ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE | Jan. 6, 2025
The Evaluation of Students' Participation in Field and Laboratory Aspects of Geoscience/ Environmental Education Courses in South East Nigeria
Nwachukwu Martin Chijioke, Ozobialu Benedicta, C, Ebitimi Peretomode, Nwosu Joseph Chibuzo, Emmanuelle Chinenye Nwokoro
Page no 1-8 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sjhss.2025.v10i01.001
This study evaluates student participation in field and laboratory components of geoscience and environmental education courses in Southeast Nigeria. Given the critical role of experiential learning in geoscience education, this research aims to assess how effectively students engage with hands-on activities that enhance their understanding of geological and environmental processes. The evaluation involved a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with students and instructors across multiple institutions. Key metrics included attendance, active participation, and student perceptions of the relevance of field and laboratory experiences to their academic and professional aspirations. Findings indicate that while students demonstrate high levels of enthusiasm and engagement during field excursions, participation in laboratory sessions is often limited due to resource constraints and logistical challenges. Moreover, students reported that field experiences significantly enhanced their practical skills and contextual understanding of theoretical concepts, whereas laboratory activities were sometimes perceived as less impactful. The study highlights the need for improved resources and infrastructure to foster deeper engagement in laboratory settings and underscores the importance of integrating field-based learning into the geoscience curriculum to better prepare students for future careers in environmental science and related fields. Recommendations for enhancing student participation and overall educational outcomes are provided, including the development of partnerships with local industries and environmental organizations to create more immersive learning opportunities.
Global warming is currently one of the world's most pressing issues. It has been a reason behind the proliferation of renewable energy (RE) systems. The majority of renewable energy sources are sustainable and release less carbon, in contrast to fossil fuels, which is why they have recently gained favour. Solar, wind, and geothermal energy have the potential to be employed in these Gulf countries to meet the region's power production needs. This is due to the Gulf country's strategic location as well as its immense oil and natural resource richness. According to previous researchers, the primary source of economic benefits for Gulf countries is global energy consumption by using crude oil and fossil fuels. The GCC is a major player in the global energy market. It is home to some of the world's largest oil and gas reserves and plays a significant role in producing and exporting energy resources. In future, as the world's energy needs shift towards renewable sources, the demand for traditional energy sources like oil and gas may decline. This could reduce the GCC's importance as a global energy supplier. Hence Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have made efforts to diversify their economies away from dependence on oil and gas exports. Saudi Arabia has launched several initiatives aimed at diversifying its economy. The most notable of these is the Vision 2030 program, which seeks to reduce the country's dependence on oil and create new economic sectors, such as tourism, entertainment, and technology. The government has also invested heavily in infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the NEOM megacity and the Red Sea Project, which are aimed at attracting foreign investment and creating new jobs. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates has been at the forefront of economic diversification, with its government launching several initiatives aimed at promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge-based industries. One of the most notable initiatives is the Dubai Future Accelerators Programme, which brings together startups and government agencies to work on cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Additionally, the United Arab Emirates is investing heavily in renewable energy to generate 50% of its electricity from clean sources by 2050. Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are working towards building more diversified, knowledge-based economies that can compete in the global marketplace. At the same time, the road ahead may be challenging because of technical challenges, Economic challenges, lack of infrastructure, Regulatory challenges, Heavy Dependence on oil, Skilled labour shortage, and Regulatory environment. While taking the above as the context, the paper shall look at renewable energy development in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The following are major research questions which shall be explored and analysed:
• How has the development of renewable energy technologies and infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates progressed over time, and what factors have influenced this development?
• What are the future plans and potential for continued growth and expansion of renewable energy in these countries?
• What will be the future and potential renewable energy sources and policies in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and what are the barriers and opportunities for their adoption and integration into the energy mix?
• How successful have Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates' economic diversification efforts been in reducing reliance on oil revenues?
• What are the similarities and differences between the development of renewable energy technologies and policies in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates compared to the rest of the world?
• What are the factors that have contributed to the similarities and differences, and how do they impact the potential for further growth and expansion of renewable energy in these countries relative to the rest of the world?
This paper presents a literature-based study. The study covers capacities, projects, policies, and frameworks in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In this study, we would make use of secondary data that has been gathered from previously published statistics and relevant literature.
Agriculture and rural areas play an important role in the economy and the stable development of society. Along with the country's innovation process after the mistakes and limitations of the planning mechanism and centralized subsidies, our country has entered a period of stability, development and integration with the world. An Giang is a key province in agricultural production in the Mekong Delta and the whole country. The achievements of the renovation process have promoted positivity and created personal motivation for people to promote creativity in agricultural production, contributing to raising and improving life, escaping the situation of food shortage, abandoned land and damaged agricultural tools. However, An Giang in particular and the Mekong Delta provinces in general are facing challenges due to climate change, water scarcity and saline intrusionex, cessive crop growth, along with flood control dykes, has made the land inhospitable, excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has led to serious environmental pollution, ecosystem destruction, and biodiversity changes over hundreds of years, affecting people's health and causing many new diseases, especially cancer. Therefore, changing the way of production, following nature, towards ecological and sustainable agriculture for a clean environment and public health is an urgent issue that needs to be changed.
The Bangladeshi healthcare system grapples with the entrenched practice of pharmaceutical companies showering medical representatives (MRs) with gifts to influence healthcare professionals (HCPs). Despite legal frameworks like the Drug Act (1940), which, until 2023, served as the core of Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector regulation framework, was repealed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 2023 and Drug Rules (1946) prohibiting the exchange of gifts and incentives to HCPs, a 2022 survey by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) revealed that 77% of physicians acknowledge receiving gifts from pharmaceutical companies. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, including fierce industry competition, manipulation of prescribing habits, and financial allure for HCPs. Further, the article examines the multifaceted impact of gift-giving on patient care, healthcare expenditure, and public trust in the medical profession. It delves into the ethical considerations surrounding conflicts of interest, transparency, and accountability in the pharmaceutical-HCP nexus. Additionally, it analyzes the evolving role of regulatory bodies like the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) in enforcing regulations governing gift-giving practices. Through a critical examination of recent case studies and relevant literature, this article sheds light on the complex dynamics at play and proposes evidence-based recommendations for fostering transparency, integrity, and ethical conduct within the Bangladeshi pharmaceutical industry and healthcare sector. By drawing comparisons with international regulatory frameworks and ethical standards, the article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential solutions to curb unethical practices in Bangladesh.