Needs Analysis of English Language for Geoscience Undergraduates of Bamyan University

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the English language needs of the students currently studying at the Geoscience faculty of Bamyan University in Afghanistan. Total number of 306 under-graduates of Geoscience students from the second and third-year classes took part in this investigation. The main tool for data collection was a student questionnaire used to evaluate learners’ perceptions and needs of the English language. The results of the study show that when students come to the University, the English language proficiencies are quite low. The finding of the research shows that 20 per cent of the students’ level are beginner, 30 per cent of the students’ level are in pre-intermediate, 30 per cent of them are intermediate level and 15 per cent of them are in the upper-intermediate level and 5 per cent of them are in advance level. And most of the students’ study English for academic purpose and for their future profession. Likewise, the students believe that their English language proficiency has a vital effect on their academic performance in content subjects. Furthermore, the current English language program and classroom resources do not fulfil their needs as they prefer to have a class with lots of activities or more student-centred. Moreover, a majority of the students were not satisfied with the amount of time allocated for English classes. In addition, the majority of the students believe that if we don’t know English well, we can’t find a handsomely paid job. It is hoped that the findings of this study would be the basis for designing a suitable course that would meet students’ needs. Keywords: Needs analysis, English language needs, language proficiency

Socio-economic Factors Influencing Migration: the Case of Eastern Zone Tigrai Regional State, Ethiopia

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another place. This type of movement can be a permanent, temporary, volunteer or forced. People can move from one place to another place outside the country, like moving from Asia to Europe, like moving from Ethiopia to America and inside the country, like Adigrat to Addis Ababa and from Gondar to Humera immigration. People migrate from place to place due to different reason among these, economic, social, political and environmental reasons are taking a lion share. The main goal of this study was to investigate the causes of migration from the eastern zone of Tigrai. The study focuses on to identify the socio-economic and demographic factors of the migrant to leave their place of origin in the study area. To achieve this objective, both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed. The Primary data was collected mainly from the returnee migrants, zone Labor and Social affairs office and from any sample of the study area economically active adult populations (15-49). The data gathered from four purposefully selected (discrete) in the eastern zone. The tools used to gather the primary data were questionnaires. A total of 180 respondents were selected for the survey questionnaire by using simple random sampling technique from purposefully selected discrete. The descriptive statistical method was employed to analyze these quantitative data by using Stata software and also Binary Logistic regression was also applied to analyze the determinant factors of migration by using Stata software. The result of the study indicated that migration is dominated by young aged (15-25), single male or female, their education level is primary education, their job unpaid family worker and those whose family size is large. unemployment, poverty, agricultural land scarcity, the individual wants to open up a personal business, a natural disaster like famine drought, low access to credit and experience of crop failure are the key push factors of migration. On the other hand, employment opportunities, better income from abroad and smugglers at destination country are identified as pull factors of migration. The main determinant forces or variables significantly affect migration decision in the econometric analysis were age, family size, family shocks, family or individual respondent land size and high income at the destination. Regarding the way of migration, most of the migrants were out illegal way about 75% Based on these findings. Keyword: migration, illegal migration, binary logit model, returnee migrant, non-migrant

Ecological Perspectives in Linus T. Asong’s No Way to Die

Given the environmental crisis plaguing the world, this paper investigates the manner in which Linus Asong represents man’s link with nature in the novel No Way to Die. It attempts to provide an answer to the following question: how does Linus Asong portray the contact between man and nature? The work is based on the premise that the Cameroonian author depicts the relationship between human beings and other elements of the ecosystem with perspectives for improvement for the benefit of both man and nature. Second Wave Ecocriticism, as outlined by Lawrence Buell, is used to bring out novelist’s ecological vision which posits that human beings need to improve their relationship with, or treatment of, other elements of nature so that the rapidly degrading ecosystem is saved. Keywords: Environment, Fiction, Ecocriticism, Degradation, Protection, Vision

Solid waste management under COVID-19: a case study of Uyo in Akwa Ibom State – Nigeria

This research examined the performance of solid waste management bodies during COVID-19 pandemic in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria in the 2nd quarter of 2020. The researcher adopts doctrinal and observation methods of research. The research found that supervision by those in the top echelon could positively influence and motivate compliance with proper waste disposal. The deployment of resources and political will as well as sanctions where appropriate could lead to effective solid waste disposal. The paper assertively suggests that the state government needs to review solid waste management policy, law and regulations in the state in the direction of incorporating the in-built social benefit scheme. This approach would make solid waste generation collection and disposal truly commercial and a source of wealth to the domestic waste generators. This would contribute to the current effort to stem the rising tide of indiscriminate solid waste disposal in Uyo. Keywords: COVID-19, Indiscriminate Solid Waste Disposal, Generators, Domestic Waste and Pandemic

COVID-19 Pandemic and it's Attendant “New Normal” in Nigeria: A Case Study of ICT Training in Akwapoly – Akwa Ibom State

The purpose of this research is to examine the usefulness of e-learning technologies arising from COVID-19 pandemic and its attendant “new normal” in Nigeria as applicable to the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic vis-à-vis it’s recently mounted ICT Training Programme in the institution’s ICT Centre. The research is based on oral interviews, observation and doctrinal research methods. The research found that the desired ICT training programme and/or any training programme for that matter requires well-coordinated and effective planning and control. The staff of AkwaPoly were made to participate in institutional academic work and at the same time attend the lectures on the ICT training programme with the attendant dearth of commitment to the latter. As a result, the staff appeared not to have benefitted much from the training programme. The paper suggests that in future the authorities of the AkwaPoly should either organise such an ICT programme on weekends or when the students are not writing examinations. This will free the lecturers from examination supervision and marking of examination scripts. The authorities should consider the need to upgrade facilities in the ICT Centre to an optimal level to enable the staff to derive maximum benefit from the programme. Keywords: ICT, Lecturers, New Normal, AkwaPoly and COVID-19

A Contextual Analysis of Three Major Tribes’ Traditional Conflict Resolution Mechanisms in Pre-Literate Nigerian Society

This paper contextually analyzed three major tribes’ traditional conflict resolution mechanism in pre-literate Nigerian society. Conflict is very much part of human society and it is expected. Conflict resolution encompasses a range of processes gallantly aimed at alleviating or eliminating sources of conflict. Secondary sources of data with relevant literature were engaged and the Emile Durkheim theory of societal development was adopted as a theoretical framework. Findings show that in Yorubaland, conflict is seen as unavoidable, a positive development through which people understand each other better. While the main causes of conflict among the Igbos are basically land, chieftaincy tussle and matrimonial fallouts. Prior to kingship institution, the Igbo used non-centralized forms of government which have in attendance Elders and Council of Elders which serves as the highest and most important peacemaking and conflict resolution mechanism. Hausa/Fulani pre-colonial administration is highly centralized and hierarchical in nature. The Emir, in terms of adjudication, is both the political and religious head because he ensures that the provisions of Sharia are adequately followed to the core in treating cases of individual or group conflicts. The Emir court was the highest and the final. Having perused all the conflict resolution mechanisms of the three major tribes in Nigeria, the following recommendations were made; there is a need to encourage traditional conflict mechanisms as it is accessible and economic for disputants. There should be peace education for all and sundry. Alternative dispute resolution and unofficial strategies should be subscribed to in an attempt to ameliorate and manage human’s conflicts (vigilante, militias, charms, prayers, communal solidarity, etc). Keywords: Tribes, Traditional, Pre-illiterate, Conflict Resolution

Corporate Tax Planning and Financial Performance of Companies Listed in Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE)

This study focuses on how best performing listed companies in CSE make strategies in tax planning to reduce tax liabilities without violating rules and regulations imposed by the Tax Authority. In this study, the corporate tax planning was measured by using the Effective Tax Rate (ETR) and the financial performance was measured by using Return on Assets (ROA). The sample of the study was designed based on criteria namely, the largest and most liquid companies in the Sri Lankan equity market and the sample period was restricted for the period 10 years from 2009-2018. The sample represents seventeen (17) companies which are used to calculate the S&P SL 20 index. Data was collected through the published annual reports of CSE of the selected listed companies during the selected financial time period. Co-integration regression along with Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) statistical technique was used to explore this study. Johansen co-integration test confirmed to run the panel DOLS. According to the result of that, corporate tax planning has a negative impact on the financial performance of Sri Lankan best-performing companies listed in CSE however, which is not statistically significant at 5% level. It provides evidence that there is no significant impact from corporate tax planning strategies to the financial performance of listed companies in CSE. This evidence implies that Sri Lankan firms do not utilize the loopholes embedded in the Sri Lankan tax law efficiently. Keywords: Corporate Tax Planning, Colombo Stock Exchange, Co-integration regression, Effective Tax Rate, Financial Performance, Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares, Return on Assets.