PROVISION OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICES AT FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) BICHI, KANO STATE, NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD
The paper reviewed the provision of guidance and counselling at Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi, Kano State, Nigeria, the challenges facing the provision and the way forward. These challenges hinder the effective guidance services delivery at the College Counselling Centre. Therefore, the paper started by defining the concept of guidance services, types of services offered to students, rationale and benefits were reviewed. Based on the challenges mentioned, possible ways forward were also postulated.
REINTEGRATING OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN INTO BUSINESS EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
The education system in Nigeria faces a major challenge of out-of-school children, who
for many reasons are unable to pursue formal education. This study aims to explore the
opportunities and challenges of reintegrating these children into business education in
Nigeria. Through a literature review, the study identifies various factors that hinder the
reintegration of out-of-school children into business education, such as lack of adequate
funding, infrastructure, and poverty. However, the study also highlights potential solutions
such as government funding, vocational training programs, and community support. The
findings of this study contribute to the ongoing discussion on the education system in
Nigeria and provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders
in developing effective strategies to address the issue of out-of-school children and promote
business education in the country.
CONSEQUENCES OF STUDENT DROP OUR ON NIGERIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM
his paper explored the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria, examining the
underlying causes, the social implications, and proposing potential solutions. The
revealed several factors contributing to the prevalence of out-of-school children in
Nigeria, including poor funding of education, corruption, ineffective
implementation of the Child Rights Act, insecurity, lack of political will, widespread
poverty, and high fertility rates. The paper highlighted the social implications of
out-of-school children, such as increased security challenges, a future shortage of
skilled manpower, a negative international image, high illiteracy rates, and
significant socioeconomic and dependency issues. To address these challenges, the
paper recommended that the federal, state, and local governments develop targeted
programs to reduce the number of out-of-school children. It also emphasized the
need for adequate funding of the education sector across all levels of government
to ensure accessible and quality education for all children in Nigeria.
A STUDY ON THE PSYCHOMETRUC PROPERTIES OF 2022/2023 OBJECTIVE ITEMS OF MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION EXAMINATION AMONG NCE II STUDENTS OF FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) BICHI, KANO STATE, NIGERIA
The paper determined the psychometric properties of 2022/2023 Measurement and
Evaluation among NCE II students of Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi,
Kano State, Nigeria. Three objectives and three research questions was guided by the
study. The design used by the study was ex post facto. The population of the study was one
thousand five hundred and seventy-three (1573) and a sample size of three hundred and
six (306) were selected as subjects through cluster and simple random sampling
techniques. The results of the objectives answer sheet for the students who sat for
2022/2023 Measurement and Evaluation in Federal College of Education Technical Bichi
were collected and analyzed in order to obtained the p-value , discrimination index and
distractor effectiveness through Statistical Package for the social Sciences in accordance
with Classical Test Theory perspective (CTT). The study revealed that that the objectives
items number 2, 8, 9, 12 and 20 were difficult to the students whereas item
1,3,4,5,6,7,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18 and 19 were not difficult. The study revealed that the
objectives item number 6, 9 and 10 discriminate well among high and low achievers.
Similarly, item number 1,2,3,4,5,7,8,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19 and 20 do not
discriminate well among high and low achievers. The study finally revealed that option A
Item number 8,9 and 20 were not functional distractors. But all other items were effective
functional distractors. Similarly, in option B ITEM number 9,10,13 and 17 were functional
not distractors. Moreover, in Option C, item number 9 and 16 were not functional
distractors. Finally, in option D item number 1,2,34,13,15,16 and 17 were found to have
low distractor effectiveness. The paper concluded that Majority of the items do not
discriminate between high and low achievers and that finally most of the items are
functional distractors. The paper recommended that Item analysis after every semester
examination should be conducted for the course and there should be item analysis of other
courses such as Psychology, Guidance and counseling.
IMPACT OF OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN ON ART AND SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA
The persistent issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria poses a significant challenge to
the nation's educational system, particularly in the arts and social sciences. These
disciplines, essential for fostering critical thinking, cultural development, and societal
progress, have witnessed declining enrollment due to the growing number of children
excluded from formal education. This study examines the multidimensional impacts of outof-school children on art and social science education, highlighting factors such as
poverty, inadequate infrastructure, cultural barriers, and gender disparities. The findings
reveal that the reduced participation in these fields not only hinders the development of
creative and analytical skills but also limits the nation's ability to address pressing social
and cultural issues. Recommendations include improving access to quality education,
reforming curricula to make arts and social sciences more relevant, offering financial
support for disadvantaged students, and promoting awareness of the importance of these
fields. Addressing these challenges is critical for enhancing educational equity and
ensuring that the arts and social sciences continue to contribute to Nigeria’s socioeconomic and cultural development.
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: IMPACTS ON REDUCING THE OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA
This article, titled: “Inclusive Education: Impacts on Reducing the Out-of-School Children
in Nigeria”. The paper focused on assessing the approaches of Inclusive Education in
Nigeria in relation to redeeming the rate of out-of-school children. The article examined
the concepts of Inclusive Education and concept of Out-of-school Children. It identified
the goals of inclusive education. It also outlined the challenges of inclusive education in
Nigeria and, it stated the impacts of inclusive education in reducing the rates of out-ofschool children in Nigeria. The paper recommends among others: Government at all levels
and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), United Nations Agencies, Public-Private
Partnerships (PPPs) should provide more infrastructural projects to schools to promote
inclusive education programme; and Parents and community members through Parents
Teachers Association (PTA) and School-Based Management Committee (SBMC), should
provide adequate support to the school by fully involving in school affairs and education
of their children, to enable them learn and realize their potentials.
OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA: CAUSES AND WAY FORWARD
One of the major problem facing Nigeria as country is how to address the problem of out
of school children. Every year the population of out of school children keeps increasing. It
has been observed that there is 20 million out of school children. This paper examined the
causes responsible for out of school children in Nigeria among other things the paper
discussed are: concept of out of school children, and the paper suggested the way forward
for the eradication of the problem.
BASIC EDUCATION AND OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND THE POSSIBLE INTERVENTION
Nigeria has the largest number of out – of – school children in the world it is estimated
that one in every five out – of – school children around the globe is in Nigeria. Even though
basic education is free and compulsory in the country about 10.5 million children aged 5
to 14 years are out of school. About 50 percent of these children live in the north region.
This paper examine out of school children in Nigeria and factors that contribute to the
incidence of out of school children such as early child marriage, economic barriers,
conflict, socio-cultural norms and lack of inclusive policies practices in school. Lastly, the
paper give out some recommendations as a way of tacking the problems that is both
governmental and non-governmental efforts are necessary to tackle the current situation
through the use of education innovation such as the accelerated education programme,
combined with their conventional interventions such as rebuilding and expanding of
infrastructures, more enrolment sensitization, Economic intervention, improved security
and legal enforcement.
GENDER DIFFERENCE ON IRT ANALYSIS OF PYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE 2015 KANO STATE MATHEMATICS SENIOR SECONDARY CERTIFICATE QUALIFYING EXAMINATION IN DALA EDUCATION ZONE, KANO STATE
"Gender Difference on IRT Analysis of psychometric properties of the 2015 Kano State
Mathematics Senior Secondary Qualifying Examination in Dala Education Zone " is a
study that sought to investigate the difficulty, discrimination and guessing-indices of the
multiple-choice items of the examination. Three (3) hypotheses stating no significant
differences in the mean difficulty, discrimination and guessing indices of items in relation
to gender were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study employed the Item Response
Theory (IRT) and Item Analysis as theoretical and conceptual framework respectively.
Fourteen Thousand, Five Hundred and Twelve (14,512) (student's scripts were the total
population of the study. The sample size used was 370 using the Research Advisors (2006)
table and multi stage cluster sampling as the sampling technique. The instrument used for
the study was the Scripts of students in Mathematics multiple choice examinations set and
administered by KERD in 2015. The study revealed that there was no significant difference
in the mean difficulty and discrimination indices of the 2015 Mathematics SSCQE items
for male and female students, while there is a significant difference on the guessing indices
for male and female students.The paper finally recommended that Further studies on item
analysis of SSCQE on mathematics and other subjects should be carried out in other zones
of the state. In addition, Further studies on item analysis should be investigated on
boarding school students and on mixed schools students to determine the effect of gender
on the variables.
CHALLENGES OF OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF SCHOOL HEADS
This article, titled “Challenges of Out-of-School Children: The Role of School Heads”,
examines the antecedence of out-of-school children in the phase of national and
international perspectives. It examines the concept of school children; and concept of outof-school children. The paper also identified the challenges associated with out-of-school
children in Nigeria as: poverty; security threat; inadequate funding of education;
inadequate infrastructures; poor quality of teaching; socio-cultural/religious factor; poor
implementation of school feeding programme; lack of employment opportunities; and
corruption. Thus, the role of school heads in tackling the issue of out-of-school children in
Nigeria are also identified, which include: provision and allocation of adequate resources;
effective supervision of instruction; capacity building for teachers; provision of effective
counselling unit; improving school environment; promotion of school-community
relations; proper implementation of school feeding programme; provision of School
Security initiatives; and monitoring and evaluation. The article comes up with the
following recommendations, among which are: government at all levels should make
adequate provision of adequate teaching and learning materials to improve quality of
teaching and learning especially, on skills development (life skills and employability skills)
to enable retention and transition of learners in the school; there should be proper use of
school-community relations policy and of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to assist
children especially those from poor/disadvantaged family background to sponsor their
schooling to realize their potentials as well; and government and private individuals
should joint hands provide more skills acquisition centres to engage the out-of-school
children and equip them with various training they may need to become selves-employed
and productive in the society.
RELIABILITY OF RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCHES: AN EXPLORATORY PERSPECTIVE
In the realm of research, reliability stands as a cornerstone of methodological rigor and
credibility. It refers to the consistency of a measure or instrument, ensuring that the same
results can be replicated under consistent conditions. Consistency is crucial for the validity
of research findings, influencing the confidence that researchers and stakeholders can
place in the results. The purpose of this study is to delve into the multifaceted concept of
reliability to assess the various approaches in determining the reliability of research
instruments in educational research. The study used an exploratory research technique
and relied on information from previous studies and publications, including journals,
textbooks, periodicals, and as well the internet. Various forms of reliability, including testretest reliability, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency are discussed to
underscore their roles in the educational research process. Methods for assessing
reliability, such as Cronbach's alpha, Kuder-Richardson, Intraclass Correlation
Coefficient (ICC), and Pearson Correlation Coefficient are examined to provide
researchers with practical knowledge for enhancing the reliability of their instruments.
The article also addresses common challenges and strategies to overcome these challenges
in achieving reliable measurements in education, including best practices and future
direction in reliability research. Thus, by emphasizing the importance of reliable research
instruments, this article aims to guide educational researchers in developing and
implementing tools that yield consistent and trustworthy results, thereby contributing to
the advancement of educational theory and practice.
THE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY TEACHERS IN SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
This paper examines the role of educational psychology teachers in school discipline
which cannot be over emphases, school disciplinary policies and practices are
essential features in life of students in schools. Conventional approaches to school
discipline including conduct codes and security methods, suspension, corporal
punishment and teacher’s methods of managing students’ behavior rely primarily on
deference, control and punishment to maintain orderliness. The conceptual
clarification of the terms, causes of indiscipline in schools and the role of educational
psychology teachers in maintaining schools discipline are examined and it was
recommended that all hands must be on deck to curtail the problem such as educational
psychologists, counselors, school administrators, community, parents and government
has a vital role to play and also everyone in the community should be involved, school
system and community agencies especially law enforcement, medical and juvenile
service.
PERCEPTION OF SMALL ANS MEDIUM ENTERPRISES OWNERS ON LOAN FACILITY ACCESS DURING POST FUEL SUBSIDY REMOVAL IN NIGERIA
This study investigates the perception of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)
owners regarding the accessibility of loan facilities following the removal of the fuel
subsidy in Nigeria. With SMEs facing increased operational costs, their need for
external funding has become more critical. The study sampled 27 SME owners from a
population of 45, using questionnaires for data collection. The data were analyzed
through tables and percentages to explore how SME owners perceive the availability
and ease of accessing loans under the current economic climate. The findings reveal
that despite the heightened need for financial support, SME owners face significant
challenges in accessing loan facilities. Key barriers include high interest rates,
complex loan application processes, and stringent lending conditions imposed by
financial institutions. While loans are deemed essential for business survival and
growth, many SMEs are unable to meet the requirements to secure financing. This
situation is exacerbated by the economic pressures following the removal of the fuel
subsidy. The study concludes that to improve SME access to loan facilities, financial
institutions should simplify loan procedures, reduce interest rates, and create
specialized loan schemes. Additionally, the government should play a more active role
in offering loan guarantees and implementing policies that foster SME growth. These
measures will help mitigate the adverse effects of subsidy removal on SME operations
and enhance their contribution to the economy. Perception of Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) Owners on Loan Facility Accessibility after fuel subsidy removal.
OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA, SOURCES, COMMON IMPLICATIONS, AND WAY FORWARD
This paper examined the concept of out-of-school children in Nigeria, the factors responsible for
out-of-school children, the social implications of out-of-school children and suggested way forward.
Secondary data were used in the paper. The paper identified causes of out-of-school children in Nigeria to
include; poor funding of education, corruption, poor implementation of the Child Rights Act, insecurity
problems, lack of political will to address the problems, high rate of poverty, and high fertility rate. The
paper also concluded that the social implications of out-of-school children include security challenges,
shortage of skilled manpower in future, bad international image, high levels of illiteracy and high socioeconomic and dependency issues. The paper recommended among other things that the federal, state and
local governments should come up with programmes to address the problem of out-of-school children in
Nigeria. Also, adequate funding should be allocated to the education sector at all levels of government.
THE LONG-TERM SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA
Out-of-school children (OOSC) represent a critical global challenge, with long-term
socioeconomic implications that affect both individual lives and broader societal
development. This paper examines the causes, consequences, and potential interventions
related to OOSC, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries such as
Nigeria, which has the highest number of out-of-school children worldwide. A qualitative
analysis based on secondary data from sources including UNICEF, government reports,
and academic studies reveals that economic barriers, socio-cultural factors, and conflict
are the primary drivers of OOSC in Nigeria. The findings highlight that being out of school
significantly undermines individual development, leading to poor self-esteem, limited job
prospects, and increased vulnerability to criminal involvement. At the societal level, OOSC
contributes to workforce shortages, poverty cycles, and social instability, ultimately
hindering sustainable development. Addressing the OOSC crisis requires targeted
interventions that focus on poverty alleviation, gender equality, and conflict resolution.
This study concludes that a coordinated effort between policymakers, educational
institutions, and communities is essential to reintegrate out-of-school children and foster
long-term national development. Further research is recommended to explore the
effectiveness of educational policies and community-based initiatives aimed at reducing
the number of OOSC.
REVIEW OF OPTIMIZATION DEEP LEARNING MODELS FOR REAL TIME SYSTEMS: PRUNING, QUANTIZATION AND TRANSFERING LEARNING TECHNIQUES
The demand for deep learning models in real-time systems, such as autonomous vehicles
and healthcare diagnostics, has grown significantly due to their ability to handle complex
tasks like object detection, decision-making, and medical image analysis. However, these
models are computationally expensive, making them unsuitable for deployment on
resource-constrained devices. To address this challenge, optimization techniques such as
pruning, quantization, and transfer learning are becoming essential. This paper explores
these techniques in detail, highlighting their contributions to improving the performance
of deep learning models without compromising accuracy. We discuss their practical
applications in real-time systems, and present a comparative analysis of how they impact
model size, inference speed, and computational efficiency. The findings suggest that a
combination of these techniques can effectively enhance the performance of deep learning
models in autonomous vehicles, healthcare diagnostics, and other real-time applications.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
The study of English language in Nigeria is realistically machinery for effective teacher education. This paper discusses the concept of language, language education, quality assurance and the role of English language education delivery upliftment in teacher education. This paper also highlights some challenges to quality assurance and also suggests some ways of salvaging the ussues and challenges.
ICT FOR OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD
The issue of out of school children in Nigeria is a significant challenge, with millions of children unable to access formal esucation due to various socio-economic and cultural factors. Information and Commununication Technology (ICT) holds the potential to bridge the educational gap by providing innovative solutions to engage and educate these children. This paper explores the role of ICT in addressing the issue of out of school children in Nigeria, identifies the challenges in its adoption, and proposes actionable strategies for leveraging ICT to enhance educational access and quality. This paper provides a holistic view of how ICT can be utilized in solving the issue of out of school children in Nigeria, offering both a clear picture of the challenges and tangible steps forward.
IMPEDIMENT OF TASK OF NATION BUILDING IN ALGERIA: A LESSON FOR AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT
Nation-building is a critical process in the establishment of stable, unified states, yet it is often hindered by a variety of challenges. This
paper provides a critical analysis of the key impediments to effective nation-building, emphasizing the complex interplay of political,
social, economic, and cultural factors. It explores internal obstacles such as ethnic and sectarian conflicts, political fragmentation,
weak institutions, corruption, and social inequality, all of which undermine efforts to create cohesive national identities and sustainable
governance. The paper also examines the role of external influences, including international interventions, foreign aid, and
globalization, which can either support or obstruct the nation-building process in Algeria which can serve as a lesson for African
development. By drawing on case studies from diverse geopolitical contexts, this analysis seeks to identify strategies for overcoming
these barriers, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the nation-building process and the creation of resilient,
inclusive states in Africa at large.
AN OVERVIEW OF ECONOMIC HISTORY OF GUMEL EMIRATE: 1960 TO 2020 A.D.
Gumel Emirate has played a vital role in the economy of Jigawa State for decades. It has been a leading area in
cattle production and trade, as well as food crop production since the emergence of the cattle trade in Maigatari
in 1929. Despite the lack of attention given to the economic history of Gumel in Jigawa State, the Emirate has
contributed significantly to the economic, social, and political development of Northern Nigeria, and Nigeria in
general, through its various economic activities, which include agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. This paper
provides an overview of economic activities in Gumel Emirate from 1960 to 2020. It explores the immense benefits
that the people of Gumel have derived from agriculture and cattle production compared to other emirates in
Jigawa State. The study delves into the economic activities, including agriculture, trade, and manufacturing, and
also examines the impact of government policies and initiatives on these industries. The study also highlights the
challenges faced by the Northeast region's economy, such as fluctuating global markets, natural disasters, and
political instability, insecurity is missing. The research was conducted using primary and secondary sources,
including archival records, newspaper articles, and related documents. The findings indicate that economic
activities in Gumel Emirate have had a significant impact on the economic, social, and political development of
Northern Nigeria and the country as a whole. The study concludes that Gumel Emirate has a rich history that
deserves more attention, and its economic activities have played a key role in the development of Nigeria over the
years
ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION: A PANACEA TO OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA
Nigeria faces a significant challengevwithvthe rising number of out if school children, particularly in the arts and social sciences. The problem is compounded by factors such as poverty, insecurity, cultural barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient teacher quality. This paper examines these challenges, highlighting the socio-economic and social factors that hinder children's access to education. Furthermore, it explores potential solutions, including increased government funding, improved teacher training, awareness campeigns, and the use of technology to reach underserved populations. The way forward requires a coordinated effort between government, private sector, and communities to ensure that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has access to quality education in arts and social sciences. Addressing these barriers is critical for the nation's development and the empowerment of future generation.
IMPACT AND INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND AI TOOLS USE FOR EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE ON E-LEARNING IN JIGAWA STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION STUDENTS
The study examines the Impact and Influence of social media and Artificial Intelligence
(AI) Tools on the Educational Performance of Students Engaged in E-learning at
Jigawa State College of Education. Data was collected through a qualitative survey
questionnaire to gather comprehensive insights from students and teacher educators.
The findings indicate that social media platforms and AI tools serve as significant
channels for collaborative learning and peer support, facilitating information sharing
and academic discussions outside traditional classroom settings. Moreover, AI tools,
including adaptive learning systems and intelligent tutoring, have shown to personalize
learning experiences, thereby improving student performance and retention rates.
However, the study also identifies barriers such as digital literacy gaps, internet
accessibility issues, and the potential for distraction and misuse of social media. The
research underscores the need for targeted training programs and infrastructure
improvements to maximize the benefits of these technologies. The result stated that
approximately 40% of the student enrolled with e-learning was not familiar with the
platform, including the AI tools to utilize it for or their learning activities while
approximately 60% shows excellent performance for both e-learning and appropriate
use of social media and AI tools. The implications of this study suggest that when
effectively integrated, social media and AI tools can significantly enhance the elearning experience, promoting higher educational performance among students.
Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to assess long-term impacts and
explore strategies to mitigate the identified challenges
GENDER EDUCATION FOR OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD
Nigeria has over 10.5 million out-of-school children, with girls constituting 57% of this
population, representing a 14% national gender gap. This study examines gender disparities in
education for out-of-school children across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones using descriptive
research design and content analysis methodology. The findings reveal significant regional
variations, with northern regions recording the highest gender gaps: North-West (24%) and NorthEast (16%) compared to southern regions averaging 2-6%. Economic barriers emerged as the
primary constraint, affecting 65% of out-of-school girls compared to 35% of boys, while cultural
and religious factors impact 80% of girls through early marriage practices, with 44% of girls
married before age 18 nationally. Security concerns, particularly in northeastern Nigeria, have
disrupted over 1,500 schools since 2009, forcing 600,000 children out of school (65% girls). Policy
implementation gaps are evidenced by inadequate funding (8.2% of national budget versus
UNESCO's 20% recommendation), 40% teacher shortage in rural areas, and 78% of schools
lacking proper sanitation facilities for girls. The study recommends conditional cash transfer
programs, community engagement with religious leaders, enhanced security measures, improved
policy implementation with increased funding allocation, and expansion of alternative learning
platforms to achieve gender parity in education.
REPOSITIONING TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING AS A TOOL FOR ECONOMIC MODIFICATION IN NIGERIA
The purpose of this study is to explore repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and
Training and Training (TVET) in Nigeria. The research paradigm of the present study is hinged
on position manuscript approach which relied upon secondary data collection method designed
to gather TVET information from journals, magazines, encyclopaedia, and other articles
repositories within the scope of 10 years (2010-2020). The problem that prompted the conduct of
this study is youths’ restlessness, unemployment, poor linkages of TVET institutions with relevant
economic sectors as well as myriad challenges faced by Technical and Vocational Education
and Training practitioners. These problems resulted in economic recession, rising crime and
decline of generic societal values. However, progress indices discovered in the present study
revealed that investments in specialized areas of Technical and Vocational Education and
Training is one of the innovative ways of reviving/or repositioning the sector. For instance,
investment in Agriculture, Home Economics, Fine and Applied Arts, Electrical and Electronics,
Mechatronics, Mobile Phone Technology, among others. Among the recommendations advanced
is that repositioning Technical and Vocational Education and Training for sustainable national
development should not be left for the government alone, private organisations should also come
in by way of social corporate responsibilities in the TVET sector.
PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITIONS OF SOME FROZEN MARINE FISH SPECIES SOLD IN SELECTED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KANO STATE, NIGERIA
This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the proximate and mineral compositions of some frozen marine fish
species; Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus, Linnaeus, 1758), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Linnaeus, 1758)
and Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus, Linnaeus, 1758) sold in selected local government areas of Kano
State, Nigeria. A total of 81 samples comprising of 27 C. harengus, 27 S. scombrus and 27 T. trachurus were
sampled/purchased from the three sampling areas (Bichi, Dambatta and Gwarzo. The sampling was done on weekly
basis for a period of three weeks in March, 2022. Each week 3 samples of each fish species were collected from one
major cold room/fish seller of each selected local government area/sampling station. The samples were analyzed using
method of Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 2016) for proximate and mineral compositions. Results
indicated that the highest crude protein content 21.51% was recorded in T. trachurus from Dambatta station, and
moderate 18.04% was recorded in S. scombrus from Gwarzo station, while the least 15.28% was recorded in C.
harengus from Bichi station respectively. In this study all the proximate composition parameters were affected by the
species but not the collection station except carbohydrate. The mineral content composition showed that C. harengus
recorded the highest Sodium content 1.69 mg/kg from Bichi Station, while S. scombrus had the least 0.38 mg/kg from
Dambatta station. S. scombrus had the highest calcium content 1.24 mg/kg from Dambatta station, while C. harengus
recorded the least 0.12 mg/kg) also from Bichi station. In this study all the minerals’ parameters were affected by the
species but not the collection station. The study recommends T. trachurus as the best for human consumption due to its h
igher protein compositions, compared to S. scombrus and C. harengus. However, the study showed that proximate and m
ineral compositions of these fish species studied are within
the acceptable level and safety limits which
cause no harm to human, therefore, they are healthy for human consumption.
LEARNING FOR OUT OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IN SOME CRISIS AREAS IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD
In crisis-affected areas, out of school children face numerous challenges that can impact
their well-being, future livelihood and potential. However, education can serve as a
powerful lifeline, providing emotional support, stability and hope. This article explores
the transformative power of education in crisis contexts, highlighting its ability to foster
resilience, promote social cohesion and offer skills and knowledge for future success.
Through real-life examples and a review of the challenges and opportunities, the article
demonstrates the critical need for increase support and investment for out-of-school
children crisis areas, ultimately showing how learning can help them rebuild their lives
and create a brighter future.
EXIT CULTURE AMONG STUDENTS IN KANO STATE: A FOCUS ON MORAL DECAY, INSTITUTIONAL DISCIPLINE AND THE HIDDEN COST OF FABRIC DESTRUCTION
The “sign-out” culture among final-year students in Nigerian institutions, once a joyful celebration of academic achievement, has gradually shifted into a practice burdened with moral lapses, weak discipline, and unnecessary financial strain. This study explores how issues of morality, institutional control, and the rising cost of living intersect with students’ destructive sign-out activities, especially the defacing and destruction of fabrics. A descriptive survey design was employed, drawing responses from 80 participants, including Ministry of Education officials, Student Affairs administrators, and final-year students in selected institutions across Kano State. The findings reveal a shared concern across all groups: sign-out culture is increasingly seen as a driver of moral decline (Mean ≈ 3.71–3.73), a source of economic pressure on families (Mean ≈ 3.79–3.82), and an activity worsened by weak policy enforcement and the influence of social media (Mean ≈ 3.83–3.84). Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed no significant differences in perception among the groups (p > 0.05), underscoring that the negative impact of the practice is widely recognized. The study concludes that sign-out culture reflects deeper institutional and societal challenges. To address this, it recommends stronger regulations within institutions, targeted awareness campaigns, and the introduction of structured, meaningful exit ceremonies. Such measures would help preserve the celebratory essence of sign-out while reducing waste and restoring values of discipline and responsibility among graduating students.
INDISPENSABILITY OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN ENSURING QUALITY COMPUTER EDUCATION DELIVERY AT COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA
This paper examines the critical role of quality assurance (QA) in the Nigeria in Education (NCE)
Computer Education programme in Nigerian Colleges of Education. Computer education is one of the
cornerstone of human capital development in an increasingly digitalized global economy. In Nigeria, Colleges of
Education bear the mandate of training teachers to deliver this essential knowledge at the basic education level.
However, achieving the intended objectives of the NCE Computer Education programme largely depends on the
effectiveness of quality assurance mechanisms within these institutions. Drawing from policy documents, existing
literature, and practical realities within the system, the paper discusses internal and external quality assurance
processes as coordinated by institutional Quality Assurance Units and the National Commission for Colleges of
Education (NCCE). Emphasis is placed on minimum academic standards, staffing quality, adequacy of facilities,
curriculum relevance, monitoring of instruction, and professional development of lecturers. The paper also
identifies major obstacles to effective quality assurance, including over-enrolment, inadequate funding, shortage
of qualified staff, poor infrastructure, brain drain, and declining quality of student intake. To address these
challenges, the study highlights strategic measures such as enforcing professional standards in staff recruitment,
ensuring manageable student–teacher and student–facility ratios, strengthening internal quality assurance
structures, and mandating continuous capacity building for computer education lecturers. The paper concludes
that without deliberate and sustained commitment to quality assurance, the goals of NCE Computer Education
will remain difficult to achieve. It therefore recommends stronger collaboration among regulatory bodies,
improved funding, and professional management of computer education programmes in line with international
best practices to enhance graduate competence, employability, and national development.
THE LONG-TERM SOCIOECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN NIGERIA
Out-of-school children (OOSC) represent a critical global challenge, with long-term socioeconomic implications that affect both individual lives and broader societal development. This paper examines the causes, consequences, and potential interventions related to OOSC, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, which has the highest number of out-of-school children worldwide. A qualitative analysis based on secondary data from sources including UNICEF, government reports, and academic studies reveals that economic barriers, socio-cultural factors, and conflict are the primary drivers of OOSC in Nigeria. The findings highlight that being out of school significantly undermines individual development, leading to poor self-esteem, limited job prospects, and increased vulnerability to criminal involvement. At the societal level, OOSC contributes to workforce shortages, poverty cycles, and social instability, ultimately hindering sustainable development. Addressing the OOSC crisis requires targeted interventions that focus on poverty alleviation, gender equality, and conflict resolution. This study concludes that a coordinated effort between policymakers, educational institutions, and communities is essential to reintegrate out-of-school children and foster long-term national development. Further research is recommended to explore the effectiveness of educational policies and community-based initiatives aimed at reducing the number of OOSC.