552 Publications

This research examines public perception of public relations practice in Nigerian Universities. The objective was to establish public’s perception of public relations practice in academic institutions through empirical evidence. However, two universities, University of Benin and Benson Idahosa University were purposely chosen as the sample for the research. This is because both universities share similar characteristics with other Nigerian institutions. With the aim of assessing publics’ perception on PR practice, 100 copies of the questionnaire containing structured and unstructured questions were designed. The copies were distributed equally, 50 each to both universities. Our findings from the publics’ response to the three research questions that were treated in the questionnaires revealed that public relations practice in Nigerian universities is meaningful and thus provides a variety of opportunities for the universities. Most of the publics interviewed through the use of questionnaire, commended the practice of PR due to the way and manner the image of the universities is projected. We, however, recommend that public relations department/unit in Nigerian universities should be properly equipped to enable them live up to the highest professional standards.

This research work examined the public relations practice of the Nigeria Customs Service. To this end, the public relations department of the Apapa Area Command of the customs service, Idoroko Area command and the Murtala Mohammed Airport Area Command were purposively selected to form the sample for the study. Nevertheless, the same policy framework guides the public relations practice of the three area commands, reflecting what is obtainable in all the public relations departments of the Nigerian Customs nationwide. The Public Relations Officers of the three Zonal Commands were interviewed, and they explained the strategies and methods they used while relating to the public. But in order to determine the perception the public had towards the activities of the customs service, some organizations and individuals that relate to the Nigeria Customs Service on daily basis were also interviewed through questionnaire instrument. Unfortunately, the response of both the internal and the external publics of the customs service revealed that the management of the Nigeria Customs Service did not see the public relations department of the service as a significant organ for its operation and activities.

This paper examines quality assurance in Nigeria university education and credentialing. The research contends that university education in Nigeria which hitherto enjoyed tremendous global respectability and acceptability is fast losing its high esteem in the face of labour market and members of community because the currently certified Nigerian graduates lack acceptable level of competence in their areas of specialization. If proper quality assurance mechanisms are sets in motion, then the certificates, diplomas and the degrees awarded as credentials will be worthwhile. The paper examined concern for quality in Nigerian university education, determinants of quality assurance mechanism, internal quality assurance mechanism and strategies for sustainable institutional quality. Recommendations include the repositioning and strengthening of the national universities commission to face the challenges of quality assurance in Nigerian universities, promotion of institutional culture of quality assurance and track tracing of the graduates by their universities for feed-back from employers.

Transportation systems available at present have been discovered to have their limitations as to the time and space required to transport items from one location to another. Teleportation technology is a fast growing area of research which has the potential to influence the present means of transportation or change it. Recent research development shows the possibility of quantum teleportation, whereby an original object to be teleported disintegrates at a particular location and an exact replica is reconstructed at a remote location instantaneously. The concept Quantum Teleportation is based on Quantum Entanglement using Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen effect has been presented as well as the importance of quantum computing to quantum teleportation. The future possibility of human teleportation was also examined based on the achievements so far in quantum teleportation.

The design of future-generation mobile communication systems depends critically on the pathloss prediction methods and their suitability to various signal propagation regions. An accurate estimation of radio pathloss is useful for predicting coverage areas of base stations, frequency assignments, determination of electric field strength, interference analysis, handover optimization, and power level adjustment. The radio path loss will also affect other elements such as the required receiver sensitivity, the form of transmission used and several other factors. As a result, it is necessary to understand the reasons for radio path loss, and to be able to determine the levels of the signal loss for a given radio path. In this paper, we investigated the radio signal path attenuation behavior, by conducting an experimental measurement survey in a UMTS network transmitting at 2100MHz band in Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin City. The measured field strength data collected at various distances from the base stations was used to estimate the pathloss. Firstly, the effect of different parameters, such as distance from base stations was studied and it is observed that path loss increases with distance from the signal source due to a corresponding decrease in field strength. Secondly, the calculated pathloss data have been compared with data from other existing pathloss prediction methods. We find that the Okumura-Hata model pathloss values were closest of all the propagation models considered classifying the environment into consideration. Thus, the performance of Okumura-Hata model shows its suitability for path attenuation loss prediction in UMTS networks in GRA.

Unemployment is a hydra-headed monster which exists among the youths in all developing nations of the world. The scourge of unemployment has been on for a very long time in Nigeria as graduates are churned out into the society every year from all the institutions. The concern of all and sundry has been how to meaningfully engage these teeming youths in order to shift their focus from the social vices of kidnapping, robbery and wanton destruction of lives and properties. An attempt has been made in this paper to look at the importance of entrepreneurship education and vocational counselling as a way of reducing if not totally eradicating youth unemployment in the country. With the promotion of entrepreneurial education through effective and continuous vocational counselling, the graduates that are turned in from institutions every year will not only be self-employed as a result of the skills they would have acquired but also become employers of labor. Some recommendation on how to realize this laudable objective has also been given.

INTRODUCTION The notions of register can be described from two perspectives- the text based approach by Biber and Conrad (2009) and the context based approach by the Hallidayan approach. In the text based approach Biber and Conrad mainly view register as a set of texts that exhibit relatively high/low frequencies of occurrence of particular grammatical features. Their focus is therefore on the grammatical characteristics of different types of text and not on context. They distribute registers to different kinds of texts, and afterwards investigate their linguistic differences or similarities. Their stance is that registers share many linguistic features such as nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, etc. – and they are distinguished by the relative use of these features. On the other hand the Hallidayan focus is primarily on the context of a language situation and they identify registers on the basis of this knowledge. It is from this latter perspective that our focus on register will be chiefly considered. However, if the need arises we could adopt an eclectic approach which involves a combination of the two approaches for a fuller and distinct analysis where applicable

Over the years, the development and implementation of computer technology has had great impact on the society with the intervention of computer technology, tedious tasks undergo to achieve desired result have been drastically reduced. This study aims at finding out the problems associated with the instructing and learning of computer science in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State. Six research questions were formulated. A sample size of 40 secondary school teachers (including principals) and 60 students from four secondary schools were randomly selected from the population. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered to the students and teachers. All the students used are from senior secondary schools. The findings revealed that lack of man power skills and unavailability of facilities, insufficient instructional materials, irregular electricity supply, and inadequate computer accessories negatively affects computer teaching and learning in the secondary schools. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendation are postulated (i) government should create programs that will raise the standard of computer science in secondary schools, (ii) the programs should be more funded to organize seminars on teaching of computer science, (ii) organize training for science teachers, (iv) provision of constant supply of electricity and (v) orientation on the relevance of computer science to both teachers and students.

Over the years, the development and implementation of computer technology has had great impact on the society with the intervention of computer technology, tedious tasks undergone to achieve desired result have been drastically reduced. This study aims at finding out the problems associated with the instructing and learning of computer science in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State. Six research questions guided the study. A sample size of 40 secondary school teachers (including principals) and 60 students from four secondary schools were randomly selected from the population. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered to the respondents. The findings revealed that lack of manpower skills, unavailability of facilities, insufficient instructional materials, irregular electricity supply, and inadequate computer accessories negatively affects computer teaching and learning in the secondary schools. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are made (i) government should create programs that will raise the standard of computer science in secondary schools (ii) the programs should be more funded to organize seminars on teaching of computer science, (iii) organize training for science teachers, (iv) provision of constant supply of electricity and (v) orientation on the relevance of computer science to both teachers and students.

The study emphasised the relationship between teachers’ qualification and students’ performance in mathematics, in Ikpoba-Okha L.G.A, Edo State. The study was a Correlational survey and was conducted using twenty five private secondary schools randomly selected and a sample size of 50 mathematics teachers purposively selected from the area of study. The study was guided by four research questions and four null hypotheses. The instrument used for data collection was the Teachers’ Qualification and Students’ Mathematics Achievement Questionnaire” (TQSMAQ) which was developed by the researchers. The instrument was properly validated and had a reliability coefficient of 0.983 using the rho statistics. The findings of this study showed that: (1) the relationship between the mathematics teachers’ qualification and the overall average performance of students in mathematics had a negative partial correlation of -0205 which was less than the significance level of 0.261; (2) the relationship between the mathematics teachers’ qualification and the average performance of female students in mathematics had a negative partial correlation of -0.119 which was less than the significance level of 0.515; (3) the relationship between the mathematics teachers’ qualification and the average performance of male students in mathematics has a negative partial correlation of -0.213 which was less than the significance level 0.242; and (4) the relationship between the mathematics teachers’ qualification and percentage of passes among students in mathematics has a negative partial correlation of -0.245 which was less than the significance level 0.176. Some recommendations were made and some counselling implications outlined. The study ended with a conclusion. Mathematics is the bedrock for the study of all sciences, hence, the place of mathematics in the technological development of any nation cannot be overemphasized. The quality of mathematics teachers engaged by schools would either positively or negatively impact the performance of students in the subject.

The study emphasised the relationship between teachers’ qualification and students’ performance in mathematics, in Ikpoba-Okha L.G.A, Edo State. The study was a Correlational survey and was conducted using twenty five private secondary schools randomly selected and a sample size of 50 mathematics teachers purposively selected from the area of study. The study was guided by four research questions and four null hypotheses. The instrument used for data collection was the Teachers’ Qualification and Students’ Mathematics Achievement Questionnaire” (TQSMAQ) which was developed by the researchers. The instrument was properly validated and had a reliability coefficient of 0.983 using the rho statistics. The findings of this study showed that: (1) the relationship between the mathematics teachers’ qualification and the overall average performance of students in mathematics had a negative partial correlation of -0205 which was less than the significance level of 0.261; (2) the relationship between the mathematics teachers’ qualification and the average performance of female students in mathematics had a negative partial correlation of -0.119 which was less than the significance level of 0.515; (3) the relationship between the mathematics teachers’ qualification and the average performance of male students in mathematics has a negative partial correlation of -0.213 which was less than the significance level 0.242; and (4) the relationship between the mathematics teachers’ qualification and percentage of passes among students in mathematics has a negative partial correlation of -0.245 which was less than the significance level 0.176. Some recommendations were made and some counselling implications outlined. The study ended with a conclusion. Mathematics is the bedrock for the study of all sciences, hence, the place of mathematics in the technological development of any nation cannot be overemphasized. The quality of mathematics teachers engaged by schools would either positively or negatively impact the performance of students in the subject.

Research methods in the Social Sciences are vital for the sake of knowledge (adding to or improving upon knowledge). The dynamic nature of people, organizations, nations as well as our external environment brings to fore the importance a scientific approach to analysis. There exist various methods of research designs that can be employed by a researcher. For the purpose of this paper, we shall look extensively at the experimental research design, types, pros and cons of each type. Also explained are methods of its application and its uniqueness.

The author examine the role Religion is playing in Africa politics, with Nigeria in context, and uses the membership of Organization of Islamic Conference as a case study. He finds that the membership of this body, which is exclusively Islamic has adverse implications for non-Muslims of Member States. He suggests that Nigeria, being a secular state, should opt out of that as it is against the spirit and letter of the Nigerian constitution

Still on corruption the author proposes religion and rule of law as antidotes.

The Article proposes the virtues of religion as the antidote to corruption among public officers in Nigeria. The paper finds that Nigeria’s three main religions preach against Corruption and therefore suggests that the war against corruption must be fought from the spiritual and religious dimensions.

Removal as used in the title to this article means dismissal from public office through the instmmentally of the National Assembly or a state house of assembly, in conformity with constitutional provisions, while His Excellencies refer to the President and Vice President of the Federation as well as the Governor and Deputy Governor of a State.Since 1999, there has been an unprecedented spate of removals and attempted removals of governors, deputy governors, and one case each of attempted removal of the president and vice president from office. The legislators in some cases displayed disregard for constitutional provisions on the matter. Hence, their attempts often ended in futility at the Supreme Court which usually ordered the reinstatement of the governors for fragrant breaches of the provisions of the constitution governing the matter. There is usually public outcry among people not learned in law when a governor who has been widely publicized to be very corrupt and whom the House of Assembly in his State has attempted to remove without following the constitutional provision for such removal, is a eventually re-instated to the state house to continue to rule (or is it misrule?) his people. This article aims at discussing the proper procedure for removing the president, vice president,? governor or deputy governor from office in pursuance of the provisions of Sections 143 and 188 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

The objective of this study (8 weeks) was to evaluate the carcass yield and nutrient digestibility of two hundred day-old broilers fed diets in which maize offal/ cashew nut offal replaced maize at 0, 10, 20 30 and 40% levels (diet 1- 5). It was evident that higher levels of maize offal and cashew nut meal inclusion resulted in significant higher (P<0.05) live weight, dressing percentage and cut-parts. This was associated with efficient nutrient digestibility, especially crude protein. It can be concluded that replacement of maize with maize offal/cashew nut led to better performance of broiler and hence increased profit margin.

Over the last few decades, the term “Third World” has been used interchangeably with global south and developing countries to describe poorer countries that have struggled to attain steady economic development. This term, when used today, generally denotes countries that have not developed to the same levels as Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, and which are thus in the process of developing. Education, research and innovation, professionally referred to as “Triangle of knowledge”, are integrated to build a road map leading to sustainable development for future generations. On the other hand, research and development is discovering new knowledge about products, processes and services, and then applying that knowledge to create new and improved products, processes and services that fill individual and corporate need, which will in turn elicit better conditions of living and promote sustainable development both in developed and third world countries. Hence this paper, which examine the concept of third world and sustainable development, contributions of research and foreign aid to the development of third world countries. Recommendations were made to enhance speedy and steady development in the third world countries.

Abstract The study investigated the response of broilers to different feeding manipulations. Six groups of day old Anak broilers were randomly assigned to either one of the following feeding methods from day old to 3 weeks; Ad libitum feeding, Skip-a day feeding, 50% of ad libitum feeding, 6 hours of light and 18 hours of darkness per day, 3 % ammonium sulphate or diets containing 18% protein and 2800kcal/kg ME .Broilers were thereafter fed the same diet to market age. Results at market age showed that feed intake was significantly reduced by all but one of the feed restriction methods investigated (p<0.05, p<0.01). Weight gains were comparable among broilers regardless of the feeding method (p>0.05, p>0.01). Feed to gain ratio was significantly reduced in broilers placed on 50% of ad libitum feeding (p<0.05,p<0.01). Feeding methods did not affect broilers liveability (p>0.05,p>0.01). Cost to benefit ratio of broiler production was significantly reduced by skip- a day and 50% of ad libitum feeding methods (p<0.05,p<0.01). Also, abdominal fat pad, a factor that downgrades carcass value was significantly reduced by skip -a day and 6 hours of lighting per day feeding methods (p<0.05,p<0.01). It was concluded that for both cost and abdominal fat reduction, skip- a day feeding method for 3 weeks would offer the best alternative to the usual ad libitum feeding in broilers.

This paper examines the lop-sided federalism practised in Nigeria where the central government has so much powers and the federating states have so little that the Nigerian State is run almost like a unitary state. It posits that it is essential that a balance be maintained between centralising and decentralising tendencies, in order to ensure harmony in the federation. The current Nigerian federal system is highly centralised, hence its unitary characterisation as evidenced in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999. Widespread dissatisfaction occasioned by it has led to calls for a Sovereign National Conference. Federation was a conscious decision designed to protect the diversities and identities of the federating units. The regions agreed to establish a central government that unites them, while simultaneously agreeing to retain their independence in some matters in order to safeguard their respective diversities. However, the basic tenets of federalism that defined the federal structure of Nigeria between 1954 and January 1966 have been jettisoned in favour of a unitary structure robed in federal colours. The challenge, therefore, is for Nigerians to return to the principles of federalism. The status quo, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, is not sustainable.

This aim of this study is to review naturally occurring dietary chemotherapeutic bioactive agents in some african medicinal plants that can be put to therapeutic use in combating inflammation and carcinogenesis without posing any deleterious effects to normal cells, tissues, organs and systems. Flavonoids possess antioxidant activity and may play a beneficial role in cancer prevention, and offer some protection against diabetes and atherosclerosis. Polyphenol prevents oxygen free radical-induced hepatocyte lethality, prevent lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury through inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-? expression and inhibits carcinogen or toxininduced liver oxidative DNA damage. Acetogenins have cytotoxic properties against tumor cell lines. Cardiac glycosides helps in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Tannins exert antimicrobial activities by iron deprivation, hydrogen bounding or specific interactions with vital proteins such as enzymes in microbial cells. Terpenoid have hepatoprotective effects in albino rats.

Rubber seeds have potential use as a source of industrial oil as well as a protein supplement for use in livestock diets. This has necessitated large scale collection and storage of rubber seeds for uses other than propagation. Like other traditional Nigerian grains and oil seeds, rubber seeds are prone to post-harvest deterioration. The main causes of deterioration of rubber seeds are excessive moisture and pests, such as fungi, insects and rodents. To reduce losses, it is imperative that rubber seeds are dried to a moisture level of 7% or less, before storage. Only whole (unshelled) seeds should be considered for long- term bulk storage. Dried, insecticide treated rubber seeds kept in a matted polypropylene bags under strict storage hygiene can be effectively stored for one year. Key Words: Rubber seeds, Post-harvest, Deterioration, Preservation and Storage.

In every prison in Nigeria today, there are two broad categories of inmates. The first category comprise those who have been convicted by a court, sentenced to a term of imprisonment and are serving their term while the second group comprise those who committed serious offences, have been arraigned before magistrates who lack jurisdiction to try them on ‘holding charges' and have been ordered by such magistrates to be detained in prison custody pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions. The country is at the moment is witnessing a tremendous increase in crime rate due mainly to unemployment caused by the closure of many industries because of epileptic power supply. There is lack of basic facilities in the rural area. This occasioned rural urban drift in which farming youths in the villages moved to the cities in search of non-available jobs. This further fueled the unemployment situation and many of them took to crime. This created a situation where the police are over stretched, the police cells are over populated the state counsels are overstretched, even the judges and magistrates are overstretched and the prisons cells are overpopulated with inmates more than 60% of whom are detainees awaiting trial. This article examines the constitutional and statutory rights as well as judicial interpretation of the rights of these detainees against the backdrop of allegations extra-judicial killings by the police and inhuman treatment in police cells.

This study examined the two-way communication flow between the electorate in Ado-Odo/Otta local government area in Ogun State and their elected representatives in the State and National Assembly. The members of the PDP and AD’ formed the sample for the study. 320 questionnaires were distributed but 275 were returned upon which the analysis and findings of this research were based. The study revealed that most of the PDP and AD members rarely meet with their representatives for the purpose of keeping them abreast with governmental policies and programmes. The electorate indicated their interest to contribute and support government policies and programmes if the forum for participatory democracy is created by their elected representatives. The paper recommended that the rural dwellers should actively be involved in both policy formulation and implementation by state and national governments.

The tower of Hanoi has been a topic every computer scientist has had to grapple with. Its implementation cuts across a fair range of options. One of the most popular is the use of an effective but non-intuitive method: The Recursion. Although the Recursive method has gained popularity, in this paper, the authors present an intuitive approach. By keeping the towers constant and maintaining our focus on the disks, we leverage a renowned AI (Artificial Intelligence) tool: ‘A Rule Based Expert System’ towards the resolution of the tower of Hanoi.