Volume 7, Issue 1. October, 2021.

Preliminary Pages

In This Issue

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Effects of Acrostic-Letter -Sentence Mnemonics and Reciprocal Peer-Tutoring Strategies on Achievement of Secondary School Chemistry Students on Onitsha Education Zone

Ezeanya, M. Chinyere & Okigbo, E. Chinelo

The study investigated the effects of acrostic-sentence mnemonics and reciprocal peer-tutoring on secondary school chemistry students’ achievement in Onitsha Education Zone. Three research questions and four null hypotheses guided the study. The design was quasi-experimental. The population of the study was 3,296 senior secondary one chemistry students in Onitsha Education Zone. 214 students obtained using purposive and random sampling was involved in the study. Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) consisting of multiple-choice questions validated by three experts with reliability established using Kuder Richardson formula 20 to be 0.80 was used as instrument. Mean and standard deviation was used in answering the research question and Analysis of Covariance was used analysis the hypotheses. The results showed that reciprocal peer-tutoring most significantly improved students’ achievement in chemistry followed by acrostic sentence mnemonics. It was recommended that chemistry teachers should adopted the use reciprocal peer tutoring to facilitate greater interaction among students.

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Digital Systems in Healthcare Service Delivery in Africa: Challenges and Prospects.

Jonathan Okwor Ugwu1, Onyemauche U. C2 & Mbanusi Charity. E.1

Efficient Health systems are fundamental in ensuring improved citizens’ welfare and the nations in general, while underdeveloped health systems not only hinder individual’s social and economic development, but also have detrimental effect on national economic growth and prospects. African nations, like other developing nations of the world, experience low quality and limited access to efficient healthcare service delivery, contributing to steady growth, high poverty levels and high burden of, non-communicable and communicable diseases. Even though information and communication technology (ICT) is playing a desirable role in improving healthcare service delivery, its integration into healthcare system delivery is limited among resource-limited African nations. This paper extensively discussed ICT system models called digital systems currently used in healthcare system delivery and the challenges hindering the integration of these system models into healthcare systems in Africa. These challenges are not limited to poor leadership and governance, lack of human resources, poor finances, poor supplies of medical drugs, equipment and technology, poor knowledge and information, poor healthcare service delivery, poor infrastructure and supplies. Finally, the paper examined the ways forward towards eliminating these challenges in order to build efficient healthcare service delivery among developing African countries.

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Influence of Gender on Students’ Academic Achievement in Science and Technology Education When Taught Using Innovative Strategies

Yakubu Peter Abuh

The paper examined the influence of gender on students’ academic achievement in science and technology education taught using innovative strategies, Kogi State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted the quasi-experimental design. The sample size of 195 students was drawn using multistage sampling procedure. The instrument SAT was validated by three experts in STE from Kogi State University, Anyigba. The reliability index of the instrument is 0.82 determined using Kurder Richardson (K-R21). Data was collected using SAT and analysed using mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings revealed that male students achieve higher than female fork in STE. And also there was significant impact of treatment and gender on students’ academic achievement in STE. It was recommended that teachers should adopt instructional practice that gives students equal opportunities in the classroom irrespective of gender among others.

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Extent of Acquisition of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills among Mathematics Teachers in Anambra State

Benson C. Ezeanyi & Marcellinus C. Anaekwe

The study sought to investigate the extent of acquisition of ICT skills possessed by mathematics teachers in Anambra State. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The total population of the study was 1900 mathematics teachers, while the sample size was 300 respondents. A structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and t-test statistics. The study indicated among others, that there is moderate ICT acquisition among mathematics teachersin Anambra State.The study also showed that there is no significant difference in the mean ratings of the male and female respondents with respect to extent ofICT acquisition among mathematics teachers inAnambra state. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made.

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Identification of Entrepreneurial Skills Components in Chemistry Curriculum of Senior Secondary School in Anambra State

Ibeh, Herbert Azubueze & Okoli, J.N.

Unemployment rate in Nigeria is serious national problem hence Nigeria included entrepreneurial skills for self-employment in her educational curriculum. This study investigated identification of these skills in Chemistry by chemistry teachers. Five research questions, five null hypotheses and a descriptive survey design guided the study. The study was carried out in Awka Education zone with all the 64 chemistry teachers from the 61 secondary schools. Data was collected with IESCC (Identification of Entrepreneurial Skills Components in Chemistry). Mean scores were used to answer research questions, while null hypotheses were tested using X2 (chi-square). From the analysis, the researcher found out that: 1. Teachers are not aware of these entrepreneurial skills and therefore could not identify them. 2. There is significant difference in all the hypotheses based on location. 3. Students graduate from secondary schools without acquiring the required skills. Based on the above, three recommendations, limitations and suggestions were given.

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Mathematical Model for the Molecular Dynamics of Hemophilia in A Population Incorporating Gene Screening and Mutation

Safiyanu Adamu1, Ibrahim Isa Adamu1, Usman Alani Solomon2, Hanifa Umar Yusuf1, John Samuel Zira1 & Mohammed Manga1

Genetic diseases constitute a spreading threat to healthy life in a population. Population epidemiological studies are required to learn the prevalence of disease causing environmental exposure in genetically susceptible individuals. In this paper, the population partioned into seven compartments and modeled the interaction dynamics. An ordinary Linear system of differential equations was developed to monitor the size of populations of hemophilia. We analyzed the model where the existence of the solution of the system was confirmed and the validity of the model was proven by establishing the positivity of solutions. We solved the system to obtain an analytical solution. We established the Hemophilia Free Equilibrium (HFE) and computed the local equilibriums. The results show that the HFE was stable.

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Effects of Jigsaw-Based Instructional Strategy (JBIS) and Demonstration Method on Students’ Achievement and Retention in Biology

Chinweuba-Eze, V.O.

This paper sought to determine the efficacy of jigsaw-based instructional strategy and demonstration method on students’ achievement and retention in biology. Three research questions were posed and three null hypotheses were formulated for the study. The research design for the study was 2×2 factorial design. The population of the study comprised of 4,840 SS2 Biology students in Ogidi education zone of Anambra State during 2020/21 academic session. The sample size of the study was 160 SS2 Biology students. BAT was calculated using estimate of temporal stability was done using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (PPMCC) which gave a reliability index of 0.78. The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while ANCOVA was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significant. Findings unveiled that the use of jigsaw-based instructional approach was superior in enhancing achievement and retention of biology students than with demonstration method. Also, gender was not a significant factor in determining students’ retention in biology. Based on the findings, recommendations were also made.

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Levels of Scientific Literacy Among Basic Science Students in Junior Secondary Schools

Eke, Joy Anulika1; E. I. Orji2; A. A. Agbo2 & O. C. Zudonu3

The study determined the level of scientific literacy among basic science students in junior secondary schools in Nsukka L.G.A. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A total of 244 JSS 11 students (129 males & 115 females; 160 urban & 84 rural) were sampled for the study. Scientific Literacy Test (SLS) was used with a reliability coefficient of 0.60 using Kuder-Richardson (K-R-20). Data were analyzed using frequency and percentages and chi-square. The results of the study showed significant differences in the level of scientific literacy possessed among junior secondary school students in the area with majority (76.8%) of the students possessing nominal level of scientific literacy among others. It is recommended among others that there is need to develop a curriculum of basic science that will be geared towards the inculcation of the higher levels of scientific literacy.

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Effect of Think Pair Share and Group Investigation Cooperative Learning Strategies on Students’ Performance in Biology in Ekiti State Nigeria.

Abayomi Taiwo Ogunleye1, Olabanji Onifade2, Abiodun John Obadipe1, Muazu Hamidu1

The study investigated the effect of Think Pair Share and Group Investigation Cooperative strategies on students’ academic performance in Biology in Ekiti State. It also studied the moderating effect of mental ability and gender on academic performance. The research adopted quasi-experimental design 3x3x2 factorial matrix. A sample of 142 students from six intact classes was purposively selected from Ekiti West Local government. The instruments used were Biology Performance Test (BPT), Mental Ability Test (MAT). Kuder Richardson (KR-20) was used to obtain the reliability and the values of 0.82 for BPT and 0.78 for MAT were obtained. Data were analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and multiple classification analysis. The findings of the study revealed a significant main effect of treatment on students’ academic performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Biology teachers should employ the strategies to improve student performance.

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Extent of Use of Cloud Computing Services by Non-Science Undergraduate Students in Universities in Anambra State

Obiadazie, Regina Eyiuche1 & Okigbo, Ebele Chinelo2

The study investigated the ‘usage of cloud computing services by non-science undergraduate students in universities in Anambra State’. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The research design was a descriptive survey. A sample size of 360 students was drawn using the Taro Yamane model and multistage sampling procedure. UCCSQ used for data collection was validated by five experts. Its reliability was determined using Cronbach alpha method which yielded a value of .985. Mean was used to answer the research questions while the hypotheses were tested at .05 Alpha level using t-test and ANOVA. The findings of the study showed that the extent of use of cloud computing services by the students is low and it differed significantly based on institution ownership. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that university management should make “Use of Cloud Computing Services” a separate course as a general study.

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Students’ Utilization of Electronic Learning Facilities in Tertiary Institutions Library in Bauchi State Nigeria

Ayuba Kaluri

This paper examined students’ utilization of electronic learning facilities in tertiary institutions’ libraries in Bauchi state Nigeria. The study employed descriptive research design. The sample size for the study consisted of 1,680 (559 federal and 1120 state tertiary institutions) students which were used to draw the precise number of representative samples from each institution. Questionnaire were used to collect datas. The findings of the study revealed that both the federal and state tertiary institutions in Bauchi state have the facilities but not as enough as required. It also revealed that federal tertiary institution libraries are significantly better than the state tertiary institutions libraries in the state in terms of utilization of electronic learning facilities by the students. The researcher recommended that use of library’ should be made one of the courses to be taught across the tertiary institutions and more computers and WiFi should be made available.

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Infidelity as Correlate of Reproductive and Mental Health Among Couples in Kwara State, Nigeria

Adeola, Moses Folusayo; Abubakar, Mohamed, N.; Adams, David & Sule, Tanko Onotu

Although, monogamy and sexual exclusivity are the expressed cultural norms of a great majority of people, infidelity is widespread around the world. The study examined infidelity as correlate of reproductive and mental health among couples in Kwara State, Nigeria. Correlational survey research design was adopted for the study. Four hundred and fifty (450) couples were selected through multi-stage sampling techniques in the three senatorial districts in the state. A self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data for the study and Cronbach alpha was used to determine the reliability of the result which yielded 0.74. Collected data were analyzed with the use of Pearson moment correlation statistical method to test the two hypotheses formulated for the study. The findings revealed that there was significant relationship between infidelity, reproductive and mental health among couples in Kwara State. It was recommended that couples should go extra mile to be faithful to their partners among others.

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Learning Technologies Deployment as an Alternative to Traditional Teaching Mode During Covid-19 Pandemic Restrictions in Nigeria

Onifade O. J1; Olomu M. O1; Atoyebi M. K 1; Ogunjemilua E. M2; Okpuru O. A1

This article presents the types of learning technologies deployed during COVID-19 pandemic restrictions by households in Nigeria, particularly among the primary and secondary school learners through the perspective of technology acceptance model. It describes the type of contact learners had with their teachers in order to establish whether learning was disrupted or not and also examined the effect of location on learning technologies deployed by households. Survey research design was used for this study and the secondary data were sourced from the World Banks Living Standards Measurement Study – Integrated Surveys on Agriculture (LSMS-ISA) for tracking the implication of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. The data were analyzed with frequency, percentage and Chi-square. The study concludes that learning was not absolutely disrupted as a result of the restrictions. It further recommends provision of adequate infrastructural support that will aid learning, irrespective of location and circumstances.

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Effects of Practical Chemistry Teaching Strategies on Acquisition of Practical Skills by Students’ of Different Cognitive Styles in Secondary Schools in Kogi State.

Tsobaza M. K.

The study investigated the effect of cognitive styles on students’ acquisition of practical skills in chemistry. The study adopted the non-equivalent group design. Two research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. A sample 84 senior secondary 111 chemistry students from two intact classes in two secondary schools participated in the study. The instruments for data collection were Chemistry Practical Skills Rating Scale {CPSRS} and Group Embedded Figure Test {GEFT}. Data collected for study were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while Analysis of Covariance {ANCOVA} was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that field independent{FI} students significantly influenced students acquisition of practical skills compared to field dependent students{FD}. The study also revealed that there is significant influence of cognitive styles and gender on students’ acquisition of practical skills in chemistry. Treatment by cognitive styles interaction effect was not significant at 5% alpha level. Based on these findings, it was recommended, among others that chemistry teachers should organize their lessons in such a way that students of different cognitive styles could benefit optimally.

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Students’ Knowledge of Basic Science as a Correlate of Physics Achievement in Senior Secondary Schools

Orji, E. I., Eze, S. U. & Nwose, J. O.

The study investigates the magnitude of prediction of students’ performance in physics by their performance in Basic science using correlation design. 250 students from Ohaukwu L.G.A Ebonyi State were used for the study. A Proforma was used to collect students’ results in Basic Science and their results in physics. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study revealed that 22% of variation in students’ performance in Physics is accounted for by their performance in Basic science. This means, that there is a significant relationship between students’ performance in Basic science and Physics. Based on the findings, it was recommended that basic science teachers should see the subject as a foundation subject upon which other science subjects are laid and as such take its teaching seriously so as to enable the students have good mastering of the subject.

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Age and School Type as A Determinant of Teenage Pregnancy Among Secondary School Students’ in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Ayodele, Kolade Babatunde

The study was conducted to investigate whether age and school types are determinants of teenage pregnancy among secondary school students in Kabba/Bunu L.G.A of Kogi State. The correlation survey research design was used for the study. The population for the study was 2,206 female students who were enrolled in all thirteen (13) secondary school in the LGA. The sample for the study consisted of (217) female secondary school students in the LGA. A researcher designed questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. The reliability index of .60 and above the instrument would be considered reliable to be used for the study. Data was analyzed using multiple for research questions. The postulated hypotheses were tested using ANOVA at .05 level of significance. Findings from the study shows that age is a determinant while school type is also a determinant of teenage pregnancy among secondary school students in Kabba/ Bunu LGA of Kogi State. It is recommended that teenage girls should be guided at the onset of maturity and adequate measures be taken in respect to those students in co-educational system, so that they will not fall victims of teenage pregnancy.

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Awareness of Residents, Micro and Small Enterprise Operators in Kubwa on the Potentials of Solar Energy as Supplementary Source to Conventional Energy

Ekele O. Abraham; Mathias T. Chizomam & Oyom B. Bassey

The study investigated the awareness of residents, Micro and Small Enterprise (MSEs) in Kubwa on the pontentials of of solar energy for electrification. A descriptive survey design was used. The population used for the study comprised all residential buildings and commercial centers in Kubwa, Abuja. The sample for the study was 130 respondents comprised 100 households and 30 MSEs. A structured questionnaire titled ‘Awareness of Solar Energy Potentials Questionnaire (ASEPQ)’ was used for data collection. 30 respondents were used for trial test of the instrument and the reliability coefficient of the instrument was found to be 0.78 using cronbach alpha. Data from the instrument was analyzed using mean and standard deviation while t-test was used to test hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that there is no significant difference between the responses of residents and MSEs. Hence, the study recommends government-private partnership among others.

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Cultural Beliefs and Gender as Predictors of Students’ Self-Efficacy in Some Topics in Senior Secondary Biology in Benue State

Apir, Angella Asange & L. N. Nworgu

The study examined cultural beliefs and gender as predictors of students’ self-efficacy in some topics in senior secondary Biology in Benue State. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study, of which correlational research design was adopted. The study population comprised 14,635 SSII Biology students in 285 Public Secondary Schools in Benue State, out of which 378 (171 males and 207 female) students participated in the study. Data were collected using questionnaires on cultural beliefs and self-efficacy developed by the researchers. Reliability index of 0.87 and 0.85 were obtained for cultural beliefs and self-efficacy respectively. Data were analyzed using simple and multiple regression. The study revealed that 23% of students’ self-efficacy in Biology is negatively influenced by their cultural beliefs, which is statistically significant (p<0.05), among others. It was therefore recommended among others, that Biology teachers should sufficiently explain the various Biology topics to students with scientific justifications.

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