Political and Institutional Factors in the Funding of Higher Education in Nigeria

The demand for higher education all over the world is on the increase as the expectations of every recipient of higher education is to acquire knowledge needed for a meaningful and better life in all aspects. Stagnant economy and increasing global inequalities have reduced governments and households’ educational financial resources, and in Africa the challenge is severe. This increasing demand for higher education has generated a lot of pressures leading to concerns and debates on how the sector should be funded and who does the funding. In Nigeria, for example, one of such concerns is that public universities have been closed down since February 2022 due to an industrial action embarked on by members of academic staff under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) over issues of funding of universities. It is of concern that the budgetary allocation to education in Nigeria in the past seven years has been less than eight percent while a chunk of the budget goes to the political class which unfortunately the spending cannot be accounted for.  This study interrogated the political and institutional factors associated with the funding of higher education in Nigeria.  The study adopted social justice approach to the access and funding of higher education in the country. Using the social justice framework, this study investigated the political and institutional interplay influencing the funding structure in universities in Nigeria. The study, through a critique of the current form of capitalist political system in Nigeria advanced the system of social democracy, a socialist system of government achieved by democratic means and the collective good of all and not just a few which is obtainable in the current capitalist system in place.  The study contributed to the existing body of knowledge by advancing a realistic, sustainable but equitable funding model (s) of higher education in Nigeria. Keywords: Higher Education, Funding, Politics, Institutions, Nigeria. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-18-10 Publication date:June 30th 202

Challenges of Oral English in English as a Second Language (ESL) Learning in Nigeria

Second language learning has continued to pose learning challenges to English as a Second Language Learner (ESL) learners in Nigeria. Many scholars have carried out various research works on the problems of language learning and have come out with various recommendations, but in spite of these efforts, the problems of learning to use a second language have persisted. As it is, many of the teachers of English are non – native speakers and secondly, the language is being learnt and used far away from its natural environment. Elugbe (2000) observes that non native speakers are not likely to have expertise in second language because only the native speaker can claim to have expertise and proficiency in his language, other users are only aspiring to reach the target of proficiency, especially in spoken English. This challenge is the focus of this paper

Effect of Gender and Clinical Self-Efficacy on Professional Competency among Community Health Workers in Ekiti State

This research investigated the effect of gender and clinical self-efficacy on professional competence among health workers in Ekiti State. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. A sample of 246 community health workers across twenty four hospitals in Ekiti State was sampled using questionnaire. It comprised different cadres of community health workers. Three research hypotheses were generated in line with the study objectives. 2 X 2 ANOVA was used to test the main and interaction effects of gender and clinical self-efficacy on professional competency of the participants. Result indicated that clinical self-efficacy had significant main effect on professional competency of the participants [F (1, 245) = 5.716; P <. 05]. However, gender did not have significant main effect on professional competency of the participants. Results showed that there was no significant interaction effect of gender and clinical self-efficacy on professional competency of the community health workers in Ekiti State. The findings were discussed in line with other related works and it was recommended that urgent intervention strategies by policy makers to help community health workers develop the capacity for efficiency and feedback, in enhancing their success in their professional practices should be put in place

Cadherin-mediated adhesion regulates posterior body formation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The anterior-posterior axis of the vertebrate embryo undergoes a dramatic elongation during early development. Convergence and extension of the mesoderm, occurring during gastrulation, initiates the narrowing and lengthening of the embryo. However the lengthening of the axis continues during post-gastrula stages in the tailbud region, and is thought to involve convergent extension movements as well as other cell behaviors specific to posterior regions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We demonstrate here, using a semi-dominant <it>N-cadherin </it>allele, that members of the classical cadherin subfamily of cell-cell adhesion molecules are required for tailbud elongation in the zebrafish. <it>In vivo </it>imaging of cell behaviors suggests that the extension of posterior axial mesodermal cells is impaired in embryos that carry the semi-dominant <it>N-cadherin </it>allele. This defect most likely results from a general loss of cell-cell adhesion in the tailbud region. Consistent with these observations, <it>N-cadherin </it>is expressed throughout the tailbud during post-gastrulation stages. In addition, we show that <it>N-cadherin </it>interacts synergistically with <it>vang-like 2</it>, a member of the non-canonical Wnt signaling/planar cell polarity pathway, to mediate tail morphogenesis.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>We provide the first evidence here that <it>N-cadherin </it>and other members of the classical cadherin subfamily function in parallel with the planar cell polarity pathway to shape the posterior axis during post-gastrulation stages. These findings further highlight the central role that adhesion molecules play in the cellular rearrangements that drive morphogenesis in vertebrates and identify classical cadherins as major contributors to tail development.</p

Different Strokes of Creativity: Personality and Entrepreneurial Intent Among Workers of Telecom Industry in Nigeria

The study examined personality traits as predictors of entrepreneurial intention among managers of telecom industries in Nigeria. Opinions of two hundred and five (205) respondents were randomly sampled across various offices of Globacom Plc in Lagos State, Nigeria. A battery of standardized tests was administered on them using a cross-sectional survey research design. One hypothesis was tested in the study. Results revealed that extraversion (β =0.147, t = 2.582; P &lt; .05), neuroticism (β = -.271, t = 4.358; P&lt; .05), openness to experience (β =.224, t =3.456; P&lt;.05) are significantly independently predicted entrepreneurial intention among managers of telecom industries in Nigeria. It was also found out that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience significantly and jointly predicted entrepreneurial intention among managers of telecom industries in Nigeria {F (6, 204) = 24.895; P &lt; .05}, R2 = .413. Results were discussed in line with the literature. It was recommended that since this study has established a strong relationship between personality traits and entrepreneurial intentions, telecom industries should as a matter of urgency include personality identification in their training regimen, this will go a long way in bringing fulfillment to managers , and consequently better the lots of their companies

Microbial studies of table scrapings from meat stalls in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria: Implications on meat hygiene

Tables used to display meat for sale in nine different markets in Ibadan Metropolis were microbiologically examined for their implication on meat hygiene. Twenty seven strains of bacteria and eight strains of fungi were isolated and identified. They were identified on the basis of metabolic andphysiological features while simple crystal violet staining was used for observing cell size and shape. The samples were placed on trypticase-soya &#8211;agar (TSA), for trophic bacteria and Sabouraud-glucoseagar (SGA) supplemented with chloramphenicol for fungi. Petri dishes were incubated at 37&#186;C for 48 - 72 h while the cultures were observed daily under a stereoscopic microscope for presence of bacterial colonies and or fungal mycelium. The mean value of bacterial count was 2.78 &#215; 105 CFU/ml while that of the fungal count was 0.72 &#215; 105 CFU/ml with a significant difference (p &lt; 0.05). There was also a strong positive correlation between the sizes of the markets and the microbial load encountered in thesamples. This was attributed to poor hygiene level resulting from inadequate facilities. The findings of this study indicate that meat hygiene is being compromised in the city, a situation that calls for publichealth concern

The Unique Interplay of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy and Preeclampsia in an Appalachian Obstetric Patient.

Introduction: Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) affects 1 in 3,000 pregnancies and accounts for 5% of heart transplants in US women. Preeclampsia is one of the Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy (HDOP) that has been epidemiologically associated with PPCM which is a form of dilated cardiomyopathy. This concurrent clinical presentation of PPCM with associated Preeclampsia appears to be increasing in rural Northeast Tennessee. The diagnosis of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy is made by echocardiographic criteria of left ventricular dysfunction with LVEF Case Presentation: A 22 year old G2P0010 @ 33 weeks and 1 day gestation was accepted as a transfer of care from an outside hospital. Patient had no prenatal care, was homeless, had a history of depression and polysubstance abuse. She presented with abdominal pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and unknown due date. Vitals on presentation were BP 175/99 mmHg, HR 113, respiratory rate 32, and temperature 99.2. Lab results showed elevated AST/ALT 234/102, LDH 903, Uric Acid 7.0, WBC 26.2, and BNP 1935. The 24 hour urine total protein resulted 4455 mg. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed LV ejection fraction of 30 to 35% with global hypokinesis of the LV wall. The CXR was consistent with bilateral infiltrates and pulmonary edema. She was admitted to L & D and given a dose of Betamethasone for fetal lung maturity. Fetal heart tracing showed a baseline of 145 bpm with minimal variability and no accelerations or decelerations. The tocodynamometer showed contractions q 3-5 minutes and the ultrasound evaluation showed cephalic presentation. Social work and Cardiology consults were obtained. The clinical diagnoses of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy, Preeclampsia with severe features, and Bilateral Pneumonia were made and treatment included Lasix, Metoprolol, Magnesium Sulfate, Ceftriaxone, and Azithromycin. A primary low transverse cesarean delivery was performed with a live female infant weighing 1920 grams, 4 pounds 4 ounces, and Apgars: 6, 8. The patient was discharged home on Metoprolol XL 25 mg bid, Lisinopril 10 mg daily, Procardia 30 mg daily, Lovenox 40 mg daily, and Depo-Provera for contraception. Patient was informed that she would need a repeat echocardiogram in 3 months to assess left ventricular function. Discussion: In this Appalachian region, there is an increased occurrence of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy presenting concurrently with Preeclampsia. These two combined clinical entities increase maternal morbidity and mortality. From a public health perspective, this clinical case highlights the psychosocial factors such as poverty, homelessness, polysubstance abuse, and depression that may have contributed to the clinical disease. The distinct features of this preterm antepartum case of PPCM are a younger, Caucasian primigravida with singleton gestation. Healthcare providers should have heightened awareness of this clinical presentation, especially in the postpartum period

Self-Concept Clarity, Learned Helplessness and Fatigue Severity as Predictors of Psychoactive Drug Use and Abuse among Undergraduates

This research investigated self-concept clarity, learned helplessness and fatigue severity on psychoactive drug use and abuse among undergraduates of Benue State University, Makurdi. A cross-sectional survey design was used for the study. A total number of 400 participants consisted of 240 (60.0%) males and 160 (40.0%) females were used. A battery of standardized tests such as learned helplessness scale self-concept scale, fatigue severity scale and substance scale were used for data collection. Findings from the first hypothesis indicated that that self-concept clarity did not significantly predict psychoactive drug use and abuse among undergraduates of Benue State University, Makurdi. On the other hand, there was a significant relationship between learned helplessness and psychoactive drug use and abuse among undergraduates of Benue State University, Makurdi. In the same vein, there was a significant relationship between fatigue severity and psychoactive drug use and abuse among undergraduates of Benue State University, Makurdi. The result also indicated that there was significant joint relationship among self-concept clarity, learned helplessness, fatigue severity and psychoactive drug use and abuse among undergraduates of Benue State University, Makurdi. It was concluded that self-concept clarity, learned helplessness and fatigue severity have significant relationship with psychoactive drug use and abuse. It was recommended that students should not be pushed into situation that could lead them to learn to be helpless and as the same time too much stress should be avoided among students in order not to make them engage into drug use as a result of fatigue

Investigating the monitoring and evaluation process of HIV/AIDS programmes by non-governmental organizations in KwaZulu-Natal province

In South Africa, HIV/AIDS takes the lead, and this is a serious health concern. Being a country that is mostly affected by this epidemic, various stakeholders such as international organizations, Non-governmental organizations, private organizations and government organizations have come up with a collaborative effort to manage the epidemic. Through various interventions, it has been noted that monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS remains underdeveloped. The purpose of this study was to investigate the monitoring and evaluation process implemented on HIV/AIDS programmes by the Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in a specific municipality in KwaZulu-Natal province. A quantitative, explorative and descriptive design was used. A self-developed questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. Data was collected from November 2017 to March 2018. Seventeen (17) NGOs and a total of 83 respondents who met the inclusion criteria participated to the study. The results revealed that the NGOs in this specific municipality had some inconsistency in implementing and delivering M&E process on the HIV/AIDS programme. The results of the study indicated that the challenges and issues identified by the respondents affected the way they monitored and evaluated the projects they implemented. It was recommended that through training of staff to acquire skills for designing monitoring and evaluation plan for all projects and development of comprehensive M&E plan document that detailed the programme’s objectives, developed the interventions to achieve these objectives, the NGOs in this specific municipality will be able to improve their current monitoring and evaluation process implementing on HIV/AIDS management programme. The need for communication between programme planners and various funders on how to put in place a structured M&E plan for all the projects to be implemented in future and adequate resources to implement M&E processes and functions were highly recommended.Health StudiesM. P. H