Students Of Higher Institutions Research Articles

Trends in Admittance and Equity in Higher Education: Are Male Students in Uganda Disadvantaged?

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of trends in admittance and equity in higher education. Using Qualitative approach in data collection, this study answered the following questions: Are Male students currently disadvantaged in admittance to higher education in favour of female students? What is the impact this imbalance in relation to job market demands for skilled labour from both sexes? What long-term initiatives might significantly increase the number of male students admitted to higher education institutions for gender equity? The findings were that the available data on trends in admitting students in higher institutions show an almost equal number of the ratio of females to male with some exceptional institutions where female ratios have exceeded male ratios. It is recommended that the government should review affirmative action policies so that the recruitment does not favor one gender as it were before the programs.

Exploring Students’ Reactions and Preferences in Learning CTU552 Philosophy and Current Issues: A Qualitative Study

The educational paradigm these days has changed with the increasing interest in student-centred learning (SCL) approaches. Hence, students’ learning experiences must be highlighted to facilitate them in achieving effective learning outcomes. The focus of this study was on Philosophy and Current Issues because this course is considered less favoured among students and more difficult compared to other courses, but it is compulsory for all students in higher institutions. Thus, this study aimed to identify UiTM Johor Branch students’ reactions and to explore their preferences in learning CTU552 Philosophy and Current Issues. In this qualitative study, primary data were collected using questionnaires with open-ended questions that required respondents to self-record their answers via a Google form. Questionnaires were distributed to students in UiTM Johor Branch, who registered for this course for two semesters. The period of study included the October 2022 to February 2023 semester and the March to July 2023 semester. This study collected 157 answers from students involved in this survey. This study found that the respondents enjoyed learning CTU552 because of the attractive methods of delivery, the instructor’s personality, the good environment, the life practices, and the provision of new knowledge. There were several challenges in learning this subject because of difficulty, but most respondents were attracted to the uniqueness of the philosophies that were able to explain current issues. This study also found that the respondents preferred simple and understandable explanations, and a fun and stress-free environment, with the inclusion of attractive activities, such as quizzes, games, and additional materials. In conclusion, it is important to highlight these students’ reactions and preferences to ensure an effective learning session.

Groundwater Quality Assessment in Iworoko-Ekiti Environs, South-Western Nigeria Using Chemical Indices: Implications for Irrigation and Household Utilities

Groundwater quality of Iworoko-Ekiti and environs for irrigation and domestic purposes has partly been established using chemical indices. Groundwater quality assessment in the area is of great importance because of the influence of various activities in the area. The area is thickly populated by citizens and higher institution students across Nigeria. At the moment, sanitary conditions are very poor as the main occupations are trading and farming. Nineteen hand-dug wells were randomly sampled within the settlement. Flame photometry and spectrometry were used for cations and anions analyses respectively. Average values of pH, EC and TDS are 7.02, 342µS/cm and 230ppm. The average trend of major cations and anions concentrations is Ca2+>Na+>Mg2+>K+ and HCO3->Cl‑>SO42->CO32- respectively. Average values of Degree of Contamination and Revelle Index are 14 and 0.6 respectively. SAR, MAR, %Na, KI, TH, CIA-1 and CIA-2 has an average value of 0.7, 37.4, 24.8, 0.3, 162ppm, 0.4 and 0.9 respectively. Based on these values, the water is suitable for irrigation. In general, 31.6% of the hand-dug wells are slightly acidic and 10.5% have Revelle index >1 above recommended values respectively. 10.5% from the hand-dug wells have KI above one, 5.3% has MAR above recommendation making them unfit for irrigation purposes. Hence, majority of the wells are suitable for irrigation with exception of a few wells. However, the elevated Cl- concentrations in all the wells, make them unfit for human consumption. Weathering of migmatite and granite gneisses together with anthropogenic activities really contributed to the chemistry of the groundwater.

Assessing Event Volunteer Motivational Factors and Quality of Life among University Students

Volunteerism is a selfless and altruistic act of individuals dedicating their time, skills, and resources to support various causes and organizations without financial compensation. Hence, this paper aims to propose a conceptual framework for event volunteer motivation among university students and its impact on quality of life. Motivational factors measured by the volunteer motivational scale were proposed as independent variables, and quality of life as the dependent variable. This variable will regress to identify the relationship between quality of life among university students. The motivation to engage in volunteer work significantly impacts an individual's quality of life. However, few studies have been conducted on the impact of volunteering activities on quality of life. Therefore, this study aims to develop a quality of life framework by considering event volunteer’s motivation as independent variables. This study will take place at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus whereby students from this university who already experience becoming volunteers will be involved as respondents. It is hoped that the contingency model of sports event volunteer motivation that is developed through this study will contribute to a better understanding of volunteerism and quality of life among students in higher institutions. Encouraging volunteering activities will educate youths to become responsible citizens by practicing a positive quality of life.

Effect of Physical Activity, Exercise and Sedentary Behaviour on Academic Performance of Students in Higher Institutions

This study investigated the relationship between physical activity, exercise, sedentary behaviour, and academic performance in higher education students. Staying physically active is crucial for preserving general health and well-being. The study aims to investigate the effect of physical activity, exercise and sedentary behaviour on students' academic performance in tertiary institutions. The study employed a descriptive survey design. The population comprised 200 students from the Federal, State and Privately owned tertiary institutions in Ekiti State. Physical activity and exercise levels were assessed using a self-developed questionnaire titled: “Effect of Physical Activity, Exercise and Sedentary Behaviour on Students’ Academic Performance (EPESSAP)” as an instrument for the study. The instrument's dependability was determined using the test-retest procedure. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to collect and analyze the responses. With a reliability coefficient of 0.83, it was found that the instrument proved reliable for the research. Two hypotheses and three research questions were presented. Inferential and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the collected data. The findings of the study revealed that most undergraduate students are aware that regular activities or exercise positively impact their academic performance; the findings of the study further revealed that a sedentary lifestyle makes students too lazy to get involved in physical activities or exercise, which eventually tells on their academic performance and that despite the wealth of knowledge on the importance of being physically active, majority of undergraduate students still live a sedentary lifestyle, among others. The study concluded that physical activity, exercise, and sedentary behaviours are not opposite ends of the spectrum. However, there are distinct behaviours with different predictors and pathways towards students' academic performance in tertiary institutions. Based on the findings, the study recommended that regular exercise can positively impact cognitive function, memory, and attention, which can lead to improved academic performance.

Educational Counseling Strategies For Curbing Academic Dishonesty Among Students in Higher Institutions

Academic dishonesty is a prevalent issue in the education system that arouses the interest of well-meaning compatriots. The dilemma has spread like wide-fire in that it is not limited to secondary schools; it is also a matter of concern in higher learning institutions. Although contemporary society is far from being the first to be confronted with the issue of understudy, the level of academic dishonesty in the modern education system has risen drastically compared to past experiences, particularly with the advent of technology. Academic dishonesty is any illegal act to falsify grades or use someone’s work without crediting the owner. It could be cheating in the examination or copying someone else’s assignment; academic dishonesty is situational.

ESSENTIAL AMENITIES IN ANAMBRA STATE POLYTECHNIC MGBAKWU; ITS IMPLICATION ON STAFF AND STUDENTS ATTITUDES, PERFORMANCES AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The study looks at the availability of basic amenities in Nigeria higher institutions of learning and the implication on students’ attitudes and academic performances. Primary data were collected and the data collected from the respondents was analyzed using chi-square test, exploratory data analysis and Pearson’s chi-squared test. The result of the findings revealed that electricity, transportation, water supply, information and communication technology, and lecture theatres have significant influence on the performance of students in Higher institutions in Nigeria.
 

Appropriation of Adult Education for Academic Achievement Towards Sustaining the Rights of Physically Challenged Students in Higher Institutions in Lagos

Purpose: The study examined the appropriation of adult education for academic achievement towards sustaining the rights of physical challenged students in higher institutions in Lagos.
 Methodology: The research design employed in the study was a descriptive survey. The population consisted of all higher institutions located in Lagos State. To gather data, a simple random sampling technique was utilized to choose ten (10) higher institutions from which fifteen (15) physically challenged students were selected from each institution. This amounted to a sample size of one hundred and fifty (150) respondents for the study. The data collection process utilized a self-developed questionnaire as the primary instrument. It was developed in 2 Likert scale of Agreed and Disagreed. The instrument was moderated by experts who affirmed its validity. The reliability of the instrument was assessed through the utilization of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). The data collected were then analyzed using statistical tools such as simple percentage and standard deviation.
 Findings: The study's findings indicated that adult literacy significantly contributes to adult sustainable development, fostering economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it establishes conducive circumstances for empowering active global citizens. By effectively employing adult education, individuals with physical challenges can acquire a comprehensive comprehension of various concepts and lead their lives in a proficient manner.
 Unique Contributions to Theory, Policy and Practice: Adult education has a wide-ranging positive influence on various aspects relevant to adults. Importantly, these advantages extend beyond the professional sphere and encompass different aspects of daily life for individuals with physical challenges. These benefits extend beyond the professional realm and extend to various facets of everyday life for physically challenged individuals. As a result, it is recommended that to guarantee the sustainability of the human rights of physically challenged students, the government should assume the primary responsibility of providing trained and qualified teachers/facilitators, along with other supportive staff, who will cater to the educational needs of these special students.

ODYSSEY THROUGH ACADEME I & II:Exploration of Metal Scraps in the Production of Creative Lampstand by Segun Okewumi

The paper titled ‘odyssey through academe I&II was based on the problems and challenges students of higher education face in their quest of obtaining a degree in Nigeria. It is also a celebration of the determination of these students to be trained and acquire knowledge through formal education despite the hardship posed by the education system of higher institutions of learning. The methodology explored in this project involved both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Primary sources included observation, examination and review of previous works and studies related to challenges facing students in higher institutions, material exploration and the use of scraps for sculptures. The secondary sources include images/ photographs from the internet and journal articles. The analysis used includes descriptive analysis, which involves the explanation of the procedures and interpretation of the theme and meaning of the work piece. The paper revealed that a lot of undergraduates are faced with academic struggles and challenges such as, inadequate learning facilities, lack of regular water and power supply and tedious administrative processes amidst many, which are caused by the prevalent economic and political instabilities of varying nations. The paper also highlighted some of the ways forward from these problems. The study therefore concluded on the note that the effort of these students needs to be celebrated always. Also, laying emphasis on the importance of the executed piece to the academic community as a whole. KEYWORDS: welding, metal, waste, education, experimentation

An assessment of religion's role in mitigating suicide among tertiary institutions’ students in delta state of Nigeria

Suicide is a problem that affects all nations, but low- and middle-income nations are more susceptible because of the stigma associated with it and the lack of facilities that support mental health. With about one million deaths each year, suicide is a significant cause of mortality around the globe. This article evaluates the idea of suicide from a religious viewpoint among students attending tertiary institutions across Delta State, Nigeria. The phenomenological and descriptive methodologies are employed for data collection to achieve the study's objectives. The research population comprises students from nine higher educational institutions in Delta State. The result shows that suicide is motivated by numerous variables, such as sadness, excessive pressure, pessimism, financial hardships, and academic failure; that the incidence of suicide has drastically reduced among students of higher institutions because of religion’s big impact in offering understanding, information, wisdom, and faith on human lives. It concludes that further studies should be conducted on the role of religion in preventing suicide, its contextualization in Western knowledge, aiding NGOs in discovering suicide ideations, and providing a model for future researchers.

Analysis of fractional order model on higher institution students’ anxiety towards mathematics with optimal control theory

Anxiety towards mathematics is the most common problem throughout nations in the world. In this study, we have mainly formulated and analyzed a Caputo fractional order mathematical model with optimal control strategies on higher institution students’ anxiety towards mathematics. The non-negativity and boundedness of the fractional order dynamical system solutions have been analysed. Both the anxiety-free and anxiety endemic equilibrium points of the Caputo fractional order model are found, and the local stability analysis of the anxiety-free and anxiety endemic equilibrium points are examined. Conditions for Caputo fractional order model backward bifurcation are analyzed whenever the anxiety effective reproduction number is less than one. We have shown the global asymptotic stability of the endemic equilibrium point. Moreover, we have carried out the optimal control strategy analysis of the fractional order model. Eventually, we have established the analytical results through numerical simulations to investigate the memory effect of the fractional order derivative approach, the behavior of the model solutions and the effects of parameters on the students anxiety towards mathematics in the community. Protection and treatment of anxiety infectious students have fundamental roles to minimize and possibly to eradicate mathematics anxiety from the higher institutions.

Ian Oswald’s Theory of Sleep as a Strategy for Promoting Excellent Students’ Academic Performance

This study investigated the relationship between sleep and the academic performance of higher institutions students. Sleep is an integral part of human life, and its excess or inadequacy could lead to disaster. Ian Oswald postulated a restoration theory of sleep that explained sleep’s beneficial effect. Factors responsible for excellent academic performance were highlighted, and Ian Oswald’s restoration theory of sleep was explored to ascertain its relationship with the academic performance of students of higher institutions. A descriptive research design was employed for the study. The scope of the study was delimited to Nigeria, and the study sample was drawn from students of higher institutions across the country. The study used the unstructured interview to substantiate existing data on sleep and academic performance. The study’s findings revealed that adequate quantity and quality of sleep could promote excellent academic performance. It was also revealed that lack of adequate sleep could lead to various illnesses that could hinder students’ excellent academic performance. The study further revealed that sleep time and duration consistency is paramount if body and brain restoration is desired. The study recommends understanding and application of Ian Oswald’s restoration theory of sleep as a strategy that could promote excellent academic performance of students in Higher institutions of learning. It also recommends good sleeping habits to students in higher institutions in a bid to achieve excellent academic performance

Psychosocial factors associated with psychiatric morbidity in higher institution students in Nigeria

Introduction: Mental health disorders in undergraduates are often undetected and may predispose to other academic and social complications. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of probable psychiatric morbidity among students of University of Ilorin, Nigeria and the psycho- social factors that are associated with psychiatric morbidity in them.
 Methods: Socio-demographic questionnaire and the 12-item General health questionnaire (GHQ-12) were administered to 3,300 undergraduate students to assess psychosocial variables and psychiatric morbidity respectively.
 Results: About 23.5% of respondents scored >3 using the GHQ-12 questionnaire, signifying a likehood of psychiatric morbidity. Students from polygamous families were 1.3 times more likely to have GHQ scores of >3 than those from monogamous (OR=1.276, P=0.026). Those who had unemployed fathers were twice more likely to have a GHQ > 3 than those with employed fathers. (OR=2.084, P=0.005).Those who lived in houses with shared toilet facilities were 1.3 times more likely to have GHQ >3 (OR=1.310, P=0.028)
 Conclusion: This study calls for a careful consideration and modification of the various psychosocial factors associated with pschiatric morbidity in order to ensure a mentally healthy and vibrant student community.

Exploring factors contributing to unplanned pregnancies among students at higher education institution in South Africa

Unplanned pregnancies among female undergraduate & postgraduate students at higher education institution pose severe public health issue in South Africa (SA) and are also linked to bad health and social consequences that have a detrimental influence on academic advancement and future employment opportunities. The number of unplanned pregnancies among students at higher education institutions continues to rise, despite the government introduction of contraceptives and other preventative methods. Thus, the objective of this study was aimed at explore factors that contribute to unplanned pregnancies among students in higher institution of learning The study adopted non-empirical research, in which existing literature on factors that contributes to unplanned pregnancies among students in higher education institutions. This paper is solely based on a review and analysis of published research and data. The findings of this study indicate that peer pressure, contraceptive uptake, and substance abuse contribute to unplanned pregnancies among students at higher education institution. Peer pressure and inconsistent contraceptive usage are the two interdependent factors that significantly impact unplanned pregnancies at higher education institutions. However, it seems that the lack of sexual knowledge makes these problems worse. The paper notes factors such as peer pressure, contraceptive uptake, and substance abuse that contribute to unplanned pregnancies among students at higher education institutions. The paper recommends adopting policies that emphasize sexual abstinence or the use of contraceptives inclusive of condoms and the government to introduce a long-term injectable contraceptive.

Self-Medication Among Students in Higher Institutions in Yaounde, Cameroon: Risk-Benefit Analysis

Self-Medication Among Students in Higher Institutions in Yaounde, Cameroon: Risk-Benefit Analysis

Comparative Between Three Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict and Improve Students’ Academic Performance

The greatest aim of every educational setup is giving the best educational experience and knowledge to the students. Discovering the students who need extra support and guidance so as to carry out the necessary actions to enhance their performance plays an important role in achieving that aim. In this research work, three machine learning algorithms have been used to build a classifier that can predict the performance of the students in higher institutions considering three Tertiary institutions which are: Federal University Dutsinma, Katsina State, Abdu Gusau Polytechnic Talata Mafara and College of Education Maru, Zamfara State. The machine learning algorithms includ: Support Vector Machine, Linear Regression and Stochastic Gradient descent algorithms. The models have been compared using the Mean Absolute Error, Mean Square Error and Root Mean Square Error classification accuracy. The dataset used to build the models is collected based on a survey given to the students and the students’ grade book. The support vector machine model achieved the best performance that is equal to 99.1%.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic school closure on students and level of satisfaction with e-learning: The case of Delta State University, Abraka

The outbreak of COVID-19 affected almost every sector, including the higher education sector. This paper therefore was anchored on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic school closure on higher institution students and level of satisfaction with e-learning. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. There were 220 respondents, including 130 males and 90 females, from final year students of the faculty of education, Delta state University, Abraka. The findings of the study revealed that students perceived COVID-19 school closure to have negative impact on higher institutions students. The study recommend that the government and other stakeholders should financially support the universities by providing basic facilities such as internet services so that children of low-income parents can easily have access to online teaching and learning.

Determinants of Environmental Sustainability among Students in Higher Institution

Determinants of Environmental Sustainability among Students in Higher Institution

COVID-19 and The Impact of Online Learning on the Higher Institution Students’ Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on higher education institutions. Online teaching and learning have become a new norm, which may lead to lifestyle changes and impacting the university students' health. This study is conducted to investigate the impact of online learning on higher learning institution students’ health. A total of 384 students were recruited from a local university. All respondents were requested to complete an online survey for three months. The results indicated that majority of the respondents feel less satisfied with online learning. They reported to experienced several health issues as a result from online learning. Besides, online learning satisfaction level and health issue were found to be moderately positively correlated. This study can be a good rationale for the relevant parties to work cooperatively in improving the online learning satisfaction level as well as the students’ health condition.

Research Grant Proposal Writing Course for Students in Higher Institutions.

Research grant proposals have become part of the everyday life of every scientist working in the field of life sciences. Although most early career researchers begin working on research grant proposals during their doctorate, laying the foundation of this complicated task should occur during their undergraduate training. This editorial serves as an introduction into research grant proposal writing for students enrolled in higher education and tackles subjects such as choosing a research topic and writing a successful grant application, as well as possible challenges and funding opportunities that we considered appropriate for students and early career researchers.