Rivers State University Journal of Education

Rural Women’s Resilience to Climate Change in Coastal Communities in Lagos State, Nigeria

Ememe, P. I., Fajimi, B. A. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

There is a nexus between climate change and gender-based resilience in coastal communities. Notwithstanding, local interventions and collaborative international protocols on climate change have not improved rural women’s vulnerabilities to climate change in coastal communities in Nigeria. The revised National Policy on Climate Change emphasized mitigation and adaptation strategies to reduce vulnerability, mainstream gender equality and social inclusion for rural development. The study explored rural women’s resilience to climate change in Nigerian coastal communities. The paper adopted the ethnographic design of the qualitative research method. Data were collected through in-depth interview from sampled rural women using purposive sampling technique to measure the four thematic areas of the study. The study found that rural women were aware and affected by climate change. The rural women understood their environment and were resilient through cooperative mobilisation of resources, self-help, communication, and interdependency. The government should increase gender-parity in community engagement to scale up rural women’s participation and inclusion in rural leadership and decision-making to accelerate development and sustainability of coastal communities.

Principals’ Financial Management Strategies on Effective Administration of Public Secondary Schools in Rivers State

Okere, C. O. P. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the financial management strategies employed by principals in the effective administration of public secondary schools in Rivers State. Two research objectives, two research questions, and two hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population consisted of all 247 public secondary schools and their 247 principals in Rivers State, comprising 151 male and 96 female principals. The census sampling technique was used, ensuring that every member of the population participated. A structured instrument, the Principals' Financial Management Strategies on Effective Administration of Public Secondary Schools Questionnaire, was used to elicit data. Experts in education verified the tool, and its reliability was determined through test-retest measurement, yielding a reliability index of 0.78 using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, and z-test statistics were employed to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings revealed that principals' budgetary practices and adequate record-keeping significantlyinfluence effective administration. The study recommends that principals should prioritize budgeting due to its importance in efficient financial management.

Business Studies Teachers’ Readiness Towards Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Learning Management Systems for Effective Teaching in Rivers State.

Ogoronte, S. S., Bupo, G. O. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the readiness of Business Studies teachers in Rivers State to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and Learning Management Systems (LMS) into their teaching practices. The research focused on two objectives, research questions, and null hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted targeting a population of 779 Business Studies teachers in Rivers State. Through a multistage sampling technique, 352 teachers were selected as sample for the study. Data was collected using a self-designed questionnaire, validated by three experts, two from the Business Education Department and one psychometrician. The instrument's reliability was confirmed through Cronbach's Alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.86. The research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while the hypotheses were tested using appropriate statistical methods such as one-way ANOVA at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed a high level of readiness among teachers to integrate AI and LMS for effective teaching. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should integrate AI and LMS components into the Business Studies curriculum. Additionally, teachers are encouraged to use AI and LMS to enhance personalized learning experiences, and effectively manage course content, assessments, and student communication.

EFFECTS OF POLYA’S PROBLEM SOLVING INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY ON PHYSICS STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Ovuworie, O. O, Ajaja, O. P. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study looked at how Polya's problem-solving instructional strategy affects the academic achievement and retention of Physics students in Delta State secondary schools. This study was guided by four research questions and four hypotheses. The pretest, posttest, delayed posttest, quasi-experimental design was employed. The study sampled 228 SS II Physics students from six mix secondary schools in Delta State. The six schools were drawn through simple random sampling by balloting. Three independent experts validated the Physics Achievement Test (PAT) before it was utilized for data collection. A reliability coefficient of 0.86 was established using Kuder-Richardson's Formula – 21 (KR-21). Mean, standard deviation, independent sample t-test and Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to analyze the acquired data. The findings of the study among others are that: there is noteworthy diversities in the average achievement scores between students instructed with the Polya’s problem-solving instructional strategy and lecture method in favor of the Polya’s problem-solving instructional strategy group and there is no noteworthy diversity in the average achievement score of male and female students instructed Physics using Polya's problem-solving teaching strategy. Based on the findings, it was concluded that Polya's problem-solving instructional strategy is superior to the lecture method in improving students' academic achievement and retention. Additionally, the Polya's problem- solving instructional strategy does not favor any gender over another when it comes to improving students’ academic achievement and retention in Physics.

Adequacy of Physics Contents Taught in Primary and Basic Science Curriculum for Understanding Secondary School Physics in Ukwuani Local Government Area, Delta State.

Abamba, E. I. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

One issue drawing attention from scholars is the persistently low academic performance of students in science classes, particularly in Physics, due to the potential threat this provides to the country's technological leadership. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the Physics content in primary and basic science curricula provide a sufficient basis for understanding secondary school Physics. The study design is a descriptive survey. Two research questions were put forward to aid the study. Two instruments were designed for the study which were titled: Physics Taught Contents Adequacy Questionnaire for JSS and, Physics Taught Content Adequacy Questionnaire for SSS. The reliability of the instruments was established at 0.61 and 0.69 respectively using Cronbach alpha. The findings of the study showed that concepts taught in primary science aided students in learning of Basic Science concepts at the junior secondary level and concepts taught at the junior secondary level also aided students in learning Physics at the senior secondary level. The result of the study showed majority of students agreed that concepts that were taught in Primary Science enhanced their study of similar concepts in Basic Science, while a significant percentage of students stated that they had prior knowledge in some concepts. Also, majority of the students (over 80%) agreed that Physics concepts taught in Basic Science enhanced their understanding of similar contents taught in Physics at the senior secondary schools. It was recommended among others that teachers should ask thought- provoking questions to enable them find out what the students already know (prior knowledge) about the concepts to be taught to effectively build on it.

Polya’s Problem-Solving Method’s Influence on Secondary Schools Students’ Achievement and Retention in Biology in Delta Central Senatorial District

Siloko, A., Oyovwi, E. O. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This quasi-experimental study examined the impact of Polya's problem-solving approach on students' achievement and retention in Biology among a population of 12,163 Senior Secondary two (SSII) Biology students in Delta Central Senatorial District public schools. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. A sample of 349 students was randomly selected and assigned to either a Polya's problem-solving method group or a lecture-based instruction group. The Biology Achievement Test (BAT) was used to collect data, which was validated by experts and reliability-tested (α = 0.82) using Kuder-Richardson Formula 21. The data was analyzed using statistical methods including mean, standard deviation, and ANCOVA. The results showed significant differences in mean achievement and retention scores, favoring Polya's problem-solving method. The study found that Polya's problem-solving approach was more effective than the lecture method in improving students' achievement and retention in Biology. The study recommends adopting Polya's problem-solving method to improve students' academic performance and retention of Biology concepts.

Use of Social Media in the Teaching of Mathematics in Secondary Schools in Delta State, Nigeria.

Ogedegbe, E. H. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the utilization of social media for teaching mathematics in public secondary schools in Delta State. A descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The population consisted of 11,777 teaching staff in public secondary schools in Delta State for the 2023/2024 academic session. Using Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) sample size determination table, a sample of 375 teaching staff was selected from 473 public secondary schools in Delta State. The researcher developed a questionnaire, the "Use of Social Media in Teaching of Mathematics Questionnaire" (USMTMQ), to collect data. The instrument was validated by three specialists from the Department of Science Education at Delta State University, Abraka. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the instrument's reliability, resulting in a reliability index of 0.72. A total of 375 questionnaires were distributed to respondents, who completed them immediately to maximize the response rate. Descriptive statistical analysis, specifically the mean, was used to analyze the data collected from the respondents' answers to the questionnaire items, with the aid of SPSS. The findings revealed that social media can be a valuable tool in enhancing students' educational experience in mathematics. Utilizing social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can increase student engagement and interactivity in mathematics, leading to better comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts. However, various obstacles, including inadequate training and limited connectivity, hinder the effectiveness of incorporating social media in mathematics instruction. One of the recommendations was for school officials to provide training for teachers on effectively integrating social media into mathematics instruction.

Adoption of Modern Farm Practices among Rural Women for Sustainable Livelihood in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State

Nlebem, B. S., Ebere, P. U., Afen, M. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the adoption of modern farm practices among rural women in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State to promote sustainable livelihood. The study was guided by three objectives and research questions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a population of all rural women in the area. A multi-stage sampling technique selected 213 respondents, comprising 192 rural women and 21 extension officers. A self-structured questionnaire with a 4-point rating scale was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by two experts and had a reliability index of 0.77. Data analysis used mean and standard deviation, with a benchmark mean value of ≥ 2.50. Findings revealed that adopting modern farm practices such as vertical farming, irrigation technology, and hybrid seeds enabled rural women to optimize soil and water use, overcome limited arable land, reduce environmental impact, increase crop yield, and produce nutrient-rich crops. These practices also helped rural women gain surplus, combat pests and diseases, and maintain yield under climate challenges. The study recommends awareness and training programs to develop rural women's skills in vertical farming, exposure to indigenous irrigation systems for all-season food production, and dissemination of agricultural information on high-yielding crop varieties to encourage adoption.

Preservation of Archival Resources for Effective Service Delivery in Public University Libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria

Oladipupo, R. O., Ahiauzu, B. E. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the preservation of archival resources for effective service delivery in public university libraries in Rivers State, Nigeria. The risk management theory served as the theoretical framework for the study. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting all professional librarians in the public university libraries in Rivers State. The population consisted of 7 staff from Rivers State University Central Library, 19 staff from Donald Ekong Library, University of Port Harcourt, and 10 staff from Dame Patience Jonathan Automated Library, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. The entire population was studied and hence no sampling was done. A self-structured online questionnaire was used to collect data, which was analyzed using mean scores. The results showed that digitization, cleaning, environmental control, and storage in acid-free folders were the most used methods for preserving archival resources in public university libraries in Rivers State. However, several challenges were identified, including environmental factors, technological obsolescence, and physical conditions of materials. To combat these challenges, proper handling, proper storage, and digitization were recommended. The study's recommendations include the need for librarians to adopt digital preservation techniques, which offer long-term preservation. University libraries should employ skilled personnel in archival preservation to ensure proper handling and preservation of materials.

Education Managers’ Perception on the Relevance of Integrating Cutting-Edge Technologies in Teaching Accounting in Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State

Ogwunte, P. C., Aleru, G., Agburuga, V. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated education managers' perception of the relevance of integrating cutting-edge technologies in teaching accounting education in tertiary institutions in Rivers State. The study aimed to determine the perceived relevance of multimedia and software technologies in enhancing accounting education. The entire population was studied. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with a population of 94 education managers in tertiary institutions in Rivers State. A self-structured questionnaire, validated by experts and tested for reliability (r = 0.89), was used for data collection. Mean, standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that education managers perceived the integration of multimedia and software technologies as very relevant and relevant in teaching accounting. Based on these findings, the researchers recommend that the government provide relevant technologies and equipment to enhance teaching and learning, and that older education managers receive adequate training to integrate these technologies effectively.

Use of E-learning Devices for Effective Students' Learning Outcomes in Private Secondary Schools in Rivers State, Nigeria

Ebere, E., Okuro, G. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the use of e-learning devices for effective students' learning outcomes in private secondary schools in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive research design with a population of 6,908 teachers and 40,107 students from all the private secondary schools in the study area. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 500 teachers (7%) and 1600 students (4%) drawn from 80 private secondary schools in Rivers State. Data were collected with a research instrument of twelve items. The instrument was validated by two experts from the Department of Educational Management. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained with the use of the test-retest method. Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis was used to get the coefficient of 0.85. Mean and standard deviation statistics were used to answer the research questions, while z-test statistics were used to test the formulated null hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance The study revealed that the various e-learning devices such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and interactive whiteboards, among others, enhance students learning outcomes in private secondary schools in Rivers State. It is concluded that the use of e-learning devices offers huge prospects for enhancing students' learning outcomes in private secondary schools in today's digital age. The study, amongst others, recommends that private school owners should partner with internet service providers to offer affordable internet access.

Zoom: Sustainable E-Learning Management System for Business Education Programme in Rivers State University Post Covid-19

Akpomi, M. E., Anireh, U. N. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated perception of 20 lecturers and 44 postgraduate students who used zoom as an e-learning management system during the post covid-19 lockdown in Business Education with a view to finding out how sustainable the platform can be in the development of Business Education programme in Rivers State University post covid-19 era. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Four research questions were posed for the study. The entire population was used for the study because of the manageable size. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The Questionnaire was validated by three experts from Measurement and Evaluation and Business Education in Rivers State University. Cronbach Alpha was used to test the reliability of the instrument and a coefficient of 0.80 obtained. Data was analyzed using Mean and Standard Deviation (SD). Research findings revealed that zoom has user-friendly features and is of pedagogical advantage for teaching and learning. Cost and unequal access to the technology were among the challenges identified in the use of zoom. It was recommended that Rivers State Government and University Authorities to develop affordable e-learning system to support sustainable growth of Business Education in the state. There is the need for adequate funding of Business Education by the government in order to support and subsidization the cost of running the programme. Rivers State Government in conjunction with University Management Authorities as a matter of priority must develop e-learning management blueprint to be used to manage educational emergencies and future academic disruptions.

Rethinking Teacher Education in Nigeria: A New Paradigm for the Digital Generation

Oteyi, J. V., Dede, D. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The modern learner is tech-savvy, curious, and eager to explore diverse knowledge channels. Characterized by impatience, innovation, creativity, and global awareness, these learners crave collaboration and effective resources to solve problems. However, many teachers, traditionally the primary source of knowledge, struggle to adapt, lacking the necessary technological proficiency and professional development to engage these learners. To bridge this gap, teachers must become technologically confident and skilled, fostering strong relationships with their students. This paper advocates for a revitalized teacher education system, equipping educators to meet the unique demands of the digital generation and stay relevant in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world.

Correlates of Behaviour Modification and Truancy among Senior Secondary School Students in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State

Eremie, M. D., Anumiri, M. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The research investigated factors associated with changes in behavior and truancy tendencies in senior secondary school students within Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Four research questions and four corresponding null hypotheses guided the study. Utilizing a correlational research design, the study targeted all 47,297 public senior secondary school students (21,714 male and 25,583 female) across 37 schools within Port Harcourt Metropolis during the 2022/2023 academic session. A sample of 400 students (176 males and 224 females) was selected using Taro Yamane’s sample formula and cluster sampling technique. Two researcher-developed instruments, the "Questionnaire on Students’ Behaviour Modification" and the "Questionnaire on Students’ Truancy Behaviour," were employed for data collection after validation by three experts. Reliability coefficient was determined through Cronbach Alpha which yielded a coefficient of 0.73 indicating satisfactory consistency of the instruments. Data analysis involved Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation and t-transformation method using SPSS version 24. The findings revealed that positive reinforcement and negative punishment were negatively correlated with truancy behavior, while negative reinforcement and positive punishment were positively correlated with truancy behavior among senior secondary school students in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Rivers State. Recommendations included the effective use of positive reinforcement strategies for students exhibiting truancy tendencies to enhance school attendance and cautioned against the use of positive punishment due to its potential harm to truants.

Parental Involvement in Schooling as a Predictor of Academic Self-Efficacy among Senior Secondary School Students in Rivers State

Chukwu, C. O., Kennedy, M. G. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated parental involvement in schooling as predictors of academic self efficacy among public senior secondary schools in Rivers State. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study consisted of 66,164 students which is the total population of senior secondary school students in Rivers State. The Tsaro Yamen formular was used to draw a sample size of 399 respondents, while the multi-stage sampling technique was adopted in selecting the sample for the study. Instruments used for data collection were self-structured questionnaires: the "Parental Involvement and Interest in Schooling Questionnaire (PIISQ)" and the "Academic Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (ASEQ)."To ensure the reliability and validity of these instruments, experts in Guidance and Counselling and Educational Measurement and Evaluation assessed their content and face validity. Internal consistency was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha method, with reliability coefficients of 0.88 and 0.85 for the PIISQ and ASEQ, respectively. Research assistants facilitated the direct delivery of the questionnaires. Simple regression analysis was used to answer all the research questions, while t-test associated with the regression analysis was used to test the significance of the corresponding hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. Result of the study revealed that provision of textual materials, career counselling, availability of home teaching are significant predictors of academic self-efficacy of senior secondary school students in Rivers State. It was, therefore recommended among others that parental involvement in school activities should be encouraged and the government should consider developing and implementing policies that will support it.

Rethinking the Trend of Child Labour and Policy Implementation of Child Rights Act in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: Intrigues, Issues and Panacea

Ibinabo, S. K., Ogbolosingha, S. J. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated strategies for addressing child labor through the implementation of the Child Rights Act in Nigeria. Four research questions were posed, and four hypotheses were tested. The study employed a survey design, targeting all principals of public junior secondary schools in Bayelsa State. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 84 principals from thepopulation. The data collection instrument was a 20-item questionnaire titled "Child Rights Act for Addressing Child Labour Questionnaire" (CRAACLQ), which was face and content validated by two Measurement and Evaluation experts at the University of Port Harcourt. The questionnaire's reliability was estimated using Cronbach alpha statistics, yielding an index of 0.82. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, while hypotheses were tested using a z-test at a 0.05 significance level. The study's results revealed that poverty is the primary cause of child labor and implementing the Child Rights Act (CRA) will contribute to the holistic development of children. However, the CRA's effectiveness is hindered by a lack of political will, requiring increased sensitization, sanctions, and inter-institutional collaboration to succeed in curbing child labor. The study recommends further public sensitization on the Act.

Bridging the Gaps in Nigeria Education: Blending Practices of Education Systems of America and Japan for Global Competitiveness

Agboro-Eravwoke, O. U. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The major purpose of this paper was to identify the gaps in the Nigerian educational system by comparing its system with those of two industrialized giants (United States of America and Japan), and to suggest ways to bridge the gaps for the purpose of global competitiveness and integration. The paper identified the following gaps: funding, education control, access to education, school entry and graduation age, period for long holidays, number of hours students stay in school per day, teacher welfare and salary, teacher training for effective job performance, teacher supervision for effective job performance, quality of teachers employed, equality of education for all children and school exchange programme. The paper suggested how the gaps could be bridged for the Nigerian school system to effectively compete with the school systems of great nations. It was concluded that these gaps in the Nigerian educational system may be responsible for the low literacy level in Nigeria.

Relationship Between Digital Entrepreneurship Skills and Wealth Creation Among Postgraduate Business Education Students in Rivers State Universities

Godpower, Y. J., Egbunefu, C. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the adoption of digital entrepreneurship and its relationship with wealth creation among Business Education students at Rivers State Universities. Guided by two specific objectives, research questions, and hypotheses, the study employed a correlational design. The population consisted of 111 postgraduate Business Education students from two public universities in Rivers State offering the programme in the 2022/2023 academic year. Due to the manageable population size, sampling was not required. A validated researcher-developed questionnaire was used for data collection, with a reliability coefficient of 0.83 for the Digital Entrepreneurship Transformation Questionnaire (DESQ) and 0.76 for the Business Education Graduate Student Wealth Creation Questionnaire (BEPSWCQ). All 111 distributed questionnaires were administered, retrieved, and analyzed using SPSS 2023. The results showed that graduate students perceived digital marketing and cybersecurity as key digital entrepreneurship skills for wealth creation. Based on these findings, the study recommends that post graduate Business Education students should focus on digital marketing, acqu

Exploring the Role of Higher Education in Fostering Sustainable Blue Economy: Challenges and Prospects

Wordu, J. A., Wodi, J. C. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Tertiary education, the third level of education, is responsible for developing the manpower needs of society. It plays a crucial role in advancing the sustainable blue economy by providing the necessary research, innovation, and a skilled workforce for sustainable maritime resources. The paper discusses the role of higher education in fostering a sustainable blue economy, challenges, and prospects. A sustainable blue economy is the use of marine resources for economic growth and improved livelihood while preserving the ecosystem. A developed blue economy will increase the nation's revenue and provide employment and a source of livelihood for the citizens. The paper examines the various ways higher education can contribute to the development of the blue economy through research, innovation, advocacy, leadership, and community engagement. The paper highlights the challenges militating against the development of a blue economy such as overfishing and industrial and human pollution. The paper asserts that higher education through research, innovation, and partnership can drive the transformative change necessary for a sustainable blue economy. The paper suggests that the Federal Government of Nigeria should develop and implement a comprehensive policy and initiative to enhance sustainable practices and the safety of lives and properties.

Promoting Environmental Literacy and Sustainable Practices for Effective Administration in Schools in Rivers State: Implications for Global Transformation

Osuji, C. U., Nwuke, T. J. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper discussed promotion of environmental literacy and sustainable practices for effective administration in schools in Rivers State as implications for global transformation. Environmental literacy involves the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that empower individuals to comprehend the complex relationships between human societies and the environment. It extends beyond conventional awareness, demanding a profound appreciation for the intricate interplay between human activities and the environment. The paper highlighted that the various ways of promoting environmental literacy and sustainable practices is in teacher training and professional development, curriculum development and integration, educational outreach and awareness campaigns, integration of global perspectives, creation of environmental clubs and programmes measures and integration of green technologies. These initiatives not only reduce the ecological footprint of the school but also contribute to the practical application of sustainable practices. It concluded that the promotion of environmental literacy is more than an educational initiative; it is a catalyst for positive change. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions, nurtures a commitment to sustainable practices, and inspires collective efforts toward global environmental stewardship. By investing in environmental literacy, societies lay the groundwork for a generation capable of navigating complex environmental issues, fostering resilience, and contributing meaningfully to a more sustainable, equitable, and harmonious world. The paper suggested among others that ministries of Education should develop policies and frameworks that integrate environmental literacy into national education systems.

Relationship between Innovation Management and Small Business Enterprises Entrepreneurial Development in Kano and Kaduna States of North-Western Nigeria

Egele, A. C. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the relationship between innovation management and small business enterprises' entrepreneurial development in Kano and Kaduna States, North-Western Nigeria. Three research questions guided the study, which adopted a descriptive survey design. The population consisted of 14,886 small business owners and employees in Kano and Kaduna states. A sample of 500 business owners was randomly drawn from municipal areas. The instrument used was the "Innovation Management of Small Business Enterprises Entrepreneurial Development Questionnaire," validated by experts and tested for reliability using Cronbach's Alpha, yielding an index of 0.90, indicating high reliability. The research questions were answered using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient, while Pearson linear regression (R2) analysis tested the null hypothesis at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that process, product, and strategic innovations influence small business enterprises' entrepreneurial development. The study concluded that innovation management has a constructive and noteworthy affiliation with small business enterprises' entrepreneurial development. Recommendations include that small business enterprise owners and employees should stay updated on best practices for innovation management, monitor competitors, and adopt process, product, and strategic innovations.

Influence of Automated Accounting System on Payroll Preparation of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Rivers State

Onuotu, R. N., Amaewhule, W. A. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the impact of automated accounting systems on payroll preparation among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Port Harcourt. Three research questions guided the study, and three null hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 significance level. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a population of 6,838 registered SMEs in Port Harcourt. A sample of 400 SMEs was selected for the study. Data was collected using a research instrument with a 4-point scale: Very High Extent (VHE-4), High Extent (HE-3), Moderate Extent (ME-2), and Low Extent (LE-1). The instrument's reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.81. Three experts in Business Education and Measurement and Evaluation validated the instrument. Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test inferential statistics were employed to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that automated accounting systems, specifically Square Payroll, QuickBooks Payroll, and Data Processing Payroll, significantly influence payroll preparation among SMEs to a very high extent. Based on the findings, it is recommended that employers of labor should prioritize payroll preparation by ensuring that all organizational employees possess the necessary skills for efficient payroll processing.

Challenges of Academic Staff Commitment to Teaching for Goal Attainment and National Development in Public Universities in Rivers State

Wike, R. E., Omodu, N. S. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the challenges of academic staff commitment to teaching for goal attainment and national development in public universities in Rivers State, Nigeria. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and the population consisted of 3,624 academic staff from three public universities in Rivers State. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 362 academic staff (200 male and 162 female). A 17-item questionnaire, validated by three measurement and evaluation experts, was used for data collection. The questionnaire's reliability was 0.85, as determined by Cronbach Alpha Statistics. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while z-test analysis was employed to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that factors affecting academic staff commitment include poor salaries/allowances, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate teaching resources, and delayed/irregular promotion. Strategies to address these challenges include increasing salaries/allowances, prompt payment, and instituting adequate supervision/quality control. Based on the findings, conclusions were drawn, and recommendations made, including reviewing the conditions of service for academic staff; and collaborating with stakeholders to promote infrastructure and teaching resources provision in public universities

Impact of Training Strategies for Utilization of Information Systems among Administrative Officers in University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State

Udoh, G. E., Egbunefu, C. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the impact of training strategies on the utilization of information systems among administrative officers in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. A correlational research design was adopted, targeting 300 administrative officers, with a sample of 30 selected using a 10% sampling fraction. A structured questionnaire, "Training Strategies for Utilization of Information Systems among Administrative Officers in University Questionnaire," was validated using expert judgment and piloted with a reliability score of 0.89. Simple regression analysis was employed to test the research questions and hypotheses. The results revealed a positive impact of training strategies on the utilization of office information systems among administrative officers. The findings imply that regular training programs for the utilization of office information systems should be organized for administrative officers. It is recommended that the management of the University should advocate for the establishment of a continuous learning framework that integrates YouTube tutorials as a central component.

Teacher As a Decision Maker: Implication for Career Counselling in Rivers State

Adepoju, R. O. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study reviewed a topic titled “teacher as a decision maker: implication for career counselling”. The study looks at a teacher as someone who act as a guide and inspiration to students both young and old. The study reviewed the following sub-headings or concepts: concepts of effective teacher in decision making, making decisions about basic teaching functions, teachers as decision maker, areas teachers make decision, teachers careful observation, Spearman’s two-factor theory, illustration of Spearman’s cubical model representing the structure of intellect, types of instructional decisions teachers make, and implication of career counselling in relation to the behaviour of the learners and the teachers. The study concluded that teachers make effective decisions in times of doing their work and that teacher belief led them to make important classroom decisions that affect how students learn in school.

Waste Management Practices for Sustainable Learning in Secondary Schools in Rivers State

Aderiye, P. C., Ovwromoh, B. C. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined waste management practices for sustainable learning in secondary schools in Rivers State. Four research questions and four hypotheses were answered and tested in the study. The survey design of the descriptive type was adopted in the study. The population of the study was 41, 232 teachers and SS3 students in all the public senior secondary schools in Rivers State from which 396 respondents were drawn using a stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for data gathering was a 20-item questionnaire named “Waste Management for Sustainable Learning Questionnaire” (WMSLQ). The questionnaire was face and content validated by three Measurement and Evaluation experts at the University of Port Harcourt. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument with an index of 0.84. There were 396 copies of the questionnaire administered out of which 369 copies (58 teachers and 311 students) representing 93.2% were retrieved. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while a z-test at 0.05 level of significance was used to test the hypotheses. The result of the study showed that human waste and paper materials were the major waste in schools and the effects included air pollution and disease outbreaks among others. The challenges to waste management included the attitude of school stakeholders and the ways of managing these wastes included burning and regular sanitation exercise. The study recommended the need for more waste management materials in the schools for sustainable learning in secondary schools in Rivers State.

Influence of Birth Control Measures on Population Control among Women in Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas in Rivers State

Erinma, L. O. — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study “examines the influence of birth control measures on population control among women in Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas of Rivers State. Two objectives, two research questions and two corresponding hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey design was adopted in the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to obtain a sample of 704 out of 6123 women in Bonny and Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Areas of Rivers State. The instrument for data collection was a self-constructed questionnaire The instrument was validated by experts and tested for reliability using test-retest reliability method. Using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), a reliability coefficient of 0.79 was obtained. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance using z-test. The results of the study showed that, to a very high extent, knowledge of birth control measures and various types of birth control measures adopted influenced population control. Based on the findings of the study, the study recommended that, the government should create laws that will expand birth” control options and programmes to include couple-focused services through the national, state, and municipal assemblies.