The influence of Islamic banking products’ features on customer satisfaction in Nigeria

Islamic banking is important in today’s competitive banking markets. Research in Islamic banking worldwide is largely focused on how distinct is Islamic banking from the conventional banking. Attaining customer satisfaction becomes the target of every organisation but the way to achieving customer satisfaction seems too difficult or not possible as a result of many overarching factors. This research investigates the effect of Islamic bank products features on customer satisfaction using the Kano theory of customer satisfaction. The objectives of the study are to identify the Islamic banking products’ as they relate to customer satisfaction. To determine the level of customer satisfaction on Islamic banking products’ features, and to investigate the influence of the products’ features on customer satisfaction in Nigeria. Three research questions and four hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The methodology employed was a quantitative approach using a questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. The target population for this study is the customers of Ja’iz bank Nigeria Plc the only Islamic bank in Nigeria. A convenient sampling method was adopted to draw the respondents from the customers of the Ja’iz bank Plc. in Northern Nigeria. Hence selfadministered questionnaire was used to gather the data. The survey findings were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM-3). The findings show that the constructs (Perceived quality, Cost, Convenience and Compliance) of Wadi’ah product were strong in determining the satisfaction of customers as they produced R 2 of 0.28, while Murabahah shows R 2 of 0.41, Mudarabah shows R 2 of 0.30 and Ijarah 2 shows R of 0.35 which means the constructs were moderate in determining customer satisfaction. Overall, the research found that customer satisfaction was affected by the products quality features as the model shown 46.8 per cent (R =0.468) of the variance. Thus, customers were moderately satisfied by the cost, perceived quality, convenience, and compliance with these products (Wadi’ah, Murabahah, Mudarabah, and Ijarah)

Evaluating the Customer Satisfaction’s Effect on Murabahah and Mudarabah Financing in Islamic Banking

There are a considerable number of studies on the service quality dimensions of banking industries, but little researches were carried out on the product quality dimensions, and this led to the minimal understanding of the impact of product quality dimensions from the customers’ standpoints, This research sought to identify the impact Islamic banking products (Murabahah and Mudarabah) dimensions on customer satisfaction. The study surveyed Islamic bank customers (users of the Islamic bank’s products in Nigeria) using questionnaires to seek responses, a convenient sampling technique was conducted to reach out to customers, and the use of PLS-SEM 3 was employed for the analysis of the data. The result model shows an R2 value of 0.414 (for Murabahah), which means 41% of the variance in customer satisfaction is explained by the exogenous constructs of perceived quality, cost, convenience and compliance of Murabahah, and R2 value of 0.309 (for Mudarabah) which means 31% of the variance in customer satisfaction is explained by the exogenous constructs of perceived quality, cost, convenience and compliance of Mudarabah. The values of R2 for Murabahah and Mudarabah show that the constructs were moderate in determining the satisfaction level of customers as they produced 0.414 and 0.309 respectively

Challenges Of Democratization At The Grassroots In Nigeria: Case Study Of Taraba State

This paper is concerned with the processes and problems associated with democratization at the grassroots level in Nigeria with particular reference to local governments in Taraba State. The study is reviews the some basic issues in the democratization of the local government system include the legal framework, the influence of state government and the role of party politics in the local government democracy, and the consequences of these on development initiatives at the grassroots.   The findings show that the of democratic practices prevailing at the local government level in Nigeria, and  Taraba state in particular  since 1999 is not in consonance with the general expectations of the citizens and deviate fundamentally from the constitutional ideals for achieving the desired grassroots development in the country.  The study reveals that the attitude of the state government towards local government councils, and the interference of the state in the affairs of the local governments have mainly served to  limit the capacity of the local governments to effectively discharge their constitutional responsibilities to the grassroots communities.  Recommendations are suggested to move the grassroots democracy forward in more responsive and effective manner. Key Words: Democratization, Local Government, Grassroots Community, Corruption, Taraba State

The effect of wadiah product quality attributes on customer satisfaction: the case of Jaiz Bank Nigeria Plc

Islamic banks offer services based on the dictates of Shari’ah law, which advocates for the system of banking void of oppression of any of the contracting parties through the abolition of interest (Ribaa). This study aims at investigating the level of customer satisfaction on one of the Islamic bank products (Wadi’ah) and to examine the relationship between the product’s characteristics and customer satisfaction. The study adopted the Kano theory of customer satisfaction using four characteristics of the products (perceived quality, Cost, Convenience and Compliance). The quantitative technique of data collection was adopted using a questionnaire to gather information from the customers of the Islamic bank, and Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM) was used in the data analysis. The results show that the satisfaction level of perceived quality of Wadi’ah product was found to be moderate, and the cost of maintaining Wadiah account has its satisfaction level as high, the result also show that customers were satisfied in using the Wadi’ah product with convenience, and in the case of compliance, the customers were satisfied that the activities in Wadiah were in line with the principles of Shari’ah

Evaluating the use of Shariah compliance and the use of Islamic financial products in promoting financial inclusion : a case study of Nigeria

Financial inclusion is considered a driver for inclusive economic development, through promoting investment, entrepreneurship, employment, education and healthcare. Therefore, it can reduce income inequality and poverty, and empower women in order to achieve inclusive economic development. Yet, 31%, or 1.7 billion, of the global adult population are financially excluded, six percent of which cited religious reasons for their exclusion. However, Islamic finance, which has recently gained prominent acceptance across the globe, is considered a viable method to promote financial inclusion, especially amongst developing economies, such as Nigeria. Despite this development, the impact of compliance with Islamic finance principles and the use of Islamic finance products on enhancing access to formal financial services remains unexplored in the Nigerian context. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate compliance with Islamic finance principles, the use of Islamic finance products, and its impact on promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. To do so, the study explored the theoretical background of Islamic finance and its relationship with financial inclusion; the determinants of financial inclusion, the influence of individual perceptions on the use of Islamic finance products, and the impact of Islamic finance in enhancing financial inclusion in Nigeria. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods and used both primary and secondary data. Statistical analysis was employed using STATA and EViews to examine the determinants of financial inclusion, the influence of individual perceptions on using Islamic finance products, and the impact of Islamic finance on promoting financial inclusion. The perceptions of experts, regulators and operators are measured through the qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews. Findings of the study suggested that Islamic finance has a positive relationship with financial inclusion, which was noted through both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The empirical investigations conducted in the study revealed that the determinants of financial inclusion (gender, age, income and educational attainment) influence financial inclusion. This means the greater the age, income, and educational attainment alongside being a male increases the likelihood of financial inclusion. In the use of Islamic finance products (IFPs) three of the variables suggested similar influences, except for educational attainment, which indicated that the higher the educational attainment of an individual, the lower their likelihood of using Islamic finance products. In accordance with the conceptual model of the study, the perceptions amongst adults generally indicated an influence on their use of Islamic finance products. The exception was perceived government benefits, which have a negative influence on the use of Islamic finance products, whilst the result revealed that there is substantial compliance to Shariah principles by both regulators and operators. The findings further revealed that Islamic finance products have no significant impact on financial inclusion in Nigeria. This thesis has contributed both theoretically and empirically to the literature of financial inclusion by examining the determinants for using Islamic finance products and the impact of Islamic finance on promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. This was achieved by quantitatively measuring and qualitatively considering the impact of Islamic finance on financial inclusion through the perceptions of individuals and stakeholders and their use of Islamic finance, as proxied by Islamic banking deposits in Nigeria. Therefore, the study contributed to the policy direction on financial inclusion and Islamic finance in Nigeria

Correlation of bronchial biopsy with bronchoalveolar lavage in lung malignancies

Background: Lung cancer is currently the most frequently diagnosed major cancer in the world and the most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. It comprises about 17% of the total new cancer cases in males and 23% of the total cancer deaths. The objectives of this study were to compare bronchial biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology and in the diagnosis of carcinoma lung. Study design was comparative study.Methods: The study was done in the Department of Pathology, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS), Srinagar, Kashmir. All patients clinically/radiologically suspected of lung malignancies who presented between April 2004 and May 2012 and underwent both bronchial biopsy and BAL were included in the study.Results: Out of a total of 902 clinically suspected cases of lung cancer tumor was found in 760 cases (84.25%) by biopsy   and in 301 cases (33.37%) by BAL. The total number of false positive cases was 31 and false negative cases were 490.Sensitivity of BAL was found to be 35.5% and specificity 78.16%.Conclusions: In the present study yield of diagnosis was highest with the bronchoscopic biopsies and in maximum number of cases, specific histologic diagnosis was made by biopsies only. Though BAL was inferior to bronchial biopsy in diagnosing lung malignancies but it was effective for peripheral lung malignancies and when the patient was at risk of hemorrhage.

Sheehan syndrome: Cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities

Sheehan syndrome (SS) caused by postpartum hemorrhage leads to partial or complete pituitary hormone deficiency. In addition to lipid and glucose abnormalities, patients with SS have increased body fat, insulin resistance (IR), coagulation abnormalities, increased leptin concentration, low-grade inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction that predispose them to cardiovascular diseases. Untreated growth hormone (GH) deficiency, hypogonadism, and excess glucocorticoid use are considered risk factors for these abnormalities. Compared to other hypopituitary subjects, patients with SS are younger and have a longer duration of disease and severe GH deficiency. Replacement with GH in addition to standard hormone replacement improves their cardiometabolic profile

Functional properties and storage stability of optimized cereal-based complementary foods

The functional properties and good quality of food materials are important factors that determine the suitability for complementary foods for children. This study evaluated the functional properties and storage stability of cereal-based and legume- based complementary food (CF). Nutri-survey (2007) was used to optimize and generate six composite blends designated F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F6 from yellow maize (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), millet (Pennisetumglaucum), groundnut (Arachis hypogea), soyabeans (Glycine max), and Moringa oleifera. Freshly prepared samples were subjected to analysis of functional properties. During storage, the composite blends were subjected to sensory evaluation, microbial count, moisture content, peroxide value and free fatty acid determination at 15-day intervals for a period of 60 days. Data obtained were analyzed by ANOVA and results expressed as mean and standard error of mean. Results of functional properties revealed that bulk density ranged from (0.63-0.81 g/cm3), water absorption capacity (86-90%), swelling index (0.33-1.34 cm3/g), reconstitution index (2.20-3.20) and pH (6.52-6.69). The organoleptic properties and keeping quality of the formulated complementary foods were not significantly different (P> 0.05) at baseline and end line. Therefore, this study provides a basis for the development of acceptable complementary foods with optimal functional properties and storage stability

Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Species Associated with Decayed Commonly Eaten Food Sold in ATAPOLY Restaurants Bauchi, Bauchi State

Isolation and identification of bacterial species associated with decayed, commonly eaten food are paramount to reducing the risk of infection among the populace of the institution. Fifty samples were aseptically collected from the food vendors and subjected to culturing and sub-culturing on nutrient agar. The colonies were then observed for morphological characteristics, followed by biochemical tests and gram staining to ascertain their tentative identity. The results indicated that Staphylococcus aureus (37.2%) has the highest occurrence, followed by Bacillus spp (18.6%), while Clostridium botulinum has a minor event (2.3%). The presence of these organisms could be attributed to the dirty and unkempt behaviour of the food handlers, which in turn will impose serious health hazards to the immediate community and consumers at large. To reduce the risk associated with these organisms, all personal hygiene measures and the materials involved in the cooking procedures should be sterilized and free from any form of organisms before the cooking process

Assessing the influence of Islamic banks' products' quality features on customer satisfaction in Nigeria

Islamic banking is essential in today’s competitive banking markets. Research in Islamic banking worldwide is focussed mainly on how distinct is Islamic banking from the conventional banking. This research aims at investigating the factors responsible for the satisfaction of Islamic banking customers. The study seeks to identify the Islamic banking products’ quality features as they relate to customer satisfaction, to examine the level of customer satisfaction on Islamic banking products’ in Nigeria. Three research questions and four hypotheses are formulated to guide the study. The methodology employed was a quantitative approach using a questionnaire as a tool for the collection of data. The respondents for this study are customers of Ja’iz bank Nigeria plc, the major Islamic bank in Nigeria. A convenient sampling technique was adopted to select the sample from the population (customers) of the Ja’iz bank plc. in Northern Nigeria. Hence self-administered questionnaire was chosen to gather the data. The data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and PLS-SEM 3. The results show that perceived quality of the products significantly influences customers satisfaction. It also indicates that there is a higher correlation between the cost of using the products and the level of customer satisfaction, that is to say, customers are very cost conscious as they would like to use the products at a lower cost than the current obtainable one. The customers also showed a higher level of convenience in using the Islamic banking products, and compliance score indicated that the customers are satisfied that Islamic bank in Nigeria is Shari’ah compliant. This result serves as a signal to service providers in knowing what type of the products customers enjoyed using, and which of the products needed improvement so as to provide customers with what they want most, in order for the banks to keep the existing customers intact and lure more potential customers, and to the policymakers, regulators and other relevant stakeholders to play their respective roles toward sustaining Islamic banking industry in Nigeri