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To improve ICT processes and basic IT education of information professionals.

The study population comprised 55 respondents from seven higher institutions in the South‐South Geo‐Political Zone of Nigeria.

Quick and easy access to information is facilitated by information and communication technologies. The essence of the training programme is to enable the participants to make effective use of ICT. There are problems inherent in an intense programme such as this where participants probably had difficulty absorbing information before moving on to the next module or course. An ambitious project this was but intensity may have been overwhelming.

Many things contribute to the success of the programme as well as to the weaknesses. Surveying participants helps to revise the programme for subsequent training and make improvements.

Training is badly needed and this kind of experience confirms and justifies the need. This write‐up builds on the logistics more than the curriculum content and that too contributes to the success and limitations of such a programme.

This study aims to examine the present trend of academic libraries consortia and the likely ways to improve on the development of consortia in Nigeria.

The study adopted the descriptive survey method. It covers four selected academic libraries in the north and eastern parts of Nigeria. A questionnaire entitled “Library Consortia in Nigerian Universities Questionnaire (LCNUQ)” was designed to collect data for the study.

The study revealed that academic libraries in Nigeria have not fully embraced library consortia, as only two out of the four academic libraries surveyed have functioning library consortia. The paper shows that none of the libraries surveyed have collection development policies on e-resources, as well as union catalogues and interlibrary networking. It also reveals some likely ways of improving library consortia to include: jointly budgeting, increased funding and collective and compulsory development of interlibrary networking and union catalogues among university libraries within the country.

The study will encourage librarians and library management in developing countries to embrace and facilitate the development of library consortia.

The paper reveals the present trend of library consortia in Nigeria. Therefore, the findings may be of help to librarians, university administrators and government to build and improve on the development of library consortia in Nigeria and other developing countries.

Research on the demographic characteristics of top management team (TMT) on e-commerce adoption has really advanced. Although some of such studies factored location factors as e-commerce adoption drivers, rare attempts have been made to unravel if the differences in the demographic composition of TMT and the rate of adoption may be explained by the differences in the firm’s geographical location. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to bridge this knowledge gap by proposing a framework that conceives and measures geographical location as a contextual variable between e-commerce adoption and TMT composition.

Data were generated from the opinions of owners/managers of 226 SMEs drawn purposefully from registered SMEs in five industries located in three geo-political zones of Nigeria. Two cities (a state capital and a commercial nerve centre) were studied and a four-step hierarchical regression (spanning factor-loading) was used to test the hypotheses.

Evidence from the study shows that the hypothesized relationships between demographic factors and e-commerce adoption (main/direct effects) were statistically significant (supporting H1-H4). The two moderators (physical infrastructures and industrial specialization) that explained location factors were equally statistically significant in moderating the relationship between the demographic composition of TMT and e-commerce adoption.

Sampling the opinions of SMEs in some industries of three geo-political zones of Nigeria limits the power of generalization. Therefore, extended data and measures are required to replicate the study in order to build external validity and reliability, and possibly theories. Further, some errors seem unavoidable in the course of converting the data through SPSS procedure just as all the measures used appear subjective and prone to common method bias. Other demographic and location factors not captured in the study may be handled by future studies.

The work will be of benefit to the academia and practitioners in terms of showing how location factors dictate the relationship between the demographic composition of top management and e-commerce adoption. The paper raises pointers that stimulate future research and advised policy-makers on even or near-even distribution of infrastructural facilities.

This chapter examines the dynamics of the Boko Haram insurgency in northeastern Nigeria and its effects on higher education in Nigeria. Insurgency has affected all the nook and crannies of northern Nigeria and has gone unabated, owing particularly to the institutional framework adopted to manage peace and resolve the conflict with severe implication on higher education in the region. Insurgency has caused catastrophic humanitarian crises through widespread infrastructural devastation, and massive dislocations and losses of human life. The incidence of insurrections, insurgencies, and counter insurgency activities in each of the conflict clusters in the northeast geo-political zone of Nigeria has been associated with widespread human insecurity and displacement of populations. Using both primary and secondary methods of data collection, the chapter examines how the role of government and policies has become central to educational development in the country. It also shows the extent to which the activities of the Boko Haram insurgency have affected students’ school enrolment and performance in northeastern Nigeria. The chapter further examines internally displaced persons (IDPs) and access to education in northeastern Nigeria and interrogates the role of the Nigerian state and agencies responsible for the management of IDPs in meeting their education needs in camps. It also examines the extent to which stakeholders in the management of IDPs have gone in initiating policies and programs that promotes access to education in IDP camps in northeast Nigeria. It concludes that the number of schools available in the conflict spots has reportedly been reduced because of the fact they are now occupied by IDPs. Most of the students in high school as well as universities in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states have had their opportunities for higher education severely constrained. The chapter recommends among others that protection of staff, students, and education workers working in the northeast region is imperative. In order to do so successfully, changes must be effected in the provisions contained in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that relate to the management of IDPs.

The purpose of this paper is to determine the barriers to the adoption of value management (VM) in the construction industry of developing countries with a view to providing possible measures in avoiding these barriers and increasing the usage of the system within the construction industry.

The level of knowledge and adoption of VM practices, as well as the barriers to its adoption in the construction industry were assessed through a survey design. Construction professionals were sampled from the six geo-political zones in Nigeria through the use of a structured questionnaire. Factor analysis was conducted on data gathered on the barriers of VM.

The study revealed a moderate level of knowledge of VM among construction professionals. This implies that the problem of VM is not that of awareness, but readiness to adopt the system. The study also reveals that the barriers to the adoption of VM can be categorised under the general stakeholder’s barriers, training and education barriers, client barriers and government/top management barriers.

This study was conducted across the six geo-political zones of the country as against common practice of selecting a particular region or states to represent the entire country. The findings therefore show a true reflection of the barriers to VM adoption in the country and its recommendations can to a large extent promote the adoption of VM in the country and also other developing countries where construction projects are executed through similar method, style and approach.

This paper highlights the possible barriers to the adoption of VM in Nigeria construction industry and provides ways to avoiding these barriers in order to achieve better quality construction and value for money.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence the adoption of private finance initiatives (PFIs) for infrastructure projects in tertiary institutions of learning. It also determines the relationship between the levels of awareness, years of experience and the identified factors.

Data for this study were gathered from administration of questionnaires. The instruments were administered after validation on the stakeholders in the concerned departments. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive, cluster and correlation analyses.

There is a high level of awareness and experience in public private partnerships (PPPs) among the respondents on the initiative. It is found that nature of project, risk involvement and the technical capabilities are the three most influential factors. There is correlation between the identified factors. There is also a significant relationship between the respondents’ years of experience in PPP and “technical capabilities factors.”

The study is limited to four selected public tertiary institutions in a single geo-political zone (six states) in southwestern Nigeria, out of four geo-political zones in Nigeria. Southwestern Nigeria is a major zone where tertiary institutions embrace PPP/PFIs initiative.

Empirically, PPPs in the educational sector of a developing economy have been explored and consequently implied that there is a relationship among the factors that determine the adoption of PPP. Hence, findings would be useful for the policy makers and stakeholders on decision relating to infrastructure provision in tertiary institutions.

This study is one of the few empirical studies in relation to educational sector in developing/emerging economies on the subject of PPP/PFIs for infrastructure projects.

This study aims to explore possible ways to promote uptake and integration of climate-smart agriculture (CSA)-Technologies, Innovations and Management Practices (TIMPS) into policy and practice in Nigeria through the development of actionable roadmaps to facilitate the process.

Two hundred and fifty-two stakeholders for the policy discourse and survey were purposively drawn from both government and private agencies, NGOs and community-based associations from the six geo-political zones of the country. Data collection was done using a mixed method comprising questionnaire administration, in-depth interviews and panel discussion. Data collected was summarised using descriptive statistics.

The major findings were lack of existing policies on CSA, lack of farmers’ awareness of CSA-TIMPs, neglect of extension programmes that can help to enlighten farmers on the importance of CSA and insufficient extension personnel to cater for farmers’ needs. Challenges to CSA-TIMPs uptake in Nigeria were: insufficient funding and support by government in programme planning and implementation, policy inconsistencies and poor farmers’ attitude and resistance to change.

This research will facilitate CSA uptake and integration through the provision of data for informed decision and action by the responsible agencies.

Suggested actionable roadmaps across the zones were robust awareness campaign and advocacy on uptake of CSA-TIMPs through e-extension, community TV/radio in local dialects; revitalisation of policy programmes such as monthly meetings should be reintroduced and creation of CSA Departments/Stations in each state; increased budget allocation to a minimum of 10% for agriculture, revitalisation of Researchers-Extension Agents-Farmers Linkage, employment of qualified extension agents and retraining of extension agents.

Rice processing, an important feature in rice production involving the transformation of harvested paddy into edible rice, is dependent on the type of rice processing techniques used. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the choice of processing techniques among rice processors in Nigeria.

The study was carried out in Nigeria using structured questionnaires among 410 rice processors selected from four states (Ebonyi, Ekiti, Ogun and Nasarawa) from three geo-political zones (Southeast, Southwest and North-central) of Nigeria. Information on socio-economic characteristics (age, sex, household size, marital status and education) and processing characteristics (experience, paddy source, processing activities, processing techniques, credit and distance) were obtained. Data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression model at 0.05.

The mean age of processors was 47.8±9.9 years, mean household size was 6.5±4.2 persons and 88.7 percent were married. In total, 73.6 percent had formal education and mean years of experience was 16.4±9.2 years. Main processing activities were parboiling and drying (50.0 percent); milling (40.0 percent); and de-stoning (10.0 percent). In all, 65.7, 20.4 and 13.9 percent used traditional and modern techniques (TMTs), traditional techniques (TTs) and purely modern techniques (PMTs), respectively. The probability of choice of TT relative to TMT reduced by years of education (4.5 percent), paddy source (1.8 percent) and distance to processing center (4.4 percent), while probability of choice of PMT relative to TMT increased for male processors (7.3 percent), membership of association(18.0 percent) and other income sources (6.2 percent).

Level of education of processors and reduction in the distance taken to paddy source reduced choice of TTs.

Other income sources increased the choice of PMTs of rice processing in Nigeria.

Processors with high level of education, who also engage in other income generating activities, were able to choose modern processing techniques.

This research was an original research carried out among rice processors in Nigeria.

This study explores how career training with mentoring (CTM) programs work in Nigerian higher education (HE) institutions to foster students' career development and employability of graduates. It also explores how Nigerian HE curriculum can be adequately used to facilitate CTM as well as possible constraints to effective implementation of CTM programs in Nigerian HE institutions.

The study draws on interviews with well-qualified and experienced experts from six Nigerian public universities (each from the 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria), and 20 industries also within the same 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria that were selected for this study using a purposeful sampling technique. The study interviewed 33 experts comprising 21 senior academics at Nigerian universities and 12 industry executives to reveal substantial information about CTM programs in Nigerian HE institutions.

Drawing on the three key themes that emerged during the thematic analysis and linked to social cognitive career theory, it is clear that participants are convinced that CTM can enhance clarity about students' career ambitions, career interests, personal development plans and employability. Findings show that there are some career-related programs or activities that Nigerian HE students are presented with, but the programs have not been effective as to offer graduates quality career guidance and employability skills that employers demand. Acknowledging these, participants recommend establishing CTM centres in all Nigerian HE institutions to provide students with the opportunity to receive quality career advice, coaching and mentoring services while schooling.

The findings of this study shed light on varying resources required to cope with the demands of labour market in terms of supply of competent workforce that can contribute to Nigeria's economic growth and development. The findings are highly relevant for Nigeria and other developing countries' policy and research initiatives that aim to promote social inclusion and equity and improve better working conditions for all. The findings also have implications for career development and employability of HE graduates in developing world context.

Understanding the role that CTM programs can play in facilitating career development and graduate employability can arguably be of importance within the developing world context. This study, therefore, provides significant suggestions on how to build sustained HEIs and labour market partnership to foster career development and employability of HE graduates through establishing CTM centres in every Nigerian HE institutions.

The purpose of this study is to unravel the changing nature of climate change impact on the food and human security sector of the Nigerian State.

This study is an in-depth case study that involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative data. Statistical data on climate variability in Nigeria obtained from reliable databases were use in the making of analysis. Also, data derived from semi-structure interviews and special reports from International Non-governmental organizations on the subject matter were also used in the study. The findings of the study were based on an in-depth analysis of both primary and secondary sources of data. The secondary data were derived from existing published academic works. The primary data was developed using qualitative data that were collected from January to November, 2018 to 2019 in the different regions of Nigeria. For the South East, primary data was collected from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. In the South-South, primary data was collected from Asaba, Delta State. In the South West, primary data was collected from Barutin, Kwara State. In the North East, primary data was collected from Maiduguri, while in North West, data was collected from Gusau, Zamfara State. In the North Central, data was collected from Markurdi, Benue State. During the data collection, 48 semi-structured Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were carried out in the six selected research areas that represented their geo-political zones. Six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were carried out, one for each of these six selected cities. Each of the Focus Group Discussions comprised between five and seven respondents. The idea of KIIs and FGDs is to allow the respondents to freely express their ideas comprehensively. Again, in other to get varied forms of responses, the respondents are mainly farmers however, a number of NGOs, civil servants, fertilizer sellers, government officials, transporters and aged men and women/retirees. It should be noted that the respondents cut across male and female gender of all ages and ethnic configuration. The respondents were also randomly selected through social networking. To avoid having people of similar The KIIs were three academics; two community leaders; two small scale fish farmers; rice, cassava, fish, livestock and crop farmers. All KIIs ad TIs were transcribed and analysed using thematic content analysis.

The findings revealed that climate change has negatively affected food security in Nigeria. it has also led to continuous armed confrontations over natural resources thereby undermining human security in the country.

This study is 100% original and can be assessed through turn it in evaluation.