THE RELATIONSHP BETWEEN POST UME SCORES AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, YOLA

Popoola, S.F.

Department of Educational Foundations,

University of Jos, Nigeria

Email: funsoiye@yahoo.com

Abstract: In the past, JAMB has been the sole examination body responsible for conduct of qualifying examination into tertiary institutions in Nigeria until introduction of Post University Matriculation Examination (PUME) as a “child of necessity” due to the fact that doubt has been brought to the credibility of JAMB/UME scores. Shortly after its introduction PUME, has been faced with its share of public criticisms from different segments of the society. This study therefore seeks to examine the relationship between Post UME Scores and Students’ Academic Achievement in Federal University of Technology, Yola. The researcher used estimated population size of two thousand, five hundred (2500) candidates from which a sample of four hundred and Sixty-eight (468) was drawn, using stratified and purposive random sampling. The study employed correlation research design and used adapted existing pro-forma for data collection. The appropriateness of instrument was rated at 83 percent with 0.83 rational validity index. The findings revealed that the relationship between Post University Matriculation Examination Screening and students’ first year result was not significant in Federal University of Technology, Yola. The researcher recommends among others PUME be strengthened through the use of uniform standard as well as valid and reliable instrument. Keywords: JAMB Examination, PUME, Public Criticisms, Student Academic Achievement

TRACKING DOWN THE MENACE OF ACUTE MALNUTRITION THROUGH HOME

ECONOMICS EDUCATION OF NIGERIAN RURAL WOMEN

Akpan, Chidinma A.

Department of Home Economics,

Federal College of Education, Katsina

Email: chidinmaaniefiokakpan@gamil.com

Abstract: Acute malnutrition is problem of hunger, food insecurity and poor environment. It is a major killer of children under five years and the greatest public health concern of the century, accounting for about one million deaths per year in sub- Saharan Africa. Nigeria is among the few countries of the world having the highest rates of acute malnutrition with some states having rates above the emergency levels. Acute malnutrition is found among the poor, usually associated with food insecurity, dietary deprivation, poor environmental condition and constant infections. Majority of the primary care-givers (women) living in rural communities are illiterate, unskilled, extremely poor and lack opportunity to develop themselves. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the scale of acute malnutrition in Nigeria and the factors which lead to its high prevalence. This paper posits that empowerment of Nigerian rural women through purposeful skill training will help to improve their income and reduce poverty. Their empowerment with parenting skills, nutrition knowledge and other health promoting skills which are important aspect of home economics education will result in better health of the children and a reduction in the rate of acute malnutrition in Nigeria. The paper recommended that home economics extension services be provided in all rural communities to help in skill training and empowerment of the rural women. Policies which enhance food production and distribution should be enacted, and interventions focusing on improving sanitation and water quality in Nigerian rural areas should be embarked upon by all levels of government. First ladies should make women and children the focus of their pet projects.

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES USED BY TEACHERS IN TEACHING BASIC SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

Unamba Eugene Chukwuemeka, Osita Ivans Ugwuoti & Unamba Assumpta Chioma

Department of Primary Education Studies, Alvan Ikoku University of Education, Owerri

Department of Biology Education, Alvan Ikoku University of Education

Area A World Bank Housing Estate

E-mail: unambaec@yahoo.com & ositaugwuodi@gmail.com

Abstract: The study employed a descriptive survey to investigate Junior Secondary School Students’ perception of innovative teaching strategies used by teachers in Basic Science and Mathematics. By the use of purposive sampling technique, two hundred (200) students were used as sample size from four selected junior secondary schools in Owerri Municipal Council Area of Imo State. The instrument for data collection was a check-list for teacher’s academic qualification in section A and researcher structured questionnaire in section B with yes/No format. Three (3) research questions and two (2) hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The instrument was validated and the reliability index of 0.80 was obtained. The research questions were answered using percentage and proportions while the hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistics.  Result showed that teachers of basic science and mathematics do not use innovative strategies during instruction, the proportion of teachers in basic science and mathematics on the use of innovative strategies during instruction is not significant and, gender and academic qualification is not a significant factor in the use of innovative strategies during instruction in basic science and mathematics. Recommendations were – conferences, workshops, and seminars should be organized for the practicing and securing science and mathematics teachers to update their knowledge/skills.

EFFECT OF PROGRAMMED INSTRUCTION PACKAGE ON SECONDARY STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICS ANXIETY AND ACHIEVEMENT IN BENUE STATE

Anyor, Joseph Wuave, Anyagh, Paul Igber & Uloko Emmanuel Sule

Department of Science Education, Federal University of Agriculture Makurdi

Mathematics Department, College of Advanced and Professional Studies Makurdi, Nigeria

Email: ornguj@yahoo.com

Abstract: The study investigated the effects of programmed instruction package (PIP) on secondary school Students mathematics anxiety and achievement in Benue State. The study adopted a pre-test, post-test, non-randomized quasi experimental design. Two research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The sample size for the study was 101 JSS I students. Two research instruments; the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scales (MARS) and a Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) were used to collect data for study. The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and ANCOVA to test the hypotheses. The results show that PIP was effective in reducing mathematics anxiety and improving mathematics achievement. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended among other things that mathematics teachers should use PIS that reduce students’ mathematics anxiety, provide better understanding and improve achievement in mathematics.

EVALUATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION HOME-GROWN SCHOOL FEEDING AND HEALTH PROGRAMME IN NIGERIA

Anho Josif Efe

Department of Educational Administration and Policy Studies,

Faculty of Education, Delta State University, Abraka

Email: efejosif@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: This works is on evaluation of the administration and policy implementation of the Universal Basic Education Home Grown School Feeding and Health Programme (UBEHGSFHP) which was established to improve the nutritional status of school children, through providing adequate meal during the school hours.  It was aimed at improving health needs of pupils and increase enrolment, and school attendance.  The work evaluates how the programme started and fared in other countries and in Nigeria, the pilot study did not even take off in some states designated to have experimented the programme.  It was discovered among other findings, that due to lack of government interest, monitoring and funding, communities, parents, head teachers, school administrators, teachers as well as pupils were not even aware of the programme. This made the implementation level low, parents were therefore, not generally disposed to the implementation due to varieties reasons of religious such as, traditional and superstitious belief. Vital recommendations aimed at amelioratering or totally eradicating the problems identified such as a government should embark on serious public enlightenment campaign to awaken awareness where offered.