Learner autonomy in educational institutions and the challenges of (human) development in Nigeria and Africa

Education makes the human being a fully realized project. It is a catalyst for the realization of the potentialities of humans. This can only be successfully done if it is acknowledged that the individual is full of immense potential. It’s the logic of learner-autonomy and all that it portends. In many an African setting this logic remains far-fetched. Teaching and learning in most African settings do not give room for the full application and realization of learner autonomy. It has grossly affected the realisation of the full potentials of individuals who are to be agents of development. This paper seeks to expose and address the process of teaching and learning in the African (Nigerian) setting in a way that shows how it defies the logic of learner- autonomy which subsequently affects human and social development. It concludes that education should permit learners to exploit their curiosities and creative acumen as major routes to development

Efficiency of the Nigerian Capital Market; an Empirical Analysis

This study investigated the efficiency of the Nigerian capital market from 1986 to 2009 through the Random Walk Theory, the rate at which stock information is reflected in stock price and its impact on Nigeria’s economic development. This was done because the capital market has been proven to be a hub and catalyst for economic development of a country. In order to accomplish the set out objectives of this study, three research hypotheses (Ho1 - Ho3) were formulated which were tested via a number of analytical techniques. These are the ADF unit root test, the ARMA Test, the VAR-based granger causality test, the Cointegration analysis and the Vector Error Correction Test. Based on the results gotten, Ho1 was rejected, Ho2 was accepted and Ho3 was rejected. The results revealed that there is still room for improvement of the efficiency level of the Nigerian Capital Market. This was due to the fact that the speed of adjustment of stock price to stock information was not very high and the market was also found to be inefficient within the period under review. The result also showed that a significant relationship exists between capital market performance and economic development. The study ended by recommending that there should be an increased level of public enlightenment on the gains of capital market, an increased level of regulation that would check the vice of all forms of market manipulations and an increased level of operators in the market by relaxing stringent entry requirements of companies. These would increase the efficiency level of the Nigerian capital market enabling it to have an improved impact on the development of the Nigerian economy. Keywords: Efficiency, Random Walk Theory, ARMA Test, Vector error Correctio

Development of a Robotic Positioning and Tracking System for a Research Laboratory

Measurement of residual stress using neutron or synchrotron diffraction relies on the accurate alignment of the sample in relation to the gauge volume of the instrument. Automatic sample alignment can be achieved using kinematic models of the positioning system provided the relevant kinematic parameters are known, or can be determined, to a suitable accuracy. The main problem addressed in this thesis is improving the repeatability and accuracy of the sample positioning for the strain scanning, through the use of techniques from robotic calibration theory to generate kinematic models of both off-the-shelf and custom-built positioning systems. The approach is illustrated using a positioning system in use on the ENGIN-X instrument at the UK’s ISIS pulsed neutron source comprising a traditional XYZΩ table augmented with a triple axis manipulator. Accuracies better than 100microns were achieved for this compound system. Although discussed here in terms of sample positioning systems these methods are entirely applicable to other moving instrument components such as beam shaping jaws and detectors. Several factors could lead to inaccurate positioning on a neutron or synchrotron diffractometer. It is therefore essential to validate the accuracy of positioning especially during experiments which require a high level of accuracy. In this thesis, a stereo camera system is developed to monitor the sample and other moving parts of the diffractometer. The camera metrology system is designed to measure the positions of retroreflective markers attached to any object that is being monitored. A fully automated camera calibration procedure is developed with an emphasis on accuracy. The potential accuracy of this system is demonstrated and problems that limit accuracy are discussed. It is anticipated that the camera system would be used to correct the positioning system when the error is minimal or notify the user of the error when it is significant

Digitization of academic library resources: A case study of Donal E. U. Ekong Library

This study investigated the digitization of academic library resources in University of Port Harcourt. Five research objectives guided the study. The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive survey. The total population for this study was thirteen (13) library staff involved in digital library practices. As a result of the concise population, there was no sampling. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire. A total of thirteen questionnaires were distributed and distribution recorded a 100% return rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools (frequency tables and mean scores). From the analysis, the findings revealed that the need for digitization of library resources are majorly to preserving endangered collections, increasing the visibility of institutional outputs, enhance timeless access to library information resources and promote interlibrary cooperation. The result shows that the digitization of library resources in Donald E. U. Ekong library is at a very high extent and the librarians involved in the digitization of library resources are competent and possesses the necessary skills required. Digitization of library resources is challenged by several factors such as power supply, security of databases, infrastructure to contain the digitization process, staff capacity to manage the process, users’ dependency in traditional library resources, etc. and that the strategies for enhancing digitization of library resources include the installation of alternative to power supply such as standby power generating set, solar power system, utility power systems, etc., installation of anti-virus, malware and hacks proof software, inclusion of digitization sections while planning for library buildings, library user education should include skills needed for use of digital libraries The study concluded that in order to remain relevant in the present digital environment, libraries especially in developing countries should make every effort to digitize their local content for preservation and easy access

GLOBALIZATION AND LEXICAL BORROWING: THE IGBO EXAMPLE

Issues related to globalisation can hardly be discussed in isolation of language. Lexical borrowing is a global issue since languages borrow from one another in order to enrich their lexicon. No language can exist in isolation of others. The case of Igbo is not an exception and that is why this paper aims at studying the effects of globalization on lexical borrowing with examples from the Igbo language. The nature of this study will be correlational, finding out the cause and effect of globalisation on lexical borrowing. The paper finds that the relationship between globalisation and lexical borrowing is a case of cause and effect action, since the former presupposes the birth of new technologies that will effectively give rise to the need of naming these new technologies. Also, the Igbo language conforms to the globalisation trend in the area of getting lexical items from other languages. It is recommended that in as much as lexical borrowing is a viable means of enriching a language's lexicon, users of a particular language should make standardize and popularize lexical items that are hitherto not standard. An appendix of one hundred and twenty four (124) words used during the study is attached at the end of the paper.Keywords: Globalisation, lexical borrowing, Igbo languag

The Impact of Banking Consolidation on the Economic Development of Nigeria

Consolidation was used as a key strategy by a number of banks to meet the capitalization requirements issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2005. In view of the need to understand the effect of this strategy as used by the banks, this study sought to establish the impact of bank capital, aggregate investment, loans and advances, bank profitability on the performance of the Nigerian economy.  Time series was used from 1986-2011 and multiple regression was used to analyze data.  It was found that bank capital was a determinant of banks performance and banks’ investment had a positive impact on the economy.  The study also showed that loans and advances were a determinant of banks profitability.  Accordingly, it was recommended that the Central Bank of Nigeria should constantly monitor the activities and the performance of the emerging mega- banks in order to prevent bank distress and failure .It was also recommended that adequate capital should be provided to make Banks more liquid. Keywords: Consolidation, economic developmen

Contribution of Microfinance Banks to the Development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria

This study investigated the contribution of microfinance banks to the development of small and medium scale enterprises in Nigeria. This was done because small and medium scale enterprises have been known to play an important role in the development of any country. In order to accomplish the set out objectives of this study, two research hypotheses (Ho1 - Ho2) were formulated which were tested via primary and secondary data. The ordinary least square analysis was also used. Based on the results gotten, both hypotheses were rejected. The study ended by giving recommendations that were considered necessary for development. Keywords:Small and medium scale enterprises , microfinance bank

Econometric Analysis of Foreign Direct Investment and Nigeria’s Economic Performance

The fluctuation in the economic fortune of developing economies coupled with the attendant low level of savings and unemployment has been a cause for concern among experts and policy makers in recent years. Motivated by the above and the controversy in international finance/economic literature with respect to the effectiveness and potency of foreign direct investment on economic performance of Nations; the study, using multiple regression analytical technique, discovered that a statistically significant relationship exist between GDP, FDI and EXR. . The result showed that variations in gross domestic product had been significantly influenced by FDI, Financial depth and exchange rate within the period under study. The study also confirmed the existence of long run relationship between GDP and FDI, with GDP granger causing FDI and not the other way round.  It is therefore recommended among others that government should put up policies that will nip insurgency and other vices in the bud, so as to create a conducive atmosphere for the attraction of foreign direct investment into the country. The issue of money and capital market deregulation should be sustained, so as to deepen the financial market space, as well. Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment, Economic Performance, Financial deepening, Co-integration

Effect of Capital Structure on Corporate Performance in Nigeria

This study investigated the effect of capital structure on corporate performance in Nigerian using randomly selected companies. This was done because it has at been established that an overall good performance of firms in an economy will lead to economic development in the long run. Twenty companies operating in the Nigerian environment were randomly picked and data on their capital structure and profit were picked out from their annual reports for the period under investigation (i.e. 2012-2013). In order to accomplish the set out objectives of this study, a research hypothesis was formulated which was tested via a number of analytical techniques. These are the panel unit root test and the panel least squares regression. Based on the results gotten, Ho was rejected. The results revealed that capital structure negatively influenced corporate performance. The study ended by recommending that Nigerian companies should use debt as a source of finance sparingly and only when extremely necessary. Keywords: Net income theory, Net operating income theory, Trade-off theory