COOU Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies

Government Fiscal Deficits And Exchange Rate Variations In Nigeria, 1970-2013

Emmanuel Umeora, Vincent Ezeabasili — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the effects of government fiscal deficits on real exchange rate variations in Nigeria. The period covered by the study is 1970-2013. Secondary data sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin were used. Preliminary statistical tests were carried out using the techniques of Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Philip-Peron (P-P). These tests established the existence of unit root among the variables. The Johansson cointegration technique was used to confirm that the variables have long-run relationship. After these preliminary tests, two stage- least -squares (2-SLS) regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis. The results obtained show that government fiscal deficits have insignificant but positive effect on exchange rates and balance of payments. The study recommended that government should reduce fiscal deficits to improve exchange rate variations or ensure that the deficits are for projects with positive NPV in order to stabilize the macro economy through adherence to the fiscal responsibility.

Restoration Of The Neglected Green Spaces In Owerri Urban -The Case Of Aladinma Estate And Emmanuel College Layouts In Owerri Urban

Ndidi Okolo — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

A well-balanced urban environment can enhance living conditions and the quality of life of urban residents. The pressures of urban life in some developing countries often make it difficult for the residents to take care of the environment. Urban schemes and developments in the urban areas have created high concentration of urban residents and consequently generation and improper disposal of refuse. Planning authorities have created green spaces within neighbourhoods and layouts in order to enhance the urban environment. However, these spaces have become neglected, misused and negate the urban environment. Some of them have become refuse dump sites. The study was on the neglected greenspaces in Old Owerri urban. This paper will focus only on the conditions of the neglected green spaces in Aladinma estate and Emmanuel College layout and how they could be restored to enhance the urban environment. The study of these spaces reveals that they could be restored as useful well planned green spaces after stopping the dumping of refuse. The study was a survey research using questionnaires administered on residents of some randomly selected layouts in Owerri. Obtained data was analysed using the frequency distribution, Chi square and the Spearman Rho statistical tools. Findings reveal that if proper waste disposal system is developed these spaces could be made available as well-functioning green spaces, thereby improving the quality of urban life in these layouts.

Comparing Choices Of Entrepreneurship Education Curriculum Content Among Undergraduate Students In Nigerian Universities

Justina Anene, Josephine Odey, Chibundu Anene — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

University education in Nigeria, like in other developing countries, is set up to produce graduates grounded in generic skills and who possess a high quality of education for the nation's economic development. University curriculum, therefore, should reflect research about what works, as opposed to what is popular. This implies that the curriculum content must include technical and vocational skills to enable students attain the society’s expectations, and meet their personal needs, particularly in a globally depressed economy. This research is an attempt to identify potentially viable skills for curriculum development for entrepreneurship education at undergraduate level in Nigerian Universities, with a view to comparing them with the skills prescribed by National Universities Commission (NUC). Sixty-four skills categories were provided and 550 undergraduate students of the University of Abuja as well as 200 students from Federal University, Lafia were asked to rank them according to their best choices. The first twenty most acceptable skills ranked by students were compared with those prescribed by National Universities Commission as the basis upon which they could select entrepreneurship curriculum contents for students. This study recommends that centres for entrepreneurship studies be adequately equipped to deliver the prioritized vocational skills.

Enhancing Recreational Facilities In Residential Layouts Through The Neglected Spaces In Owerri Urban

Ndidi Okolo — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Recreational activities in residential layouts in Owerri urban have been largely informal and have existed in or around the neglected green spaces. Different kinds of recreational activities take place in these spaces. Some are play grounds for children and some serve as playgrounds for some type of games for adults. Most of these layouts were designed without any form of recreational spaces. This was due to the pressure of urban expansion caused by the influx of people into Owerri capital after it’s creation as the capital of Imo State. These neglected green spaces have become the locations of recreational activities in some layouts for children and adults. These activities have not been properly organized but impact on the lifestyle of the residents. They affect the social, cultural, health of the residents and also their quality of lives. The study was to find out how the neglected green spaces could be used as well planned spaces for recreational activities that will offer relaxation in Owerri urban. The study was a survey research using questionnaires administered on residents of some selected layouts in Owerri. Obtained data was analysed using the frequency distribution and the Person Product moment correlation and multiple regression statistical tools. Findings reveal that if these factors are improved recreational activities will be improved within the layouts

A Comparative Study Of The Challenges Of E-Learning In Nigerian Universities

Justina Anene, Chibundu Anene, A. A. Bello — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

This is a comparative study of the challenges of e-learning in Nigerian Universities. The purpose of the study was to determine if there was a significant difference in the challenges faced by students in e-learning in Nigerian Universities. A total of two hundred and twenty eight students from nine Universities constituted the sample for the study. Simple random sampling technique was employed in selecting students from these universities in Nigeria. These universities were also randomly picked from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria and the federal capital territory. Questionnaire was used to elicit “Yes or No” answers to the questions. Frequency analysis using percentages was done and this was presented using column charts to compare responses of the students. The findings of the study showed that students in majority of the universities studied, indicated that their universities lacked appropriate learning software as well as good quality online educational content. They also indicated that sustainability of e-learning was not prioritized, that they had no access to appropriate content for ICT-enhanced learning/ training and that they also had no access to affordable/ reliable computers. The study recommended that the Nigerian Government should provide the enabling environment for all lecturers and students to become computer literate. This should be done within a time frame, with proper certification. No student should graduate without passing the computer course. This computer certification should also be the first on the list of promotion requirements for lecturers.