Application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities to reference and information service delivery in selected tertiary institutions in Kano State

The study examined the application of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities to reference service delivery in some selected tertiary institutions in Kano state. The study employed qualitative research design using interview as a tool for data collection and it was conducted with the heads of reference section of the libraries under study. Four research objectives were formulated as thus: To identify the types of reference and information services provided in the institutions under study; to identify the type of ICT facilities used in provision of reference and information service in the institutions under study; to identify the various reference and information services provided using ICTs in the institutions under study, and to identify the challenges facing the library in using ICT facilities in the provision of reference and information services. The findings revealed that the reference sections of the libraries under study offer different types of reference and information services such as current awareness service (CAS), selective dissemination of information Service (SDI), literature searching service, photocopying service, display of new arrival service, user education service, indexing service, abstracting services, referral services, printing services, Library orientation service, group presentation service (Slide display), Video display service, Reference digital desk service, E-mailing service, and up-loading service. The findings further showed that the libraries apply different ICT facilities such as computers, internet service, CD ROM, photocopiers, printers, GSM telephones, online databases, off-line databases, projectors, smart multimedia boards, radio, web blog, e-mail and Library in a flash to provide various reference and information services to users. The challenges revealed by the study are: electricity problems, cost of subscriptions to databases and slow network, among others.Keywords: Reference, Information Service, ICT Facilities, Librar

The moderating effect of brand loyalty on service quality and customer satisfaction in the telecommunications industry in northwest Nigeria

This study investigates the moderating effect of brand loyalty on service quality and customer satisfaction in the telecommunications industry in Northwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was utilized, which permits the collection of data from respondents at a certain point in time. The convenience sampling method was used, and structured questionnaires were administered to the customers of Airtel Nigeria telecommunications company using a service performance (SERVPERF) model. Out of the 768 questionnaires administered, 390 valid responses were analyzed, and the hypotheses were tested with the aid of SmartPLS 4. The results for the direct relationships indicate that reliability, assurance, responsiveness, and tangibility were significantly and positively related with customer satisfaction, while empathy had no significant effect on customer satisfaction. For the indirect relationships, brand loyalty was not found to moderate the relationships between the five SERVPERF dimensions and customer satisfaction. The study concludes that regardless of brand loyalty, service quality remains the only driving force of customer satisfaction in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. It is therefore recommended that Airtel should find ways to transcend their competitors and ensure the continued loyalty of their subscribers, especially by tailoring services to customers’ needs. It is also recommended that the company should ensure a pleasant and seamless experience for their subscribers during calls or when accessing the internet. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should continue to monitor the quality of the services provided by telecommunications companies and sanction those that provide sub-standard services

Globalization, Mass Media And Development In Nigeria: The Nexus

Globalization has become one of the defining features of the contemporary world, and is, no doubt, undergoing tremendous social, economic, cultural and technological transformation. Relations between states are being re-defined and restructured in the globalization process through the instrument of mass media. This study analyses and evaluates the nexus between globalization and mass media in Nigeria development. The fundamental issue by this study was therefore on the implication of the linkages for globalization, media and development. A literature review of works done on the concept of globalization, dimensions of globalization, the concept of mass media, types of media the concept of development, globalization and mass media, and the globalization, media and Nigerian development was carried out. Methodologically, the study was carried out qualitatively through content analysis of relevant literatures. After a thorough analysis of the data gathered, it was deduced the realities of the underdeveloped nature of Nigeria and African countries, and the subsequent loss incurring in the inevitable on-going process of globalisation. To enable Nigeria and the likes extricate itself from predatory of the west in the global arena, governmental discipline, political stability, good governance and focused and visionary leadership striving to ensure harmonious existence and cooperation towards development were recommended. Key Words: Globalization, Mass media, Development, Communication, Information technology, Social network.

The Impacts of Locus of Control and Religious Orientation on Academic Anxiety among Adolescents

Two hundred and fifty adolescents were drawn from three secondary school located in Damaturu. They were administered the Rotter's I-E Scale to assess the locus of control (IDV) and Allport (1969) religious orientation (IDV) scale, to see the influence on expression of academic anxiety (DV) which was assessed using Zeidnes & Schleyer's (1999) Academic Anxiety Scale. A 2 *2 Anova revealed a significant main effect of locus of control on academic anxiety F= 3.370 (1,220) P= 0.05. The main effect of religious orientation and the interaction of effect of religious orientation and locus of control were found to be statistically significant. Recommendations for policy formulation especially towards educating the School pupils to change their locus of control orientation in order to combat academic anxiety are discussed. The limitations of the finding particularly the sample sizes of participants for future researchers are offered. Keywords: Locus of control, Religious Orientation and Academic Anxiet

The United Nations And The Challenges Of Global Peace, Security And Development

The study is predicated on functionalist theoretical frame work to examine the origin and objectives of the United Nations and the contemporary challenges of war, conflicts, genocide etc. in the world. The study employs the methodology of documentary analysis to argue that despite some of its achievements, the UN failed to provide the necessary peace and security that will ensure leveled playing field in world politics and sustainable development among nations. The study among other recommendations suggests the strong need for total reform of the UN in order to gain the trust of its member nations. Key words: United Nation, Peace, Security, and Development

Rare Occurrence of Mix Stromal Tumours: A Case Report Of Gastrointestinal and Extra-Intestinal Stromal Tumour on the Jejunum And Omentum of a Nine Year Old Girl From Adamawa State, Nigeria

Background: Stromal tumors of the jejunum (GIST) and omentum (EGIST) are uncommon and dearth of information still exists on their occurrence concurrently.Case details: Here, we report a nine year old girl that presented with tender abdominal mass measuring 14 x 8 cm associated with features of gastric outlet obstruction and hyponatremia of 115mmol/L. A diagnosis of hyponatremia in a child with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to intraabdominal mass was made for which exploratory laparotomy was carried out. Histology of the tumour revealed stromal spindle epithelioid as well as myxoid cells. Complete resection of the tumour and correction for hyponatremia was done in addition to antibiotics therapy with remarkable improvement.Conclusion: Index case is that of mixed stromal tumours that presented with features of gastric outlet obstruction, and the patient did well after surgery.Keywords: Gastrointestinal/extraintestinal stromal tumors, Jejunum,  Omentum, Paediatrics, Adamawa state, Nigeria

Prevalence of hydatid cyst in camels slaughtered at Katsina metropolitan abattoir, Katsina State, Nigeria

Cystic Echinococcosis, among other food animal zoonotic diseases, heralds a significant zoonotic threat to meat consumers due to the lack of stringent meat inspection policies and poor awareness of zoonoses by most livestock traders/butchers. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence of hydatid cysts in camels slaughtered at katsina metropolitan abattoir, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 392 samples were collected over three months (November 2019 to January 2020), of which 129 samples were from males and 263 from females. Information about the age, sex and body condition of the slaughtered camels were recorded. The carcass of each camel was inspected carefully for the presence of Hydatid cysts, the organs infected, and the number of cysts present. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Chi-square test (χ2), and significant levels were determined at p<0.05 level for all the data, which revealed an overall prevalence of 14.0% (55/392). The prevalence rate of Hydatid cysts was 16.3% in females and 9.3% in males, while it is 16.8 and 5.3% in adult and young camels, respectively. We recommend a holistic epidemiological study on the prevalence of hydatid cysts in camels and more public enlightenment for effective control measures against the disease in Katsina State

Youth empowerment against poverty in Yobe State, Northern Nigeria

Global efforts to end poverty and unfair development should focus on the empowered youth as the cornerstone. In Nigeria, the youth form 60 percent of the population. The majority of them are unemployed and ultimately poor. Poverty reduction requires empowerment to overcome the barriers to a better life. This study examined the nature of youth empowerment and its impact on the well-being of the youth in Yobe State, Nigeria. It used a quantitative method and administered questionnaires to 393 randomly selected respondents. Data was collected on youth's attitudes, views and experiences on various aspects of their lives and well-being and the nature of empowerment programmes in Yobe State. The study findings show that many empowerment programmes have been implemented but have had low impact on the youth. Poverty and unemployment remain high, mainly among the youth. In addition, youth attitudes and experiences show a lack of satisfaction with the nature of youth empowerment. Disempowered youth lack the confidence and belief that they have the opportunities to develop themselves or escape poverty and such disempowerment compromises their citizenry roles as the youth. Therefore, there is a need to improve the infrastructure and strengthen empowerment programmes to improve the well-being of the youth

Antimicrobial profiles of Salmonella species isolated from ruminants slaughtered at the two major abattoirs in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background: Foodborne illness due to the genus Salmonella is one of the major challenges affecting public health worldwide and a threat to socioeconomic activities especially in the developing countries. The present study was carried out to determine the isolation rate and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Salmonella species from ruminants slaughtered for human consumption at the two major abattoirs in Ilorin, Kwara State. Methods: Between November, 2019 and February, 2020, a total 500 samples were collected from the two major abattoirs in Ilorin metropolis (cattle, n = 240; goat, n = 260). Salmonella species were isolated and identified using standard bacteriological techniques. The isolates were subjected antimicrobial susceptibility test using Kirby Bauer disk diffusion assay. Results: 20 (4 %) Salmonella isolates were obtained, there was no significant statistical difference between the isolation rates from cattle (3.75 %) and the small ruminant (4.23 %). Varying degree of resistance patterns were obtained with high proportion of the isolates (> 60 %) displaying resistance to penicillin and cephalosporin tested while low resistant phenotypes (5 %) were observed against quinolones. The isolates were pan-susceptible to gentamicin. Conclusion: The study documented multidrug resistant Salmonella isolates from ruminants slaughtered for human consumption. It is recommended that further studies to characterize the isolates will assist in recommending the appropriate control strategies to prevent the transmission of resistant Salmonella strains to human via food chain