bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of groundwater potential using remotely sensed data within Akure metropolis, Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria., Ilugbo S. O. , Adewoye O. E. ,   Department of Physical Sciences, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria., Aladeboyeje A. I. ,   Department of Physical Sciences, Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria., Magawata U. Z. ,   Department of Physics, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Nigeria., Oyedele A. A. ,   Department of Physics, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria., Alabi T. O. ,   Southwest Drilling, Borehole House, Km 14 Ojoo-Iwo Road Express Way, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria., Owolabi D. T. ,   Department of Pure and Applied Physics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria., Adeleke K. A. ,   Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria., Adebayo S. O. ,   Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

Integrated investigations involving remote sensing and geology have been conducted with the aim of modeling groundwater potential zones within Akure metropolis, Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Groundwater potential zones were delineated with the help of remote sensing and geology. Land sat imageries were used for land use/land cover mapping and lineament analysis for groundwater prospecting. Radar Digital Elevation Model was used for drainage network extraction, slope and geomorphological analysis. All the thematic maps were generated and analyzed in terms of hydrogeological importance and reclassified for integration using ArcGIS 10.5 software. The slope, landuse/landcover, drainage density, lineament density, geomorphology and geological maps generated were integrated with overlay weighted in ArcGIS environment. Suitable ranking and weighting factors were decided based on their capability to store groundwater. This procedure is repeated for all the other layers and resultant layers were reclassified. The groundwater potential zones are classified into five categories of very low, low, moderate, high and very high. The groundwater potential within Akure metropolis is rated as generally low.
Dependence of raindrop size and shape parameters on rain attenuation prediction over a tropical location
Authors:   Department of Physics and Electronics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria., Kolade-Oje Temitope Y , Ajewole M. O. ,   Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria., Ojo J. S. ,   Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria., Adediji A. T. ,   Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

Rain attenuation is a phenomenon that weakens signal propagation, particularly in high frequency bands and in areas with significant rainfall rates, one of which is the tropical area. Falling raindrops undergo changes in shapes as they grow in sizes. The goal of this research is to use a theoretical method to examine the impact of drop shapes and sizes on rain attenuation prediction. The extinction cross section of spherical and non-spherical raindrops was calculated using the Mie theory and T-matrix respectively. The specific rain attenuation for spherical and non-spherical raindrops was computed at various frequencies in the microwave band and compared with the ITU-R838 model. It was observed that the non-spherical drops model has higher values for rain attenuation, and thus is best suitable for predicting rain attenuation.
Determination of the efficiency of combination therapies on the bioremediation of petroleum spill aquatic ecosystem
Authors:   Department of Petroleum Engineering, Delta State University, Oleh campus, Nigeria., Edema O. S. , Ekperi R. E. ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Delta State University, Oleh campus, Nigeria., Akpokodje O. I. ,   Department of Civil and Water Resources Engineering, Delta State University of Science and Technology,  Ozoro, Nigeria., Agbabi P. E. O. ,   Department of Petroleum Engineering, Delta State University, Oleh campus, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

Environmental degradation resulting from petroleum spills had become a major menace in most petroleum rich regions of the world. The remediation potential of individual green materials and their combinations were quantified in this study. Stimulated petroleum spill water was remediated with water lettuce, activated charcoal, rice husks and their combinations, within an experimental period of 40 days. The total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) value of the contaminated water and remediated contaminated water was determined in accordance with American Public Health Association’s (APHA) approved procedures. Findings of this study depicted that the amendments used were able to reduce the TPH concentration of the contaminated water; with activated charcoal tending to have higher remediation efficiency than rice husk. The results revealed that the TPH concentration of the contaminated water treated with only water lettuce, declined from 3897 to 1296 mg/L; while the TPH value of contaminated water treated with water lettuce and activated charcoal (C2 and C3), dropped from 3897 to 535 mg/L and 382.33 mg/L respectively, depending on the charcoal quantity employed. It was also observed that the TPH of the contaminated water treated with water lettuce and rice husk (C4 and C5), dropped from 3897 to 864 mg/L and 680 mg/L respectively, depending on the quantity of rice husks used for the bioremediation program. Additionally, the study’s findings revealed that the TPH of the contaminated water remediated with the combination of water lettuce, charcoal, rice husk and cassava starch (C6 and C7) declined from 3897 to 392 mg/L and 223 mg/L respectively. The study’s findings had depicted that agricultural waste materials can be harnessed to remediate petroleum spill sites, and the remediation efficiency can be optimized through combined remediation methods/materials.
Analysis of the radiological dose and hazards assessment around swampy agricultural soil in Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria., Mundi Abdullahi Abubakar , Mustapha Idris Mohammed ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria., Ibrahim Umar ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria., Joseph Soja Reuben ,   Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Abuja, Nigeria., Aliyu Sidi Muhammad ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

The present study analyzes radiological dose and hazard around the swampy agricultural soil in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, using determined activity concentration (AC) of 238U, 232Th and 40K obtained from swampy agricultural soil samples, systematically collected from Ten (10) sampled points. Samples collected were further analyzed using a sodium iodide detector for activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K. The average AC of 238U, 232Th and 40K were 26.73±4.64, 9.77±2.57 and 1115.52 ±67.43 Bq/kg, respectively. The gamma absorbed dose rate (Dabs) ranges from 6.37E-01 to 2.33E+01 nGy/hr with a mean value of 6.10E+00 nGy/hr. The annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) ranges from 8.12E-03 to 2.97E-01 mSv/yr with an estimated mean value of 7.77E-02 mSv/yr. The annual gonadal dose equivalent ranges from 4.48E-02 to 1.72E+01 mSv/yr with a mean value of 4.49E-01 mSv/yr. The calculated radium equivalent activity ranges from 1.44E+01 to 4.49E+02 Bq/kg with a mean value of 1.18E+02 Bq/kg, which falls below the recommended standard value of 3.7E+02 Bq/kg. The external and internal hazard index ranges from 3.89E-02 to 1.21E+00 mSv/yr with a mean value of 3.20E-01 mSv/yr, and 3.90E-02 to 1.41E+00 mSv/yr with a mean value of 3.70E-01 mSv/yr. The gamma hazard index ranges from 5.24E-02 to 1.84E+00 mSv/yr with a mean value of 4.83E-01 mSv/yr. The activity utilization index ranges from 8.65E-02 to 1.34E+00 mSv/yr with a mean value of 3.82E-01 mSv/yr, excess life cancer risk (ELCR) for both adult and child was found to be 1.94E-01 and 2.72E-01, respectively, higher than the recommended world average value of 0.29E-03. The high value of ELCR implies that residents around the study area have a high chance of developing cancer over a lifetime. Hence periodic radiological dose and hazard analysis is recommended to keep the exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
Planning for a sustainable water supply through improved rainwater harvesting system in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria
Authors:   Urban and Regional Planning Department, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria., Joshua Phanuel B. , Ilesanmi Felix A. ,   Urban and Regional Planning Department, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, PMB 2276, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria., Mshelizah Deborah S. ,   Geography Department, University of Maiduguri, PMB 1069, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

This paper examined water supply and demand in Hong Local Government Area (LGA) with a view to planning a sustainable rainwater harvesting system. The plan projected population in the area is 223,176 with an average of 5 persons per household. Similarly, there are 1,038 existing water supply infrastructures in form of wells and boreholes in seven (7) districts where 2,135 households out of 42,729 households in the LGA were sampled randomly to ascertain their level of access to water supply so as to provide strong basis for the planning activity. Results of the research indicated that 50.0% of the households are water-stressed, 40.6% are partially water-stressed while only 9.4% are not water-stressed. This therefore calls for a drastic planning action through rainwater harvesting system. The objectives of the plan are to provide more water supply to augment the shortfall in domestic water requirement, reduce the effects of domestic water stress on the socio-economic indicators in the area and optimise the use of water to avoid wastage and ensure sustainability. Design standards for rainwater collection, conveyance and storage are spelt out to ensure efficiency and viability of the project with materials are in conformity with the existing standards.
Geo-environmental engineering site evaluation for shallow foundation design in Akoko area of Ondo State, southwestern Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria., Falowo Olumuyiwa Olusola , Emmanuel Olaoluwa Gbenga ,   Building Technology Department, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria., Oluwatosin Farayibi Olatunde ,   Building Technology Department, Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

Civil engineering structures like buildings, dams, bridges, roads etc. are built or rest on soils, hence the bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of foundation soil to support the structure is important in effective structural design. Consequently, engineering site evaluation was carried out in Akoko area of Ondo State, Nigeria with the aim of investigating the qualitative engineering properties of the subsurface material for shallow foundation design by geological field studies, geophysical, static water level measurement and field/geotechnical laboratory analysis of collected samples. The geotechnical laboratory results show that the soils are of good foundation material with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials classification of A-2-4 to A-2-6 and A-2-7 types, with percentage fines less than 35%. The most of VES-curve types are H pattern (which accounts for 58%) which is very resistive at shallow depth. The static water level ranges from 1 to 15 m (generally less than 2 m) while the hydraulic head varies between 300 to 530 m. In the upper 2 m, sediments delineated are clay, silty clay, sandy clay, clayey sand, and basement. All the CPT-plots show the same signature with increasing resistance values with depth. The CPT value of 100 kg/cm² corresponding to 245 KN/m² which signifies moderately competent soil material was obtained at depths of 1.2 to 1.9 m, with immediate settlement values of 0.78 to 21 mm. Consequently, shallow foundation such as simple pad/raft or strip shallow foundation and spread footing are very feasible in the study area. However, substantial additional settlement may occur in the area with high water table, which could exceed tolerable limit and threatens the integrity of the foundation structure.
Local farmers’ level of perceptions and awareness’s on climate change in Amaro ward, Ethiopia
Authors:   Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, Mekelle University, Ethiopia., Baya Baynachew Bargissa , Gebreegziabher Kidane Tesfay ,   Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, Mekelle University, Ethiopia., Sumago Alemayehu Gonosa ,   Department of Natural Resource Economics, Mekelle University, Ethiopia.
Published: May 2024

The study assessed the level of perception, awareness and information of households to climate change in Amaro ward, Ethiopia. Two villages were purposively selected from the 34 homogeneous villages that make up the Amaro ward. During the survey, one hundred households were interviewed using multistage technique. Descriptive statistics was applied to analyze the level of information and awareness of rural households on climate change. Weighted Average Score was used to analyze the perception level of respondent’s in the area. Community leaders, head of the ward agricultural office, extension experts, elders and model farmers in the ward were part of the focus group discussion. Data from the focus group discussions complemented the survey results. Descriptive statistics revealed that most (80 and 79%) of households reported that climate has been changing and the change is reflected in terms of temperature and rainfall respectively. The analysis further investigated that majority (77%) of respondents had good awareness on climate change while 68% of them sourced about climate change from community leaders. Weighted Average Score revealed that majority (69%) of the respondents perceived that climate has been changing over the last 20 years in the area. These findings indicate that there is need to enhance farmers’ access to climate data and other climate change information, awareness level of respondents shall reach to the satisfactory level to correctly interpret their perception of climate change.
Detection of unconsolidated zones in coal mining site using resistivity data at Odagbo area, Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria., Idogbe E. A. , Ahmed A. L. ,   Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria., Olayinka L. A. ,   Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria., Eshimiakhe D. ,   Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria., Abubakar F. ,   Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

A coal mining site at Odagbo area located in Kogi State, Nigeria, was investigated using resistivity data to detect unconsolidated zones, majorly caused by the mining of coal seam deposit. The resistivity measurement was carried out with the aid of ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 and electrode selector equipment (ES 464). The resistivity data was acquired along three (3) profile lines at an equal interval of 50 m apart. The electrode array that was used for data acquisition was dipole-dipole array at electrode spacing of 5 m. The data acquired along the three (3) profiles were inverted with RES2DINV software. The inverted models were able to map-out air-filled/water-filled voids and showed the boundary between the unsaturated and water-saturated zone. The air-filled/water-filled voids have high (553 - 4000 Ωm) and low (3 - 70 Ωm) resistivity values with an average thickness of 11 m respectively. The unsaturated zone is 7 m thick and mostly consists of materials with resistivity values ranging from 195 to 4018 Ωm. The weathered zone is 17 m thick and is majorly dominated by water-saturated materials. The study shows that the unconsolidated zones in the subsurface of the study area lies within the weathered layer. These zones are the cause of environmental hazard and might even affect the probable potential coal resources of the study area.
Road vulnerability and the dynamics of rainfall along Igbara-Oke road, Ondo State, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria., Bawallah M. A. , Ilugbo S. O. ,   Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria., Akinluyi F. ,   Department of Remote Sensing, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria., Ojo B. T. ,   Department of Applied Geophysics, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria., Oyedele A. A. ,   Department of Physics, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria., Ozegin K. O. ,   Department of Physics, Ambros Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria., Tanimola M. O. ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

This research showed the significance of rainfall, Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and electrical resistivity method for road vulnerability along Igbara Oke road, Ondo State, Nigeria. In doing this, a geophysical approach has been adopted with the use of two geophysical methods involving Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) and electrical resistivity method using Lateral Resistivity Profiling (LRP) and Vertical Electrical Sounding techniques (VES) for a distance of more than half a kilometer. The lateral resistivity profiling allowed for evaluation of lateral variation in resistivity with respect to a fixed depth while the vertical electrical sounding for the understanding of the layer stratification of the study area in term of thickness and layer resistivity. VLF-EM was engaged to define the study area with respect to conductive and resistivity zone, while the methodological data of rainfall pattern within the last ten years was engaged to understand the dynamics of rainfall within this period. The Wenner profiling has a resistivity distribution/variation ranging between 16 to 520 Ωm, while VLF -EM profiling was characterized by conductivity ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 % and -0.1 to -4.1%. Vertical electrical sounding identified three to four geoelectric sections which are topsoil, weathered layer, fractured basement and fresh basement with varying resistivity and thickness. The results from the VES was used to determine the second order parameters for better understanding of the dynamic nature of the subsurface that may lead to further vulnerability. The rainfall data exhibits the reasons for the unprecedented vulnerability witnessed in recent years, coupled with the geological factors, and hence, the possible solution towards securing a sustainable future in foundations especially on road construction.
Review of variability of radiogenic heat properties of some rock types as a basis for geothermal characterization in Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Physics and Electronics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria., Sedara S. O. , Asere A. M. ,   Department of Physics and Electronics, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

The southwestern part of Nigeria is one of the three known regions in Nigeria with geothermal prospect. It is characterized by distinctly different thermal state and surface thermal manifestations. Although a number of geophysical explorations have been undertaken, but studies on fundamental geothermal theory remain scarce, including a lack of high-quality heat flow determinations and thermal structure studies. Heat production and heat flow properties play a very critical role in the study of thermal structure in a region. In this report, heat production and heat flow data of rock samples from published studies from some localities in Nigeria was compiled. To optimize this data, the rock-type denominations from the original studies was classified. This was used to characterize the thermal structure of the areas for possible geothermal exploration and radiogenic heat production distribution for the different rock types in the region. This gave some useful guidelines to lithospheric thermal modeling. From the heat production data, there is a wide range in values with igneous rocks having a maximum 11.17 µWm-3 and the metamorphic rocks having 131.37 µWm-3 as maximum value. The metamorphic rocks have higher values than the igneous rocks while the heat flow compiled for the country area has a minimum of 29 mWm-2 and a maximum of 130 mWm-2 with a mean value of 80 mWm-2. The high heat flow observed from data of the southwest zones may suggest the existence of anomalous heat source body in crust due to the radiogenic heat of the solid crust. This work is also an appraisal to direct attention to the lack of thermal properties investigations in the southwestern part of Nigeria and the need to improve on the heat flow database of Nigeria. Hence some parts of the study areas could be further explored for geothermal energy using appropriate geophysical techniques.
An assessment of soil contamination in and around Mpape dumpsite, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Abuja, Nigeria., Magaji J.Y. , Jenkwe E.D. ,   Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

Landfills are supposed to be the best and safest methods of waste disposal. The Mpape dumpsite was used as landfill for FCT, but did not meet the criteria for landfill construction. Evidences of pollution abound over two decades and now that the site has been closed down, there is need for a study to evaluate the level of pollution with time. This study assessed the level of soil contamination in Mpape dumpsite. The dumpsite was demarcated into six transects, out of which four points were randomly selected and a control for the study. Soil samples were collected at 0 to15 cm and 15 to 30 cm using soil auger. The samples were analysed at Abuja Environmental Protection Board Laboratory. The results show that, there is low variation in the distribution of the analysed parameters within and between the samples. The most common heavy metals found in the study area in order of abundance are Mg˃Mn˃Hg˃Cd˃Pb˃Cr˃CN˃Fe˃Cu. Correlation results shows that there is a significant positive correlation between pH and K, Pb; NH4 and Cu+, Ag; F and Cd, Ag and Pb, Cl- and Cu+, CN and Cr, Humus and K, at (p≥0.05), while NO3 and PO42; Mn and NH4, Cd and Br, Hg; Al and Cl-, Cd and Hg; Pb and K, Humus at (p ≤ 0.01). Statistically, there is no significant variation between the sample points and there is no significant difference between the experimental results and WHO standard, but there is significant difference with the control sample. This shows that the dumpsite has polluted the soils despite the closure of the dumpsite. It is therefore recommended that before siting a landfill, there should be strict compliance with the guidelines for its siting, construction and regular monitoring in order to minimize the menace to the soils.
Effectiveness of disaster management strategies employed by oil companies and government agencies towards oil pipeline vandalism in selected states in Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Evans U. I. , Weli V. E. ,   Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Chukwu-Okeah G. O. ,   Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

The effectiveness of disaster management strategies as it relates to oil pipeline vandalism in not a job for one but for all stakeholders in the oil industry, this however necessitated the need for this study which is targeted at examining the effectiveness of disaster management strategies employed by oil companies and government agencies towards oil pipeline vandalism in selected states in the Niger Delta. The study adopted the cross sectional research design where the simple random techniques was adopted as the method for the distribution of the research instrument. The study made use of questionnaire as the research instrument which was distributed to 400 respondents sampled across the selected State, Local Government Areas and Communities but only 392 copies were completely filled and returned for the study. Hypothesis for the study was tested with the aid of the Chi-Square statistical tool. The findings of the study showed that the effectiveness of disaster management strategies adopted by government agencies and multi nationals are less effective, it also revealed that management strategies adopted by the government and its agencies is less effective for prevention/mitigation, for preparedness, response and recovery/rehabilitation activities. The study concluded that the event of vandalism has impacted negatively on the Nigeria oil production as well as economic advantage. At various administrative eras, the more the government develop new strategies to tackle vandalism, the more the vandals devise another means to carry on their activities and that various disaster management strategies adopted by oil companies and government and its agencies are either less effective or ineffective and required a change in strategy. The study however, recommends that; government and multinationals should adopt disaster management strategies that are community based, that integrates the locals in the management of pipeline vandalism to curtail incidences of pipeline vandalism and the need for government and multinational collaborations in determining and framing strategies that are effective using international best practices.
Radiological safety assessment of soil samples at Kankara mining sites, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, using Gamma-ray spectrometry
Authors:   Department of Physics, Faculty of Physical Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria., Namadi Z. A. , Akpaneno A. F. ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Physical Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria., Mamman L. I. ,   Department of Physics, Faculty of Physical Science, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

The levels of natural radioactivity of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th were investigated to check the safety limit with the aim of identifying and quantifying prominent Gamma Emitting Norms associated with mining sites. The specific activity concentration, gamma index, alpha index and hazards indices were calculated and compared to the world recommended value using Gamma Spectroscopy with NaI (TI) detector. The Specific activities of 40K varied from 68.93098 to 98.74651 with a mean value of 84.720414; for 232Th, 19,65476 to 48.29756 with a mean value of 35.192296; and for 226Ra, 25.85647 to 41.89947 with a mean value of 34.50852. The mean values obtained for external hazard (Hex), internal hazard (Hin), gamma index and alpha index were 0.245, 0.338, 0.634 and 0.170. Generally, with the exception of 232Th and 226Ra, the activity levels of the radionuclides investigated were low and within the world average value. The calculated hazard indices were lower than international recommended limit. The alpha index was found to be lower with the exception of gamma index.
Effects of climate change on community based grazing lands management: A case study of the border between Nigeria and Niger Republic
Authors:   Department of Geography,Bayero University, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria., Ahmed Adamu , Murtala Ma’aruf ,   Department of Geography, Sule Lamido University, Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

In recent years, climate changes have had serious and unprecedented effects in Nigeria and Niger Republic. These changes range from a rapid decrease in forest resources to social and economic effects with obvious environmental repercussions. This paper examined the effect of climate change on community based grazing land management between the border of Nigeria and the Niger Republic. The focus was made on identifying activities carried out in the area, identifying herders’ encroachment routes and the perceived occurrence of climate change. Thus, data from Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Questionnaire derived from the inhabitants were collected and analyzed. A total of 1,009 questionnaires out of the 1,020 given were used to collect data for the study. The results revealed that various forms of changing climatic patterns force arable farming into more and more marginal areas. When there is heavy pressure on grazing lands, the animals consume palatable vegetation faster than it can generate, and eventually, no vegetation remains. Continuing overgrazing is detrimental in the study area because it reduces primary productivity, impedes plant growth and survival and consequently alters species composition of the grasses, shrubs and forbs that provide livestock with food. The study further revealed that moderate grazing pressure increased plant diversity and soil and land health. Therefore, good pasture management is a remedy to sustainable utilization, among which proper grazing management serves as the key element of sustainable rangeland restoration. The study further recommends that the conservation of grazing land is the responsibility of all.
Productivity and rate of litter decomposition in wimbi watershed forest area, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors:   Department of Forestry, Faculty of Forestry, Tadulako University,  Palu-Central Sulawesi 94118, Indonesia., Malik Adam , Naharuddin Naharuddin ,   Department of Forestry, Faculty of Forestry, Tadulako University,  Palu-Central Sulawesi 94118, Indonesia.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this research was to analyze the productivity and rate of litter decomposition in the Production Forest Area of Wimbi Village, Poso Regency. This research was conducted for six months, from March to September 2021. The method used was the survey method. Litter collection was carried out using a litter trap measuring 1 × 1 m2. The litter trap was made of nylon, which was placed at a height of 50 cm. The placement of the litter collection device was expected to optimally accommodate vegetation litter. The fallen litter was collected every week and separated according to its category. Furthermore, the litter was dried by putting it in a litter decomposition bag. The placement of the litter trap was divided into three observation points based on vegetation density. To determine the density of vegetation, purposive sampling was carried out by using a plot measuring 20 m x 20 m. Each density was sampled with four litter traps. The weight measurement of the decomposition litter was carried out at the Forestry Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Tadulako University. The results showed that at high density, the number of individuals obtained was 1125 ind/ha, medium density the number of individuals obtained was 875 ind/ha and at low density, the number of individuals obtained was 750 ind/ha. Total litter productivity in production forest areas at high density was 514.01 gr/m2/week, at a medium density of 420.94 gr/m2/week and at a low density of 327.58 gr/m2/week. The average weight loss in the forest area was 0.69 grams with a litter decomposition rate of 2.96%/week. Productivity of litter in production forest areas shows that the higher the number of individual vegetation, the higher the density of litter production, therefore it is necessary to stabilize the management of production forests in a sustainable manner.
Revitalizing teacher education for political stability and national security in Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Technology Education, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria., John Christopher Ademola , Egunsola Abraham O. E. ,   Department of Vocational Education, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria., Bashir Mohammed ,   Department of Electrical Technology Education, Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

Teacher Education is a veritable tool for the educational development in Nigeria. It is a process of preparing teachers for professional roles. This paper discussed revitalizing teacher education for political stability and national security. The paper discussed the conceptual model of educational dimension in any political process. The trend of educational development and political dimension was also discussed. The paper examined the evolution of teacher education over the years in Nigeria as well as goals of teacher education as contained in the National Policy on Education. Some of these goals include production of highly motivated, conscientious and efficient classroom teachers for all levels of Nigeria’s educational system, encouraging the spirit of enquiry and creativity in teachers; helping the teachers fit into social life of the community and society at large and enhancing their commitment to national goals among others. The challenges of teacher education in Nigeria were also highlighted. The paper submits that, despite numerous challenges facing teacher education, there is a way out. These include redefining teaching as high level profession, curriculum overhauling, and improved welfare package, improvement in academic and professional training among others.
Issues and management strategies of budgeting system in Nigerian education
Authors:   Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Jos, Jos Nigeria., Ogundele Michael Olarewaju , Dakwat Moses Danladi ,   Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Jos, Jos Nigeria., BWOI Gambo Maurice ,   Department of Education leadership management, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Published: May 2024

The paper examined the issues and strategies for budgetary allocation in Nigerian educational system. However, the concept of budgeting was defined, the issues relating to the types, importance, the procedures for budgeting system was examined. However, this paper explored the problems associated with budgeting allocation, implementation and evaluation. Suggestions was also made towards enhancing effective budgeting system in Nigerian educational system.
Influence of teachers on Nigerian students’ behaviour in Basic Science and Technology
Authors:   Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria., Afuwape M. O. , Adeyi F. A. ,   2The College of Education, Lanlate, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

Teachers are trained and certificated professionals who give direction and advice to learners. Teachers’ behaviour, academic achievement and acquired skills have direct bearing on students’ personality. Teachers are the main factors in educational development of a nation. It is in this view that this study is geared at investigating the influence of teachers on Nigerian students’ behaviour in Basic Science and Technology for comprehending previous research studies and exploring new variables plaguing the subject. The study made use of survey research design while the population comprised 50 Basic Science teachers and 450 public and private Upper Basic School Students in the selected Local Government Area in Ogbomoso Educational Zone of Oyo State. A self-developed questionnaire on influence of teachers on students’ behaviour in Basic Science and Technology was developed for data collection. The instrument was validated; Cronbach Alpha Reliability Coefficient produced value of 0.86. One research question and one null hypothesis guided the study. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency count and simple percentage) and inferential statistics (t-test) to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The result showed that teachers’ qualification has greater influence on students’ behaviour towards Basic Science and Technology while disposition to duty, methodology, coverage of scheme of work, attending workshops and seminars on subject matter also have significant effects on behaviour of Nigerian students towards Basic Science and Technology. Based on these findings, recommendations were made.
Undergraduate students’ engagement level and challenges in online instruction in University of Port Harcourt
Authors:   Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria., Augustine Sandra Eberechukwu , Olele Clara N. ,   Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

This descriptive survey ascertained the engagement level and the challenges undergraduate students in the Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt, experienced when learning Computer in Education course via Google classroom. The sample size was 45 students purposively selected from the Department of Educational Management (Political Science group) with a population of 134 students. Two research questions guided the study. Google classroom records on students’ posts and comments, and a questionnaire titled questionnaire on online learning challenges (QOLC) served as the instruments for data collection. Collected data were analyzed with a simple percentage and mean. The results indicated that the undergraduate students had a low engagement level during the online instruction and experienced challenges that included insufficient data subscription to access the online class regularly, poor electric power supply, network failure, inadequate instructional resources, among others. Some recommendations made were that instructors should constantly encourage and motivate students to attach value to their educational pursuits. Also, the university management should make adequate provisions for computer laboratory, free and stable internet access in and around the school environment.
Influence of teachers’ qualifications on academic performance of students in mathematics
Authors:   Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Management Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria., Omaliko Emeka L. , Okpala Ngozi E. ,   Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Management Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025 Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

The study examined the effect of teachers’ qualification on students’ academic performance in mathematics. The study is vital as it portrays the extent to which students’ performance are being influenced by the teachers qualification. In order to determine the relationship between students’ academic performance in mathematics and teachers qualification, some of these key variables were used in the study, NCE, PDE/PGDE, B.Sc, B.Ed, M.Sc and M.Ed while students’ performance was represented by their performance in mathematics. The research design used is survey design and data for the study were obtained from the teachers of the selected secondary schools in Idemili North Local Government in Anambra State teaching mathematics. The statistical test of parameter estimates was conducted using the Wilcoxon statistical test tool to establish the relationship between the variables. The findings generally indicated that a significant difference existed in the performance of students taught by professional teachers and non-professional teachers. On the basis of this finding, the study concluded that students who were taught by professional teachers perform much more than students who were taught by non-professional teachers in mathematics. The study therefore recommended that only qualified mathematics teachers should teach mathematics at the secondary school level. While the holders of Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) should be allowed to proceed in their education either through part-time or study leave likewise teachers without teaching qualification should pursue their Post Graduate Diploma in Education. As a result, their teaching method shall be improved upon in order to better the performance of students in mathematics.
Skills acquisition as strategy for sustainable poverty eradication in Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria., Okadi Ashagwu Ojang , Agu Rachael Ifeoma ,   Department of Home and Rural Economy, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, Nigeria., Onu Nkechi Emmanuella ,   Department of Home and Rural Economy, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

Poverty and unemployment remains a common feature of the Nigerian economy, with 62.6 per cent of the population living in poverty. Despite the enormous potentials and natural endowments in Nigeria, efforts aimed at eradicating poverty do not always yield expected dividends, thus escalating the rate of terrorist activities, banditry, kidnapping, prostitution, and other anti-social behaviours. Failure in poverty eradication efforts has often been attributed to corruption and the inability of beneficiaries to effectively utilize the resources. This is most often because the beneficiaries lack the capability and the skills required for the effective investment of the resources provided. This paper discussed the role of skills acquisition in promoting poverty eradication in Nigeria. The review covered the concepts of skills and skills acquisition; poverty and poverty eradication in Nigeria; roles of skills acquisition in poverty eradication; problems associated with skills acquisition in Nigeria, and approaches for enhancing skills acquisition in Nigeria. It was concluded that skills acquisition in relevant fields holds great promise in enhancing the productivity of poverty eradication efforts, and promoting sustainability in the efforts to eradicate poverty in Nigeria. Major recommendations made include private individuals, political office holders, NGOs, relevant government agencies and other corporate organizations should consider skills training programmes as integral components of their poverty alleviation efforts, while political office holders who have constituency portfolios and responsibilities should consider the establishment of skills training centres, renovation and equipping vocational and technical education institutions as key projects in their constituencies.
Influence of principals' use of management information system in managing public senior secondary schools in Central Senatorial Zone, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Educational Management Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria., Barde Dorcas Jummai , Chukwudi Kalu ,   Department of Educational Management Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria., Maichibi Nok Alhas ,   Department of Educational Management Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
Published: May 2024

The study assessed principals’ use of management information systems (MIS) in managing public secondary schools in Central Senatorial Zone, Kaduna State. The study was guided by three research questions with corresponding 3 objectives and 3 null hypotheses. The research design used for this study was descriptive survey research design. The total population of the study consisted of 168 principals and vice principals drawn from all 168 public senior secondary schools in the central senatorial zone of Kaduna State. The sample size of the study consisted of 84 respondents drawn from 84 secondary schools using a simple random sampling technique. The researcher’s self-developed instrument which consisted of 24 items was used for data collection. The instrument was validated and it yielded 0.63 as the logical validity index. The instrument was pilot tested on 20 principal and vice principal and the coefficient of internal consistency of 0.72 was obtained. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while Pearson product moment correlation was used to test all the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The major findings of the study indicated that MIS is effective in managing various aspects of staff and students' records and shows a significant relationship between MIS use and the management of students’ records, administrative competence, and teachers’ computer skills in recording students’ scores in public senior secondary schools in Central Senatorial Zone of Kaduna State. This implies that no meaningful records management process can ignore the impact of MIS in effective records management since it is clear that information creation, storage and retrieval have gone from pictorial representations on the walls of caves and artefacts to the invention of writing and computers. The study recommends that efforts should be intensified by government and stakeholders in education in collaboration with the School Based Management Committee (SBMC) to introduce and ensure its implementation of the use of modern technology such as Education Management Information System (MIS) for improved method of record management of students in public senior secondary schools of Central Senatorial Zone, Kaduna State.
A review of the potentials of cover crops and ways in which they can enhance cereal crop productivity
Authors:   Department of Research and Innovation, Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute (TARI) Makutupora Centre- P.O Box 1676 Dodoma, Tanzania., Chitara Rehema , Mwamahonje Andekelile ,   Department of Research and Innovation, Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute (TARI) Makutupora Centre- P.O Box 1676 Dodoma, Tanzania., Missanga Julius ,   Department of Natural Resource and Conservation, University of Dodoma, Tanzania., Ngowi Peter ,   International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania., Massawe Cornel ,   Department of Research and Innovation, Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute (TARI) Makutupora Centre- P.O Box 1676 Dodoma, Tanzania.
Published: May 2024

Sole cropping of cereals for consecutive cropping seasons exhausts soil nutrients more excessively compared to other cropping systems. The use of leguminous cover crops in cereal crop production in an intercropping manner is important for controlling weeds and improving soil properties to enhance soil fertility, soil moisture retention, and manage pests to increase crop yield. Weed infestation has been a threat to crop production for decades which costs farm operations hence reducing the output. Integrating leguminous cover crops with cereal crops and crop allelopathy have been reviewed as strategies to suppress weeds, and some types of pests, and improve soil structure and soil fertility by nitrogen fixation which boosts crop productivity. In addition, legumes have a direct impact on improving soil fertility from the decomposition of soil organic matter and circulating nutrients for cereal growth. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to discuss the potential of cover crops in cereal crop production.