Gender differences in students’ utilization of electronic information resources in Ramat Library, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

The study determined gender differences among students in the utilization of electronic information resources in Ramat Library, University of Maiduguri. One objective,with corresponding hypotheses guided the study. The survey research method was used. The population for the study comprised 13,995 (thirteen thousand, nine hundred ninety five) nondegree, undergraduate, and postgraduate students that registered the use Ramat Library, University of Maiduguri. A sample of 170 registered respondents was selected using stratified sampling technique. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics of percentage and frequency counts as well as inferential statistics of chi-square. Hypothesis was tested at 0.05 levels significance. Results showed significant difference in students’ accessibility and utilization while no significant difference in challenges of electronic information resources according to gender. Based on the findings and within the limitation of this study, it was concluded that gender was not a barrier in the utilization of electronic information resources in Ramat Library, University of Maiduguri. This study, thus recommended among others that registered students should utilize and access electronic information resources available in the Ramat Library for the purpose of enhancing learning outcome.Keywords: gender, e-resources, Ramat library, access, Nigeri

Internet Usage among Broadcast Media Practitioners in Nigeria

The study investigates internet usage among broadcast media practitioners in Nigeria. All the media practitioners in NTA, Peace PM and Ray Power stations in Maiduguri, totaling 91, were administered with questionnaire. The study finds out that majority 31(34.07%) of the respondents said they used the internet daily, while minority 6(6.59%) of the respondents said they never used the internet. Majority 32(35.16%) of the respondents said they used internet for news reporting, while minority 9(9.89%) of the respondents said they used the internet for advertising. Also 38(41.76%) of the respondents said websites enhanced their work as broadcast media practitioners, while minority 7(7.69%) of the respondents said You Tube enhanced their work as a broadcast media practitioner. The study also find out that challenges encountered by broadcast media practitioners while using the internet include; erratic power supply, lack of access to internet, low internet connectivity and hash weather conditions. The study recommended among other things that media owners should provide computers for their organizations and also provide same to their staff as loan to enable them access internet not only in office but also at home. The study then concluded that broadcast media practitioners in Nigeria can not afford to be left behind in the use of internet, if they must perform their duties of informing, educating and entertaining their listeners and viewers. Keyword: Broadcasting, Broadcast media, Electronic Communication, Internet, New media Technolog

The Internet and the Nigerian Woman: A Case of Female Undergraduates

The Internet has drastically changed information and knowledge sharing processes globally. It is a widely accepted medium for transformation and empowerment. Individuals, groups, communities and nations, including women in their quest for a gender sensitive society have adopted the Internet as a viable tool. However, despite the countless benefits of this important tool of communication, research, entertainment, publishing, and business, there are challenges that affect Internet access and use among female students at the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. This paper examines Internet access and use among female undergraduates at a Nigerian University. Selected female undergraduates completed questionnaires. The findings shows that the university computer centre (University Cyber Café) is the major Internet access point among the respondents. Research (information searches and learning) ranked first in the uses of the Internet among respondents, with financial constraints as the major challenge to access and use of the Internet. Respondents found women-related websites useful. They derive a certain gratification from these sites. However, most respondents do not post or contribute material or information on the web. Their interaction with the web involves mostly downloading. The study concludes that Internet access and use status among female students at the University of Maiduguri and women in general would be greatly enhanced if women organizations concentrated on addressing the challenges identified in this study. Attention should be paid to this category of women (university students) who have the educational capabilities and Internet potential to impact women empowerment efforts

Assessment of Reference Service Provision of Three Academic Libraries in Nigeria with Particular Reference to Ramat Library University of Maiduguri, Ramat Polytechnic Library Maiduguri, and Ibrahim Musa Library

The paper takes a look at Reference Service Provision in Maiduguri Metropolitan with particular reference to: Ramat Library University of Maiduguri, Ramat Polytechnic Library Maiduguri, and Ibrahim Musa Library in Sir Kashim College of Education Maiduguri. The study goes further to identify the various resources available and examines the activities of these libraries in meeting the challenges in the provision of reference service to their clienteles. The methods employed in assessing these libraries were personal interview and direct observation of the existing systems. Suggestions are finally proffered for improving the service delivery in those libraries. Keywords: Assessment, Provision, Reference Service, Academic Libraries, Nigeria, Maidugur

Waist Circumference, Waist Hip Ratio and Body Mass Index in Female Undergraduates of a Tertiary Institution in Nigeria: a Cross-sectional Study

Purpose: Obesity and overweight are associated with variety of conditions detrimental to health, wellbeing and longevity. Waist circumference and waist to hip ratio are indicators of risk of central adiposity while body mass index is an indicator of overall risk of obesity. Body mass index has been traditionally used as a standard for determining overweight and obesity. This study was designed to determine the relationship between waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and body mass index among female undergraduates of a Nigerian University. Also prevalence of obesity based on waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and body mass index was explored. Methods: Three hundred and sixty four apparently healthy subjects were recruited for the study using a cross-sectional simple random sampling technique. Waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and body mass index were determined using standard methods. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the physical characteristics of the participants. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to analyze the relationship between waist circumference, waist to hip and body mass index. Results: The mean age, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio and body mass index of the participants were 22.5 (±2.20) years, 79.36 (±10.4) cm, 0.81 (±0.06), and 22.48 (±4.50) kg/m2 respectively. The prevalence of obesity based on body mass index, waist circumference and waist to hip ratio was found to be 6.3%, 17.6% and 25.5% respectively. Significant relationship was found between waist circumference and body mass index (r = 0.81; p\u3c 0.001), and between waist to hip ratio and body mass index (r = 0.25; p\u3c 0.001). Conclusions: Body mass index was related to waist circumference, as well as to waist to hip ratio. The prevalence of obesity based on waist to hip ratio was highest among female undergraduates in a Nigerian university. Awareness on the importance of waist to hip ratio as indicator of risk of obesity should be created among female undergraduates in Nigerian Universities and by extension among the women population in general

An Assessment of the State of Readiness for Library Automation in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Library Yola and Ramat Library, University of Maiduguri

This is a survey research carried out to assess the state of readiness for library automation in Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Library Yola and Ramat Library, University of Maiduguri. The study sought to ascertain the sources of their funding, available personnel and infrastructure on ground for automation. Questionnaire, interview and observation were used to collect data. The sample of the study was 27 professional librarians. 8 were from Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Library, Yola; 19 were from Ramat Library, University of Maiduguri. The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The study found that: there was poor funding, and lack of/inadequate infrastructure and personnel for the purpose of library automation in both universities. It concluded that the two federal university libraries were not adequately ready for library automation. Hence, it recommended among others that, Vice-Chancellors should release enough funds to their respective university libraries for automation, Internet facilities and connection to the National Virtual Library of Nigeria. Keywords: Assessment, Readiness, Library automation, University

Customers’ Adoption of Electronic Banking and Access to Its Facilities in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria: An Empirical Investigation

Electronic system of banking has globally changed the face of commercial banking in recent times.  It has helped in bridging geographical, industrial and regulatory gaps and created innovative products and services as well as more market opportunities for both banks and customers.  However, its adoption is influenced by a number of variables including customers’ awareness, privacy, convenience and accessibility.  This study investigated adoption of e-banking and access to its facilities in some selected commercial banks in Maiduguri metropolis.  The study used primary data generated through administration of questionnaires on customers of five (5) Commercial banks.  Fifty (50) customers from each of the banks making a total of two hundred and fifty (250) were selected as sample.  Convenience and simple random sampling methods were used in selecting the banks and customers respectively.  Descriptive statistics and correlation test were applied to analyse the data.  The results disclosed that there is a significant relationship between adoption of e-banking and access to its facilities.  This is confirmed by the r-value of 0.944 (i.e 94.4%) and P-value of 0.023 which are strong, positive and significant at 5% level of significance.  Based on this result, it is suggested that commercial banks in Maiduguri metropolis in conjunction with electronic service providers should make conscious efforts in ensuring the availability of, and accessibility to e-banking facilities.  In other words, when introducing innovative products or services such as the electronic system of banking, its supporting facilities should be made to be always adequately available or easily accessible.  If this measure is considered, customers’ or users’ accessibility may be improved which might enhance the intention to adopt electronic banking. Keywords:  Customers, Adoption, E-banking, Access, Facilities

Effectiveness of reference services in providing students’ information needs in tertiary institutions in Nigeria

The main purpose of establishing library in any academic environment is to serve as the information centre to the community of users. But many have failed to serve this purpose after spending lots of money due to some reason and the other. This survey study is aimed at assessing Effectiveness of Reference Services in Providing Students’ Information Needs in Some Selected Tertiary Institutions in Borno State. The main objectives of the study were to : ascertain students’ level of’ utilization of reference section; availability of reference resources; types of reference services; users’ level of satisfaction with information and, problems inhibiting users from being satisfied with references services.. The study used survey method where questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. A total of One hundred and fifty (150) of students was used as population for the study - fifty from College of Agriculture Maiduguri, Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri and College of Education Maiduguri. Data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that: there is a high level of utilization of reference section by the students; there are inadequate Reference Librarians where “Book – Materials” constitutes the bulk of the information resources in Libraries; Referral Service, Current Awareness Services and Inter- Library lending constitutes the bulk of reference services provided in Libraries; the mostly use reference resources for “Assignment / Exams” and “Research/Project” purposes. Reference services provided by libraries were “poor” and, Lack of e-resources, irrelevance of the available information resources and lack of qualified reference Librarians constitutes the bulk of the problems inhibiting students’ satisfaction with reference resources of Libraries in Tertiary Institutions in Borno State. The study recommends among other things: Effort should be geared toward recruiting more professional Librarians and the provision of current information technologies facilities such computers and internet facilities such that students can be linked to the world of information; the Libraries should organize training for the reference librarians on how best to better serve the community of users.Keywords: reference sources, information needs, reference services, current awarenes

Role of Computer in Instruction, Assessment and Administrative Delivery of Education Goals in the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

Information and Communication Technologies have come to transform and reshape the school structures, curriculum, pedagogies, assessment and evaluation. Despite these advantages, very few institution of learning in Nigeria have been able to explore the inherent benefits of ICT to the fullest. The quest to attain Educational ends in response to the fast changing Society has indeed become a great challenge to the Nigerian Curriculum. Instructional delivery is the bridge between understanding and assimilation of knowledge. It is no longer news that developed Nations have moved from Desktop Computing Technology to what is now known as Cloud and Automated Computing and recently Computer Based Test (CBT). Improving the instructional delivery method requires whole lot of work. To this effect, this paper focuses on the ways to transform the Traditional driven methods of instructional and administrative delivery which in all ramification inactive. There are barriers hindering wholesome ICT integration in the University of Maiduguri such as inadequate power supply, lack of fund to equip schools, leadership focus and direction. Perhaps when the Universities, Government and stakeholders surmount these barriers, then we can propel to that paperless classroom. The paper further demonstrates how instructional delivery via computer transforms the thinking and impact on learners and general administration of Schools. It reflects on some of the impact and challenges of using CBI, CAI, CBT and recommends an optimum solution to the adaptation and use of the new Technologies to improve learning, evaluation and administrative delivery in the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria. Keywords: Instructional Delivery, Administrative delivery, Computer Based Instruction,Computer Based Tes