Monetary policy shocks and economic growth in economic community of west African states.

Doctoral Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.An effective economic management is contingent upon the knowledge of how shocks emanate from monetary policy and other sources that affect the economy. This study examines the monetary policy shocks and economic growth in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), segregated into sub-regions of WAMZ and WAEMU. This is carried out under three related sub-objectives, using quarterly secondary data from 1980(1) to 2020(4). The first objective offers an empirical investigation into the determinants of the monetary policy rate in ECOWAS, considering both internal and external variables, using ARDL. The results revealed that in order to ensure long-run stability in the policy rate among the members’ states of ECOWAS, determinant variables including exchange rate, inflation rate and the gross domestic product should be given closer attention, so that the trajectory for potent structure can be designed and incorporated into the economic structure and policy frameworks accordingly. The second objective of this study employed a Panel Structural Vector for the modelling of monetary policy transmission shock in the region. The key results suggest that fluctuations of the monetary policy do not have significant effects on economic growth but significantly impact the general price level. Moreover, the study finds that the exchange rate is persistently a vital mechanism that significantly influences the variables of the real economy. Our estimates further suggest that there is idiosyncratic evidence found in the results, which is the anomaly of Price puzzle. Furthermore, this study used the Markov switching model for the third objective to investigate the impact of monetary policy shocks in two regimes of the business cycles in ECOWAS countries. The results show that the countries are having common business cycles. In addition, the study offered enough evidence that the monetary instruments are significantly more potent at contractionary than expansionary regimes. ECOWAS region appears to have a comparatively shorter business cycle than the developed countries. Hence, the design of policies by the monetary authorities in this region, aimed at shortening the duration of the contractionary period must be meticulously formulated to avert negative consequences of strict contractionary policy and ditto to expansionary policy

Factors impacting antiretroviral therapy adherence among human immunodeficiency virus-positive adolescents in Sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review

© 2018 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Objectives: Eighty-two percent of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive adolescents live in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART), adherence levels are suboptimal, leading to poor outcomes. This systematic review investigated factors impacting ART adherence among adolescents in SSA, including religious beliefs and intimate relationships. Methods: A systematic review was conducted between June and August 2016 using eight electronic databases, including Cochrane and PubMed. Published, ongoing and unpublished research, conducted in SSA from 2004 to 2016, was identified and thematic analysis was used to summarise findings. Results: Eleven studies from eight SSA countries, published in English between 2011 and 2016, reported on factors impacting ART adherence among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV). Forty-four barriers and 29 facilitators to adherence were identified, representing a complex web of factors. The main barriers were stigma, ART side-effects, lack of assistance and forgetfulness. Facilitators included caregiver support, peer support groups and knowledge of HIV status. Conclusions: Stigma reflects difficult relations between ALHIV and their HIV-negative peers and adults. Most interventions target only those with HIV, suggesting a policy shift towards the wider community could be beneficial. Recommendations include engaging religious leaders and schools to change negative societal attitudes. Limitations of the review include the urban settings and recruitment of predominantly vertically infected participants in most included studies. Therefore, the findings cannot be extrapolated to ALHIV residing in rural locations or horizontally infected ALHIV, highlighting the need for further research in those areas.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

Ability estimation methods in computerized adaptive testing for assessment use

Introduction: The all the time use of linear computer-based test for ability estimation in Africa could be traced to the inadequate knowledge of the ability estimation of computerized adaptive testing to arrive at a precise ability estimate of examinee. Purpose: The purpose of the search work was to explain method of ability estimation which is one of the grey areas in computerized adaptive testing for the researchers whose interest are on computerized adaptive testing. Findings: This paper discussed the Maximum Likelihood Estimation method, provide its step-by-step formulae and its limitations of use in computerized adaptive testing. Recommendations: The paper recommended the following: the use of the Maximum Likelihood Estimation method for the higher institutions of learning who wish to use computerized adaptive testing for her proficiency test or post-UTME; a wide usage of computerized adaptive testing as an alternative to the linear computer-based test or as a replacement of linear computer-based test because it estimates precise ability of the examinee; an academic seminar on ability estimation in computerized adaptive testing be organized to teach researchers and evaluators its psychometrics and applications

Comparison of ability estimates under computerized adaptive testing and linear computer-based test: Implications for assessment use in Africa

Introduction: Computer Based-Test (CBT) is seemed more preferred in ability estimation in this 21st century to traditional method called Paper and Pencil Test (PPT). The CBT consisted of two major types namely Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) and Linear Computer Based test (LCBT). The wider acceptability that CAT is receiving in the recent time calls for more empirical research in the area. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish whether there is a significant difference between the mean of the ability estimates under LCBT and ability estimates under CAT and also to establish whether there is any significant agreement between the ability estimates under the two testing (LCBT and CAT) modes that could suggest that CAT can replace LCBT. Methodology: Causal comparative type of non-experimental design was used. The study was carried out in private secondary schools in Ife East Local Government in Osun state, Nigeria. The study population consisted of 442 Junior Secondary School 3 students who have completed the Junior Secondary School Social Studies syllabus and also completed two stages of the study. The items used were standardized using 3PL model of Item Response Theory to establish all the necessary psychometric properties. Results: The results showed that CAT has a mean value of (M = 0.646, STD = 0.8799) and LCBT has mean value of (M = 0.148, STD = 0.8538). The observed mean difference (M = 0.479, STD = 0.862) in examinees’ ability estimates under CAT and LCBT was statistically significant, t(441) = 12.129, p = .000. Also, there is significant agreement between the two ability estimates under LCBT and CAT (upper limit value = 2.248, lower limit value = -1.232, bias value = 0.5). The study concluded that ability estimate under CAT was better than that of LCBT; and also, that CAT testing mode can replace LCBT. Recommendations: The study recommended that CAT should be adopted for use by the examining bodies and higher institutions of learning. Also, that seminar, workshop, and capacity building programs be organized for the concerned educational stakeholders with a view to widening their knowledge in the new area