Federal Government of Nigeria

One of the dynamics of the traditional African societies is that music is a common feature of cultural expression. In Nigeria, traditional music which is rooted in the belief system and the socio religious activities of the people finds space in the musical practice of the country and therefore attracts attention of scholars for documentation and analysis. Bolojo music, a traditional genre rooted in Yorùbá oral tradition from the Yewa people of Ogun State, Nigeria serves as a cultural expression that embodies the socio-cultural dynamics, historical contexts, and musical heritage of the Yewa people. This music has received scholarly studies in aspects such as its history, sociology, its dance forms, and song texts, but its ethno musicological study is still under explored. This study is therefore an ethno musicological examination of Bòlòjò music. Engaging established theories in ethnomusicology and African cultural studies as its theoretical framework, the study examines the musical structure, social functions, adaptability, and communicative roles of Bolojo within Yewa society. The study employs qualitative research methods including participant observation, interviews with local musicians, and audio-visual recordings of Bòlòjò performances. Through participant observation, the researchers engage in communal events where Bòlòjò music is performed, gaining first-hand insights into its social functions. Interviews with Yewa elders and Bòlòjò musicians provide valuable perspectives on the genre’s cultural meanings and evolution over time. Audio-visual recordings further aid in analyzing musical structures, rhythmic patterns, and lyrical themes with Bòlòjò music. Bòlòjò music is renowned for its unique rhythms, showcasing the call-and-response patterns that foster community participation and engagement during performances, also with the variety of traditional instruments integral to Bòlòjò performances, particularly the distinctive use of drum such as talking drum (gángan), àkúbà or kóngà, bèmbé, bàtá, which create complex rhythmic patterns, as well as agogo (metal gong), sèkèrè (rattles), and the introduction of guitar by King Jossy Friday. As an essential cultural practice, Bòlòjò music plays a central role in rites of passage, festivals, weddings, funerals, communal gatherings, where it not only entertains but also reinforces Yewa identity and heritage in social cohesion, cultural expression, and moral instruction. This study concludes that Bòlòjò music serves as a vital expression of the Yewa people’s identity and cultural heritage. Its origins are rooted in the historical, social, and spiritual fabric of the community, making it not only a form of entertainment but also a powerful medium for preserving cultural memory and fostering community unity. As Bòlòjò music continues to adapt and evolve, it remains a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Yewa people in navigating their cultural heritage. The need to preserve and promote Bòlòjò music has become urgent, particularly in the face of globalization and changing social landscapes. This paper recommends that archival documentation, festival support, gender inclusivity and international collaborations should serve as safeguard for the preservation of Bòlòjò music.

Academic stress is a prevalent challenge among junior secondary school students, often affecting their cognitive abilities and overall academic performance. Consequently, this study examined the effectiveness of counselling services in reducing academic stress and promoting critical thinking among junior secondary school students in Anambra State. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 72 respondents, comprising junior secondary school teachers and school counsellors who interact with students and provide counselling support. A structured questionnaire served as the instrument for data collection, ensuring comprehensive insight into the role of counselling services. Experts in the field validated the instrument, and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that counselling services significantly reduce academic stress and enhance critical thinking skills among students. The study underscores the necessity of strengthening counselling services within schools to support students' academic and personal development. It recommends that policymakers and school administrators integrate more structured counselling interventions to foster resilience and cognitive skills among students.

Complementary and alternative medicine involves medical practices rooted in traditional methods such as herbal remedies and spiritual beliefs. Historical factors influence the practice of alternative medicine in Nigeria. This study examines cultural perceptions, practices, challenges, and integration strategies for alternative medicine in the Nigerian healthcare system. Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, faces significant health challenges, necessitating robust healthcare systems. Despite having over 80,000 registered doctors, there is a low doctor-to-population ratio of 4,000 to 5,000 people per doctor. Traditional healers practicing under partial regulation significantly contribute to healthcare delivery by using indigenous herbal and spiritual therapies. Challenges in integrating alternative medicine include standardization, limited scientific evidence, stigma, funding constraints, and barriers to access of services . Integration efforts involve creating inclusive healthcare systems that combine traditional and modern approaches, prioritize equitable access, and respect for cultural diversity, developing standardized training, generating scientific evidence, and increasing public awareness. Collaboration among stakeholders, such as healers, healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and communities, is essential for successful integration and improved healthcare outcomes. The Nigerian healthcare system can benefit from integrating alternative medicine and promoting holistic and culturally sensitive practices. Overcoming these challenges requires cooperation, evidence-based strategies, and investments in research, leading to more effective healthcare delivery, improved health outcomes, and reduced disparities nationwide. Countries on integration journeys should prioritize collaboration, establish clear regulations, raise public awareness, and invest in research to support the effectiveness and safety of alternative medicine.

The major focus of this study is to ascertain how undergraduates in the Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan use the library and its resources in spite of the user education gained through the use of library course. In every academic environment, the library, users as well as information resources are very important components for realization of academic set goals. Therefore, the effectiveness of academic library is a function of a healthy interaction between the users, library staff, information resources and other components that make up the library system. Structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. The population of the study focused on was the undergraduates of the faculty of Education, University of Ibadan. The target population was from six out of seven departments in the Faculty of Education. The nature of user education programme, timing and content were the major factors that caused undergraduates dissatisfaction in using the library resources. Therefore, the findings adjudged undergraduates as non-frequent users of the library. The lecturers in charge of the library use course, reference librarians, and all other library professionals and library staff who organise library orientation should all participate in the teaching/training of undergraduates in some way, while keeping the user education program's objectives in mind. Failure to accord Use of Library the status of a full-fledged GENERAL STUDIES (GES) course with high units was found as the most significant factor limiting effectiveness of user education programme through the Use of Library. Therefore, In order to increase seriousness among undergraduates in Faculty of Education in Universities and other higher institutions generally, it is advised that "Use of Library Course" be separated from the "Use of English Course" in the GES/GST/GNS 101 and have USE OF LIBRARY as a full-fledged course with a high unit credit load. The curriculum should also be based on more of a practical approach than a purely theoretical/essay approach.

TLike many other developing countries, the Nigerian government has increased domestic borrowing recently. This study examines the nonlinear relationship between domestic borrowing and economic growth, covering 1980 and 2019. The study adopts the threshold regression approach to establish the switching point between domestic borrowing and economic growth in Nigeria. The results reveal that the domestic borrowing and economic growth threshold is 14.88% of GDP with an inverted U-shaped curve. The maximum turning point of the variables implies the application of the debt Laffer Curve in Nigeria, showing that domestic borrowing is favourable to the economy before the threshold. However, additional domestic borrowing after the threshold induces an adverse effect on the economy. Also, the regression results of the non-varying threshold measures show that while the effect of external debt has been positive and significant on economic growth, gross fixed capital formation and inflation were negative and significant. Therefore, while recommending more rigorous monitoring and efficient utilisation of domestic borrowed funds by the government, the study emphasises the application of the threshold of 14.88% of GDP on domestic borrowing in the country.

The low enrolment and poor academic achievement of female students in Geography compared to their male counterparts in secondary schools of Ganye Educational Zone necessitated this study. Studies have it that the instructional strategies adopted by Geography teachers in teaching could interact with gender to influence students’ academic achievement. To this end, the study investigated the Effect of Gender on Senior Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in Geography when Mastery Learning Strategy and Conventional Method are used for instruction. The quasi-experimental non-randomized pre-test, post-test control group design was used. The study also employed the multi-stage random sampling technique at four levels to select 207 (120 Male and 87 Female) senior secondary school two (SS II) students offering Geography from six intact classes in six co-educational secondary schools in Ganye Educational Zone in Nigeria. A 40-item Geography Achievement Test (GAT) constructed by the researcher and validated by experts in Geography education was used to obtain data. After pilot testing the instrument using 89 students from two intact classes, the data obtained was analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient statistic. A reliability index of 0.78 was obtained. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of Mean, independent t-Test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The study revealed that Female students exposed to learning Geography through Mastery Learning Strategy performed better than their Male counterparts. A significant interaction effect of treatment and gender on students’ achievement in Geography was also observed. It was recommended that Geography teachers should re-assess their classroom instructional strategies used in teaching and adopt that which will give the students equal opportunities to excel in Geography. Article visualizations:

BackgroundThe role for the private sector in health remains subject to much debate, especially within the context of achieving universal health coverage.This roundtable discussion offers diverse perspectives from a range of stakeholders – a health funder, a representative from an implementing organization, a national-level policy-maker, and an expert working in a large multi-national company – on what the future may hold for the private sector in health.DiscussionThe first perspective comes from a health funder, who argues that the discussion about the future role of the private sector has been bogged down in language. He argues for a ‘both/and’ approach rather than an ‘either/or’ when it comes to talking about health service provision in low- and middle-income countries.The second perspective is offered by an implementer of health insurance in sub-Saharan Africa. The piece examines the comparative roles of public sector actors, private sector actors and funding agencies, suggesting that they must work together to mobilize domestic resources to fund and deliver health services in the longer term.Thirdly, a special advisor working in the federal government of Nigeria considers the situation in that country. He notes that the private sector plays a significant role in funding and delivering health services there, and that the government must engage the private sector or forever be left behind.Finally, a representative from a multi-national pharmaceutical corporation gives an overview of global shifts that are creating opportunities for the private sector in health markets.SummaryOverall, the roundtable discussants agree that the private sector will play an important role in future health systems. But we must agree a common language, work together, and identify key issues and gaps that might be more effectively filled by the private sector.