APPRAISAL OF EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS OF UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES: THE 21ST CENTURY KEY TO FUNCTIONAL EDUCATION

Research evidence revealed that the quality of graduates in Nigeria is on a rapid decline especially in the area of valuable and complementary life skills. Also, researchers have established that subject-specific knowledge and skills alone are unlikely to secure a graduate occupation in which they can be both successful and satisfied. Hence, this study evaluated the extent to which university undergraduates in North West Nigeria possessed employability skills. This study employed a survey research design. The population comprises all 2018/2019 final year university undergraduates in North West Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling approach using Simple Random and Proportional Sampling technique was employed to select 697 respondents from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, 350 respondents from Federal University Gusau and 330 respondents from Federal University Birnin Kebbi. The research instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire entitled “Employability Indices Questionnaire”. The research instrument was validated by seven experts. The instrument was trial tested on a population that is similar but not among the sampled population; and Cronbach’s Alpha was used to estimate a reliability coefficient of 0.82 and 0.96 for Employability Perception Scale and Employability Skills Scale respectively. Three research questions guided the study; while data collected were analyzed using summated scale. The major findings of the study revealed that majority of university undergraduates in North West Nigeria perceived themselves to have high knowledge of employability, yet further finding revealed that majority of the respondents perceived themselves to have high need of Life-long Learning Skill and Team-work Skills. This implies that the respondents have low level of Life-long Learning and Team-work Skills. As such, it was recommended that University Management should improve standard by making Employability Skills a development priority area for its undergraduates before their graduation. Both instruction and assessment of undergraduates should challenge and develop students’ Life-long learning skill, Team-work skills and other relevant skills before their graduation. University Management should encourage her students to develop and demonstrate employability skills like Life-long learning skill, Team-work skills, information and communication technology knowledge, numeracy skill, communication skill, creativity and problem solving skills.

MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AS A TOOL FOR TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, SELF-RELIANCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INGOMBE STATE

The development of any nation depends on her scientific and technological advancements. Therefore, the paper examined the role of mathematics education on the technological development, self-reliance and sustainable development in Gombe state. A total of two thousand, six hundred and fifty (2,650), respondents consisted of Gombe State Ministry of Education officials, parents, principals, vice principals, teachers, students and others from forty (40) each of junior and senior secondary schools purposively and randomly selected and used for the study. Data collected using well designed and open ended questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and regression analysis statistical tool to answer the research question and to treat the research hypothesis of the study at 0.05 alpha level of significance revealed that there is an effect of mathematics education on the technological development, self-reliance and sustainable development in Gombe state. Recommendations were given based on the findings of the study, since mathematics is the bedrock of scientific and technological development of any nation.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY USE ON EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS, LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated information and communication technology use on effective administration of senior secondary schools. It evaluated the extent of use of the various ICT devices and their influence on the administration of secondary schools. To guide the study, one research question and one hypothesis were tested. The design used for the study was survey design and the population comprised the school administrators involved in the running of the schools on a daily basis and these were the principals, vice- principals and heads of the various subjects’ departments in the public senior schools in Lagos State, Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was a 19-item questionnaire while means and t-test statistics were used for data analysis. Findings from the study showed ICT use has a significant positive influence on the effective administrations of public senior secondary schools in Lagos state. Additionally, the study found that the level of ICT use for administrative purposes in public senior secondary schools in Lagos State was moderate. The ICT devices highly utilized were photocopiers and mobile telephones. While printer, computer systems, social media, e-mails services, internet, and scanners were moderately utilized. However, ICT devices like projectors and smart boards were rarely utilized. The study recommends the provision of the necessary ICT equipment and infrastructure in an enabling physical and psychological technological environment for effective public secondary school administration.

IMPACT OF MONETARY POLICY TARGETS ON CAPITAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

This study empirically examines the impact of monetary policy targetson capital market development in Nigeria from 1986-2018. Time series data and econometric tools were used to test for the stationarity and causality effect. The Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) and Error Correction Model (ECM) techniques were used to examine the short-run and long-run impact and relationship between Monetary Policy and Capital Market Development in Nigeria. The study revealed that both in the long run and short run Exchange Rate (EXCHR), Inflation Rate (INFR), and Interest Rate in Nigeria (INTR)were negatively related to Capital Market Development (CAMKTD) in Nigeria and they were statistically insignificant in explaining changes in Capital Market Development (CAMKTD) in Nigeria. On the other hand, inthe long run, Money Supply was positively related to Capital Market Development (CAMKTD) in Nigeria and was statistically significant at a 5% level significant while Money Supply (M2) was positively related to Capital Market Development (CAMKTD) in Nigeria both in the long run and short-run and was statistically significant at 5% level of significance. Therefore, the study recommends that government should improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the money supply in Nigeria since it was statistically significant in determining the improvement of Capital Market Development (CAMKTD) in Nigeria.

GAINS AND PAINS IN STUDENTS UNIONISM IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING IN NIGERIA: WAY FORWARD

The issue of student unionism has been an albatross in the educational system globally, particularly in tertiary institutions of learning where it is prevalent over the years. This paper examines the concept of unionism and student unionism, its background, objectives, the gains recorded through it, such as the improved mutual relationship between students and management of institutions, among others; and pains associated with it, such as. the death of and maiming of students, destruction of properties, incessant closure of tertiary institutions, disunity between institutions management and students, loss of the image of tertiary education, brain drain in campuses. It looks further on how the gains accruable through it can be maximized and the pains reduced to the minimum, if not eradicated, to rekindle the lost glory of tertiary education globally in this decade and beyond.

NONVIOLENT COUNTERTERRORISM MEASURES AND INTERNAL SECURITY OF AFRICAN STATES: A REVIEW OF NIGERIA’S AMNESTY POLICY

This paper strived to unravel the impact of nonviolent counterterrorism measures on the internal security of African states with specific reference to Nigeria’s amnesty policy in Niger Delta region. The study adopted the rational choice theory of terrorism as its theoretical framework and derived its data from secondary sources which included official policy documents from, Nigeria’s amnesty office including textbooks, journal articles and internet materials etc. Data collected from these sources were analysed through qualitative method and content analysis. Findings from the study shows that nonviolent counterterrorism measures and strategies through post-conflict disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) programmes have helped in resettling several ex-combatants and their families back to the society in several African states including Nigeria, Burundi, Rwanda, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) etc. In the same vein, the study observed that the use of military force (violent counterterrorism measures and strategies) by states has also helped to escalate and prolong conflicts in Africa. Some recommendations were made which included the need to strengthen civil-military relations especially in the area of intelligence gathering and dissemination. There is need for African states to also engage in counter-radicalization of their citizens through massive investments in education, public enlightenment and socio-economic development, and the provision of basic social amenities.

A CRITICAL APPRAISAL ON THE APPLICATION OF THE DOCTRINE OF INDOOR MANAGEMENT TO MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION UNDER COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT (CAMA), LAWS OF THE FEDERATION OF NIGERIA, (LFN), 1990 (AS AMENDED)

This study examined the Doctrine of Indoor Management in relation to Memorandum and Articles of Association under Companies and Allied Matters Act, (CAMA). In the study the researcher discussed the origin of the doctrine of indoor management and its subsequent application to Nigerian corporate law with particular reference to companies’ memorandum and articles of association. The methodology adopted in this study is doctrinal method whereby primary and secondary sources forming part of related literatures and judicial decisions are used. The researcher identified the legal problems associated with the doctrine which consequently, gave rise to statutory and judicial differences. The main findings in this study therefore were the two conflicting positions of the Act and that of the judicial decision on the doctrine. Accordingly, while the Act relieved persons from making inquiries on the powers of a company, courts have however, maintained a contrary position. Consequently, the researcher recommended for amending the provision of CAMA as regard the doctrine so that there would be conformity between the statute and judicial pronouncements.

BUILDING CONDITION SURVEY AND SYSTEMATIC DEFECTS DIAGNOSIS ON LIBRARY BUILDING IN NIGERIA

The building under investigation is at Mai Idris Alooma Polytechnic Geidam library situated in Yobe State North Eastern, Nigeria. The building is being occupied by large number of people many defects propelled were associated with cracks, discoloration, settlement, dampness, peeling, moisture and mold grow on the buildings besides environmental factors. These compelled the researcher to conduct the investigation to look into possible remedies in line with the bulk stage defects diagnostic that will be useful in identifying the aspect. The information gathered through survey of the affected building under investigation based on spatial severity degree of damages suffered on the buildings. Moreover; the analysis for the investigation is based on Assessment Rating system (BARIS) that provide very high-resolution to process the interferometric techniques. However, after a critical survey of the building facades from each side the researcher explores the major defects found on the building that is mostly attributed due to poor workmanship, general climatic conditions, and practical inadequacy during construction. Therefore, the diagnosis will predict the overall judgment for the type of repair required.

THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC REPERCUSSIONS OF CATTLE RUSTLING IN GUSAU LOCAL GOVERNMENT ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

The study dwells on the recent upsurge of the problem of Cattle rustling in Gusau Local Government in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The acts which is one of the different forms of rural banditry, involves attacking rural communities with dangerous weapons and the stealing of their livestock by the gang of cattle rustlers. These result in the indiscriminate killings of innocent livestock owners, farmers, rural traders, vigilante group members, rape and abduction of young girls and married women and burning of hamlets/settlements by the various gang of cattle rustlers operating in the affected areas .Consequently, this resulted in mass migration of innocent rural dwellers out of the conflict areas of Gusau to more safer regions. Negatively this has affected the area economically and undermined the social fabric of the rural communities.In addition, the study also examined the reasons for the recent upsurge of cattle rustling in the affecteddistricts The research used the Queer ladder theoryand for analysis of the functional significance of organised crime as a means for socioeconomic empowerment and social climbing Dahrendorf’s theoretical model of conflict to demonstrate the impact of authority relations that precipitate the conflict. Data were collected using survey method with a sample of 100 respondents while ten(10) key informant interviews were conducted with the stakeholders that include police officers, local vigilante, NGOs, civil defence corps, and community leaders making a total of 110. The findings indicated that the upsurge in cattle rustling could be attributed to factors that include the proliferation of firearms among the Fulani herdsmen, activities of the rural vigilante groups, influence of violent culture, lack of adequate or complete absence of security personnel in the affected districts. As a way forward the research recommends that, the government should as a matter of urgency embark on comprehensive disarmaments of all parties involved, and adequate security to be immediately provided to the affected communities and other vulnerable areas prone to attack and generally uplift the standard of living of the people.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION: A PANACEA FOR JOB CREATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

The main task of entrepreneurship education is to prepare young people to enter the labor market, as well as to develop a sense of initiative and entrepreneurial skills among them. Therefore, it is important how national education systems adapt to changing skill requirements within a globalized economy. This study examines Entrepreneurship Education as a Panacea for Job Creation and Sustainable Development in Nigeria. Human capital theory (HCT) and Risk taking theory (RTT) guided the study. Among other concern areas examined in this study include; literature review, concept of entrepreneurship, basic aspects of an entrepreneur, entrepreneurship education and job creation, brief history of entrepreneurship, benefits of Entrepreneurship for sustainable development, contribution of entrepreneur in development of Nigeria economy, challenges and possible solutions and conclusion was drawn. It was however, recommended that the government should give adequate attention to entrepreneurial development in the country through the provision of good economic environment to encourage individual participation in business while this is guaranteed entrepreneurship will thrive and consequently improve economic growth.