MINNA INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF BROILER CHICKENS FED VARYING LEVELS OF RAW DOUM PALM MEAL (RDPM) (Hyphaene thebaica)

A.G Ikechukwu, A.H Dikko — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

An 8week study was conducted to evaluate the effects of raw doum palm meal (RDPM) as substitute for maize on the haematological and serum biochemical characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 120-day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five treatments. Each treatment consisted of 24 birds with three replicates of eight birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). Five experimental diets were formulated to meet nutrient requirement standards of broilers (NRC, 1994), and were designated as follows: T1(control) contained 0% raw doum palm (hyphaene thebaica) meal while T2, T3, T4, and T5 contained 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0% respectively. Experimental feeds and water were provided ad libitum for all treatment groups. The results showed significant differences for blood cholesterol (x103/mm3) across dietary treatments. Birds fed diets T2 had significantly (p<0.05) similar and highest values (3.35 and 3.55 respectively) which was comparable with birds fed control diet (T1). Mean cell volume (fl) concentration ranged from 78.00 (T4) to 87.50 (T5). On the basis of the results obtained, it was concluded that inclusion of up 10% of raw doum palm (hyphaene thebaica) pulp meal in broiler diets did not pose any adverse effects on the haematological and serum biochemical characteristic of broiler.

IMPACT OF TEACHERS’ EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF COMPUTER SCIENCE STUDENTS IN NIGER STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MINNA

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The teacher is an indispensable asset in the business of education of any community, society, and the nation. The functions of teachers span skills development, modification of behaviours, guidance of the actions and thoughts of individuals through the instrumentality of learning activities and environment. The teacher is expected to be qualified, trained and professional in the act of sharing and impacting of knowledge to learners. These attributes have come into focus through the learners’ performances and successes in different learning subjects. This paper examines the impact of teachers’ educational qualification on performance of students of computer science in Niger State College of Education, Minna (NSCOE). Data was collected through survey research design drawn on a population size of 230 respondents from the Computer Science Department, (NSCOE). However, 200 questionnaires were returned and analyzed. The research instrument was validated using the Cronbach Alpha, obtaining a value of 0.78. Five research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The null hypotheses were tested using the chi-square statistics. The paper found that, there is a significant effect of teachers’ qualification and the lack of qualified teachers on the students’ academic performance. Furthermore, relationship between teachers' educational qualification to students’ academic performance was obtained as 0.5 for Spearman correlation coefficient; which implies that teachers’ educational qualifications determine or precedes students’ academic performance. It was recommended that, the students will experience improved learning situations, outcomes and aptitudes whenever there are qualified teachers available to mentor and guide the curriculum and instructional designs.

IMPACT OF ICTS USAGE ON SMALLHOLDER FARMER’S ADAPTATION STRATEGIES: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING STUDY IN NIGER STATE

Shehu Nabara Isah, Yakubu Mohammad, Shehu Umar Abubakar — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study was conducted in Kontagora Local Government Area of Niger State between June and August 2021. The objective of this study was to find out the impact of ICTs on adaptation strategies of the smallholder farmers. The study used a multiple-stage random sampling technique to randomly select 240 respondents. The levels were determined using frequency and percentages of summated scores by categorization into high moderate and low using range. The impacts of ICTs on adaptation strategies were determined using structural equation modeling (IBM SPSS Amos 20). The study revealed high-level adaptation strategies (M=3.69) and a moderate level of ICTs (M=3.51). The study also revealed the impact of ICTs on adaptation strategies. The impact of radio (β= 0.355, CR = 4.145, P =.001), mobile (β=.322, CR= 4.111, P=.000), television, (β=.211, CR=3.717, P=.000) on adaptation strategies were positive and statistically significant. The study recommended planned interventions should be undertaken to bring those responsible for adaptation policy and planning (particularly National Adaptation Plans) together with ICT/telecommunications agencies for more effective planning and implementation.

TEACHING AIDS/MATERIALS AS A PANACEA FOR EMPLOYMENT AND EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS’ IN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA.

Moses. O. Banjoko Ph.D, Stephen Musa Daniel Ph.D — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The use of teaching aids promotes closer and effective communication between the teacher and the learners. This teaching aids could be printed such as textbooks, workshops and non-printed such as films, videotapes, television. Also, there are different instructional materials to be use in teaching basic subject effectively but not all topics require the same type and quality of material. Hence, instructional materials are classified in different ways such as audio, audio-visual, and visual. In order to achieve the objectives of Building Technology, any materials to be used as teaching aid must have the following characteristics such as, colour, visibility, flexibility, sufficiency, simplicity, appropriate, artistic, bright, clear, brief, and clean. Two research questions were used for the study. The design of the study was descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 100 students in Building construction trade of different levels in Nigeria in which 45 students in building construction trade from Federal College of Education Technical Akoka and 45 students from Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education Ojo, Ijanikin, Lagos State. Were randomly sampled. A structural questionnaire with twenty (20) items was used as instrument for data collection and it was validated by three expects of project supervisor for modification before it was administered to the respondents. The data collected were analysed using weight Average mean and percentage distribution. The finding show that there is inadequate use of teaching aids and strongly disagree that teaching aids are used frequently in practical courses during the process of teaching Building Technology. It was recommended that educational manager’s school administrators should ensure that Teaching aids are provided for lectures to teach effectively.

PERCEPTION OF CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS ON THE INFLUENCE OF MOTIVATION TECHNIQUES ON EMPLOYEES' PERFORMANCE IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES WITHIN SULEJA METROPOLIS

Stephen Musa Daniel Ph.D, Moses Olusola Banjoko Ph.D — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study focused on determining the perception of construction professionals on various motivation strategies adopted in building construction companies. Related literature was reviewed to obtain information that helps answer the research questions in the study. The study used a structured questionnaire to collect data from respondents. The study used five hundred and six (506) target population but using the Yaman formula to determine sample size, two hundred and twenty-three (223) sample size was arrived at. The study randomly collected data from 223 individuals in the sample size from the eleven selected small-scale building and construction firms within the Suleja metropolis. From the questionnaires administered, two hundred and nineteen (219) were properly filled and collected; the remaining four (4) were mutilated and not properly filled. Frequency count and influence Index was employed as the statistical tool for analyzing the data collected. The data was analyzed and the analysis outcomes show that promotion as at when due, provision of work tools and equipment, and transportation to and fro site are the highly ranked motivational strategies adopted in building and construction companies in the Suleja metropolis. Also, residential accommodation for workers, and available jobs with Salary/monthly payment is discovered to be highly influential to workers' motivation. Therefore, the firm and her management must decide to use policies and strategies that enhance workforce motivation. Such a strategy should be taken in tandem with the general business aim and objectives.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION: PATHWAY TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN NIGERIA

B. Kudu Umar Ph.D, A. Usman Mohammed — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study was designed to highlight the importance of Entrepreneurship in Technical Education as education that pathway to income generation, reduction of poverty and creation of job opportunities. The role of Technical Education, goals of entrepreneurship education, challenges of entrepreneurship and prospects for entrepreneurship education were explained and some recommendations were made which include, among others that adequate and qualified entrepreneurship education teachers/instructors and attendant should be employ in our institutions, adequate fund should be provided for entrepreneurship education to purchase consumable materials for the practical and maintenance of tool and equipment/machines, credit loan should be given to qualify entrepreneurs by banks especially bank of industry, the entrepreneurship teachers/instructors and attendants should be train and re-train from time to time to update their knowledge, skills and attitude for improvement.

INFLUENCE OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON HABIT AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF HOME ECONOMICS STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN MINNA METROPOLIS

Angela Achebe — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the influence of covid-19 on study habits and socio-economic status of Home Economics Students in Secondary Schools in Minna Metropolis. The study adopted a descriptive survey design 120 home economics secondary school students were randomized sampled for the study. The target population for the study was (1200) SSII students in Minna metropolis. The research was guided by two research questions and one null hypothesis tested at 0.05 level of significance. The researchers used a well-structured Questionnaire for the study. A Pilot test was carried out to test the reliability of the research instrument. Cronbach's alpha and reliability coefficient of 0.82 and 0.73 were obtained from covid-19 pandemic, for the. The values obtained showed that the instrument is reliable. The data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that there was no significant difference in the study habits and socio-economic status of the students. It is recommended that teachers should adopt measures to strengthen students study habits during covid-19 pandemic to boost their study habits in home economics. Also, students should be reoriented to improve study habits in relation to time allocation for personal reading and assignments since these are crucial aspects of schooling.

IMPACT OF CONSTRUCTIVIST TEACHING STRATEGY ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND RETENTION IN MATHEMATICS AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Umar Ahmad MANKO Ph.D, Alh. Aliyu ZAKAKIYYA Ph.D — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study focused on the Impact of Constructivist Teaching Strategy on Academic Performance and Retention in Mathematics among Senior Secondary School Students in Bosso Local Government Area, Niger State. The study was quasi-experimental design. This design was considered suitable for the study because intact classes were assigned to two differentiate groups. Two research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The simple random sampling technique was employed to select sample size of 216 SS II students (110 students for experimental group, 106 students for control group). An instrument was developed by researchers and was validated by experts with reliability coefficient is at r= 0.84. The instrument was used as post–test and post-test for data collection and analyses. The study result revealed that there was a significant difference in the academic performance scores of students taught using the constructivist teaching method and those taught using conventional teaching method. The result also revealed that there was significance difference in the retention ability of students taught mathematics using constructivist teaching method and those taught using conventional teaching method. It was recommended among others that Seminar and workshops should be organized for mathematics teachers to educate then on the constructivist teaching method strategy. Also constructivist teaching method should be used as another alternative teaching method to teach mathematics in secondary schools.

AN APPROACH FOR HIDING VOICE NOTES IN IMAGE COVER MEDIA USING DISCRETE WAVELET TRANSFORM

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The secret communications of information can be performed through diverse approaches including the spatial domain and transform domain. There is still the problem of insecurity of undercover communications due to vulnerable channels such as high imperceptibility, large embedding size, and low robustness. Image steganography has significantly been researched in the two decades as means for embedding secret messages of all kinds of media (text, sound, and image) into image carriers. Least Significant Bits (LSBs) and Most Significant Bits (MSBs) substitutions embedding approaches enable secret message bits superimpositions into the bits of image carriers. This paper proposes DWT decomposition of voice notes bits into two components; then, each component is hidden in either LSB or MSB position. The outcomes revealed that the mean, PSNR, and CR for MSB substitution at 7.45, 39.06 dB, and 11.12 outperformed the LSB substitution at 9.81, 38.25 dB, and 10.55 respectively. This implies the suitability of LSB and MSB for protecting secret communication through image cover medium. However, future works can consider the audio and image formats to measure the efficacy of the proposed image steganography.

EFFECT OF FINANCIAL INNOVATIONS ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

ABDULLAHI JAGABA, LAWAL UMAR UMAR — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the effect of financial innovations on the financial performance of A Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. Descriptive research design was employed in the study. The population of the study comprised of all the twenty-two DMBs in Nigeria as at 30th June, 2021. Fourteen (14) banks were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Secondary Data was collected from the annual report and accounts of the sampled Banks for the period of five years (2016-2021). Panel regression technique was used to analyze the data. The financial performance of these banks was measured in terms of Return on Equity (ROE) and Earnings per Share (EPS). And the financial products and services were proxied by Mobile Banking (MB) and Automated Teller Machine (ATM). The study found that MB has a negative effect on ROE and ATM has a positive effect on EPS. The study concludes that financial innovations affect the financial performance of DMBs in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that banks continue to promote the use of MB and ATM as they have the potential of improving performance and reasonable fee to be charged on transactions that will benefit both the banks and customers.

INFLUENCE OF ICTS ON E-AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES: INSIGHT FROM NIGER STATE, NIGERIA.

Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Agricultural extension in this information age has been recognized as an essential medium of disseminating information and advice to farmers and this is achieved through the usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The paper dwelled on the influence of ICTs for E- agricultural extension services in three selected Agricultural Development Projects (ADPs) of Niger state. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select (204) Extension Agents as respondents. Data were analyzed using both frequency and percentages of summated scores by categorization into high moderate, and low range, chi-square, and regression analysis. Result reveal the highest proportion of the respondents use Mobile phones and television (M=422; M=4.41). However, the levels provide a true picture of what is on the ground at the time of conducting this study. A moderate level was shown on Radio (M=3.06) and a Low level on the internet (M=2.15). Therefore, the overall mean score on ICTs (M= 3.46) signifies a moderate level on the usage of ICTs for E-agricultural extension services. There was a statistically significant relationship between ICTs and E-agricultural extension services. Results of regression analysis revealed that the influence of ICTs was statistically and positively significant on E-agricultural extension services. Therefore, there is a need for a schedule of programs on ICTs for extension personnel as ICTs play a vital role in E-agricultural extension.

AN ASSESSMENT OF ROADSIDE ARTWORKS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN NIGER STATE

Muhammad Babangida SANI PhD — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Over the years the art historians seem to neglect the study of roadside artworks, therefore, this paper highlight on their artworks and its sustainable entrepreneurship development in Niger State. The researcher adopted a random sampling technique to select the artworks of the roadside artists for constructive analysis. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was validated by some lecturers who are specialist in fine and applied arts and entrepreneurship education respectively. This research paper draws conclusion, suggestions, and some recommendations among them; Youths should be encouraged to acquire such knowledge and skills through entrepreneurship, so that they should be resourcefulness.

EFFECTS OF INTEGRATION OF ICT IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF CHEMISTRY IN SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CHANCHAGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NIGER STATE.

Mohammed Sani Adamu, Usman Jamilu Adamu,, Yusuf Kuta, Baba Haruna — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

We are living in the digital age and hardly can any aspect of human endeavour be effectively carried on without Information communication technologies (ICTs), education inclusive. ICTs are now at the center of education reform in line with the technological development of the 21st century. ICT-supported education can promote the acquisition of the knowledge and skills that will empower students for lifelong learning. The study was done in some selected Secondary Schools in Chanchaga Local Government Area of Niger State to assess the ICT facilities and infrastructure, to determine the Teacher’s knowledge and skills in ICT and its application to establish how the schools get the ICT technical support that influences the use of ICT in teaching and learning of chemistry. Non-experimental descriptive survey design was used to establish the factors that influence the integration and the use of ICTs in teaching and learning chemistry. The target Schools were five (5) Secondary Schools. Stratified random sampling was used to allow full participation of the Schools. Twenty five (25) teachers in the Secondary Schools made up the target population. Five chemistry Teachers were randomly selected in each sample School to fill the questionnaire and four Principals were interviewed to represent each category of schools. Questionnaires, observation schedule and interview enabled the researcher collect data. The data collected was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The study findings revealed that inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited ICT skills and training, limited access to technical support, lack of ICT policies in schools and budget constraints hinder the integration of ICT in teaching and learning chemistry in Secondary Schools. The Researcher recommends that the school administration should familiarize themselves with the national ICT policy so that they can develop School ICT policies of how to efficiently integrate ICTs in teaching and learning chemistry. The Government should also intensify ICT funding in Schools to help subsidize the high ICT costs and increase the number of computers in Schools.

ASSESSMENT OF CHALLENGES OF INSECURITY IN ADMINISTRATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SHIRORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN NIGER STATE POST-COVID-19 ERA.

Usman Zhitsu Ndako, Fati Ubale, Danlami Mohammed Zubairu — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the assessment of Challenges of insecurity in the administration of primary schools in Shiroro local government in Niger State post-Covid-19 Era. A survey research design was adopted for the study. A population of one hundred and nineteen (119) primary school teachers of Shiroro local government were sampled using simple random techniques. A structural questionnaire consisting of fifteen (15) items was used for data collection. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.80 using Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient, while three experts validated the instrument. The study was guided by three research questions and one hypothesis tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The data collected was analyzed using mean and chi-square. The finding revealed that as a result of insecurity in Shiroro local government there was disruption of the academic programme, suspension of teaching and learning as well as distraction of admission and enrolment. It was therefore recommended that the government of Niger state should provide enough funds to settle the damages caused by bandits to schools, provide adequate security and surveillance around schools, adopt E-learning and provide solar energy to poor families.

THE RESPONSES OF TOMATO (Solanum lycopersicon L.) GROWTH AND YIELD TO GROUNDNUT SHELL AND OTHER SOURCES OF NUTRIENT

O.O Sarah , O.A. Adesina — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The agronomic response of tomato (Solanum lycopersicon L.) to fertilizer application was examined at the screen house of the crop production department, Federal University of Technology Minna. The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of granulated groundnut shells and other sources of nutrients (poultry droppings, burnt groundnut shell, NPK 10:10:10,) on the growth and yield of the tomato plant. The experiment was divided into 5 treatments with 3 replicates each. The treatment consisted of 3 organic nutrient sources (poultry droppings, burnt groundnut shell, and groundnut shell) and 1 inorganic (NPK 10:10:10) source of the nutrient. They were applied at different rates; groundnut shell was applied at the rate of 94.34g per 20kg of soil, burnt groundnut shell was applied at the rate of 161.29g per 20kg of soil, poultry dropping was applied at the rate of 99.01g per 20kg of soil, a mixture of groundnut shell and poultry dropping was also applied (groundnut shell was 47.17+49.50 poultry droppings) = 96.67g per 20kg of soil and NPK 10:10:10 was applied at the rate of 10g per 20kg of soil. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. Data were collected on morphological parameters including the number of leaves, plant height, stem girth, number of branches, days to first flowering, days to 50% flowering, days to first fruiting, number of fruits, and weight of fruits. These data were collected over a period of 2-10 weeks after transplanting. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a statistical analysis system (SAS) package, Means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT), and statistical means were tested at a 5% level of significance. The result of the study showed that a mixture of groundnut shells and poultry droppings enhanced the growth and yield of tomatoes more than any other treatment used. Therefore, the application of a mixture of poultry manure and groundnut shell at 96.67g per 20kg of soil is ideal for optimum growth and yield of Tomato plant.