Effect of Working Capital Management on the Profitability of Listed Consumer Goods Companies in Nigeria

The study examines the effect of working capital management on the profitability of consumer goods companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Specifically, the study sought to determine the extent to which number of days account receivables, inventory, and number of day of account payable affects return on asset (ROA) of consumer goods companies on the NSE. The populations for the study consist of consumer goods companies listed on Nigerian Stock Exchange. The study covers a period of 5 years from 2014-2018. Data collected were analyzed using multiple regression analysis via the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. The study reports a negative and insignificant influence of trade receivable collection period and trade payable payment period on ROA while inventory conversion period has a positive insignificant effect on ROA of consumer goods companies. Therefore, it is concluded that working capital management has insignificant effect on companies’ profitability in consumer goods companies in Nigeria. The study recommends that companies should adopt a policy of prompt collection of debts, ensure adequate liquidity by ensuring current assets exceed current liabilities. Keywords: Working Capital, Profitability, Accounts Trade Receivable Collection Period, Trade Payable Payment Periods, Inventory Conversion Period DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/11-18-14 Publication date:September 30th 202

The Role of Internal Audit in Enhancing Accountability in Tertiary Institutions in Kogi State, Nigeria

The focus of this paper is to critically examine the role of internal audit in enhancing accountability in tertiary institutions in Kogi-State Nigeria with a view to finding out the extent to which effective internal audit role is of significant benefit to public sector management or could be used as an instrument to improve public sector management. The survey method of generating data were employed and data were collected via a well-structured and tested questionnaires administered on the staff of internal audit department of some selected tertiary institutions in Kogi State as well as the review of available documents and records. The data collected were analyzed using the descriptive statistics and ANOVA through the use of SPSS 20.0 version. The analysis of the responses gathered revealed that internal auditors are not independent from management in the course of performing their duties. The study therefore recommends that internal auditors should be independent from management through promulgation of the law that would guarantee internal auditor’s independence via recognition of the ethics guiding the accounting profession in order to promote accountability.Keywords: Auditing, Internal Auditing, Internal Auditor, Accountability, Internal Control System, Public Sector

Geophysical Investigation of Pavement Failure on a Portion of Okene-Lokoja Highway, North Central Nigeria

Non-destructive geophysical methods involving electrical resistivity sounding and very low frequency electromagnetic profiling were used in investigating the cause of pavement failure on a portion of Okene-Lokoja highway North Central Nigeria. Seventeen (17) soundings were acquired and very low frequency electromagnetic profiling data were taken at 10m intervals along 2 traverses. The geoelectric section shows that the unstable portion of the highway is characterized by thin topsoil and low resistivity weathered layer(clay) between 58?m-125?m and partly weathered/fractured bedrock with resistivity between 69?m-140?, while the VLF-EM profile and 2-D VLF-EM pseudosection indicate the presence of conducting bodies with  (> 50%) positive peak of the filtered real amplitude (anomalous high current density) which is indicating clayey material or linear geological structures such as faults, fractures, joints and lithological contacts . Low resistivity weathered layer (clay), partly fractured bedrock and linear geological structures have been identified as the cause of pavement failure in the study area. Keywords: Geological structures, Geophysical method, Pseudosection, Non-destructive, fractured bedrock

Geoelectrical and Geotechnical Investigations of Subsurface Corrosivity in Ondo State Industrial Layout, Akure, Southwestern Nigeria

Fifty two vertical electrical sounding (VES) data and six subsurface soil samples were collected at Ondo State Industrial Layout, Akure, south-western Nigeria in order to determine the subsurface corrosivity. The VES results delineated 3 to 5 geoelectric layers across the area, which correspond to topsoil, weathered layer, weathered basement, weathered/fractured basement and the presumed fresh bedrock. The layer resistivity values range from 22 to 602 ohm-m, 7 to 2468 ohm-m, 17 to 436 ohm-m, 25 to 39 ohm-m and 203 to 10023 ohm-m in the topsoil, weathered layer, weathered basement, weathered/fractured basement and the presumed fresh bedrock respectively. The iso-resistivity maps at depth slices of 1 and 2 m show that the northeastern, southeastern and the upper central part of the area are non-corrosive (above 350 ohm-m) to slightly corrosive (250 - 350 ohm-m), while the lower central, northwestern and southwestern parts of the area are moderately (150 - 250 ohm-m) to strongly corrosive (60 - 150 ohm-m).  Soil sample analysis shows liquid limit results that  vary from 37.6 to 59.7, while the plasticity limit results vary from 29.3 to 42.5 and all the plasticity index plots were below the A line indicating presence of non-plastic clay. The natural moisture content values vary from 21.4 to 35.5 %. The 2 m depth slice isoresistivity map and clay plasticity factor were synthesized using additive model to generate subsurface CR-index corrosivity model map which indicates that the northwestern, north-eastern and southern parts of the area are moderately (0.4 - 0.6) to strongly corrosive (0.6 - 0.8), while the upper central area and the flanks are slightly corrosive. The moderately and strongly corrosive zones correspond to the low elevation and water logged zones of the study area. The corrosivity model map was validated by the pH and corrosivity data. Keywords: Geotechnical, Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, Plasticity Index, Clay Plasticit

The lack of good governance in Nigeria and its impact on functional science education

The paper reviewed the importance of science education in the development of every nation of the world including Nigeria. However, it argued that the science education in Nigeria as studied in the Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education could not be functional. It is not functional because it only produced graduates who are not creative. The paper attributed this to the lack of the good governance in the country. The pinnacle of bad governance was summarized to be corruption in the nation. Visionary leaders, total war against corruption, Youth Scientific Collaboration Programme (YSCP) and much more are some of the solutions recommended by the authors

The Effect of Computer Simulation on Student Performance in High School Chemistry Learning on Chemical Equations

Chemical equations have been identified as a complicated topic in the Nigerian School Certificate. This study investigates the effect of computer simulations on student performance in high school chemistry courses on the topic of chemical equations in Offa, Nigeria. This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design with a pre-test, post-test, and non-randomized control group. The population is all high school students totaling 756 students. The sample was selected purposively, namely 136 students. Chemical Equation Performance Test (CEPT), Online Computer Simulation of Chemical Equations (OCSCE), and Cognitive Force Checklist (CSC) with reliability coefficients of 0.76, 0.81, and 0.78, respectively, were used as instruments for the study. The results of this study are that there are differences in the performance of students who are taught using computer simulations, between the performance of male and female students, and differences in performance between students who score low, medium, and high. It was concluded that computer simulation affected the performance of high school students. It was supposed that computer simulation affected the performance of high school students. It is recommended that future researchers apply computer simulations to other learning

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Traditional Banking: A Convergence or Collision

The intricate interplay between the realm of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and the well-established domain of traditional banking constitutes a captivating narrative of convergence, divergence, and potential collaboration. This paper embarks on a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted interactions between these two financial landscapes, seeking to decipher whether they are destined for convergence or if their collision is inevitable. Decentralized Finance, or DeFi, represents a paradigm shift in the financial sector. Empowered by blockchain technology and smart contracts, DeFi platforms offer innovative solutions for lending, borrowing, trading, and more. Meanwhile, traditional banking, with its longstanding institutional framework, has served as the cornerstone of financial services. However, the emergence of DeFi has challenged the established norms, questioning the necessity of intermediaries and centralization. The convergence hypothesis suggests a future where DeFi and traditional banking coalesce, fusing the innovation and accessibility of DeFi with the stability and regulatory oversight of traditional banking. This path envisions traditional financial institutions adopting DeFi technologies to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, ultimately benefiting consumers with faster, cheaper, and more inclusive services. Conversely, the collision theory posits that the inherent differences between DeFi and traditional banking—decentralization vs. centralization, innovation vs. regulation—will lead to clashes that hinder harmonious integration. Regulatory challenges, legal uncertainties surrounding smart contracts, and the potential for market disruptions loom as potential roadblocks to a seamless union. Amid these dynamics, the concept of a symbiotic relationship emerges—a scenario where DeFi and traditional banking coexist while maintaining their distinct attributes. This balance allows for innovation to thrive within the parameters of regulatory compliance, offering consumers a spectrum of financial services catering to diverse preferences. In conclusion, the relationship between DeFi and traditional banking is neither singularly convergent nor inevitably divergent. Rather, it navigates a spectrum of possibilities, shaped by regulatory developments, technological advancements, and market demands. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, this exploration aims to shed light on the potential trajectories of these two worlds and the nuanced interactions that will shape the future of finance

Quality Evaluation of Udane–Biomi Coal in the Northern Anambra Basin of Nigeria

Communication in Physical Sciences 2021, 7(4): 444-453 Authors: Felix Bamidele Fatoye* and Michael Adewale Ibitomi Received: 29 November 2021/Accepted 08 December 2021 Coal is a significant fuel for several industrial operations, however, its scope of application depends on some quality parameters. In this study, a geochemical investigation of Udane–Biomi (in Northern Anambra Basin) coal deposit has been carried out to ascertain its potential relevance to possible industrial applications. Results from the proximate analysis indicated that the average composition of the coal includes 4.49 % moisture, 76.06 % ash, 11.76 % volatile matter and 7.69 % fixed carbon. The ultimate analysis also reveals that coal consists of 10.58 % carbon, 1.66 % hydrogen, 0.29 % nitrogen, 6.82 % oxygen, 0.12 % sulphur and 0.02 % phosphorus. The average heating value of the coal is 1891Btu/1b and a free swelling index of 0.0 (zero). This observed composition of the investigated coal contradicts with data expected for cooking coals. However, coal is appropriate for electricity generation, heating boilers and ovens in industrial process heating. Coal can also be useful in the cement, glass, ceramic, paper and brick industrie

The Effect of Computer Simulation on Student Performance in High School Chemistry Learning on Chemical Equations

Chemical equations have been identified as a complicated topic in the Nigerian School Certificate. This study investigates the effect of computer simulations on student performance in high school chemistry courses on the topic of chemical equations in Offa, Nigeria. This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design with a pre-test, post-test, and non-randomized control group. The population is all high school students totaling 756 students. The sample was selected purposively, namely 136 students. Chemical Equation Performance Test (CEPT), Online Computer Simulation of Chemical Equations (OCSCE), and Cognitive Force Checklist (CSC) with reliability coefficients of 0.76, 0.81, and 0.78, respectively, were used as instruments for the study. The results of this study are that there are differences in the performance of students who are taught using computer simulations, between the performance of male and female students, and differences in performance between students who score low, medium, and high. It was concluded that computer simulation affected the performance of high school students. It was supposed that computer simulation affected the performance of high school students. It is recommended that future researchers apply computer simulations to other learning