(ZAJESE)

It is with great pleasure that we present to you the latest issue of the Zaria Journal of Empirical Studies in Education, comprising eleven insightful articles spanning various disciplines. As a platform dedicated to fostering empirical research and scholarly discourse, we are committed to advancing knowledge and promoting evidence-based practices. In this issue, we are delighted to feature a diverse range of topics, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of empirical studies. From sciences, to ICT, to education, each article offers valuable insights and contributes to our understanding of real-world phenomena.

The first article delves into the intricacies of assessing competence level in teaching physics concepts among secondary school teachers. Through rigorous empirical analysis, the authors shed light on professional competence of the teachers in Katsina State. In the second article, the authors explored the concept of logistic map-based substitution and permutation. By employing innovative methodologies, the findings underscore the significance of using Logistic, Tent and Sine Maps for Image Encryption. Subsequent articles delve into equally compelling areas of research, including innovative methodologies of teaching, error identification analysis, assessment of water and sanitation facilities in schools, local treatment of paronychia among others. Each article underwent a thorough blind peer-review process to ensure academic rigor and integrity.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the authors for their contributions and to the peer reviewers for their invaluable feedback and expertise. Additionally, I express appreciation to the editorial board members for their continued dedication and support. As Editor-in Chief, it is my privilege to facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and the exchange of ideas within the scholarly community. I trust that the articles presented in this issue will stimulate further inquiry and inspire future research endeavours. I invite you, our esteemed readers, to engage with the articles herein, to critically evaluate the findings, and to join us in advancing the frontiers of empirical inquiry.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to scholarly excellence.

Dr Ramatu Asabe Nuru,
Editor-in-Chief,
ZAJESE.

It is my distinct pleasure to introduce the Number 1, Volume 4 of the Zaria Journal of Empirical Studies. The volume represents a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering empirical research and scholarly inquiry within the field of education. Education serves as the bedrock of societal progress, empowering individuals, and communities to reach their full potential. In today's dynamic and ever-changing landscape, empirical research plays a pivotal role in informing evidence-based practices, policies, and interventions aimed at enhancing teaching and learning outcomes. The Zaria Journal of Empirical Studies in Education serves as a vital platform for researchers, educators, policymakers, and practitioners to share their empirical findings, innovative approaches, and best practices. Through rigorous empirical inquiry, we aim to deepen our understanding of the complex issues and challenges facing education systems globally and to identify effective strategies for improvement.

In this edition, we are proud to present a diverse array of articles that encompass a wide range of topics within the field of education. From studies examining the effectiveness of instructional methods to investigations into the impact of educational policies on students’ achievement, each article offers valuable insights and contributes to scholarly discourses.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the authors who have entrusted us with their research findings and to the dedicated peer reviewers who have provided valuable feedback and expertise. I also commend the editorial team for their tireless efforts in ensuring the quality and integrity of the research published in this journal. As Chairman of the Editorial Board, I am excited about the potential of the Zaria Journal of Empirical Studies in Education to serve as a catalyst for positive change and innovation in education. I encourage scholars and practitioners alike to engage with the articles presented in this edition, to critically evaluate the findings, and to join us in advancing the frontiers of empirical research in education.

Thank you for your interest in our journal, and I look forward to your continued support and engagement as we strive to promote excellence in empirical studies in education.

Dr Suleiman Balarabe,
Chairman,
Editorial Board,
ZAJESE.

The Editorial Board of Zaria Journal of Empirical Studies in Education (ZAJESE) invites papers from interested stakeholders in education for publication in the journal. The paper may focus on analytical research, research reports, replicated research, research notes, descriptive research, etc. from any of the following areas in Education:

• Adult and Non-formal Education
• Citizenship Education
• Computer Information and Communication Technology (ICT)Education
• Continuing/Distance Education
• Creative Arts Education
• Curriculum Planning and Development
• Educational Management/Administration, Planning and Supervision
• Health and Physical Education
• Language and Literature Education
• Measurement and Evaluation
• Library and Information Management
• Nomadic and Disadvantaged Peoples' Education
• Philosophy and Sociology of Education
• Family Life Education
• Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary and Higher Education
• Psychology and Counselling
• Religious and Moral Education
• Science, Technology and Mathematics Education
• Social Science Education
• Special and Rehabilitative Education
• Vocational and Technical Education

Manuscripts:

• Which must be written in English or any other acceptable language, should be scholarly original and contribute to knowledge;
• Must not have been published or under consideration for publication in any other journal. Once a paper is accepted for publication in ZAJESE, the author(s) cede copyright to the publisher of the journal;
• Should clearly state on its front cover page, the title of the paper, author’s name(s), his/her status/rank, and institutional affiliation.
• The next page should also begin with the title of the paper (but no name of the author) and followed by a single line spaced abstract of not more than 250 words;
• should be computer typed on one side of the paper, using a font size of 12, double-spaced for the main work and should not exceed 12 pages of A4 paper including abstract, references appendices; and
• Tables, figures and diagrams, where applicable, should be simple, camera ready and kept to the barest minimum to facilitate printing.




References

The current American Psychological Association (APA) style of citation for referencing is used in the Journal as follows:

In the Text of the Paper:

The author's name whose idea/statement is being cited should be stated and the year of publication of enclosed in brackets in front of the name. If the statement is paraphrased, it is not enclosed in inverted commas. e.g. It has been argued (Muhammad, 2020) that the effect of …or Muhammad (2020) argues the effect of … But if it is quoted verbatim, it must be enclosed in inverted commas and the year of publication is accompanied with the page number where the statement appeared. e.g. Muhammad (2020:49) argues that the effect of“…….”.Also, quotations exceeding three typed lines may be extracted, indented and typed single-spaced without quotation mark. Shorter quotations should only be enclosed in inverted commas and integrated into sentence structure.




In the References:

Book
Muhammad, S.L. (2020). Introduction to Laboratory Management for Schools. Zaria: Ahmadu Bello University Press.

Chapter in an Edited Book
Nuru, A.R. (2019). Basic Concepts in Ecology. In M. Amos (Ed) Instructional Text in Biology for Students in Colleges of Education and Allied Institutions in Nigeria I, Kaduna; Concept Design & Prints, 88-95.

Journal
Abbas, I. (2004). Teaching Arabic as a Second Language for National Development. Zaria Journal of Educational Studies, 6 (1), 64-69.

Projects/Thesis/Dissertations
Rabiu, A. T. (2007). An Assessment of the Programme of the National Mathematical Centre, Abuja: Implication to the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics. An Unpublished M.Ed Thesis Submitted to School of Postgraduate Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Submission of Manuscript/Correspondence:
Three (3) hard copies of article, typed in MS Word, font size 12 (Times New Roman), is to be submitted along with: Three (3) self-addressed and stamped envelopes of appropriate sizes and rates. Soft copies can also be sent to the journal email zajesefcez@gmail.com. Submission of manuscript, editorial inquiries/correspondence should be addressed to::

The Editor-in-Chief,
Zaria Journal of Empirical Studies in Education,
Federal College of Education,
P M. B. 1041
Zaria, Nigeria.
Email: zajesefcez@gmail.com

Receipts of all manuscripts will be acknowledged promptly. The decision of the Journal’s assessors to publish or not will be communicated without delay.

Contributors are advised to adhere strictly to the above guidelines for presentations, since failure to submit manuscript in the correct style may result in referral or rejection.

Authors whose articles are accepted will each receive a copy of the issue where their articles appeared.