Southwest Geopolitical Zone Of Nigeria Research Articles

Understanding the Impacts of Electoral Technologies on Nigeria’s Electoral System

This study investigated the impacts of electoral technologies on Nigeria’s electoral system, with the aim of finding out the role of technology on having an improved electoral system in Nigeria. The study was carried out in the six (6) State offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria (comprising Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states), and also at the national head office of INEC, Abuja. Primary data were collected using semi-structured key informant interviews, observation methods, and from 240 copies of structured questionnaires, administered in the Information and Communication Technology/Voter Registry (ICT/VR), and Electoral Operations (EOps) departments of the commission. The questionnaire elicited information on the impacts of electoral technologies on Nigeria’s electoral system, such as single voter registration, transmission speed, among others. Semi-structured key informant interviews of one of the top managers were carried out to assess the manager’s views about the impacts of electoral technologies on the electoral system in Nigeria. The binary logistic regression model (Cox & Snell R2 of 0.662 and Nagelkerke’s R2 of 0.883, Model Coefficients Omnibus Test of 31.264) indicated that the predictors reliably predict Nigeria’s electoral system. It was evident that the Transmission Speed of electoral data and election results (β = 2.826, p<0.05) and Single Voter Registration (β = 2.815, p<0.05) among others, were positive, signifying significant impacts of electoral technologies on Nigeria’s electoral system. The study concluded that INEC should pursue an improved continuous use of electoral technologies.

Price Transmission of Ofada Rice in the South-West Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria

The study was conducted to examine price transmission of ofada rice in the south –west geo-political zone of Nigeria. Data on monthly prices of processed Ofada rice was collected from National Bureau of statistics from the period of January 2016- March 2021. Descriptive statistics was carried out to characterize the price pattern in the various States; this was done by the use of Eviews9 statistical software. The result showed that the price of ofada rice in Lagos and Ondo were stationary both at level I(0) and after first differencing I(I) while the other remaining States were stationary only after first differencing I(I). The maximum price of ofada rice was recorded in Ondo (₦900/kg) while the minimum price was recorded in Osun (₦250.11/kg). The result of the Jarque –Bera shows that the prices of Ofada rice were not normally distributed in Lagos, Ondo, and Osun State. Johansen test of co-integration was used to analyze the market co-integration and the test result shows that only 5 market links were co-integrated while the result of the granger-causality test shows that all the market links had Uni-directional price movement with 7 market links showing evidence of granger- causality. Therefore, it was recommended that there should be an efficient flow of information and good access to roads as these will help to improve market performance, and the activities of market intermediaries should be minimized.

Role of environmental education in water pollution prevention and conservation in Nigeria

Abstract Water-related issues such as scarcity and pollution have become increasingly pressing in sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria, highlighting the need for an effective environmental education (EE) programme. The relationship between EE and water pollution prevention and conservation in Nigeria remains an open question. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the role of EE in water pollution prevention and conservation in Nigeria. A simple random sampling was used to select 766 respondents from the southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. Data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics and analysis of variance. Results show a high level of awareness of water pollution and conservation strategies. However, people's attitude towards preventing water pollution and conservation was poor. Age does not significantly (at p < 0.05) affect awareness and attitude towards water pollution prevention and conservation. However, the level of education significantly (at p < 0.05) influences the level of awareness and attitude of people towards water pollution prevention and conservation. EE increases awareness and attitude towards water pollution prevention and conservation. Therefore, the Federal Ministries of Water Resources and Education should endeavour to make EE a compulsory programme in the school curriculum across all levels of education.

Promoting the Use of Open Educational Resources by Librarians in University Libraries in Nigeria

The study examined the roles played by librarians in promoting the use of Open Educational Resources (OER) in their institutions in South-South and South-West geo-political zone of Nigeria. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and a total enumeration sampling technique was used. Data were analyzed with frequency counts and simple percentages, and Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23 was used to generate the mean and standard deviation. A total of 200 librarians in university libraries were sent the online questionnaire and 83 librarians responded by filling out the questionnaire giving a total response rate of 42%. The 83 librarians who responded to the online questionnaire was used as the sample of the study. The questionnaire were validated by two experts in research methodology and educational technology. Cronbach Alpha was used to establish the reliability of the instrument, which yielded 0.86. The findings revealed that the librarians have a high level of awareness of the concept of OER and that the majority of librarians were actively involved in promoting the use of OER in their various institutions. Lastly, the study established that inconsistent power supply, lack of library sensitization on the use of OER, poor Internet connectivity, and lack of institutional support for the creation and use of OER were some of the significant challenges to the effective use of OER in universities in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that academic libraries in Nigeria must meet global standards by promoting universal access to education through the use of OER among others.

Radiotherapy services in low resource settings: The situation in Nigeria.

About 50%-60% of all cancer cases will require radiotherapy during their treatment. Nonetheless, radiotherapy facilities are limited in low- and middle-income countries and despite high cancer burden in these regions of the world, only 5% have access to radiation therapy. This study identified the location of radiotherapy centers, the types of radiotherapy machines available and the personnel available in each radiotherapy center in Nigeria. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria from May 2020 to April 2021. A questionnaire having sections on facility profile, status of facility, and human resources, was used to elucidate information for the study. Descriptive statistics (frequency and proportion) were used to describe facilities' characteristics, status, and human resources available. Out of nine radiotherapy centers evaluated, the majority 33.3% (n = 3) were found in the southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Out of 10 equipment and accessories evaluated for availability, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and University of Benin Teaching Hospital had the highest number of available equipment and accessories 90% (n = 9) each respectively. Out of the nine centers evaluated, only four centers had at least one functional equipment. The highest number 64.3% (n = 9) out of the 14 required number of staff in each center was found at University College Hospital. Out of 31 medical physicists identified, the majority 22.6% (n = 7) was found at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital. A high percentage of radiotherapy centers in Nigeria lacks the equipment and manpower to function optimally and is located within the southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Therefore, proper investment in the radiotherapy service through private-public partnership, staff training, and equipment upgrade and maintenance could substantially improve the state of cancer care.

Rising Food Prices and Farming Households Food Insecurity during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Policy Implications from SouthWest Nigeria

The government’s lockdown and restriction measures on the COVID-19 pandemic adversely altered livelihoods, commodity/food prices as well as food security status in Nigeria, especially for rural farming households. A multistage sampling technique was used to collect data from 480 rural farming households across three selected states of the SouthWest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. This research entailed rapid evaluation of the determining factors of rising food expenditure, implications for food security as well as households’ coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain data that were analyzed using the following descriptive and inferential statistics: double-logarithmic analysis, Foster–Greer–Thorbecke (FGT) and probit regression analysis. The results showed that 60% of respondents were married, mean years spent in school was 17, mean age was 49 years, household size was 7 people and monthly income less than $200. The FGT model results for head count ratio showed that 78% of households were food insecure. The depth of food insecurity and severity before COVID-19 were 18.4% and 9.9% respectively, and 27.1% and 13.0% during the pandemic. The double-logarithmic regression revealed that household income, size, age and occupation significantly influenced the household’s food expenditure. Probit regression showed that households’ income, size, amount spent on food, and the household’s head, gender and educational level influenced its food security status. The research concluded that food security was indeed influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic among rural farming households in Nigeria. Intervention policies are needed to promote and enable sustainable livelihoods to eradicate hunger and food insecurity due to high food prices and high household sizes in relation to their low average income to enable rural farming households to economically recover and have the capacity to sustain themselves against future shocks.

ICT as a Re-Engineering Strategy on Claim Settlement in Some Selected Insurance Companies In Nigeria: The Pandemic Experience

Purpose: This study addresses the effect of ICT on the relationship between re-engineering and the performance of some selected insurance companies in Nigeria. It emphasizes the need to ensure that insurance companies achieve substantial improvement in performance via viable IT infrastructure to modernize all business processes. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopted a survey design, utilizing a sample of 350 respondents from two selected insurance companies in the southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A questionnaire was used for the collection of data. The data analysis was conducted using the percentage formula and SPSS version 20. Findings: The research revealed that there is a significant relationship between ICT and operational performance of the insurance companies, the increase in the use of many ICT tools has proven to be caused by lockdown, which implies insurance companies should endeavor to provide updated ICT facilities to enable good quality service delivery and profitability. Technological innovations through ICT enabled the insurance industry to set up efficient delivery channels, which has capacitated the sector to solve the problems that are posed by the new change. ICT tools aided supervisors, employees, and managers in decision-making. Operational resilience became the proactive measure made by the insurance sector to ensure responsive, adaptable, and scalable services for the insured and stakeholders. Research limitation/Implication: This study exhibits practical implications for the financial service provider, as the manager and the insurer (Insurance companies) can be encouraged to find the best approach to redesign strategies and adopt basic IT facilities to automate business activities for optimal productivity and profitability. Coronavirus epidemic has created the need to emphasize the importance of making provision for a viable digital infrastructure, which ensures business continuity and customer retention, and there should be a collaboration between the financial service providers and implementing alternative delivery channels to achieve a thorough transformation that will strengthen the insurance sectors. Originality/value: This study furthers strengthens and validates the use of technology and the relevance of re-engineering in operational re-enforcement for increased efficiency and effectiveness of insurance services. The improvement in business process re-engineering is driven by ICT, and as a re-engineering enabler, enhances performance that could lead to competitive advantage and a great priority for insurance companies to gain more control over the final market and good customer relationship, by offering quality services, superior value to the services, affordable price, unique customization and consultation.

Nexus of Nigerian Academic Libraries and Online Education in the Pandemic Era

The study investigated library services rendered by Nigerian university libraries in support of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. To this end, three research questions guided the conduct of the study. The study adopted a descriptive research design for a population of 80 academic librarians in selected university libraries in South-South and South-West geo-political zone of Nigeria. Data were collected using an online questionnaire and a total enumeration sampling technique was used. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics such as frequency count and simple percentage. A total of 100 academic librarians were sent the online questionnaire and 80 librarians responded to the questionnaire given a total response rate of 80%. The findings revealed that vital library services were rendered in support of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. These services include provision of links to other open-source library resources, reference and information services, seamless and organized access to e-resources, creating awareness about emerging technologies for teaching and learning, providing links to access several e-resources directly from the publisher’s websites, information literacy skills, spread news and service alerts, online workshop and tutorials, providing training to lecturers on the use of online platforms for teaching, live chat with the students and conducting orientation for the new students. Furthermore, the study showed that most of the services rendered by academic libraries during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown were rendered occasionally due to the problems faced by libraries in services delivery which includes poor funding, epileptic power supply, lack of adequate support from the government, and inadequate library infrastructure. Thus, the study recommended that the government should have a total commitment to libraries in general by providing adequate funding for infrastructural development, recruitment of competent librarians, and improved welfare packages for effective library service delivery. Therefore, governments at all levels should make library development a top priority.

Forensic Accounting and Fraud Reduction Strategies in Developing Economy

This paper examined forensic accounting capability and useful strategies to minimize the effects of financial crimes and other related frauds in Nigeria economy. Various points at which preventive controls can be established were identified.Data were collected from two hundred and fifty five (255) respondents in the south-west geo-political zone of Nigeria and response on capability and suitability of using forensic accounting principles and measures to prevent undue practice that often arises via financial crimes in the economy were analyzed with Analysis of Variance Method. The results showed that the estimated Z-statistic was 115.3736.The critical table value of the Z-statistic at 5% level of significance (95% confidence level) was obtained as 1.645. Since the estimated test statistic (Z-statistic) value exceeds the critical table value at 95% confidence level, the null hypothesis is rejected in favour of the alternative hypothesis. Thus, the study concludes that forensic Accounting principles is capable of eliminating all types of financial frauds in any economy. It was also empirically found that forensic accounting can be used to locate diverted funds or assets, identify misappropriated assets and identified reversible insider transactions, thus, forensic accounting is useful as effective fraud detection tool, detects suspicious fraudulent transactions and covers risk assessment processes. Based on the above the study recommends the adoption of forensic accounting principles, effective appropriation of financial resources and external auditors employment.

Librarians’ perception of disaster preparedness as precursor for effective preservation and conservation of library resources in Nigerian university libraries

The study examined librarians' perception of disaster preparedness and its effect on effective preservation and conservation of library resources, focusing on university libraries in the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The survey research design was adopted. The university libraries that provided the data and institutional setting for the study were randomized using the ballot system after which total enumeration technique was employed to take complete census of the population. The population comprised 327 librarians and library officers drawn across federal and state university libraries in the region. The questionnaire and interview methods were used for data collection. Results affirmed, as postulated, that preservation and conservation of information resources would be more effective if disaster preparedness measures are incorporated into the process. As a result, both approaches were found to be complementary. It was also discovered that the core digital preservation strategies are not being practiced in university libraries in the studied region. Consequently, it was recommended that effort aimed at all forms of preservation strategies should be employed to ensure the longevity and sustainability of all information resources.

English

This paper examined the effect of tax identification number on revenue generation in south-west, Nigeria. The ex-post facto research design was adopted and the population covered all the states in the Southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria, out of which three states namely Ekiti, Osun and Ondo States were selected as the study elements using simple random sampling technique. Quantitative secondary data were sourced from the State Board of Internal Revenue of the sampled states spanning from 2008-2017 for a period of 10 years segregated into Pre-TIN (2008-2012) and post-TIN (2013-2017). The analysis used mean and sampled paired t-test to reveal that there was a positive and significant difference between internally generated revenue of the sampled states before and after the introduction of TIN. The paper concluded that TIN has improved revenue generation in Southwest, Nigeria. The study recommended that intermittent checks of all the platform related to TIN should be carried out so as to detect and prevent abuse and other fraudulent activities. It was equally recommended that regulatory agencies of the government should enlighten taxpayers on the benefit of Tax Identification Number (TIN) to improve revenue generation.   Key words: Tax identification number, revenue generation, taxpayers.

The Influence of Genital Mutilation on Women’s Sexual Activities in Oke-Ona, Community, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Abstract This study was conducted to examine the influence of female genital mutilation on women sexual activities in Oke-Ona community, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun-State, South-West Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria with respect to: sexual satisfaction, sexual desire and virginal penetration experience. In order to achieve its aim, the study raised three hypotheses, each on sexual satisfaction, sexual desire and virginal penetration experience. These hypotheses were tested through t-test statistical method via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 23rd version. Results showed no positive interaction between genital mutilation and sexual satisfaction [t (109) = .560, P>.05]. It also revealed no significance in the mean difference frequency of sexual desire of genitally mutilated women compared to those not genitally mutilated [t (109) = - .640, P>.05]. Besides, the findings indicated no significant difference in the mean difference in the vaginal penetration experience between genitally mutilated women and those not genitally mutilated [t (109) = −1.523, P>.05]. Furtherance to the conclusions drawn, the implications of the findings were discussed and recommendations were made.

A Study on the Relationship Between New Business Start Up and Micro Credit Institution and Business Growth of Small Scale Enterprises

This academic study evaluates the evaluate the relationship between new business start up and micro credit institution and business growth of small scale enterprises that operates in six states that made up the South-west geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study, which is based on descriptive research methodology, involved the use of data from both primary and secondary sources. The stratified sampling technique was used for determining the sample population, while well structured questionnaires was used as the main tool for collection of primary data. The Microfinance Bank records of clients served as the main source of secondary data for this study. Both the descriptive and inferential analytical techniques of the SPSS packaged were used to analyze the data obtained from the respondents. The results indicated significant relationship between new business start-ups and business growth of Small Scale Enterprises (SSEs). The findings also revealed that increasing the start-up capital will increase the chances of business survival and growth. Consequently, we recommend that the federal, state and local government should create lending programs that will enable aspiring entrepreneurs to have more access to microcredit. We also suggest that Nigerian government should enact laws and implement policies that will make it easier for small scale entrepreneurs to obtain finance necessary for the expansion of their businesses.

Challenges of disaster training: implication for federal and state university libraries in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges affecting disaster training in federal and state university libraries in Southwest Nigeria with a view to finding ways of overcoming them.Design/methodology/approachHaving adopted the descriptive research design, 14 university libraries (seven each of federal and state) were selected from the Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. The total enumeration sampling technique was employed. Questionnaire and interview methods were used for data collection. The three research questions that guided the study were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation and ranking. Judgments were drawn using real limit of numbers and 2.50 as criterion mean.FindingsResults emanated from the study showed that university libraries in the studied region are more equipped to fight fire disaster than any other emergency which is why fire drills and exercises are the prevailing disaster training received by library staff. It was also found that inadequate disaster facilities and equipment as well as poor funding were the greatest challenges confronting disaster training. The provision of adequate disaster facilities and equipment with the constitution of disaster prevention and response team was found as the most potent strategy for addressing the identified challenges.Originality/valueThe study lends strong empirical evidence for the underlining factors affecting disaster training in federal and state university libraries as well as academic libraries in general. The strategies for addressing the identified challenges are of more significance.

Properties of agro-based hybrid particleboards

The development of particleboard from near-zero landfill of agro-wastes material can play a vital role in economic growth of any country. The use of agro-wastes materials serves as a substitute for the conventional wood-based particleboard and provides an alternative material in the development of a low-cost particleboard. Agro-wastes such as rice husks (RH), eggshell (ES), cassava peel (CP) and palm kernel shell (PKS) are abundant within the South-West Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria and are currently underutilized. In this study, the viability of these materials was investigated for the production of particleboard. The planetary ball mill was used to process ES, CP, and PKS to a size range of 150-250 μm while urea formaldehyde was used as a binder. Parameters such as resin content (25 %), hardener content (20 %), pressing time (10 min), press pressure (40 kg/m2) and press temperature (175 oC) were held constant. The hybrid composites board developed was evaluated by physical properties determination (water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS). Also, the mechanical properties such as modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were obtained for each batch of composites developed. From the result, composites designated D (100 % RH) had WA value of 12 % after 2 h of immersion and 85.91 % after 24 h. An optimum density value of 1081.43 kg/m3 was observed in B while D has the least density value of 830.14 kg/m3. Thus, composite designated B has a potential for indoor application, especially as furniture component.

A comparative study of psychiatric morbidity and associated factors in carers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Nigeria

Background Schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder are two major, long-term psychiatric disorders, often associated with considerable functional impairment. Unlike in the West, where paid informal caregivers take up the role of looking after patients with chronic illnesses, the family of the mentally ill in sub-Saharan Africa are actively involved in rendering care to their psychiatrically ill relatives. The objective of this study was to study the psychiatric morbidity in carers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in Nigeria. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary hospital in the Southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria. Carers of patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder were included in the study. Data was gathered on patient level of functioning, as well as carer burden and carer psychological morbidity. Results The overall prevalence rate of psychiatric morbidity among the caregivers was 28.6%. There was no statistically significant difference in the sociodemographics, psychiatric morbidity, caregiver burden and patients’ functioning when the two carer groups were compared. The presence of burden in caregivers and severe impairment in patients’ functioning were significantly associated with psychiatric morbidity in caregivers of patients with schizophrenia, but not with caregivers of bipolar patients Conclusions Providing care to patients with illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder is often demanding, and may be associated with significant strain, leading to psychological distress and morbidity among caregivers.

Gender gap in Social Enviroment of Leisure-time Physical Activity of University Students in Southwest Geo-political Zone of Nigeria

Gender gap in Social Enviroment of Leisure-time Physical Activity of University Students in Southwest Geo-political Zone of Nigeria

Economics of farming household’s food intake and health-capital in Nigeria: A two-stage probit regression approach

Persistent hunger, malnutrition, and public health problems inextricably threaten the ability of several countries to develop. The burdens of these trios on economic development in African continent cannot be overemphasized. This study investigates the effect of farming households’ nutrition on health in the Southwest Nigeria. The data used were collected with structured questionnaire through a multistage sampling of 420 agricultural households from the southwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic and Probit regression and Two-Stage Probit regression (2SPR).About 42.38% of the respondents eat ≤ 3 types of food, 50.71% eat 4-6 food, 5.71% took 6-9 food while 1.19% eat within 9-12 food types within the qualitative 24hours recall period of food consumed. In addition, average body mass indices of 25.63 kg/m² ±2.67 (overweight), 26.42 kg/m² ± 2.76 (overweight) and 26.22 kg/m² ± 3.2 (overweight) were recorded in Oyo, Ogun and Osun states respectively. Also, Two-Stage Probit Regression estimate was used to determine the effect of respondents’ nutrition on health status. Result shows that respondents’ nutrition status (p

Inter-Party Conflict and Democracy in Nigeria: A Case Study of Southwest Geo-Political Zone

Political party is one of the major tools for aggregating and mobilizing the various interests and resources for the purpose of nation building. This is the tradition in all climes that embrace democracy, expectedly when Nigeria gained independence, people were happy that at least the era of colonialism is gone thereby giving Nigerians the opportunity to freely participate in electoral process, and do things in their own ways. It is now worrisome that despite over five decades after independence, parties are still enmeshed in internal wrangling making a mess of democratic process. The work examined inter-parties conflict in the southwest geo-political zone of Nigeria, it looked at the implication of inter-party crisis on democratic sustenance, and it equally looked at the history of inter-parties conflict. The paper relied on secondary source of data. The paper concluded that, unless political tolerance is embraced in Nigeria democratic system, inter-parties conflict will continue to dominate the political system and invariably affect the growth and development of Nigeria.

Dynamic Spectrum Access: A New Paradigm of Converting Radio Spectrum Wastage to Wealth

Abstract- The study presented in this paper reveals the limitations of the current fixed radio spectrum allocation policy as a major bottleneck for availability of radio spectrum for emerging wireless services, devices and applications as a result of its contributions to current radio spectrum artificial scarcity and underutilization problems. In investigating these problems scientifically, series of radio spectrum occupancy studies were carried out in developed nations of the world with little or none in most under-developed nation like Nigeria. In order to ascertain the usage profile of radio spectrum in under-developed nation like Nigeria, actual radio spectrum usage in three different locations in South-West Geo-political zone of Nigeria was carried out. The study was conducted using Aaronia AG HF-6065 V4 spectrum analyzer. The results obtained like other similar studies conducted in other parts of the world show that the usage of radio spectrum varies with time, space and frequency. The results also show that the actual radio spectrum usages in the three locations for the frequency range of 80-2200 MHz vary from 0.08% to 64.4%. In addition, the paper enumerates various ways of converting the current wasting spectrum holes to wealth as well as some economic advantages of dynamic spectrum access as a flexible radio access policy that can replace the current fixed radio spectrum allocation policy without compromising the performance of the existing radio being governed by the fixed spectrum allocation policy.