Music Education as a Panacea for National Development

This paper appraises music as an essential part of Nigerian culture and its implication for national development.  It discussed music as important aspect of culture and the rationale for the inclusion of the subject in Nigerian schools at all levels of education. It also explicates music education available in the community as well. The Music provides utilitarian education, information, entertainment and enlightenment.  It uplifts the soul of the citizenry in a hard economic situation. It corrects and helps to discipline people’s behaviour thereby contributing effectively for national development.  Some important literatures were reviewed..  The result shows that music contributes to national development of Nigeria. It produces the aesthetics and useful feeling (emotion) used in national development. It is also useful as a medium that preaches the words of faith to the society which uplifts their spiritual feelings making them to possess good morals which aid in national development.  The paper ended up with the conclusion that Music is the engine which impels the national development when adequately used with recommendation of improvement on the study of the subject in Nigerian schools. Keywords:Music Education, Music as an integral part of Culture, Need for Music Education in Schools, National Developmen

Philosophy of Music Education in Nigeria: Content Analysis of Music Curriculum for Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE)

The philosophy of music curriculum for  Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) developed by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) is conceived from the background of Western music therefore, it impacts little or no learning of Nigerian music. Music is an essential, inseparable and a fundamental part of African cultures. The traditional systems of the Nigerian society consider music to be an indispensable part of education and some families were renowned with long traditions of music making.  The mode of training notably involved a long period of apprenticeship with imitation approach as a major method of the teaching-learning process.   Against this background, this paper examines the content of the music curriculum for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in relation to its stated philosophy and objectives and that of the Nigerian cultural system.  It further examines the possibility of replacing most of the repertoire of imposed Western musical tradition with Nigerian musical heritage, in order to make it more relevant to the student’s social environment and for the economic advancement of the lots of its graduates and the society at large. Keywords: Curriculum, Philosophy of Music Education, Content Analysis, Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE)

Teacher’s Perception of Indigenous Music Knowledge as a Panacea to Music Curriculum in Nigerian Schools

Music in Nigerian societies is a way of life that carries the qualities, traits and values of the culture it proclaims. Music as an integral and vital part of culture plays a noble role that cannot be over emphasized. It is a medium through which facts and values of the society are preserved and, passed from one generation to another. Conversely, whether formal or informal, education serves as a powerful tool for national development. This paper examines the concept of indigenous knowledge system; highlight some methods of indigenous knowledge system and majorly teachers’ perception of indigenous music knowledge through sixty (60) music teachers. Six (6) institutions of higher learning that has music department: one polytechnic, five colleges of education and twenty (20) selected secondary schools that offer music as a subject in Osun and Oyo state were selected respectively for the study, Keywords: Culture; indigenous knowledge system; Music education; Methods; Nigeria; Teaching and learning Proces

Music Education as a Pillar to Sustainable Development in Nigeria

The paper attempts to reveal the importance of music education as an art as well as indispensable aspect of every single culture which serves as indisputable support to sustainable development in Nigeria. It is a veritable avenue that enables societies to transmit music and musical skills from one generation to the incoming ones. The research is based on a comprehensive literature review on the impact of music to sustainable development. This paper contextualised that music education is imperative to Sustainable Development, to the adult it is a vital force of self-expression, communication and  empowerment  economically, in growing children, involvement in music education will promote their creative ability, thereby contribute to the full development of intellectual capacities, apt emotional development that gives the right values and feelings to various events and happenings, music helps to develop skills, innate and instinctive talent in human being and recommend that the informal music teaching should be incorporated into school system so as to transmit and preserve the cultural music and  that the study  of music should be made compulsory at all levels of the Nigerian educational system. Keywords: Sustainable Development, Music Education, Music as a Pillar to Sustainable Development

Food Insecurity in Nigerian Society “The Result of Social-Political Conflict”

The attainment of national security by a country depends on its ability to guarantee total sustenance for its populace.  Food security is a core element of both internal and external security.  However, attainment of food security will be a mirage where socio-political conflict is the order of the day.  This study observes that food security in Nigeria is an element of the agricultural system and its insecurity is a threat to other forms of security.  It observes concept of food security and socio-political cum economic factors militating against food security.  Thus, the study concludes on the way forwards to attainment of food security which is the bed rock of internal security

Communicating the Corporate Social Responsibility Activities of the UK Division of an International Brewing Company through Sustainability Reporting

Sustainability reporting has risen to prominence in recent years, and has been particularly identified as having the potential to make significant positive contributions to organisational reputation. This project aims to answer the question of how Molson Coors Brewing Company (UK) (MCBC) can best develop its own sustainability reporting in order to enhance the company’s standing both within the alcohol industry and the wider society. In pursuing this aim I draw upon a peer group reporting comparison, a programme of interviews with corporate management and focus group exercises conducted with representative employees. The research approach adopted is centrally informed by both institutional and stakeholder theory. The use of focus groups as a methodology was influenced by stakeholder theory as focus groups are generally regarded as a form of stakeholder engagement, in itself considered a central component of good reporting practice. Institutional theory and the three mechanisms identified which push an organisation towards isomorphism (coercive, mimetic and normative) has influenced the choice to carryout an industry peer group comparison (benchmarking) exercise. The dissertation argues that there is a need for MCBC (UK) to engage in reporting on its social and environmental activities and presents a reporting structure featuring the following ten themes: Opening statement, Environment, Alcohol Responsibility, Health and Safety, Supply Chain, Product Quality, Our People, Community and Charity, Governance and Transparency and Stakeholders. The research project concludes by providing practical recommendations for future reporting development within the company together with a timetable for implementation

Inhibition of Neuroinflammation by the Methanolic Extract of Zanthoxylum Zanthoxyloides Root and Skimmianine

Studies have demonstrated the role of neuroinflammation in causing neurotoxicity and neuronal damage in neurodegenerative diseases and cerebral malaria (CM) patients. Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Z. Z) is reputed for its anti-inflammatory activity. This study investigated the effect of Z.Z. and it’s bioactive, skimmianine (SK) on neuroinflammation in BV2 microglia cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and synthetic hemozoin (sHZ). Cultured mouse microglia (BV2) cells were stimulated with LPS (100 ng/ml) and sHZ (400 μg/ml) following pre-treatment with Z. zanthoxyloides (4, 6 and 8 μg/ml) and skimmianine (10, 20, and 30 μM). Levels of nitric oxide (NO), PGE2, pro IL-1β, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα and IL-10 were measured in cell culture supernatants. Protein expressions of iNOS, COX-2, NF-КB phospho-p65 subunit, phospho-IҡBα, total IҡBα, phospho-IKK, total IKK, caspase-1 and NLRP3 in extracts were investigated with western blotting. HEK293 cells were transfected with Cignal NF-κB (LUC) (CCS-013L) vector and reporter gene assays were used to investigate the effect of Z.Z and SK on luciferase activity of NF-КB in the nucleus. Isolation of SK was monitored with solid-phase-extraction (SPE), ELISA and HPLC. Structure elucidation of the isolated compound was determined by NMR analysis and mass spectrometry. Z.Z extract and SK reduced the levels of PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα IL-1β, pro-IL-1β, caspase-1 protein and NLRP3 protein and increased the levels of IL-10 in BV2 cells stimulated with LPS and sHZ. Further experiments showed that Z. Z and SK decreased the expression of iNOS, COX-2 protein and inhibited NF-B and NLRP3signaling pathway in both LPS and sHZ-stimulated BV2 cells. These results suggest that Z.Z and SK inhibit neuroinflammation through NF-B and NLRP3 signalling pathway in stimulated BV2 cells. This study suggests that bioactive compounds in Z. zanthoxyloides extract are potential phytochemical leads for treating neuroinflammation mediated neurodegenerative diseases and CM

Spiritual and Physical Interpretations of Dance, Clap and Gesticulation in African Indigenous Churches in Nigeria

Though dance, clap and gesticulation (DCG) are among the practices exhibited during worship in African Indigenous Churches (AIC) among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, the facts that they are performed enthusiastically, spontaneously and vigorously have overshadowed the innate benefits they portend. Until the benefits are identified, many would continually believe that they are unnecessary, unseemly and noisy. This study examines the significances of DCG in AIC in relation to their implications for human’s spiritual and physical wellness.  Five AIC branches were selected in Southwestern Nigeria and unstructured interviews were conducted with 50 laities, ten from each branch. Some of the information provided by them have been reflected in this study. A ten-week participant observation monitoring (two weeks spent on each brand of the five AIC) was also conducted. Data have been reduced to Content Analysis and Simple Descriptive Analysis. DCG have spiritual and physical significances. Under spiritual significance, the vigor exerted is proportional to excitement and effectiveness in worship. Stamping of feet signifies health, strength, and power, passion, suppressing evil and shaking off problems as physical and spiritual weakness. Hand waving symbolizes freedom and victory over enemy. Clapping, feet stamping and vigorous hand waving prevent evil spirits from hibernating within the prayer arena. Dance facilitates healing while clapping symbolizes warfare and victory. Under physical significance, DCG are aerobic though they are done unconsciously. The overall health advantages vis-à-vis aerobics are less considered because they are the byproducts of the calisthenics. While dancing and clapping, sweat is produced leading to release of tensions. DCG aid digestion and sound sleep, increase muscles, bones and cardiovascular strength and aid coordination and balance. DCG in AIC lead to the attainment of physical fitness and spiritual ecstasy; therefore, Spirituality and DCG are related: they connect to facilitate human wellness. Keywords: Dance, clap and gesticulation, Aerobics, Physical activities, Human wellness, Sickness, Healing, Ecstasy,

AMPK and SIRT1 activation contribute to inhibition of neuroinflammation by thymoquinone in BV2 microglia

Thymoquinone is a known inhibitor of neuroinflammation. However, the mechanism(s) involved in its action remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the roles of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in the anti-neuroinflammatory activity of thymoquinone. We investigated effects of the compound on ROS generation in LPS-activated microglia using the fluorescent 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA)-cellular ROS detection. Immunoblotting was used to detect protein levels of p40phox, gp91phox, AMPK, LKB1 and SIRT1. Additionally, ELISA and immunofluorescence were used to detect nuclear accumulation of SIRT1. NAD+/NADH assay was also performed. The roles of AMPK and SIRT1 in anti-inflammatory activity of thymoquinone were investigated using RNAi and pharmacological inhibition. Our results show that thymoquinone reduced cellular ROS generation, possibly through inhibition of p40phox and gp91phox protein. Treatment of BV2 microglia with thymoquinone also resulted in elevation in the levels of LKB1 and phospho-AMPK proteins. We further observed that thymoquinone reduced cytoplasmic levels and increased nuclear accumulation of SIRT1 protein and increased levels of NAD+. Results also show that the anti-inflammatory activity of thymoquinone was abolished when the expressions of AMPK and SIRT1 were suppressed by RNAi or pharmacological antagonists. Pharmacological antagonism of AMPK reversed thymoquinone-induced increase in SIRT1. Taken together, we propose that thymoquinone inhibits cellular ROS generation in LPS-activated BV2 microglia. It is also suggested that activation of both AMPK and NAD+/SIRT1 may contribute to the anti-inflammatory, but not antioxidant activity of the compound in BV2 microglia