nigeria: Exploring the relative importance of Dynamic Capabilities

This study was conducted to investigate the relative importance of dynamic capabilities on the organizational effectiveness of brewing firms in the South East Zone of Nigeria. The survey research design was used in the conduct of the study. The population was 204 and sample size 135 determined through Taro Yamen’s (1967) sample size determination formula. The questionnaire used in the study achieved 76.47% response rate. Data analysis was done with regression method.Findings of the study indicated that dynamic capabilities had a significant positive influence on organizational effectiveness of brewing firms in South East Zone of Nigeria; It was also revealed thatreconfiguration capability had the most important influence(Beta =0.406, t=2.904, p<0.05), learning capability came second (Beta 0.217, t=2.211, p<0.05) and sensing capabilitythird(Beta =0.039, t=2.179, p<0.05). It was recommended that brewing firms in South East Zone of Nigeria should give attention to formulating and implementing their strategies for organizational effectiveness in line with findings made in this study.

Effect of Computer-Based Programmed Instructional Strategy on Tertiary Institution Students’ Retention in Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the effect of computer-based programmed instructional strategy (CBPIS) on tertiary institutions students’ retention in Nigeria with the intention of proffering solution to the evident need to improve tertiary students’ low retention of knowledge. Three research questions and hypotheses guided the study. The study was delimited to Year two cost accounting students in the tertiary institutions in the South East zone of Nigeria. It adopted the Quasi-experimental design of pre-test, post-test non-randomized control group. Two (2) universities were simple randomly sampled for the experiment. The sampled universities were divided into two groups again by simple random sampling, one university in each group. One of the groups comprised 45 students of both gender and was used as the treatment group. The other group made up of 31 students of both gender used as the control group. All the classes used in the experiment were intact classes. The instructional package developed for the treatment group was a teaching procedure that made use of the computer-based instructional strategy while another teaching procedure that used the conventional teaching strategy was the package for the control group. The instrument for data collection was a 50-item multiple choice Cost Accounting Achievement Test (CAAT), which was face and content validated by three experts in measurement and evaluation and cost accounting experts. The reliability was tested using Kuder Richardson 20 (K-R20) estimate of reliability with a coefficient of internal consistency of 0.89 and test re test estimate of reliability with the coefficient of stability of 0.84. Data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions while the three null hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. Based on the data analysis, the result revealed that students taught Cost Accounting using computer-based programmed instructional strategy had significantly higher retention scores than the control group taught with conventional lecture method. The study revealed that there were no gender differences on students’ retention in Cost Accounting. Also there was no interaction effect of treatments and gender on students’ knowledge retention in Cost Accounting. The implication of the study is that Computer-based Programmed Instructional Strategy enhances students’ interaction with the learning environment which in turn helps to sustain students’ interest in learning and consequently improve students’ retention generally. It was recommended based on the findings that (i) Every Department in the tertiary institutions should be firm in ensuring that newly admitted students come along with their computer systems for effective implementation of this strategy. (ii)Lecturers and students were advised to adopt computer-base programmed instructional strategy in the teaching/learning of cost accounting and all other courses studied in the tertiary institutions. (iii) A software that can centrally monitor its usage should also be developed by software designers to guard against inappropriate application of this strategy by the students. Keywords: Computer-based Instructional Strategy, Cost Accounting, Achievement, gender and Tertiary Institutions DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-18-09 Publication date: June 30 th 2022

PARENTING STYLES AS DETERMINANT OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

This study examined the relationship between parenting style and sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents in the South East Zone of Nigeria. The population of this study comprised 137, 095 in-school adolescents in senior secondary II in public secondary schools. The sample of the study was 1200 senior secondary II in-school adolescents. Three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated for the study and the study adopted a correlation survey design. Two instruments, namely: Parenting Style Questionnaire (PSQ) with a reliability coefficient of 0.66; and Sexual Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ) with a reliability coefficient of 0.78 were developed by the researcher and used for data collection in the study. The research questions in the study were answered using mean, standard deviation, simple regression analysis while t-test and multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result obtained indicated that the parenting styles to which in-school adolescents were exposed are authoritative, authoritarian and permissive. In-school adolescents’ sexual behaviour in South East Nigeria are an attraction to their opposite sex and enjoying sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol, among others; There exists a direct positive relationship between parenting styles and sexual behaviour of adolescents and a weak variation in sexual behaviour of adolescents is attributed to parenting style; inference drawn from hypothesis one indicated that parenting style has no significant relationship with the sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others, that more counsellors should be employed, retained and empowered to help in-school adolescents regulate their engagement with peers and sexual behaviour.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0982/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PEER INFLUENCE AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

This study examined the relationship between peer influence and sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents in South East Zone of Nigeria. The population of this study comprised 137, 095 in-school adolescents in senior secondary II in public secondary schools. The sample of the study was 1200 senior secondary II in-school adolescents. Three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated for the study and the study adopted correlation survey design. Two instruments, namely: Peer Influence Questionnaire (PIQ) with reliability coefficient of 0.76 and Sexual Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ) with reliability coefficient of 0.78 were developed by the researcher and used for data collection in the study. The research questions in the study were answered using mean, standard deviation, simple regression analysis while t-test was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The result obtained indicated what constitutes peer influence for in-school adolescents as making friends on Facebook and doing homework with friends of opposite sex, among others; In-school adolescents’ sexual behaviour in South East Nigeria are attraction to their opposite sex and enjoying sexual intercourse under the influence of alcohol, among others. There exists a direct positive relationship between peer influence and sexual behaviour of adolescents, and a weak contribution of peer influence on sexual behaviour of in-school adolescents. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended among others, that more counsellors should be employed, retained and empowered to help in-school adolescents regulate their engagement with peers and sexual behaviour.
 
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Voltage Stability Analysis of Nigerian 330kV Power Grid using Static P-V Plots

Nigeria power system has been experiencing total or partial system failures in recent times and voltage instability is a strong factor. The paper seeks to perform the voltage stability analysis, based on static P-V plots, on buses located around and within the South East zone of Nigeria. An injection group containing generators to serve as the source and a sink group as loads to be monitored are created. The generators are assumed to be within their min/max MW limits. The load is increased in the sink group as well as in the source group to maintain the same generation/load balance. Load power and bus voltages (P-V) curves are plotted on the load busbars and the first busbar to reach the voltage collapse and MW transfer limit are determined. From the results obtained, at a load of 100 MW, Makurdi bus recorded a voltage of 0.9301 pu which is already below the regulatory standards of ±5% of the nominal line voltage. It entered the region of instability at a load of 245 MW. This created a situation of system instability and a possible partial system collapse. Subsequently, at a load of 260 MW, the system clearly entered unstable region giving rise to partial system collapse of the network.

Cooking and functional properties of parboiled milled local rice marketed in the south-east zone of Nigeria

Imported rice is perceived to have better cooking properties than locally grown rice in Nigeria and it has increased its market share while reducing patronage for local rice. Rice in Nigeria has many applications, including consumption as whole cooked grain or dumpling or use as an adjunct in making beverages. Eighteen varieties of parboiled milled local rice and three imported rice varieties, coded Ip1, Ip2 and Ip3, were studied for their cooking and functional properties using standard methods. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase in the dimensions of all the rice varieties when cooked. There was a 25 g increase in the grain weight and an elongation ratio of more than 1.26 in all the rice varieties. Ghesua had the highest cooked grain weight (68.67 g) while Omor-Mas (6.00) and R-Bus (6.00) had the highest volume expansion ratio (VER). The VER was more than 3.00 for all the rice varieties. All the local rice varieties imbibed less water (17.67-25.33 ml) compared to the imported rice varieties (26.00-27.67ml) before they reached their optimum cooking time. The imported rice varieties were of soft gel consistency (89.67-73.50 mm) and intermediate amylose content (20.71-23.14 %) while the local rice varied in amylose and gel consistency. Abakiliki-Mas (27.00 mm) and R-8 (33.67 mm) were of hard gel-consistency, intermediate (21.11 %) and high amylose (27.21 %) content respectively and have not been exploited although they would be appropriate for making canned rice, dry mixes and rice-noodles.

Estimating Multidimensional Poverty among Cassava Producers in Nigeria: Patterns and Socioeconomic Determinants

The scourge of poverty, including its correlates, has been witnessing an incremental sequence over the years in Nigeria despite the natural endowment of the country. Efforts by various stakeholders to address this problem have not yielded tangible results. Using cross-sectional data collected in 2015 on 775 cassava farmers spread across four geographical zones, this study estimates multidimensional poverty of cassava producers in Nigeria. This is to determine the factors responsible for poverty increase and contribution(s) of these factors to poverty. The study found that about 74% of the respondents were multidimensionally poor. Assets and public/housing utility were the main contributors to aggregate multidimensional poverty index (MPI), while education and health contributed most to povertyreduction. The results also showed major contributing indicators to MPI to be formal employment, school enrolment, years of schooling, frequency of hospital visits, and household assets’ ownership. The South-eastzone of Nigeria had the highest adjusted headcount of poverty among cassava producers. The estimated coefficient of age, farming experience, years of schooling, household size, and access to informal credit were significant determinants of poverty in the study area. In conclusion, the results suggest that although Nigeria is a federation of more than 30 states that continue to rely on nation-wide policy initiatives of the central government, policies on cassava aiming to lift millions of people out of poverty should instead vary according to the peculiar poverty dimensions of each federation unit. We suggest reform in the agriculture sector that will emphasize facilitation and access to incentives (credits, training, extension, cooperate system, etc.) by younger farmers to engage in modern cassava farming, thereby, enhancing the chances of rural cassava growers to move out of poverty.

Resistance status of Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) to four commonly used insecticides for malaria vector control in South-East Nigeria

BackgroundProgress made in the control of malaria vectors globally is largely due to the use of insecticides. However, success in the fight against malaria has slowed down or even stalled due to a host of factors including insecticide resistance. The greatest burden of the disease is felt in Africa, particularly Nigeria. Unfortunately, adequate information on insecticide resistance is lacking in many parts of the country, particularly the South-East Zone. Hence, this study aims to bridge the information gap in the Zone.MethodsThe study was conducted from April to December 2016. Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) larvae and pupae were collected from one community each, in the five states of the South-East Zone and reared to the adult stage. The adults were subjected to bioassays for insecticide resistance in accordance with the World Health Organization test procedures, across the four classes of insecticides used in public health. The mosquitoes were also subjected to molecular identification to the species level, and genotyped for West African knockdown resistance mutation (L1014F) and insensitive acetylcholinesterase-1 resistance mutation (G119S).ResultsThe mosquitoes were susceptible (100%) to bendiocarb but resistant to pirimiphos-methyl (39.6%), deltamethrin (57%) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) (13%). Molecular analysis revealed that only An. gambiae (sensu stricto) was found in all the states except for Ebonyi, where only Anopheles coluzzii was present. High frequencies (0.6–0.9) of the L1014F mutation were found across the zone. The L1014F mutation was significantly higher in An. gambiae (s.s.) than in An. coluzzii (P < 0.0001). A relatively low frequency (0.2) of the G119S mutation was found in An. coluzzii, and only in Ebonyi State.ConclusionThe results show that mosquitoes collected from the South-East Zone of Nigeria were resistant to all insecticides used, except for bendiocarb. The presence of L1014F and G119S resistance mutations reported in this study calls for urgent attention to stop the growing threat of insecticide resistance in the country.

Benchmark for Partnership in Human and Material Resources Provision for Adult Education Programmes in the South-East Zone of Nigeria

Partnership is an approach used for effective human and material resources provision among agencies and partners based on democratic principles of understanding in pursuit of a common goal. Adult education programmes are provided by the government, Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) and donor agencies. Yet adult education seems to suffer from a dearth of human and material resources due to a loose partnership framework among government NGOs and donor agencies. Hence the need to provide a benchmark for partnership among government, NGOs and donor agencies in the provision of human and material resources. Adopting a descriptive survey research design, the instrument was administered to 3202 subjects consisting of sixty-two proprietors of NGOs adult education centres, five directors of state agencies of mass literacy adult and Non-formal education, fifteen coordinators of donor agencies and 3120 adult education instructors. The data was presented using frequencies, percentages, means, standard derivations and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The study revealed that NGOs have to submit quarterly the record of their staff strength to state agencies for mass literacy adult and non-formal education for resource planning and that development of materials in multi-language can be achieved through collaborated efforts of stakeholders. Thus, the study recommended, among others, that state agencies for mass literacy, adult and non-formal education, NGOs and donor agencies should cooperate to organize conferences for capacity development and instructors and development material in multi-language for adult learners.

Investigation of burnout syndrome among electrical and building technology undergraduate students in Nigeria.

Background:The investigation of burnout among undergraduate students is yet to receive the same amount of attention as burnout in employees. Despite the negative effects of burnout among students, there is dearth of literature on burnout problem among electrical and building technology undergraduate students. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the burnout levels and the effect of rational-emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on symptoms of burnout among electrical and building technology undergraduate students in South–East zone of Nigeria.Method:A group randomized trial design involving a treatment group versus no-treatment group was adopted for this study. One hundred fifty four undergraduate students of electrical and building technology who met the study's inclusion criteria were selected from public universities in the South–East zone of Nigeria. The intervention consisted of 10 weeks of REBT treatment and 8 weeks of follow-up meetings conducted at 4 months. A self-report questionnaire was used for data collection. Repeated-measures analysis of variance, paired sample t test, and Chi-Squared were used for data analysis.Results:The outcome indicated that the levels of burnout syndrome among the students are high and REBT had a significant effect on the symptoms of burnout syndrome among the electrical and building technology students in the treatment group compared to their counterparts in the no-treatment group. Finally, the positive gains were significantly maintained by the treatment group at follow-up.Conclusion:The current study suggests that an REBT program can be effective for dealing with burnout syndrome among the population of undergraduate students of electrical and building technology in Nigeria.

The Management Challenge of Sustaining Competitive Advantage through Innovation in Nigerian Business Environment

Organizational learning refers to the sum total of individual and collective learning through training programs, experience, experimentation and work interactions within the organization. Thus, sustainable competitive advantage is the ability to offer superior customer value on an enduring or consistent basis, a situation in which competitors are unable to easily imitate the firm's capacity for value creation. It is worrisome that most literary works have not clearly linked organizational learning with sustainable competitive advantages, as is the case with intellectual capacity (knowledge-based resources) using the resource-based view of the firm. A survey approach was the research design used with particular reference to the South East Zone of Nigeria. Findings revealed that organizational innovation leads to sustained competitive advantage. The Z-statistic value with the corresponding probability value confirms that the organization to a large extent draws its competitive strength jointly from the following factors: creation of new products, changes in way of production, changes in architecture of production, improved ways of sourcing supplies, opening new market opportunities, providing goods and services that others are not yet offering or are not able to copy, being able to offer products of comparable quality at a lower price, maintaining a configuration of resources and capabilities that cannot easily be imitated by competitors, being able to attract customers from competitors due to a positive corporate image and encouraging employees to improve their personal skills. The results total Z-scores in absolute term shows that the listed factors pose challenges to the organization in the process of achieving sustainable competitive advantage through innovation. For further justification, we proceed to their joint significant analysis adopting the one sample Z-test. The proxies employed in this study for the measurement of sustainability agreed with resource-based view strategies on sustainability of competitive advantage in an unstable business environment.