Ph.D

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Ph.D (Theses and Dissertations)

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Open Access
Accounting ethics and financial practices of accountants in Nigeria 2015
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2015) Ogunleye, Omowunmi Jumoke
The study investigated the influence of the business climate on the ethical decisions of Nigerian accountants; assessed the effect of organizational ethical value on their ethical reasoning and compared the ethical perceptions of accountants with professional qualifications with those without professional qualifications. It also evaluated the influence of the knowledge of tertiary accounting courses on the ethical predispositions of Nigerian accountants in training and finally examined the relationship between the demographic traits of age, gender, culture and religion and the ethical or unethical inclinations of Nigerian accountants. These were with a view to determining the factors that shape the ethics and financial practices of accountants in Nigeria. Primary data was utilized for the study. The population for the study comprised of 39,389 professionally qualified accountants registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), 19,600 first and final-year accounting students in 49 Universities in Nigeria offering accounting programmes as well as accounting practitioners without professional qualification. Judgemental dimensional sampling was used to select 850 accountants drawn from five major business cities in Nigeria and 370 first and final year accounting students from five Universities that offered accounting programme. Two sets of questionnaire were used to obtain data from respondents. The first questionnaire obtained information from the selected accountants on their ethical judgements to selected accounting ethics dilemma. The second questionnaire collected data from the selected accounting students to determine how the knowledge of accounting courses influenced their ethical predispositions. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as T-test, Repeated Measures Anova, Mann-Witney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square and Multivariate Analysis. The results of the study revealed that the ethical decision of Nigerian accountants was significantly influenced by unethical practices in the business environment as well as by unethical organizational values. The mean ethical score which was 3.42 under a normal situation reduced to 1.94 under an unethical business environment (p<0.05) and to 2.53 under an unethical organizational environment (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the ethical responses of accountants with and without professional qualification (p=0.699); which provides evidence of the lack of the impact of professional accounting qualifications on accountants ethics and financial practices. The study also found that knowledge of accounting courses significantly decreases ethical predispositions of accounting students as the average mean score and mean rank of ethical perception for 100 level students was 3.89 and 223.08 while for 400 level students it was 3.26 and 130.66 (p<0.05). A statistically significant relationship was established between the demographic variables of age (p = 0.008), gender (p = 0.001), culture (p= 0.001), religion (p = 0.001) and the ethical or unethical inclination of Nigerian accountants. The study concluded that business environment and organizational ethics do affect the ethical decisions that Nigerian accountants make and that a significant relationship exist between the ethical predispositions of Nigerian accountants and the demographic factors of age, gender, religion and culture.
Open Access
Administration of electoral system in Nigeria (1999-2011)
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2014) Oyewale, Rasaq Omoniyi
The study examined the features of the electoral system during the four general elections in Nigeria since 1999 to 2011; and evaluated the institutional infrastructures put in place for the administration of electoral systems. It also assessed the administration of electoral systems by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and examined the effects of changing electoral system as well as the challenges to the administration of the electoral system. These were with a view to providing information on the techniques and processes employed in the administration of electoral systems in Nigeria. The study utilized primary and secondary sources of data collection. The primary data were collected using questionnaire administration and conduct of indepth interviews. Two hundred and twenty nine copies of questionnaire were administered on respondents using purposive sampling technique, out of which a total of 171 (representing 75%) were completed and retrieved. The study covered the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the location of INEC headquarters; and three out of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria, namely, South West; South East and North West. Out of the states selected from the target zones, three local government areas (LGAs) were purposively selected, including their state capitals. The distribution of the questionnaire was as follows: Directors at INEC headquarters (10); Civil Servants (45), fifteen per study location; Tenured Political Office holders (30), ten per State; Electoral officers at the Local Government Areas (36), four in each of the three selected LGAs in the three selected States; Opinion leaders (36), four in each of the selected LGAs in the three States; Religious Leaders (36), four in each of the three selected LGAs in the three States; notable politicians (36), four in each of the three selected LGAs in the three States. Furthermore, indepth interviews were conducted with key senior officials at the National Electoral Commission (INEC) Abuja (3); Federal Electoral Officers (3) and State Resident Electoral Commissioners/Representatives in the target States (3). The senior INEC officials chosen were directly involved in implementing and supervising elections across the country during each electoral cycle. Secondary data were derived from official publications by INEC, Federal Government gazettes as well as books, journal articles, unpublished theses and the Internet. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and inferential statistics such as ANOVA and chi-square. The results showed that the main feature of the electoral system during the four general elections in Nigeria since 1999 was the Simple Majority System. The institutional infrastructures put in place for the administration of elections since 1999 included Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) (60%), Direct Data Capturing Machines (68%), Ballot Boxes (70%), Voters’ Cards (76%), and Polling booths (80%). The results also showed the administration of the electoral systems by the electoral body during each of the four elections were significantly the same (F=2.24; p<0.05). Furthermore the results showed an adverse effect on the credibility of elections t(6) = + 1.9439; p<0.05). Finally, the results identified key challenges in the administration of the electoral system between 1999 and 2011 to include inadequate funding (56%), epileptic power supply (79%), inadequate trained staff (86%) and difficult terrain in transporting electoral materials (92%). The study concluded that whereas the 2011 general elections were relatively adjudged fair by local and international observers, the administration of electoral system in Nigeria during the study period was characterised by misappropriation of funds, electoral fraud, inadequate provision of security for officials, as well as inadequate training of electoral officers, leading to violence and petitions in the law courts. Supervisor: Dr. (Mrs) J.T. Makinde Number of Pages: 203
Open Access
Analysis of mobility patterns of the elderly in rural areas of Ondo State, Nigeria.
(Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, 2016) Ale, Adeniyi Samuel
The study examined the socio-economic characteristics and mobility characteristics of the elderly in the rural areas of Ondo State. It also identified mobility constraints of the elderly and examined the effects of transportation services on quality of life of the elderly population in the study area. These were with the view to determining the principal factors influencing the mobility of the elderly in the area. Primary data were used for the study. The primary data were socio-economic characteristics, cost of transport, travel time and trip survey as well as the mobility characteristics of the elderly in the study area. The data were collected through a set of questionnaire, which were administered to the systematically selected elderly people (age 60 years and above) in the area. The sampling was achieved using a multi - stage sampling procedure. First, three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly (balloting method) selected from each of the three existing senatorial district in Ondo State. This translated into nine LGAs. Second, the settlements within each of the selected LGA were stratified into three classes using population figure (i.e. settlements with population less than 2000, 2,100 - 5,000 people and above 5,000). This resulted to a total of 27 settlements (i.e. 3 settlements in each of the three existing senatorial districts). Finally, 10 % of the elderly (both male and female of age 60 years and above) population were selected for the study. Data on the socio-economic and mobility characteristics were analyzed using simple percentage distribution and t-test statistics while the mobility constraints were ranked using the principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that the elderly in the area were characterized by about 53.3% males and 46.7% of females who mostly (77.5%) were within the age group of 60 – 80 years and above. They were mostly farmers (45.3 %) and traders (31.8%), about 51.2% of who earned below ten thousand naira (N10, 000) monthly. The examination of the mobility constraints of the elderly indicated that most important destinations are the religious centres (27.9%), relatives and friends (21.4%), farms (20.5%) and market (13.8%) and that the most important means of mobility was trekking (82.7%). The most important (first five by rank) mobility constraints as ranked by the results of the PCA were poor road condition, health or physical condition of the elderly, high cost of transport, poor safety consideration and poor quality of services. Furthermore, the measures of quality of life of the elderly in the area were significantly (t ≤ - 3.02, p < 0.05) related to conditions of transportation services, poor road, and physical capability of the elderly, travel mode and cost of transport. The study concluded that the principal factors that influenced the mobility of the elderly in the area were the health or physical capability of the elderly, poor road condition and relatively high transportation cost.
Open Access
Anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic properties of the ethanolic extract and fractions of anthocleista vogeliiplanch root.
(Pharmacology, Obafemi Awolowo University, 2015) Sunday, Rita Maneju
The study investigated the toxicity profile, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic propertiesof Anthocleista vogelii Planch (Loganiaceae) ethanolic root extract and factions in rats. This was with a view to providing information on these properties of the plant. Thepowdered root extracted with 70% ethanol was concentrated to a solid paste and then reconstituted in distilled water before fractionation and administration.Albino rats of both sexes (n = 5) were randomly divided into 9 groups for each dose level. In sub-chronic toxicity studies;changes inbody weight, food and water intake, biochemical parameters [cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TRIG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL)],creatinine (CRT), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)], haematological parameters, relative organ weight were evaluated while the histology of the pancreas, kidney and liver of rats were investigated. The anti-oxidant property of the ethanolic extract and fractions were determined by measuring the radical scavenging ability of the extracts using the stable radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid and also by determining the cupric ions (Cu2+) reducing anti-oxidant capacity of the extracts. Total phenol and flavonoid content of the extracts were also determined. In the anti-diabetic study, the control group was administered 10 ml/kg vehicle (p.o.), the standard drug group was administered 5 mg/kg glibenclamide (p.o.), the test groups were administered 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg ethanolic extract (p.o.) and 200 mg/kg of each of the fractions (p.o.) to glucose loaded (10g/kg), alloxan-induced (150 mg/kgi.p.) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced (60 mg/kg; i.p) diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose levels (FBGL), the biochemical parameters, changes in body weight, food intake, water intake and the histology of the pancreas, liver and kidney of diabetic rats were examined. Data was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and Bonferroni post-hoc t-test at 95% level of significance. The median lethal dose of the crude extract and fractions were ≥ 5000 mg/kg (p.o.). In sub-chronic toxicity studies, there was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in white blood cells (F(3,16)= 5.21), serum ALT(F(3,16)= 12.69), AST (F(3,16)= 12.44) and CRT(F(3,16)= 4.14) levels and an increase in packed cell volume (F(3,16)= 3.75), red blood cells (F(3,16)= 2.54),water intake in weeks 3 (F(3,24) =5.93) and 4(F(3,24)= 7.06) when compared with the control. A. vogelii extracts exerted anti-oxidative potentials and phenolic compounds were also present. In anti-diabetic studies, FBGL of A. vogelii treated diabetic rats was reduced significantly (P<0.05) at 30 minutes in glucose loaded rats (F(8,36)= 75.42) and on the 4th day onwards in alloxan (F(8,36)= 59.44) and STZ-induced diabetic rats(F(8,36)= 129.50) when compared with the control. Ethylacetate fraction exerted a more significant (P<0.05) reduction in FBGL more than the other fractions when compared with the control. The ethanolic extract and fractions significantly (P<0.05) decreased food intake, water intake, serum CHOL, TRIG, LDL, ALT, AST and CRT and increased HDL levels of diabetic treated ratswhen compared with the control.The extracts alsocaused the regeneration of cells of the pancreas, kidney and liver of diabetic rats. The study concluded that A. vogelii ethanolic root extract and fractions exerted potent anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipideamic activity in diabetic rats.
Open Access
The antibiotic profile of bacteria isolated from cases of urinary tract infections in Ile- Ife and the characterisation of the predominant escherichia coli
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2006) Olorunmola, Felix Oluwasola
The primary objective of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of the various uropathogenic isolates from both in-patient and out-patient cases, and to investigate the virulence factors exhibited by the predominant E. coli isolates in order to determine their level of pathogenicity. Clean voided midstream urine samples were collected daily from patients at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), and the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital (SDAH), Ile-Ife, between May 2002 and December 2004. Urine samples were obtained from 215 in-patients and 181 outpatients. There were 168 male (42.42%) and 228 female (57.58%) patients. The samples were cultured on McConkey Agar (Oxoid) or Cysteine Lactose Erythrocyte Deficient (CLED) medium for isolation of the organism with bacterial counts of 105 colony forming unit per milliliter (CFU/ml.) and above were considered as being indicative of urinary tract infection (UTI). Bacterial isolates were identified based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by the agar disc diffusion method, using standard antibiotic discs. Production of virulence factors such as haemaglutinatinin, haemolysin, colicin and capsule by the E. coli isolates were also determined using standard methods. . The samples yielded a total of 412 isolates, made up of 33.25% E. coli, 19.42% Klebsiella pneumoniae, 9.47% Staphylococcus aureus, 8.50% Pseudomonas aeruginosa and, Proteus species (7.04%). Other organisms occurred to less than 5% of the total and these are: Serratia marcescens (4.13%), Coagulase negative staphylococci (3.88%), Providencia species (3.15%), unspeciated cocci (3.64%), Enterobacter aerogenes (2.66%), Salmonella species (1.46%), Pantoa aglomerans (1.21%), Morganella morganii (0.98%) and Citrobacter species (1.21%). The major organisms were more than 50% resistant to amoxicillin, trimethoprim/sulphamethaxole. gentamycin, nalidixic acid, augmentin tetracycline and erythromycin. The result also highlighted a high level of resistance to the fluoroquinolones; norfloxacin, (76.3% and 86.9%), ciprofloxacin (50.0%, and 65.7) and ofloxacin (42.5% and 51.1%) by the predominant E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae respectively. There was not much difference in the antibiotic resistance patterns of inpatient and outpatient isolates. Gram-positive isolates generally demonstrated lower antibiotic resistance than the Gram-negative ones. Nitrofurantoin was highly effective against all the Gram-negative isolates except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Twenty-one (63.64%) of the 33 trimethoprim resistant E. coli were able to transfer their resistance traits into plasmidless E. coli K12 C600. Furthermore, the results revealed for the first time in this environment, that most of these multiple and highly antibiotic resistant E. coli isolates possess virulence factors such as haemolysin (7.3%), mannose resistant haemagglutinin (13.87%), colicin (9.49%) and capsule (37.23%), thus confirming that they are truly uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains. In conclusion, this study shows that the resistance of isolates from both the inpatient and outpatient cases of UTI is high and widespread in this environment.
Open Access
The Antibiotic Profile of Bacteria Isolated from cases of Urinary Tract Infections in Ile- Ife and the Characterisation of the Predominant Escherichia Coli
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2006) Olorunmola, Felix Oluwasola
The primary objective of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of the various uropathogenic isolates from both in-patient and out-patient cases, and to investigate the virulence factors exhibited by the predominant E. coli isolates in order to determine their level of pathogenicity. Clean voided midstream urine samples were collected daily from patients at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), and the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital (SDAH), Ile-Ife, between May 2002 and December 2004. Urine samples were obtained from 215 in-patients and 181 outpatients. There were 168 male (42.42%) and 228 female (57.58%) patients. The samples were cultured on McConkey Agar (Oxoid) or Cysteine Lactose Erythrocyte Deficient (CLED) medium for isolation of the organism with bacterial counts of 105 colony forming unit per milliliter (CFU/ml.) and above were considered as being indicative of urinary tract infection (UTI). Bacterial isolates were identified based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Their antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by the agar disc diffusion method, using standard antibiotic discs. Production of virulence factors such as haemaglutinatinin, haemolysin, colicin and capsule by the E. coli isolates were also determined using standard methods. . The samples yielded a total of 412 isolates, made up of 33.25% E. coli, 19.42% Klebsiella pneumoniae, 9.47% Staphylococcus aureus, 8.50% Pseudomonas aeruginosa and, Proteus species (7.04%). Other organisms occurred to less than 5% of the total and these are: Serratia marcescens (4.13%), Coagulase negative staphylococci (3.88%), Providencia species (3.15%), unspeciated cocci (3.64%), Enterobacter aerogenes (2.66%), Salmonella species (1.46%), Pantoa aglomerans (1.21%), Morganella morganii (0.98%) and Citrobacter species (1.21%). The major organisms were more than 50% resistant to amoxicillin, trimethoprim/sulphamethaxole. gentamycin, nalidixic acid, augmentin tetracycline and erythromycin. The result also highlighted a high level of resistance to the fluoroquinolones; norfloxacin, (76.3% and 86.9%), ciprofloxacin (50.0%, and 65.7) and ofloxacin (42.5% and 51.1%) by the predominant E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae respectively. There was not much difference in the antibiotic resistance patterns of inpatient and outpatient isolates. Gram-positive isolates generally demonstrated lower antibiotic resistance than the Gram-negative ones. Nitrofurantoin was highly effective against all the Gram-negative isolates except Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Twenty-one (63.64%) of the 33 trimethoprim resistant E. coli were able to transfer their resistance traits into plasmidless E. coli K12 C600. Furthermore, the results revealed for the first time in this environment, that most of these multiple and highly antibiotic resistant E. coli isolates possess virulence factors such as haemolysin (7.3%), mannose resistant haemagglutinin (13.87%), colicin (9.49%) and capsule (37.23%), thus confirming that they are truly uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strains. In conclusion, this study shows that the resistance of isolates from both the inpatient and outpatient cases of UTI is high and widespread in this environment.
Open Access
Antimicrobial effect of Albizia Zygia DC leaf extracts on some selected micro organisms
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2013) Odeyemi, Oluyemi
This study investigated the antimicrobial activities of methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Albizia zygia on some selected bacteria and fungi with a view to determining the possibility of harnessing the antimicrobial potential of the leaf as a cheaper substitute for conventional synthetic antibiotics. The antimicrobial activities of Albizia zygia leaf extract on the test organisms was carried out using disc diffusion technique on Mueller Hinton agar and Potato Dextrose Agar for bacterial and fungal assay, respectively. The bored wells on agar plates previously seeded with standardized bacteria and fungal spores were filled with different concentrations (30 and 50mg/ml) of the extracts (Methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous) and incubated at 37 ºC for 24 h for bacteria and 28 ºC for 5 d for fungi. The diameters of zones of inhibition were measured. The minimum inhibitory and minimum bacteriocidal concentrations were equally determined using agar dilution method. The chemical group constituents present in the crude leaf extract were also monitored. The death rate of some selected bacteria by the methanolic leaf extract was determined as welll as the protein and the potassium leakage from the bacterial cell. The cytotoxicity effects of the methanolic leaf extract on mice were monitored. The effect of the methanolic leaf extract on the metabolic activities (enzymes) Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) were also assessed using Randox enzyme kit. The antibacterial sensitivity test showed that the extract was effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, indicating the broad-spectrum antibiotic activity of the extract. The diameter of zones of inhibition ranged from 3 to 25 mm. The ethanolic and aqueous extracts had little or no effect on the bacterial isolates at the concentrations used. The antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract compared favorably with the reference antibiotic (streptomycin) used. All the extracts showed no antimicrobial activity on fungal isolates. The chemical groups inherent in Albizia zygia were alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins and anthraquinone. The lowest Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) (3.75 µg/ml) of the plant extract was observed in Clostridium sporogenes while the highest MIC value (15.5 µg/ml) was observed in Bacillus subtilis. The Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the plant extract ranged from 7.5 µg/ml for Clostridium sporogenes to 30 µg/ml for Bacillus subtilis. The highest percentage of bacteria killed was 100% in Bacillus cereus treated with 60 µg/ml of methanolic extract at 120 min. The lowest percentage of bacteria killed was 28% and was observed in K. pneumoniae treated with 7.5 µg/ml of the extract at 120 min. The amount of protein and potassium ion detected in solution after treatment of the bacterial cells with the plant extract increased gradually with time for both Bacillus subtilis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The highest amounts of protein and potassium ion leakages observed in Bacillus cereus were 40 µg/ml and 400 ppm respectively. The highest amounts of protein and potassium ion leakages observed in Klebsiella pneumoniae were 10.02 µg/ml and 370 ppm respectively. Enzymatic studies revealed that the leaf extract at high concentrations had negative effect on the enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in the liver of the mice as the levels of these enzymes were found to increase significantly in serum (ALT 69.23 IU/ml and AST 168.45 IU/ml) but reduced drastically in the liver (ALT 30.61 IU/ml and AST 137.57 IU/ml). The levels of ALT and AST increased in the kidney with corresponding decrease in the serum confirming that the leaf extract does not have any lethal effect on the mice' kidney The study concluded that the methanolic extract of A. zygia showed better activities only on the bacterial isolates, hence could be formulated for emperical therapeutic measures against infections caused by the susceptible test bacteria.
Open Access
An appraisal of investment and technology decisions in cocoa processing In Nigeria.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2014) Olowolaju, Philip Segun
The study examined the cocoa beans processing technologies adopted by farmers and processors in the cocoa processing industry in Nigeria. It further investigated the investment and technology decisions of cocoa in processing organization. This was with a view of developing appropriate framework to enhance the growth of cocoa processing industry and the cocoa rebirth programme. The study covered 400 cocoa farmers purposively selected in five major cocoa producing States in Nigeria and six cocoa processing organizations. Questionnaire technique supplemented with oral interview of cocoa farmers and officials of cocoa processing organizations was used for the study. The questionnaire and oral interview elicited information on investment and technology decisions, post harvest activities of cocoa farmers, investment in modern farm implement, chemical and new planting, technology and funding decisions in cocoa processing organizations. Secondary data were collected from the annual reports and accounts of FTN Cocoa Processors Plc., Multitrex Integrated Foods Plc. and Stanmark Cocoa Processing Ltd. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed that majority of the farmers (68.53%) did not ferment their cocoa for more than four days and as against the best practice of 5 to 7 days to ensure better product quality Investment in quality spraying pumps, new planting herbicides were low with a rating indices of 2.78, 1.86, 2.32 on 5 point likert rating scale respectively. Investment in new planting were found to be profitable, the sensitivity analysis showed that at a minimum attractive rate of return (MARR) of 10%, the present worth of an hectare of cocoa farm over 25 20, 15 and 10 years horizon were N712,817, N633,721, N486,540, and N249,484 respectively and a pay back period of 6 years but few farmers invested on new planting of cocoa trees. Majority of the farmers invested less than 20% of their annual income on technology assets. About 50% of the incorporated cocoa processing companies in Nigeria were moribund. All the cocoa processing companies included in the sample did not exceed 60% capacity utilization for the period of 2007 to 2011 considered in the study. The operating companies had adequate investment in technology for processing activities which were acquired by purchase of technology with substantial borrowed fund. Lack of raw material was identified as major constraints to the operations of the cocoa processing companies. Investment in technology was found to impact positively on production efficiency (4.45); labour cost savings (4.18) and quality of products (4.26). The study concluded that cocoa farmers did not invest adequately in technology assets and new planting because of lack of capital and non-ploughing back of income generated due to low income and social needs. Despite the substantial investment on technology by cocoa processing companies there were low capacity utilizations in the industry due lack of adequate working capital to stock pile cocoa beans.
Open Access
Appraisal of the implementation of the 2004 contributory pension policy in Local Governments of Southwestern Nigeria.
(Local Government Studies,Obafemi Awolowo University, 2019) Fagbewesa, Esther Olapeju
This study appraised the institutional framework for the Pension Policy of 2004 contributory pension scheme; it also examined the perception of workers on the implementation of the policy in the selected Local Government Areas and the effect of the policy on the workers’ attitude to work in the selected Local Government Areas and analysed the challenges of the implementation of the pension policy in the selected Local Government Areas. These were with the view to determining the relationship between workers and government in the implementation of the 2004 contributory pension policy. Primary and secondary data were used for this study. Primary data were generated from the respondents through the use of questionnaire and interview guide. The study was carried out in Southwestern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. At the first stage, Southwestern Nigeria was stratified into three axis: Lagos/Ogun, Oyo/Osun and Ondo/Ekiti due to their geographical closeness. At the second stage, Lagos, Ondo and Osun were selected using random techniques due to their proximity to the researcher and the zone being predominately a Yoruba speaking area; while at the third stage, 18 Local Government Areas were selected (two Local Government areas each from the three senatorial districts of the chosen states representing one urban and one rural). A population totaling 16,000 in the study area comprised both Senior and Management staff selected within the selected Local Governments. Using Yaro Yamane Method based on the total workforce in each state, a sample size of Lagos (140), Ondo (125) and Osun (135) totaling 400 respondents was selected. Also, interviews were conducted in the three states for six of the officers in the pension management offices and six members of staff above GL 14 in the Local Government Service Commission (LGSC). This was because they were knowledgeable about the pension policy. Secondary data were derived through relevant government publications, books, journals, articles, magazines and the internet. Data collected were analysed using appropriate simple percentages and chi-square analysis. The results showed that the institutional framework for the pension policy of 2004 contributory pension scheme was weak and ineffective (56.05%). The results showed that there was no significant relationship between the implementation of the policy and perception of workers in Lagos urban areas (2 = 2.098, p > .05) and Lagos rural areas (2 = 0.909, p > .05) and Osun State urban areas (2 = 0.739, p > .05) and Osun State rural areas (2 = 0.357, p > .05). However, it was significant in Ondo State urban areas (2 = 6.459, p < .05). The results also showed that the policy had no effect on workers’ attitude to work in Lagos State urban areas (2 = 1.360, p > .05), Lagos State rural areas (2 = 0.179, p > .05), Ondo State urban areas (2 = 0.060, p > .05), Ondo State rural areas (2 = 1.219, p > .05) and Osun State urban areas (2 = 2.903, p > .05), Osun State rural areas (2 = 1.969, p > .05). The results further showed that there were inconsistent and irregular remittances from employer’s contributions (73.42%) unnecessary delays (56.05%) and long duration of time in processing payment of pension (54.47%). The study concluded that there was poor implementation of the 2004 contributory pension policy in Local Government areas of the Southwestern Nigeria.
Open Access
Assesment of the Implementation of Nigeria's telecommunications policy
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2013) Bolarinwa, Lukmon Olalekan
The study appraised the level of implementation of Nigeria’s National Telecommunications Policy (NNTP) and investigated factors influencing the implementation. It also developed a framework that can enhance a more effective implementation of the policy with a view to improving the service delivery in the Nigerian Telecommunications industry. The samples for the study were selected from Lagos and Abuja (FCT) where most of the telecommunications key players were concentrated. The study utilized questionnaire to elicit information on the objectives. Three sets of questionnaire were used to collect information from different institutions/organizations and telecommunications service subscribers. A total of 250 questionnaires were administered on Ministry of Communications Technology, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), thirteen telecommunications service providers, and telecommunications services subscribers. The questionnaire elicited information on the level of implementation of the NNTP and factors affecting the policy implementation. A total of 219 (87.6%) questionnaires were retrieved. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that, on a five point Likert rating scale, the policy have engendered the availability of the following telecommunications services: mobile cellular network (4.67), microwave network (4.00), international gateway (4.22), data communications (4.28) and computer networking (4.06), respectively. The findings also showed that there was no significant difference (F=9.83; p>0.05) in the effectiveness of policy regulations such as method of license approvals (3.88), telecommunications service provision (3.29), and frequency spectrum management (3.44) used by the regulators. In addition, the study showed that there was low level of knowledge of the policy (F=7.20; p<0.05) in Lagos (1.84) and Abuja (1.52). Likewise, the study also showed that there was no significant difference (F=15.04; p<0.05) in the mean rank of the impact of the policy on employment generation (4.22), attraction of international investment (4.28), creation of competitive services (3.83) and promotion of better regulatory environment (3.33), respectively. Furthermore, the result revealed that there was no significant difference (F=6.72; P<0.05) in the mean rank of the factors influencing the implementation of the policy with population density distribution (3.87), funding/investment (2.75), indigenous capacity development (2.86), national tax regime (3.37), national security (3.62), government policies (3.47), socio-economic problems (3.21), regulatory interventions (3.00), and availability of scarce resources (3.14). The study proposed a framework based on multi-regulatory approach that will involve the merger of NCC, NBC, NITDA and other relevant stakeholders into one body to better address the emerging convergence of technologies within the telecommunications sector. The study concluded that the NNTP implementation was yet to translate to high services satisfaction although it has engendered wide spread access to telecommunications services and that there will be a better policy implementation if a multi-regulatory approach to policy implementation is considered.
Open Access
Assessment of agricultural risk management practices among rural farmers in Osun State, Nigeria
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2015) Adediji, Ganiyu Adebowale
The study specifically identified types and sources of agricultural risks to which farmers are exposed; determined their knowledge and perception of agricultural risks; analyzed current risk management practices adopted and determined the degree of vulnerability of the farmers to agricultural risks with a view to providing information for Agricultural Extension workers to enable them to disseminate appropriate information on agricultural risk . The study was conducted in Osun State of Nigeria using the three Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) agricultural zones namely Ife/Ijesa, Osogbo and Iwo. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 150 rural farmers from Ife/Ijesa zone, 120 from Osogbo zone and 90 from Iwo zone, making a total of 360 respondents sampled for the study. However, only 351 questionnaire and interview schedule administered were properly completed and returned. Data collected were described with mean, standard deviation, frequency counts and percentages while inferential statistics like Chi-square, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Tobit Regression and Factor Analysis were used to make deductions. The results revealed that surplus produce (glut) (84.6%), low demand for produce (82.3%), high cost of inputs (81.8%), sudden fall in price of goods (78.9%), pest/disease outbreak (77.5%), poor seeds/animal foundation stocks (76.4%), insufficient funding (76.1%), unfavourable weather condition (drought/heavy rainfall) (75.5%) and floods (73.5%) were the common types of risks identified by the farmers. About 78.5 percent had high knowledge of production risks, 89.6 percent of marketing risks, 58.8 percent of the respondents had high knowledge of financial risks. Slightly above average (53.7%) of the respondents had high knowledge of human/personal risks while 93.1 percent had low level of knowledge in legal risks. The results further show that most of the respondents moderately perceived all the identified farm risks in the study area. The findings revealed that slightly above average (55.3%) of the farmers had a very low level of awareness of agricultural insurance scheme and low degree of vulnerability to all the identified farm risks. The findings revealed that marital status (χ2 = 869.82), major occupation (χ2 = 119.31), gender (χ2 = 119.70), religion (χ2 = 327.70) and types of farming (χ2 = 224.73) had significant association with farmers’ risks management practices at both 5% and 1% significant levels. Also, age (r = 0.358), farm size (r = 0.271) and years of formal education (r= 0.107) were the correlates of agricultural risk management practices among farmers. It was revealed that there was no significant difference in the risk mangament practices associated with farming across the three agricultural zones of the study area. In conclusion, rural farmers were quite aware of most of the risks associated with farming, their level of risk knowledge was also high and their risk perception was moderate. These enable the farmers to adopt some perceived effective agricultural risk management practices.
Open Access
Assessment of community based youth organisations’ involvement in rural development activities in Osun State, Nigeria
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2011) Ayinde, Julius Olatunde
The study assessed the involvement of Community Based Youth Organisations (CBYOs) in rural development activities in Osun State by identifying and categorising the formation, characteristics and functions of the organizations, types of project executed and determining their level of involvement and the factors influencing their activities. This was with a view to providing information on CBYOs in rural areas and the extent to which they are involved in rural development activities in the State. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select respondents from the three agricultural zones (Osogbo zone; Ife-Ijesha zone; and Iwo zone) in Osun State. At the first stage, 40 percent of the total number of Local Government Areas (LGAs) from each of the three zones was randomly selected, five from Osogbo, four from Ife-Ijesa and three from Iwo. In stage two, the first three rural communities having more numbers of CBYO were purposively selected from each of the LGAs, making thirty-six (36) rural communities while in the third stage, 40 percent of the CBYOs in each of the selected communities were randomly selected. At the final stage, systematic random sampling technique was used to select the respondents using group registers as sampling frame with a random start at an interval of 3. In all, 431 respondents were interviewed using pretested and validated structured interview schedule. Also, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informants interview were employed to elicit qualitative data such as information on communities that have larger percentage of CBYOs, actual and locations of the projects executed by CBYOs. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the majority (91.9%) of CBYOs was non-religious, 50.9 percent focused social development and 25.7 percent on educational development. Sixty percent were established between 2001 and 2010 with the mean membership size/strength of 23. Above average (52.6%) of the CBYOs executed up to two social projects in the last five years, among such projects were sign-posts, deep-well and distribution of writing materials in schools. The mean age of CBYOs members was 24.32 years. The majority (81.4%) of the respondents were male with average household size of 6 people. Reports of FGDs and key informants interviewed revealed that CBYOs executed most of the projects they claimed. Furthermore, membership size/strength (β = 0.070; p ≤ 0.05), criteria used for membership admission (β = 0.164; p ≤ 0.05), years of existence (β = 0.030; p ≤ 0.01) and organisation sources of income (β =0.241; p ≤ 0.05), among others, would increase the level of involvement by their corresponding values when their values are varied by one unit. The T-values show that only two of these explanatory variables contribute significantly to the level of involvement of CBYOs in rural development activities. These significant variables are: years of existence (β = 0.030; P≤ 0.05), and membership size/strength (β = 0.070; p ≤ 0.01). More so, household size (β = 0.284; p ≤ 0.01) and project cost (b = 0.863; p ≤ 0.01) were found to have significantly contributed to the level of involvement of CBYOs in rural development activities. Among the factors contributive to effective involvement of CBYOs in rural development were personal development (25.1%) and social contact influence (19.74%). It was concluded that the CBYOs were involved in community development activities in rural areas of the State to about 65 percent.
Open Access
Assessment of government policy on the foundry industry in Nigeria
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2015) Onibokun, Kehinde Adefiola
The study examined the awareness of government policy objectives and strategies guiding the foundry industry in Nigeria among stakeholders. It also investigated the extent of their implementation and assessed factors influencing the performance of the industry. This was with a view to designing a policy framework that will improve the performance of the firms in the foundry industry. The respondents were selected purposively from the Southwestern and Southeastern Nigeria. Lagos and Oyo states were selected in the Southwest, while Anambra state was selected in the Southeast. Four sets of questionnaire totaling 245 were designed for the study. The first set was developed for (60) foundry entrepreneurs and their staff, the second set was designed for 25 respondents from the knowledge institutions. The third set was designed for 10 respondents from the implementing agencies, while the fourth set was for 150 consumers of the foundry products. The questionnaire elicited information on the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, level of awareness of the policy among stakeholders, availability of raw materials, extent of the implementation of the policy and factors influencing the performance of the firms in the industry. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The result showed that 54.5% of the respondents from knowledge institutions were aware of the government policy guiding the industry while 34.0 and 62.9% of the foundry entrepreneurs and product consumers respectively were also aware of the policy. The study also showed that 16.9, 15.6 and 14.3% of the consumers of the foundry products, foundry entrepreneurs and knowledge institutions respectively were involved in the policy development. In addition, based on a 4-point Likert rating scale, the results showed that the extent of implementation of the policy by the knowledge institutions indicated that manpower development (2.64), creation of investment friendly environment (2.64), and banning exportation of metal scrap (2.60) were the aspects of the policy that had been implemented. Similarly, the foundry firms considered utilisation of locally sourced material (3.25), giving incentives to the foundry firms (3.00) and banning of exportation of metal scraps (3.00) as policy objectives that had been effectively implemented. However, the implementation of other policy objectives such as control of air pollution, waste and emission (2.04), increasing global competitiveness (2.00), reducing tariff on imported foundry raw materials (1.63) and increasing tariff on imported foundry products (1.68) were slightly effective. Furthermore, the results showed that the factors that significantly (F=11.094, p<0.001) influenced the performance of the foundry industry wereerratic power supply (4.00), flooding market with imported foundry products (4.00), difficulty in obtaining local raw materials (3.8), inadequate manpower (3.72), low patronage of local products (3.80). A policy framework was designed and popularization of the policy, provision of adequate infrastructural facilities and financial support services were considered as objectives that will improve performance of the industry. The study concluded that the implementation of the foundry policy was partially effective due to government inconsistency execution and stakeholder’s insufficient awareness of the policy thereby affecting the overall performance of the foundry industry.
Open Access
Assessment of institutional support service for technical enterpreneurship development in Southwestern Nigeria
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2014) Adeyemo, Felicia Solayide
The study identified the various technological and non- technological support services provided by institutions in Southwestern Nigeria to technical entrepreneurs; assessed the level of entrepreneurs’ awareness of the institutional support services and examined the methods of accessing the support services. Furthermore, it determined the factors influencing the provision and accessibility of the support services, and evaluated the impact of the support services on the performance of technical entrepreneurs. This was with a view to assessing the relevance and contribution of the support services to entrepreneurship development The study covered 14 institutions established to provide support services to technical entrepreneurs and 300 technical entrepreneurs beneficiaries. Data were collected using two sets of questionnaire. The first set was administered to 42 respondents from the 14 institutions to obtain information on the type of technological and non-technological support services provided, level of awareness creation to entrepreneurs and support services delivery mechanism. The second set of questionnaire was administered to 300 selected technical entrepreneurs beneficiaries from the institutional support services. The questionnaire elicited information on types of support services received, method of receiving the services and their impacts on the performance of the entrepreneurs on production output, sales turnover, profitability and product quality. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that 5 main support services were provided by institutions to technical entrepreneurs. These include technical (64.3%), information (64.3%), human resource development (53.3%), financial (50%) and general services (50%). The level of entrepreneurs’ awareness of these support services was high as 66.7% of the institutions assisted more than 90% entrepreneurs with one form of support service or the other. The methods of accessing the support services by entrepreneurs were mainly through workshops/seminars (57%), application for support services (25.3%), guarantor/ collateral (6.8%), interviews (5.0%), and cooperative arrangement (3.6%). The results further showed that the factors that significantly influenced the provision of support services were: awareness of the support services (F=3.77, p< 0.05), attitude of beneficiaries of support services (F=4.03, p<0.05), number of support services in a particular location (F=10.56, p<0.01) and location of the support service providers (F=4.27, p< 0.05). The significant factors influencing the accessibility of support services by the entrepreneurs: location of the support service providers (F = 3.04, p< = 0.05), cost of services provided (F = 2.46, p 0<0.05), educational level of the entrepreneurs (F = 2.57, p = 0.05), age of enterprise (F = 3.40, p< 0.05), and scale of operation (F = 3.37, p < 0.05). The technical support services provided had significant impact on production output (F = 3.74, p < 0.05) and sales turnover (F = 3.00, p <0.05) of the entrepreneurs. Financial support services had significantly impacted production output (F = 2.29, p < 0.010) and sales turnover (F=2.53, p<0.05). Information services significantly impacted reduction in maintenance cost (F=2.580, p<0.05) and product quality (F=3.37, p<0.05) while human resource development had significant impact on profitability (F=2.68, p<0.05) and product quality (F=5.65, p<0.01). The study concluded that institutional support services had positive impact on technical entrepreneurship development in Southwestern Nigeria.
Open Access
Assessment of the Contributtion of soil Biota and litter Quality to carbon Sequestration of Different Physiognomy in Shasha Forest Reserve,Nigeria.
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2016) Adebola, Samuel Idowu
The study identified and compared plant species diversity, soil organism biodiversity and abundance, determined soil organic carbon (SOC) pool and litter biomass carbon together with other litter biochemical composition in six different physiognomies in Shasha Forest Reserve in Osun State. It also investigated the seasonal variation in soil carbon content and established relationship among the explanatory variables with a view to identifying the physiognomy most suitable for afforestation to mitigate climate change. Physiognomies used for the study were; secondary re-growth natural forest (SRNF),Terminalia superba plantation (TSP), Pinus caribaea plantation (PCP), Gmelina arborea plantation (GAP), Tectona grandis plantation (TGP) and Theobroma cacao plantation (TCP). Eight plots (25 m x 25 m) were randomly selected in each physiognomy for the study. Tree species were identified and analysed using Shannon-Weiner diversity indices. The below-ground biodiversity assessed were; soil seed bank, earthworm, enchytraeid, millipede, collembola, beetle, termite, nematode, bacteria and fungi using standard methods. Freshly senesced litters were collected using litter trap, dried, ground, sieved and analysed for carbon, nitrogen, lignin and phenolic acid content. Composites soil samples were collected in both dry and wet seasons from three quadrats of 5 m x 5 m, within each 25 m x 25 m plot. The soil samples were analysed for bulk density, organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH and humic substances using standard methods. Data were subjected to appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics. Floristic diversity indicated that both understory and overstory as well as tree saplings varied among the physiognomies with secondary re-growth natural forest, T. superba and P. caribaea plantations having the highest tree diversity. Tectona grandis (21) and Theobroma cacao (13) plantations had the least tree diversity. The belowground diversity showed that highest tree emergence occurred in TSP (33.3%), while the least occurred in TCP (6.6%), TGP (6.6%)and PCP (6.6%) respectively. The highest enchytraeids (237), termite (1338), earthworm (753) and mite (293) were observed in GAP, while SRNF, TSP and TGP had highest millipede, beetle and collembola abundance respectively. The bacterial feeding nematode was found to be highest in PCP (32), while TSP had the highest fungi feeding nematode (28.6%). The Total Heterotrophic Bacterial and Total Heterotrophic Fungi counts were not significantly different (p>0.05) across the different physiognomies. The concentration of humin and humic acid were highest under SRNF (0.55± 0.02) and TSP (0.31 ± 0.01) soils respectively, while the highest fulvic acid was recorded in soil under TGP (0.18 ± 0.06). Litter carbon content was higher in PCP (54.51± 0.02%) compared to other physiognomies. The highest content of lignin and phenolic acid were observed under PCP (36.51± 0.73%) and TGP (0.58± 0.01%) and TSP (34.05± 0.03%), while C/N and Lignin/N were highest in TGP. The soil pH in all the physiognomies was slightly acidic (5.83 ± 0.296-6.23 ± 0.067). Bulk density was significantly (p>0.05) higher in TGP (1.21± .015 gcm-3) relative to other physiognomies. There was seasonal variation in SOC accumulation, while highest value of SOC (22.65 MgC/ha) was recorded in TSP, the least was recorded in TGP (19.24 MgC/ha). The study concluded thatTerminalia superba (a native tree species) and Pinus caribaea plantation could be considered suitable for an afforestation project aiming to conserve biodiversity and enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration.
Open Access
An assessment of the implementation of public procurement policy in Nigeria
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2016) Akinseye, Risikat Abimbola
The study examined the key contents of the public procurement policy in Nigeria. It also investigated the implementation strategies of the institutions established for the purpose of the procurement policy. It further assessed the effect of the public procurement policy on the promotion of transparency, accountability and infrastructural development in Nigeria; and analysed the challenges affecting the implementation of public procurement policy in Nigeria. These were with a view to providing information on the implementation of the public procurement reform policy in the country. Primary and secondary sources of data were utilized for the study. The primary data were generated through questionnaire administration and conduct of in-depth interviews. The study population (178) consisted of senior staff members on grade level 07 and above in the Bureau of Public Procurement (138), members of Ministerial Tender’s Board (16) and members the Procurement Committees (24). The respondents were purposively selected from Ministries of Works, Health, Housing and Urban Development and Finance, being the Ministries most involved in procurement activities. A total of 178 copies of questionnaire, covering 100% of study population were administered to the entire members of the population due to the small size of the population, and 146 copies of questionnaire (representing 82.02%) were retrieved. In-depth interviews were conducted with 4 Permanent Secretaries of the four selected Ministries. Also Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) of the four selected Ministries, who constituted the Chairpersons of the Procurement Committees of the Ministries; and four Directors of Bureau of Public Procurement, namely Director of Finance and Management, Director of Audit, Director of Special Procurement and Director of Media, making a total of 22 respondents interviewed. Secondary data were collected from official documents of the selected Ministries, Bureau of Public Procurement Manual, BPP Act 2007, journal articles, books and internet sources. Data collected were analysed using frequency distribution and t-test. The results showed that sealed bid submission/transparent bid opening, contract award/execution, bid evaluation - Technical and Financial, and project implementation are the key contents of public procurement policy in Nigeria. The results also identified drawing up of an efficient procurement plan driven by a needs assessment(64.5%), adequate appropriation for the procurement (83.9%); open and appropriate level of advertisement based on tender threshold (93.6%); transparent pre-qualification/tender (89.2%), sealed bid submission/transparent bid opening (93.6%), and contract award/execution and project implementation (87.1%) as the implementation strategies of the institutions The study further revealed that despite the adequacy of the policy, there was no substantial compliance with the standard procurement strategies in the award of contracts by the ministries (t = -6.856; p  0.05), there is no positive significant effect of the public procurement policy implementation on transparency and accountability (t = -9.624; p  0.05) thereby having little effect on the promotion of transparency, accountability, and infrastructural development. The study finally revealed that political patronage (80.9%), corruption (78.9%), poor technical knowledge of procurement (72.4%), inability to prosecute procurement offenders (68.8%) and lack of political will on the part of government (67.4%) are the challenges affecting the implementation of public procurement policy in Nigeria. The study concluded that the implementation of public procurement reform policy in Nigeria only recorded partial success.
Open Access
Assessment of the performance of local institutions on community development in southwestern Nigeria (1999-2017).
(Local Government Studies,Obafemi Awolowo University, 2019) Apanpa, Lateef Toriola
The study examined the key components of the performance of local institutions on community development in Southwestern Nigeria; and assessed the mode of operation of local institutions towards achieving community development. It also examined the effect of local institutions on community development; and analysed the challenges facing local institutions on community development in the study area. These were with a view to providing information on the performance of local institutions on community development in Southwestern Nigeria between1999-2017. Primary and secondary data were utilised for this study. The primary data were generated from responses to questionnaire and in-depth interview. The study population 6,084 were drawn from concerned stakeholders within the eighteen (18) selected LGAs in Southwestern Nigeria using multistage sampling technique. A sample of 375 respondents were selected for questionnaire administration using Taro Yamane (1976) sample size. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted across the three (3) selected axes with Chairmen of NULGE, ALGON, Traditional Council Chiefs, as well as official of CBOs and CDA totalling 5 and 21 other respondents in the community. This is to complement information collected through questionnaire administration. Data collected were analysed using frequency distribution, percentage, mean value, simple linear regression as well as content analysis. This study revealed that cooperation (92.5%), consensus around controversial issues (78.1%) and acquisition of new community development approaches (74%) were revealed to be the key components of the performance of local institutions on community development in South-western Nigeria. Furthermore, it was revealed that mode of operation of local institutions had significant effect on the achievement of community development (R2 = 0.257, p < 0.05). In addition, the results found out that there is significant effect of local institutions on community development of 66% (r = +0.666,xiv p < 0.05). Also, the study revealed that proper incorporation into governance system at the local level, weak institutional supports from government, poor administrative arrangement by local institutions themselves were noted to be the foremost challenges facing local institutions on community development in Southwestern Nigeria. The study concluded that performance of local Institutions had significant effect on community development in Southwestern Nigeria within the time frame
Open Access
Auditor independence and earnings quality of listed companies in Nigeria (2006-2013)
(Obafemi Awolowo University, 2016) Salawu, Mary Kehinde
The study appraised the effectiveness of auditor independence regulations in Nigeria; examined the trend of earnings quality and analysed the factors influencing auditor independence. It also investigated the influence of audit fees on earnings quality and analysed the influence of audit committee characteristics on earnings quality of listed companies in Nigeria. These were with a view to providing information on the impact of auditor independence on the earnings quality of listed companies in Nigeria. The study employed both primary and secondary data. The population for the study consisted of 194 firms; Finance Director/Chief Accounting Officers of quoted firms; Statutory Auditors and Financial Analysts. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 65 financial and non-financial firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). These comprised 15 financial firms and 50 non-financial firms selected on the basis of continuity in transaction and availability of complete data during the study period. Primary data, with the aid of structured questionnaire, were sourced from Finance Director/Chief Accounting Officers of quoted firms (150); Statutory Auditors (110) and Financial Analysts (90) on the effectiveness of auditor independence regulations and factors influencing auditor independence in Nigeria. The respondents were purposefully selected on the basis of their professionalism in corporate and financial matters. Secondary data on control variables, auditor independence, audit committee characteristics and earnings quality were sourced from the audited Annual Reports and Accounts of the sampled firms and from the NSE factbooks. Data were analysed using content analysis, mean, relative importance index, mean index score, percentages, graphs, tables and Generalised Methods of Moments. The results of the effectiveness of auditor independence regulations showed that; restriction on advertising with mean index score (MIS) of 4.08; the number of statutory auditors performing the audit (MIS = 3.78); installation of audit committee (MIS = 3.78); restrictions on the unsolicited offering of service (MIS = 3.57); restrictions on the length of audit mandate (MIS = 3.56); approval of the appointment of a statutory auditor by any party other than the appointing party (MIS = 3.54); and limiting auditors from becoming financially dependent on an individual client (MIS = 3.53) were considered effective. The trend analysis results showed that earnings quality improved between 2006 and 2007 (42.15%) but declined in 2008 (46.47%). However, there was consistent improvement in the earnings quality in year 2009, 2010 and 2012 (37.46%, 79% and 97.28%), with a decline in 2013. The results of the factors influencing auditor independence revealed that BIG4 (t= -1.981, p<0.05); audit tenure (t=-1.78, p<0.05); profitability (t=-2.26, p<0.05); leverage (t=-1.49, p<0.05); and inventory with account receivable (t=-2.10, p<0.05) had negative significant influence on auditor independence, while size of the firms (t=2.36, p<0.05); and loss (t=2.45, p<0.05) had positive influence on auditor independence in Nigeria. Furthermore, the results of the effect of audit fees on earnings quality showed that, audit fees (t=-3.25, p<0.05) had negative significant impact on earnings quality, while previous year earning quality (t=-5.62, p<0.05); size of the firm (t=3.58, p<0.05); and growth of the firm (t=13.62, p<0.05) had positive significant impact on earnings quality, unlike leverage (capital structure) with negative significant impact (t=-8.23, p<0.05). Finally, the results showed that audit committee meeting had a negative significant impact on earnings (t=-6.19, p<0.05), while audit committee size (t=0.175, p>0.05) and management ownership (t=0.055, p>0.05) had positive but insignificant impact on earnings quality. Also, audit committee independence (t=-0.86, p>0.05) and board size (t=-1.06, p>0.05) were found to be negatively related to earnings quality but not significant. The study concluded that auditor independence and audit committee characteristics were major factors to be considered in the determination of earnings quality among listed companies in Nigeria.
Open Access
The Celestial Church of Christ; the history of an independent African Church
(Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria, 1986) Agbaje, Albert Aduloju
The Independent Indigenous churches in Africa, of which the Celestial Church of Christ is one, are a twentieth century phenomenon. These indigenous churches have contrasting characteristics in the different African States where they operate. While some of these indigenous churches have come into existence for racial reasons and others as protest groups, the Celestial Church of Christ claims to be the "last ship of Salvation" - kind of "Noah's Ark". It claims divine origin and everything about the church is traced to Divine Revelation. Incidentally, the C.C.C. is the most misunderstood of all the Christian churches in Nigeria. Some see it as a cult while others describe it as a refined Yoruba traditional religion. I have under-taken to investigate the Celestial Church in order to bring out the truth about the faith and practices of that church especially now that the Dramatis Personae connected with the birth and development of that church are still on the stage. The intention is to lay bare the facts and allow individuals to give their own conclusions. In this research therefore, I have attempted to survey the social, political, economic and religious conditions of Porto Novo (Ajase Ipo) in order to show the background on which the Celestial Church of Christ was founded, as well as examine the origins, growth and expansion of the C.C.C. and then to investigate the theology, liturgical practices, organization, administration and constitution of the church. My conclusion is mainly an evaluation of the church as a Christian church vis a vis its contributions to religious change in Nigeria. My approach is mainly historical and theological.
Open Access
Comparative analysis of socio-cultural factors influencing rural female entrepreneurship development in southwest and southeast
(Sociology and Anthroplogy, Obafemi Awolowo University, 2013) Akinbami, Catherine Abiola Oluwatoyin
The study examined the entrepreneurship practice of rural women in Southwestern and Southeastern Nigeria; the role of socio-cultural factors (inheritance structure, belief system, widowhood practice, sex role) on entrepreneurship practices among rural women entrepreneurs in the study areas; the effect of socio-demographic variables on entrepreneurship development in the study areas; and determine the differences and similarities in entrepreneurship practices of rural women in Southwestern and Southeastern Nigeria. This was with a view to comparing the socio-cultural factors influencing rural women entrepreneurs. Primary data were used. For Southeast, all seven communities in Izzi Local Government Area (LGA) from Ebonyi North Senatorial District in Ebonyi State, being the youngest and least developed State and LGA; for Southwest, thirteen communities clustered around Ipetumodu, Ife North LGA, Osun State, were purposively selected. The target population sampled included rural women entrepreneurs involved in sale of farm products, fish processing, food processing and trading/artisans. The study used concurrent mixed method approach, that is, both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative method employed questionnaire instrument to obtain data from 370 respondents in Southeast and 400 respondents in Southwest. For qualitative data, four Focus Group Discussions were organised in the two zones and eight interesting cases/stories of the women entrepreneurs. In addition, one family member and a neighbour were interviewed to understand how the communities and family members perceive the rural woman entrepreneur. Data collected from the questionnaire were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while Atlas ti was used to analyse the qualitative data. The results showed entrepreneurship practices of women in both zones started their businesses for survival (88%) while 12% was for identified opportunities, with differences in how they operated their businesses: while women in Southeast could be considered serial entrepreneurs, those in Southwest were stable. Bivariate analysis revealed that there was significant relationship between sources of initial capital (2=1.180, p<0.05) and entrepreneurship development as well as sources of funding for continuous management of business (2=49.476, p<0.05) and entrepreneurship development in the Southeast while it is not significant (2=4.943, p>0.05) (2=6.759, p>0.05) respectively in Southwest. Considering independent decisions against entrepreneurship development, there was significant relationship in the Southeast (2=39.360, p<0.05) while it is not significant in Southwest at (2=0.118, p>0.05). For cultural belief, (comprising of inheritance structure, belief system, and sex role) against entrepreneurship development, the result also showed significant relationship in the Southeast (2=1.107, p<0.05) while it was not significant in Southwest (2=0.420, p>0.05), Also, socio-demographic factors observed to have had some bearing on entrepreneurship development of rural women included their education (SE 2=16.763, p<0.05; SW 2=1.981, p>0.05); marital status (SE 2=9.179, p<0.05; SW 2=3.499, p>0.05) religious affiliation (SE 2=8.910, p<0.05; SW 2=2.972, p>0.05) income (SE 2=1.099, p>0.05; SW 2=5.711, p>0.05); age (SE 2=4.734, p>0.05; SW 2=6.763, p>0.05) and occupation (SE 2=1.638, p>0.05; SW 2=10.068, p<0.05). While there exists significant relationship in both regions for perception against entrepreneurship development (2=40.440, p<0.05) in Southeast and (2=38.260, p<0.05) in Southwest. The study concludes that entrepreneurship practices of rural women entrepreneurs in Southwest are better organized towards growth and development than their counterparts in Southeast.