Journal of Humanities, Social Science and Creative Arts

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AS MEDIATOR BETWEEN CONFLICT-HANDLING BEHAVIOUR AND WORKPLACE COMMITMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCHERS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

M. O. OOSE; T. O. A. BANMEKE, T. OLAIFA, M. O. UMUNNA — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

No organization can perform maximally except each employee is committed to its growth. However,
employees’ conflict-handling styles always challenge their level of productivity. This study assessed
the mediating effects of communication strategies on conflict-handling behavior and workplace commitment of agricultural researchers in selected institutions in Southwest Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 113 agricultural researchers for the study. Primary data were obtained on employees’ conflict-handling communication strategies and workplace commitment using a
structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, and hierarchical
regression analysis. Results indicate that 54.9% of the respondents were male, 61.1% were married
with an average age of 44 years and 9 years of experience. Most (59.3%) of the respondents noted
that they always view conflict from both positive and negative sides while 53.1% reported that conflict
related issues were discussed with mutually beneficial and lasting solutions reached. 45.1% of the
respondents always avoid the discussion of issues which may engender conflict in the workplace.
55.8% of the researchers reiterated they work harmoniously well with other researchers who consider
their feeling as a topmost priority. The hierarchical regression analysis revealed a significant (p<0.05)
relationship between Conflict handling behaviour and workplace commitment (β = 4.28). Also, communication strategies was significantly related (b = .04, p > .05) to workplace commitment. It is concluded
that conflict handling behaviour is a predictor of workplace commitment with communication strategies
serving as a mediating variable. The study recommends that constant capacity building workshops on
Conflict Handling Behaviour and communication strategies in the workplace should be organized for
the researchers.

INFLUENCE OF MOTHER-DAUGHTER INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ON SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF SECONDARY SCHOOL TEENAGE GIRLS IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

A. O. BELLO; A. A. OLUYEMI — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In order to curtail a female child’s early sexual engagement and the attendant repercussions, research
gap must be filled in the field of mother-daughter interpersonal communication. Hence, this study specifically examined the influence of the quality of mother-daughter communication on sexual behaviour
of teenage girl; the influence of mother’s parenting style on a girl’s sexual behaviour; and also investigated the joint influence of the mother-daughter communication and parenting style on sexual behaviour of a teenage girl. This study employed the survey research method. Five public secondary
schools were randomly selected in Ijebu-Ode. 40 teenage girls and their mothers were purposively
selected in each of the schools, totaling 200 sample size. Three instruments were adopted to gather
the data: Adolescent Sexual Activities Index (ASAI), Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PCS)
and Parenting Style Scale (PSC). The study was anchored on Bowen Family Systems Theory; Attachment theory and The Rommetveit and Blakar communication model. Quality communication among
mothers and daughters were found influencing a positive sexual behaviour in teenage girls while the
mothers’ parenting styles did not show significant influence on their daughters’ sexual behaviour. However, there was a significant positiveHoweverHH joint influence of mothers-daughters communication
and mothers’ parenting styles on teens’ sexual behaviour. Among others, the study recommended that
mothers should endeavour to create intimacy with their daughters to enhance quality communication and should learn to adopt appropriate parenting styles as it relates to their
daughters’ sexual education and monitoring according to the behavioural pattern exhibited by such child.

YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN IMPROVED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN SABON GARI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE

I. H. OJO; J. O. OWOLABI, Y. MUSA — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The contributions of agriculture to farmers’ income and rural development have been associated to
depend on the active participation of youths who are the potential labour force. The study examined
youth participation in improved agricultural production practices in Sabon Gari Local Government Area
(LGA), Kaduna States. Using multistage sampling procedure, 90 youths from six wards in the LGA
were selected. Structured questionnaire was employed for data collection. The study made use of
primary data which were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Findings of the
study showed that majority (86.7%) of the youths were male, 94.4% had formal education, 77.8% did
not belong to any cooperative society, with a mean age of 28 years, household size of 13 person and
farming experience of 15.9 years. Results of regression analysis showed that farming experience
(r=0.190) and membership of cooperative (r=0.582) positively influence youth participation in improved
agricultural production practices. Farming which is the major occupation (-0.383) had negative relationship on youths’ participation in improved agricultural production practices. Based on the information obtained from the study, it could be concluded that extension services is inadequate in the
study area which consequently affects agricultural production. The study therefore, recommend that
extension services that focus on youth programmes should be improved upon by both State and Local
Government authorities in order to educate and stimulate youths’ interest in agriculture.

COMMUNITY POLICING: THE NEED FOR CONTAINMENT OF HERDERS-FARMERS CONFLICTS IN NIGERIAN STATES

E. O. ADEMOLA — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

With the proliferation of state security agencies charged with specialized roles in the maintenance of law and order, the partial passage of Anti-Open Gracing laws by some states in Nigeria, herders-farmers conflicts have remained interactable. This study examined the need for establishment of community policing as an alternative measure to containing herders-farmers conflicts in Nigeria. Based on the content analysis of data gathered through secondary sources, anchored on eco-violence and superior aggression theories as framework of analysis, this work argues that given the structural arrangement and the command of the Nigeria Police that skewed the control of the Police in charge of internal security, law and order to the directive of the canter, the nonchalant attitude of the Federal Government shows the unwillingness to formalize the informal security apparatus to contain the incessant conflicts that may have persisted. The study concluded that, with the prevailing structure of Nigeria’s federalism and the posture of its present leadership; herders-farmers conflicts would remain intractable and a recurring experience. Therefore, it recommends amongst other measures, the need for repositioning of the apparatus of community policing to systematically cut across villages, clans and hamlets, as an imperative needed change to contain the menace of herdsmen banditry terror acts.

FUNCTIONAL PERSPECTIVE TO PLURILINGUAL COMMUNICATION IN HETEROGENEOUS SPEECH COMMUNITIES

K. G. ADEOSUN, O. K. OPALEYE, OLUSOLA ADETUTU — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Prescriptive linguistic theories have viewed communicative competence for multilinguals as attainable separately in the different languages they use. However, plurilingualism – an emerging, 21st-century concept in communication studies – views communication in multilingual communities as a means, not an end. The functional method, as opposed to the earlier prescriptive methods, employed in this essay, views communicative competence, not as a goal to be achieved but as a process to be involved in. It was discovered that it is not necessarily so-called competencies in individual languages that aids the inclusion and survival of multilinguals in their heterogeneous speech communities. Rather, it is the continuous, deliberate and mixed use of multiple languages in various communicative events. This essay concluded that this communicative competence is, therefore, not per se attainable as a stop but only as a process. It was also recommended that language users trying to survive in plurilingual speech communities should be involved in active and continuous conversations across the different, available languages.

UTILIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL LOAN AMONG COOPERATIVE POULTRY FARMERS IN IJEBU NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE

O. P. OLUWASANYA, T. A. OBASAN, A. F. AWOLUMATE, K. A. SHITTU — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Utilization of agricultural loan is a key component of farm success. It enhances good productivity. The study assessed the utilization of loan among cooperative poultry farmers in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State. Multiple sampling technique was used in selecting the sample population. Four wards were selected from the Local Government Area from which 120 respondents were selected from 22 communities in the wards. Descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution, percentage and means, and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression were used to analyse data collected. Results indicated that most respondents were between the age bracket of 41 and 50 years. Majority of the respondents were married, with household size between 4 and 6 persons. Most respondents had poultry farming as their major occupation. OLS regression analysis was used to determine the factors affecting loan accessibility among farmers in the study area. The coefficient of determination (R²) of the factors affecting loan accessibility was found to be 0.511 (51.1%). Monthly income, interest paid, number of birds, and mode of loan repayment were positively significant among the eleven (11) variables modelled. This implies that increase in these factors will lead to an increase in the farmers’ loan accessibility. Farmers are encouraged to channel resources to more productive purpose s. OLS regression analysis was used to examine the default rate among sample farmers in the study area. The R² of loan default was found to be 0.517 (51.7%); this is an indication that 51.7% of the variation in the factors affecting loan default rate among sampled poultry farmers was explained by the explanatory variables (socio-economic characteristics). Out of the 9 variables modelled, the age of respondents, sex, amount-borrowed, educational level of respondents and duration of loan repayment were positively significant. This implies that increase in these factors will lead to an increase in the farmers’ ability to repay loan on time. It was recommended that extension services should be brought to the farmers as most of them are learned.

PERCEPTION OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICES AMONG STUDENTS IN SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABEOKUTA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

K. G. ADEOSUN, E. C. CHINAGUH, M. E. ALIYU, T. U. MATTHEW — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

The focus of this study was to examined secondary school students’ perception of examination malpractice in Abeokuta North Local Government Area (LGA), Ogun State, Nigeria. In order to achieve the set objectives of this study, a multistage sampling procedure was used to select one hundred (100) students from three randomly selected secondary schools in the LGA using a structured questionnaire to elicit information from the respondents about their knowledge in awareness and engagement, causes, factors and control measures of examination malpractices. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive (frequency counts, percentages and mean) and inferential (Chi-square) statistics. All (100.0%) of the sampled students were aware of examination malpractices, while half (50.0%) had engaged in examination malpractice before. All (100.0%) of the sampled students perceived that examination malpractice was caused by students’ academic laziness, fear of failure; corrupt invigilators (95.0%), congested sitting arrangements during examination (92.0%), lack of qualified and dedicated teachers (87.0%), and a quest for good results/certificates (85.0%) were other causes of examination malpractices perceived by the respondents. About (93.0%) perceived that examination malpractice has a negative effect on the educational system, (96.0%) suggested that examination malpractice could be controlled through safe keeping of examination questions and answer scripts; severe punishment of all parties involved in examination malpractice (90.0%). 78.0% mentioned reorientation of invigilators and (82.0%) mentioned teachers and adequate spacing of students during examinations. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that exam malpractice is common among secondary school students and it has negative effects on their academic performance. It is therefore recommended that the government and school authorities should constantly organize trainings, workshops and seminars for all stakeholders on the consequences of examination malpractices; anyone involved in any examination malpractice should be punished severely to serve as deterrent to others; over- population should be discouraged in schools to avoid congested sitting arrangements during examinations. The government should ensure regular payment of teachers’ salaries and other incentives promptly, to make teachers more comfortable economically.

PROLIFERATION OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA: A CURSE OR A BLESSING?

M. O. ARIKEWUYO , M. OGUNSANWO — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Globally, University education is regarded as a very important aspect of a nation’s educational system. The paper discussed the significance of University to the development of any nation. Specifically, the paper traced the origin of University education and emergence of Private Universities in Nigeria. It noted that as at September, 2023, Nigeria had a total of two hundred and sixty (260) universities, out of which one hundred and forty-seven (147) were privately- owned. The paper observed that the proliferation of Private Universities has some merits and demerits. It further observed that to a large extent, the Universities have been able to solve the problem of access to University education. However, the low capacity of these Private Universities has been a major challenge. The paper concluded that the National Universities Commission (NUC) should continue to ensure effective control and monitoring of these universities. The Commission should ensure strict compliance with the published Code of Governance for Private Universities.

INFLUENCE OF EMPLOYEES’ PERSONALITY TRAITS AND WORK LIFE-BALANCE ON ORGANIZATIONS JOB PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Poor understanding and application of personality traits have always led to serious damage in organizations because things are sometimes done inappropriately by most human resource managers and which lead to low productivity among staff. This study examined the influence of employees’ personality traits and work life balance on organizations’ job performance in selected Agricultural Research Institutes in Southwestern Nigeria. A Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 172 respondents for the study. Structured questionnaire with Chronbach Alpha Coefficient of 0.75 was used to collect data on employees’ personality traits, work life balance and organization job performance. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Pearson Product Moment Correlation, Linear Regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used to test the study hypotheses. Conscientiousness ( = 4.37) and job sharing ( = 4.08) were the predominant personality traits and work life balance practices respectively reported in the Research Institutes. Majority (84.9%) of the respondents had high level of work life balance while 56% had high job performance. Correlation analysis showed a significant (p< 0.05) relationship between respondents’ personality traits (r = 0.555) and work life-balance (r =0 .388); and job performance. Analysis of variance revealed no significant (p< 0.05) differences among respondents’ personality traits (F = .306), work life balance (F =.169) and level of job performance (F=.674) across the selected Research Institutes in the study area. Study revealed that employees’ personality traits and work life-balance were positively and significantly related to organizations’ job performance in the study organization while personality traits, work life balance and employees’ job performance were not significantly different across the study organizations. Organizations are admonished to always consider personality profiles of their employees at the selection stage and look into more emotionally stable and conscientious applicants when recruiting because these factors are significantly associated with organizational Job performance.

GUIDE TO AUTHORS

E. A. Makinde — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0100

An abstract in English should include key words. Abstracts should be limited to < 200 words, and should contain salient features of the study, briefly indicating method of study, results, and the main conclusion. Single solid lines should separate the by-line material from the Abstract, and the Abstract from the main text. A short running title should be included.