South-South Geopolitical Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

Effects of Inflation on the Rate of Returns of Commercial Real Estate Investment in South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Commercial real estate investment returns have now taken on a greater significance in the development of the economy of any nation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of inflation on the rate of returns in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. In order to attain the stated aim, the following objectives were set; to examine the inflationary trend in the study area; to determine the rate of returns of commercial properties in the study area and to establish a relationship between the inflation rate and rate of returns of commercial properties in the study area. The research employed the survey design. The independent variable was the inflation rate while the dependent variable was the rate of returns. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis of the data, with the help of the SPSS and Microsoft Excel software. Primary data for this research was obtained from Estate Surveyors and Valuers in the study area through questionnaire survey. The data comprising rental and capital values of commercial real estate was subsequently translated to returns using the Holding Period Returns formula. Similarly, secondary data about inflation rates for the period between 2014 and 2023 were collected from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The research adopted the stratified random sampling technique to divide the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria into six (6) strata: each stratum representing each state and the data used for the research were analysed using simple linear regression model. The research found out that there was a persistent year-to-year rise in the rate of inflation. The research also found out that the highest return rate was observed in Bayelsa in 2014 when the rate of inflation was the lowest at 8.05%. On the other hand, in 2022, the lowest return was recorded in Edo State as 10.20 when the inflation rate rose to 18.85%. The study also presented the result of a simple linear regression analysis conducted between the actual inflation rates and the rate of returns of each of the six states. The study concluded that there was a statistically significant relationship between inflation rate and rate of return of commercial properties in each of the six states constituting the south-south geopolitical zones of Nigeria. The investment information provided in this study has significant implications for both local and foreign investors desiring to invest in the Nigerian commercial real estate market.

Sexual Victimization among female Secondary School Students in South-South Zone of Nigeria

The purpose of this study was to examine sexual victimization among female secondary school students in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria. To achieve this aim, four (4) research questions and four (4) null hypotheses were formulated and tested. A survey research design was adopted for the study, and data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire that contained 33 items. A total of three thousand, two hundred and eighty (3280) secondary school students responded to the instrument. The data gathered were analyzed using the mean and standard deviation to answer research questions, and an independent t-test and an ANOVA were used to test the hypothesis at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings from this study, among others, revealed that female secondary school students in the study area are sexually victimized. This sexual victimization of these secondary school students has affected them psychologically, socially, and physically in terms of their academic pursuits and how they relate to others in the school environment and society at large. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the federal and state governments pass a law that could bring to book all the perpetrators of sexual victimization, and the victims of sexual victimization should be able to report anyone who has attempted to victimize them.
 
 Received: 10 January 2023 / Accepted: 25 February 2024 / Published: 6 March 2024

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills as Correlate of Business Education Lecturers’ Instructional Effectiveness in Colleges of Education in South-South Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

This study examined ICT Skills as correlate of business education lecturers’ instructional effectiveness in Colleges of Education in South-South Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria. Six specific purposes, research questions and null hypotheses guided the study. The design chosen for the study was correlational research design. The population of the study comprised one hundred and seventy-three (173) business educators in seven (7) colleges of education in the study area. ICT Skills Test (IST) and the Instructional Effectiveness Questionnaire (IEQ) were used to collect data for the study. The instruments were validated by three experts and tested for reliability using K-R 20 for ICT skills Test (IST) and Cronbach Alpha coefficient for Instructional Effectiveness Questionnaire (IEQ). The result for ICT Skill Test using K-R 20 was 0.97 and that of Instructional Effectiveness Questionnaire, using Cronbach Alpha coefficient was 0.91. Data collected from the respondents were analysed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (r) to answer the research questions, while the null hypotheses were tested using t-test associated with simple regression. Findings of the research questions revealed that word processing and database management skills have high positive correlation with business education lecturers’ instructional effectiveness. Findings of the research hypotheses indicated the following: There is a significant relationship between word processing skills and business education lecturers’ instructional effectiveness and there is a significant relationship between database management skills and business education lecturers’ instructional effectiveness. The educational implication of the study is that skills are needed to efficiently use at least the elementary functions of ICT in instructional effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial for institutions operating business education programmes to recognize the importance of ICT skills and provide ample support and resources to their lecturers in order to ensure their instructional effectiveness in the digital era. It was recommended among others that institutions of learning through its ICT unit should offer workshops and seminars to help lecturers stay updated with the latest advancements in ICT skills such as word processing and database management skills.

Components of Preservation and Availability of Information Resources in Academic Libraries in South-South Geo-Political Region, Nigeria

The paper studied preservation and availability of information resources in academic libraries in south-south geo-political region, Nigeria. The study was hinged on correlational research design. The population of the study was culled from three academic libraries in the South-South Geopolitical region of Nigeria, namely Donald Ekong Library, University of Port Harcourt, Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan and Nnamdi Azikiwe Library, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 87 respondents. 84 (97%) respondents provided complete response. Data were collected, arranged and analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings show that preservation techniques of preventive preservation, passive preservation, active preservation and restorative preservation have significant relationship with the availability of library resources with active preservation having the highest significant relationship in academic libraries in south-south geopolitical zone in Nigeria. Consequently, it was recommended that libraries should engage in active preservation its collection and to ensure availability of library resources.

Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus Among Adult Population Within a Southern Nigerian Community

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries, driven by factors like rapid population growth, urbanization, obesity, and physical inactivity. In the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria, the pooled prevalence is 9.8%. This study focused on assessing the prevalence of DM in the Rumuomasi community in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Method: 199 persons participated in this cross-sectional study using convenience sampling carried out at an outreach by GoodHeart and Life Support Initiative in November 2023 at the Rumuomasi community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers state, Nigeria as part of the World Diabetes Day. Fasting blood glucose were collected using two validated glucometers (Kiptrack blood glucose monitor) with a timing of 10 seconds and analyzed descriptively. Results: Out of 199 participants (63 males, 136 females), this study found a 6.53% diabetes prevalence (13 individuals), mostly in the 41-60 age group (n=7) and >60 age group (n=5). Despite this, the majority had normal fasting blood glucose. Pre-diabetes was present in 5.53% of the population. Conclusion: The prevalence of DM in this community (6.53%) was lower than the earlier reported of 6.8% in Port Harcourt in 2003 and 9.0% in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. This could be as a result of increasing diabetic – awareness programmes. Enlightenment campaigns on routine glucose checks, campaigns highlighting the value of a traditional lifestyle, particularly with regard to diet should be carried out more often.

Provision of emergency obstetric care: Midwives' knowledge and involvement in rural health facilities of Cross River State, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Maternal Mortality (MM) in Nigeria is greatest in rural regions where access to emergency obstetric care (EmOC) services is hampered by a number of circumstances. Delay in obtaining prompt and proper care in obstetric emergency situations is a significant factor in poor mother outcomes. It is based on this premise that the researchers examined midwives' knowledge and involvement regarding provision of emergency obstetric care in rural health facilities of Cross River State. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design; a total population study of all ninety-four midwives who worked in maternal health care facilities in rural areas of CRS was utilised. Cross River state is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria, named after the Cross River, which passes through the state, located in the Niger Delta and occupies 20,156 square kilometers A self-developed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument was pre-tested for reliability and result showed the reliability index ranging from 0.70 to 0.82. Quantitative data collected was analysed using Pearson product moment correlation test at 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: The research findings revealed midwives' level of knowledge on emergency obstetric care in rural health facilities of CRS was significantly high, majority of the participants had provided some aspects of essential emergency obstetric care. The result of hypotheses revealed a significant relationship between knowledge and provision of EmOC amongst the midwives (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Based on this, it was recommended that appropriate strategies such as on the job training\ supportive supervision, refresher training and mentorship should also be ensured to enhance midwives' capacity in emergency obstetric care. Finally, there is need for Community involvement/enlightenment, motivating traditional birth attendants and integrating them into maternal health care system.

Unemployment and Cybercrime in South-East and South-South Geo-Political Zones of Nigeria: An Analytical Study

This study examined the dynamics of the emerging problem of unemployment and cybercrime in South-East and South-South Geo-Political Zones in Nigeria. The study is an explorative study that is based on secondary data; the data were discussed with thematic content analysis. The paper analytically examined;The Relationship between Unemployment and Cybercrime in South- Eastern and South-South Geo-Political Zones in Nigeria; Reported cases of cybercrime in South- East and South-South Geo-Political Zones in Nigeria and Consequences of Cybercrime in South- East and South-South Geo-Political Zones in Nigeria. This paper adopted both Robert K. Merton’s Strain Theory (1938) and Donald McClelland Theory of Needs (1961). The discussion showed that cybercrime is very high in South-East and South-South Geo-Political Zones especially in Imo state, Rivers State and Edo State. The discussion also showed that unemployment leads most youths to engage in cybercrime. Therefore, the article recommended for creation of jobs, cyber security amongst others as possible solutions to reducing cybercrime in Nigeria.

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Facilities in Teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria

The study assessed the use of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in teaching Financial Accounting in Federal Colleges of Education in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. 2 research questions guided the study and were examined while 2 hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised 239 male and female Financial Accounting lecturers with accounting education background. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 169 representative sample for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Information and Communication Technology in Teaching Financial Accounting Questionnaire (ICTITFAQ)” validated by two experts. Mean statistic was used to analyze data descriptively while independent sample t-test was used to test the formulated null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed among others that accounting educators (lecturers) utilize, to large extent, accounting software and telecommunication facilities to teach financial accounting in colleges of education in South-South zone of Nigeria. The results further showed no significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators (lecturers) use computer software facilities, and telecommunication facilities in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria. However, a significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators use internet in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria in favour of Federal Colleges of Education. It was recommended that Federal and State governments should intensify efforts to buy relevant software packages for teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges.

Impact of Information and Communication Technology Facilities in Teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria

The study assessed the use of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities in teaching Financial Accounting in Federal Colleges of Education in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. 2 research questions guided the study and were examined while 2 hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised 239 male and female Financial Accounting lecturers with accounting education background. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 169 representative sample for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Information and Communication Technology in Teaching Financial Accounting Questionnaire (ICTITFAQ)” validated by two experts. Mean statistic was used to analyze data descriptively while independent sample t-test was used to test the formulated null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the study revealed among others that accounting educators (lecturers) utilize, to large extent, accounting software and telecommunication facilities to teach financial accounting in colleges of education in South-South zone of Nigeria. The results further showed no significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators (lecturers) use computer software facilities, and telecommunication facilities in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria. However, a significant difference in the mean response scores on the extent to which Accounting Educators use internet in teaching Financial Accounting between Federal and State Colleges of Education in the South-South Nigeria in favour of Federal Colleges of Education. It was recommended that Federal and State governments should intensify efforts to buy relevant software packages for teaching Financial Accounting in Colleges

Development and Evaluation of Instructional Video for Teaching Technical Drawing in Nigerian Universities.

This study developed and evaluated instructional video for teaching Technical Drawing to Technical education students in Nigerian Universities and also tried out to know if this teaching strategy affects students’ performance. Four research questions and one hypothesis were used for the study. The study adopted Research and Development (R&D) design for production of the video and One-group Pretest-Posttest Design to test the students’ performance. The population of this study comprised of 154 final year students and 58 lecturers in Technical Education Department from five public Universities in South-South geopolitical zone in Nigeria from which 100 students and 10 Technical Drawing lecturers were selected for the study through purposive sampling technique. To collect data for the study, the researchers developed instructional video and was faced and content validated by five experts using 40-item structured questionnaire. The student's performance was measured through 20-item pretest and posttest multiple-choice type of test. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument which gave a value of .86. A five-point rating scale was provided for the respondents to make their responses on the research questions. The research questions were analyzed using Mean and standard deviation while t-test was used to test the hypothesis at .05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that the contents, specific objectives, instructional methods, materials, learners’ task and evaluation techniques of the developed instructional video are appropriate for teaching Technical Drawing to Technical education students in Nigerian universities. The study further revealed a significance difference between the students taught with the video and students taught without the video. Therefore, the null hypothesis was rejected. The researchers recommend among others that the video can be a supplementary material fo

Principles of Law Instructional Module for Teaching TVET Students in Nigerian Colleges of Education

This study developed and validated instructional module for teaching principles of law to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students in Nigerian Colleges of Education. Four research questions and one hypothesis were used for the study. Research and Development design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised of 832 TVET students in five Colleges of Education in South-South geopolitical zone in Nigeria and 200 final year students were purposively sampled for the study. 82-item structured questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was faced and content validated by three experts and Cronbach alpha statistics was used to determine the reliability coefficient of the instrument which gave a value of .84. A four- point rating scale was provided for the respondents to make their responses on the research questions. The research questions were analyzed using Mean and standard deviation while independent t-test was used to test the hypothesis at .05 level of significance. Findings of the study revealed that the contents, specific objectives, instructional methods, materials and evaluation techniques of the developed principles of law instructional module are highly appropriate for teaching TVET students in Nigerian Colleges of Education. The study recommended among others that the National Commission for Colleges of Education should adopt the developed principles of law instructional module for teaching TVET students in Nigerian Colleges of Education.

Nephroprotective effect of Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaf extract in paracetamol-induced toxicity in Wistar rats: A histopathological investigation

Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaf is among the most commonly consumed leafy vegetables in west African sub-region. In South-East and South-South geopolitical zones of Nigeria, it is used for treatment of various health disorder such as headaches, pains, fever, convulsions, and respiratory disorders. This study was aimed at evaluating the possible effect of ethanol leaf extract of Pterocarpus mildbraedii on paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty (20) Wistar rats weighing between 190 – 240 g were used for this study and divided into five (5) groups, each group having four (4) animals, described as follows; Group A was given distilled water only (positive control). Group B was given 700 mg/kg paracetamol with no treatment (negative control); Group C was given 700 mg/kg paracetamol and treated with 60 mg/kg of plant extract. Group D was given 700 mg/kg paracetamol and treated with 30 mg/kg of plant extract. Group E given 700 mg/kg of paracetamol and treated with 15 mg/kg of plant extract. At the end of the four (4) weeks of treatment, the kidneys were removed, weighed and sacrificed for histological examinations. Coronal sections of the kidney tissues were immersion fixed in 10 % PBS-buffered formalin and embedded in paraffin. The results obtained revealed a normal cellular architecture in the groups treated with the leaf extract. Conclusively, the result suggests protective effects of ethanol extract of P. mildbraedii leaf on the paracetamol-induced toxicity on the kidney cells.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Perceptions of Nigerian Secondary School Students towards Persistent Teacher Strikes: Analyzing Causes, Government Actions, and Teachers' Engagement

Teacher strikes have been a persistent issue in Nigeria, causing significant disruptions to the education system and negatively impacting students' learning outcomes. This study aims to examine the perceptions of Nigerian students regarding the causes of teacher strikes, the government's response, and the teachers' interest in strike actions. A random sample of 25 schools in Bayelsa state, located in the south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria, was selected for this cross-sectional study. A total of 200 senior secondary students were randomly recruited to complete a questionnaire. The findings reveal that the majority of students attribute the causes of teacher strikes to delayed salary payments and other factors. Additionally, students hold a highly negative perception of the government's actions in response to strikes, perceiving a lack of attention and responsiveness. Students believe that the government has become desensitized to the impact of these strikes. Furthermore, the study suggests that students view teachers as beneficiaries of the strike, utilizing the opportunity to engage in private businesses, travel, and pursue further studies. Based on the study's results, it is concluded that students perceive teachers as having personal gains from the strikes. The study offers recommendations to address the issue of incessant strikes and change students' perceptions. These recommendations aim to reduce the occurrence of strikes and foster a more positive perception of teachers and the government's response to strike actions. In conclusion, this research underscores the need for proactive measures to address the causes of strikes and improve government intervention, while also addressing students' perceptions and fostering a conducive learning environment.

ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: EVIDENCE FROM SMES IN SOUTH-SOUTH GEOPOLITICAL ZONE, NIGERIA

In the entrepreneurship literature, there are limited empirical studies that had assessed the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and competitive advantage as well as the entrepreneurial orientation variable influencing competitive advantage the most in Nigeria. In line with the above, this study examined the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and competitive advantage of SMEs in south-south geopolitical zone, Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey design was adopted and two hundred (200) questionnaires were administered on SMEs employees in south-south geopolitical zone, Nigeria. Four (4) entrepreneurial orientation dimensions were identified namely market, resource, innovation and strategic orientations. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts, simple percentage, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values, Pearson correlation), post-estimation statistics (variance inflation factor), and inferential statistics (factor analysis). Foremost, the Pearson correlation revealed that there is a positive relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and competitive advantage. Interestingly, the factor analysis result revealed that innovative orientation is the most significant entrepreneurial orientation variable influencing competitive advantage; this was accompanied by strategic orientation, resource orientation, and the least, market orientation. The findings of the study will help SMEs in south-south geopolitical zone of Nigeria to be more entrepreneurial-oriented and develop good competitive advantage that will enable them grow, survive and succeed the extremely competitive business landscape.
 Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Market orientation, Innovative Orientation, Resource Orientation, Strategic Orientation, Competitive Advantage.

Determinants of Customer Switching Behaviour in Mobile Telecommunication Industry in South-South Nigeria

The study examined the determinants of customers’ switching behaviour in mobile telecommunications industry in South-South Nigeria. The main objective of the study was to explore the factors influencing customers’ switching behaviour in the mobile telecommunications industry and in specific terms, determine whether price, reputation, service quality, promotional package and switching cost did have a significant and positive influence on customers’ switching behaviour. The unit of analysis comprised 400 mobile telecommunication subscribers drawn from six cities in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study units were selected using a proportionate stratified sampling technique and the data obtained from the process were analysed with descriptive statistic using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 software. Conceptual hypothesized relationships involving the independent and dependent variables formulated from the research model were tested with multiple regression analysis technique. The findings of the study revealed that reputation, service quality, promotional package and switching cost had a strong and positive relationship with customers’ switching behaviour but price and involuntary switching seemed to have the least significant relationship. It showed that those factors were very important determinants of customers’ decision to switch from one mobile telecommunications provider to another except price and involuntary switching as earlier stated. The key recommendations from the study were that managers of mobile telecommunications companies should develop proper pricing strategies that were remarkably different in terms of moderate call rates and data charges to prevent customer switching. Secondly, plans could be put in place by management that would encourage the development of trust and confidence through the provision of timely quality services and ensure good network coverage. Finally, managers should ensure that promotional campaigns were aimed at building relationships. In conclusion, it is quite important that managers should have adequate knowledge of the determinants of customers’ switching behaviour established in the study so as to put in place preventive measures that will enhance customers’ retention of improved sales and profitability. The study made a significant contribution by identifying customers’ perceptions of marketing variables that could affect switching.

Perceived Influence of Digital Competence on Knowledge Sharing Behaviour of College Librarians in the South-East and South-South Geo-Political Zones of Nigeria

Knowledge and the competence to share it in the digital age have become potent tools for the attainment of competitive advantage and sustainable development in organizations and institutions of learning. This awareness has necessitated the need to embark on a study with the main objective of determining how digital competence variables influence the knowledge sharing behaviour of librarians in college libraries in the South–East and South–South of Nigeria. The research was supported by the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Survey research method was used to investigate a sample of 264 librarians. A validated and structured questionnaire with a correlation coefficient of 0.92 was used to collect data for the research through the census method. A response rate of 82% (217) was received and analysed. Findings reveal that librarians in college libraries possess the ability to use and manipulate a broad range of digital devices like smart phones, tablets, lap/desk tops; have a working knowledge of the World Wide Web (www); use social media platforms to maintain workplace collaboration; and use popular library application software packages. The study concludes that librarians in the institutions studied have shown significant skills in the use of ICT in their knowledge sharing behaviour and therefore should be sustained. The research recommends amongst others regular ICT training, workshops and conferences to enhance the knowledge sharing behaviour of the librarians and the creation of digital platforms and infrastructure for knowledge creation and sharing for professional and institutional ranking and visibility. Keywords: Digital Competence, Knowledge Sharing Behaviour, College Librarians, Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/IKM/13-3-03 Publication date: March 31 st 2023

Assessment of Social Factors and Promiscuity Among The Secondary School Students in South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Assessment of Social Factors and Promiscuity Among The Secondary School Students in South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

Influence of Geographical Location on Key Nutritional Properties of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Pulp

Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) which was only cultivated in Northern Nigeria in the past, is now cultivated in other parts of Nigeria. However, there is no data to show the nutritional quality of C. lanatus as it relates to the location of cultivation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional properties of the pulp of Citrullus lanatus cultivated in four states, representing four geopolitical regions of Nigeria. C. lanatus samples were collected from the northeast, southwest, southeast and south-south geopolitical zones of Nigeria. They were thoroughly washed, then the pulp was separated, homogenized and freeze-dried. The amino acid profile, vitamins, proximate and mineral analyses of the freeze-dried samples were done by standard protocols. The amino acid profile results showed the presence of varied amino acids in the different zones, with the southwest giving the highest concentrations of the amino acids and the least concentration obtained from the south-south zone. The presence of vitamin C and A, and the minerals: Ca, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Pb, and Mn were detected in the pulp of C. lanatus at diverse concentrations in the various zones, with samples from the southwest zone also giving the highest composition of both vita by mins and mineral contents. The proximate composition analysis results revealed a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of moisture, protein and fiber from the southwest sample when compared with other zones, and higher (p < 0.05) percentage composition of carbohydrate, ash and fat contents from the northeast samples relative to other zones. Thus, the nutritional value of the C. lanatus samples was in the order: Southwest > northeast > southeast > south-south. Conclusively, the results showed that the location of cultivation affects the nutritional value of Citrullus lanatus fruit.

Information identification skills and research output of academic librarians in universities in South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria

This study investigated the relationship between information identification skills and the research output of academic librarians in universities in the South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria with a corresponding specific objective, research question, and research hypothesis. To effectively drive the study two theories were adopted. The theory of social-cultural learning for the independent variable (information identification skills), and the theory of self-efficacy for the dependent variable (research output of academic librarians). More so, a conceptual review of literature on information identification skills and research output was carried out and a specific empirical review of the literature with extrinsic similarity and dissimilarity to the study was also done. The study adopted the correlational research design as the research design while the study area was the South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. The population of the study comprised 252 academic librarians from 14 libraries and faculties. The census technique was used to select the research participants 252. The researcher-developed questionnaire entitled: “Information Identification Skills and the Research Output of Academic Librarians Questionnaire (IISROALQ)” was used to collect data while the reliability test results using the Cronbach Alpha formula in SPSS showed an average coefficient of .83 which signified that the instrument was reliable for the study. Data was collected from the various universities by the researchers and their trained assistants by following the requisite ethical procedures. The data collected was analysed using frequencies and percentages for the research question, while the test of hypothesis at ≤ 0.05 level of significance was carried out with the Chi-Square Test of Independence. The result showed that information identification skills have a positive significant relationship with the research output of academic librarians with p-value = 0.00, and Phi coefficient of 2.49 indicating a very large extent of a positive relationship. In conclusion, it was recommended that the National University commission should make proficient utilization of information literacy skills by academic librarians as part of the requirement to assess their suitability for performance within the scholarly communities. Also, the university management should give attention to constant information literacy skills programs to enhance the literacy skills of the academic staff to be able to produce quality and rich research output.

Collection Development Variables and Use of Library Materials in Academic Libraries in South-South Geo-political Zone of Nigeria

This study investigated the “relationship between collection development variables and use of library materials in academic libraries, in South-South, Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of this study, three research questions were raised, and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study”. Literatures related to the variables under study were reviewed; accordingly, the design for this study was ex-post facto design with a total population of 16620 students with a total of 800 as the sample for the study. This was done with the help of stratified and purposive random sampling techniques. The questionnaire titled: Collection Development Variables and Use of Library Materials in Academic Libraries Questionnaire (CDVULMALQ) was the instrument used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts in measurement and evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was established through the spilt-half method. A trial test gave reliability estimates of 069 to 086, and the hypotheses were tested at a .05 level of significance using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis. The results of the analysis revealed a significant relationship between acquisition, weeding, and preservation of library collection and the use of library materials. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that: Government should pay more attention to funding and acquisition of library materials for academic libraries.