Virtual learning environment factors as predictors of students' learning satisfaction during COVID-19 period in Nigeria

<p><em>This paper presents a conceptual review on student plagiarism focusing mainly on International postgraduate Nigerian students. The aim of this review is to provide an insight to issues that relate to the concept, which will present information for the Higher Education Institutions in Nigeria and those overseas where the students decide to further their studies. The paper reviews studies on eight themes: the origin of plagiarism, forms of plagiarism, possible consequences of student plagiarism, general views on student plagiarism, possible causes of student plagiarism, Methods of detecting, deterring and mitigating student plagiarism, and proposed solutions.</em></p><p><em>The author concluded that a lot of Nigerian students struggle with the right perception of plagiarism and in most cases, do not understand the long-term consequences, besides the implementation of a holistic approach at managing student plagiarism, the higher institutions need to monitor and evaluate results and adapt measures to the institutional context. Also, there is a need for overseas universities to adjust their management framework in a way that will cater for international students. In addition, there is needfor more empirical studies to be carried out in Nigeria and other African Higher institutions.</em></p>

Online Lectures in Higher Education Institutions in Nigeria During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Prospects

The use of mobile devices as learning aids is increasing due to availability and affordability of mobile phones, smartphones and tablets among students. Many learners use their handheld devices not only for calling and texting, but also for educational purposes. Some promoters and developers of mobile learning in universities are developing and delivering learning content and instructions on mobile devices without adequate consideration for security of stakeholders' data, whereas the use of these mobile technologies for learning poses a serious threat to confidentiality, integrity and privacy of those involved in learning delivery, including the students. This paper discusses the security concerns of mobile learning from the learner's perspective based on a study conducted in higher education institutions in Nigeria. The study identified the security threats that learners may face when using mobile devices for educational purposes and examined the perceived damaging effects of mobile learning on students in cases there is a security breach. This paper concludes with recommendations for alleviating the security threats.

This study examines the impact of artificial intelligence adoption in recruitment on both organizational and individual outcomes, specifically focusing on positive organizational shock and career development. It also examines the moderating roles of emotional intelligence and family support, and the mediating effect of positive organizational shock on the relationship between artificial intelligence adoption and career development. A quantitative study took place in April among 400 human resource practitioners in higher education institutions in Nigeria. The study employed Partial Least Squares for Structural Equation Modelling to analyze the relationships between the constructs. The findings revealed that artificial intelligence adoption in recruitment significantly enhances positive organizational shock, which in turn positively influences career development.

The study examined the influence of admission criteria on access to higher education in Nigeria. This investigation was prompted by a recent surge in the number of candidates who were denied admission to universities. Data on admissions from various higher education institutions in Nigeria, spanning the years 2015 to 2022, were collected and analyzed, focusing on gender, region, and type of institution. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis. The findings revealed that many Nigerian universities overemphasized admission criteria due to high demand, a trend less pronounced in polytechnics and colleges of education. Moreover, disparities in access to higher education were noted based on gender, region, and institution type. The study recommended that stakeholders enhance the capabilities of colleges of education and polytechnics, and called on universities, particularly in southwestern Nigeria, to adopt a more equitable approach to their admission criteria.

This paper is on lecturer"s bits of smiles: Strategies of creating students invitation to learn in higher educational institutions in Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was used for this study. Imo State University Owerri, is Among Universities in Nigeria. However, Imo State University Owerri was the university where the population and sample size of this study was selected. One research question and one hypothesis guided this study. Population of this study is 8,000 which comprised 4,500 males and 5,500 female students of Imo State University Owerri. Stratified random sampling technique was used to select 20 male students each in social science education and life science education department departments. On the other hand, 26 female students each were selected from political science and economics departments, which gave sample size of 92 students as sample size. Researcher developed questionnaire title” lecture's bits of smiles: Strategies of creating students invitation to learn in higher educational institutions in Nigeria” was used, with four rating scale of strongly agree, agree, dis agree and strongly disagree. The instrument was validated by two specialists in Business Education, Madonna University Nigeria, Okija Campus, Anambra State. Cronbach alpha statistics was used to determine the reliability coefficient of this study at 0.78 and 0.97, which shows that the instrument was reliable for use on this study. The instrument was administered to the respondents with the help of two research assistants. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Chi Square -test of independent was used to test the hypotheses. Findings from this study revealed that lecturer’s occasional smiles create students engagement to learn. It was recommended from this study that lecturer’s should have open mindedness to students. This would enable students explain their learning difficulties to lecturers and seek learning solutions from them.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the mediating role of self-confidence in the relationship between the constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) (i.e. attitudes towards behaviour [ATB], subjective norms [SN] and perceived behavioural control [PBC]) and the entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) of hospitality management students. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a quantitative approach. A self-reported questionnaire was used to collect data from a randomly selected sample of 126 hospitality management students from two federal polytechnics in Nigeria. To test the hypotheses formulated, partial least squares structural equation modelling was performed using SmartPLS software. Findings The results indicated that ATB and PBC had significantly positive links with EIs. The link between SN and EIs was only positive but not statistically significant. Further analysis showed that self-confidence had a significantly positive link with EIs and mediated the relationships between ATB and EIs and between PBC and EIs. Practical implications The findings have policy and practical implications for governments, policymakers and administrators of higher education institutions in Nigeria and other countries. Originality/value To the author’s best knowledge, this is the first study to provide empirical evidence of the mediating effect of self-confidence on the relationship between the TPB constructs and students’ EIs. Theoretically, the findings of this study lend credence to the applicability of the TPB in predicting students’ EIs across different contexts. More importantly, this study has modified the TPB by demonstrating that the effectiveness of the TPB constructs in influencing EIs depends on the degree of self-confidence that prospective entrepreneurs possess.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the ethical issues in artificial intelligence adoption in African higher education institutions. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Ethical concerns surrounding the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in African higher education institutions reveal key findings from recent studies. These include issues of data privacy, transparency in AI algorithms, and ethical implications in decision-making processes. Universities in Africa implementing AI technologies must navigate challenges such as ensuring ethical data handling and maintaining transparency in AI systems. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Ethical frameworks in AI adoption, critical theory & ethics of care may be used to anchor future studies on the ethical issues in artificial intelligence adoption in African higher education institutions. Embed ethics education into AI courses and training programs across African universities. Equip students, educators, and AI developers with the knowledge and skills to identify, analyze, and address ethical dilemmas associated with AI technologies. Develop and enforce clear, context-specific AI ethics policies and regulatory frameworks at national and institutional levels. These policies should outline guidelines for data management, algorithmic transparency, and ethical review processes.

This study investigates the design and performance of a hybrid solar-wind energy system optimised for the electricity needs of Nigerian universities. In response to widespread grid unreliability, escalating diesel fuel costs, and the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions in the education sector, a decentralised hybrid configuration was modelled and simulated using HOMER Pro and MATLAB/Simulink. The system integrates photovoltaic modules, wind turbines, and lithium-ion battery storage to ensure uninterrupted energy supply across a typical 24-hour academic cycle. Simulated weather and load profiles were developed based on regional climatic data and institutional energy consumption patterns. Results indicate that the hybrid system reliably met a daily energy demand of 3,840 kWh, achieving 100% renewable fraction and zero unmet load. Solar PV contributed significantly during daylight hours, while wind generation ensured supply during early morning and night-time periods. The battery storage system operated within a safe state-of-charge range (71%–100%), ensuring system stability and extended battery life. The diesel generator remained inactive throughout the simulation, leading to zero operational emissions. The calculated levelised cost of energy (LCOE) was $0.148/kWh, demonstrating cost competitiveness when compared to diesel-based systems commonly used in Nigerian campuses. The findings affirm that hybrid solar-wind systems are technically feasible, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable for higher education institutions in Nigeria. The proposed framework offers a scalable, replicable solution capable of enhancing energy security, reducing operational costs, and supporting national energy transition goals.

The constitutional provisions for education and the place of educational financing, all over the world, fall within the framework of the legal order. In Nigeria, financing of higher education has evoked dramatic, as well as ideological and political confrontations in the last two decades or so. The rationale sustaining this argument is compelling. A quality education, beginning with primary education, is fundamental to endow individuals with the capacity to successfully pursue their private goals, while at the same time equipping them with the knowledge and skills, as well as the values and attitudes, necessary to contribute effectively to the economic, social, and political development of their societies. All these require adequate financing of education at all levels. However, of all the problems facing Nigerian educational system today, none is more agonising and persistent as the dwindling financing of education, especially at the tertiary level. This paper, therefore, examines the weakness of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Nigeria in terms of their financial resource base. The paper relies on primary and secondary data to highlight inadequate funding as the primary factor in the myriads of challenges that have crippled HEIs from achieving their goals. The paper suggests methods of increasing the financial strength of these institutions towards improving the quality of higher education in Nigeria.

Purpose: development of recommendations for the study of security-oriented disciplines by students of higher educational institutions. Methodology: Analysis and generalisation of research results regarding the need of higher education students to study security-oriented disciplines. Results: In the conditions of modern warfare, knowledge and understanding of security issues are of critical importance for students of technical specialties. It helps them to be aware of the threats and risks associated with armed conflict and make the right decisions to ensure personal and collective security, and provides the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively respond to emergencies and save lives. Therefore, in the article: information on the state of higher education in Ukraine until February 2022 has been studied and summarised; the need of students of higher technical education to study security-oriented disciplines during the war was investigated; an expert survey was conducted among students who are studying for the Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees of two higher technical educational institutions – the State Higher Educational Institution “Donetsk National Technical University” and Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture. It was established that about eighty percent of the respondents are in favour of mandatory study of security-oriented disciplines during martial law, as an opportunity to ensure their own safety and the safety of others, help others and be useful in war conditions. A new concept of civil security education in higher technical institutions under martial law from the point of view of studying individual disciplines is proposed, which consists of the following: improvement of training plans for higher education applicants. recommendations for students of technical higher education institutions to study the following disciplines (in order of priority): “Life safety”, “Occupational safety”, “Fire safety”, “Civil protection”, “Environmental safety”, “Psychology of hazards”. Mandatory courses for students on pre-medical care, psychological help for themselves and others, military training should be introduced. Scientific innovation: a scientific approach has been developed to clarify the new concept of civil security education in higher technical institutions under martial law. Practical significance: the results of the work can be used in the preparation of educational plans for applicants of higher technical educational institutions.

The rapid development of technology, particularly in the field of social media, has proven beneficial in identifying entrepreneurial opportunities among Higher Education Institutions (HEI) students. Students with heightened entrepreneurial alertness are more attuned to environmental changes that create new business prospects, especially in the evolving technological landscape. However, the entrepreneurial benefits of social media usage are not universally recognized by students. Hence, this study aims to ascertain the level of benefits derived from social media usage, entrepreneurial alertness and opportunities among HEI students. A total of 353 students from public and private HEI in Kelantan participated in this survey-based study, employing questionnaires as the research instrument. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29 software .The study findings reveal that the benefits of social media usage among students are at a high level. Besides, the levels of entrepreneurial alertness and opportunities are moderately high. Moreover, a positive and significant correlation exists between the benefits of social media usage, entrepreneurial alertness, and entrepreneurial opportunities among HEI students. Consequently, proactive measures should be taken by HEI to enhance entrepreneurial education modules in line with current needs. This will ensure that students are more receptive to entrepreneurship, recognizing social media usage as an advantage in creating business opportunities on a broader, global scale.

Readiness is an important indicator of learners' willingness to engage productively in a virtual learning environment. Low readiness is believed to be the main reason behind virtual learning failure. The purpose of this present study is to investigate the effects of online readiness on learners’ learning satisfaction and performance in a virtual second language learning environment on a sample of 203 Malaysian Non-Arabic Speaking Learners using a cross-sectional survey. This study further explored which dimension of readiness is found to be the strongest predictor of their level of satisfaction and performance. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis examined the predictive relationships between readiness, satisfaction, and performance. The results proved that online readiness was statistically a significant predictor of their learning satisfaction and performance, indicating computer and internet self-efficacy in performing activities in the virtual learning environment as the strongest predictor. By identifying the most influential predictors, this groundbreaking study recognizes which key elements of the virtual learning environment language learners would need more to relish learning and achieve their goals. This study offers critical insights that have not been previously explored by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing learning satisfaction and performance. The findings, therefore, highlight the paramount importance of assessing the readiness of online learners and their learning environment, providing valuable guidance for higher education institutions seeking to enhance the success of VLLE. In addition, this study sets a precedent for future research in the field. It underscores the need for ongoing efforts to improve virtual language learning environments to serve students’ needs better.

Though COVID-19 pandemic came with lockdowns that made it difficult for physical conferences, seminars, workshops, and lectures to be attended; yet it opened-up opportunities for virtual meetings. Barring challenges such as data cost and disruptions in internet accessibility, the absence of clear-cut guidelines for determining preferred virtual meetings by the appointments and promotions committees of Nigerian higher education institutions (HEIs) poses the dilemma of attendance at predatory ones by academics. This study utilised the interpretive research paradigm to unpack two assumptions and seven mutually inclusive criteria that could guide virtual learning platforms for human capital development in HEIs in Nigeria. The findings of this study are expected to trigger discourses as well as deliberate interventions on the criteria for e-conferences and webinars by appointments and promotions committees of HEIs in Nigeria even as more studies are required to expand and validate the established assumptions and criteria.

Background: Psychoactive substances are those substances which have various natural or synthetic compounds that act on the nervous system causing change in the function that regulate thoughts, behavior and emotions. Abuse of such substances involves increasing the risk of injuries, aggressions and the risk of unsafe sexual behaviors. The problem is even worse when it happens among young people such as students of higher educational institutions. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of substance use and factors associated among regular undergraduate students of private higher education institutions from June 2018 up to August 2018 in Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia, Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted. Study participants (596) selected using systematic random sampling technique. Data collected using pre-tested self- administered modified WHO Model core questionnaire. The collected data cleaned, coded and entered to Epi-Info 7.2 computer software and analyzed by SPSS version 21.Descriptive statistics used to summarize variables as appropriate. Binary logistic regression used to select variables for multivariable analysis. Result: A total of 596 students participated in the study. The response rate was 100%. Three hundred eighty nine (65.3%) participants were female, Four hundred seventy two (79.2%) were in the age group 18-24 years. Based on this study magnitude of substance use at least for one substance in the last 12 months among the study participants was 33.9% with 95%CI (29.9, 37.6), The most commonly used substance in descending order was Cigarette (7.0%), Khat (6.4%) and Alcohol (3.4%). Based on this study finding all substance use (Cigarette, Khat and Alcohol) together counted (17.1%). Female participation had high significance, family members using substance, believing substance use as good and knowing the risk of substance use also had significance. Based on this study associated factors for substance use showed that to increase work performance 10.2%, to minimize tension 9.7% and due to peer influence 8.7%. Pattern of substance use showed most of the participant’s use substance weekly 14.4%, monthly 7.7%, daily abusers 7.0% and other occasional users were 5.2%. Conclusion: This study showed magnitude 33.9% for at least one substance use for the past 12 months. Family history of students using substance had more significant. Showing the risk of Substance use among study subjects, the created_at of awareness for family members and consistent health education should be continued to fully address the problem of using substance.