Universities In South West Nigeria Research Articles

Stifled Screams: Experiences of Sexual Harassment Survivors at First Generation Universities in Southwest Nigeria

AimsSexual Harassment (SH) in colleges and universities in Nigeria is often shrouded in secrecy. Survivors rarely report the SH experience. This is often because of unequal power relations, fear of loss of status, marks, or job as retaliation, and the attendant stigma. The sexual harassment policy, implementation, and campus climate also have huge roles to play in reportage. This study aimed to investigate the experience of SH by men and women in heterosexual and same-sex situations in first-generation universities in South West Nigeria.MethodsStudents and staff who had survived SH were targeted for IDIs focused on the experience of SH from the perspective of the survivor including the consequences, reportage, outcomes, and whether justice had been served. A purposive approach was adopted in identifying respondents and a snowballing method guided the process across the three universities. The sensitivity of the topic and the stigma attached called for a recruitment strategy that ensured privacy, confidentiality, and freedom to share experiences without reservation. About four IDIs were conducted in each university. Interviews were held on several (face-to-face via telephone or Whatsapp calls) platforms. Analysis commenced with verbatim transcription of the audio recordings. The accuracy, integrity, and completeness of all transcriptions were verified. A thematic analysis was conducted and all transcripts were coded by three experts which were organized into categories. The most prominent and salient thematic findings were brought forward by merging codes while maintaining the integrity of the individual categories. A cluster analysis of code associations was also performed to facilitate pattern recognition in the data. NVivo Pro v.12 was used to facilitate the analysis. Themes were categorized into four distinct areas: experience of SH, consequences, reportage, and outcome.ResultsThe experience of SH ranged from sexual assault to unsolicited physical touch and verbal harassment. In terms of consequences, survivors experienced low self-esteem, had problems in their relationships with others, became less trusting, and increased risk-taking behaviour. Most survivors were not aware of anti-SH policies in their institutions. None reported to law enforcement agents due to stigma, lack of financial means, and lack of trust in the system.ConclusionInstitutions need to do more than develop adequate antisexual harassment policies. There is a need to interrogate the culture around implementation and training to improve prevention and raise awareness.

Knowledge Management Practices and Skill Acquisition Among Academic Staff in Selected Federal Universities in Southwest, Nigeria

In achieving sustainable organisational goals, efficient Knowledge Management Practices (KMP) are crucial to managing businesses and educational institutions as KMPs focus on bridging the skill gaps among the employees. However, the challenge of Poor knowledge management which has consistently plagued the workforce at public universities, leading to a lack of required skills has necessitated research into the core area of educational development in Nigeria. This study investigated the effect of Knowledge Management Practices (KMPs) on the skill acquisition of academic staff of selected Federal Universities in South‐West, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design and data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 884 respondents out of the total population of 5720 academic staff of the Federal University in South West Nigeria. The stratified sampling technique was employed in the selection of the sample size. The study objectives were analyzed using both descriptive (Mean and Standard Deviation) and inferential statistics Partial Least Square in Structural (PLS) Equation Modelling. The result of the first objective showed a significant and positive relationship between academic knowledge management practices and skill acquisition in higher institutions in South West, Nigeria. The path coefficient revealed (β =0.461, t = 14.589, P < 0.05). The study concludes that KMPs are a strong predictor of skill acquisition. Therefore, the study recommends that University management should endeavour to improve their knowledge management practices to improve the skill acquisition among their academic staff. They should provide support for developing their academic staff through training which can improve their knowledge base.

Information literacy skills as predictor of electronic information resources use by lecturers in select private universities in South-West Nigeria

This study examined the influence of information literacy skills on electronic information resources (EIRs) use by lecturers in private universities in South-West, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The target population for this study comprised 3201 lecturers in fifteen selected private universities in South-West, Nigeria which were established between 1999 and 2007. Out of 3201 study population, the researcher used Taro Yamane statistical formula to get a sample size of 356. A multistage sampling technique was adopted for the study. Bourley Proportional Distribution Formula was used to distribute the figure proportionally across the selected universities to ensure that the universities were proportionally represented. Data were collected with a validated questionnaire. The internal consistency of the instrument was measured using Cronbach’s alpha test which ranged from 0.74 – 0.96. A response rate of 76.2% was recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study revealed that information literacy skills (βeta=0.441, t (275) = 8.156, p<0.05) has a positive and significant influence on EIRs use by lecturers of universities in South-West, Nigeria.

Exploring the person-organization fit and organizational citizenship behavior of academic staff working in the south-west Nigerian public universities

The study examined the effect of person-organization fit and organizational citizenship behavior of academic staff working in southwest Nigerian Public Universities. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design method. A sample size of 400 employees of the selected universities in South-West Nigeria was chosen from a total population of 8,540 employees. The stratified random sampling technique was adopted for the study. The Work Engagement Scale (WES), Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Checklist (OCBC), Personal Values Scale (PVS), and Value Congruence Scale were used to collect data (VCS). The statistical techniques used for data analysis were descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. All analysis was done using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) software version 25. Findings showed that value congruence (Coef. = 0.1770, P = 0.010), personality congruence (Coef. = 0.3400, P = 0.000), and work engagement congruence (Coef. = 0.1630, P = 0.001), have significant and positive effects on organizational citizenship behavior. Findings showed that 25.8% of the change in organizational citizenship behaviour was brought about by the dimensions of person-organization fit. The study concluded that person-organization fit has a significant positive effect on the organizational citizenship behaviour of academic staff working in South-Western Public Universities. The study recommended amongst others that qualified individuals with strong organizational fit and moral character are to be chosen for placement in the academic staff cadre structure of universities. The study established that value congruence, personality congruence, and work engagement congruence contribute significantly to organizational citizenship behavior of academic staff in the south-west Nigerian Public Universities.

REALIGNMENT OF LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION AND DIGITAL PEDAGOGY IN TEACHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

This study attempted an assessment of the language and digital pedagogy of teacher development programmes in Southwest Nigeria universities. To achieve this purpose, four research questions were raised to guide the study. This study utilised the descriptive research design. The sample for this study comprised 33 full-time lecturers in the Department of Language Education in three government-owned universities in Ekiti state. The Digital Pedagogy and Language Instruction Repertoire Questionnaire (DPLIRQ) was employed for data retrieval. The correlation coefficient yielded an internal consistency of 0.84, adjudged high enough for the study. Data were collected by the researcher and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods with weighted means and standard deviation. The result showed an appreciable level of lecturers’ digital awareness and pedagogical proficiency in language instruction. However, the result also showed insufficient and under-utilization of state-of-the-art digital tools for language instruction in Southwest Nigerian universities. Generally, the results of this study showed the need to fully inculcate digital pedagogy in language education programmes in the curriculum of government-owned universities in Southwest Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study encapsulated recommendations for adequate provision of state–of–the–art digital facilities in language education programmes in the university system.

Financial strategy dynamics and university sustainability in a depressed economy: Evidence of Nigerian University

Universities contributions to human resource development is contingent on financing capabilities to be able to compete globally and proffer economic solutions to national issues. This study examines financial strategy dynamics and private university sustainability in a depressed economy: evidence from Nigeria. The population of study comprises the 36 private universities in southwest Nigeria as at 31st December 2021. Six universities having over ten years’ operating experience form the sample size, this is to be able to adjudge the financial sustainability of the universities. Seventy-two (72) questionnaire were distributed, out of which 62 (86%) were returned and analysed by multiple regression method. The results showed that university environment, dependable leader, organizational culture, networking and public relations impact positively on university sustainability as the t-test is greater than the p value at 5% significance level (t-test = 0,320, 6.933, 0.120, 0.300 and 1.114 respectively); while financial strategy has no impact on university sustainability, with t-test (-0.026) less than the p-value. Private university should provide robust university environment, dependable leader, organizational culture, networking and public relations that drive capabilities that can source external funds in form of grants, donations, universities’ collaboration initiative for cross-stimulating ideas in the deployment of advanced technology; innovation and creativity into lecture delivery and seminars to serve as competitive advantages. Inadequate funding will cripple universities sustainability and technological advancement reducing academic value and quality.

Audit Quality and Financial Reporting Quality in Selected Public Universities in South West Nigeria

Financial reporting quality has been a relevant discus in the world business to aid investors in making timely and economical decisions. In public enterprises, it helps the users to determine the effective utilization of relevance. Evidence from literatures indicated that poor financial reporting quality as a result of lack of transparent, or lack of accountability and fraud had waned investors’ confidence and investors decisions. Study has it that many universities have not integrated audit quality in their operations for the enhancement of financial reporting quality. Therefore, this study investigated effect of audit quality on financial reporting quality in selected public universities in south west Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design. The population was 19 public universities in south west Nigeria, purposive sampling techniques was used to select 12 universities. The target population was 250 staff of bursary, audit, and senior management. Taro Yamane formula was used to obtained 201sample size. A validated structure questionnaire was used to administer 201 copies of the questionnaire to the respondents. One hundred and ninety returned representing 94.5%. The Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficients ranged from 0.724 – 0.991. Descriptive and inferential (multiple regression) statistics were used to analyzed the data. The study found out that audit quality had significant effect on relevance financial reporting quality of public universities in south west Nigeria (Adj. R2 =0.766; F(6, 183) = 99.565=; p=0.00), had a significant effect on faithful representation of financial reports quality (Adj. R2 =0.598; F(6, 183) = 47.930=; p=0.00), had a significant effect on understandability of financial reports quality (Adj. R2 =0.416; F(6, 183) = 21.735=; p=0.00), had a significant effect on comparability of financial reports quality (Adj. R2 =0.390; F(201) = 21.102=; p=0.00), the result also showed that audit quality had a significant effect on timeliness of financial reports quality (Adj. R2 =0.516; F(201) = 43.597=; p=0.00). The study concluded that audit quality influenced financial reporting quality in public universities in south west Nigeria. The study recommended that public universities should integrate audit quality in their operations in other to increase the financial reporting quality.

Assessment of information literacy, attitude towards research and research competence of library and information science undergraduates in Nigerian universities

The study assessed the information literacy (IL), attitude towards research and research competence of Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduates in South-West Nigeria universities. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A two-stage sampling technique was employed for the study to get a final sample of 401. Questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD) were the instruments for the study. Out of 401 copies of the questionnaire, 392 were found usable, which constituted a 97% return rate. The data gathered were analysed with the aid of the SPSS by the use of frequency, percentage and correlation. Thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative data (FGD). The study found that the LIS undergraduates had poor IL, a mixed display of attitude towards research, and an acceptable level of research competence. Further, there was a significant relationship between IL and research competence of LIS undergraduates. The study recommends training on the acquisition of IL skills at the earlier levels of the LIS degree to help with research motivation and comprehension.

Moderating Role of Funding on the Management Control System and Performance of Public Universities

Purpose: The study examines the moderating effect of funding on the management control system and performance of south-western public universities in Nigeria.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: Research design for the study is cross- survey; this is the most appropriate research design, being a study on perception objectives in nature. The study was carried out in fourteen (14) public universities in the Southwestern region of Nigeria.
 Findings: funding activities does not significantly moderate the relationship between result control and performance of public universities (β = -0.042; t = 0.648; p > 0.259). However, a negative beta of 4.2% indicates every one increment in the present order of finance will lead to a reduction of 4% from the relationship between result control and performance of public universities in south west Nigeria.
 Implications/Originality/Value: The study discovered that present funding scheme moderates the relationship between action and cultural control and does not moderate the relationship between personnel and result control. The study therefore recommends that the government should ensure disbursement of sufficient funds to the university to attain the much need performance.

Knowledge and Mental Health Needs of the Elderly during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a South-Western Private University in Nigeria

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak, and related public health initiatives have disrupted the lives of many people worldwide. Evidently, the COVID-19 pandemic has produced detrimental social and psychological impact on the mental health of the vast populations especially the elderly. . This study sought to assess the knowledge resources and mental health needs of the elderly emerging from COVID-19 Pandemic of the elderly population at Babcock University in Southwest Nigeria.
 Methods: A total of 196 consenting elders resident at Babcock University were enrolled in an online survey at Babcock University to assess the mental health needs of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hypotheses were tested using bivariate analysis at 0.05 level of significance.
 Results: Majority [104 (58.4%)] of the elderly respondents are between the age bracket 60-64 and [51 (28.7%)] for the age bracket 65-74 years old. The respondents' top four needs during the pandemic are financial aid [108 (60.7%)], social support [41 (23.0%)], the presence of a caregiver [24 (13.5%)], and housing [5 (2.8%)]. The respondents' social condition might be summarized as follows: minimal social interaction with others, leaving them socially isolated [61 (34.3%)] and insufficient social contact with others [53 (29.8%)]. There was a significant relationship between knowledge and emotional state during the pandemic (p <0.05).
 Conclusion/Recommendation: Given the respondents' emotional state and other mental health problems that come with age, this study has supplied information about potential services that the elderly may find valuable. Government organizations and other partners should design planned interventions for the elderly throughout this period of life.

Effect of organisational justice on workplace deviance in Nigerian public universities

Orientation: Universities in Nigeria every so often experience the challenges of workplace deviant behaviour (WDB). These acts among university’s staff could be detrimental to the attainment of the fundamental objectives of tertiary education; hence, it is vital that drastic measures are taken to curb such behaviours.Research purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of organisational justice (OJ) on WDB in Nigerian public universities.Motivation for the study: Although ample studies exist on organisational behaviour, not many empirical studies have been conducted to examine the role of organisational factors such as OJ (perception of fairness) on employee’s deviant behaviour in universities, especially in Nigeria.Research design, approach and method: This quantitative design employed a positivist research paradigm in achieving its objectives. A survey, using a structured close-ended questionnaire, was conducted among 572 employees of selected public universities in South-West Nigeria. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the effect or OJ on WDB.Main findings: The findings revealed that procedural justice has significant and increasing effect on both organisational and interpersonal deviance. Conversely, interpersonal justice has a significant reducing effect on organisational deviance, while informational and distributive justice do not determine WDB.Practical/managerial implications: Based on the finding of this study, managers of public universities must pursue interpersonal justice as a way out of organisational deviance.Contribution/value-add: The study’s findings contribute to justice-deviance literature in Nigeria and highlight the need for government and management alike to emphasise interactional justice in the workplace if deviant acts are to be curbed.

Entrepreneurial Aspiration: An Empirical Analysis of the Role of Achievement Striving Behavior, Personal Growth Initiative & Goal Setting

Fostering entrepreneurial aspiration of the vibrant segment of a nation's population is quite strategic during global economic inconsistencies. Thriving economies explore the human capital in business faculties to bring about entrepreneurial revolution. Hence, this study investigated the entrepreneurial aspiration of business faculties' graduates, focusing on the contributions of Achievement striving, personal growth initiative and goal-setting. Correlational research design was adopted because the researchers were only interested in knowing the influence of the predictor variables on the criterion measure without necessarily manipulating any of the variables. Non-proportional stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select three hundred respondents from business faculties of three public universities in South-West Nigeria. Four self-report scales (Entrepreneur Aspiration Scale: R= 0.87; Achievement striving scale: R=0.78; Personal Growth Initiative Scale: R= 0.741 and Goal Commitment scale: R= 0.82) were used to generate data while two hypotheses were raised and tested at 0.05 level of significance using multiple regression and Pearson product moment correlation statistics. The findings revealed that Achievement striving (β = .493; t = 5.843; p<.01) significantly and independently predicted entrepreneurial aspiration of graduate students in business faculties. Also, personal growth initiative (β=.005; t =0.035; p>.05) and Goal setting (β = .040; t=0.266; p>.05) did not significantly and independently predict entrepreneurial aspiration. This implies that achievement striving is the most influential predictor of entrepreneurial Aspiration, while personal growth initiative and goal setting did not significantly predict entrepreneurial aspiration respectively. The finding further revealed that all the independent variables (Achievement striving behavior, Personal growth initiative and Goal setting) significantly and jointly influenced dependent variable (F(3,280)= 11.426; R2 = .244; Adj R2 = .223; p<.001), accounted for 22.3% of the variance in entrepreneurial aspiration. Based on the findings of the study, some fundamental implications were drawn, such that the employers of labor and Human Resource practitioners should ensure that Achievement Striving behavior be fostered and also be part of indicators for personnel selection. Entrepreneurial mentoring programs should be established with successful entrepreneurs. In addition, academic activities that can make students to be enterprising, adventuresome and daring (such as discovery and problem-solving methods of instruction) should be embraced by teachers in the ivory towers.

Factors Affecting the Technology Skills and Job Performance of Library Professionals in Nigerian Universities

This study investigated the factors affecting technology skills, and job performance of library professionals in selected public universities in southwest Nigeria with the aim of finding out the level of technology skills, and job performance of the library professionals. Twelve public academic libraries comprising state and federal universities were selected for the study, and the total enumeration technique was adopted to examine 376 library staff consisting of academic librarians and library officers. Questionnaire was used for the data collection. Descriptive analyses were employed, and the results were presented in tables using frequency counts and percentages. It was found from the findings that the majority of the respondents were self-efficient in handling the technology facilities while some were just craving self-technology development. Erratic power supply and inadequate funds, among others were factors affecting the technology skills and job performance of the library professionals. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that library management should prioritize the constant acquisition of technology facilities, continuous ICT training be organized for library professionals, adequate funds be allocated to the libraries, and the factor of erratic power supply be resolved by providing stable power supply.

Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development in Nigerian Universities: Moving beyond vocational skills teaching

Entrepreneurship and enterprise development in Nigerian universities have been on the increase considering their potential to create jobs and reduce the rise of unemployment. This approach that universities have embraced is largely focused on the teaching of vocational skills which has a thin impact on reducing graduate unemployment and meeting the strategic objective of repositioning the universities. The focus of this study is to examine whether entrepreneurial and enterprise teaching in Nigerian universities is slanted toward the acquisition of vocational skills. The study adopts the theory of Planned Behaviour and Kolb experiential learning theory to explain the concepts of entrepreneurship and enterprise development in stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit. The study adopts a descriptive research design and data was collected using a structured questionnaire that was administered physically and online to elicit information from respondents. The sample size for the study is 300 students that were randomly selected from 10 universities made up of 5 public and 5 private universities in South West Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using regression analysis. Findings revealed that the current practice of teaching vocational skills is not effective as shown by the perennial increase in graduate unemployment. The study recommends the teaching of entrepreneurship and enterprise development anchored on value addition, opportunity, and wealth creation with a view to repositioning university graduates for the 21st century’s challenges and opportunities.

Nexus Between Human Resource Management Practices and Employee Commitment in Selected Private Universities in South West, Nigeria

This study investigated the Human Resource Management (HRM) practices in private universities in South West, Nigeria. Specifically, the study examined the nexus between Human Resource Management (HRM) practices and employees’ commitment in selected private universities in South West, Nigeria. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The study population frame is 3,261 (three thousand two hundred and sixty-one) involving all academic staff members from the selected private universities. The Taro Yamane formula was used to statistically determine the sample size, which was 356 (three hundred and fifty-six). The study used primary data and collected responses from respondents in the selected private universities in South West, Nigeria through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics employed for data analysis were frequency counts, simple percentages, bar charts, mean scores, and standard deviations, while the inferential statistics utilized was the multiple linear regression with the aid of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 23. The findings of the study revealed that, HRM strategies have a substantial impact on employee commitment at a number of private universities in South West, Nigeria (β=1.001; t = 27.947, p&lt;.05). The study concluded that the adoption of HRM practices such as employee evaluation and pension benefits has improved organizational performance in private universities in South West Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that to allow for increased organizational commitment, the variables of HRM practices namely training and development programmes, employee evaluation and pension benefits needs to be employed by universities and it should be modelled in such a way that the employers can make use of it for their universities operations.

Entrepreneurial Aspiration: An Empirical Analysis of the Role of Achievement Striving Behavior, Personal Growth Initiative &amp; Goal Setting

Fostering entrepreneurial aspiration of the vibrant segment of a nation’s population is quite strategic during global economic inconsistencies. Thriving economies explore the human capital in business faculties to bring about entrepreneurial revolution. Hence, this study investigated the entrepreneurial aspiration of business faculties’ graduates, focusing on the contributions of achievement striving, personal growth initiative and goal-setting. Correlational research design was adopted because the researchers were only interested in knowing the influence of the predictor variables on the criterion measure without necessarily manipulating any of the variables. Non-proportional stratified and simple random sampling techniques were employed to select three hundred respondents from business faculties of three public universities in South-West Nigeria. Four self-report scales (Entrepreneur Aspiration Scale: R= 0.87; Achievement Striving Scale: R=0.78; Personal Growth Initiative Scale: R= 0.741 and Goal Commitment scale: R= 0.82) were used to generate data while two hypotheses were raised and tested at 0.05 level of significance using multiple regression and Pearson product moment correlation statistics. The findings revealed that achievement striving (β = .493; t = 5.843; p<.01) significantly and independently predicted entrepreneurial aspiration of graduate students in business faculties. Also, personal growth initiative (β=.005; t =0.035; p>.05) and Goal setting (β = .040; t=0.266; p>.05) did not significantly and independently predict entrepreneurial aspiration. This implies that achievement striving is the most influential predictor of entrepreneurial aspiration, while personal growth initiative and goal setting did not significantly predict entrepreneurial aspiration respectively. The finding further revealed that all the independent variables (achievement striving behavior, personal growth initiative and goal setting) significantly and jointly influenced dependent variable (F(3,280)= 11.426; R2 = .244; Adj R2 = .223; p<.001), accounted for 22.3% of the variance in entrepreneurial aspiration. Based on the findings of the study, some fundamental implications were drawn, such that the employers of labor and Human Resource practitioners should ensure that achievement striving behavior be fostered and also be part of indicators for personnel selection. Entrepreneurial mentoring programs should be established with successful entrepreneurs. In addition, academic activities that can make students to be enterprising, adventuresome and daring (such as discovery and problem-solving methods of instruction) should be embraced by teachers in the ivory towers.

Awareness and perception of cybersecurity among librarians in federal universities in South-West, Nigeria

This study investigated awareness and perception of cybersecurity among librarians in federal universities in South-West, Nigeria with the aid of descriptive survey research approach. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from 179 librarians and system librarians, out of which 167 (93.3%) copies of the questionnaire were duly completed and returned. The data collected were analyzed using frequency count, percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis to test for the significant relationship between awareness and perception of cybersecurity among librarians tested at 0.05 level of significance with the aid of SPSS Version 21. The study revealed that the level of awareness of cybersecurity among librarians in Federal Universities in South-West, Nigeria is moderate. The findings also revealed that to a high extent are librarians in federal universities in South-West, Nigeria are aware of the potential cyber threats and attacks to library resources. The study showed that librarians perceived that deliberate attack to destroy sensitive data in the library database is unjust (mean=1.62), the use of the computer in committing crimes is unjust (mean=1.61) and that having an unauthorized access to data and other computerized systems (hacking) is considered unjust (mean=1.56). The study revealed that hardware skill (mean= 3.21), software skill (mean=3.10), operating system skills and programming language skills (mean=3.01) were the main librarians’ information technology skills to secure library resources. The study further showed that librarians make use of technical security measures in the libraries through access control and password security (mean=3.26), through video surveillance (CCTV system) (mean=3.25) and through installation of updated software (mean=3.11); and the use of non-technical security measures in libraries are through burglary protection and fire extinguishers (mean=3.16) and architectural considerations (mean=3.07). The study also showed that crashing of a computer due to virus, malware, hackers etc (mean=2.99), lack of fund (mean=2.94) and lack of trained information technology (IT) manpower (mean=2.91) were the main challenges encountered in securing information resources against cyberattacks by librarians. There is no significant relationship between awareness and perception of cybersecurity among librarians in Federal Universities in South-West Nigeria. The study recommended that Government should provide adequate fund for universities to run their library effectively. Many universities experiences lack of fund to improve their library. Meanwhile, to provide appropriate security measures in libraries, there is a need of availability of funds.

Bolstering conflict management strategies and sustainable commitment of academic staff in selected public universities

Events and periods of strikes are inextricably linked to the history of higher education in Nigeria. Strikes of various types and for various reasons have become a common occurrence as the government and academia's policymaking relationship has become increasingly inconsiderate. This study was necessitated by the apparent non-recognition and reluctance to plunge into interpersonal conflict in universities. Hence, this study investigated the influence of avoidance, dominating, compromise, obliging and integrating conflict management strategy on the commitment of faculty in selected public universities in Southwest Nigeria. Smart PLS 3.0 was used to analyse only 416 copies of the questionnaire, representing an 83% response rate. The findings demonstrate that conflict management methods such as avoidance, dominating, compromise, obliging, and integrating substantially impact academic faculty affective, normative, and continuance commitment. The study finds that academic staff at various universities should encourage compromising, integrating, and obliging conflict management tactics to be more involved in the settlement of the conflict. As a sequel to the findings, it was recommended that when settling conflicts, academic staff and management should always consider the feelings of other parties involved, as this will go a long way in satisfying all affected parties. Furthermore, parties in disagreement should be open-minded and willing to listen to each other to make the best and most sensible conclusion when resolving conflict. Universities administration should teach the different techniques of handling conflict so employees will be able to choose the appropriate approach when faced with conflict situations, especially when faced with interpersonal conflict.

Breast cancer knowledge and screening practices among undergraduates in a Nigerian tertiary institution, Southwest Region.

Breast cancer is the most diagnosed female malignancy in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening among female undergraduates in a tertiary institution in Southwest Nigeria. This cross-sectional study recruited 350 female undergraduates of a public university in southwest Nigeria using a multi-stage sampling method involving simple random sampling. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Epi info 7 was used for data analysis, level of significance was set at 5% (p<0.05). The majority, 316(90.3%) had poor knowledge of breast cancer and screening and 340(97.1%) had positive attitude towards screening. Only 185(52.9%) had done breast self-examination and 16(4.6%) had done clinical breast examination. The student's year of study was significantly associated with knowledge of breast cancer (p = 0.002) Marital status (p=0.039) and attitude towards breast cancer screening (p<0.001) were significantly associated with breast self-examination. Students in their third year were 6 (2 - 16) times more likely to have good knowledge of breast cancer (Adjusted Odds Ratio 5.87, Confidence Interval 2.17 - 15.86). Overall knowledge and practice of breast cancer screening were poor, but students' attitude towards screening was positive. Health education on breast cancer and screening is recommended.

Security Matters and Academic Staff Service Delivery in Southwest, Nigerian Universities

The study examined the relationship between security matters and academic staff service delivery in Southwest Nigeria universities. It determined the levels of academic staff service delivery and the level of security in Southwest Nigeria universities. The study adopted the descriptive survey research and correlational research designs. The population of the study comprised of all the 8724 academic staff in all the 18 Southwest Nigeria universities. The sample for this study was 880 respondents; comprising 800 academic staff and 80 heads of departments from 8 universities in four states in Southwest Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure which involved simple random sampling stratified and proportional stratified ransom sampling was used to select sample for the study. Two sets of instruments tagged. Security matters questionnaire (SMQ) and academic staff service delivery questionnaire [ASSDQ] were used for the study. The two sets of instruments were validated by face, content and construct validity by experts in the department of Educational Management and Test, Measurement and Evaluation and the reliability was ensured using Test-re Test method of reliability with SMQ and ASSDQ yielding reliability coefficients of 0.89 and 0.86 respectively. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The descriptive statistics of frequency counts percentage mean and standard deviation were used to answer the general questions while the inferential statistics involving Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to test the hypotheses, all the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The levels of security and academic staff service delivery in Southwest Nigeria University were moderate. The study showed that there was significant relationship between security matters and academic staff service delivery in Southwest; Nigeria universities. It was revealed that terrorism and cultism significantly affected academic staff service delivery. It was recommended that the government and their agencies, the university management should maintain the security of the school by funding the security unit with modern technological gadgets. So as to strengthen the security situations of Southwest Nigeria Universities. There should be policy and regulations against cultism and terrorism in universities which must also be adequately enforced to maintain a safe and secured school environment.