Despite the changes in human behaviour and interactions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions are yet to adapt to the new normal fully. While some educational institutions switched entirely to e-learning to promote teaching and learning, others could not offer education due to physical and social restrictions. Previous studies in Africa have identified reasons for the poor ICT adoption for educational purposes. However, the degree to which these factors affect ICT utilisation is barely analysed. Using a quantitative approach, this study assessed ICT deployment for teaching in the COVID-19 era by focusing on their availability and challenges. A sample of 344 respondents from a population of 2,867 academic staff at two Nigerian public universities participated in the study. After receiving face validity from experts, a structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Cronbach alpha reliability indices of the questionnaire ranged from 0.72 to 0.94. Descriptive statistics (simple percentages, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (one-way ANOVA) were used for data analysis. Findings generally revealed a moderate extent in the availability of ICT resources in public universities. The cost of data, computer literacy, and electricity supply are challenges that significantly affected ICT deployment in the COVID-19 era. Based on this finding, it was concluded that personal and institutional challenges affect how ICT resources are deployed in public universities. It was recommended, among other things, that the management of each tertiary institution should apportion proceeds from internally generated revenue to procure ICT resources specific to the need of the school. The study provides the ground for further research into students’ use of ICT for educational purposes.

This research studied the interaction influence of demographic characteristics (marital status, job rank, gender and age) and occupational stress level, on the work performance of faculty members in Calabar Metropolis. The descriptive survey design was utilized for this investigation. A sample of 150 respondents was identified using the systematic random sampling procedure from a population of 400 Faculty of Education lecturers from two public universities in Calabar Metropolis. A four-point scale validity and reliability certified questionnaire was used for data collection. Data generated was analyzed using the two-way analysis of variance. Hypotheses were all tested at the 0.05 alpha level. Findings revealed a significant interactive effect of demographic variables (age, gender, job rank and marital status) and stress levels on lecturers' jobs. Results also indicated that the stress level of lecturers affects the degree or quality of job performance, with those having average stress levels reporting better job performance in the universities studied. Recommendations were made that all lecturers, irrespective of age, gender, marital status or rank, should develop or adopt good stress management skills and disengage/reduce extra jobs and other unnecessary stress-inducing activities.

This investigation examined materialistic value orientation and attitude toward environmental management in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. A single theory was generated to control the examination. Review of initial researches was utilized. Survey blue print was utilized. An accidental sampling technique was used in choosing the 150 persons examined for the investigation. An approved 20 items four point adjusted likert scale poll was the instrument utilized for data assortment. The unwavering quality gauge of the tool for information accumulation was 0.80 utilizing Cronbach Alpha dependability technique. The information was dissected utilizing the simple and multiple linear regression statistical tools. The result of the study revealed that there is a significant influence of materialistic value orientation and attitude toward environmental management in Yakurr Local Government Area. It was recommended that People limit their rate of materialism, it is conceivable to get those people to consider more to be well disposed ways of life as a suitable and appealing decision.

This study assessed the knowledge and competence of special teachers and psychologists in diagnostic overshadowing and differential diagnosis in children with intellectual disability in Cross River State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was adopted. Sixty (60) respondents comprising teachers and school psychologists were purposively selected from three main special schools in Cross River State. Two research questions were raised to guide the study. A rating scale titled ‘Mental Health Diagnosis Competency Scale (r=0.91)’ was used for data collection. The instrument was used to assess the knowledge and competence of special teachers and school psychologists in diagnostic overshadowing and differential diagnosis in children with intellectual disabilities. The data collected were statistically analyzed using percentages, frequency count, and bar chart. The findings revealed that most teachers and school psychologists have no knowledge of psychiatric symptomatology in children with intellectual disabilities. Respondents also lack adequate competence in differential diagnosis, leading to wrong special education placement and inadequate intervention plans for such children. It was recommended, among others, that the government provide in-service training for teachers and psychologists to equip them on current issues and practices in special education, such as differential diagnosis and collaborative partnership within a transdisciplinary approach.

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