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Item ABORTIFACIENT ACTIVITIES AND BIOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF Citrullus colocynthis PODS IN PREGNANT FEMALE WISTAR RATS(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2018-04) ADETUNJI, JULIANA BUNMIThe use of abortifacient herbs is now gaining acceptance over abortifacient drugs due to adverse effects and high cost. Citrullus colocynthis pods (Bitter Apple in English), have been claimed to be used as an abortifacient in Nigeria without scientific evidence to substantiate it. This study was therefore carried out to evaluate the abortifacient activities of ethanolic extract of Citrullus colocynthis pods (EECCP) on pregnant female Wistar rats. The specific objectives were to: (i) qualitatively and quantitatively determine the secondary metabolites and mineral elements in EECCP; (ii) evaluate the abortifacient activity of EECCP on the pregnant female Wistar rats; and (iii) assess the biochemical changes on the pregnant Wistar rats after administration of EECCP. The secondary metabolites in EECCP were screened using standard methods. Sixty pregnant female rats (165.27 ± 7.13g) were randomized into six groups (A-F). Group A (control) received orally 0.5 ml of olive oil, Group B received 1.84mg/kg body weight (bwt) of Mifepristone (reference drug) while those in Groups C, D, E and F received orally 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg bwt of EECCP once daily for 9 days post pregnancy after which abortifacient parameters, biochemical changes, chromosomal aberration, and histological evaluation were done.Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan Multiple Range Test at p˂0.05. The results revealed that: i. EECCP contained alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phlobatannins, glycosides, phenolics, steroids, terpenes, flavonoids, iron, sodium, copper, chromium, potassium, manganese, zinc, nickel, magnesium and calcium with alkaloids (5.2mg/ml) and calcium (27.17mg/l) being the highest; ii. the number of life foetuses, survival ratio, corpora lutea and implantation index were significantly reduced (p<0.05) by EECCP whereas the number of dead foetus, rats that aborted, resorption index, pre- and post-implantation increased significantly; iii. EECCP significantly reduced (p< 0.05) the levels of progesterone, oestrogen, prolactin, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone; iv. the decrease in liver and kidney aminotransferases activity by EECCP was accompanied by corresponding increase in the serum enzymes; v. EECCP significantly reduced (p<0.05) albumin, total bilirubin, uric acid, total protein, urea, creatinine, glucose, phosphorus, high density lipoprotein cholesterol in the liver, kidney and serum whereas chloride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherogenic index increased significantly; vi. EECCP produced increase (p<0.05) in metaphase chromosomal aberration and decreased the mitotic index; vii. EECCP significantly increased malondialdehyde concentrations but reduced significantly (p<0.05) the catalase and superoxide dismutase activities; viii. EECCP significantly reduced the white blood cells, platelet count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume; and ix. there were degeneration of corpus luteum, loss of both the theca external layers and oocytes in the ovary, erosion of endometrium, rupture of blood vessels, shrinkage of nucleus and sinusoidal spaces in the liver as well as vacuolation of the parenchyma in the kidney. The study concluded that EECCP possesses abortifacient activities at the least toxic dose of 400mg/kg body weight. Therefore, EECCP should be further explored for development of abortifacient drug.Item ACADEMIC STAFF RETENTION STRATEGIES, JOB SATISFACTION AND GOAL ACHIEVEMENT IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2021-02) MUSTAPHA, Adam IsholaAcademic staff retention and job satisfaction in private Universities in Nigeria have raised deep concern among educational stakeholders. Thus, effective retention strategies capable of engaging competent workforce must be put in place to achieve institutional goals. This study, therefore, examined academic staff retention strategies, job satisfaction and goal achievement in private Universities in South-west, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to (i) investigate the level of academic staff retention strategies; (ii) assess the level of academic staff job satisfaction; (iii) determine the level of goal achievement; (iv) examine the relationship between compensation package and goal achievement; and (v) determine the relationship between training opportunities and goal achievement in the institutions. The study adopted a descriptive research design of correlation type. The population of the study comprised 1,921 academic staff and 139 management staff in all the 23 private Universities from the six States that constitute the South-west, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 out of the 23 institutions that were established before the year 2000 to provide information pertinent to the study. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 60 Management staff, comprising the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice- Chancellor, Registrar, Director of Academic Planning and Dean of Faculties of Humanities and Sciences (Natural and Applied) in each of the institutions. Proportional sampling technique was used to select 200 employers of labour in the sampled states. “Academic Staff Retention Strategies Questionnaire” (ASRSQ), “Job Satisfaction Questionnaire” (JSQ) and “Goal Achievement Questionnaire” (GAQ) were used to collect data for the study. The instruments were validated with reliability coefficients of 0.69, 0.85 and 0.83 for ASRSQ, JSQ and GAQ respectively. Mean, Standard Deviation and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Statistics were used to analyze the data at 0.05 level of significance. The bench mark (mean scores) for determining the level of academic staff retention strategies, job satisfaction and goal achievement was 1.00-2.44, low; 2.45-3.44, average; 3.45-4.44, high and 4.45-5.00, very high. The findings of the study revealed that: i the level of academic staff retention strategies was average with a mean score of 2.78; ii the level of academic staff job satisfaction was average with a mean score of 2.85; iii the level of goal achievement was average with a mean score of 3.04; iv there was a positive significant relationship between compensation package and goal achievement (r = .532, p<.05); and v there was a positive significant relationship between training opportunities and goal achievement (r = .49, p<.05). The study concluded that effective retention strategies enhanced job satisfaction of academic staff in private Universities in South-west, Nigeria. The implication is that, if effective staff retention strategies are put in place, it would enhance job satisfaction and consequently lead to goal achievement. The study recommended that compensation packages for academic staff in private Universities be enhanced and made relevant to prevailing economic circumstances through periodical review.Item ACHIEVEMENT-MOTIVATION, SELF-EFFICACY AND ATTITUDE OF SOCIAL STUDIES STUDENTS TO CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION COURSE IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2020-01) OLAYIWOLA, Olujide AdeyemiCitizenship education, which is the major focus of Social Studies, has been used extensively in re-shaping the orientations of Nigerians towards a virile, stable and an enduring democratic nation. However, Nigeria is yet to feel the impact of Citizenship Education that will promote unity among Nigerians. Hence, the need for students to have high achievement-motivation, high self-efficacy and positive attitude will help to comprehend and appreciate the main goals of Citizenship Education Course. Therefore, this study investigated Achievement-motivation, Self-efficacy and Attitude of Social Studies Students to Citizenship Education Course in Colleges of Education, South-west, Nigeria. The objectives of this study were to: (i) examine the levels of achievement-motivation; self-efficacy and attitude of Social Studies students to Citizenship Education Course; (ii) assess the relationship and contribution of achievement-motivation and self-efficacy to attitude of Social Studies students to Citizenship Education Course; and (iii) identify the relative contribution of each of achievement-motivation and self-efficacy to attitude of Social Studies students to Citizenship Education Course. Descriptive survey design of correlational type was adopted for the study. The population comprised 8,226 Social Studies Students from both public and private Colleges of Education in South-west, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure involving purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques was used to select 652 NCE III Social Studies students from 12 selected Colleges of Education in all the six States of South-west, Nigeria. Achievement-motivation Inventory by Mutee and Immanuel, (2009) and General Self-efficacy Scale by Schwarzer and Jerusalem, (1995) were adopted and adapted respectively while a researcher designed Questionnaire on Students’ Attitude to Citizenship Education Course was used in data collection for this study. The instruments were validated and tested for reliability using test re-test procedure which yielded reliability coefficients of 0.75, 0.87 and 0.79 respectively. Data collected were analysed using percentages and Multiple Regression at 0.05 alpha level. The findings of this study were that: i) 67% of the respondents had an average level of achievement-motivation and 54% had high level of self-efficacy; ii) 81% of the respondents had positive attitude to Citizenship Education Course; iii) achievement-motivation and self-efficacy were related to and contributed to students’ attitude to Citizenship Education Course at df = 2/649, F = 6.349 sig at 0.05; iv) independent variables (achievement-motivation and self-efficacy) contributed (R2=0.23) to dependent variable (attitude of students to Citizenship Education Course); and v) self-efficacy relatively contributed (β=0.122) to students’ attitude to Citizenship Education Course in Colleges of Education better than achievement-motivation (β=0.062). The study concluded that, achievement-motivation and self-efficacy are important factors of Social Studies students’ attitude to Citizenship Education Course in Colleges of Education. The implication is that, achievement-motivation and self-efficacy can facilitate the improvement of students’ attitude to good citizenship orientations and behaviours. The study recommended that, lecturers should endeavour to use learner-centred strategies to improve Social Studies students’ level of achievement-motivation and sustain their level of self-efficacy vis-à-vis their positive attitude in order to achieve the goals of Citizenship Education Course especially at the Colleges of Education level.Item ADMINISTRATIVE AND SOCIOLOGICAL VARIABLES AS CORRELATES OF ATHLETES’ PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA SCHOOL SPORTS FEDERATION IN NORTH-CENTRAL STATES, NIGERIA(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2020-07) FALAYE, Elijah KayodeThe Administration of Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF) is one of the Sports Association created by the government to cater for grassroots sports development for better performance of young athletes at secondary school level. However, the decline in the performance of athletes is worrisome to the coaches and administrators. This study examined administrative and sociological variables as correlates of athletes performance in Nigeria School Sports Federation in North-Central States, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine the relationship between parental influence and athletes performance in NSSF competition; (ii) ascertain the relationship between cultural belief and athletes performance in NSSF competition; (iii) examine the relationship between weather condition and athletes performance in NSSF competition (iv) determine the relationship between leadership style and athletes performance in NSSF competition; (v) determine the relationship between funding and athletes performance in NSSF competition; and (vi) examine the relationship between coaching style and athletes performance in NSSF competition in the study area. Descriptive design of correlation type was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised 756 which included sports officers, coaches and NSSF coordinators. The sample comprised 585 respondents which was selected thus, purposive sampling technique was used to select all the 37 NSSF states coordinators and 14 coaches while proportionate random sampling techniques was used to select 534 sports officers. Validated researcher designed structured questionnaire which was tested for reliability with a reliability coefficient of 0.80 was used for data collection. Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistical tool were used for data analysis at 0.05 alpha level. The findings of the study were that: (i) there was a significant relationship between parental influence and athletes performance in NSSF competition with (r-value = 0.263, p< 0.05); (ii) there was a significant relationship between cultural belief and athletes performance in NSSF competition with (r-value = 0.221, p< 0.05); (iii) there was a significant relationship between weather condition and athletes performance in NSSF competition with (r-value = 0.281, p< 0.05); (iv) there was a significant relationship between leadership style and athletes performance in NSSF competition with (r-value = 0.218, p< 0.05); (v) there was a significant relationship between funding and athletes performance in NSSF competition with (r-value = 0.245, p< 0.05); and (vi) there was a significant relationship between coaching style and athletes performance in NSSF competition with (r-value = 0.294, p< 0.05). The study concluded that sports officers, coaches and NSSF coordinators contributed to brilliant performance of athletes in Nigeria school sports federation in North-central states Nigeria. The implication is that sports officers, NSSF coordinators and coaches play critical roles in achieving excellent performance of athletes in school sports competition. The study recommended that NSSF coordinators and sports officers in North-Central States should provide facilities and increase funding of school sports competition to improve athletes’ performance.Item ADMINISTRATORS’ LEADERSHIP SKILLS, MANAGEMENT SUPPORT SERVICES AND UNIVERSITY PRODUCTIVITY IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2018-04) SALLEE, Kikelomo WasilahManaging universities for improved productivity and overall growth and development of the nation requires administrators with appropriate leadership skills and adequate management support services. However, these requirements are perceived to be lacking, resulting in low educational output. Although previous studies have examined some factors that improve university productivity index, enough attention has not been paid to administrators’ leadership skills (ALS) and management support services (MSS). This study therefore investigated the relationship among administrators’ leadership skills, management support services and university productivity in North-central, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to: (i) examine the level of leadership skills of university administrators (human, technical and conceptual); (ii) examine the adequacy of management support services (staff development, research and welfare); and (iii) determine the relationship among administrators’ leadership skills, management support services and university productivity (teaching, research and community service). A causal-correlation survey research design was used for the study. Multistage sampling technique was used to select five out of seven federal universities, 380 out of 1058 university administrators, 382 out of 5053 non-teaching staff, 383 out of 4259 lecturers, 383 out of 101, 821 students and 251 out of 658 beneficiaries of university community service programmes. Five validated researcher-designed instruments entitled Staff Assessment of Administrators’ Leadership Skill Questionnaire (SAALSQ), Administrators’ Assessment of Adequacy of Management Support Services Questionnaire (AAAMAAQ), Lecturers’ Assessment of Research Productivity Questionnaire (LARPQ), Students’ Assessment of Teaching Productivity Questionnaire (SATPQ) and Beneficiaries’ Assessment of University Community Service Programmes Questionnaire (BAUCSPQ) were used for data collection. Reliability co-efficients of the instruments determined through test-retest method were 0.78, 0.76, 0.72, 0.64 and 0.68 respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics and Multiple Regression Analysis were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. The findings of the study were that: i. administrators’ human, technical and conceptual skills were fairly adequate with mean values of 1.55, 1.14 and 0.97 respectively; ii. research, staff development and welfare support services were adequate with mean values of 4.47, 4.40 and 3.71 respectively; iii. MSS and ALS combined are significantly related to university teaching productivity with (B=0.937, Se 0.017, tc=54.33>tt=1.69 and B=0.058, Se=0.0.017, tc=3.36>tt=1.69; Fc=76.55), iv. MSS and ALS combined are significantly related to university research productivity (B=0.47, Se= 0.05, tc=9.33>tt=1,69 and B=0.31, Se=0.36, tc=6.13>tt=1.69; Fc=751.97); and v. MSS and ALS did not have significant relationship with community service productivity (F=3.525, p>0.05). The study concluded that administrators’ leadership skills and management support services are predictors of university productivity in North-central, Nigeria. The implication is that if university administrators’ leadership skills and management support services are adequate, university productivity will improve. The study therefore recommended that universities should increase ALS and MSS to improve university productivity, especially community service productivity.Item Alchornea laxiflora AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT: ITS ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL AND BIOACTIVE AGENTS(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2017-12) OSINEYE, SUAIB OLASUPOThe dangers posed by synthetic herbicides necessitated the need to search for eco-friendly alternatives in some plants by exploring their allelopathic property. Allelopathic plants have the ability to inhibit the growth and survival of surrounding plants. The aim of this experiment was therefore to evaluate the allelopathic potential of Alchornealaxiflora and to isolate the bioactive agents responsible. The objectives of the study were to: (i) screen Alchornealaxiflora aqueous leaf extract for the presence of secondary metabolites; (ii) examine the growth inhibitory, germination inhibitory and genotoxic effects of the extract; (iii) determine the effects of the extract on some photosynthetic and lipid synthesis parameters; (iv) determine the effects of the extract on oxidative stress parameters; (v) determine the effect of the extract on some osmotic stress indicators; (vi) carry out a bioactivity-guided isolation and identification of the bioactive agents; (vii) conduct an autodock analysis using enzymes. The extract was first subjected to Alliumcepa test to evaluate the growth-inhibitory and genotoxic effects (reduction of mitotic index, chromosomal aberration), then tomato seedlings were used to further evaluate its germination inhibitory and other phytotoxic effects (photosynthesis inhibition, lipid synthesis inhibition, oxidative stress induction, osmotic stress induction)with atrazine as standard. Thereafter, it was subjected to standard chromatographic techniques involving bioactivity-guided fractionations, thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography as well as isolate the bioactive agents responsible for the allelopathic property. Finally, the isolated compounds were subjected to molecular docking techniques using enzymes (Ferredoxin NADP-reductase and Acetyl CoA carboxylase and alpha amylase) to further confirm the bioactive agents. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance Test at p˂0.05. The findings of the studywere that the extract: i. contained a number of secondary metabolites including alkaloids, phenol, phlobatannins, terpenes, tannin andflavonoids. ii. caused significant reductions (p˂0.05) in growth, germination,and abnormalities in chromosomal activities in tomato seedlingsandAlliumcepa root cells. iii. caused significant reductions (p˂0.05) inChlorophyll contents and activities of Ferredoxin NADP-reductase and Acetyl CoA carboxylase enzymes of tomato seedlings. iv. caused significant increases (p˂0.05) in Malondialdehyde concentrations and decreasesin activities of antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase, Catalase andPeroxidase). v. caused significant increases (p˂0.05) in protein, proline and total soluble sugarconcentrations. vi. contained Rutin and Quercetrin as its Allelochemicals. vii. contained Rutin and Quercetrin which interacted favourably with the amino acid residues on Alpha amylase, Acetyl-coA carboxylase and Ferredoxin NADP-reductase. The study concluded that Rutin and Quercetrin are partly responsible for the allelopathic activity exhibited by Alchornealaxifloraaqueous leaf extract. It is therefore recommendedthat Alchornealaxifloramay be used as a source of templates for the development of bio-herbicides.Item ALGEBRAIC AND COMBINATORIAL RESULTS OF ORDER-PRESERVING FULL CONTRACTION TRANSFORMATION SEMIGROUP(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2017-02) IBRAHIM-GARBA, RisqotLet be a finite set, the semigroup of full contraction transformation and the subsemigroup of of all order-preserving full contraction transformation semigroup. Several works have been done on algebraic properties of semigroups and results were obtained among these are generating set, the structure of starred Green’s relations in , the local and global U-depth of singular self and strictly partial one-one mappings but the combinatorics properties of has not be considered. Therefore, this study focuses on combinatorics properties of using the classes of the starred Green’s relations and other algebraic properties such as the local U-depth, status of which as not be investigated were examined. The structure of Green’s relations of were also examined, which extended some results in the literature. The aim of this study is to develop the algebraic and combinatorics properties of order-preserving full contraction transformation semigroup and objectives are to: (i) determine the local and global U-depth of , where is the generating set; (ii) obtain the status of using the global U-depth; (iii) examine the number of , , and classes of height r ; (iv) determine the total number of , , and classes of ; (v) investigate the number of elements in each , , and classes within ; and (vi) characterize Green’s relations of . The following procedures were used to obtained the results of the study: the elements of the semigroup were arranged based on their height, within each height by their images sets and their kernel sets; from the table obtained triangular array and sequences were formed; the patterns of the arrangement were studied; formulas were deduced in each case through the combinatorial principles. The gap software were used to confirmed the total number of elements. Also, the minimum length of factorisation that gives were obtained from the known generating set, for all The findings of the study were: • for each the local U-depth of is equal to its defect and global U-depth is . ; • the status of satisfies the property ; • the number of , , and classes of height r are : , ; ; and respectively. • the total number of , , and classes in are: ; ; and respectively. • the number of elements in each , and within -class are: ; ; and respectively. • the equivalence classes of Green’s relations were also characterized based on their image set and kernel classes. In conclusion, some algebraic and combinatorics properties results of subsemigroup OCTn were obtained with relevant examples. This research work and its findings are expected to be beneficial in the areas such as: computational theory, automata theory and formal languages. It can assist in sorting data and designing better network and also, new in.Item Ameliorative Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf-based diet on Malnutrition- induced Skeletal Muscle Degeneration in Rats(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2019-09) LAMBE, Muinat OlayinkaSkeletal muscle degeneration (SMD) is a physiological condition characterized by decrease in muscle mass due to reduced protein synthesis and/or degradation. About 1 in 300 people is seen with a SDM. Chemotherapies generally used in the treatment of diseases like cancer and tuberculosis although expensive and inaccessible also contribute to SMD. Hence, the need to explore cheaper, safer and readily available options in Moringa oleifera leaf-based diet (MoLD). The objectives of the study were to: (i) identify the secondary metabolites in M. oleifera leaf; (ii) determine the proximate composition of MoLD; (iii) confirm the induction of skeletal muscle degeneration; (iv) evaluate the effects of MoLD on markers of muscle degeneration; and (v) evaluate the toxicity of MoLD in Wistar rats. Skeletal muscle degeneration was induced by maintaining adult rats on 4% low protein iso-caloric diets (LPID) for four weeks. The control animals were fed on soy-based meal only while the SMD-induced rats were maintained on soy-based diet supplemented with methyl jasmonate (100 μg/kg) + vitamin E (20 mg/kg) + carnitine (3 mg/kg) (Soy-based), 12.5% MoLD and 25% MoLD. The feeding was done for four weeks after which serum and hind limb skeletal muscle homogenates were prepared for biochemical analyses. Data was analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance and Tukey’s posthoc test at p ˂ 0.05. The findings of this study were that: i. M. oleifera leaf contained terpenoids (2.91mg/g), tannins (9.2mg/g), flavonoids (12.5mg/g), total phenols (42.34mg/g), alkaloids (30.86μg/g) and saponins (55.22μg/g); ii. the crude protein (13.77%) and carbohydrate (62.89%) contents of 25% MoLD was higher than those of 12.5% MoLD but was similar to the control; iii. MoLD significantly (p ˂ 0.05) increased the activities of serum creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) and reduced Ca2+- ATPase activity when compared with the control; iv. activities of serum CK, LDH, AST and ALT were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) reduced by the 12.5% and 25% MoLD whereas these enzymes in animals fed soy-based were not comparable with the control; v. activity of cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+- ATPase was significantly increased by all the treatments in the order: Soy-based ˃ 25% MoLD ˃ 12.5% MoLD; vi. the 25% MoLD produced significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione (reduced) and malondialdehyde when compared with other treatments; vii. mitochondrial permeability and reactive oxygen species was significantly reduced while membrane potential was increased in all the treatment groups with the 25% MoLD producing the most profound change; and viii. activities of serum AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as well as albumin, urea and creatinine concentrations in the 12.5% and 25% MoLD fed animals were not significantly different from those of the control whereas those of Soy-based were higher than the control values. The study concluded that 25% MoLD ameliorated muscle degeneration in rats by positively modulating calcium homeostasis, oxidative stress, energy depletion and is also safe for consumption. The 25% M. oleifera leaf-based diet may be explored as an alternative therapeutic option for managing muscle degeneration.Item ANALYSIS OF ITEM AND TEST INFORMATION FUNCTIONS OF SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS IN ECONOMICS IN NORHT-CENTRAL, NIGERIA(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2020) SULYMAN, Rasaqcareer prospects, investment decisions and retirement strategies. The 2013 and 2014 WASSCE Economics performance recorded a significant variance with the former performing better than the latter; and this is a source of worry to educationists. This variation may be as a result of quality of test items, composition of different items formats in the test and ability distribution of the examinees. Thus, this study aimed at analyzing the items and test information functions of Senior School Certificate Examination in Economics in North-central, Nigeria. The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) the dimensionality of 2013 WASSCE Economics objective test items; (ii) the dimensionality of 2014 WASSCE Economics objective test items; (iii) the item information function of 2013 WASSCE Economics objective items; (iv) the item information function of 2014 WASSCE Economics objective items; (v) the test information function of 2013 WASSCE Economics objective test items; (vi) the test information function of 2014 WASSCE Economics test items; and (vii) the relative efficiency of the 2013 and 2014 WASSCE Economics test items. The study employed the descriptive survey design. The population comprised all 133, 153 senior secondary school three (SS3) students in the North-central zone of Nigeria. The target population was all senior school three (SS3) students that offered Economics in their Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE). A sample of 1,120 students was drawn from 32 senior secondary schools in North-central, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedures involving simple random, proportionate and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the sample. The research instruments were WASSCE 2013 and 2014 Economics paper 1, Percentage, Mean, Parallel analysis and Multidimensional Item Response Theory (MIRT) information indices were employed to analyse the data gathered for the study at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study were that the: 1. 2013 WASSCE Economics objective test measured multidimensional traits reflecting 4 dimensions; 2. 2014 WASSCE Economics objective test measured multidimensional traits reflecting 2 dimensions; 3. 2013 WASSCE Economics objective items provide less information with mean of 0.73; 4. 2014 WASSCE Economics objective items provide least information with mean of 0.56; 5. 2013 WASSCE Economics test measured the precision of 17.5% of the examinees that took the test; 6. 2014 WASSCE Economics test measured the precision of 5.4% of the examinees that took the test; and 7. 2013 and 2014 WASSCE Economics test items were less informative, but the 2013 WASSCE Economics test items was relatively more informative than that of 2014 items. The study concluded that items and tests of 2013 and 2014 WASSCE Economics were good and of the same standard. The implied that Economics items used for the assessment possessed the same multidimensional traits. The study recommended that Examination bodies can re-use the 2013 and 2014 WASSCE Economics items for future examinations.Item ANALYSIS OF SCHOOL AND NON-SCHOOL FACTORS AFFECTING CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO BASIC EDUCATION IN RURAL AREAS OF SOUTH-WESTERN NIGERIA(University of Ilorin, 2018) IGUDIA, Itohan HelenIn recognition of the importance of Education, countries have made commitments for her citizens to access basic education regardless of locality, by providing it free, universal and compulsory for all children of school age. Statistics have shown low access of children to basic education especially in the rural areas of Nigeria. In this study, rural areas are places with a population of at most 20,000 people; without tertiary hospital or banks, with at most one secondary school and is at least five kilometers away from urban. This study analyzed school and non-school factors affecting children’s access to basic education in rural areas of South-west, Nigeria. The purpose of the study were to determine: (i) availability, adequacy and conditions of educational resources to cater for the educational needs of pupils in rural areas; (ii) enrolment, retention and completion trends of children in Basic schools in rural areas (2011-2016); and (iii) school and non-school factors influencing enrolment, retention and completion of children in Basic schools in rural areas of South-west, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. A multi-stage sampling procedure (involving simple random, proportional and purposive sampling techniques) was employed to select 1,688 respondents (545 Middle-basic school Head-teachers from 1,032 and 1,143 Basic-six pupils from 145,066) in rural areas of Ekiti, Osun and Oyo States. Data were collected through the administration of content-validated, researcher-designed questionnaire and facilities’ inventory with reliability indices of 0.66 and 0.68 respectively. Data collected were analysed using percentages, means and rank orders. The findings of the study were that: i. Educational resources for basic schools in rural areas were available in 300 (55%) of the sampled schools but inadequate (x̅ = 1.42) and in deplorable conditions (x̅ = 1.69); ii. There were fluctuating trends in children’s access to basic education in rural areas from 2011-2016; with enrolment trends of 62.0%, 82.0%, 71.4%, 72.2%, 72.2% and 74.1%; 11 iii. Non-school factors affecting enrolment, retention, and completion were children’s illhealth (56%), parental poor financial status (52%), engagement in farm works (58%) and hawking (67%). Fosterage (17%) did not affect enrolment, domestic chores (17%) did not affect retention and child’s age (17%) did not affect completion; and iv. School factors affecting children’s enrolment, retention and completion included distance of school to home (66%), overcrowded classrooms (57%), low quantity of teachers (75%), shortage of instructional facilities (75%) and dilapidated school buildings (63%). The study concluded that most Basic Schools in the rural areas of South-west, Nigeria were faced with non-availability and inadequacy of necessary educational resources with attendant fluctuating trends of access. These findings imply that children’s enrolment in Basic schools is inadequate and government intervention is necessary for addressing deficiencies in educational resources in rural areas. It was recommended that government and other stakeholders should adequately provide needed financial, human and material resources and show more commitment in the monitoring and supervision of rural schools to address the challenges impeding children’s access to basic education in the rural areas of South-west, Nigeria.Item ANALYSIS OF TEACHERS’ PERCEIVED PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTED INTERVENTION STRATEGIES FOR CIVIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION IN NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2020-03) OMOLEKAN, Johnson AdewaleOne of the intended objectives of any newly introduced curriculum may be hindered when teachers and students have misconceptions and disconnected implementation strategies about the curriculum. Studies have shown that there were problems of specialist teachers, non-preparedness of teachers, instructional resources and other materials for curriculum implementation. Therefore, this study analysed the perceived problems and suggested intervention strategies by Civic Education Curriculum implementers in North-central, Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to: (i) analyse teachers-perceived problems of Civic Education curriculum implementation (CECI); (ii) examine the teacher-suggested remediation strategies of CECI; (iii) examine the adequacy of lesson implementation materials of Civic Education teachers; (iv) determine whether the teacher-perceived problems of CECI differ on the basis of gender; qualification; experience, and exposure to seminar; (v) determine the difference in teachers and students perception of problems of CECI (vi) ascertain whether the teacher-suggested remediation strategies for CECI differ on the basis of gender; qualification; experience, and exposure to seminar. The study adopted a descriptive research design of survey type. The specific population consisted of 1,727 teachers and 595,876 students. The sample of 264 teachers and 1,584 students were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. The instruments for data collection were two research questionnaires; one for teachers and the other for students. The instruments were subjected to reliability test using split-half and Cronbach Alpha that yielded coefficients of 0.86 and 0.62 for teachers and students respectively. The data collected were analysed using the percentage, mean, t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study were that: i. instructional resources ( 27.5), school administrator( 8.0) and classroom furniture ( = 7.9) were the core problems confronting CECI in North-central, Nigeria; ii. provision of relevant instructional resources ( = 4.08) and furniture arrangement ( = 4.19) in the classroom were the teacher-suggested remediation strategies; iii. the use of other instructional materials as well as measurement of the three domains in assessment were found inadequate ( =1.6 - 2.3), while classroom lesson implementation materials of Civic Education curriculum implementers were found adequate ( =2.5 - 3.0); iv. there was significant difference in the teacher-perceived problems of CECI in North-central, Nigeria on the basis of qualification (F= 3.95, p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference on the basis of gender, experience and exposure to seminar; v. there was significant difference in teachers and students perception of problems of CECI (t = 13.108; p<0.05); and vi. there was significant difference in the teacher-suggested remediation strategies for CECI on the basis of qualification (F= 2.712, p < 0.05), while there was no significant difference on the basis of experience, gender and exposure to seminar. The Study concluded that the problems of CECI in North-central, Nigeria were predominantly instructional resources related. This implies that the objectives of Civic Education may not be adequately achieved in the school system if not effectively remediated. The study recommended that pedagogical and content knowledge specialist be engaged in CECI in North-central, Nigeria.Item Anti-diabetic Activity of Aqueous Extract of Chrysophyllum albidum Stem Bark, its Fractions and Toxicity in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2018-06) YUSUF, BABALOLA OLADiabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that is caused by a relative lack of insulin and/or reduced insulin activity resulting in hyperglycaemia. The rise in poverty level coupled with side effects of available anti-diabetic drugs necessitated the evaluation of a medicinal plant, Chrysophyllum albidum, claimed to be used in the management of diabetes. The objectives of the study were to: (i) evaluate the anti-diabetic activity of aqueous extract of C. albidum stem bark (AECASB); (ii) carry out solvent partitioning of AECASB and evaluate their anti-diabetic activity; (iii) carry out bioactivity-guided chromatographic fractionation (CF) of the most effective solvent-partitioned fraction (SPF) of AECASB and evaluate their anti-diabetic activity; (iv) identify the bioactive principles in the most effective CF of AECASB; (v) carry out safety evaluation of the antidiabetic principle(s)-rich CF of AECASB and (vi) propose the mechanism of action of the antidiabetic principle(s)-rich CF of AECASB. A total of 340 female rats (180.80 ± 8.50g) were assigned into group A (received 1.0 ml of distilled water) while the diabetic rats {induced by intraperitoneal administration of 120 mg/kg body weight (bw) of alloxan} in groups B, C, D, E, F, G were orally administered distilled water, glibenclamide (reference antidiabetic drug), 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg bw of AECASB respectively, once daily for 14 days. Crude, SPFs (ethyl acetate, residue, n-butanol)andCF (1-10) were also screened. Biochemical assessments and histological examinations were also carried out. Data were analysed with Analysis of Variance and Tukey’s post-hoc test at p < 0.05. The findings in this study revealed that: i. AECASB reversed the alloxan treatment related increases in fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum urea, creatinine, hepatic glucose (HG), amylase activity and related decreases in albumin, glycogen, erythrocytic indices, glucokinase (GK) and glucokinase-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activities. ii. AECASB also restored the deranged histoarchitecture of the pancreas caused by alloxan; iii. ethyl acetate-partitioned fraction reduced (p<0.05) FBG, HG, α-amylase activity, total cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), ameliorated the obliteration observed in pancreas due to alloxan treatment while glycogen, high density lipoprotein (HDL), G6PDH, SOD and catalase activities increased significantly (p<0.05); iv. Chromatographic fractions F5 and F7 decreased (p<0.05) FBG, HG, organ body-weight ratio, glycosylated haemoglobin, C-reactive protein, glucose-6-phosphatase and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase activities, TC, triglycerides, atherogenic index, MDA while BW, serum insulin, glycogen, HDL, GK, G6PDH, catalase, SOD activities significantly (p<0.05) increased; v. procyanidin,stigmasterol, catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin,hexadecane,eleagnine, octadecanoic acid and eicosane were detected in F7; vi. CFs 5 and 7 did not alter urea, creatinine, albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities; vii. catechin, stigmasterol and procyanidin B5 are the likely bioactive principles in CF7; and viii. mode of anti-diabetic action of AECASB and F7 may be via regenerating the pancreas and enhancing the activities of glucose metabolising and antioxidant enzymes. The study concluded that CF7 produced the most profound anti-diabetic activity and is relatively safe. AECASB can be explored as lead drug for the management of diabetes.Item ANTI-NOCICEPTIVE AND NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF BROMELAIN IN CHRONIC CONSTRICTION INJURY-INDUCED NEUROPATHIC PAIN IN MALE WISTAR RATS(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2021-01) BAKARE, AHMED OLALEKANItem Antidiarrhoeal Principle Rich-FractioninMangifera indica Leaves and its Mechanisms of Action in Castor Oil-induced Diarrhoeal Rats(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2018-07) SALIMON, SAOBAN SUNKANMIDiarrhoea is an alteration in bowel movement characterized by increased water content and frequency of stooling. The aqueous extract of Mangifera indica leaves have been validated for their efficacy as an antidiarrhoeal agent. However, the probable mechanism(s) of action remain unknown. The objectives of the study were to: (i) partition the aqueous extract using solvent-solvent extraction; (ii) determine the antidiarrhoeal activity of the solvent-solvent and column chromatographic fractions in female Wistar rats; (iii) establish the probable mechanism of action of the sub-fractions; (iv) evaluate the toxicity of sub-fraction B (SFB) on selected organs; and (v) identify the probable bioactive constituents of SFB. The aqueous extract of M. indica leaves was successively fractionated into ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF), n-butanol fraction (NBF) and residual fraction (RF). The EAF, NBF and RF were evaporated to dryness at 40℃. They were reconstituted and administered to screen for antidiarrhoeal activity using castor oil-induced diarrhoea; enteropooling; and gastrointestinal motility models. Each of the sub-fractions of the RF were also screened for their antidiarrhoeal activity and evaluated for probable mechanism(s) of action. The SFB was also evaluated for its effects on the liver, kidney and small intestine. Data were analysed using One-way Analysis of Variance and Tukey’s Post-hoc test at p < 0.05. The findings revealed that the: i. RF at 14.09 and 56.35 mg/kg body weight (bw) significantly prolonged the onset time of diarrhoea, decreased the total number of faeces, wet faeces, water content and increased the inhibition of defecation by 94.29 and 96.34% respectively; ii. mass and volume of intestinal content significantly decreased at 14.09 mg/kg bw of the RF with an inhibition of 45.20% on intraluminal fluid accumulation; iii. distance travelled by charcoal meal was shortest in diarrhoeal rats treated with 14.09 mg/kg bw of the RF with 39.79% inhibition of peristalsis; iv. the antidiarrhoeal index (ADI) was highest at 14.09 mg/kg bw of the RF (55.19%). At 56.35 mg/kg bw, the ADI (49.87%) compared favourably with that of the reference drug (48.50%); v. highest inhibition of defecation was exhibited by sub-fraction B at 6.47 mg/kg bw while the onset of diarrhoea was most prolonged by sub-fraction A; vi. antienteropooling and antimotility activities were highest in the sub-fraction A and B treated rats, respectively; vii. activities of Na-K ATPase, alkaline phosphatase and the concentrations of glucose, Na+ and K+ were increased by SFB while the levels of Cl , protein carbonyl and nitrite were decreased; viii. levels of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and intestinal protein were all increased by SFB; ix. sub-fraction B at 12.94 mg/kg bw exhibited structural and functional toxicity on the liver kidney and small intestine; and x. mangiferin and catechin were identified as the probable bioactive constituents of SBF. The study concluded that the antidiarrhoeal principles were present in the RF while the established mechanisms included antisecretory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and modulation of intestinal permeability. The antidiarrhoeal principle rich-SBF may therefore be explored as a lead for drug discovery in the treatment of diarrhoea.Item ANTIMALARIAL ACTIVITIES OF SOLVENT EXTRACTS AND FRACTIONS FROM Adansonia digitata STEM BARK IN Plasmodium berghei-INFECTED MICE(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2017-12) ADEOYE, AKINWUNMI OLUWASEUNMalaria is caused by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium and it is an infectious disease of humans and other animals. In the process of studying human malaria parasites, rodent parasites are recognized as valuable model parasites for the investigation of parasite-host interactions, biology of malaria parasites, drug testing and vaccine development. Increase in the resistance of malaria parasite to synthetic drugs has led to the continuous search for alternative treatment approach from plant origin. Majority of these plants have biologically active polyphenol components and phytochemicals which have protective and therapeutic properties. These phytochemicals are found as secondary plant metabolites that are explored for their bioactivities with application in medicine. Adansonia digitata L. Baobab (Bombacaceae) is rich in these secondary metabolites and is used for the treatment of malaria in Nigeria. The aim of this research was to investigate the possible anti-malarial potential of aqueous and methanolic extracts of A. digitata stem bark and its fraction on Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Aqueous and methanolic (AEAD and MEAD) extract was obtained from Adansonia digitata stem bark utilizing solvent extraction and the fractions was obtained through solvent partitioning. The free radical scavenging activity of the extract in vitro was evaluated. The extract was also evaluated for its antimalarial activity using curative test in mice. Severity of malaria was evaluated by determining the serum and tissue alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate amino transferase (AST) activity, alanine amino tranferase (ALT), the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Mechanisms of action of the extract were investigated by measuring the degree of tissue peroxidation and tissue antioxidant status, mitochondrial swelling and mitochondria ATPase activity. The efficacy of Adansonia digitata stem bark extract in offering protection against experimental malaria was evaluated and its remediation effect when administered after established infection was also examined. The extract fraction was evaluated for its activity against inhibition of β-hematin formation. The results revealed that Adansonia digitata stem bark extracts exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power, metal chelating activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity comparable (p<0.05) with those of standard antioxidants. The HPLC-DAD analysis showed significant levels of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the extracts and fractions of Adansonia digitata stem bark. The results revealed that the aqueous and methanolic 21 extracts were active against P berghei NK65 in vivo and were not cytotoxic at both 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. Methanolic extract exhibited higher antimalarial activity causing 70.15%, 90.18% and 100% inhibition in parasite growth at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight on day 3, 5 and 7 post-inoculation respectively. The extracts showed a significant dose dependent increase in packed cell volume (PCV), at the two doses when administered after established infection compared to control. Moreover, ethylacetate extract fraction exhibited considerable antiplasmodial activity against inhibition of β-hematin formation (IC50 < 50 μg/ml). However, the ability of the extract fraction to inhibit β-hematin formation was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of chloroquine and artesunate. The extracts significantly reduced (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde concentrations in all the tissues investigated compared to the infected untreated mice on day 5 and 7 post-inoculation. Administration of the extract after established infections significantly increased (P < 0.05) glutathione concentrations and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in a dose-dependent manner compared to the untreated control on day 5 and 7 post-inoculation. The extracts significantly decreased serum creatinine concentrations but significantly increased (P < 0.05) serum urea and uric acid concentrations. Administration of the extract reduced serum concentrations of sodium ion, potassium ion, calcium ion and chloride ion compared to control but significantly increased serum concentrations of magnesium ion when compared to control. A significant increase in the serum concentrations of CRP and TNF-α of the control animals was observed when compared to the baseline (uninfected mice) and the group treated with extract. Significant relationship exists between serum CRP and TNF-α concentration and percentage parasitemia in the control group. Administration of the extracts lowered the CRP and TNF concentrations. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of the control group increase significantly (P < 0.05) in all the tissues investigated compared to the group that received the extract. However, a significant reduction in ALT and AST activity of the control group were observed compared to the group that received the extract. Ethylacetate fraction of A. digitata stem bark and the phenolics, quercetin and apigenin induced the opening of mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore in a concentration dependent manner. The ethylacetate extract fraction also increased (P < 0.05) significantly the mitochondrial ATPase activity in a concentration dependent manner. 22 The results suggest that Adansonia digitata protects against Plasmodium berghei induced-malaria, and that administration of the extract after established infection reduced malaria progression. A significant relationship was obtained between antioxidant activity and phenolic content indicating that phenolic compounds contribute significantly to antioxidant and antimalarial activity of the plant. Bioactive compounds from Adansonia digitata influence mitochondria membrane permeability transition by inducing cell death through mitochondria-mediated pathway of apoptosis. Opening of MMPT pore and induction of apoptotic process could likely be one of the mechanisms of action of antimalarial compound.Item Artesunate-Procyanidin Hybrid Compound: Synthesis, In vitro and In vivo Antimalarial, Antioxidant and Toxicological Effects(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2018-07) TIJJANI, HABIBUThe goal of global eradication of malaria has remained elusive due to the rapid spread of drug resistant parasites, necessitating urgent development of novel antimalarials. Therefore, the aim of this study was to synthesize a hybrid compound of artesunate and procyanidin and evaluate its antimalarial, antioxidant and toxicological effects using various models. The objectives were to: (i) synthesize and chracterise a hybrid compound from artesunate and procyanidin; (ii) evaluate the in vitro antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of the compound; (iii) evaluate its mechanisms of action; (iv) evaluate its suppressive and curative antimalarial activities in Plasmodium berghei NK65-infected mice; (v) evaluate the protein-ligand interactions; (vi) evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of the compound; and (viii) evaluate its toxic effects. Artesunate-procyanidin hybrid compound was synthesized using standard chemical protocols and the structure was elucidated using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Infra-Red spectroscopy. The compound was evaluated for its activity against Plasmodium falciparum W2 strain in vitro and P. berghei NK65 in vivo. Inhibition of β-hematin formation, red blood cell lysis and cytotoxicity against Buffalo Green Monkey (BGM) kidney cell line of the compound were evaluated. The compound was evaluated for antioxidant activity using in vitro and in vivo models and for toxic effects using selected organ function indices of mice. Protein-ligand interactions were evaluated using molecular docking. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance at P<0.05. The findings of this study were that the hybrid compound: i. was synthesized as a brownish crystal with two pharmacopores linked together by ester bond; ii. was active against P. falciparum W2 (IC50: 0.0335 µg/ml), though its activity was lower than that of artesunate, but higher than that of procyanidin and it was less toxic to BGM cell line (MLD50: 155 µg/ml); iii. caused higher inhibition of β-haematin formation in vitro (IC50: 42.46 µg/ml) compared to chloroquine (IC50: 55.53 µg/ml), though was lower than that of artesunate (IC50: 17.79 µg/ml) and did not cause red blood cell membrane perturbation; iv. exhibited higher suppressive activity (ED50: <5 mg/kg) than artesunate on day 4 post-inoculation and curative activity (ED50: <5 mg/kg) which favourably compared with artesunate on day 6 post-inoculation against P. berghei NK65 in mice; v. exhibited higher binding affinity for P. falciparum Lactate Dehydrogenase (-9.6 kcal/mol) compared to artesunate (-6.2 kcal/mol) and procyanidin (-8.0 kcal/mol); vi. exhibited higher ferric ion reducing power and DPPH scavenging activity (IC50: 19.68 µg/ml) compared to butylated hydroxytoluene in vitro and caused significant increase (P< 0.05) in glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase activities in RBC,heart, liver, kidney, and brain of P. berghei-infected mice compared to untreated infected controls; and vii. had no significant effect (P>0.05) on atherogenic index and plasma concentrations of sodium, calcium, creatinine, urea and bilirubin but significantly reduced (P< 0.05) brain Na+,K+Adenosine triphosphatase activity in mice at all doses administered compared to controls. The study concluded that hybrid compound exhibited antimalarial activity (which favourably compared with artesunate) and antioxidant activity in vivo. Artesunate-procyanidin hybrid compound may be explored as an alternative therapy for malaria.Item ASPECTS OF ORGANIC PETROGRAPHY AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF MAASTRICHTIAN COALS AND SHALES AT GOMBE, GONGOLA BASIN, NIGERIA(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2019-10) JIMOH, YUSUF AYOOLAThe investigated source rock interval of the Maastrichtian Gombe Formation is located at the Maiganga coal mine, near Gombe, Gongola Basin, Nigeria. Samples were collected from a borehole and the exposed part of the mine (Phase I and II). The sections at Maiganga coarsen upward with the basal part made up of coal and shale interbeds while the upper part consists of siltstone, ironstone and sandstone. The coals and interbedded shales appear most prospective source rock facies in the formation and were evaluated with respect to their hydrocarbon source rock potential including the kinetics, paleodepositional environments, source, type and maturity of the organic matter in the organofacies. Geochemical techniques employed includes TOC, Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, Soxhlet Extraction, Gas Chromatography, Medium Performance Liquid Chromatography, Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy, Isotope Ratio – Mass Spectroscopy, Palynological technique, Maceral and Visual kerogen analysis were employed in this study. Inorganic study includes Elemental and Proximate analysis. The log motif of the sections at Maiganga mine and other outcrop sections at Zange, Liji, Mallam Inna, Maiduku and Garin Magaji revealed coarsening upward sequence. Field observations in these locations indicate fluvial depositional settings. The poorly sorted sandstones with sub angular to angular grains observed in the locations represent channel facies while the fine grained clayey siltstones and shale represent overbank deposits reflecting low energy condition. The occurrence of coal at Maiganga suggests development of incoaling condition in a deltaic setting. The studied samples (coal, shale and coaly shale) were rich in organic carbon, the TOC of the coals and shale range between (32.40-65.29wt %) and (0.64-4.84 wt %) with an average of 38.03wt% and 3.14 wt% respectively while the coaly shale has an average of 12.1wt%. The average Genetic potential (GP) value for the coals, shales and coaly shales are 70.7mg/g, 5.04mg/g and 12.6mg/g respectively indicating an excellent source potential. HIs is less than 200mgHC/gTOC for all the samples. The organic matter in the coaly source rocks suggests Type III kerogen and plant contributions from terrestrial sources probably from plant (Vicia villossa), peat vegetation (Sphagnum L) or mangrove. This is corroborated by broad activation energy (Ea) distribution (41-65kcal/mol) reflecting heterogeneous composition. Consequently, gaseous hydrocarbon potential is exhibited in the source beds. xxi The major phase and peak of hydrocarbon generation occurs at 460 – 465oC for the coal and shale facies corresponding to Ea (54-55kcal/mol) defining up to 70% of the petroleum potential. The coals and the shales were characterized by high molecular weight n-alkanes which range from C10-C41 for the coal facies and C9- C41 in the shaly facies. The n-alkanes were the dominant component of the aliphatic hydrocarbon fraction and they show variation in quantity and distribution. The extracts were characterized by predominance of polar compounds indicating low maturity level of kerogen cracking. Saturated fractions comprises of tricyclic and pentacyclic terpanes, steranes, diasteranes and tetracyclic polyprenoids while aromatic fractions comprises mono, triaromatic steroids and triaromatic methylsteroids. The n-alkanes distributions in the coaly source rocks maximizes at C29. This pattern indicates organic matter derived mainly from terrestrial organic matter while the shaly facies maximizes at C16 and C29 indicating mixed source. Pr/Ph ratio for the coaly facies ranges from 2.15-3.51 (avg. 2.79) while the shaly facies ranges between 0.95-2.37 (avg. 1.82) indicating fluvio-deltaic depositional environment in sub-oxic to oxic setting. The predominance of Pristane (n-C17) over Phytane (n-C18) suggests humic origin of the organic matter for the coaly source rocks in a mixed/transitional depositional environment. The coals were rich in C29 steranes (> 50%) and (~40%) calculated from isosterane αββS and αααR configuration. This is an indication of significant land plant contribution as evidenced from the very low C27 steranes. This is corroborated by the long chain length and isotopic value of -27.7 δ13‰ PDB and -31.0 δ13‰ PDB for the coal and shale respectively. The shale also have high C29 steranes but with appreciable quantity of C27 and C28 αββS sterane (26% and 29%) and (34% and 24%) in C27, C28αααR sterane confirming probable marine contribution for the organic matter. The sterane/hopane ratio values range from 0.06-0.35 (<0.6) suggesting incorporation of high level of bacterial inputs commonly associated with terrigenous organic matter in coals. The dibenzothiophene/phenanthrene (DBT/PH) ratio range from 0.03 to 0.19 for the coal and 0.08-0.14 for the shaly source rocks respectively indicating appreciable quantity of terrestrial organic matter. The average Tmax for the coal and shaly facies were less than 435oC, and the vitrinite reflectance less than 0.55Ro. The carbon preference index (CPI) is greater than unity and in conjunctions with other saturate and aromatic maturity indices indicates that the samples were immature to low maturity status. Petrographic examination revealed vitrinite is the most abundant maceral followed by inertinite and liptinite, although there were absence of alginate and amorphous organic matter. The organic matter in the organic facies consists of opaque to non opaque biostructured phytoclasts and cuticles associated with common amounts of spores and pollen such as Arecidites sp., Ephedripites sp., Monocolpites marginatus, Cyathidites sp., Foveotriletes margaritae, Longapertites marginatus, Longapertites vaneendenburgi, Proxapertites cursus, Proxapertites operculatus, Cingulatisporites ornatus Constructipollenites ineffectus, Retibrevitricolpites triangulatus, Echitriporites trianguliformis, Nyssapollenites sp., Araucariadites australis, and Fovoetriletes margaritae. The coal and shales facies were dated Early- Late Maastrichtian and assemblage zone of Arecipites – Dictyophyllidites harrisii were assigned. xxii The proximate analysis of the coals revealed sub-bituminous rank, non-coking but suitable for fuelling, combustion and power generation due to high calorific value, high volatiles and low ash content. The average concentrations of the trace elements are lower when compared to world coals and indicate lesser negative impact to the environments, plants, animals and humans. The positive correlations of the trace elements such (Na, Ba, Th, and Co) with SiO2 and Al2O3 in the coals suggests primarily aluminosilicate affinities. In conclusion, the Maastrichtian coal and shale of Gombe Formation, Gongola Basin constitute good to excellent source rocks with potential to generate mainly gas and will generate oil if higher thermal maturity level is attained. Also, the coal facies were formed from organic matter derived from mainly terrestrial/terrigenous organic matter under oxidizing condition and deposited in the fluvial/deltaic environments, while the shaly facies were from mixed sources deposited under reducing lacustrine environments.Item ASSESSMENT OF CONTENT ADEQUACY AND READABILITY LEVELS OF RECOMMENDED SOCIAL STUDIES TEXTBOOKS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2018-07) OLANIYAN, Joseph OlatunjiIn the teaching and learning of any subject, both teachers and students usually rely on text materials and, as such, it is not doubtful then that the quality of textbooks in use will determine, to a large extent, the quality of learning and transfer of such learning. Owing to scarcity of studies on assessment of Social Studies textbooks in Oyo State, this study, therefore, investigated content adequacy and readability of two Social Studies textbooks used in secondary schools in Oyo State, Nigeria, namely: Macmillan and Basic Social Studies textbooks. Specifically, the study determined the: (i) adequacy of the content and learning activities of the textbooks; (ii) adequacy of the content and learning activities, on each level of each of the textbooks; (iii) readability of the two textbooks; and (iv) difference in the teachers’ perception of the content adequacy of the textbooks. The descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. Out of 635 public secondary schools in the six education zones in Oyo State 65 were sampled. Out of a total of 112,500 junior secondary school III Social Studies students, 778 were selected and all the 405 Social Studies teachers were involved in the study. The instruments for data collection were Emerola’s 8-points model of Quantitative Approach to the Content Evaluation, Cloze Procedure and Social Studies Readability Test (SSRT). Emerola’s 8-points model was used to answer the research questions, while the independent t-test was used to test the formulated hypotheses. The findings of the study were that: i. Macmillan Social Studies textbook had overall higher content adequacy rating score of 4.02 on the six indices of Topical Coverage Index (TCI), Learning Activity Index (LAI), Chapter Summary Index (CSI), Study Question Index (SQI), Illustration Index (ILI) and Under Represented Population Index (UPPI), while Basic Social Studies textbooks had a lesser rating score of 2.85 on the same six indices; ii. Mean content adequacy score of JSS I, II and III in Macmillan Social Studies textbooks on the six indices were 1.44, 1.74 and 0.84, respectively, while the mean score on content adequacy of JSS I, II and III Basic Social Studies textbooks were 1.94, 0.35 and 0.56, respectively. iii. Macmillan Social Studies textbook had a low readability score of 43.7%, while Basic Social Studies textbook had a very high readability score of 80.1% ; and iv. There was a significant difference in the teachers’ perception of content adequacy of the two Social Studies textbooks in favour of Macmillan (t=2.28; ρ=0.02 <0.05). The study concluded that the two recommended textbooks were adequate in content, implying that the two recommended textbooks were appropriate for Social Studies teaching and learning. However, the Basic Social Studies textbook was better in readability than the Macmillan Social Studies textbook. It was, therefore, recommended that the two textbooks should continue to be used but Macmillan Social Studies textbooks needed improvement in readability while the content of Basic Social Studies should be reviewed periodically.Item ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL LITERACY NEEDS AND ENRICHMENT INTERESTS OF COMMERCIAL DRIVERS IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2018) YUSUF, MurainaThe general aim of literacy is to equip individuals with knowledge, attitudes, skills and values for personal, interpersonal and community development. Individuals are expected to use these attributes to acquire information, values and other skills that can enable them function more effectively and efficiently. Based on this key role of literacy, this study assessed functional literacy needs and enrichment interests of commercial drivers in North-central Nigeria. The objectives were to investigate: (i) their functional literacy needs; (ii) their enrichment literacy interests; and (iii) the influence of social demographic characteristics of ethnic background, age, religion, formal education and driving experience on their functional literacy needs and enrichment interests. A descriptive research survey of the cross-sectional type was employed in this study. The population for this study was all the literate commercial drivers in Kogi, Kwara and Niger states. The target population was all inter-state literate commercial drivers in Kogi, Kwara and Niger states. Six hundred and sixty respondents were selected using incidental sampling technique. A researcher-designed questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The test-retest method of three-week interval was employed to determine its reliability and a value of 0.67 was obtained. Thirteen research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while ten hypotheses were tested with One-Way Analysis of Variance. The findings of the study were that: the commercial drivers in the North-central Nigeria needed functional literacy much for cultural (x ̅=3.30), civic (x ̅=3.25), economic (x ̅=3.38) and social (x ̅=3.31) development in all settings, with economic development (x ̅=3.38) more needed than the others; the commercial drivers had moderate interest in enriching their prose (x ̅=3.12), document(x ̅=3.18) and quantitative (x ̅=3.28) literacy domains, with more interest in enriching their quantitative (x ̅=3.28) than document (x ̅=3.18) and prose (x ̅=3.12) literacy skills; and ethnicity and driving experience did not influence their functional literacy needs, but age (F=4.68, p˂0.05), religion (F=13.27, p˂0.05) and formal education (F=5.03, p˂0.05) significantly influenced their functional literacy needs, while ethnicity (F=8.05, p˂0.05), age (F=8.46, p˂0.05), religion (F=14.01, p˂0.05), formal education (F=7.63, p˂0.05) and driving experience (F=5.76, p˂0.05)significantly influenced their enrichment literacy interests. The study concluded that commercial drivers needed functional literacy more for their economic development than social, cultural and civic development; they also had moderate interest in enriching their quantitative literacy domain more than document and prose. The implication of these findings was that there was need to plan and organise functional literacy programmes for the drivers, especially for economic development and with regard to quantitative domain. The study recommended that a functional literacy programme be organised by adult literacy professionals for the commercial drivers, taking cognisance of their economic development and quantitative literacy domain. Also, other stakeholders such as the Federal Road Safety Commission should endeavour to discharge voluntary community service by organising a functional literacy programme for commercial drivers, taking into consideration their demographic characteristics of ethnic background, age, religion, formal education and driving experience.Item AN ASSESSMENT OF LEGISLATIVE EFFECTIVENESS IN NIGERIA’S NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (1999-2011)(UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, 2018-06) BAKARE, ADEBOLA RAFIUThe legislature is an important arm of government in democracy given its lawmaking, oversight and representation roles. It is inconceivable to have democracy without the people’s assembly which in Nigeria is called National Assembly. Since 1999, the level of effectiveness of the National Assembly has generated some concernsamong political analysts, scholars and other stakeholders. The significance of its role in entrenching good governance is inevitable, but its legislative output and impact on the people are questionable. It is against this backdrop that this study assessed the level of effectiveness of the National Assembly in lawmaking between 1999 and 2011. The objectives of the study were to: (i) identify the factors that determine the effectiveness of the National Assembly in lawmaking; (ii) compare the lawmaking performance of the 4th, 5th and 6th Assemblies; and (iii) examine the impact of some Acts of the National Assembly on good governance in Nigeria. The study adopted the neo-institutional theoretical framework. It employed the sequential mixed method research design using both primary and secondary data. Primary data was sourced through purposive in-depth interview, while secondary data was sourced from National Assembly’s official documents, relevant journals, newspapers and textbooks. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including directional graphs and Institutional Legislative Effectiveness Score (ILES) based on the ILES benchmark of τ = 0 – 1 (where the closer to 0, the poor). The findings of the study were that: i. of the six factors that determine the effectiveness of the National Assembly in lawmaking, cognate experience, educational qualification, turnover, innate ability, Committee chairmanship and ideological consideration ranked 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th respectively; ii. the lawmaking effectiveness of the National Assembly between 1999 and 2011 was ‘fair’ given the value of average ILES of 0.27 on the benchmark; iii. by comparison, the 4th Assembly’s average ILES of 0.20, 5th Assembly’s 0.25 and 6th Assembly’s 0.31, indicated that lawmaking effectiveness is relatively progressive in the 6th Assembly; iv. there is positive relationship between Bill sponsorship and passage in the 4th (288:84) and 5th (395:149) Assemblies but the 6th Assembly (490:112) recorded inverse relationship; and v. the National Assembly enacted 183 Acts in 12 years which comprise 35% economic, 18% social, 2% cultural, 22% political and 23% regulatory Acts. Most of these Acts did not significantly impact positively on the people. For instance, despite the Child Right Act 2003, as at 2017, approximately 6 out of 10 children in Nigeria still experienced physical violence. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 10 boys experience sexual violence. The study concluded that the impact of the Acts of National Assembly is not felt by the people as the core values were not achieved. This is attributed mainly to low capacity of most legislators and unhealthy political terrain which led toweak enforcement of the Acts. The study recommended improved capacity building for legislators and reduced bureaucracy to ensure harmonious governance for the benefits of Nigerians.