The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro
Recent publications
The implication of the unsuitability of young Nigerian graduates for available jobs in the industry raises the question as to the appropriateness of the training received while in school. It has exacerbated the unemployment problem in the Country, and it is worrisome. Of a necessity in curriculum development and delivery, therefore is the adoption of an approach that takes cognizance of the job function of the graduates in the industry and/or workplace and the skills required to perform on the job. In other words, the curriculum must target the job market demand and needs. This paper reports on the development of a demand-led curriculum in National Diploma Cement Engineering Technology through the partnership of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro with Cement Industry, Cement Training Institute of Nigeria, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and the National Board for Technical Education. The paper concludes that the emerging graduates from the implementation of the curriculum would have acquired the appropriate skills for the job, and would be acceptable and fit to perform effectively in the industry. Besides, opportunities for earning industry research income and reputation through the provision of research support to the industry is an added benefit derivable from the linkage.
This study investigates the efficacy of a transfer learning approach utilizing LeNet-5 and a CNN-based AFC model for the classification of Nigerian swallow foods. Leveraging the lightweight LeNet-5 architecture, originally designed for 32×32×3 image inputs, we adapted our dataset with 100×100×3 images to meet its requirements. Meanwhile, the CNN-based AFC model was constrained to accept 100×100×3 images and classify them into 20 categories. Training, validation, and testing were conducted on both models, yielding distinct results. The CNN-based AFC model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an accuracy of 0.9494 and a validation accuracy of 0.9524, with corresponding losses of 0.4778 and 0.4735, respectively. Conversely, LeNet-5 achieved a training accuracy of 0.9418 and a validation accuracy of 0.9524, with losses of 0.0808 and 0.0421. Notably, the CNN-based AFC model exhibited significantly faster training times, outperforming LeNet-5 in this regard. This study lays the groundwork for further research, with plans to integrate the CNN-based AFC model into a mobile app to assist visually impaired individuals in identifying safe foods. The deployment of such a system has the potential to enhance the autonomy and quality of life for visually impaired individuals, reducing reliance on caregivers and mitigating health risks associated with improper food consumption. Future work will focus on expanding the model to encompass a wider range of Nigerian foods and finalizing its integration into the mobile app.
The advances towards 5G and 6G technologies in modern wireless communication systems have increased the demand for strong transmission and reception of signals over fading channels. The work provided in the contributions herein covers simulating a composite fading channel that incorporates the Rician and Rayleigh models into the AWGN noise and transmitting images modulated under the scheme of various QAMs including 16-, 64-, 1024and 4096-QAM at different SNR values. The aim is to generate modulation I/Q signals datasets suitable for deep learning applications, in particular, Automatic Modulation Classification using Convolutional Neural Networks. These datasets represent real-world wireless environments, modeling 4G to 6G technologies. Applying some preprocessing techniques and CNN models, in particular ResNet50 and LeNet, for classification of these modulation schemes yielded promising results for cognitive radio and spectrum management. It indicates that the most important role of CNN-based AMC is in enhancing the spectrum efficiency of wireless communication systems.
In the face of limited financial resources, public tertiary institutions are pressured to optimize expenditure on educational building projects. Effective cost reduction techniques can help bridge the gap between limited budgets and the need for quality infrastructure. This research investigates cost reduction techniques implemented on educational building projects in public tertiary institutions in southwestern Nigeria and its relationship with the type of tertiary institution. A quantitative research method was employed in the study using a questionnaire survey. The building projects considered were those completed between the years 2012-2022. 133 projects from 15 public tertiary institutions in southwestern Nigeria were surveyed using purposive sampling techniques. The mean item score and the Kruskal-Wallis test were employed for data analysis. The findings showed that amongst the 16 various cost reduction techniques investigated, value analysis/engineering, supply chain management, target value design, and budget control were top-ranked and used on many elements of the projects. At the same time, automation and circular economy were the least ranked cost reduction techniques used. The study further showed significant differences in implementing 7 of the techniques in the various tertiary institutions. It is concluded that integrating cost reduction techniques into existing policies and guidelines will facilitate the development of a standardized framework for their implementation across public tertiary institutions, promoting broad adoption and ensuring consistency in their application.
The nutrient contents of a product can depend on the quantity of fertiliser supplied. An experiment was conducted at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, in the tropical rainforest‑savannah transitional zone of southwestern Nigeria to determine the nutrient contents of three cucumber varieties as influenced by Gateway Organic Fertiliser (GOF) rates. There were 48 plots of 3.0 × 2.0 m each, separated by 1.0 m pathways. The main plot was cucumber variety (Marketmore, Poinsett, and Marketer) while the sub‑treatment was organic fertiliser rate at 0, 5, 10, and 15 t.ha ⁻¹ in a split‑plot arrangement fitted into Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 replicates. Fruit nutrient contents differed with cucumber varieties and rates of gateway organic fertiliser. Marketmore variety fruits without application of GOF had higher moisture contents. Poinsett variety fruits cultivated with the application of 5 t. ha ⁻¹ GOF had higher dry matter contents. Poinsett variety fruits cultivated with either 10 or 15 t. ha ⁻¹ GOF had higher crude protein and carbohydrate contents when compared with other interactions. Poinsett variety cultivated with either 10 or 15 t. ha ⁻¹ GOF had higher vitamins A and C contents when compared with other interactions. It was concluded that cultivating the Poinsett cucumber variety with a 10 t.ha ⁻¹ GOF rate gave optimum nutrient contents concerning the crude protein, carbohydrate, and vitamin content. The Poinsett cucumber variety cultivated with 10 t. ha ⁻¹ Gateway Organic Fertiliser is recommended for optimum nutrient contents.
Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters smaller than 2.5 µm, PM 2.5 , is a problem for inhabitants globally. To address this problem, there is a need to know the amount of PM 2.5 present in the atmosphere. The quantification of PM 2.5 will help to determine the type of remedies for air quality. One of the employed quantification methods is the use of low-cost sensors, which are easy to use, have high temporal resolution, and are small to handle. In this study, we applied low-cost optical sensors to determine PM 2.5 during the dry (Harmattan) season at two sites in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The results showed that PM 2.5 at one site (Site B) ranged between 14.4 and 590.4 µg/m 3 , whereas that at the other site (Site C) ranged between 14.5 and 737.2 µg/m 3. The mean values (75.7 and 87.5 µg/m 3 at Sites B and C, respectively) were significantly beyond the standard limits of World Health Organization and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency in Nigeria. High daily average PM 2.5 concentrations were observed when the air masses coming from the northeast. Shorter timescale peaks within a few hours were frequently observed, especially at Site C during the daytime, attributable to the local emissions of PM 2.5 due to combustion activities. Higher-density multi-point observations are highly recommended to understand the sources, behaviors, and health effects of PM 2.5 in regional cities in South West Africa.
The construction industry in Nigeria faces critical challenges due to frequent building collapses, highlighting the necessity for robust Quality Management Systems (QMS). This study investigates the current state of QMS adoption and its effectiveness in mitigating building failures. Despite the recognised importance of QMS, the industry shows a low adoption rate, with only 34.8% of firms holding ISO certification and 60.9% lacking formal QMS frameworks. A significant barrier identified is insufficient top management support, impacting 71.4% of the companies surveyed. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive literature review and a survey of 22 industry stakeholders across major Nigerian cities. This methodology allows for a detailed examination of QMS practices, highlighting the critical role of management commitment, communication, and training in enhancing quality outcomes. The research fills a gap by providing a holistic analysis of QMS issues across different regions, which have been previously understudied. The findings underscore the necessity for enhanced regulatory frameworks and standardised practices to ensure consistent quality management. The study contributes to the international discourse on construction quality by emphasising systemic improvements rather than merely technical fixes. It calls for further research into region-specific challenges and broader adoption of formal QMS practices to improve safety and reliability in Nigeria’s construction sector.
The creation of boundary layers, heat and mass transfer mechanisms, flow separation and reattachment, and the beginning of turbulence are some variables that affect the fluctuations in concentration and temperature of fluid flow undergoing leading-edge accretion. Surface roughness associated with leading-edge accretion susceptible to convective heating in aerodynamics. However, when convective heating at the wall is sufficient, more is needed to know about the change in local skin friction coefficients, heat and mass transfer rates, and leading-edge accretion. This study presents the dynamics of a ternary-hybrid nanofluid along a convectively heated surface during leading-edge accretion to determine the impacts of convective and unstable accelerations. The base fluid of the nanofluid is water, while the three nanoparticles are spherical carbon nanotubes, cylindrical graphene, and platelet aluminum oxide. The non-dimensionalized governing equations that describe the transport phenomenon were numerically solved using MATLAB’s built-in solver, bvp4c. Based on the findings, it is reasonable to conclude that the temperature distribution across the ternary-hybrid nanofluid flow increases as the Biot number increases with the leading-edge accretion for 0γπ/20\le \gamma \le \pi /2 as a result of an increase in convective acceleration while unsteady acceleration decreases. With increasing leading-edge accretion, the heat transmission rate along the heated border decreases. Temperature and concentration profiles rise as leading-edge accretion rise in the zone of rising convective acceleration and decreasing unsteady acceleration.
The impact of customer intelligence on customer retention in midscale and luxury hotels in south-west Nigeria was examined in this study. A model was developed for the consequent variables to test the research hypotheses relative to the impulse buying theory. A total of 1 972 research instruments were retrieved from customers of 160 conveniently sampled midscale and luxury hotels, and used for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the demographic elements, while the Pearson Correlation was utilised to reveal the statistical relationship between customer retention and the customer intelligence constructs. The linear regression model was employed to test the research hypotheses and determine significant relationships between the consequent variables of the study. Results showed the effectiveness of the regression model in identifying relationships between the consequent variables, in which a positive relationship was revealed between customer intelligence and customer retention in the hotel industry. The study concludes that data generated through customer intelligence can filter customer preferences, help hotels prioritise purchases, and further create a sense of need in their customers. Recommendations include that hotels should consider their products and services as tangible elements that would become routine in due time, while considering customer reviews as vital for analysing weaknesses in the service delivery processes. KEYWORDS: consumer behaviour, customer analytics, customer loyalty, customer satisfaction, guest expectation
The quest to strengthen heat conduction of thermal science base fluid for effective industrial outputs and engineering derives has recently increased. Thus, this study aims to determine how thermal radiation and slip effects affect the flow of a micropolar nanofluid near a stagnation point over an extending sheet. Using similarity transformations, the flow-controlling partial differential equations (PDEs) are turned into a set of non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The non-linear system of equations has been solved by the numerical technique Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg integration scheme implementing the shooting technique with suitable conditions to generate a numerical solution. The essential factors affecting the flow are depicted graphically and tabularly. Additionally, a comparison is conducted between the present result and previously published data on the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers; it claims that thermophoresis and Brownian motion vary under some restrictive conditions. An increase in the magnetic field parameter was found to boost the velocity of the micropolar nanofluid. In contrast, a rise in the micropolar parameter reduces the angular velocity.
The lack of enthusiasm among students for practical classes is alarming. This prompted the need for an investigation into the issues of engineering education, with a focus on practical content delivery perspectives. An online questionnaire was completed by 325 respondents from tertiary institutions in southwest Nigeria, resulting in responses. This ensured diversity in age, gender, field of study, and academic level, providing detailed insights into the composition of the respondent pool. Notably, the majority of participants (295) are male, with only 30 females, highlighting a gender disparity that is common in most tertiary institutions. The distribution across fields and academic levels illustrates the diversity of engineering disciplines and academic advancement. For instance, electrical/electronics engineering received 153 responses, with ND 1 students being the most represented. A comprehensive evaluation of practical session challenges revealed widespread consensus on issues such as time constraints, insufficient equipment, and overcrowded classes. The mean values revealed the relative importance of each criterion, providing a more comprehensive understanding of respondents' viewpoints. The study concludes with innovative strategies for improving hands-on education while addressing identified shortcomings. The recommendations include improved access to resources, increased industry participation, modernization of equipment, standardized content delivery, technology-enabled learning, faculty development, structured coaching, adaptive assessments, and regular curriculum evaluations. These programs aim to promote continuous improvement and create a positive and productive learning environment for engineering students. This study provides valuable insights and practical solutions for enhancing the delivery of content, bridging gaps, and improving the quality of engineering education.
Biochar was produced by pyrolysing palm tree bark biomass at 500 °C for the removal of rhodamine B (RhB) and metronidazole (MET). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses were used to characterize the biochar. The biochar obtained was crystalline, mesoporous (SBET: 189.157 m2 g−1; pore diameter: 2.207 nm), clustered with prominent O–H and C = O functional groups. The pHpzc of the biochar was 7.98, and it adsorbed RhB and MET maximally at pH 3.4 and 7.2, respectively. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms described RhB and MET adsorption, respectively, with maximum adsorption capacities (qmax) of 31.81–224.30 mg/g for RhB and 95.44–26.76 mg/g for MET from 303 to 313 K. Both adsorbates exhibit favourable physisorption processes with pseudo-second-order kinetics, as the most appropriate. The thermodynamic parameter (−ΔG°) demonstrates spontaneous adsorption processes for RhB and MET, with spontaneity increasing with temperature for RhB and decreasing with increasing temperature for MET. The adsorption process was endothermic (+ΔH°) for RhB and exothermic (−ΔH°) for MET. Given its reusability of 96 and 95% for RhB and MET, respectively, mesoporous biochar derived from palm trees is a more promising adsorbent.
This study presents a comprehensive assessment of indoor particulate matter (PM) concentrations, focusing on PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 in five primary health centers (PHCs): Arakale (Urban), the Federal College of Agriculture (FECA) (Urban), Iju (semi-urban), Oba-Ile (semi-urban), and Owode (Rural) within Akure local government areas in Nigeria. The primary novelty of this research lies in its detailed exploration of the toxicity potential of these PM fractions, providing valuable insights into the local air quality and associated health risks. This study assesses the health implications by calculating the toxicity potential (TP), relative risk (RR), excess risk (ER), and attributable fractions (Afs) for cardiopulmonary and lung cancer mortality. The results reveal varying RR values for all-cause mortality, with Arakale showing a slight elevation (RR: 1.061), indicating potential health risks. ER values for cardiopulmonary mortality range from 14.728 ± 7.25 to 19.04 ± 0.38, emphasizing the substantial excess risk associated with long-term PM2.5 exposure. The study also uncovers Afs for cardiopulmonary mortality ranging between 11.03 ± 0.31 and 19.22 ± 0.04, underscoring the significant contribution of PM to cardiovascular and respiratory health risks. Similarly, Afs for lung cancer mortality range from 10.03 ± 0.012 to 17.13 ± 0.10, highlighting the substantial association between PM2.5 exposure and lung cancer risk. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted air quality management strategies and public health interventions in the studied locations to mitigate the heightened health risks associated with particulate matter pollution. The calculated RR, ER, and AF values offer crucial insights into the complex relationship between PM exposure and adverse health outcomes, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and future research endeavors.
This study proposes the utilization of kaolin as an alternate resource for alumina production due to the decreasing availability of bauxite ores in Nigeria. This project covers the procedures and operations required to produce a high surface area γ-alumina using kaolin, a refractory material. The kaolin used in this study was sourced from Ajebo in Ogun State, Nigeria. The mineral processing of kaolin was the initial step involving removing inherent impurities from the clay. Subsequently, calcination was performed to eliminate crystallised water and impurities and activate the kaolin's limited alumina content. This activation process facilitated the subsequent acid-leaching reactions. At 90oC, 5M HCl acid was used to leach meta-kaolin, which was then filtered. The filtrate was mixed with 5M NaOH at 900oC and was transformed into sodium aluminate. This reaction also facilitated the removal of magnesium and iron hydroxides. Subsequently, HCl was introduced to adjust the pH of the solution. The resulting aluminium hydroxide was then calcinated at temperatures of 700oC and 900oC for 2 hours each to produce γ-alumina. Ultimately, the calcined material was cooled to ambient temperature inside the furnace. The produced γ-alumina was further characterised using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Pension paid by government or company to employees motivates them to work as expected but on the other hand Pension Fund Administration’s (PFA) have basis roles to play to secure their retirement funds. This study tends to identify the effective roles of Pension Fund Administrator's (PFA), the challenges affecting their roles and the possible solution to the challenges affecting the roles of Pension Fund Administrator's (PFA) in motivating employees in Nigeria using Leadway Pensure Assurance Company as a study. The research design used in this study was a descriptive research design. The primary data was generated through the field survey using structured questionnaire as a major research instrument. The sampling for study was formulated using Taro Yamane sampling formulae. At this junction, multi-stage sampling technique is used to select sample size of the study. Quantitative data collected were analyzed, presented and interpreted using descriptive statistics. The research statistics used for this study is the Pearson correlation analysis and its method coefficient was used to test the level of significance. This will be tested at a significance level of 5% or 0.05 with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). This analysis also shows Pearson correlation to be 0.186 which implies that there is a weak positive relationship between effective roles of Pension Fund Administrator’s (PFA) and employees’ motivation. The study finds out that Leadway Assurance Company contributes to employees Retirement Savings Account (RSA) monthly/quarterly for the purpose of retirement relief, also keeps the retiree informed on annual rate of returns on the Pension Funds and makes pension fund available for employee after retirement. The recommendation given is that Leadway Pensure should encourage contributory pension scheme among employees before their retirement, also PFAs should adopt more sure suitable way to communicate how the pension scheme benefits employees even with unfavorable working condition and appropriate information technology should be used to training and encourage employees on pension scheme.
Plastic pollution is a problem that is affecting many aspects of human endeavour. Searches are being made for ecofriendly alternatives and waste management practices that can lessen the impact of plastic pollution. On the list are waste plastic reuse, use of bioplastics, reduction of reliance on plastic usage, and plastic waste recycling. In this technical brief, a Plastic shredder was developed to recycle plastic waste in the value chain. Plastic shredder is a machine that turns used plastic bottles to smaller particle sizes to enhance portability, easiness and readiness for use into new products. While in operation, the prime mover drives the transmission shafts with low speed in the range of 25 to 65 rpm to give shredding torque that masticates materials fed in, into desired granular size. Bivariate Linear regression was the statistical model used to understand the relationship between the two variables of evaluation, the predictor x (speed) and the response variable y (shredding capacity). Since significance F (0.0216) is less than 0.05, there is 95% confidence that there is linear relationship between speed of rotation and shredding capacity of the machine. Model equation is therefore given as Y= 0.952 X1 – 11.725 ± 2.53. The machine respectively gave highest shredding capacity for PET bottles, Tin can and wastepaper as 56.52 kg h-1, 29.60 kg h-1 and 42.09 kg h-1 at optimum speed of 65 rpm. If operated for 8 hours in a day, it can favorably shred almost half a ton of plastic bottles (452.16 kg day-1). The machine was developed at an affordable cost of $817.72. The paper shredded with the machine can be pulped and made into poultry egg crates and paper print used in building industry. The machine is less stressful to operate and economical to run and maintain. If the machine is widely adopted, the menace caused by nonbiodegradable materials like plastic will be ended.
The Federal College of Agriculture in Akure, Nigeria, was the site of this study, which aimed to monitor indoor air quality (PM2.5 and PM10) and toxicity potential. The novelty of the study is: it is the first one in Africa to employ a cheap sensor called the Canāree A1 to measure the indoor air quality of a tertiary institution in Nigeria. The study offers baseline data for the next investigations and the formulation of policies regarding indoor air quality in Nigeria. Five distinct places were selected for the preliminary investigation, which lasted for 1 month. The protocols from the manufacturer were strictly followed. The findings revealed that while PM10 levels were 2.3–13.1 times greater than 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) standards, PM2.5 readings were 5.8–20.3 times higher. Additionally, it exceeded The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) guidelines by 1.2–6.6 times for PM2.5 and 0.7–3.9 times for PM10, respectively. Other findings include the following: Toxicity Potential (TP) ranges from 5.28 to 33.14 for PM2.5 and 2.30–8.33 for PM10; Indoor air quality index (IAQIndex) ranges from 1.16 to 6.63 for PM2.5 and 0.69–3.91 for PM10; and PM size distribution is from 0.31 to 0.34 for PM1.0/PM2.5, 0.34–0.84 for PM2.5, and 0.25–0.34 for PM10, respectively. The findings indicated that the study’s study sites were contaminated, since the TP levels were higher than 1. An attempt should be made to lessen anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic activities’ indoors. It is crucial that all parties involved in environmental issues comprehend the causes, effects, and mitigations of climate change.
Nutrients from fruits are lacking in most African diets despite their importance. This results in malnutrition and diseases. Some of the factors responsible for these dietary deficiencies are income level and technologies to address postharvest losses. A hand-operated screw juicer was developed in this technical brief to address some of the problems. The machine developed uses screw principle for fruits mastication and juice extraction. The screw juicer performance was tested based on extraction capacity, efficiency and number of runs. Bivariate linear regression was the statistical model used to understand the relationship between the explanatory variable, x (number of pass/runs) and the response variable, y (extraction capacity/efficiency). For orange, cucumber, pineapple, golden melon and watermelon, the efficiencies (%) are respectively 79.30, 48.68, 68.96, 56.41 and 56.52 at single pass. Also, the extraction capacities of the machine (L h-1) are respectively 6.38, 5.08, 9.16, 7.84 and 10.48 for the fruits. The efficiencies are higher with orange and pineapple due to fibrous nature of the fruits. Pineapple and watermelon gave higher extraction capacity due to higher water content and juicy nature, at 5 and 7 runs respectively. The model (Y = -49.29X1 + 295.71 ± 89.75) from the analysis using watermelon reveals machine extraction capacity in volume is a function of number of runs. The machine reached its highest extraction capacity of 10.48 liters in 1 hour at 7 runs. This extraction capacity makes the machine fit to meet daily dietary requirements (400 g per person, an equivalence of 380 ml) of more than 4 households if operated for one hour. The machine can be adopted for use by small scale processors as it is affordable, less stressful and easy to maintain.
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435 members
Raheem Oloyo
  • Department of Science Laboratory Technology
Edwin Chigozie Nwokorie
  • Hospitality Management Technology
Jumoke Soyemi
  • Computer Science
Charlotte Bose Iro-Idoro
  • Office Technology and Management Department
Mukail Akinde
  • Department of Taxation
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Ilaro, Nigeria
Head of institution
Arc O. O. Aluko