South-South Geopolitical Zone Research Articles

Social Justice and Credible Leadership in the 21st Century University Leadership and Management

In this study we examined social justice and credible leadership in the 21st century university leadership and management. The research employed a correlational survey design. The population of the study comprised of academic staff of selected universities in the South-South geo political zone of Nigeria. The selected universities are University of Port Harcourt, University of Calabar, University of Delta, Niger Delta University, and University of Benin. The sample for the study comprised forty academic staff from each of the universities who were randomly selected after stratification. Out of the 240 questionnaires were distributed, only 214 copies were retrieved, of which 11 copies were invalid because some of the items were not answered, leaving the researcher with only 203(84.5%) response rate that were considered manageable for the data analysis. The study utilized a self-structured questionnaire titled Social Justice in Education Questionnaire (SJEQ) and Credible Leadership in University Management Questionnaire (CLUMQ), the Questionnaire consisted of three sections. Section ‘A’ gathered information on respondents demographic data, Section ‘B’ contained 15 items that addressed the research questions, and Section ‘C’ included 10 items that are related to Credible Leadership in University leadership and Management. Respondents rated items on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (Very Low Extent) to 4 (Very High Extent). Data collection was done from February to May 2024. The instrument underwent face and content validity by experts in measurement and evaluation in two Nigerian universities, and the internal consistency was verified using Cronbach's alpha and reliability indices of α = .872 and .789 were obtained respectively, the indices were considered very reliable. The questionnaires were administered with the help of two trained research assistants who assisted in ensuring instant retrieval of the instrument distribution to the selected academic staff members. Descriptive statistics: means and standard deviations were used to answer the research questions, while linear regression statistic was employed to test research hypotheses at .05 level of significance. The findings of this study revealed a positive relationship between social justice practices and leadership and management credibility in the 21st. The study concluded that the integration of social justice principles into leadership and management practices within university systems are essential. Amongst other things, the study recommended that University leaders should prioritize equitable resource allocation to ensure that all departments and programs receive the necessary resources to thrive.

Radiological classification of adult skulls using alveolar index among Nigerians residing within the south-south geopolitical zone

Radiological classification of adult skulls using alveolar index among Nigerians residing within the south-south geopolitical zone

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

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.

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.

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.

Knowledge, Attitude and Use of Contraceptives Among Women of Reproductive Age in a Nigerian Rural Community

BACKGROUND: The use of contraception, encompassing various methods such as hormonal pills, condoms, intrauterine devices, and natural techniques like abstinence, plays a pivotal role in family planning and reproductive health. Despite its importance, the utilization of contraceptives, particularly in low-resource nations like Nigeria, has remained notably low. This is concerning, considering the positive impact of contraception on maternal and child health and its contribution to national development by curbing population growth. In Nigeria, awareness of contraception is relatively high, but the adoption of modern contraceptive methods is alarmingly low, with only 10% of females utilizing them. This rate is notably insufficient given the high levels of sexual activity, especially among adolescents and young adults. Furthermore, regional disparities exist within Nigeria, with the south-south geopolitical zone exhibiting a higher prevalence of modern contraceptive use at 15.5%. Factors influencing contraceptive usage include education, religious beliefs, and awareness of available methods. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, the prevalence of modern contraceptives was notably higher at 36.8% in 2017, underscoring the impact of education and knowledge of contraceptive options. Increasing contraceptive use is crucial for Nigeria, a lower-middle-income country, as it not only aids in averting unplanned pregnancies and maternal mortality but also in controlling population growth. AIM: The study aimed to shed light on contraceptives' profound health advantages to both women and families. By investigating the knowledge, attitude, and use of contraceptives within the context of the study community, it sought to contribute to the promotion and enhancement of contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in the rural community of Sagbama, South-south Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among women of reproductive age, over a period of 3 months in Sagbama Community, Bayelsa state. Multi-stage sampling was employed. Data was obtained using interviewer-administered semi-structured 31-item questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Bivariate analysis with p-value <0.05 was significant. RESULTS: Among the 314 respondents, the mean age was 29.96 years. Nearly half were married (48.4%), with varying numbers of children. The majority had some form of education, with 46.8% having secondary education. Most respondents (95.9%) had heard of contraceptives, primarily from friends (76.4%) and hospitals (58%). The most well-known contraceptive methods were male condoms (95.9%), contraceptive pills (79.9%), and implants (72.3%). Positive attitudes toward contraceptive use were observed in 83.4% of respondents, driven by the desire to prevent unwanted pregnancies and space births (80.9%). Of sexually active women (81.4%), 53.3% used contraceptives, with male condoms (44%) and pills (15.7%) being the most common methods. Reasons for non-use included a perceived lack of need (28.6%) and fear of side effects (26.5%). CONCLUSION: Despite high knowledge levels, the use of contraceptives among women of reproductive age in the community was poor. Education and addressing misconceptions are essential to promote effective contraceptive use. Comprehensive health and sex education involving both men and women should be provided to dispel misconceptions and encourage correct contraceptive use.

Investigating the Relationship between Pre-service Social Studies Teachers Professional Knowledge and Motivational Orientation in Nigerian Universities

This research examines the relationship between the professional knowledge and motivational orientation of prospective Social Studies educators in South-South Nigerian public universities. Employing a survey design, the study encompasses a population of 866 pre-service Social Studies teachers across state and federal universities within the South-South geopolitical zone. A sample of 446 participants was drawn from the population. Data collection involved an achievement test measuring content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge, alongside a "Social Studies Pre-Service Teachers’ Motivational Orientation Questionnaire" comprising self-efficacy and interest sections. Descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviation addressed the research questions raised in the study, while the hypothesis formulated was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (r). Results unveiled a moderate, significantly positive correlation between professional knowledge and motivational orientation among pre-service Social Studies teachers. As an implication, the study underscores the potential predictive utility of professional knowledge in determining motivational orientation. This study makes significant contributions to the existing body of knowledge. One key finding is that pre-service Social Studies teachers in universities located in South-South Nigeria exhibit both high levels of professional knowledge and a strong motivational orientation. Furthermore, the study aligns with prior research by confirming a notable correlation between professional knowledge and motivational orientation.

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.

Ascertaining the Level of Psychological Effects of Delayed Menstrual Period among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in South-South, Nigeria

Menstrual period is a monthly activity that every woman who has attained the age of puberty experienced. It is a natural process and when it does not show or come, the woman in question will be worried and until the root cause of the delayed or stoppage is known and if possible, rectify the cause of the abnormally, the woman will not be happy. The aim of the study is Ascertaining the Level of Psychological Effects of Delayed Menstrual Period Among Female Students in Tertiary Institutions in South South, Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional study and a total of 250 female students within participated in the study. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed to each participant by the research assistant after consent was granted by the participants. The study was carried out in the six States that make up South-South Geopolitical Zones and it lasted for a period of 3 months. The findings revealed that 243(97.20%) of the participants affirmed being depressed as a result of delayed menstrual period while 7(2.80%) disagreed being depressed due to delayed menstrual period. Also, 240(96.00%) of the respondents isolated themselves due to delayed menstrual period. The results shows that 238(95.20%) of the respondents were ashamed due to delayed menstrual period and 239(95.60%) were deeply thinking. The research revealed that 240(96.00%) of the participants agreed that delayed menstrual period affects their academic performance and 243(97.20%) of the respondents worried about the delayed in their menstrual period. The data were analysed using SPSS version 23 and P < 0.05 was said to be significant.

Choice of Antenatal among Women in Rural Areas of South-South, Nigeria

Antenatal is an important process that every pregnant woman must experience or undergo, either through church, traditional or hospitals after their missed period to ensure a safe delivery. It is a crucial period during pregnancy, because its identify pregnancy that are at risk and also to enlighten expectant mothers with good information that will keep them healthy and eat good food and also to carryout basic investigations and provide routine drugs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Choice of Antenatal Among Women In Rural Areas Of South-South, Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional study and a total of 260 female students within participated in the study. A well-structured questionnaire was distributed to each participant by the research assistant after consent was granted by the participants. The study was carried out in the six States that make up South-South Geopolitical Zones and it lasted for a period of 4 months. The findings revealed that 38.50% of the participants are between the 28-32 years of age. Also, 42.20% of the participants had primary education, 38.50% had secondary education while 19.20% had tertiary education. The research showed that 57.70% of the participants were farmers, 31.20% traders, 7.70% civil servants, and 3.50% were students. The study revealed that, 61.50% of the participants were married, 11.50% single, while 26.90% were divorced. 73.10% of the participants agreed that they were pregnant and 26.90% agreed that there were not pregnant. The findings revealed that 73.06% of the participants have choice of antennal and 26.92 did not. Reasons for choice of antenatal were comfortable (7.70%), stress less (7.70%), cheap (15.40%), accessible (38.50%), available (7.70%) and it was both spiritual and medicinal (23.10%). Again, the research revealed that 73.10% of the participants did not registered for antenatal and 92.30% said no health centre in their community. The data were analysed using SPSS version 23 and P < 0.05 was said to be significant.

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.

Perceived Influence of the Use of E-Learning Technologies in Teaching Business Education Courses in Public Universities in South-South, Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine perceived influence of the use of e-learning technologies in teaching and learning of Business Education courses in Public Universities in South-South, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study is two hundred and thirty two (232) Business Educators in public universities in South-South, Nigeria. The entire population of 232 Business Educators was studied. Structured questionnaire containing 45 item entitled “Perceived influence of the use of e-learning technologies in teaching of Business Education courses” were used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three (3) experts. The Cronbach Alpha Reliability coefficient was 0.97 and 0.91. Two hundred and thirty two (232) copies of instrument were distributed, 225 were successfully retrieved from business educators. Mean (X) and Standard Deviation (SD) were used in analyzing the research questions. The null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test statistical tool. The findings showed that digital library and Google search engine have positive influence in teaching and learning of Business Education in Public Universities in South-South, Nigeria. The hypotheses tested showed that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of business educators in Federal and State University on perceived influence of the use of digital library in teaching of Business Education in public universities and there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of the business educators in perceived influence of the use of Google search engine in teaching of business education in the public universities in the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria based on school ownership (federal/ state). Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that, the use of digital camera, digital library, video conferencing and Google search engine are believed to have influence in teaching and learning of Business Education courses in public universities in South-South, Nigeria. The study recommended among others that management of public universities in South-South zone of Nigeria should endeavour to adequately provide e-learning technologies identified in order to sustain e-learning in teaching and learning of business education courses. The educational implication is that the e-learning technologies for teaching and learning of Business Education courses influence teaching and learning of Business Education courses. Training and re-training of lecturers in the utilization of e-learning technologies should be adopted, because it will improve lecturers’ skills in business education courses and also help students to learn better and faster in the classroom.

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.