HUMMINGBIRD PUBLICATIONS & RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL

PROCEEDINGS/ABSTRACTS OF THE ACADEMIC CONFERENCE ON AFRICAN POTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY

DATE: 27TH  TO 28TH JULY, 2017.

VENUE: GOMBE STATE UNIVERSITY, MULTIPURPOSE HALL, GSU, GOMBE, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA.

 PAPERS:

PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS FED VARYING LEVELS OF LOCAL FISH MEAL DIETS

SA’IDU I., YAKUBU, N AND SHARHUDDEN, Y.

Bauchi State College of Agriculture, Bauchi, Department of Animal Production Technology

01

Abstract

Forty nine days experiment was carried out at poultry unit of Bauchi State College of Agriculture to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens fed varying levels of local fish meal (LFM) diets. Five experimental diets were formulated for both starter (23% cp) and the finisher (20%cp) phases. Coded as diets 1 (0%) 2 (25%), 3(50%), 4 (75%) and 5(100%). Two hundred and ten (210) broiler chickens were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments in completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times with fourteen birds per replicate. The result of this study indicated most of the performance attributes at both starter and finisher phases as well as the overall performance were not significantly influenced by the dietary levels of LFM. However starter final weight, initial weight were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the dietary levels of local fish meal. It can be concluded that LFM can completely replace imported one with no adverse effect on the performance attributes.

Keywords: Broiler Chicken, Local Fish Meal, Imported Fish Meal

ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF GUEIRA SENEGALENSIS AND MANGIFERA INDICA ON LOOSE SMUT PATHOGEN (SPORISORIUM CRUENTUM)

¹RABI, R.A, ²MARDIYYA AUWAL YAKASAI , ²MUSA, H., AND A. S., ³ KUTAMA,

¹ Department of Science., Laboratory, Technology, College of Science and Technology, Hussaini       Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa State ²Department of Biology, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil ³ Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University, Dutse.

02

Abstract

Methanolic extracts from two different plant species were tested at concentrations 250, 125, 62.5 and 31.2mg/ml as potential sources of antifungal agents for the fungi Sporisorium cruentum. The plant species were Guiera senegalensis (leaves) and Mangifera indica (leaves). The objective of the research was to determine the antifungal activities of leave extract with methanol as solvents on the most frequently occurring sorghum pathogens of the loose smut (Sporisorium cruentum) in Nigeria. All extracts exhibited moderate to good activities on the tested fungi with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The test organism was sensitive to the G. senegalensis extracts, with 14mm and 10mm in diameter at 250mg/ml and 125mg/ml, respectively. The test organism was sensitive to M. indica leaf extract with 12mm in diameter at 250mg/ml. The results showed that all the plants exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration against the test organism. Therefore, it is concluded that extracts of G. senegalensis and M. indica could be used in controlling the fungal pathogen of loose smut (Sporisorium cruentum).

Keywords: Methanolic extracts, antifungal  Mangifera indica, G. senegalensis, activities, Sporisorium cruentum

COMMUNICATION AS A TOOL FOR ORGANISATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY IN NIGERIA

*TIJANI, SULEMAN OLATUNJI, ** OLOYEDE K. A. & ** OKONOFUA S.A.

*Department Of Humanities & Social Sciences, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State. **Department Of Marketing, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.

03

Abstract

Communication system occupies a centre stage in an organisation’s productivity in Nigeria.  It involves the art of transmitting the right information in such a way that the receiver understands.  Also, it is a powerful tool for effective and smooth functioning of the management and workers; communication services are the cornerstone for the development process of the organisation.  We recommend that communication should be taken and treated as top priority in any organisation and that there should be proper documentation of communication made within and outside the organisation; management of organisations should ensure free flow of information in channels of communication, and prevent hindrances to effective communication in an organisation; that management should create an atmosphere that is conducive for passing information in the system.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF CHARCOAL PRESSING IRON BY INCORPORATING TEMPERATURE AND HOT ASH FLOW CONTROLS

BALOGUN, SHUAIBU ALANI, SALIHU ABDULLAHI ALIYU & ABUBAKAR M.A

Mech. Engr. Tech. Dept. Federal Polytechnic Bauchi.

04

Abstract

Pressing irons as presently being used defaces clothes through splashing of ash on them and also burns some fabrics through uncontrolled temperature increase. This work addressed both problems by incorporating temperature and ash movement control system. With the charcoal ember caged in a wire mesh having a lowering and raising mechanism, an ash collector was provided on the Aluminium base plate. The height variation mechanism enables contacts or of the ironing base plate with the hot charcoal ember or disengagement. Besides this, an electric fan powered by a dry cell battery was attached at the rear of the pressing iron to facilitate the glowing of the ember, with the device lagged to minimize heat losses. Tests conducted after construction showed the average temperature change corresponding to one revolution of the controlling knob of the height variation mechanism as 3⁰C and the highest temperature of the base plate which was attained when hot charcoal is in contact with the base plate as 180⁰C while the lowest temperature which was attained when the hot charcoal is at the farthest distance from the base plate is 122⁰C       

ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION IN NIGERIAN INSTITUTIONS: IMPACTS, CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS

¹YELWA, S. I., ²KUTAMA*, A. S., ³MALLAM, I. AND M.L. AND ⁴HARUNA

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso College of Advanced Studies, Tudun Wada, Kano ²Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University, Dutse ³Department of Environmental Sciences, Federal University, Dutse ⁴Department of Geography, Sa adatu Rimi College of Education, Kano

05

ABSTRACT

It is pertinent that in most institutions of this country, sanitation of the environment is a serious threat to so many aspects of livelihood in the institutions. Although similar scenario prevails in the whole country, the situation is actually pathetic and require an immediate general overhauling. Poor sanitation is the common cause of so many contagious diseases such as diarrhea, syphilis, dysentery, bilhaziasis, ascariasis, candidiasis, gonorrhea e.t.c. accounting for more than 10% of global diseases annually. Although challenged by so many handicaps such as insufficient sources of water, rudimentary or archaic methods of sanitation and handling of wastes, inadequate professionals/ experts to manage and handle the job, etc, it is evident that proper sanitation raises the standard of living of any community, it is vital for proper health, maintain the sanity of the environment, and improve the economic status of the community. In this paper, issues of the challenges, impacts and benefits of environmental sanitation in Nigeria and F.U.D are discussed.

Keywords; environmental sanitation, impacts, challenges, benefits, Nigeria/FUD  

CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION OF BROILER CHICKENS FED GRADED LEVEL OF LOCAL FISH MEAL DIETS

YAKUBU, N., SAIDU, I., MARYAM M. AND SAADATU A.

Department of Animal Production Technology, Bauchi State College of Agriculture, Bauchi

06

Abstract

The research was conducted at Bauchi state College of Agriculture Poultry Research Unit to evaluate the carcass yield and economics of production of broiler chickens fed graded levels of local fishmeal (LFM). Five experimental diets were formulated designated as diets 1(0%), 2 (25%), 3(50%), 4(75%) and 5(100%) LFM levels. A total of 210 day-old broiler chickens were randomly allotted to the five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times with fourteen birds per replicate. The results revealed that most of the carcass characteristics were not affected by the dietary levels of LFM except live eviscerated, dressed, heart and spleen weights (P<0.05), plucked weight (P<0.01) that were affected. Feed cost (N/kg) and total feed cost N/bird is increased with increasing levels of local fish meal. However total feed intake (kg) total weight gain (kg), feed cost in (N/kg) gain as well as cost saving and percentage cost saving were increasing with increasing levels of LFM. It is therefore concluded that LFM can completely replace imported one as dietary animal protein source in the diets of broiler with no adverse effect on carcass yield with concomitant reduction in feed cost.

Keywords: Broiler Chicken, Local Fish Meal, Imported Fish Meal

SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF FOOD SECURITY STATUS AMONG RURAL FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

A.S. SAMBO¹ AND I. ZAGI¹

¹Department of Agricultural Extension and Management, School of Agricultural Technology, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Samaru-Kataf Campus.

07

ABSTRACT

The study analyzed food security situation among rural farming households in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for selecting samples for the study. In the first stage, four Local Government Areas were purposively selected based on their large concentration of farming households, from which two rural communities were each selected. The last stage involved simple random selection of 20% of the farming households from each rural community selected in stage two, to give a total of 120 households as the sample size for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, household food security index and binary logistic regression model. Results of socio-economic characteristics of farming households showed that the mean age of household heads in the study area was 39 years, majority (87.5%) of the households were headed by males and 83.3% of the households’ heads were married. Major occupations of the household heads were farming and trading representing 40% of all the household heads and over 59% of them had secondary school education. The results further show that average household size in the study area was 11 persons. Also, 40% of the household heads had farming experience of between 14 and 22 years and mean annual households income was ₦557,783.00. Majority (55.8%) of the household heads claimed not to have access to extension services. Results of food security status of farming households revealed that 67% of the households were food secure and 33% were food insecure. The Mean Per Capita Food Expenditure (MPCFE) and food security line were ₦3,549.61 and ₦2,366.41 respectively. Results of logistic regression analysis reveal that coefficients of farming experience and access to credit were positive on households’ food security status and significant at 5% level of probability; while those of household size and monthly income were also positive and significant at 1% level of probability. The results further shows that the most common food insecurity coping strategy used by farming households was borrowing money to buy food items, which was used by 60% of the households and ranked 1^st. The study concluded that majority of the farming households were food secure. It recommends that low interest credit should be made available and easily accessible by commercial banks and other lending institutions to farmers since most of households rely on borrowing money to purchase food items in situations of food insecurity.

Keywords: Socio-economic, Assessment, Food Security, Farming households, Kaduna State.

THE ROLES OF NON-AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN IN PARTS OF ZARIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE

Fatima ILIYASU Maaji

Department of Geography, Federal College of Education,Zaria

08

Abstract

In most African countries, agriculture remains the main employer of the majority of the labour force. However, rural households that rely solely on agriculture for their livelihoods are very few. There is widespread multi employment structure in rural areas where by various form of livelihood activities are engaged by the rural dwellers.  Non-agricultural activities can influence the rural economy through various channels such as reduction of pressure on demand for land in land deficit areas among others. Consequently, non-agricultural activities can contribute to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty extensive cultivation and ecological deterioration.  The aim of this research is to examine the roles of non-agricultural activities in economic empowerment of rural women in the study area and to achieve the aim, the following objectives will be followed: identify the non-farm activities engaged in by rural women in the study area, examine the contributions of non-farm activities to income of rural women in the study area and establish difference in income of women based on their participation in non-farm employment in the study area. The data used for this research was collected through the use of structured questionnaire and interview. The questionnaires were administered to rural dwellers while structured interview was employed for those who cannot read and write among the villagers. The research revealed that women have relatively performed very well in non-agricultural activities in Dambo rural settlement of Zaria Local Government Area. It was recommended thatGovernment and all other relevant stakeholders should support legislation, policies and programmes that strengthen the positive effect of globalization on the empowerment of rural women.

Keywords: Rural, non-farm activities, women and income

THE RESPONSE OF WATERMELON AT DIFFERENT RATES OF POULTRY MANURE IN BAUCHI, GUINEA SAVANNA ZONE OF NIGERIA

*CHIMDI G. O, **ABUBAKAR I., ***HARUNA Y. AND ****JIBRIN, M.S.

*,**,***Department of Agricultural Technology Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi,  Nigeria. **** Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology, Bauchi State, College of Agriculture.

09

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of watermelon to five different rates of poultry manure. The study was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications.  Treatments were 0, 3, 5, tons of poultry manure per hectare. The parameters measured were vine length, number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were separated using LSD. The results of the study showed that plants that received highest rate of poultry manure (5 tons/ha) were superior in the parameters tested with vine length of 196.9 cm at 8 weeks, mean number of leaves of 67.4 , number of branches/plant of 7.6, and mean number of fruit  of 145,043 /ha). Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that farmers in the study area apply 5 ton/ha of poultry manure for increased growth and yield of watermelon.

USE OF MOBILE COMPUTING AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TO MANAGE CONSTRUCTION SITE INFORMATION IN NIGERIAN

MOHAMMAD BALTEH¹, IBRAHIM IDRIS², MAHMUD, ABBA TAHIR³, YERIMA MOHAMMED⁴

^{1, 2&3} Department of Building Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. Nigeria. ⁴Department of Quantity Surveying, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi. Nigeria.

10

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology covers any product that will electronically store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or receive information. Construction projects comprise different stakeholders; clients, consultants, contractors, local authority; residents; workers and suppliers, all with divergent interests in the project which demands heavy exchange of data and information. Thus, the construction industry is one of the most information-intensive industries, and requires close coordination of a large number of specialized interdependent organizations / individuals to achieve cost, time and quality goals of a project. The industry is characterized by inaccurate and untimely communications that often result in costly delays. This research focuses on studying the Use of mobile computing and wireless communication to manage construction site information in Nigerian. A well-structured questionnaire was developed and targeted top management professionals that are involved in construction site activities. A total of 130 questionnaires were distributed between 5 construction companies. The respondents had on site experience and consisted of Site managers, Engineers, Project managers, Architects, Contractors and other construction personnel. Out of the 130 questionnaires distributed, 63 were returned. However, only 45 were valid for data collection, this shows a return rate of 19%. The data received was then analyzed. It was found that Mobile computing usage can reduce travel costs and heavy reliance on meetings before a project progresses. A higher speed of data reception is more guaranteed than the traditional method of information sharing. Also, it improves productivity and collaboration between the project team.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE EXPLORATION AND EXPLOITATION OF UNDERGROUND WATER: CASE STUDY OF ASABA AND ITS ENVIRONS, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

A.O.J. ADEBOWALE,

Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences Department, Petroleum Training Institute,P.M.B. 20, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria.

11

ABSTRACT

Water is essential to life; no living thing can survive without water. Water can occur underground or at the surface. This study is aimed at identifying various problems associated with groundwater exploration and exploitation in Asaba and its environs, Delta State through field work and desktop research. Seven (7) boreholes and well log data were collected from Delta State Urban Water Board and were carefully studied and analyzed. The study revealed that presence of Electromagnetic materials, rugged topography, clustered settlement pattern and cost of survey are the major problems associated with groundwater exploration. The presence of carbonaceous materials (lignite), contact of cyclic repetition of clay and sand, sharp contact or change between compacted and permeable sand formation have been identified as the major causes of lost circulation within the study area. Other problems associated with exploitation of groundwater include pipe sticking, well failure and submersible pump failure. Hence, the study thereby proffers remediation techniques to tackle groundwater exploration and exploitation problems within the study area. 

Keywords: Water, life, groundwater, exploration, exploitation, lost circulation.

ACHIEVING MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS THROUGH NATIONAL POVERTY ERADICATION PROGRAMMES (NAPEP): AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

*LAWAL, EJALONIBU E. & **OLATUNJI, A.G.

*Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Federal University Lokoja **Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ilorin

12

Abstract

For some decades now, issues relating to development have been in the front burner of discourse among politicians, academia and intellectuals globally. In a bid to enhance global development, the United Nations in the year 2000 came up with some fundamental development goals set for all members states to achieve by the year 2015. In a bid to achieve these goals, the Nigerian government has initiated series of empowerment oriented policies, one of such is NAPEP. Now its over fifteen years since the establishment of both MDGs and NAPEP, researchers have expended lot of efforts in assessing the functionality and vibrancy of these policies but it is disturbing that many of these researches have failed to assess the technical connection between and among the implementation of these policies. In this regard, this study is an attempt to empirically assess the extent at which implementation of NAPEP has assisted the country in achieving the MDGs. Using survey method, the study found out that NAPEP as a programme could be used to attain the MDGs and recommended that the policy should be strengthened in order to assist the country in meeting the MDGs.         

Keywords: Development, Economic emancipation, Empowerment, MDGs, poverty.

OPTIMIZATION OF A DEHYDRATION UNIT OF AN LNG PLANT

1. M. UMOH, PHD AND D. E. EDEM

Petroleum and Natural Gas Processing Department, Petroleum Training Institute, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria

13

ABSTRACT

Liquefied natural gas or LNG is natural gas that has been converted into liquid form for ease of transportation and storage. Liquefaction process involves separating the raw natural gas from any associated water and high boiling hydrocarbon liquids. The major challenge encountered in the liquefaction plant is that of hydrates formation by the reaction of water (H₂O) with some materials such as methane (CH₄). In this work, the dehydration unit of a typical LNG Plant was modeled using ASPEN HYSYS to aid in curbing the possibilities of hydrate formation. In this regard, a chemical solvent (Triethylene Glycol-TEG) was used to remove water from the gas stream instead of molecular sieves. The choice of this solvent for the simulation process was due to the capability of the solvent to selectively absorb moisture content effectively. A comparative analysis of the efficiency of the solvent with molecular sieves used in Bonny Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) was also carried out. The initial composition of water in the natural gas stream before the simulation was 0.0588% by mole. At the end of the process simulation, the composition of water was reduced to 0.001% by mole. Also, there was a sharp increase in the percentage composition of methane. An increase in the circulation rate and temperature of the absorber and regenerator columns contribute to efficient water pickup. The equipment costing was found to be $239,958 while the energy consumption was 0.064$/kwh. Thus, this work has provided a frame work for the simulation of the Dehydration Unit of an LNG Plant using ASPEN HYSYS software.     

Keywords: Liquefied Natural Gas, Dehydration, Aspen Hysys, Process Simulation, Triethlene Glycol.

AN APPRAISAL OF THE COMUNICATION STRATEGIES OF THE MILLENIIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN COMBATING HIV/AIDS IN JALINGO METROPOLIS

TORDUE SIMON TARGEMA AND HEBREWS ISAAC WUBON

Department of Mass Communication, Taraba State University, PMB 1167, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

14

Abstract

This study appraises the communication strategies of the MDGs for combating HIV/AIDS within Jalingo metropolis. It explores the various channels of communication employed by the agency to control the spread of the disease within Jalingo metropolis with the intention to ascertain the most preferred or most effective channels of communication for achieving behavior change towards preventing HIV/AIDS. Anchored on McGuire’s Information Processing Theory, the study employs survey approach to administer questionnaire on 150 people, randomly selected within Jalingo metropolis. Residents of same who comprises the population for the study are about 118,000. The study discovers that radio campaign/messages, TV campaign /messages, Newspaper/Magazine reports/messages, use of community leaders, peer educators, use of posters and fliers, and conferences/seminars are some of the communication tools used by MDGs to create awareness on HIV/AIDS within Jalingo metropolis. Awareness/knowledge on HIV/AIDS as well as risky behaviours that help in spreading the disease is high among the residents, which implies that the communication tools are effective in achieving the desired purpose. Since awareness about the epidemic has been effectively created within the study area, the study recommends a shift from awareness creation to behavior change campaign which will help to crusade against the risky behaviours that can transmit the disease. There is also the need to extend the study to the rural areas so as to ascertain the overall impact of the communication strategies of the MDGs initiative in combating HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: Appraisal, Communication strategies, MDGs, HIV/AIDS, Jalingo metropolis.

IN VITRO ANTIDIABETIC CHARACTERISATION OF THE COMBINATION (2:1) OF LEPTADENIA HASTATA (DECNE) PERS AND MOMORDICA BALSAMINA LINN LEAF EXTRACTS

KABIR N¹, UMAR I A², JAMES D B², INUWA H M², IBRAHIM M A², YUNUSA I³

¹Department of Biochemistry, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa Nigeria, ²Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Nigeria, ³Department of Biochemistry, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano

16

Abstract

Diabetes is a multi-factorial disease that requires a multiple therapeutic approach to adequately control the multiple metabolic abnormalities of the disease. The present study evaluated the In vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials of the combination (2:1) of the aqueous leaf extracts of Leptadenia hastata (LH) and Momordica balsamina (MB). The In vitro inhibitory effects of combination of MB and LH on antioxidant indices and key enzymes of carbohydrate hydrolysis and polyol pathway were evaluated and the test extract’s potencies were expressed in terms of IC₅₀ values. The combination of the aqueous leaf extract of LH and MB exhibited potent in vitro Ferric reducing power (IC₅₀ 29.28±0.29 µg/ml), scavenging activity (IC₅₀ 90.05±25.89 µg/ml), alpha amylase (IC₅₀ 15.86±1.03 µg/ml), alpha glucosidase (IC₅₀ 330.93±26.47 µg/ml) and aldose reductase (IC₅₀ 37.30±2.27 µg/ml) inhibitory potentials when compared to the standard drugs. Findings of the present study demonstrated the anti-diabetic potential of the combination of LH and MB as evidenced by their observed in vitro biochemical activities. This provides a background for further studying the antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials of the polyherbal combination in animal models of diabetes.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Antihyperglycemia, Antioxidant, Leptadenia hastata, Momordica balsamina

A STUDY OF THE USE OF SPATIAL LOCATIVES IN ESL

BASHIR MUHAMMAD ABDULLAHI

Federal University Dutse, Jigawa Nigeria

17

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the use of spatial locatives i.e. prepositions used to express spatial relations by undergraduate ESL learners in the federal university Dutse. The paper aims at finding variations and explains the nature of the variations in the use of some prepositions to express spatial relations. The locatives in and on are analysed using traditional paradigms. A cloze test is used in collecting the data. Variations are found to exist in the use of these prepositions as spatial locatives. The findings revealed that many of the variations are typical deviations and therefore termed as errors according to traditional grammar. Some of the variations are debatably considered as variation not error. The variations are attributed to different conceptualizations of various and varying real world situations and different cognitive processes between the ESL learners and Native speakers. On the other hand, the errors are attributed to the inadequate knowledge of polysemous nature of prepositions and lack of good knowledge of metaphorical meaning of prepositions on the part of the students

AN EVALUATION OF THE MAJOR DETERMINANT FACTORS AFFECTING EXCHANGE RATE VOLITALITY: A COMPARISM OF THREE MAJOR CURRENCIES.

ISAH MOHAMMED DAMAGUM

Department of Accounting, Federal Polytechnic Damaturu

18

Abstract:

The movements of exchange rate overtime can be determined by certain factors. These factors remain significant as they are associated with macroeconomic variables used to explain and determine the rate of change or movements of exchange rate which impacted on the overall macroeconomic situation in countries around the world. Therefore, identification of the factors that determine exchange rate levels is an important theoretical task, having great practical significance. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the extent to which the Determinants of the exchange rate impact on US dollar to Nigerian Naira, the US dollar to UK pound sterling and US dollar to Euro over the last thirty years. To achieve the objective, research methods like literature review, comparison of statistical data as well as regression analysis was used.

Keywords: exchange rate, factors affecting fluctuations in exchange rate levels

A GENDERED ANALYSIS OF EDUCATIONAL / OCCUPATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ACCESS TO DEMOSTIC SERVANT / NETWORK OF SUPPORT OF SINGLE PARENTS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

OPARA, INNOCENT. E. (PhD)

Department of Geography, Federal College of Education, Zaria

19

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine educational and occupational characteristics, access to domestic servant/network of support for assistance of single parents who are heads of household with children in Imo State, with a view to comparing years of schooling, access to formal sector employment, access to domestic servant/network of support for assistance of male single parents and female single parents. The study relied on State level data obtained through the administration of 686 questionnaires in six Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo State. The LGAs were sampled on the basis of two LGAs per senatorial district. The LGAs were arranged in alphabetical order and six LGAs were chosen. Eighteen communities were sampled, three from each of the sampled LGAs. Of the 686 questionnaires of single parent household heads sampled, 490 questionnaire were returned and found adequate for the analysis indicating a completion rate of 71.4%. The questionnaires were analysed using SPSS version 17.0. The results show that almost all the single parents have formal education with both male and female single parents having years of schooling above eleven years; trading and business is the largest employer of female heads of households. The conclusions to be drawn from this study are that males/females single parents in Imo State show no significant difference in years of schooling; females single parents have significantly higher access to formal sector employment and higher access to access to network of support for assistance servants than their female counterparts. Such analysis identifies and quantifies gender mainstreaming easier to accomplish. The study recommended among others the need for the state authorities to ensure that critical factors relating to the business environment in Imo State are addressed as majority of the parents are with the informal sector so as to reduce the cost of doing business.

Keywords: Gendered Analysis; Single Parents; Educational and Occupational Characteristic, Access to Domestic Servant/Network of Support

THE EFFECT OF OBSOLESCENCE ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUES IN MINNA NIGER STATE; NIGERIA

MOHAMMED DANLAMI INUWA, JAMILA USMAN AND BABAGANA BUKAR

Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, Niger State Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Damturu, Yobe State

20

ABSTRACT

The study examines the effect of obsolescence on residential property values in Tunga and Barikin Sale areas in Minna, Niger State. The study adopted both primary and secondary source of information. The primary source adopted enables the researcher to have access to information on rental trend from the respondents. Data collected was based on household size, age and physical condition.  The methodologies used for the study are descriptive analysis, Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regressions. The result of correlation shows strong relationship of physical conditions on rental values and impact of these negative (independent variable) shows weak relationships in the result of regression analysis. The results show 65% and 60% variation in dependant variation in Tunga and Bariki Sale. In conclusion, it was recommended that maintenance culture and bio data form for tenant selection should be enforce to checkmate number of households.