YOUTHS’ UNEMPLOYMENT AND CRIME CONTROL: AN ANALYSIS OF NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

Sub-Saharan Africa population is characterized with young people. Economic active population group constitutes an average of 53% of the total population of the region for the past two decades as reported by the World Bank (2011). Over 40 % of these youths are without jobs or stable economic income. Also, 64.1% and 50.7% of the region’s total youth population live below U.S$1.2 per day. The implications of characteristics of the population are very important. Youth unemployment is a global problem affecting both developed and developing countries alike. But while the developed countries are taking the threat seriously and restructuring their education and social security systems to abate its growth and escape the eminent catastrophic retrenchments, Nigeria seem not to be doing enough. This paper therefore examines the youths’ unemployment situation and its connection to growing crime wave in Nigeria. Literature is extensively reviewed; methodology is based on the exhaustive consultation of journals and records

A Sociolinguistic Approach to Security Challenges and Sustainable National Development in Nigeria

The study is a sociolinguistic approach to solving security challenges and enhancing sustainable national development in Nigeria. It argues that language and society influences each other and as such language could be used to solve societal problems. In doing so, the paper x-rays the functions of language in human society as propounded by Halliday and Stubbs. It discusses the multilingual nature of Nigeria, the concept of national development as well as security challenges facing the country. The paper notes that the dominant use English language against the indigenous languages in nearly all communicative domains in Nigeria has failed the nation in its bid to overcome numerous security threats. This may not be unconnected with the low literacy level in the country. As a result, the paper recommends a tripartite language policy vis-à-vis the use of English language, the indigenous languages as well as the Nigerian Pidgin depending on the contextual demand. The paper also advocates the adoption of more indigenous languages, apart from the three major ones- Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, for use. This will imply a revision of Nigeria's language policy and the constitutional provisions on language

The chemical constituents extractable from teak tree (Tectona Grandis Linn ) obtained from Fountain University, Osogbo

A branch of Teak tree was cut, dried and grounded with mortar  and pestle before using blender. The powder was extracted with  four different solvents namely n-hexane, benzene, chloroform and distilled water; the extracts were concentrated using rotary  evaporator. Gas chromatography- mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was used to identify various constituents in the samples. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was the major constituent common to Chloroform (35.50 %) and benzene (26.78 %) while  n-hexadecanoic acid was the major constituent extracted by n-hexane (21.76 %) and water (24.16 %). Other phthalic acid derivatives extracted by both chloroform and benzene are Phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl)ester and di(oct-3-yl)ester. All the extracts were screened for termites repellence; all of them except water extract repelled termites in various degrees.Keywords: Bis (2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, n-hexadecanoic acid, rotary evaporator, termites

FUNDING STRATEGIES AND SUSTENANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: THE WAY FORWARD

This paper examined the existing funding strategies of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Nigeria with a view to suggesting strategies for its better funding and sustenance. The paper recognised the commitment of the Nigerian Governments and the support of the community, individuals and foreign sponsors in funding ECE programmes. The paper however submitted that much more still needs to be done towards providing adequate funds for quality teachers/caregivers, supply of appropriate facilities and stimulating learning materials as well as supervision of ECCD programmes. Towards this end, increased government allocations, sustained international support, financial allocation to ECE teacher training institutions, equity funding and cost-sharing strategies were recommended

Does Tribolium brevicornis Cuticular Chemistry Deter Cannibalism and Predation of Pupae?

The cuticular hydrocarbons of insects are species-specific and often function as semiochemicals. The activity of Tribolium brevicornis cuticular hydrocarbons as feeding deterrents that ostensibly function to prevent pupal cannibalism and predation was evaluated. The cuticular hydrocarbons of T. brevicornis pupae were characterized and flour disk bioassays conducted with individual and combined extract components incorporated into artificial diets on which Tribolium adults fed for six days. Feeding by T. brevicornis and T. castaneum on flour disks containing cuticular extracts of T. brevicornis pupae resulted in reduced consumption and weight loss relative to feeding on control flour disks. In both cases, feeding deterrence indices exceeded 80% suggesting that T. brevicornis cuticular hydrocarbons could function to deter cannibalism and predation of pupae by larvae and adult beetles. Sixteen different cuticular hydrocarbons were identified in T. brevicornis pupal extracts. Eight of the commercially available linear alkanes were tested individually in feeding trials with eight Tribolium species. One compound (C28) significantly reduced the amount of food consumed by three species compared to control disks, whereas the compounds C25, C26, and C27 elicited increased feeding in some species. Four other compounds had no effect on consumption for any species. When four hydrocarbon mixtures were tested for synergistic deterrence on T. brevicornis and T. castaneum, none significantly influenced consumption. Our results indicate that the cuticular chemistry of T. brevicornis pupae could serve to deter predation by conspecific and congeneric beetles

Awareness and adoption levels of improved smoking oven among fish processors in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria

This paper investigated awareness and adoption levels of improved smoking oven among fish processors in four fishing communities along Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 153 respondents who were engaged in fish smoking. Data collected using structured interview guides were subjected to descriptive and inferential analyses. Results revealed that majority of the respondents were young, married women with average fish smoking experience of 22.6 years. Majority (90.8%) of them were solely engaged in fish smoking while 9.2% combined fish smoking with other income-generating activities. All the processors used traditional smoking oven (drum, box and mud ovens). More than 66.0% of the fish processors were not aware of improved fish smoking equipment. Lack of awareness, inadequate access to the technologies, low relative advantage and lack of maintenance services and high cost of procurement were responsible for low adoption levels of improved smoking oven. Irregular visits of extension agents to the study area had negative impact on the adoption of improved traditional smoking ovens. Proper dissemination of innovations developed on improved fish processing equipment to the active fish processors in Lagos State using available communication channels is hereby advocated. &nbsp

Effects of Saccharum officinarum Molasses on Hematology and Hepatic Functions of Male Wistar Rats

Background: Sweeteners are a utile source of nourishment for cuisine preparation but are linked with the risk of occurrence of several diseases. Hence, the quest for healthier sweetening agents with lesser harmful effects cannot be ignored. Saccharum officinarum molasses, a natural nutritive sweetener, has become a popular substitute despite a dearth of knowledge on its healthiness. Aim: To assess the effects of Saccharum officinarum molasses on hematology, serum electrolyte, lipid profile, liver histology, and redox status of male Wistar rats. Methods: Blackstrap® Saccharum officinarum molasses (SOM) was fractionated to obtain Saccharum officinarum molasses methanol fraction (SOMMF) and Saccharum officinarum molasses aqueous fraction (SOMAqF). Seven groups (n = 5) of adult male Wistar rats received distilled water (Control); 1.0, 3.2, 10.0 g/kg SOMMF and 0.6, 2.0, 6.4 g/kg SOMAqF, respectively. Administrations were done daily via oral gavage for eight weeks. Full blood indices were determined with an automated hematology analyzer, serum electrolyte by monoliquid colorimetric test, and serum lipid profile using the enzymatic colorimetric test. Liver malondialdehyde and antioxidant levels were assayed by spectrophotometry. Liver histology was assessed using microscopy. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p < 0.05 significance. Results: SOM increased liver catalase activity and serum levels of iron and potassium. It reduced serum levels of lipid profile, zinc and sodium ions, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, packed cell volume, superoxide dismutase activity of the liver, and concurrently disrupted liver cytoarchitecture. Conclusion: Saccharum officinarum molasses adversely disrupted the hematological and hepatic functions of male Wistar rats

Development and Validation of Web-based Courseware for Junior Secondary School Basic Technology Students in Nigeria

This research aimed to develop and validate a web-based courseware for junior secondary school basic technology students in Nigeria. In this study, a mixed method quantitative pilot study design with qualitative components was used to test and ascertain the ease of development and validation of the web-based courseware. Dick and Carey instructional system design model was adopted for developing the courseware. Convenience sampling technique was used in selecting the three content, computer and educational technology experts to validate the web-based courseware. Non-randomized and non-equivalent Junior secondary school students from two schools were used for field trial validation. Four validating instruments were employed in conducting this study: (i) Content Validation Assessment Report (CVAR); (ii) Computer Expert Validation Assessment Report (CEAR); (iii) Educational Technology Experts Validation Assessment Report (ETEVAR); and (iv) Students Validation Questionnaire (SVQ). All the instruments were face and content validated. SVQ was pilot tested and reliability coefficient of 0.85 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha. CVAR, CEAR, ETEVAR were administered on content specialists, computer experts, and educational technology experts, while SVQ was administered on 83 JSS students from two selected secondary schools in Minna. The findings revealed that the process of developing web-based courseware using Dick and Carey Instructional System Design was successful. In addition, the report from the validating team revealed that the web-based courseware is valuable for learning basic technology. It is therefore recommended that web-based courseware should be produced to teach basic technology concepts on large scale

Development and Validation of Web-based Courseware for Junior Secondary School Basic Technology Students in Nigeria

This research aimed to develop and validate a web-based courseware for junior secondary school basic technology students in Nigeria. In this study, a mixed method quantitative pilot study design with qualitative components was used to test and ascertain the ease of development and validation of the web-based courseware. Dick and Carey instructional system design model was adopted for developing the courseware. Convenience sampling technique was used in selecting the three content, computer and educational technology experts to validate the web-based courseware. Non-randomized and non-equivalent Junior secondary school students from two schools were used for field trial validation. Four validating instruments were employed in conducting this study: (i) Content Validation Assessment Report (CVAR); (ii) Computer Expert Validation Assessment Report (CEAR); (iii) Educational Technology Experts Validation Assessment Report (ETEVAR); and (iv) Students Validation Questionnaire (SVQ). All the instruments were face and content validated. SVQ was pilot tested and reliability coefficient of 0.85 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha. CVAR, CEAR, ETEVAR were administered on content specialists, computer experts, and educational technology experts, while SVQ was administered on 83 JSS students from two selected secondary schools in Minna. The findings revealed that the process of developing web-based courseware using Dick and Carey Instructional System Design was successful. In addition, the report from the validating team revealed that the web-based courseware is valuable for learning basic technology. It is therefore recommended that web-based courseware should be produced to teach basic technology concepts on large scale