Effect of Teacher Variables on the Teaching of Initial Reading to Basics 1 and 2 Pupils in Imo State, Nigeria

Teaching initial reading is a herculean task that must be carried out by qualified, mature teachers. This work is out to investigate if the conditions are met by initial reading teachers in Owerri, Imo State. This study is a survey, carried out on 300 pupils and 60 teachers, randomly selected from eight public basic schools in Owerri Educational Zone 1 of Imo State. Two research hypotheses were posed and two 4-point Likert rating scales; a checklist and a questionnaire with Cronbach Reliability Coefficient r= 0.63 and r= 0.61 respectively were used to generate data, analyzed using t-test. Findings revealed that adult, experienced teachers with Bachelor’s degree in language education (B.Ed.) teach initial reading. There was no significant difference between Basic 1 and Basic 2 teachers’ teaching methods: t (58) = -0.381, p = .146 with Basic one (x̅= 12.54, S.D= 2.487) to Basic two (x̅= 12.75, S.D= 1.741) with the effect size of (r = 0.093) very small; no significant difference in the challenges teachers face in teaching initial reading: t (58) = 0.064, p = .842 with Basic one (x̅= 16.04, S.D= 2.134) to Basic two (x̅= 16.00, S.D= 2.200) with the effect size of (r = 0.045) very small; and no significant difference in teachers’ cadre: t (58) = 0.844, p = .258 with Basic one (x̅= 12.64, S.D= 1.592) to Basic two (x̅= 13.03, S.D= 1.926) with the effect size of (r = 0.234) moderate. It was therefore suggested that teachers should be qualified, have teaching experience, and use mother tongue in their classroom interactions to build in pupils a strong, lifelong foundation in reading.Key Words: Initial reading, mother tongue, qualified teachers, basic learners, teaching methods, reading difficulties, challenge

Boko Haram,Peace, Security and Development in North-East Nigeria: A Refractory Expedition

The atrocious crimes leashed on North Eastern Nigerians evident in brutal killings, rapes, kidnap and violence against humanity by the Boko Haram sect for 16years, is not only devastating but also brings critical narratives to the fore. The threats this sect has posed overtime to the level of peace, security and development of the nation generally, questions the role, agenda and essence of governance in Nigeria especially at the federal level. Available studies bothering on insurgency in the North Eastern region of Nigeria, seem to pay negligible attention to the interconnectedness between peace and development in that region. Applying the democratic peace theory, this paper sets to examine the link between peace, security and development since the formation of Boko Haram in 2002, with particular reference to Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states of Northern Nigeria. The secondary data sources were utilized through theoretical and historical analysis to access, interpret and discuss the findings. The paper submits that the security situation in the region is influenced by the already existing economic dislocation, volatile political terrain, religious insensitivity etc and has adversely affected the peaceful co-existence, security and overall level of development in the region.While a military intervention in curbing this mayhem is expedient, this paper suggests that the assurance of security and overall development of the region should be a top-notch agenda of government in order to fortify any resolve for peace not only in the North east but also in every region in Nigeria. Keywords: Peace, Security, Development, Boko Haram, North-East Nigeria Word Count: 245 DOI: 10.7176/JPID/49-05 Publication date: April 30th 201

Skipping English Language Lessons and its Effect on Senior Secondary School Students in Imo State, Nigeria

Literature abounds on the causes of truancy in schools among students but hardly has there been much on its effects on core subject like English Language of which deficiency could jeopardize truants’ life careers. Being Survey study, Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 240 SS2 students: regular-in-class and truants from six public schools in the three geo-political zones of Imo State. Six hypotheses were drawn and a 50-item English Language objective test with four options having r=0.78 was used to gather data analyzed, using ANOVA. Findings revealed significant difference in the mean scores of regular-in- English Language lessons and truants: 23.95 and 20.54 respectively; no significant difference in the performance of truants due to parents’ income: F (2, 117) = 0.923, p = 0.400; in the performance of truants in respect of parents’ educational qualification: F (2, 117) = 1.202, p = 0.304;); and in the performance of regular and truants due to parents’ professions: F (2, 237) = 0.176, p = 0.838. There was significant difference in the performance of regular students due to parents’ income: F (2, 117) = 0.256, p < .001; and in the performance of regular students in respect of parents’ educational qualifications: F (2, 117) = 1.156, p < .000. Education stake-holders should curb truancy in schools and classes. Government should enforce discipline and make school environment friendly. English Language teachers should keep subject attendance registers. Key Words: truancy, academic achievement, subject attendance register, bullying, English language, school tone, discipline, succes

Factors influencing condom use among Nigerian undergraduates: A mixed method study

Objective: This study’s objective was to explore and assess the factors influencing condom use among Nigerian undergraduates within the age group 16-34 years.Setting: The University of Lagos, a federal University in the commercial capital of Nigeria.Study design: Both qualitative (focus group discussions) and quantitative (cross-sectional survey) methods were utilised for this study.Subjects: A total of 101 subjects were recruited with age range 18 to 34 years as against 100 years, with a mean age of 21 years. Data collection was conducted in July and August 2011 at the University of Lagos.Subjects: A total of 820 students from University of Lagos in four faculties participated in the cross-sectional survey, and we organised four focus group discussions with six students each.Results: Students were of the perception that various socio-economic and environmental factors influenced condom use during sexual intercourse. Factors identified as having great influence on condom use include: “adequate sex education” and “unplanned/ unanticipated sexual intercourse”. Conversely, the influence of alcohol/social drugs on condom use was ranked low.Conclusion: The study showed that students had the perception that various factors influenced condom use but these perceptions varied between young men and women. It may therefore be rewarding to have customised messages based on specific needs when reaching out to different groups stratified based on gender.Keywords: Condom, unsafe sex, HIV, gender, undergraduates

Educational Buildings Defects and Health Impact on Users: A Case of Lagos State Polytechnic, Nigeria

Education serves as the bedrock for future socio-economic development of any society. Student’s learning behaviour and effectiveness is affected by functionality of educational buildings. During the lifecycle of buildings its performance is affected by defects, hence, it is paramount to have effective maintenance policies and practices. Thus, in order to retain sustainable educational building, defects diagnosis and management is paramount. The study seeks to identity defects and its associated health issues in Lagos State Polytechnic campuses. The objectives were achieved using questionnaire survey, responses of 200 participants were coded and analysed with SPSS 17. The study reveals that plumbing installations, indoor environment and aesthetic related issues are critical problems that need attention in the institution. Based on the responses, heat, discomfort and body pain were significant health problems experienced by users of facilities. This is an indication of areas the management of the institution has to address in order to achieve its vision

Analysis of effects of extension teaching methods on farmers’ level of cassava and maize production in Ogun State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the effects of extension teaching methods used by Ogun State (Nigeria) Agricultural Development Programme’s extension agents on farmers’ level of production in maize and cassava. The sampleincluded 210 randomly selected farmers, comprising adopters and non-adopters of introduced agricultural technologies. The result indicated a high level of awareness and low level of adoption of some essential components of the recommended technologies such as fertilizer andherbicide application. Adopting the technologies is affected by high cost and non-availability of inputs as and when needed. The study also showed that the type of extension teaching methods used by extension agentsor which farmers had access to have varying effects on their levels of production. The use of a combination of individual, group and mass methods of extension teaching had the best association and effect on production output. The study recommended that non-adopters (and lowadopters) should be identified and extension efforts concentrated toward them, essential inputs should be provided at the right time and at affordable prices, organic manure (e.g. compost) should be used as a substitute for fertilizer by farmers where it is unavailable, and that theuse of a combination of extension teaching methods and media by extension agents should be encouraged

GROWTH AND YIELD RESPONSES OF OPEN POLLINATED MAIZE (Zea mays) TO TYPES AND RATES OF ORGANIC FERTILISERS IN RAINFOREST TRANSITORY AGROECOLOGY OF NIGERIA

Sustainable maize (Zea mays) production in resource challenged regions of the world is achievable among others through optimal utilisation of organic fertilisers at varying rates. Field trials were conducted in Abeokuta (Latitude 7010' N and Longitude 3015' E) in the late cropping season of 2010 and 2011. Three commercially available organic fertilisers [(Gateway 1 (GF1), Gateway 2 (GF2) and Sunshine (SF)], at three rates (0, 10 and 20 t ha-1) and three replicates were used on improved open-pollinated maize variety (Swam 1 yellow). The experiment was laid out in a randomised completely blocked design. GF1 had significantly (P < 0.05) the highest effect on growth parameters (Plant height, stem girth, leaf area and leaf area Index), with SF the least. A significant depression was observed in most growth parameters at increasing application rates of organic fertiliser, a converse pattern was observed on 1000 grain weight (GW), harvest index and cob length. A significantly higher (P < 0.05) vegetative growth, cob weight and grain yield was observed in 2010 than 2011, while 2011 had longer cobs and more 1000 GW than 2010. GF1 was recommended in Rainforest transitory zone of Nigeria at higher application rates though mediated by environmental factors. Keywords: , , ,  &nbsp

Impact of Petroleum Product on the Soil around Automobile Workshops in Osun State

2 CEC, 1. 00-168.25(meq/100g) and 2.10-17.65 (meq/100g), TOC, SAR,. The concentrations of heavy metals were also determined and the result indicates the favourable natural mechanism of high uptake of the metals

RESPONSES OF UPLAND RICE TO TILLAGE, SEEDING METHOD AND SPACING IN THE INLAND VALLEY OF RAINFOREST/SAVANNA TRANSITORY

Two field trials were conducted at Abeokuta and Ibadan with the aim of investigating the performance of upland rice (NERICA® 2) in inland valley Rainforest / Savannah transitory zone of South West Nigeria as influenced by tillage practise, seeding method and spacing. The trials were arranged in split-split plot fitted to randomised completely blocked design, replicated thrice. The main plot was tillage (minimum tillage and conventional); sub-plot was seeding method (dry dibble and transplanting) andthe sub-sub plot was spacing (15 cm × 15 cm, 20 cm × 20 cm and 25 cm × 25 cm). Dry dibble had significantly more number of tillers, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation than transplanted rice at both locations. Most growth parameters, at both locations had a significant increase with increasingplant population density, except dry matter accumulation. At both locations, transplanted rice had a significant longer flowering and maturity duration than dibble method. In Abeokuta, conventional tillage had significantly longer panicle length than minimum tillage. Dry dibble method had significantly more number of panicle/m2 at Abeokuta, while significantly more number of grains/panicle was observed at Ibadan than transplanting. Increasing plant population density significantly depressed some yield components and yield at Ibadan

RESPONSES OF UPLAND RICE TO TILLAGE, SEEDING METHOD AND SPACING IN THE INLAND VALLEY OF RAINFOREST/SAVANNA TRANSITORY ZONE OF NIGERIA

Two field trials were conducted at Abeokuta and Ibadan with the aim of investigating the performance of upland rice (NERICAª¤¢î 2) in inland valley Rainforest / Savannah transitory zone of South West Nige-ria as influenced by tillage practise, seeding method and spacing. The trials were arranged in split-split plot fitted to randomised completely blocked design, replicated thrice. The main plot was tillage (minimum tillage and conventional); sub-plot was seeding method (dry dibble and transplanting) and the sub-sub plot was spacing (15 cm ªª? 15 cm, 20 cm ªª? 20 cm and 25 cm ªª? 25 cm). Dry dibble had significantly more number of tillers, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation than transplanted rice at both locations. Most growth parameters, at both locations had a significant increase with increasing plant population density, except dry matter accumulation. At both locations, transplanted rice had a significant longer flowering and maturity duration than dibble method. In Abeokuta, conventional tillage had significantly longer panicle length than minimum tillage. Dry dibble method had significantly more number of panicle/m2 at Abeokuta, while significantly more number of grains/panicle was observed at Ibadan than transplanting. Increasing plant population density significantly depressed some yield com-ponents and yield at Ibadan