Design And Fabrication Of Yam Pounding Machine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction

Yam is another crop cultivated across Nigeria. It is a seasonal crop and very difficult to preserve as it tends to rot. Nearly all Nigerians consume yam on a regular basis and in large quantities particularly the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria. Nature allows yam to form a bond when it is pounded or beaten in a mortar, it is then consumed as a meal with a choice soup. Pounded yam is a staple food consumed by the indigenous process of pounding yam is very laborious. It requires physical pounding by one or more people.

Depending on the quantity in the mortar, in a bid to reduce the labour involved in yam pounding came the manufacturing of Herbert mixer, the Kenwood mixer and Hammermill in early 1975. These intended yam pounders failed due to some limitations in their operational functions. The Herbert and Kenwood mixers had almost the same operational principle and they had been identified for poor pounding due to the flapping (moving up and down) of their stirrer or mixer which is keyed to the electric rotating shaft. In addition to the poor pounding of both pounders, the Herbert mixer was found to heat excessively and as a result, the machine has to be stopped intermittently for cooling purposes.

1.1   Historical Background

Yam belongs to the class of carbohydrate type of food and had been one of the oldest recipes known to man. It has been a major food crop in many of the African/Caribbean countries such as Ghana, Ethiopia, Benin Republic and Nigeria in particular. Also, in some other parts of the world like Brazil, India, Oceania and Latin America, yam is a major source of food.

The word “yam” was derived from the Wolof word “nyam” which is a Portuguese name meaning “to taste”. Also, in other African languages, it can mean “to eat” e.g. in Hausa “nyam”. This perennial herbaceous crop is of different species such as white yam (Dioscorea-rotundata) yellow yam (Dioscorea-Acayenensis), water yam (Dioscorea alata) and trifoliate yam (Dioscorea-dumentorum). The fruit of yam consists of a membranaceous, three-wing capsule. The yam family is mostly of the weak-stemmed vines with large, underground food storage organs-tuber-rhizomes.

Yam has found its use in the preparation of steroid hormones by syntax synthesis of cortisone from yam extract. Also, its lower glycemic index than potato products accounts for its more sustainable energy and better protection against obesity and diabetes.

According to the food information network in 2008, it was estimated that the world production of yam in 1993 was at 28.1million tons of which 96% of this estimate is from the West African tropical regions and 71% from Nigeria. This figure was later reviewed in 1998 accounting for about 72.4% of the world's total production of 29.6million tonnes. Also, according to the Federal Office of Statistics, Nigeria is the world's largest producer of yams having the water yam (Dioscorea alata) and the yellow yam (Dioscorea rotumdata) as her most cultivated species of yam.

Yam is one of the most sumptuous meals that can be prepared in diverse ways. While the Yoruba tribe may prefer its dried, milled and then made into a slightly solid paste called “Amala”, the Igbos would prefer cutting the tuber into smaller blocks, or in bits, boiled and eaten in order to avoid the tedious nature of pounding the boiled yam which results to bond formation like Nigeria locally prepared fufu. However, the process of meshing or beating something into pulp or powder with repeated heavy blows is known as pounding.

Yam has remained one of the most highly regarded food products in West Africa and particularly Nigeria as virtually all her ethnic groups feed on it; hence its close integration into the sociocultural, economic and religious aspects of life such as marriage where some tubers of yam are presented to the bride family in accordance to the customs of the people. Also, there is the new yam festival which marks the harvest and eating of the newly harvested yams which are also used as sacrificial and appreciation items.

However, the background of this study originated from the desire of a Nigerian family of four who spent the majority of his career life in the United Kingdom (Bristol, England) in the medical field who came back home and needed to adapt to his home culture which he found pounded yam very sumptuous meal but the rigorous processes involved in the traditional method which he also observed to be unhygienic and the noisy effect of the process due to the number of strokes during pounding to be uncalled for.

1.1.1 Major Cultivated Species

Yam, a tropical crop in the genus Dioscorea, has as many as 600 species out of which six are economically important staple species. These are:

Dioscorea rotundata (white guinea yam), Dioscorea alata (yellow yam), Dioscorea bulbifera (aerial yam). Dioscorea esculent (Chinese yam) and Dioscorea dum etroum (trifoliarte yam). Out of these, Dioscorea rotundata (white yam) and Dioscorea alata (water yam) are the most common species in Nigeria. Yams are grown in the coastal region in rain forests, wood savanna and southern savanna habitats.

Yam is in the class of roots and tubers that are a staple of the Nigerian and West African diet, which provides some 200 calories of energy per capita daily. In Nigeria, in many yam producing areas, it is said that “yam is food and food is yam”. However, the production of yams in Nigeria is substantially short and cannot meet the growing demand at its present level of use. It also has an important social status in gatherings and religious functions, which is assessed by the size of yam holdings one possesses.

 

1.1.2 National Value

Yams are primary agricultural commodities and major staple crops in Africa, where yam cultivation began 11,000 years ago. In West Africa, they are major sources of income and have high cultural value. They are used in marriage ceremonies, and a festival is held annually to celebrate its harvest.

Consumers’ demand for yam is generally very high in this sub-region and yam cultivation is very profitable despite high production costs.

1.2   Problem Statement

The edible yams are root crops groomed on a field scale for the tubers. They provide staple carbohydrate food in the yam zone of West Africa, where daily consumption is 0.5, 1.0kg yam need a great deal of labour for their cultivation and to prepare them for food and they are usually expensive to buy for normal human consumption, the field or peel, sometimes after partial boiling in West Africa, they are usually eaten as pounded yam which is prepared by peeling cut-up yam and boil before pounding them in a wooden mortar to produce a glutinous dough (pounded yam).

The chemical composition of yam tuber is as follows:

 Water                              70%

Starch                              25%

Sugar                               1%

Protein                             1.2%

• Justification Of Project

The most important justification for this project is as follows:

• The machine is being operated electrically
• The safety of the user comes first when constructing the machine
• The operation is hygienic and the machine can be cleaned with water after being used
• Lubrication of the adjacent moving part is made possible through a channel to reduce frictional resistance
• The need to improve the country’s economy for if the machine is produced in large number they could be exported thereby improving our foreign trade and hence, earning of more foreign exchange.
• Aims And Objectives

The aims and objectives of the project were:

• To design and develop a mechanical device that with the rotary motion of the beaters perform the pounding operation which will be more efficient, less time consuming, with less human effort and of greater hygienic processing.
• To make the beaters detachable for easy maintenance

 

 

 

 

Abstract

The aim of this research work is based on the design and development of a motorized yam pounder for pounding yam. This research was considered because of the importance of pounded yam in Africa particularly in Nigerian and because of the time and energy wasted using the traditional mortal and pestle method of yam pounding. The research work aimed at eliminating the labour involved in the traditional method of pounding. Through this improvement, the possibility of food contamination by sweating while pounding will be controlled. This project work sought to design a yam pounder that pounds yam right from the peeled cooked stage in a pounding bowl with the help of an electric motor that transmits power through rotary motion together with the help of a shaft. The pounding blades function at the pestle. The machine is to be operated by electricity and it consists of a shaft, electric motor, yam beaters or pounding blades, bowl and the frame. Metal Rod for shaft; 0.30mm, Angle Bar for Frame; 40^O, Stainless Steel Sheet; 0.2mm, Flat Mild (Pan); 2mm (Thickness), Prime mover; 1horse power, Bolts and Nuts; M8, Belt; V-belt, V-35, Screws; Cap Screw.   Low-cost materials were used so as to make the machine affordable for the average. Nigerian homes, thereby improving the standard of living. In order to avoid food contamination, stainless materials were also incorporated for smooth and clean pounding before consumption.

 

 

 

 

EDITOR SOURCE: Design And Fabrication Of Yam Pounding Machine

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INTEGRATED SCIENCE IN EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INTEGRATED SCIENCE IN EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS FROM 2003 TO 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Measuring of academic performance of students is challenging since student performance is the product of socio-economic, psychological and environmental factors. Education ought to be growing as a profitable industry with the prime objective of maximizing profit by delivering high-quality education that produces well educated, skilled mannered students according to the needs and requirements of the dynamically growing market. There are two groups of students as generally perceived, that is those who improve and those who don’t improve. Students' performance is also affected by different factors such as learning abilities because the new paradigm about learning assumes that all students can and should learn at higher levels but it should not be considered as a constraint because there are other factors like race, gender, and sex that can affect students performance Hansen (2000).

          Mishae (2001) explained the effect of age, qualification and distance from learning. Place on the student's performance in his explanation concerns the readiness in doing a particular discipline in the school; for instance, a student that is not capable of doing sciences in the secondary school joins sciences because his/her friends are offering the subjects.  Winston et al  (2002)  added that the academic performance of students is also coined in the student's impatience (this time discount behaviour).  Yuonne (1998) further elaborated that students' academic performance is very much dependent on SEB (socio-economic background) as per his statement, secondary school students' performance is with statically significant differences. Alexander (2001) explained that some of the practices adopted by secondary school administration can also influence their academic performance, such practices as organized study groups, debate clubs, media and culture clubs etc.

          According to Bello Lawal, an Abuja based educationist and a member of the All Nigeria committee of Principals of secondary school (ANCOPSS). The truth is that the reading culture in Nigeria is generally poor. To make it worse, these days, most of our students hardly read. Instead, they waste their precious time watching television or films, listening to music, playing music, and playing video/computer games.

 

          Another educationist Mohammed (2009) attributed the dismal performance in the external examinations to the lackadaisical attitude of the government and its refusal to adequately fund the education sector. According to him, on several occasions, we clamoured for improved budgeting allocation to the education sector but all these have fallen on deaf ears. For instance, UNESCO recommends that 26 per cent of any country’s budget should be allocated to the education sector but instead what do we have in Nigeria.

          Government paying lip service to the education sector. Other countries that understand the importance of education have taken proactive steps to adequately fund their education sector. For instance, Ghana has allocated 29 per cent of its budget education sector, even far more than the UNESCO recommendation. The same thing with countries like South Africa and Botswana which allocated 35 and 37 per cent respectively to the education sector. So until these things are implemented we would continue to Morty age the future of our children.

Statement of the problem

          Secondary school students' performances in external examinations have been nagging issues in Nigeria generally and particularly in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State.

          Language is a medium of the institution. For teaching and learning to take place effectively, there must be adequate communication between the learner and the teacher. In Nigeria, the English language is a “Lingua Franka”. Except in vernacular, it is used in communicating with the learner in all Nigerian schools. The importance of the English language can hardly be overemphasized. That is why it appears almost every day in the school timetable.

 

Unfortunately, a cursory look at the performance of students in the English language in particular computer and integrated science in external examination in Enugu North Local Government Area is nothing to write home about. Since computer and integrated science are relatively new in the development of science and technology, the researchers would want to find out why there is an always recorded low performance in English language, computer science and integrated science from 2003 to 2007 in the case study.

          Secondly, what facilities are available for teaching and learning the three subjects in the Senior secondary school certificate examination in Enugu Local Government Area.

 

Purpose of the study

          Based on the background and the problem of this study, the main purpose underlying the project is to compare the academic performances of the Senior secondary school students in English language, computer science and integrated science in external Examinations from 2003 TO 2007. (A case study of Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State) specifically, the purpose of the study tends to find out:

1. Why there is the poor performance of students in external examinations
2. How students perform in external examinations
3. How do students perform in English Language, Computer Science and Integrated Science in External Examination and when compared, which one among the listed did perform better than the others

Significance of the study

          The usefulness of the research work in the educational system cannot be overemphasized if the result of the study is properly utilized. It is going to be a benefit to the students, teachers, parents and government. This would help to provide some information for curriculum designers and classroom teachers in order to utilize relevant approaches to enhance meaningful learning and teaching of English language, Integrated Science and computer science students. Thus, the knowledge of students’ cognitive styles and attitudes would be very useful in both academic and career enhancement.

Scope of the study

          The study was based on the Senior secondary school students' performance in external examinations in English Language, Integrated Science and Computer science in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State. This specification covers the following Senior secondary schools;

1. New Layout Secondary school
2. Days Secondary School Independent Layout
3. Government secondary school Enugu
4. Coal Camp Secondary School, Enugu

The schools mentioned above are used in this research work for better coverage and easy assessment.

Research questions

          The following research questions were formulated to guide the study. These questions are:-

1. What are the causes of the poor performance of students in external examinations?
2. In what ways can the performance of students in external examinations be improved?
3. How do students perform in external examinations in English language, Computer science and Integrated science and which of the three subjects did they perform better on?

Limitation of the study

          For proper project research to be carried out effectively, there should be some limitations along the line, these limitations include:

Time Constraint: This is the time consumed by students carrying out a particular project research topic. 

First and foremost, for a student to achieve his or her goals on project research, there should be an effective plan on how the materials needed can be gotten.     

And this will be actualised by proper research which might involve moving from one place to another in search of these materials. By so doing time is consumed.

          On the other hand, some students in a particular group may be giving excuses that the time fixed is not suitable for them, and some may complain that they usually do their domestic work for their parents during the project research exercise, which may demand all attention.

          In order to balance the equation, they should be proper plans for time management.

Money: This involves the money needed for the project to be carried out in a situation whereby the money needed becomes high, some students in a group will be affected and this may hinder their chances of participating and finally terminates their work since nothing good comes easy without money.

Difficulty Experiences: This is the experience we encounter in our group. Since everybody has his/her own personal character couple with an individual schedule for daily activity, things can never be done at the same time. Therefore, the time schedule for a particular group to carry out their project research varies.

          The insincerity of responding to questionnaire items: this is the inability of the supervisor did not explain properly the most essential things needed and how he wants the project to be done. The project writer may find it difficult to cope.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

The research investigated the comparison of academic performances of Senior  Science in External Examinations from 2003 to 2007. This study is a survey research design. It is research conducted on a large number of people to identify general opinion. The study was carried out in Enugu North Local Government Area. The area belongs to Enugu Educational Zone. The population of the study consist of all the students and teachers in Senior secondary schools in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State. The population of the students are 20, 470 while that of teachers is 4, 300. We used four Senior secondary schools as our sample out of the Senior secondary schools in Enugu North Local Government Area, Enugu State. Random sampling techniques were used to select ten (10) students from each of the schools used in the table listed above to ensure that the relevant features of the population were adequately represented. Five (5) staff (teachers) from each of the schools were also sampled. The instrument used was a questionnaire designed to elicit responses to the items in questions. The researchers used the four scales strongly agreed (SA), Agreed (A) Disagree (D) and strongly |Disagreed (SD). The respondents are required to tick against the column that best describes their views on each item. The questionnaire will be distributed to ten (10) students from each school and five (5) teachers from each school and will also be collected through items. The researchers used means to analyze and interpret the data. Interpretation of the data was based on the following scores interval:

SA – Strongly Agreed – 4 points

A  - Agreed                         -   3 points

D – Disagreed             -  2 points

SD- Strongly Disagreed – 1 point

          The output was determined by finding the mean of each number.

 

 

 

EDITOR SOURCE: Comparative Analysis Of Academic Performance Of Senior Secondary School Students In English Language, Computer Science And Integrated Science In External Examinations From 2003-2007

 

Child Hawking And Educational Development

 Child Hawking And Educational Development

 

 

 

 

1.1            Background to the Study

There is no generally accepted definition for the term ‘Child Hawking’. But it could simply be referred to as the abuse of a child by his parents or guardian or any other adult. Edu and Edu (1990), describe child abuse as willful maltreatment of a child below eighteen years of age in street sales. Such treatment according to them can include acts of commission (abuse) and omission (neglect). A narrow definition of child hawking is united to life-threatening, physical violence including severe beating, and rape (sexually harassed) which are inflicted on the children by the adult member of the community. A broader definition however lays emphasis on any treatment other than the most favourable care and includes neglect sexual and or emotional abuse and exploitation .which ever this social problem is been defined the question that comes to mind is “are children who are God’s given gifts granted freedom, comfort and peace by adults in the society?

In Nigeria, for example, the rights of citizens in chapter 4 sections 30, 40 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantee every citizen’s basic and fundamental human rights. Here, the constitution does not make any destination between the rights of adults and children to trade. Thus, children are expected to enjoy these rights. With the menace of child hawking (abuse) in the country, children are being exposed to all kinds of societal hazards. This study, therefore, examines street hawking in Nigeria, with a view to identifying its consequences on children.

 Street trading and child hawking have become a global phenomenon and a global concern. The United Nations International Children Education Fund (NCICEF) has estimated that there are 100 and 200 million child labourers across both industrial and developing countries. Estimates for Nigeria shows that 20% of children between the age of 10 and 14 are involved in child labour and street trading. Nigeria alone is estimated to have between 12 and 15 million child hawkers.

According to Human Right Watch (2004), Nigerians have the largest child labour force in the world. The dramatic increase in child labour and street hawking in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors. The rapid population growth of less developed countries, high rates of unemployment, inflation, low wages and deplorable working conditions have contributed to incidents of child hawking and child labour, as children attempt to help support their families (Charles and Charles 2004, Deth 1993). According to Arat (2002), the proliferation of industries can also be linked to an increase in child hawking and child labour. Social ills affecting children have been an area of active empirical investigation.

Indeed numerous studies exist on children who, along with their parents are and on weekends and holidays. This study will bring to light the dangers associated with street trading and child hawking as reported by children who engage in these practices.

1.2             Statement of Problem

Street trading and child hawking have the potential to corrupt young minds in two major ways. Firstly, a child that misses school frequently falls to benefit comprehensively from the education system. This can mean poor performance in examinations and open the door to examination malpractices for those seeking a certificate at all costs. This in turn can lead to incompetent and unlearned graduates with consequences for the nation as a whole, including increased national illiteracy.

Secondly, street trading and child hawking may also lead to behavioural patterns inimical to healthy citizenship. They may indulge in negative activities or criminal acts, such as prostitution, armed robbery, pickpocketing and face imprisonment. (Humert, 2009 Humphrices, 2010). Many government policies have been put in place to curb the issue of child hawking and child labour, but all to no avail. This probably is a result of the low economic status of most Nigerians who barely earn enough to feed themselves and their children. Oruwari (1996); Okojie (1987) and Aderinto (2000) linked the phenomenon of child hawking and educational development to the socioeconomic status of poor parents who subsist at the periphery of the urban economy.

This research will offer solutions to the menaces of child hawking and child development. It is believed that the solutions discussed below will reduce the menace to its absolute minimum in the course of this discussion this study will also attempt to address the following questions why do parent engage their children in street trading and child hawking? Are parents happy about this situation considering the dangers involved? Why have the policies of government not succeeded?

1.3              Objectives of Study

1.    To examine the causes of child hawking in Ekpoma

2.    To examine the consequences of child hawking on children.

3.    To examine the relationship between child hawking and development.

4.    To examine the relationship between child hawking and academic performance.

1.4              Research Hypothesis

1.    There is a relationship between poverty and child hawking

2.    There is no relationship between polygamous family and child hawking

3.    There is a relationship between singly parenthood and child hawking.

1.5              Scope of Study

The scope of the study shall lay emphasis on the effect and consequences of child hawking on child development in Ekpoma. Also, this study examines the relationship between child hawking and development.

Furthermore, this study examines government policies on how to eradicate child hawking in Ekpoma and Nigeria at large.

1.6             Significance of Study

Existing literature portrays little information about child hawking and development. This study is therefore important because it will reveal child hawking practices in Ekpoma. Also, the importance of this study is to give an insight to those who will like to carry out similar research on this topic in the nearest future.

1.7   Definition of Terms

1. Child: This is used in this study as a young human being at the age of puberty. In other words, a young individual below the age of 18 years.

2. Street Hawking: The act of selling goods or foodstuffs and other items on the streets. It can also be described as an act of selling, offering or exposing for sale any article in a public place.

3. Child labour: This simply means the use of children by other adults e.g. parents/guardians for the economic purpose that brings income to such adults. UNICEF defines child labour as work that exceeds a minimum number of hours depending on the age of a child (especially those below 18 years) and on the type of work.

4. Abuse: As used in this study mean maltreatment of a person in an unjust or undesired manner. Therefore, the term child abuse refers to the physical or emotional or social mistreatment of children. World Health Organization (WHO, 2009) define it as any act or failure to act that violates the rights of the child, to endangers his/ her optimum health, survival and development.

 

 

ABSTRACT

This research study examined the prevalence of child hawking and educational development. The study was carried out in Ekpoma, Edo State. The structured and unstructured questionnaires were used to elicit information from the respondents. The sample for the study comprised 120 subjects who were drawn from different communities in Ekpoma town. In chapter four, the researcher presents the data and the hypotheses were analyzed using the Chi (X2) Square statistical techniques. The findings from the study showed that the incidence of child hawking is high in Ekpoma, and thus, called for serious attention. It was also found that single parenthood and child hawking, are cases of child hawking which have an effect on the academic development or educational development of the child. However, it was submitted that the government and law enforcement agencies can reduce the child hawking rate through adherence to the “child right act”.

 

 

 

 

EDITOR SOURCE: Child Hawking And Educational Development

 

Attitude Of Parents Towards Primary Education Of Their Children

 Attitude Of Parents Towards Primary Education Of Their Children In Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Primary education is the foundation a child requires in his or her educational pursuit. The quality of primary education a child gets would determine his performance in a secondary school as well as tertiary level. It will equally affect his or her life after school. As such the importance of primary education cannot be overemphasis.

 

It is in this regard that Malotyre and Clarkj (1996) opined that the attitude of parent determine the quality of education their children or wards receive in primary school. The positive attitude of the parent has a positive impact on their children's performance and aspirations helps in raising knowledge and increasing understanding and facilitates academic progress through the involvement of parents in their children's academic activities. On the other hand, the negative attitude of parents towards their children's education has a negative effect on their academic progress leading to poor academic performance and consequently the withdrawal of such children from school. This makes such children take to the street and become a menace to society later in life.

However, Obodochi (2003)  opined that most parents in the rural areas of Nigeria are careless about the primary education of their children and as such put up a negative attitude towards their children’s education at the level. This is so because most rural dwellers in Nigeria are more interested in achieving short term immediate development of their children as such prefer sending their children to learn vocational trade or assist them in farm work but parents in urban areas have a positive attitude to education of their children and wards owing to their perception about education and the value they attach to education and its effect on the future of their children.

 

It is in this regard that Wilkinson (1997)  states that the perception of the value of education to a large extent determines the attitude of parents towards their children in Kwali Area Council Abuja.

 

1.2     Statement of Problem

Primary education is the foundation of education and is very vital to a child’s educational development Okoh (2005).

But in spite of the importance of primary education to children’s educational development, the attitude of parents towards their children's education is unsatisfactory and remains a big impediment to primary education in the area under study. This is evident in the high rate of street hawking by children of primary school age and enrolment in vocational trade during school hours. This is attributed to a myriad of vague problems ranging from poverty to cultural and religious constraints as well as parents' loss of faith in the Western educational sequel to the declining standard of education and the high rate of unemployed graduates combing the street in search of jobs endlessly. Hence the attitude of most parents towards the education of their children becomes questionable.

 

It is against this, that the subject matter: Attitude of parents toward the primary education of their children is seen as a problem worthy of being studied. As such the searchlight is on Kwali Area Council Abuja.

 

• The Objective Of The Study

The central objective of the study is to examine the attitude of parents towards the primary education of their children in Kwali Area Council Abuja. The specific objectives are:

• To find out the perception of parents about the value of primary education on their children's educational development in Kwali Area Council.
• To evaluate parents' involvement in their children's academic work in Kwali Area Council.
• To determine whether the declining standard of primary education affect parent attitude toward their children's education.
• To identify that parental attitude that is militating against primary education in Kwali Area Council.

1. To make recommendations for practice, policy and future research on the subject matter.

 

1.4     Significance of the Study

The significance of a study of this magnitude cannot be overemphasized. Parents, local government education departments, and state and federal ministries of education involved in policy formulation and implementation would find this study really useful especially as they utilize the findings of the study.

 

The study will equally add to the existing body of knowledge on the subject matter. Students undergoing research work similar to the present study who may wish to use this work as reference material or a springboard for their own work will find this work really useful.

 

1.5     Research Questions

1. What is the perception of parents about the value of primary education in Kwali Area Council Abuja?
2. How involved are parents in their children's academic work in Kwali Area Council Primary schools?
3. Does the declining standard of primary education have any effect on parent attitude toward their children's primary education?
4. What are those parental attitudes that militate against the primary education of children in Kwali Area Council?

 

1.6     Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study covers the empirical examination of the attitude of parents towards the primary education of their children in Kwali Area Council. The study equally covers the perception of parents about the value of primary education as well as their involvement in their children's academic work. The study also seeks to find out whether the declining standard of education has any effect on the attitude of parents toward their children's primary education as well as the parental attitude that militate against primary education in Kwali Area Council Abuja

The research is limited by the inaccessibility of research subjects resulting in using less than a fair representative sample, low return rate of questionnaires, and inability to use correct data gathering instruments due to ignorance between the researcher’s institution and the study area.

 

1.7     Definition of Terms

All the terms will be defined as they were used in the context of this research.

• Parental Attitude: The way parents behave toward their children in primary school.
• Parents: This refers to a father, mother or guardian's responsibility for the educational training of wards or their children in primary school.
• Primary School: School for children between the ages of 5 and 11 establish for elementary studies.
• School Management: This is an act of getting things done through teachers or the day to day running and administration of the primary school.
• Educational Policy: This is the statement of the government on education.
• Educational leadership: This is the process of formulating and implementing educational policies in primary schools.
• Headteacher: A teacher who is in charge of primary school.

EDITOR SOURCE: Attitude Of Parents Towards Primary Education Of Their Children In Nigeria

 

ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN NIGERIA

 ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN NIGERIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

1.1   BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

It has been the general assumption that children with reasonable physical care would grow into normal happy adulthood. But scientific investigations by psychologists, sociologist and psychiatrists regarding personality development has uncovered the greater importance of growing up and its lasting effects on the total personality of a person. Adult personality has its root in childhood. What we can do as adults are largely determined by the ways in which we were allowed to experience inevitable events of childhood.

 

Thus the aim of this research work is to shed more light on the issue of child abuse and neglect in Kaduna South Local Government of Kaduna State.

 

A child is neglected when he lacks continuous physical and emotional contact with his mother. Children under this category may be due to the loss of a mother or both parents or the separation of both parents, this child may be sent to nursery school or orphanages with many children which makes it difficult for special individual attention to be rendered to each child. Those children are therefore brought up by strangers which could be changed at different times due to the shift of their studies.

 

Child abuse on the other hand can be defined as the portion of harm to children that result from human action or inaction that is prescribed, proximate and preventable. The definition recognizes that such harm is no accident but something perpetrated on children by others, usually intestinally and that the actors inflicting this harm do not enjoy society's approval. It is also pointed out that abuse generally comes from the child's immediate environment and that it is preventable child neglect is a passive form of maltreatment or abuse UNICEF (1986).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.2  HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Kaduna South Local Government Area was created on 23rd September 1991 by the Babangida’s regime. Hitherto it was part and parcel of Kaduna Local Government. The Local Government Council has its headquarters located at Makera, comprising two districts namely: Tudun Wada and Makera, each district is headed by a district head and supported by village and wards councillors, Kaduna South shares a common boundary with Kaduna North to the North West. The two districts share a common boundary with the other districts located in the three local government areas. Kaduna South has a population of 373,576 as per the 2006 census. 

 

Education

However, in the education, the area is having about (29) public schools which (are 8) primary schools in Tudun Wada and (13) in Makera and five (5) secondary schools in Tudunwada and three (3) in Makeri.

 

Furthermore, the area is having private nursery/primary and secondary schools approximately one hundred and twenty-four (124) i.e. 80 in Tudun Wada and (44) in Makera district.

 

Adult education programmes and constructed apart from the various vocational training centres, run by various organizations like (YMCA). Apart from Kaduna Polytechnic as a higher institution of learning. There is a prison school at Barnawa, a Health Institution like the school of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of psychiatric Barnawa.  

 

There are over fifty (50) large and small scale industries that abound in the local government and some include, textile, defence corporation, Nigeria Breweries, Peugeot Automobile, KFCC, fertilizer superphosphate, pharmaceutical company, and blanket industry just to mention a few.

 

To boost commercial activities in the local government area and the markets and up to R. Tourist attractions and hotels, the council has six (6) tourist areas and about twelve (12) hotels. Kaduna South Local Government areas are well connected by road, bridges and railway line system.

 

Thus, the above mentioned geographical, emotional, educational and administrative features taken together give Kaduna South its unique characteristics. It was discovered that the habitants have little or no knowledge of what child abuse is.

 

Some with dishes roaming the street and begging for food and aims for a certain belief. They were also denied educational pursuit and a child's right to decide for themselves what they want to become in future. Without being told, you will see for yourself how little children hawk around from morning till evening for financial support, this researcher strongly, believes is one of the causes of child abuse and neglect because this kind of occupation endangers the child’s life and expose him to a hard situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.3  STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The researcher’s concern to delve into the affairs of CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT in Kaduna South Local Government Area of Kaduna State becomes necessary because the record available to this researcher shows that since the creation of Kaduna South from the former Kaduna local government there was not been any necessary attempt for research work into the activities of child abuse and neglect.

 

However, it is widely believed that the good image of any social or community depends largely on the social background of its children. Therefore, the problem of child abuse in the local government has been total neglect to large extent. A situation brought about probably by the undesirable element in our society mostly associated with women folk and partly perhaps the government who have not given enough attention to the ugly situation in the area but rather sitting on chairs in offices. Based on this, the researcher will seriousness wishes to know the activities to the authority concerned with the affairs of child abuse, towards educating the people of the area and of course suggest ways on how to improve and implements their programme towards making the entire area a conducive place of living.

 

 1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

       The following are the objectives of the study:

a.  To identify the factors responsible for child neglect

b. To determine the factors responsible for child neglect

c.  To identify the factors responsible for child abuse. To determine the rating of the factors responsible for child abuse

 

1.5  RESEARCH QUESTIONS

       The following research question guided the study:

a.  The absence of either parent in any family setting can also perhaps bring about child abuse

b. Roaming the street and begging for food and aims for certain beliefs will equally bring in child abuse

c.  The act of ignorance among the parent will make a child not go to school but hawk all day and that also brings in child abuse

d. The occupational pressure of the working parent is also a contributing factor to child abuse

 

1.6  SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The study is the opportunity to do or achieve something which children are being abused of more to say, production of two many children to the wide world and not taking care of them should be eradicated by family planning to space the recreation of babies. 

 

However, the absence of a mother in any family setting can also perhaps bring about child abuse and the study is out in looking for a suitable solution to resolving it, through the government and the societal people to be aware of the child to try to come affection, warmth etc.

 

Finally, the scope of the study is to improve the standard of living of clued not by seen influenced by the absence of one parent and two much of giving birth babies.

 

The government should Endeavour to encourage agencies to treat such a social ill or evil in the society.

 

1.7  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study is an attempt to provide evidence and identify patterns of child abuse and neglect with a view to offering suggestions and recommendations that will date the level. This study would be of immense value to parents, counselling teachers with low levels of education and children. The finding and suggestions resulting from this study will go a long way in helping parents and guidance to know irritating entrance or actions, it has on youth and children or young once which can be economical, psychological or society which will enable parents, adults, to adjust in order to ensure smooth development of children. It will also address the practical problem which when left will cut at the very root of civilized ethics particularly significant at present a bold attempt to go into an area of scarcity literature.

 

1.8  DEFINITION OF TERMS

Child: Child is defined as a dependent person in the custody of a parent or guardian for the protection of his/her life.

Abuse: Is any deliberate act by a person: or group of people in a society designed to inflict on a child or parent normal, mental physical, emotional and normal development.

Neglect: This usually occurs when families fail on their own part to provide the necessary need for their children such as food, medical care or being deprived of the essential need of life or it is a situation where one shows a sign of suffering or lack of care and attention.

Child care: This is care which is supposed to be given to children by those who are responsible for looking after them provide them with childcare facilities.

Child Abuse: Those are the cruel treatment of children by adults involving violence or sexual activities which is capable of affecting physically, mentally and psychologically.

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

The child abuse menace is as old as the birth of the first child, until very recently child maltreatment has never been seen as a social problem. It was falsely assumed that such physical punishments are supposed to correct bad behaviour and ensure conformity. But the consequential distorted personality of the child disproves the assumption. This study aims at showing that it is only through the care of children will one gains experience and develops an interest in finding out more about the affliction of the Nigerian child. In addition, the researcher hopes that those who are able to read this will get to know and pray that the past experiences of this silent suffering will serve to prevent tomorrow’s children from a similar fate. 

 

 

 

EDITOR SOURCE: Assessment Of The Factors Responsible For Child Abuse And Neglect In Nigeria