Research Articles (SPGRS)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12280/354

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 41

Sesame: the Underexploited Organic Oilseed Crop
(African Journals Online, 2009) Olowe V. I. O.; Adeyemo Y. A.; Adeniregun O. O.
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is an important oilseed crop that ranks sixth among vegetable oils worldwide. Asia and Africa respecti vely account for 2. and 0.9 of the 3.66 million tons produced worldwide. However, Africa’s net export of the commodity is just 38% of its producti on, despite the fact that the Conti nent has favourable weather conditi ons that would support large-scale growing of the crop for commercial purposes. Presently, majority of the primary growers of the crop on the conti nent produce non-certi fi ed organic Sesame but which meets the specifi c requirements for organic Sesame. Recently released varieti es of the crop, i.e. NCRIBEN-01M, NCRIBEN-02M, NCRIBEN-03L and Ex-Sudan (exoti c variety) readily meet the premium quality requirements for export (i.e. 1000 seed weight>3.0 g, 40- 0% oil content and pearly-white seed colour). This paper presents data on the agronomic performance of these varieti es.
Antimicrobial Properties of Grape Fruit, Pawpaw and Black Pepper Extracts on Organisms associated with Fish Spoilage
(African Journals Online, 2009) George F. O. A.; Ephraim, R. N.; Obasa, S. O.; Bankole, M. O.
On average, Nigeria loses 30- 0% of its fi sh harvest to spoilage. This exacerbates her fi sh demand- supply gap; hence the need to devise means of miti gati ng the spoilage. This paper reports the fi ndings of a study that delved into the anti microbial properti es of Grape Fruit (Citrus paradisa), Pawpaw (Carica papaya) and Black Pepper (Piper guineese) extracts on organisms associated with fi sh spoilage. In the study, the anti microbial eff ect of fi ve concentrati ons (0.1, 0.2., 0.3, 0.4 and 0. g/ml) of ethanolic, cold and hot water extracts of these plants on spoilage organisms associated with catf ish (Clarias gariepinus) were assessed, through measuring inhibiti on zones, using the cup plate diff usion method. The inhibiti on zones were found to signifi cantly diff er, across extracti on method; plant material and extract concentrati on. Hot water was found to be the best extracti on method, with a mean inhibiti on zone of 4.42 + 0.38mm; followed by ethanolic and cold water methods, with 3. + 0. mm and 0. 0 + 0.1 mm respecti vely. Among the plant materials, grape peel had the best anti microbial acti vity, with a mean inhibiti on zone of 3.70 + 0.40mm against the eleven microorganisms tested, followed by black pepper (2.68 + 0. 2mm) and then pawpaw seed (2.1 + 0.32mm).
Need for Regulation of Assisted Reproductive Techniques in Africa
(African Journals Online, 2010) Kayode O. Fayokun, Kayode O.
Reproductive health and population control are part of the goals developing countries are called upon to pursue as part of the millennium development goals (MDGs). Indeed, population health is one of the parameters used in assessing progress towards achievement of these goals. Thus, assisted reproductive techniques, which provide a way out of infertility, are not only relevant to the discourse on reproductive health and population control but also to the discourse on development. In Africa, however, attitudes towards utilization of the techniques have not attracted commendable scholarly attention. This paper reports the findings of a study that attempted to close this gap, through investigating Africans’ attitudes towards the techniques, taking the case of Nigeria. It reports that while some people perceive the techniques as beneficial, others find their utilization offensive to their moral sensibilities. Subsequently, it is recommended that relevant authorities regulate the utilization of techniques.
Status Offenders and the Psychosexual Gap in the Ugandan Law Regarding Defilement
(African Journals Online, 2010) Muwereza, Nathan
This paper discuses defilement as a crime in relation to sexuality among adolescents in Uganda. Following a review of related literature, an extended field study of the prevalence of the practice and attitudes towards it was made. The findings were that, as a legal term, defilement has many theoretical and policing gaps and dilemmas. It was also found that the manner in which the practice is policed deters adolescents’ sexual development. It is concluded that, in light of section 129 of the country’s penal code act, consensual sex between adolescents may not be a crime. Therefore, it is argued that adolescents’ smooth psychosexual development should not be sacrificed, notwithstanding the law regarding child sexual abusers, who must be punished stringently.
Nigerian Federal Civil Service: Employee Recruitment, Retention and Performance
(African Journals Online, 2010) Gberevbie, Daniel Eseme
This study delved into the recruitment and retention of employees in the Nigerian Federal Civil Service (NFCS), to establish their impact on the effectiveness of the service. Data were collected through administration of questionnaires (to employees in the service) and structured interviews (with managers in the service). The findings were that employee recruitment into the civil service is based on federal character principle (i.e. equal representation of people from the geo-political zones of the country), merit and political considerations. In terms of employee retention, the study found that the service lagged behind in providing adequate incentives to retain its workforce for performance compared to what is obtainable from the private sector. Thus, the study recommends that, while the federal character principle is necessary (given the country’s “multi-ethnic,” religious and cultural diversity), its application should also pay attention to the merit of prospective employees. It is also recommended that the service raises its rewards to a level where they are competitive enough to attract and retain competent employees and enhance their performance.
Place of a Realistic Teacher Education Pedagogy in an ICT-Supported Learning Environment in Distance Teacher Education in Uganda
(African Journals Online, 2010) Basaza Naiga Gudula
This article is based on a study undertaken to examine the impact of introducing a realistic teacher education pedagogy (RTEP) oriented learning environment supported by ICT on distance teacher education in Uganda. It gives an overview of the quality, quantity and training of teachers in primary and secondary schools in the country after which it positions distance learning in teacher education. Using the evidence gathered, it suggests solutions to challenges facing distance teacher education in the country. It is argued that the solutions may be relevant to distance teacher education worldwide.
Effectiveness of Chlorinated Water, Sodium Hypochlorite, Sodium Chloride and Sterile Distilled Water in Killing Pathogenic Bacteria on Fresh Produce
(African Journals Online, 2010) Afolabi O. R.; Oloyede A. R.
This study evaluated the efficacy of chlorinated water, sodium hypochlorite solution, sodium chloride solution and sterile distilled water in eliminating pathogenic bacteria on the surfaces of raw vegetables. Lettuce vegetables were dipped in different concentrations of chlorinated water, sodium hypochlorite solution, sodium chloride solution and sterile distilled water for 1,2,3,4 and 5 minutes and analyzed microbiologically. Treatments of the vegetables with chlorinated water, sodium hypochlorite solution, salt water and distilled water did not eliminate the pathogens, but reduced their populations. The bacterial loads were reduced by 38.18 – 69.83% (chlorinated water), 23.74 – 69.13% (sodium hypochlorite solution), 31.62 – 79.0% (salt water) and 14.95 – 42.59% (sterile distilled water). The coliform loads were reduced by 41.2 – 68.9% (chlorinated water), 22.2 – 55.6% (sodium hypochlorite solution), 36.0 – 90.0% (salt water) and 22.2% - 40.0% (sterile distilled water). This suggests that very high concentrations of salt water could be useful in reducing pathogenic microorganisms in fresh produce.
Readiness of Kampala International University Doctoral Students for Open and Distance Education
(African Journals Online, 2010) Bakkabulindi F. E. K.; Mulumba F. N.; Aluonzi B.; Oketch C.; Taibu A.
This study examined the readiness of Kampala International University Doctoral Students for open and distance education and related this readiness to gender, income and perceived user friendliness of ICT. Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from 43 of these students and analysed using means, t-test and correlation analyses. The findings were that there is relationship between each of gender, income and perceived user friendliness of ICT and readiness for open and distance learning. However, only the relationship between perceived user friendliness of ICT and the said readiness was found to be statistically significant. Therefore, it was concluded that, if they are to be ready for open and distance education, the students deserve equal encouragement, exposure and training with respect to the use of ICT, notwithstanding their gender and income differentials.
Impediments to ICT-led Development in Nigeria: the Case of ICT ‘Illiteracy’ in Universities
(African Journals Online, 2010) Duze, Chinelo O.
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can play a major role in development. Accordingly, nations and institutions are making enormous efforts to promote their utilisation. In many of these efforts, it is taken for granted that once ICT facilities are acquired, they will be put to uses that are crucially relevant to development. This paper reports the findings of a study that brought this presumption to question, taking the case of knowledge and use of these technologies among 5118 students and 1509 academic staff of 97 universities in Nigeria. It reports that majority of the respondents and, by inference, people in Nigeria do not have the ICT competence required to harness the benefits that the technologies offer. Therefore, it is recommended that ICT and development policy makers at all levels in the country put the development of ICT competence at the centre of efforts to promote ICT-led development.
Evaluation of Co-compost of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch and Cow Dung as Fertilizer in Oil Palm Nurseries
(African Journals Online, 2010) Olugbenga O. AdeOluwa
Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is one of the readily available crop residues that can serve as cheap organic fertilizer source for crop. EFB-cow dung composts (EFB: cow dung ratios of 100:0, 80:20, 60:40, and 0:100) pre-treated by soaking in water, unsoaked and sole cow dung (all on dry weight basis) were incubated in an Alfisol under laboratory conditions for 10 months. These treatments were also used to raise oil palm seedlings in the nursery. Nutrient release pattern of unsoaked EFB: cow dung (60:40) was significantly (p<0.05) better than other EFB compost treatments. Correlation coefficient (r) between phosphorus released and ECEC with time of incubation were 1.00 and 0.98 (p<0.01) respectively. Unsoaked EFB cow dung (60:40) was as effective as mineral NPKMg fertilizer in enhancing plant dry matter accumulation and nutrient uptake.
Gender Equality in the Staff Composition of Higher Learning Institutions in Uganda: Gaps and Possibilities with Specific Reference to Uganda Martyrs University
(Journal of Science & Sustainable Development, 2010) Ssentongo, Jimmy Spire
This paper analyses gender equality in the composition of Uganda Martyrs University (UMU) staff—as of the close of 2008. The analysis focuses on the University’s policy and its implications for gender equality; the composition of the University’s staff by gender; and explanation of the possible reasons underlying the gender setting in the University. The paper employs Turner (1986)’s typology of equality in analysing equality. This is backed by social interactions approaches, which serve as the theoretical framework. Data were collected through informal interviews with staff of the University; observation; and analysis of the UMU Personnel Handbook 2008/2009 and the UMU Staff List as of 2008. The findings were that contrary to stereotypical exemptions of women from high positions in society, women occupy key positions in the University’s structure. Notwithstanding, representation of women in top management is far less than that of men and the composition of some job categories in the University’s establishment is indicative of the gender stereotyping typical of the Ugandan society. Like many institutions of higher education in Uganda, the University has no gender policy but mainly runs on an equal opportunities policy. Recommendations towards the resolution of these gaps are made.
Implementation of Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS (MIPA) in HIV/AIDS Programmes in Matobo District of Zimbabwe
(African Journals Online, 2011) Ndhlovu, Sifiso; Matunhu, Jephias
The HIV/AIDS pandemic is anti-development. It robs society of the resources that are akin to development. The MIPA is one of the programmes that have been put in place to help curb the pandemic in Zimbabwe. However, little appears to have been said about the effectiveness of the programme in Matobo District in Matebeleland South in Zimbabwe. This study evaluates the implementation of the programme. A mixed research design was used in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires were used in data collection. The theoretical framework of the study is a combination of the disclosure and the consequence theories of HIV/AIDS. The study concludes that implementation of the MIPA strategy in the district is not effective.
Management Strategies for Funding and Sustaining Early Childhood Education in Nigeria
(African Journals Online, 2011) Alabi, A. T.1; Ijaiya, N. Y. S.
This paper examined the existing management strategies for funding Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Nigeria with a view towards its better funding and sustenance. It recognised the commitment of the Nigerian Governments and the support of the community, individuals and foreign sponsors in funding ECE programmes. It argued that, nevertheless, much more needs to be done towards providing adequate funds for quality teachers/ caregivers, supply of appropriate facilities and stimulating learning materials as well as supervision of ECE programmes. Towards this end, increased government allocations, sustained international support, financial allocation to ECE teacher training institutions, equity funding and cost-sharing strategies were recommended.
Novel Organic Fertilisers for Management of Root-Knot Disease of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]
(African Journals Online, 2011) Atungwu, Jonathan Jeremiah; Eremosele, Gold Jude; Ipoola Olabiyi, Timothy; Bukola Orisajo, Samuel
Organic farming is currently receiving great impetus in Africa due to its potentials to improve nutrition, income and livelihoods of resource-poor smallholder farmers. Sustainable management of root-knot nematodes in organically grown soybean remain a major challenge in Africa. Greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of three novel organic fertilisers (sunshine, neem, and IAR & T fertilisers) as organic nematicides for control of Meloidogyne incognita (Mi) in a susceptible soybean variety. The organic fertilisers were applied two weeks before planting. All three organic fertilisers were significant (P < 0.05) in reducing (96 – 99 %) Mi nematode populations in soil leading to 86 – 100 % improvement in soybean grain yield. There were high and positive relationships between plant heights stem girth and yield components. Root gall development on test crop was negatively correlated with plant growth (r = - 0.47 to – 0.48) and yield (r = - 0.57 to – 0.59).
Evaluation of Pathogenic Bacteria Associated with Fresh Produce obtained from Selected Markets in Abeokuta
(African Journals Online, 2011) Afolabi, O. R.; Oloyede, A.R.1; Ibrahim, T. A
The bacterial quality of eight types of fresh produce obtained from selected markets in Abeokuta was determined. Two hundred forty (240) samples of fresh vegetables were examined for aerobic plate counts, coliform counts, and presence of Escherichia coli, toxigenic Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp and Listeria spp. The aerobic plate counts ranged from 2.80 log10 cfu/g to 15.60 log10 cfu/g with the inner parts of cut- water melons having the highest value. Total coliform counts ranged from 0.0 to 11.80 log10 cfu/g. Pathogenic bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp, Listeria spp, Shigella dysenteriae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Bacillus spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus spp. These pathogens were mostly found at the outer leaves/ parts of the vegetables and render unsafe for human consumption. This study shows that the outer parts/ leaves of fresh produce are heavily contaminated with pathogenic bacteria and the fresh produce should be pre- treated thoroughly, so as to reduce the risk of food- borne outbreaks.
Visceral Effect of Female Genital Mutilation as Explained by Married People in Nigeria: Implications for Counselling
(African Journals Online, 2011) Umoh, S. H.1; Adeoye, E. A.; Bukoye, R.O.; Rotimi, Ogidan J.
This study investigated the visceral effect of female genital mutilation as explained by married men and women in Nigeria. A Structured questionnaire designed by the researchers was administered to 500 respondents. Mean scores, Standard Deviation and Rank Order were used to analyse the responses collected. On the whole, the findings showed that women who were genitally mutilated faced several visceral effects after the surgical operation. These included self-reproach, poor self-image, painful menstrual periods and severe bleeding. Men whose partners were genitally mutilated confirmed that their wives faced these challenges. Based on these findings, it is recommended that counselling and education should be given to groups that still enforce this practice.
Impact of Teacher Development Programmes on Teachers’ Attitudes towards MDG2: the Case of Abeokuta South Local Government
(African Journals Online, 2011) Oduwaiye, R. O.; Oyeniran, S.; Olujimi Olufemi, David
Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 2 focuses on attainment of universal primary education (UPE). Taking cognizance of the fact that attainment of the goal depends heavily on the attitudes and work of teachers involved in the delivery of primary education, this study delved into these teachers’ attitudes towards the goal as shaped by their involvement in professional development programmes, taking the case of Abeokuta South Local Government. The findings were that teacher development programmes improve teachers’ capacity and disposition towards attainment of MDG2. Pertinent recommendations for theory, policy and practice grounded on this finding are propounded.
Challenges and Counselling Needs of Sickle Cell Patients Attending University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
(African Journals Online, 2012) Yahaya, L. A.; Durosaro, A.; Nuhu, M. A.
This study investigated the challenges and counselling needs of sickle cell patients attending the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) Kwara State, Nigeria. Purposive sampling was used to select 120 literate regular and non-regular patients of the hospital. A researcher developed instrument titled “Challenges and Counselling Needs of Sickle Cell Patients Questionnaire” (CCNSPQ) was used to elicit information from these participants. Five research questions raised in the study were answered using frequency counts, means and ranking and Analysis of Variance was used to test the hypotheses formulated at the .05 level of confidence. The findings showed that excessive bone, abdominal and chest pains are the major challenges confronting the respondents while occasional embarrassment due to unexpected sickness accompanying sickle cell disorder and stigma are the most serious counselling needs. There was no significant difference in the challenges of sickle cell patients based on age but the respondents had significantly different counselling needs. Therefore, it is recommended that guidance and public health education be put in place to reduce the stigmatisation of sickle cell patients. In addition, wellequipped clinics should be provided to facilitate early treatment. Genetic Counselling should also be provided both in the school and the community to prevent future occurrence of sickle cell disorder.
Removal of Public Officers from Office: Law and Justice in a Flux
(African Journals Online, 2012) Fayokun, Kayode O.
This paper examined the state of the law on removal of public officers from office. It observed that there are competing interests of labour and industry to be served by the rules on disengagement from public office. Workers need security of employment while industries need discipline and efficiency to survive. The courts have striven with changing trends in ensuring balance and justice for both the workers and the industries. The author’s appraisal of case law puts in view the state of both substantive and procedural law on the discipline of public officers as expounded by judges in the exercise of their power of judicial review. On the one hand is the attempt to maintain freedom of contract, which assumes the equal bargaining power of the parties. On the other hand is the need to give effect to statutory provisions which secure the tenure of public officers above that of the ordinary employee through legislation. The paper concluded that the divergent interests are not necessarily in conflict; they can be reconciled and adjusted to be mutually complementary.
Microbiological Safety of Ready-to-eat Foods Sold in Primary Schools in Abeokuta, South-West Nigeria
(African Journals Online, 2012) Afolabi, O. R.; Oloyede, A. R.; Obuotor, T. M.; Adegoke, L. M.; Adeleke, A. O.; Komonibo, T. O.
A study was conducted to assess the microbial safety of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods sold in private and public primary schools in Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria. One hundred and sixty RTE food samples were collected from forty food vendors in thirty primary schools and analysed microbiologically. Socio-economic status and their knowledge of food safety were assessed using the structured questionnaires. Total bacterial counts, total coliform counts and total fungal counts of RTE foods in public primary schools ranged from 6.27 log10cfu/g to 6.47 log10cfu/g, 6.00 log10cfu/g to 6.28 log10cfu/g and 5.85 log10cfu/g to 6.16 log10cfu/g respectively while those of private primary schools ranged from 6.30 log10cfu/g to 7.47 log10cfu/g, 6.15 log10cfu/g to 6.54 log10cfu/g and 5.60 log10cfu/g to 6.70 log10cfu/g respectively. Bacteria isolated from these samples were Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus spp, Enterobacter aerogenes, Shigella dysenteriae and Escherichia coli while the fungal isolates include Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Rhizopus spp, Penicillium viridicatum, Mucor spp and Fusarium spp. RTE foods sold in both private and public primary schools were found to be highly contaminated. Inappropriate storage conditions, inadequate knowledge of food safety, attitudes and practices of the food vendors are the factors that may allow the food contamination. These findings demonstrate that ready-to-eat foods vended in public and private primary schools in Abeokuta, South-western Nigeria constitute an hazard to the pupils’ health. Provision of health education to the vendors and enforcing implementation of appropriate hygienic practices would improve food quality.

Browse

Browsing Research Articles (SPGRS) by Issue Date