Volume 3, No.1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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SCHOOL-INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADMINISTRATIVE LINK STRATEGIES FOR ENHANCING STUDENTS SKILLS ACQUISITION IN TECHNICAL COLLEGES IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA.

Attah, Onyekachi Kevin, Ohanu, Ifeanyi Benedict & Nwahunanya, Innocent

Abstract
The study identified the role of school administration and curriculum in improving cooperation between industries and technical colleges to enhance student's skills acquisition in Enugu State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was employed for the study. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study, the population for the study was 72. This consist of 60 technical college teachers and 12 industry managers in Enugu State. There was no sampling, the entire population was studied. Structured questionnaire consisting of 39 items was used for collecting data from the respondents. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach alpha method was used to determine the reliability of instrument which yielded a coefficient of 0.96. 72 copies of the instrument were administered to the respondents by the researchers and research assistants on one to one basis. All the 72 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and analyzed using mean to answer the research questions while t-test statistic was used to test the hypotheses of no significant difference at 0.05 level significance and degree of freedom with the help of SPSS version 20. The study found that the contents of the school-industry activities and administrative link strategies which when incorporated into the curriculum would enhance students skill acquisition. It was recommended in the study that Industrial administrators should be involved in the TVET curriculum development and reforms.

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IMPROVING TVET PRACTITIONERS FOR DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH SOCIAL NETWORKING.

Ibezim, N. E. & Eze, E. C.

Abstract
The study was carried out to determine the improvement needs of TVET practitioners for digital entrepreneurship through social networking. Three research questions guided the study while two null hypotheses were tested at p ≤ 0.05 level of significance. Description survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 770 TVET enterprises and the proportionate sampling techniques was used to select 10% of the population giving a sample size of 77 TVET in Nsukka metropolises. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using grand and standard deviation for answering the research questions while ANOVA was used for testing the null hypotheses. Findings of the study revealed that most TVET practitioners have high awareness level on the use of social Networking for entrepreneurship, however highly need improvement skills in the use of social networks for enterprise advertisement and in networking with professionals online for entrepreneurial information. The results of the hypotheses showed that there is a significant difference in the mean ratings of TVET practitioners on the awareness level on social Networking for entrepreneurship and a further post hoc, using Duncan test showed that the source of the difference was from welding enterprise practitioners. However, the study showed that there was no significance difference in the mean responses of the practitioners on the improvement skill needs on networking professionals online for expert entrepreneurial information. The study therefore, recommended that TVET centres should organize training and workshop for TVET Practitioners on the identified improvement Skill needs.
Keywords: TVET Practitioners, Digital Entrepreneurship, Social Networking and TVET practice

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STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME DELIVERY IN NIGERIA.

Adesanya, Emmanuel Olorunleke

Abstract
The level of development that would be witnessed in the agricultural sector of any nation depends on the seriousness with which the agricultural educators and the policy makers holds the delivery of programme in agricultural education. This paper therefore sought to explore the strategies that could be adopted to strengthen the delivery of agricultural education programme in Nigeria. The article adopted a literature review approach. The paper began with brief description of the vital role of agriculture via-a-vis the gloomy situation of the Nigerian agricultural sector. This is interspersed with explanations of some important concepts in the topic after which strategies that could be adopted to strengthened the delivery of agricultural education were fully discussed. Among these are: adoption of supervised practice in the teaching of agriculture at all levels of education; on-the-farm training of students offering agriculture in tertiary institutions; internship for graduates of agriculture; use of modern agricultural equipment in training of students; re-introduction and strengthening of youth organizations or farmers clubs in secondary schools; enacting favourable agricultural policies; regular updating of agricultural teachers knowledge, skills and attitudes; improvement in the use of ICT in teaching agriculture among others. It is the believe of this paper that if the above approaches are adopted in the training of youths and students in agriculture, it could awaken youths interest in agriculture, thus making graduates of agriculture to take up occupations in the agricultural sector thereby boosting food production and economy of the nation.

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TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND AUTOMOBILE COMPANIES FOR ENHANCING SKILL ACQUISITION IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA.

Ajah, A. O., Atsumbe, B. N. & 3Raymond, E.

Abstract
This study focused on the techniques for improving partnership between technical colleges and automobile companies for enhancing skill acquisition in south East, Nigeria. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey design was employed and the population for the study was105 respondents made up of 25automobile company managers, 32 school administrators and 48 MVM teachers and due to the manageable size of population, there was no sampling. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire which was face validated by three experts in Department of Industrial technology education from Federal University of Technology, Minna. A reliability coefficient of 0.86 for the instrument was determined using Cronbach alpha. Data were analysed using mean for the research questions ANOVA for testing the hypothesis at .05 level of significance. The study revealed the following among others, that jointly organizing internship programme seminar, exhibitions, cooperative programme of research and workshops between technical colleges and automobile companies are techniques for improving partnership towards personnel development. Consequently, it was recommended among others that techniques such as using Rehabilitate Operate Transfer (ROT), Build Lease Transfer (BLT) and Build Own Operate Transfer (BOOT) should be utilized in the provision of infrastructures and services in technical colleges of South East, Nigeria.
Keywords: Partnership, Technical College Education, Automobile Companies, Skills Acquisition.

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INTEGRATION OF ICT TOOLS IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR QUALITY INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY.

Ejiofor, T.E., Onu, F.M. Bassey, N.N., Okechukwu, C.F. & Nwoke, R.C.

Abstract
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have become part of individual lives in the 21st century. ICT is often employed to improve the quality of instructional delivery to help in equipping the students with relevant skills and knowledge. This paper stressed on the integration of ICT tools in Agricultural Education Curriculum for Quality Instructional Delivery. The paper dealt with the ICT tools that can be integrated in agricultural education curriculum; ways ICT tools can enhance quality instructional delivery; benefits of integrating ICT in Agricultural education curriculum; challenges of integrating ICT in agricultural education curriculum and strategies for enhancing ICT integration in agricultural education curriculum. Therefore, for effective integration of ICT in agricultural education curriculum, it was recommended that teachers of Agricultural education should be trained periodically; sufficient ICT facilities should be provided; there should be constant power supply; internet services should be enhanced, among others.
Key Words: ICT, Integration, Agricultural Education, Curriculum, Quality and Instructional delivery

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UTILIZATION OF SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ENHANCING THE GROWTH OF SMALL SCALE ENTERPRISES (SSE) IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

Oyinlana, Gbenga O., Agu, Okechukwu N. & Aderoju, John A.

Abstract
This study determined utilization of social media for enhancing the growth of small scale enterprises (SSE). Social media platforms that can enhance mass awareness and patronage of customers were identified and diffusion of innovation theory was used to justify their adoption. The study was carried out in Rivers State, Nigeria using a descriptive survey research. The population was 3,000 entrepreneurs/operators of SSE out of which 250 (active social media users) were selected through purposive sampling technique for the study. A structured questionnaire tagged „Social Media Platforms for SSE Growth (SMPSSEG)‟ with a reliability index of .84 was used as instrument for data collection. Three research questions were answered and analyzed using mean for each questionnaire item. Three null hypotheses were tested using the t-test statistics at probability 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study revealed that Facebook, Google+, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, Tumblr, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Pinterest are among social media platforms that can be utilized to enhance mass awareness and customers‟ patronage for the growth of SSE but only Facebook and WhatsApp were highly utilized. LinkedIn and Instagram were slightly utilized while others were not. The study recommendedat least two trending social media accounts or blogs for official business posts, regularly customers networking, unique ad(s) for business posts with creative attention info, use of special brand name for customers‟ patronage and irresistible offers with good customers engagement forenquiries among others.
Keywords: Utilization, Social Media, Small Scale Enterprises (SSE), Growth.

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SELF INSTRUCTIONAL PACKAGE FOR PROMOTING QUALITY AGRICULTURAL SKILLS ACQUISITION AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ENUGU STATE

Okadi, A. O., Ezebuiro, F. N. & Onah, F. C.

Abstract
This study was designed to determine the effect of Self Instructional Package (SIP) on students‟ academic achievement and interest in agricultural science in Senior Secondary Schools. Two specific purposes, research questions and related null hypotheses were formulated for this study. The pretest, post test, non – equivalent control group, quasi experimental design which involved groups of students in their intact classes assigned to experimental and control groups was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 6,014 Senior Secondary One (SS1) students in Nsukka Education Zone of Enugu State, out of which 378 students were sampled using purposive sampling technique. The instruments used for data collection were Agricultural Science Achievement Test (ASAT) and Agricultural Science Interest Inventory (ASII). To ensure content validity of the ASAT, a table of specification was developed for the test. The lesson plans, ASAT and ASII were subjected to face and content validation by five experts. The ASAT and ASII were trial tested on 20 SS1 students to determine their reliability. The trial test for determining coefficient of stability of the ASAT was carried out using test re-test reliability method. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient of the ASAT was found to be 0.80, while the agricultural science interest inventory was also trial tested and a reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained, meaning that the instrument was reliable. The ASAT and ASII were administered to the subjects before and after the treatment. Data generated were analyzed using mean to answer the research questions, while Analysis of Covariance was used to test the null hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that self instructional package is more effective in improving students‟ achievement and interest in Agricultural science than conventional lecture method. Based on the findings and discussion of the findings, it is concluded that self instructional package has a more positive effects on academic achievement than conventional lecture. It was also found that self instructional package stimulates and retains interest in agricultural science among senior secondary school students. It was recommended that: Teachers should be trained by proprietors, ministry of education and education based nongovernmental organizations on the utilization of self instructional package and other individualized and interactive methods of teaching; while Curriculum planners should integrate self instructional package as instructional delivery method in the curriculum of secondary schools.
Key Words: Self Instructional Package, Agricultural Skills Acquisition, Academic Achievement, Conventional Teaching Methods

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FRANCHISING COMPETENCIES REQUIRED BY PROSPECTIVE UNIVERSITY GRADUATE ENTREPRENEURS FOR OPERATING SMALL SCALE DISTRIBUTION OF INSTANT NOODLES IN AKWA IBOM STATE.

Dr. Asuquo, E.E. & Dr. Olori, G.I.

Abstract
This study investigated franchising competencies required by prospective university graduate entrepreneurs for operating small scale distribution of instant noodles in Akwa Ibom State. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses. The descriptive survey research design was adopted with a population of 24 final year business education students. The entire population was used due to its manageable size. Instrument for data collection was the researchers structured questionnaire that was subjected to face validity by three validates. A reliability coefficient value of .79 was obtained using the Cronbach Alpha Statistic. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation, while the t-test statistic was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance. Findings of the study among others revealed that the development of channel of distribution, managerial and warehousing competencies were required by prospective university graduate entrepreneurs in the distribution of instant noodles in Akwa Ibom State. Based on these findings, it was recommended that prospective university graduate entrepreneurs be exposed to development of various channels of distribution competencies by well researched business education lecturers among others.
Keywords: Franchising, competencies, entrepreneurs, distribution

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IMPROVING FUNDING IN EDUCATION FOR EFFECTIVE ANIMAL HUSBANDRY DELIVERY IN NSUKKA EDUCATION ZONE OF ENUGU STATE.

Omeje, Benedicta A., Ugwuoke, Cajethan U. & Eze, Godwin E.

Abstract
Funds are needed for the procurement of materials and facilities needed for effective delivery of animal husbandry trade in Secondary Schools. Funds can be generated from different sources. The study was aimed at finding ways of improving funding in education for effective animal husbandry delivery in Nsukka Education Zone of Enugu State. Three specific objectives, three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study and were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a survey research design and was conducted in public secondary schools in Nsukka education zone of Enugu State. This education zone comprised of Nsukka, Igbo-Etiti and Uzo-Uwani local government areas. The population of the study was 132. This comprised of all the 73 government employed teachers of Animal Husbandry and 59 school administrators in the 59 Secondary Schools in Nsukka Education Zone. There is no sampling as the entire population was small and manageable. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire with fourpoint response options of Strongly Agree, (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD). The instrument was face validated by three experts from the Department of Agricultural Education, University of Nigeria Nsukka. Reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha method which yielded a coefficient of 0.78. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the three research questions while t-test statistic was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. It was found out that schools can source funds from government grants, school fees, sales of handcraft, parents and teachers association, donation from the philanthropists, among others for effective delivery of animal husbandry. Based on the findings, it was therefore recommended among others that government should improve the budgetary allocation to secondary education with more emphasis on funding animal husbandry trade.
Keywords: Funding, Animal husbandry trade, curriculum, secondary schools

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SUSTAINABLE FUNDING STRATEGIES BY TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR IMPROVING EDUCATION AND SKILL TRAINING IN BENUE STATE

Shimave, Aondohemba G., Kesiki, W. B. & 3Azuaga, C. I.

Abstract
Sustainable funding is a contemporary issue gaining importance, especially in higher institutions in the face of dwindling government funding. In spite of its importance, many tertiary institutions have not creatively keyed into the funding mix to enhance their mandate of education and skill training. The study investigated sustainable funding strategies utilised by tertiary institutions for improving education and skill training in Benue State. 3 research questions guided the study. The population for the study was 182 vocational and technical education lecturers consisting of 47 lecturers from the two public universities and 135 lecturers from the two state colleges of education. A 45 item, 4-point scaled instrument was used for data collection. 109 of the 182 copies of the questionnaire distributed were retrieved and analysed using the mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. It was found that tertiary institutions in the state do not fully utilise available sustainable funding strategies from government, the community, and from internally generated revenue. It was therefore recommended tertiary institutions should: adopt the identified strategies to boost their financial viability for improving skill training; and that government agencies exercising should use the sustainable funding strategies as a template for tertiary institutions to implement on a yearly basis to enhance their capacity to produce graduates with employable skills to stem the nation‟s unemployment.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND DELIVERY METHODS FOR TEACHING COMPUTERBASED FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING IN SOUTH EAST UNIVERSITIES, NIGERIA.

Chukwuma, Joseph N., Uzuagu, Anthonia U. & Nwangwu, Emmanuel C.

Abstract
The study sought to determine computer-based financial accounting learning objectives and instructional delivery methods/techniques for training business education students in south east universities for sustainable employment in the present computer-driven world of work. Descriptive survey design was used. The population was 110 accounting lecturers from Business Education and Accountancy Departments in the federal and state universities in South-eastern Nigeria. There was no sampling as all the population was considered manageable. A Computer-Based Financial Accounting Questionnaire (COBFAQ) was developed and used for data collection. The COBFAQ was subjected to face validation by two accounting lecturers and one Chartered Accountant. Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.88 and 0.87 respectively. The COBFAQ was administered and collected by hand with the help of seven trained assistants whom the researcher nominated from each of the universities. The two research questions that guided the study were answered using mean and standard deviation. A 4- point scale was used to elicit responses from respondents. Real limit of numbers was used to interpret the mean scores. The study revealed that students‟ ability to boot a computer; input transactional data for processing; produce output and shut down; auto-create stock accounts and auto-update them with purchases/sales data; classify accounts by class and auto-pass debit/credit entries to them correctly; differentiate between cash and credit purchases and sales and auto-pass debit and credit entries to their ledger accounts; classify business receipts and payments (private/capital/revenue) in cash/cheques and auto-pass entries to their ledgers; view auto-generated trial balance; view autoprepared trading, profit and loss account, among others, are the learning objectives considered appropriate for Computer-based Financial Accounting. Also it was found out that discussion, lecture, demonstration, simulation, user guide and power point presentation are the instructional methods and techniques that could be utilized for teaching the COBFA. Based on the findings, it was, therefore, recommended that the Curriculum Development arm of Regulatory Body for Nigerian universities should use the discovered learning objectives and instructional methods to integrate computer-based financial accounting into the Business Education programme of Universities. The Government on her part, should provide special intervention fund to Universities offering Business Education programme to enable them procure all the hardware and trained human resources needed to fully implement all aspects of computer-based financial accounting instruction.

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EFFECTS OF WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN INCOME GENERATING ACTIVITIES ON WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN UMUAHIA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ABIA STATE.

Okengwu, Mary C. & Emelogu, Ngozi U.

Abstract
This paper examines the effects of women participation in income generating activities on their empowerment in Umuahia North L.G.A of Abia State. The study sought to find out the extent to which women have access to capital for engagement in income generating activities and the extent to which women are economically empowered through their participation in income generating activities. The descriptive survey was conducted with the population of 400 registered women from 8 organizations that are involved in income generating activities. The entire population was used for the study as it was not too large. A 22 item structured instrument developed by the researchers was used for data collection. The data collected were analyzed using weighted mean. The study revealed that only few women have access to capital from formal lending institutions most of them depend on personal savings or other informal sources. The study also revealed that there is low participation of women in income generating activities thereby hindering their economic empowerment. It was recommended among others that Abia State government and other stakeholders should enact laws and policies that will abolish artificial and institutional barriers that inhibit women participation in economic activities.
Keywords: Empowerment, Women Empowerment, Economic Participation, Access to Capital

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EFFECT OF BLENDED LEARNING SYSTEM IN TEACHING AND LEARNING ROBOTICS EDUCATION IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN ENUGU STATE.

Ehujuo, A. I., Ugwu, E. I., Obichili, O. I. & Ugwoke, C. K.

Abstract
The study focused on the effect of blended learning system in teaching and learning robotics education in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State. Specifically, this study sought to determine: The effect of blended learning system and lecture method on students‟ academic achievement in robotics education, the effect of blended learning system and lecture method on students‟ interest in robotics education, the effect of gender on students‟ academic achievement in the use of blended learning system to teach robotics education, and the effect of gender on students‟ interest in the use of blended learning system to teach robotics education. Four research questions and four null hypotheses guided the study. The population for the study was 23 second year students of the Department of Computer and Robotics Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Robotics Education Achievement Test (REAT) and Robotics Education Interest Scale (REIS) was the instrument used for data collection. The REAT consists of 10 multiple choice items while, REIS consists of 10 items interest scale. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviationwhile, ANCOVA was used to test the four null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed the following: effect of blended learning system on students‟ achievement in robotics education is higher than the effect of lecture method, mean scores of blended learning system on students‟ interest in robotics education is higher than the mean score of lecture method, and among others. Recommendations were made which includes: the technology used for the online learning must shift content and instruction to students‟ control in at least some way for it to qualify as blended learning from the student‟s perspective, rather than just the use of digital tools from the classroom teacher‟s perspective and among others.
Key words: blended learning system, teaching, learning, robotics education

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EMERGING TECHNOLOGY SKILLS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION REQUIRED BY LECTURERS OF COLLEGES OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) IN NIGERIA.

Ekemezie, V. U., Okereke, G. K. O. , Omeje, H. O. & Prof. S.C.O.A. Ezeji

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to determine the emerging technology skills in Building Construction required by lecturers of Colleges of Education (Technical) in Nigeria. Two specific purposes and two research questions guided the study. The area of the study is South Eastern Nigeria. The population for the study was 134 which comprised of all the 20 building technology teachers in 3 colleges of education technical and 114 building industry personnel from reputable building construction companies in South East Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study, whereas structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The research questions were answered with descriptive statistical tools of Mean. While two null hypotheses were tested using t-test at 0.05 level of significance. It was found that Building Technology is experiencing a paradigm shift today in Nigeria, gap exist in the College of Education (Technical) curriculum. Emerging technologies have changed the designs/concepts development, building materials, building construction methods and building policy issues. That Building Technology teachers need training on Pop- wall/ceiling screeding, wall tiling amongst others. Based on the findings, it was concluded that some emerging technologies like modern design concepts, plaster of Paris wall and ceiling screeding and wall tiling need to be integrated into building technology programme of colleges of education (technical) in order to close lapses in the curriculum, and teachers trained on the new technologies to balance the revolution effect. It was recommended that NCCE should integrate the identified emerging technologies and training institutions should retrain the building technology teachers on the new technological trends.
Keywords: Technology, emerging technology, building, colleges of education, technical education.

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ELECTRONIC ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM ADOPTION BY SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS.

Ikeh, E. U., Onyeka, F. N. & Okanazu, O. O.

Abstract
This study investigated impact problems and prospect of Electronic Accounting Information System (EAIS) Adoption by SMEs in Anambra State, Nigeria. The research design used for the study was descriptive survey. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study was 2726 registered SMEs in Anambra State; Stratified random sampling was used to obtain the sample size of 400 using Taro Yamane's formula. The instrument titled Electronic Accounting Information System for SMEs (EAISSME) which was designed by the researchers was used to sought for information from the respondents. The instrument was face validated by three experts in the Business Education Department; University of Nigeria Nsukka was used to collect data from SMEs Managers in Anambra State. Out of 400 questionnaires distributed 63 firms indicated not using EAIS and were excluded. The total number of questionnaire analyzed was 337 which were about 84% of the total population was analyzed using Mean and standard deviation while t-test statistic was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance and at 335 degree of freedom. The reliability co-efficient was found to be .73 using Cronbach Alpha reliability method. The result showed that the use of EAIS increases efficiency of SMEs and that lack of skilled personnel and high cost of skilled manpower, software packages and insecurity of accounting information are the major challenges to the use of EAIS by SMEs in Anambra State, Nigeria. Also the finding revealed that the possible solution to the identified problems includes among others organization of annual work shop for practicing accountants by business educators and collaboration between computer engineering and business education departments, use of EAIS application software as instructional material.
Keywords: Electronic Accounting Information System (EAIS), Accounting Information Management, Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SMEs).

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EVALUATION OF ACADEMIC TECHNOLOGISTS IN THE SUPERVISED INDUSTRIAL TRIANING SCHEME IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION IN NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES.

Ezeama, A. O., Obe, P.I., Egbuhuzor, O.M. & Ede, E.O.

Abstract
The study was carried out in nine Universities in the South East where engineering courses are offered. A total of 80 Academic Technologists comprise the population of the study. Two research questions were raised and two null hypotheses tested at 0.05 and 0.01significance levels guided the study. A structured questionnaire was used for the study and competency test carried out with twentyfive engineering students in nine of the Universities evaluating in each of the universities an average of four academic technologists. The instrument was validated by five experts and modifications were made in the instrument according to their recommendations. A two- way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the data analysis. The results revealed that the efficiencies of the academic technologistsin participating in the supervised industrial training scheme in engineering (SITSIE) practice with students because at 1% level of significance, the F-cal was 0.04 and F-tab was 8.65 but differ in performances on various systems because at 1% level of significance, the F-cal was 7.38 and F-tab was 7.01. The paper concluded that SITSIE is important for the training of fresh and young engineering graduates as it equips them with skill in their engineering practice with the assistance academic technologists.
Key words: Industrial Training, Engineering Education, Evaluation, Academic Technologists.

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ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS' AREAS OF DIFFICULTY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING OF BASIC TECHNOLOGY IN OSUN STATE.

Oyundoyin, Peter Olusegun & Uduak, Timothy Akpan

Abstract
This study determined the students‟ areas of difficulty in teaching and learning of Basic Technology in Osun State to address poor performance of students in Basic Technology. A descriptive survey research was used to carry out the study with a population of 3,720 (3600 students and 120 Basic Technology teachers). A simple random sampling technique was used to select 600 respondents (540 students and 60 Basic Technology teachers). A structured questionnaire tagged „Students‟ Areas of Difficulty in Teaching and Learning of Basic Technology (SADTLBT) questionnaire was developed after review of relevant literature to elicit responses from the respondents. The reliability of the instrument was .76 using Cronbach Alpha technique. Two research questions were answered in line with the purpose of the study using mean to analyse them and two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance using t-test. The findings of the studyrevealed thatmetalwork machines and metal joining; basic electronic devices and emission theory; transmission, distribution and utilization of electricity; basic electric communication, simple electrical wiring tools and materials; simple blue print reading, foundation wall among others are students‟ areas of difficulty. The study recommended that Basic Technology students should be taught how to improve their self-confidence and conceptualize terms or topics that are perceived difficult. Students should be motivated with adequate quality instructional materials/resources for effective learning and better performance.
Key Words: Assessment, Areas of Difficulty, Teaching and Learning, Basic Technology.

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AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF E-LEARNING IN COMPUTER EDUCATION PROGRAMME FOR INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION.

Nnadi, H. S, Okpe, J. O, Kanu, E. J, Ugwu, U. U & Okpala C. B

Abstract
This study was carried out to ascertain the availability and extent of utilization of e-learning in Computer Education programme for instructional delivery. Three research questions and one null hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research approach. The population for the study was 22 lecturers. This comprised of 13 male and 9 female lecturers from the Department of Computer Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and Department of Computer Education, The College of Education Nsukka. No sampling was done since the population size was considered manageable by the researchers. The instrument used for the study is a structured questionnaire of 4-point rating scale type made up 33 questionnaire items. The instrument was validated by three experts from the department of Computer and Robotics Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Data collected was analyzed using percentage, mean, and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while t-test for independent samples was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings on the research question one indicated availability of 2 e-learning tools such as computers and projectors out of 10 items while others are such as radio, Television among others are not adequately available, The findings on the research question two indicated that all the 10 items were moderately utilized which included computers and printers among others, The findings on the research question three indicated that 12 out 13 items were accepted as a barrier to e-learning utilization and these included inadequate skilled lecturers and poor power supply, among others while the findings on testing the hypothesis indicated that there is no significance difference in the mean ratings of the responses of male and female lecturers on the extent of utilization of e-learning in Computer Education programme for instruction delivery. It was recommended among others that, Lecturers should be sent for in-service training, seminars and workshops on how to incorporate e-learning mode of instruction to their teaching-learning processes.
Keywords: E-learning, Instructional Delivery, Information and Communication Technology, Computer Education

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR IMPROVING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHERS IN NIGERIAN TECHNICAL COLLEGES.

Ike, Joshua O., Akpokiniovo, Duke E., Opeyemi, Odewale & Chikwendu Chukwunonso

Abstract
The study focused on finding out the impact of professional development programme for improving the effectiveness of teachers in Nigerian technical colleges. The study was carried out in some selected Government Technical Colleges in Abia, Enugu and Anambra States. Two purposes of the study were stated to guide the study. The population for the study was 500 automobile/electrical installation trade teachers in the study area. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 110 teachers of automobile mechanics/electrical installation trades and was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire developed from literature review and was validated by three experts from the Department of Industrial Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The questionnaire was administered on 110 automobile mechanics/electrical installation teachers from Abia, Enugu and Anambra States, and was retrieved and analyzed using mean. The study revealed among others that the developed re-training programme impacted positively on the ICTs usage and enhanced the teachers‟ technical skills in teaching and learning process. Recommendations were given based on the findings from the study.

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CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES: MISSING TOPIC IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ANIMAL HUSBANDRY CURRICULUM IN NIGERIA.

Ali Christian C., Okwo Chinyere R., Nwakile, Toochukwu C. & Ejiofor, Tochukwu E.

Abstract
The study was carried out to identify objectives, contents of climate change issues to be integrated into the senior secondary school animal husbandry curriculum as well as teaching and evaluation methods that could be used by teachers in Nigeria. Four research questions were answered by the study while four null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 73 comprising of 46 teachers of and 27 extension agents. A 67-item structured questionnaire developed from literature was used for data collection. The questionnaire items were face-validated by three experts while Cronbach alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency of the items which yielded .85. The copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents with the help of two research assistants. Weighted mean was used to answer the research questions while ttest statistic was used to test the null hypotheses at .05 level of significance at 71 degrees of freedom. The findings of the study revealed that 13 objectives and contents needed to be infused into the animal husbandry curriculum, 22 teaching methods for teaching of the contents and 17 evaluation methods for student‟s assessment. The study showed that there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in the mean responses of agricultural science teachers and extension agents on each item in the objectives and content of climate change issues to be integrated, teaching and evaluation methods. The study recommended among others that the identified objectives and contents be infused into animal husbandry curriculum while the teaching and evaluation methods be utilized by teachers for teaching and assessing students in climate change issues integrated into animal husbandry curriculum in Nigeria.
Keywords: Climate Change, Curriculum, Secondary School, Animal Husbandry,Integration

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CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (TVET) TOWARDS SOCIO-ECONOMIC NEEDS OF NIGERIA IN THE 21ST CENTURY.

Lawani, Bridget Aladi & Lawani, Sunday Ameh

Abstract
Nigeria is experiencing myriad of challenges in educational administration and policy implementation. These challenges seem to be more pronounced in technical and vocational education sector which is unfortunately capital-intensive in nature whose aim is directed towards a national pool of skilled and self-reliant craftsmen, technicians and technologists in technical and vocational education fields. The neglect of technical and vocational education in Nigeria is making it difficult for the country to meet the desired manpower needs for technological growth and socio- economic development. The training of technical personnel has witnessed many challenges ranging from policies which have no bearing with our problem, curriculum that has no relationship with workplace and social needs, embezzlement of funds meant for education development purposes, lack of teacher motivation, inadequate facilities, inadequate funding, brain drain, poor staff training, bribery and corruption. This paper focused on issues relating to challenges and prospects of TVET in Nigeria and to suggest ways of improving the teaching of technical and vocational education with great interest and enthusiasm.

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EFFECT OF COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION ON TECHNICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND INTEREST IN METALWORK TECHNOLOGY IN ENUGU STATE.

Dr. Nwaodo, S.I., Asogwa, J.O., Chiamogu, C.C., Dr. Ogbonna, G.N. & Prof. E.O. Ede

Abstract
The study was carried out to determine the effect of computer assisted instruction on the academic achievement and interest of the students in metalwork technology in technical colleges in Enugu State. Two research questions were investigated by the study and two hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. A quasi nonrandomized control group, pretest-posttest design was used. The population for the study was 298 second year metalwork students in six technical colleges in Enugu State. The instruments used for data collection were metalwork achievement test and interest inventory. Two research questions were posed and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data for answering research questions while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses of no significant difference at 0.05 level of significance. It was found out that the students taught with Computer Assisted Instruction had higher mean posttest scores in the metalwork achievement test than those taught with traditional method of teaching. Based on this finding, it was recommended that metalwork teachers should always incorporate in their teaching, the use of computer assisted instruction. This will enhance their knowledge of metalwork technology.

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EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS AND LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE OF PRE-SERVICE SECRETARIES IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), AKOKA, YABA, LAGOS.

Nwosu, E. Nancy (Mrs.) MABEN

Abstract
The study examined employability skills and level of performance of pre-service secretaries in Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Yaba, Lagos. In an attempt to achieve the objectives of this study, three research questions were formulated for study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design with the population which covered all the 120 pre-service secretaries (final year students) in OTM department, Federal College of Education (Technical), Akoka, Yaba, Lagos from which 50 participants were selected through simple random sampling technique. Structure questionnaire was used to collect data for the study during working hours. All the data collected were analyzed using frequency count, mean and standard deviation so as to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that most of the preservice secretaries lack some important employability skills in OTM some of which include critical thinking to aid decisionmaking, regularly changing of attitude to work due to pressure and writing of the minutes of the meeting which of course lower their job performance. The study recommended that, workshop and seminar on employability skills required by employers of labour should be provided to final year students. Also, on-the-job training should be provided for practicing secretaries to upgrade their skills on the job so as to meet the employers demand effectively and as such become relevant to the world work.
Keywords: Secretaries, Employability Skills, and Job Performance

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PHYSIC NUT (Jatropha Curcas) EXTRACTS AS VIABLE BIO-PESTICIDES IN GRAIN STORAGE FOR GREENING THE ENVIRONMENT.

Ameh, I. H., Ifeanyieze, F. O. & Ikehi, M. E.

Abstract
In recent times, the need to control pests through economic and eco-friendly ways have given rise to the investigation of pesticides of natural sources, especially those of plant origin with the aim of greening the environment by reducing harmful residues during pest control. Some of the plants of interest have bioactive compounds that are insecticidal to some insects, thus offering protection against grain-crop damages. The interest in the use of physic nut (Jatropha curcas) as a biopesticide against weevil attack on grains is based on its benefits such as being widely available and cultivatable, costfriendly, target specific, safe to non-target organism and the need to replace the use of synthetic pesticides in controlling insect-pests of grain-crops with eco-friendly alternative. However, bio-pesticides usage in Nigeria and some nations has not been given serious consideration as a means of pest control while focusing on greening the environment. The study discussed challenges synthetic pesticides present, bio-pesticides as means of greening the environment, the advantages physic nut offers as a bio-pesticide, and method of preparing physic nut seed powder as bio-pesticide. Recommendations were made in line with the discussion.
Keywords: Physic nut, Pest control, Synthetic pesticide, Bio-pesticide, Greening environment

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IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF TRADE/ENTREPRENEURIAL SUBJECTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: A PANACEA FOR PERVASIVE MEDIOCRITY AND UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG NIGERIAN YOUTHS.

Adelakun, Oluniyi A. Igrubia, Victor & Prof. Anaele Edmond O.

Abstract
This study was conducted to determine how to improve the quality of trade/entrepreneurial subjects in secondary schools to address the pervasive mediocrity and unemployment among Nigerian youths. To achieve this, the study adopted descriptive survey research design. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study was 147 made up of 63 administrators from the Federal and the State Ministries of Education and 84 trade/entrepreneurial subjects‟ teachers in secondary schools in the South-west, South-east and South-south geo-political zones of Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire based on fivepoint Likert scale. The instrument was validated by three experts and Cronbach Alpha was used to establish the internal consistency which yielded a coefficient of 0.79. The data collected were analysed using mean values. A mean of 3.5 and above were accepted while any mean less than 3.5 was rejected. The findings of the study revealed that to improve the quality of trade/entrepreneurial subjectsin secondary schools; there is the need for enhancement in the implementation. This will foster steady economic growth and drastically reduce unemployment such that every graduating student would have a trade to do even if the individual could not further in educational career engagement. It was recommended that government should increase funding of the programme, provide basic facilities, provide incentives to encourage entrepreneurs and ensure regular evaluation and improvement of trade/entrepreneurship programme.
Keywords: Secondary school, Mediocrity, Unemployment, Trade/Entrepreneurship, Implementation, Nigerian Youths

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ATTITUDE OF STUDENTS TOWARDS THE STUDY OF AGRICULTURE IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, NIGERIA.

Dr. David N. Dumbiri, Amos, E. Enahoro & Vivian O. Idusogie

Abstract
This paper looked at the attitude of students towards the study of agriculture in University of Benin. The main purpose of the study is to assess students‟ attitude towards the study of agriculture in university. Four specific purposes and four research questions guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 506 which consist of students of agriculture at the University of Benin, 105 students comprising 15students in each of the seven departments offering agriculture related courses namely; Crop Science, Animal Science, Forestry & Wildlife, Agriculture Economics and Extension, Fisheries, Soil Science as well as Agriculture Education option of the Department of Vocational & Technical Education were sampled randomly.A 20 items structured questionnaire was used for data collection; this was validated by three experts two in the Department of Vocational and Technical Education and one in Measurement and Evaluation at University of Benin. Cronbach alpha was used in deciding the reliability of the instrument and this yielded a coefficient of 0.68. The data collected was analysed using mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that students‟ attitude towards agriculture are not very encouraging, most students see agriculture as not having good image in the society, they also agreed that agriculture is not accorded same pride of place like Medicine, Law and Engineering among others. In conclusion, the poor image of those involved in agriculture should be change and agriculture should be given its pride of place through massive investment in the area by all stakeholders. It was therefore recommended that graduates of agriculture should be encouraged by granting them soft loans to practice; professionals should raise awareness on career opportunity in agriculture and modern/mechanized equipment should be provided for study and practice of agriculture.
Keywords: Agriculture, Student‟s attitude, Food Security

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EFFECTS OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY ACCESSIBLE LEARNING OBJECTS ON STUDENTS' COGNITIVE ACHIEVEMENT IN NATURAL SCIENCE AND METAL WORK TECHNOLOGY.

Ogwo, Benjamin A. Ezekoye, Benadeth N. Olaitan, Oluwale O. Akanaeme, Florence I. & Ubachukwu, Patience O.

Abstract
Digitaltechnologies of various forms are increasingly integrated into instructional delivery. These digital materials such as Learning Objects (LOs) are widely used by instructors without empirical basis on their effects on learning. Thus, this study sought to assess the instructional effects of LOs on students‟ low, middle and high cognitive competencies in natural science and metalwork technology courses. The study was guided by one research question and a hypothesis. It adopted the quasiexperimental design of non-randomized intact groups of all year one students that offer the course from Industrial Technical Education and Food Science & Technology, at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The population for the study was 61. This consists of 26 natural science students and 35 metalwork technology students. Validated instruments referred to as Natural Science II Achievement Test (NASAT) and Metal Work I Achievement Test (MWAT) were used for data collection. The treatment for the experimental group consisted of teaching metal work contents using LOs accessed from the laptop computer (tablet PC) for 12 weeks while the control group was used the typical conventional method of teaching and learning as well as LOs. The pre and post - tests data were analysed using mean to answer the research questions, while one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null hypothesis at .05 statistical level of significance. The study revealed that the LOs accessed from the laptop was effective in improving the students‟ low, middle and high cognitive competencies in natural science and metalwork technology. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean achievement scores of the control and experimental groups on their performances in lower, middle and high levels cognitive competencies in science and metalwork technology courses as a result of using LOs accessed from the laptop. This implies that LOs, when used in both conventional and mobile-based learning environments, were effective in enhancing students‟ cognitive achievement in natural science and metalwork technology. As a result, the study recommended that curriculum planners should develop an appropriate curriculum that incorporates LOs and computers for teaching and learning of science and technical education courses. Thus the study concludes that the integration of mobile technology accessible LOs would enhance the attainment of higher order cognitive instructional objectives.
Keywords: Mobile Technology; Learning Objects, Students‟ Cognitive Achievement in Natural Science and Metal Work Technology; Quality Instruction.

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