The Melting Pot

STAYING IN CAREER

Chinyere Mary Attah — 2025-10-01

Career management is a challenge to both individuals and organizations. While employees embark on their jobs to satisfy their various needs and attain professional fulfillment, organizations engage in corporate survival strategies designed to ensure that organizational objectives are acted out and delivered to acceptable standards. Ultimately, the cost of voluntary turnover on both employees and organizations and the contemporary career paradigm demand adequate planning and management to ensure sustainable career well-being for the individuals and increased corporates strategic performance. Proper career management process otherwise called staying in career aims at achieving perfect integration of employees into organizational system and the attainment of both professional fulfillment and increased organizational viability. This paper studied career management drawing from both person and corporate perspectives. The study focused on the Nelson & Quick’s four career stages model through which employment career can be managed successively. It emphasizes the adoption of RJPs, mentoring and career anchors in career management as both integrative and motivational forces that guide career decisions in a turbulence employment context. It provides constructive knowledge for embracing and maintaining career as well as enhanced strategic organizational performance. The study recommends among others that organizations should adequately ensure the alignment of both employee needs and organizational objectives in career management.

LANGUAGE USE AND COMMUNICATION IN THE PENTECOSTAL CHURCHES

Nancy Ngozi Obinna — 2025-10-01

The major objective of language is communication. This study explores the language use in Christian religious service(s) of the church, House on the Rock (henceforth HOTR) which is one of the vibrant Pentecostal churches. It specifically examines the various religious performances obtainable or practiced in the church. This will be achieved by looking at the language use in prayers, preaching, neologisms, songs (music) and so on. The study utilizes the Harold Lasswell communication model because it suits the study by laying emphasis on their preacher (source), the channel/medium (language) and the adherents or congregation (receiver or destination). The study concludes that every denomination categorized under Pentecostals have certain doctrines or religious performances peculiar to them.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON THE MICROBIAL QUALITY OF LOCALLY PROCESSED TOMATO PASTE AND TOMATO POWDER

Lorretta Nneka Eke — 2025-10-01

Microbial quality is a common criteria used to determine the acceptability and shelf life of dehydrated plant-based products. The research was conducted to compare the microbial determination tomato paste and tomato powder which was processed from fresh tomatoes sourced from the market. The parameters accessed where microbial load, yeast and mould count, total fungi count. The result carried out on the microbial analysis showed that total microbial load were low in the two samples containing tomato paste and tomato powder (1.81x 101 CFU/g, 1.05x 101 CFU/g) respectively when compared to the standard value (1.5x102CFU/g) after 5 days of storage at room temperature, but the microbial load was significantly higher in the tomato paste when compared to the tomato powder. At day 10 there was total microbial increase in the two samples and the microbial load was significantly higher in tomato paste (2.06x101 CFU/g ), than in tomato powder (1.36x101 CFU/g ). An observed increase in yeast and mould count, fungi count was obtained as the storage period increased, and tomato paste stored for ten days at room temperature recorded the highest number. The samples analyzes were lower than the maximum limit (10CFU/g) which implies good manufacturing practices.

THE NOVELIST AS SOCIAL CRUSADER AND NATION BUILDER: PERSPECTIVES FROM NNAMDI ANUMIHE’S CHARTERED MESSENGER

L. O. Nwokeneme — 2025-10-01

Novelists and other literary artists in Nigeria, like other nations of the world have continued to explore in their creative works, the precarious position of man in his environment and the daunting problems which constantly beset them in the society. Man’s struggle to tackle these problems and so create a niche for himself is often confronted with retrogressive forces which always thwart his efforts at reconstruction and made them futile, a situation which a social crusader in the text, Fred has to contend with. The major challenge which invariably confronts both the writer and consumer of literature thus revolves around the use of literary art to bring positive changes in both the individual and society. The social functions of literature have not only helped to improve and shape the society, but also been found indispensable for building a virile healthy modern society. As a feature of the urban environment, modern literature acts as check and balance on the excess of the society such as social evils, injustices, human brutalities, dissatisfaction, bribery and corruption, social discrimination, armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry and other forms of racketeering. The focus of this discourse, therefore, is to critically examine how effectively the author has employed his creative ability to tackle these harrowing inhuman condition that variously militate against efforts geared at social reform, on the one hand, and how divine intervention in the affairs of man results in sudden twist, on the other hand, which eventually usher in the inevitable social change and restoration in Nnamdi Anumihe’s Chartered Messenger.

UNDERSTANDING CERAMICS BEYOND CLAY AND THE NEED FOR ELECTROCERAMICS

Adindu C. Iyasara — 2025-10-01

Most opinion sees ceramics as synonymous with clays and nothing more. No doubt, early ceramics originated from clay minerals, hence development of traditional ceramics such as refractories or refractory ceramics and other items like tiles, sewage pipes, porcelain, table and sanitary wares. Traditional ceramics opened the window for ceramic arts, science, engineering and technology. As technology evolves, ceramics develop from traditional ceramics to advanced ceramics. In this opinion paper, the erroneous impression of constraining ceramics to clay is corrected. The impact of electroceramics (a major branch of advanced ceramics) in modern technology is highlighted. Due to the influence of electroceramic materials in telecommunications, electronics, transportation, medicine, space exploration, etc., they are regarded as the hub of modern technology.

THE IMPORTANCE OF AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL IN CHECK-MATING THE SUSTENANCE OF STUDENTS-LECTURERS FIDUCIARY RELATIONSHIP

Benjamin Okereafor — 2025-10-01

Amnesty International to most scholars has become sine qua non to the attainment of peace, justice and orderliness, especially in societies that have grown dubious and grievous in the abuse of their citizens and foreign nationals fundamental human rights. Due to autocratic, nepotistic, and ‘l etat, c’est moi’ (the state is i), style of leadership, which is becoming rampant especially in ‘Third World’ poverty-stricken undemocratic Nations like Nigeria. Citizens especially the vulnerable students often fall victim of abuse without recourse to justice and such makes them prisoners of conscience. The penchant to gag press freedom and to restrict, and punish the free expressions of their fellow countrymen with reckless abandon in the 21st century has become something sinister to worry about. This research adopted the analytical and narrative historical method, while using mainly secondary data to understudy the essence of Amnesty International in challenging these constitutional breaches on the United Nations recognized fundamental human rights of citizens by those entrusted with leadership in a social contract but who rather chose to abuse such trust for mere personal aggrandizement.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE NUTRITIONAL AND MINERAL COMPOSITIONS OF OGIRI (LOCAL SPICE) PRODUCED FROM MELON, FLUTED PUMPKIN AND CASTOR OIL SEEDS

Scholastica Chika Njoku — 2025-10-01

The comparative analysis of the nutritional compositions of Local spice (Ogiri) produced from melon, fluted pumpkin and Castor oil seeds was carried out using standard method AOAC (2000). Also the proximate and mineral compositions of the fermented substrates were determined. It was observed that the spice produced from castor oil contains the highest protein content (19.2%) when compared with the others, while the spice produced with fluted pumpkin has the highest amount of moisture (70.8%) which implies that it will have a lower shelf life compared with the others. It was observed that the Spice produced from melon has the highest calcium content of 143.0mg/100g and the highest phosphorous content of 480.2mg/100g. Additionally, the spice produced from melon still has a higher zinc contents (27.6mg/100g) than the other two. The spice produced from fluted pumpkin should be dried more to reduce the high moisture thus increasing its shelf life. Since the spice produced from castor oil seeds has the highest protein content (19.2%) it is highly recommended for preparing dishes for growing children. Since Ogiri Spice produced from melonseedp has the highest of both calcium, phosphorus and zinc contents, it is recommended as the best of the three raw materials for the production of Ogiri spices with respect to maintaining a good health.

EFFECTS OF QUACKERY IN THE PRACTICE OF CADASTRAL SURVEY IN NIGERIA AND POSSIBLE REMEDIES

F. A. Azubuike — 2025-10-01

Cadastral survey is any survey exercise or activity executed in connection with any land prepared under the law for any registrable instrument or judgment or order of court and any other survey as may be defined from time to time by SURCON (Surveyors Council of Nigeria). The high demand for cadastral survey, limited resources for cadastral controls, ill practices of nonsurvey personnel, and unethical activities of our registered surveyors have given rise to the activities of quacks in the surveying profession. Although, there are laws and regulations guiding the practices of surveying profession a view to strengthen the practices of cadastral surveying, the activities ofquarks have caused so many harms such as boundary dispute, unreliability of survey control points, inability to reestablish lost boundary pillars and poor public perception of land surveying to the society. The cadastral surveying practice in Nigeria will soon be watered down by quackery if no urgent measure is taken to stop the menace. This paper highlights the activities of quacks and their effect on cadastral survey and has proffer the following solutions to help improve cadastral survey practice; Creation of computer assisted cadastral system, Committee should be inaugurated to monitor who are quacks and their activities, Strict enforcement of survey laws, Educating members of the public on the identities of registered surveyors, Graduate should be encouraged by government and relevant stakeholders to enroll for registration, finally, SURCON should organize seminar and media programs that will educate the public on the dangers quackery. The reduction of the activities of quacks in cadastral survey practice therefore, will no doubt guarantee the security of life and property which will in turn lead to a peaceful society.

ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF METHANOL EXTRACTS OF FICUS EXASPERATE LEAVES FROM AFIKPO METROPOLIS

M. N. Ugwu — 2025-10-01

Ficus exasperate (sand paper tree) has been used in folk medicine to treat different ailments, including wound infections. The Phytochemical and antimicrobial activity of methanol and acetone extracts of Ficus exasperate was evaluated. The following phytochemicals were contained in the extracts; Tannins, Flavinoids, Terpenoids, Alkaloids and cardicglucosides. Saponins, Steriods and anthraquinone were absent. The highest antimicrobial activity was exhibited by the methanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extracts ranged between 0.410-1.654mg/mL, with the acetone extract having low MIC values. The antibiotic efficacy of organic solvent extracts of Ficus exasperata could likely be because of the phytochemicals contained in the extract. The results obtained from this study supports the folkloric use of the plant. The plant could be useful in production of antibiotics. Further advanced investigation is hereby suggested.

EFFECT OF LIME, RHIZOBIUM AND FERTILIZERS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF SOYBEAN (GLYCIN MAX) IN SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

D.E.O. Azu — 2025-10-01

This study was carried out at the teaching and Research farm, Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology, AkanuIbiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, to investigate the integrated effects of lime, Inoculum, single superphosphate and muriate of potash on the growth, nodulation and yield of soybean. The input o mission trial was composed of 16 treatment combinations of phosphorus (75kg/ha), potassium (88kg/ha), lime(1500kg/ha), and inoculums (400g/100kg seed). Each set of16 treatments were randomized and replicated 3 times. The soybean variety “TGX1951-3F” was plantedin0.5m by1m plots with a seed spacingof5cm. Data on number of nodules and nodule viability at 45 days after planting, plant height at 90 days after planting, number and weight of 100 seeds per plot and yield per plot at harvest were collected and analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in R using the package “car” to test the main treatment effects, 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way treatment interactions in the omission trial. Results showed highly significant effects of treatments on the growth, nodulation and yield of soybean. The no input treatment generally had the most appreciable improvement in plant height, nodule viability, weight of 100 seeds and yield. Inoculated seeds had the highest number of nodules and percent nodule viability (5 and 69% respectively). . 2.12ton/ha yield generated by the no input treatment shows the potential for future higher yield especially when climatic and good agronomic strategies are employed.

FORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)-BASED OFFICE SKILLS REQUIRED BY OFFICE MANAGERS FOR EFFECTIIVE JOB PERFORMANCE IN GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES IN IMO STATE

Rosemary Okoronkwo — 2025-10-01

The study assessed the information and communication technology (ICT)-based office skills required by Office Managers for effective job performance in government ministries in Imo State. Two research questions were raised and two null hypotheses for the study were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study utilized descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 213 Office Managers from all Federal and State government ministries in Imo State. There was no sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Mean was used to answer the research questions and t-test was used to test the hypothesis. The results of the analysis showed that desktop publishing skills, web page skills, power-point skills, excel spreadsheet etc are all needed for the Office Managers job performance. Office Managers from Federal and State government Ministries did not differ significantly in their rating on the required of ICT skills needed by Office Managers for effective job performance in Government Ministries in Imo State; hence the null hypothesis was accepted. It was therefore concluded that all the ICT skills enumerated in the study are required because they all positively influences the job performance of Office Managers in Government Ministries in Imo State. Consequently, it was recommended that the various Government Ministries should prioritize the training and re-training of Office Managers on ICT skills for effective job performances among other recommendation.

MARKETING PRACTICES AND STRATEGIES IN THE COVID-19 ERA

Innocent Chinazom Agalaba — 2025-10-01

The greatest challenge to the world since World War II came in the name of corona virus, codenamed COVID-19 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The pandemic distorted business and business processes, the health and wealth of nations as well as that of individuals. Before COVID-19, people's life revolved around going to office, shopping malls, grocery stores, restaurants, sports etc. But following the lockdowns and mobility restrictions occasioned by COVID-19, this normal was distorted. Hence, consumers have to adapt working from home, learning from home, shopping from home etc. Marketing as a business function that generates revenue that sustains organizations has to fashion out strategies that will help in sustaining business transactions. These strategies revolve around the marketing mix - product, price, place and promotion; otherwise called the 4Ps. This paper therefore x-rays different strategies and practices that were either given birth to or accentuated by COVID-19 and finally recommend the increased usage of some of them due to their benefits to both businesses and their customers.

IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Amarachi S. Nwokoro — 2025-10-01

This study examines Impact of Social Media on Students’ Academic Performance: A Study of Students of Federal Polytechnic, Ugep, Cross River State. Social media is an off-spring of the new media. However, the development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Internet in Nigeria has led to the invention of other new media channels that brought tremendous improvement in the communication system which also enhances learning among students. The researchers used survey method of scientific inquiry; using students of all the seven (7) schools of the institution of study which formed the population and questionnaires administered to some randomly selected students of the same school giving a 91.4% response rate. Taro Yamane’s formula is adopted to determine the sample size which was calculated to be 384. The data collected from the respondents were later presented using simple percentages and tables. Hypotheses were tested using Z-test. The findings reveal that students’ exposure to internet and social media platforms enabled them learn communication skills, connect to their teachers for learning, discussion and sharing of information purposes with their peers. The study also found out that social media impacted positively on their academic performance hence they generate ideas and concepts related to their studies. The study concludes that the academic performance of students under study were positively influenced due to their regular online contacts. The study therefore recommends expansion of the social networking sites, enlightenment of students on the appropriate use of social media sites.

ADOPTION OF EMERGING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) TOOLS FOR IMPROVING HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN NIGERIA

Igboekulie Innocent Emeka — 2025-10-01

The need for effective management of health and safety on construction sites has always been emphasized by all practitioners in the construction industry in Nigeria and the world at large. The construction industry as a dynamic manufacturing sector is a sector where the most fatal occupational accidents and serious injuries have been recorded. There are various information and communication technologies tools or applications that can improve health and safety management on construction sites. Literatures were reviewed to identify the available ICT tools and applications, their capacities and benefits in improving management of health and safety on construction sites. These identified ICT tools are now typically equipped with touch screen, GPS receiver, gyroscope, accelerometer, and wireless communication capability. The features of the tools enable on-site management processes, such as location-based customized work orders and real time information exchange. A Survey to assess the extent adoption of ICT tools can improve the management of Health and Safety on construction sites in Nigeria was carried out by administering quantitative structured questionnaires to 118 professionals in five (5) selected construction companies in South Eastern states of Nigeria. The responses from respondents were analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII).Previous studies have shown low application of these tools and applications in health and safety management on Nigerian construction sites. It was recommended that construction companies should train all their health and safety staff to be compliant with these ICT tools and applications for effective occupational health and safety management on construction sites in Nigeria.

QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF LEAD–ZINC DEPOSIT THROUGH CORE –DRILLING AT IGIDAGU OKPITUMO AMACHI, ABAKALIKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EBONYI STATE

Nwabineli Emmanuel Onochie — 2025-10-01

The core drilling activities was a follow up of geological and geophysical exploration of the Exploration Lease (EL) over an area of land at above address acquired by Forward Gems and Earth Ltd, for quantitative assessment of the deposits of lead/zinc for economic viability. The core drilling exercise was used as a comparative studies and confirmative assessment of detailed reconnaissance survey, detailed geological and geophysical exploration already carried out on the acquired land. It is the third phase of the project. The samples analysis of the cores obtained was used to determine and reveal the physical and chemical nature of the rock underneath.The VES points where the core drill was carried out was chosen based on recommendation of geophysical/geological survey. However the survey report suggested that the lead mineralization faults/anomaly occurred in a deeper formation.

THE NEXUS BETWEEN EXCHANGE RATE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

Ifeanyi Sylvanus Eze — 2025-10-01

The essence of this study is to ascertain the nexus between exchange rate and economic growth in Nigeria, covering the period 1981 to 2018. The main purpose of the study includes to ascertain the link between exchange rate and economic growth (RGDP9 and the way to achieve economic sustainability in Nigeria. time series secondary data was collected and the study employed descriptive research design. Ordinary least square (DLS) method was used and the results of the analysis showed that 6% increase in exchange rate will increase RGDP with 0.045%, 1% increase in interest rate will increase RGP with 1.112%, 1% increase in inflation will reduce RGDP with 0.041% and 1% increase in money supply will reduce RGDP with 0.0005%. Exchange rate and money supply are significant while inflation and interest rate are insignificant. The study concludes that there is link between exchange rate and economic growth and recommend that government should ensure stable exchange rate to enhance investment and economic growth of Nigeria.

EFFECTIVE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF WOOD SAWDUST CEILING BOARD USED FOR UNDER ROOF COVERING

Amadi E. Nkama — 2025-10-01

The use of wood sawdust manually to replace asbestos ceiling board which is used as an overhead interior part in a room has in no small measure contributed to the actualization of industrialization in the construction Industry. More so, the use of locally occurring waste materials, like wood sawdust, sharp sand and water was studied in this work and also, the procedures for the production of ceiling board using wood sawdust were analyzed with the necessary laboratory procedures in accordance to Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and British Standard (BS).

REWARD MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE IN DANGOTE CEMENT PLC, GBOKO, BENUE STATE

Audu Samson — 2025-10-01

This study titled Reward management practices and employees performance is carried out to investigate how reward management practices enhances the performance of employees in Dangote Cement PLC Gboko, Benue state. Specifically, the study decomposed the independent variable of reward management practices as salaries, employees’ recognition and fringe benefits while the dependent variable of employees’ performance is distilled with quality of work, timeliness and cooperativeness respectively. The methodology adopted is the research survey design, the total population is 825 but sample size 0f 261 was determined using the Godden’ sample size formula. More so, respondents were reached using a structured questionnaire. However out of the total respondents of 261 reached only 204 returned their questionnaire while usable questionnaire were 198 giving a response rate of 76%. In addition, the data collected using a 5 points Likert scale and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. However, the hypotheses were tested using linear regression. Findings revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between the proxies of reward management practices and employees performance respectively(r = .836, r = .862, r = .889, p-value <0.05).This implies that reward management practices enhance employees’ performance in Dangote cement plc Gboko, Benue state. Thus, the research recommends that employees’ reward management practices should be improved and periodic review be carried out in order to motivate employees towards higher performance.

PERIMETER SURVEY OF A PROPOSED HOUSING ESTATE IN ENOHIA, AFIKPO NORTH L.G.A. EBONYI STATE.

M. A Emakoji — 2025-10-01

This project, focus on Perimeter Survey of a proposed mass housing estate located at Enohia, Afikpo North L.G.A. Ebonyi State. The project was essentially for the demarcation and Perimeter Survey of the plot. The survey involved demarcation of boundary pillars, perimeter traverse of the plot, and production of a survey plan of the plot. CHC model X91 GNSS receivers were used for data acquisition. Data were picked using Real Time Kinematic mode, ensuring coordinates were fixed while maintaining lock with at least 4 satellite receivers. A total of eleven (11) beacons were monumented with standard cadastral property beacons of size 18cm by 18cm by 75cm. The surveyed property has an area of 20.179 hectares, with a perimeter of 2,247.020meters. The perimeter survey was carried out with an accepted accuracy of over 1/13,000. The captured data were downloaded, and plotted using AutoCAD software. The final survey plan was printed at a scale of 1:5,000.

QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF LEAD–ZINC DEPOSIT THROUGH CORE –DRILLING AT IGIDAGU OKPITUMO AMACHI, ABAKALIKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EBONYI STATE

Nwabineli Emmanuel Onochie — 2025-10-01

COVID-19 POLITICS AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA, 2020 TO 2021

Christopher Ike Uhere — 2025-10-01

Recent history is replete with the outbreak of epidemics and pandemics viz, H1N1 in 2009, polio and Ebola in 2014, Corona virus in 2020 among others. To say that these health emergencies have taken political and economic tolls on the globe is stating the obvious. However, none has recorded more adverse effects than the recent COVID-19 due to its attendant shutdown of the global economy for almost one year. This paper focuses on COVID-19 Politics and local communities in Nigeria, 2020-2021. Drawing from both primary and secondary sources, the paper reveals that the Nigerian government at all levels played and continue to play insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians over COVID-19 issues. Adopting a historical research method, the paper is analytical and concludes that there is plenty of deceit in government approach(s) to the issue(s) of COVID-19 leading to lose of confidence in the government. This deceit, no doubt, informed the level of responsiveness and compliance to the COVID-19 protocols by the Nigerian people. The paper recommends that government should adopt measures to restore the people’s confidence to reduce the problem of compliance by the people especially, in times of future emergencies.

AN ASSESMENT OF GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL OF NANKA GULLY EROSION SITES IN SOUTH EASTHERN NIGERIA USING AQUIFER PARAMETER, TRASMISSIVITY.

Nwabineli Emmanuel Onochie — 2025-10-01

The study area lies in the humid tropical rainforest belt of Nigeria. The landscape is a cuesta within the Awka-Orlu uplands formed by the Nanka formation (early Eocene) and the Imo Shale formation (Palaeocene). The geological, hydro geological, geotechnical and hydro geochemical characteristics of the area and human activity have contributed to gully development and growth. It was observed that there are numerous springs, streams and lakes draining the gully floodplains. The research indicated that increase in hydraulic head produces rapid flow rates that enhance the gullying process during rainy seasons. It was discovered that those exposed lithology, houses lens of water, perched aquifers, and fully saturated aquifer when the erosion, landslides, flooding encounter and exposes highly saturated Nanka formation. The paper therefore examines the potential of groundwater resources of the various gully sites within Nanka gully region in Anambra state.