M.Sc

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M.Sc (Theses and Dissertations)

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Open Access
Pollution pattern in the Mokuro dam in Ile-Ife
(Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, 1984) Petters, Hannah Itam
distribution system were carried out from December 1982 to November 1983 at monthly intervals, and the quality of water was assessed to establish the pollution pattern. Generally, the population density of aerobic heterotrophic bacteria varied between wet and dry seasons., While thorn was an increase in the mean monthly population of bacteria from 4.2 x 102/ml in November to 4.8 x 106/ml in February (i.e. dry season) there was a comparative decrease from 11.0 x 106/ml in June to 1.8 x 103/ml in October (i.e. rainy season), in the distribution system In the stream and in the dam, the seasonal trends of total aerobic bacterial distribution followed more or less the same pattern as in the distribution system. In the dam, the faecal coliform populations ranged from zero to 33 MPN/100 ml during the rainy season and from 2 to 221 MPN/100ml in the dry season. The same pattern was observed in the distribution system. Both faecal streptococci and Clostridium perfringens were also detected in the water samples with no definite pattern of population distribution between the seasons. The mean monthly faecal streptococci ranged from zero to 2.8 x 10 4/mt, while Clostridium perfringens ranged from zero to 538 MPN/100ml. Nitrate, phosphate, chloride and dissolved solid levels were generally low. These compounds ranged from zero to 1.16 mg/l; from zero to 0.038 mg/I, from 3.6 to 54 mg /l, and from 0.0001 to 0.058 g/100ml, respectively. The BOD varied with a range of 1.0 to 12.6mg /l in the dam. In the distribution system, the chlorine residual was generally below 1mg/l, decreasing with distance away from the chlorination point.
Open Access
Status of media in teaching physics in selected secondary schools in Kaduna state, Nigeria
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1984) Pearce, Nathaniel Olugbolahan
This study was designed to examine the availability, utilization of media for instruction and the problems connected with the use of media for teaching physics in Kaduna State of Nigeria. Questionnaire, structures interview end participant observer scheme directed to the physics teachers, and randomly selected secondary schools students in Kaduna State were used for the collection of the data. The study population comprised seventeen physics teachers and two hundred and eighty-one form five physics students. Based on the analysis of the data collected, some of findings were that; a) Teachers in the schools used mainly the recommended textbooks for their teaching. (b)There was low utilization of instructional media. (c) Physics teachers like other teachers in the state did not seize the unique opportunities of their proximity to the available resource centres to aid them in the selection and use of media for their teaching. It is therefore recommended that; (a) Educational media centres should be established in all the local.government education offices which will cater for all the schools in the locality. The centres should cooperate with the Federal Government media centres such as the National Educational Research Centre (N.E.R.C), National Teachers' Institute (N.T.I), Radio and Television Education Broadcasting Departments and the Centre for Educational Technology (C.E.T) of the Ahmadu Bello University for professional expertise. (b) Teachers in schools should be trained in the use of media. (c) Local production of science instructional materials should he considered as means of combating the present inavailability of media. (d) The government should reinforce their priority for science teaching in the schools through the timely provision of needed science equipment and materials.
Open Access
The renewal of deteriorating urban centre: A case study of Sagamu core area
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1984) Sokoya, Jubril Temiyemi
and socio-cultural characteristics, facilities and services available in arriving at the means of reactivating the area. The techniques employed in the collection of socio-economic and physical data include the direct observation of the present situation, Questionnaire and interviews with the people to assess the land use pattern, age and conditions of buildings environmental sanitation and the traffic conditions. Efforts were also made to find out the opinions of the people about the environmental conditions of their area. The survey analyses showed that factors responsible for the continuous deterioration of the study area include inadequate community facilities and services such as public faucets, refuse collection centres, fire hydrants, parking spaces; conflicting land uses: poor maintenance of buildings; poor and narrow roads badly designed and excessively narrow road junctions, and unhygienic environmental conditions due to indiscriminate disposal of refuse. Consequently, proposals were made for the future improvements of the area under study based on the survey findings by recommending the rehabilitation of dilapidated dwellings and infrastructures and providing new services where such are inadequate or absent. Finally, it has been proposed that there should be administrative, financial and legal tools for the implementation of the proposed plan.
Open Access
Planning for recreational activities in Calabar city centre
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1984) Ukene, Daniel
Planning for recreational activities does not seem to be receiving serious attention from Policy makers in Nigeria. Although the Nigerian economy is currently undergoing serious crises, this should not affect planning for recreational activities. Intact, it has been observed that recreation has always constituted an important part of people's lives: in history no matter their level of poverty. This thesis is aimied at raising the awareness. of the community decision makers and the people generally of the importance of having and organising recreational activities in Calabar City Centre. It is observed in the analysis that the Cross River State Government and the Calabar Municipal Council have only paid lip-service to the recreational needs of the city Centre dwellers. The proposals put forward are derived from the study of the existing deficiences and anticipated future recreational needs of the people in the case study area. The proposals have been so drawn as to be within the reach of the financial capability of the people. They have also been designed to respect their socio-cultural background and be of physical and Psychological benefit to the individuals. The successful implementation of the proposals put forward calls for a high degree of coordination to ensure that the right amount of resources, is available at the right time and in the right place.
Open Access
The design of an integrated database management system for a Nigerian University Environment
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Fisusi, Zaccheaus Rotimi
The rapid growth in the size and complexity of the Nigerian University demands a more effective and efficient information management technique than has been available or necessary in the past. In some Nigerian Universities at present, computer-based data files are established to serve personnel, payroll and student application needs. Data is selectively and frequently copied from source files and merged with transactions to construct new files appropriate for the application. In this project, an attempt has been made to design an Integrated Database management system that combines the transactions in the Personnel, payroll and student application' areas in a Nigerian University to replace the present separate file method approach for each application area. The approach is based on the concept of Relational Database model, starting with the construction of relationship graphs and entity-relationship model diagrams in the Information Structure design phase and ending with the definition of the conceptual scheme in the Information Structure Implementation phase.
Open Access
Studies into some factors which affect the dissolution rate of non-disintegration pellets
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Ayankogbe, Adetutu Adebambo
The influence of granule size and lubricants on the dissolution rate of Aspirin, Salicylic Acid and equimolar mixture of both are reported. This study involved three stages viz: (i) The influence of different granule sizes of Aspirin and Salicylic Acid on dissolution rate of non-disintegrating disks; (ii) The influence of different granule sizes of selected lubricants (fixed concentration) on the dissolution rate of Aspirin and Salicylic acid (of a fixed granule size); (iii)The influence of different concentrations of other lubricants on the dissolution rate of Aspirin, Salicylic Acid and an equimolar mixture of these drugs. Granule size fractions of the test drugs studied were 75/45-, 90/75-, 150/90-, 250/150- and 355/250 microns. The dissolution rate of disks prepared from these granules revealed it was unaffected by the granule size. Lubricants employed for the study of the influence of different sizes of lubricants on the dissolution rate of compressed disks were Magnesium Stearate, Talc, Stearic Acid, Boric Acid, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Polyethylene Glycol 6000. Each pellet of Aspirin and Salicylic Acid contained 3 percent of each size fraction of the lubricants. It was observed that the dissolution rate of the pellets was unaffected by the particle size of these lubricants. In the third series of experiments, both hydrophobic and hydrophilic lubricants were tested. The former group were Glycerol Monostearate, Benzoic Acid, Talc, Magnesium Stearate, Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 30) and Polyethylene Glycol 4000 (PEG 4000) while the latter group were Alginic Acid, Sodium Acetate, Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Monostearate (Tween 80), Maize, Potato, Rice and Cassava Starches and Polyethylene Glycol 6000 (PEG 6000). Generally, as the concentration of the hydrophobic lubricants increased from 1.0 - 5.0%, there was a decrease in dissolution rate. Talc, Span 80 and PEG 4000 however unaffected the dissolution rate. The starches showed no appreciable change in dissolution rate from concentrations of 0.1% - 5%.
Open Access
Purification and characterization of lectins from Abrus species
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Caiquo, Aspect Wallace Kyemenu
Saline extracts prepared from Abrus precatorius and Abrus fructiculosus seeds agglutinated red blood cells. The agglutination was inhibited by D-galactose and lactose. The lectins bound to Sepharose 6B and were eluted with D-galactose. These lectins were separated into an agglutinin and a toxin by chromatography on Diethyl amino ethyl (DEAE) cellulose. The toxin from Abrus fructiculosus seed was named fructin' to distinguish it from Abrus precatorius seed toxin, abrin. In sodium dodecyl - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis,(SDS-PAGE) fructin and abrin gave single bands with molecular weights (proposed) 60,320 and 62,500 respectively. After treatment with mercaptoethanol, fructin and abrin were split into 2 bands each with molecular weights 32,360 and 30,200 (fructin), 36,520 and 28,800 (abrin). The agglutinins gave 2 bands each in SDS-PAGE with corresponding molecular weights of 57,480 and 55,650 (A. fructiculosus agglutinin) and 59,600 and 56,380 (A. precatorius agglutinin). The proposed native molecular weights are 113,130 (. fructiculosus agglutinin) and 115,980 ( A. precatorius agglutinin), Alen treated with SDS and f - mercaptoethanol, the agglutinins were split into 3 bands each with corresponding agar molecular weights 38,460, 33,500 and 28,180 (,. fructiculosus agglutinin) and 40,790, 35,590 and 31,260 (A.precatorius agglutinin). The saline extracts from the two seeds did not interact with Afzelia africana polysaccharide in agar gel double diffusion studies. The toxicity of fructin and A. fructiculosus agglutinin was established on mice, with fructin being about 150 times more toxic than the agglutinin. Antisera formed against abrin and A. precatorius agglutinin did not interact with saline extracts of A. fructiculosus, fructin and A. fructiculosus agglutinin.
Open Access
Purification and characterisation of Lectin from Bowringia Miladbraedii Harms Seeds
(Department of Biochemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Alakija, Augusus Adegbolamiyo Olufemi
Lectin was extracted from Bowringia mildbraedii Harms seeds and shown to agglutinate red blood cells nonspecifically. The chromatography using different grades of Sephadex did not give a very good separation of the lectin. Purification of the lectin by Sepharose 68 chromatography followed by metal chelate affinity chromatography was compared with purification by Sepharose 6B followed by ion-exchange chromatography using DEAE cellulose. The latter method was preferred and yielded a protein which behaved as a single protein on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It was deduced that the lectin occured as a tetrameric protein with two subunits A and B having approximate molecular weight of 14,000 and 16,000 respectively from experiments with SOS-PAGE in the presence of 2, β-mercaptoethanol. The molecular weight of the lectin is approximately 60,000. The B. mildbraedii lectin precipitated Afzelia africana polysaccharide with remarkable specificity and failed completely to form precipitin bands in agargel double diffusion plates with other polysaccharides tested even at varying concentrations. The haemagglutinating and polysaccharide precipitating activity of the lectin is appreciably inhibited by μ-methylDmannoside, D-mannose and D-glucose.
Open Access
The effect of cage size and stocking density on poultry egg production
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Azogu, Ikechukwu Ignatius
Three cage sizes (1200cm2, 1800cm2, 2400cm2) and three stocking densities (2, 3, 4 birds/cage) were selected for the study. The cages and their frames were designed, fabricated in the Department of Agricultural Engineering, and stocked with birds of the same age, breed and reared under the same environmental conditions. The eggs laid in the cages were recorded daily and data collected were later analysed. The analysis of results showed that: .Egg production decreased with increase in stocking density for 1200cm2 cage floor area. Beyond that, the result was inconsistent. .Egg production increased with increase in cage floor area. .The effects of cage size and stocking density were found to be significant (P > 0.01). .The poultry cage frame designed for the experimentation using equal angle mild steel was structurally safe. .The best cage design for Ile-Ife area of Oyo State is the design of floor area of about 1200cm2 with a stocking density of 2 birds per cage. Neasurement of existing cages gave a range of 1400cm2 to 1600cm2 floor area with stocking density of two birds per cage.
Open Access
Recovery of heavy oil from Nigerian Tar sands
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Dawodu, Olukayode Fatai
Solvent extraction of heavy oil from Nigerian tar sands has been investigated using toluene. Pulverization, followed by sieving of the tar sand resulted in spherical agglomeration of the tar sand particles. The agglomeration was found to beneficiate the tar sands in terms of increased percent oil content to the tune of and 13% for the rich and lean tar sands respectively. The effects of solid/liquid ratio, temperature and agitation on the extraction process were evaluated factorial experimental design. Extraction. efficiency was found to increase with increasing agitation speed and cuss transfer driving force, expressed in terms of solid/ liquid ratio, but decreased with increasing temperature. Of the three variables, the solid/liquid ratio the greatest effect on extraction efficiency. The rate of oil extraction, expressed as extractibility showed a great dependence on agitation. Twelve and thirteen fold increases creases in extractibility were obtained at solid/liquid ratios of 1/20 and 1/5 respectively for 2.8 fold increase in agitation (250 r.p.m to 700 r.p.m). The asphaltenes content of the heavy oil extracted at 50C was about 12% lower than that of the heavy oil extracted at 25°C for extraction times below 10 minutes. The implication of this reduction in asphaltenes level could be very significant in terms of the cost of upgrading the heavy oil. Stage-wise extraction gave high extraction efficiency at a low solid/liquid ratio. An efficiency of about 99 was obtained at a total, solid/liquid ratio of 2/3 w/v (43wt% solid loading) and agitation speed of 430 r.p.m in a three stage extraction. From an analysis of the power consumed and time ±or extraction, it was found that 440 r.p.m, 26 minutes and 440 r.p.m, 18 minutes could be the most economical agitation and time levels of operation at solid/liquid ratio- of 1/5 and 1/20 respectively.
Open Access
Some engineering properties of Charnockitederived laterite subgrade soils in parts of Southwestern Nigeria
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Palmer, Cecil B.
Vertical variations in Engineering and Geochemical properties in laterite profiles developed over charnockite, in two different climatic areas of Nigeria, were studied in close relation to the geological and physiographic factors operating in the areas. The variations showed clear and systematic trends, determined by the operation of key geochemical properties and processes, which are themselves influenced by mineralogical, topographical, climatic and drainage conditions. In both profiles studied, properties such as specific gravity, uniformity coefficient, maximum dry density. and C.B.R., decreased with depth, from the upper mottled horizon while properties such as percentage finer than B.S.S. sieve 200, liquid limit, optimum moisture content etc., increased. The plasticity index showed no clear trend. The research clearly revealed that the key factors influencing the vertical variation in engineering properties are; The accumulation of sesquioxides and redeposition of silica in the upper layers. Oxidation of iron and formation of iron oxide (iron stone) concretions also in the upper layers. Strong leaching of silica and bases, and Concentration of kaolinite at the top and Montmorillonite at the bottom of the profiles. Lower values of uniformity coefficient, C.B.R., dry density etc., and higher values of liquid limit, optimum moisture content, percentage fines, etc., were obtained for the profile in the wetter climatic area, than for the drier climatic area. These are explained by more advanced chemical decomposition in the wetter climatic area, resulting from higher annual rainfall and poorer drainage. The water absorption coefficient was found to increase with depth in both profiles studied and also with increase in the amount of annual rainfall. Appraisal of the sub-base properties of the profiles, based on Federal Ministry of Works specifications for roads and bridges disallows the use of any of the horizons as a subbase.
Open Access
Synthesis and characterization of poly-5- dimethylaminouridylic acid
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Akindahunsi, Afolabi Akintunde
The bromination of uridine monophosphate (UMP) with Br2 in dry formamide gave 5- bromouridine monophosphate (Br5UMP), which by reaction with dimethylamine was converted into 5-dimethylaminouridine monophosphate (Me2N5UMP). This was treated with phosphoric acid by the phosphoromorpholidate method to afford 5-dimethylaminouridine -5'-diphosphate (Me2N5UDP). Poly 5-dimethylaminouridylic acid, otherwise known as Poly (Me2N5U) was prepared by polymerization of 5-dimethylaminouridine diphosphate (Me2N5UDP) with polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase). The polymer formed a 1:1 hybrid with polyadenylic acid (Poly A).
Open Access
The development, construction and evaluation of a micro-spray dryer
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Anjorin, Mojisola Oluyemisi
A co-current laboratory spray dryer was designed to meet multipurpose requirements for drying food materials and constructed from relatively cheap locally available materials. Tests, on the basis of 100% moisture were carried out to characterise the equipment and milk was dried to determine the particle size distribution. The dryer efficiency at optimum conditions, varied between 44.7%-59.7% and the average particle size was 10ym - 20um. The highest temperature of the air possible for drying was 413K while the lowest was 355K and the maximum air flow rate in the chamber was 31 litres/minute. The drying rate was 0.65g/min and, the maximum relative humidity of the outgoing air at the minimum temperature was 96%.
Open Access
Provision of infracstructure as a strategy towards rural development: a comparative analysis of Gbongan, Akiriboto, Osu and Ibodi
(Urban & Regional Planning, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Akeredolu, Oluwapelumi Kolawole
This study examines the impact of the provision of infrastructure in the socio-economic development of rural areas. The study attempt & to test the proposition that the degree of development has a positive relationship with the level of provision of infrastructure. The study focuses on Gbongan, Akiriboto, Osu and Ibodi in Oyo State of Nigeria. Original survey materials and secondary data were used to show that the degree of development in the rural areas is a function of the provision of such infrastructures as transport, communications and power as well as agricultural and health services. The policy implications of the findings were considered in the concluding sections of the thesis. Further, it is the contention of the thesis that Government interventions in rural development should therefore revolve round the provision of infrastructures that will enhance agricultural development and communal level of living' in order to stem rural-urban migration.
Open Access
Mossbauer spectroscopy of Tin compounds
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1985) Arua, Awa Eke
The Mossbauer spectrometer has been used in the transmission geometry to measure the isomer shifts and quadrupole splitting of tin and some of its inorganic compounds. The spectrometer has a Moire interferometer for absolute velocity calibration and the velocity data are fitted to a polynomial by the method of least squares. As a check on the velocity calibration, a natural iron foil absorber has been used. The ratio of the g-factors extracted from the iron data is in agreement with published values. The Mossbauer spectral data has been fitted with a sum of Lorentzians and the isomer shift and quadrupole splitting values obtained from these fits are in good agreement with published ones. Using s-electron densities Calculated from relativistic Hartree-Fock method for the various oxidation states of tin the fractional change in nuclear charge radius ΔR/R following a gamma transition has been calculated as (+2.05 ± 0.17) x 10-4. This is in good agreement with published values. From molecular orbital calculations, a configuration of 5s1..25p 2..8 has been suggested for α-tin. No equivalent data exists for β-tin. However, since the isomer shift is directly proportional to the s-electron density at the nuclear site, the measured isomer shift value has been used to suggest a configuration of 5s1.42 5p2.8 for β-tin. This is consistent with the saner shift values for the two allotropes of tin.
Open Access
Studies on the reproductive biology of the Blowfly, Chrysomyia Chloropyga (Wied) (Diptera: Calliphoridae)
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Dare, Atinuke Oludolapo
Some aspects of the reproductive biology of the blowfly, Chrysomyia chloropyga have been investigated. Adult flies were reared in an insectary at room temperature between the months of June and December and Relative Humidity of 75±5%. The eggws creamy-white and elongate and its mean hatching period to the first larval instar was 15 hours. There were three larval instars and the mean duration of each instar was 22,36 and 72 hours for the first, second and third instars respectively. The spine patterns on the body segments, the structure of the posterior disc and the anterior spiracles were salient features used for larval description. The pupa was quiescent and its developmental period ranged from 96 to 144 hours. The adult emergence spread over a period of 48 to 72 hours. The desirability of undertaking further detailed studies, especially on the distinguishing features of the larvae of the blowfly was suggested
Open Access
The effects of input subsidies and output pricing policies on food crop production in Nigeria: A case study of maize farmers in Obokun local government area of Oyo state
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Bifarin, John
production in Nigeria using the maize farmers of Obokun Local Government Area of Oyo State as a case study. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected samples and the data covered the Socio-economic backgrounds of farmers, costs, yield and revenue involved in the maize production. The data were summarized and analysed using regression Statistical method. The result of the analysis indicated that; (a) Majority of the farmers were not aware of the Government subsidy on inputs and that the inputs were not easily available to the farmers when actually needed, (b) About 62% of the farmers one time or the other sold their maize through the commodity Board but majority of them (precisely 96.78%) no longer sell their maize through the commodity Board because they are not satisfied with prices being offered since these prices are actually lower then what is obtainable in the open market, and also far below the cost of maize production. (c) As regards cost of production the study showed that while the import Parity price and Guaranteed Minimum Price for a tonne of maize in the 1983 production season were N185.00 and N210.00 respectively, the cost of production stood at #402.93 for the same period, in which case the cost of production appeared to be higher then the Guaranteed Minimum Price for that season. (d) Maize input prices including subsidies; and maize output prices are important determinants of the quantity of maize production. Policy recommendations advanced in the study include the involvement of the private sector in the importation and distribution of inputs particularly the use of Farmers Cooperatives in fertilizer distribution. Also stressed was the need to have realistic guaranteed prices which cover the cost of maize production.
Open Access
Work-hardening and recovery studies of pure aluminium
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Ojediran, Surajudeen Oluwafemi
The effects of work-hardening and recovery on the strength of pure aluminium have been investigated. The modes of interaction of these two processes during creep deformation were closely examined. The Bailey-Orowan equation was derived without recourse to a mechanical equation of state. This new method of derivation clearly showed that the Bailey-Orowan equation is applicable only to steady-state but not to transient creep deformation. The results of recovery tests performed on prestrained samples showed that the flow stress decreased with recovery time, eventually approaching an asymptotic value which was appreciably higher than the flow stress of the annealed sample. It was demonstrated that the recovery rate was not a unique function of the instantaneous dislocation density. Stress increment and stress removal (state recovery) tests performed on the creeping samples showed the generation of appreciable instantaneous plastic strains during the stress hike, and high strain rates following recovery. Both of these observations are consistent with the promise that creep is recovery-controlled in this material.
Open Access
The occurrence and distribution of Simulium species in Ife, Ijesa and Ondo divisions
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1985) Marquis, Bolaji B.
have been investigated for the presence of the larvae of the blackfly Simulium. The larvae were collected from thirty chosen stations of the river systems and identified in the laboratory. Water samples from each site were also taken and analysed in the laboratory. The main features used in identification of the larvae were the external characters especially the presence or absence of dorsal conical tubercles and ventral papillae, pattern of respiratory histoblast and body shape. Larvae of seven species of Simulium were identified. These were S. alcocki, S. johannae, S. impukane, S. schoutedeni, S. griseicelle,L S. griseicolle form tridens, and S. damnosum s.l.. S. alcocki and S. griseicolle were well distributed in the area of study while S. damnosum was found at only five sites. It appears that there is one main area of Simuliid breeding located in the southern part of the area of study and concentrated around River Oni, River Awo and River Owena. At the points where the larvae were found these rivers are mostly swiftly flowing and with rocky beds. Three of the sampling stations, one on River Oshun and the other two on River Oni, were found to have hydrochemical conditions which were conducive to the breeding of cytospecies of S. damnosum s.l. which can transmit human onchocerciasis. These hydrochemical conditions include pH and conductivity. The need to carry out more work on the distribution of Simulium larvae and the rhydrochemical properties of rivers and streams in the southern parts of Nigeria is suggested.
Open Access
Non-alignment and Nigeria's foreign policy,1960-1979: A historical perspective.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 1985) Ajayi, Adegboyega Isaac
This study is aimed at finding out the extent to which policy pronouncements by Nigerian foreign policy decision-makers on non-alignment coincided with or diverged from concrete policy actions in the period, 1960-1979. At independence, in 1960, Nigeria adopted the policy of not aligning with any power bloc 'as a matter of routine' - a deliberately vague, and perhaps confusing, hint at non-alignment. However, as a result of her colonial heritage and the inability, even unwillingness, of the ruling elite to struggle for national economic self-reliance, Nigeria was unable to maintain a clearly non-aligned posture in her external relations. The balance of her foreign relations weighed more in favour of the western-bloc. The level of commitment to the 'West' was such that Nigeria's antiimperialist and anti-apartheid drives were severely handicapped. Therefore, throughout the period studied (though to a lesser extent since the end of the Nigerian Civil War) there was always a wide gap between policy pronouncements and concrete actions. Nigeria's experience throughout this period shows that an economically dependent nation cannot exert much influence (especially on a continuous and consistent basis) in international affairs.