NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES (NJAH)
Nigerian Journal of Arts and Humanities (ISSN: 2814-3760; E-ISSN: 2955-0343) is an interdisciplinary and a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the promotion of scholarship and research in Arts and Humanities. It publishes well-researched scholarly papers in all areas of arts and humanities and related disciplines. The journal welcomes the submission of manuscript that is original and devoid of plagariasm. NJAH accepts papers in English, French, Chinese and Nigerian languages. It is domiciled in the department of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
DISTILLING MYTH FROM REALITY: RECONSTRUCTING THE EMERGENT TRENDS OF BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY IN NIGERIA
The Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria has attracted considerable scholarly attention. The literature is replete with studies on its origins and socio-economic impact in Nigeria. Similarly, scholars have examined the implications of Boko Haram for Nigeria’s internal security and nation-building efforts. Relatedly, there is an extensive body of literature on the precipitating factors behind the insurgency, one of which is the argument that the group's objective was to destabilize the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan. Despite these contributions, there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding emerging trends in the Boko Haram insurgency, which suggests that the group’s primary objective extends beyond undermining and subverting Jonathan’s presidency. This paper seeks to fill this gap in knowledge. Drawing on both primary and secondary sources of data, the paper argues that, beyond the rhetoric that Boko Haram was primarily conceived to disrupt governance between 2010 to 2015, the group is an Islamic sect whose ultimate objective is the establishment an Islamic state in Northern Nigeria. The paper further contends that this objective is evident in the nature and pattern of the group’s attacks on Muslims, Christians, security personnel, and government facilities both during and after Jonathan’s presidency. It concludes that Boko Haram seeks to establish an Islamic state and impose its interpretation of Islamic teachings in Northern Nigeria based on its understanding of the Holy Qur’an. This objective is reflected in the group’s capture and declaration certain towns as part of an Islamic caliphate in Northeast Nigeria.
Boko Haram; Conflict; Islam; Myth, Reconstruction; Security
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI): REDEFINING THE SKILLS OF TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE IN ALVAN IKOKU FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed educational practices worldwide, reshaping the traditional skills required for the effective teaching and learning of English Language and Literature. This paper examines how AI technologies, such as intelligent tutoring systems, chatbots, natural language processing tools, and automated assessment platforms, are redefining teaching competencies and instructional approaches in English education. The study adopts the Communicative Competence Theory propounded by Dell Hymes in 1972. According to Hymes, "Knowing a language involves not only knowing its grammatical rules but also understanding how, when, and where to use those rules appropriately in real communication." The study investigates the challenges associated with the effective use of AI, based on four research questions. The sample consisted of 138 final-year students and teachers from Alvan. A questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection, while simple percentages and mean ratings were employed for data analysis. A mean score of 2.50 and above was considered a positive response. Three tables containing the responses of students and teachers were analyzed for the study. The findings reveal that teachers and students are transitioning from being mere transmitters and recipients of knowledge to active participants in interactive, learner-centered experiences supported by AI. The study further highlights that AI enhances language instruction through personalized feedback, adaptive learning, and improved engagement with literary texts. Nevertheless, it emphasizes the need for teachers to develop digital literacy, critical thinking skills, and ethical awareness to integrate AI effectively into the teaching process.The paper concludes that AI is not a replacement for teachers but a transformative tool that enhances instructional effectiveness, fosters creativity, and enriches both the teaching and learning of English Language and Literature in the twenty-first-century classroom.
Artificial Intelligence, Educators, Teaching, English and Literature, Communicative Competence
Dr. Oluchi Stephanie Onuabuobi; Dr. Osinachi Ethel Endy Nwokorie; Dr Ogechi Angela Nnadi
THE ROLE OF LITERATURE IN CHILDREN’S UPBRINGING: A STUDY OF SELECTED CHILDREN’S PROSE
Children's literature remains one of the most indispensable aspects of literature because of its immense contributions to the moral, emotional, intellectual, and social development of the child. Yet, many people mistakenly assume that children's literature is easy to write. Such a misconception has led to the proliferation of poor quality literary works that fail to positively influence the child and, in some cases, even corrupt the young mind. If we accept the African proverbial wisdom that a child is like a yam tendril that bends in the direction in which it is guided, then we must also acknowledge that children's literature cannot be carelessly written or produced. It requires great artistic discipline, moral consciousness, simplicity of expression, and a sound psychological understanding of the child. This article critically examines the nature, purpose, and qualities of children's literature, with particular emphasis on selected children's prose works. It argues that children's literature should not merely entertain but should also educate, reform, and guide the child towards responsible adulthood. The paper further highlights the dangers of exposing children to unsuitable literary materials and demonstrates why writers, teachers, parents, publishers, and educational authorities must ensure that children are provided with wholesome and morally enriching literature.
Literature, children, didacticism, character development, folktale
Uche Nnyagu PhD; Amalukwue Lotachukwu L. PhD
This paper proposes the Ikedi Okeke Method of Teaching Music, which has proven to be an effective method of teaching music in primary and post-primary schools in Anambra State. This method emerged from several years of the researcher’s active engagement and experience as a music teacher at various levels of education, including nursery, primary, post-primary, and presently university education. The Ikedi Method of Teaching Music is largely derived from Ivan Pavlov’s experiments in Classical Conditioning, in which he demonstrated that a neutral stimulus (such as a tuning fork or bell) could induce a response similar to that produced by the primary stimulus. In his experiment, dogs salivated in response to the sound of a bell after it had repeatedly been associated with food. Similarly, Ikedi Okeke has demonstrated, through the principles of superimposition and juxtaposition, that school children can be conditioned to enjoy music lessons if a song is played on a musical instrument or sung to them before the commencement of the lesson. Playing the song after the lesson—provided the children see the instrument in the teacher’s hands—has also produced similar results. Ten schools were studied over a period of twenty-two years (2004–2026), yielding commendable results that have since been replicated by several other music teachers in schools.
Ikedi Okeke method of teaching music, classical conditioning, stimulus, response
AESTHETIC DUALITIES: GESTURE, GEOMETRY, AND THE DIVERGENCE OF EXPRESSIONIST AND FORMALIST PRACTICES IN NIGERIAN PAINTING
This paper explores the aesthetic dualities underlying the differences between expressionist and formalist tendencies in contemporary Nigerian painting, specifically the visual vocabularies embodied in gesture and geometry. Through the paintings of Chike Obeagu, Odun Orimolade, and Tola Wewe, the study examines how Nigerian artists negotiate form and emotion to signify identity, cosmology, and political engagement. Drawing on Nelson Goodman's theory of symbol systems, Maurice Merleau-Ponty's phenomenological theory of perception, and Rowland Abiodun's Yoruba philosophy of aesthetics, the paper argues that these visual approaches serve not merely formal purposes but also function as culturally situated signifiers. Using qualitative methods, specifically formal analysis, interviews, and textual reviews, the study demonstrates that Nigerian painting operates along a continuum defined by the interaction, tension, and hybridization of gesture and geometry. By theorizing this duality, the paper contributes to the historiography of African art and complicates simplistic binaries commonly found in global modernist discourse.
Nigerian painting, gesture, geometry, expressionism, formalism, Yoruba aesthetics
INVESTIGATING THE CONSTRAINTS TO AI TOOLS APPROPRIATION FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION IN NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
The increasing potential of technology in the twenty-first century, especially with the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) whose applications have spread across diverse disciplines, including language education, and have been leveraged to address challenges in various fields, has produced remarkable positive results. AI technology offers possibilities for enhancing language teaching and learning efficiency, including self-directed learning, improved learner engagement, and enhanced teacher-learner interaction, among other benefits. Despite these numerous educational advantages, several factors hinder its adoption in English language education. Consequently, this empirical study examines the key factors that constrain the appropriation of AI for English Language education in the Owerri Educational Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. For data collection, a survey questionnaire was used to determine teachers’ awareness and the extent of AI application in teaching the English language. Findings reveal low awareness of AI tools, as well as skepticism about their potential to enhance teaching and learning. In response to this challenge, this study recommends adequate AI training for teachers, focusing on the use of AI for teaching language contents, designing lesson plans, and improving instructional efficiency, all of which are critical for enhancing teaching and learning. The study contributes to knowledge on AI literacy.
AI, teaching, learning, English language education
THE ROLE OF FILM IN ADVANCING WOMEN'S POLITICAL EMPOWERMENT: A STUDY OF PATRICK DOYLE'S MADAM PRESIDENT
This study investigates Madam President (2017), a Nigerian political thriller by Patrick Doyle, as a cinematic intervention in the discourse on women’s political empowerment in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, situated within the broader context of gender representation in Nollywood. The study argues that the film presents a formidable framework for reimagining the emergence of female leadership within entrenched patriarchal systems. Employing Cultivation Theory, Agenda-Setting Theory, and Feminist Film Theory, the analysis demonstrates that the film challenges dominant gender stereotypes, exposes structural barriers to women’s political advancement, and performs an instructive role in shaping audiences’ perceptions of leadership and governance. Through its narrative and character construction, the film emphasises the tensions between symbolic representation and structural exclusion. Madam President contributes meaningfully to expanding the imaginative possibilities surrounding female political leadership. Findings confirm that the film, as an electronic media text, interrogates and overturns conventional gender hierarchies commonly portrayed in Nollywood, and that it plays a significant role in advancing discourse on women’s political empowerment. The study concludes that the film demonstrates the power of media in shaping societal attitudes and promoting gender inclusion. The study therefore recommends greater gender parity in Nigerian politics and argues that cinematic portrayals should reflect broader systemic and representational reforms necessary for achieving substantive women’s political empowerment.
Film, Women, Political, Role, Empowerment
DIGITAL INTEGRATION IN TRADITIONAL PRINTMAKING AND PAINTING: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN ON CONTEMPORARY GRAPHICS PRACTICE
This paper examines the digital integration of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technologies into traditional printmaking and painting practices, focusing on its implications for artistic production, materiality, and pedagogy. The world of art is constantly evolving, and one of the most fascinating developments in recent years is the rise of digital printmaking and painting practices. This contemporary movement bridges traditional technique with modern technology, offering artist’s new ways to create, explore, and express their creativity. As digital tools increasingly intersect with analogue methods, printmaking and painting are undergoing a transformation that challenges conventional notions of originality, craftsmanship, and authorship. Adopting a non-empirical, theory-driven approach, the study draws on postmodern theory, media theory, and material culture studies to analyze how digital integration reshapes creative processes and visual outcomes. The paper argues that digital tools do not displace traditional techniques in printmaking and painting but rather expand the expressive potential of these art forms through hybrid practices that merge precision with tactility.
Digital Integration, Traditional Printmaking, Painting, Computer-Aided Design, Art Theory
AKHOGBA, Albert Ehi Ph.D; IMUMORIN, Monday Omokhoje Ph.D; Ojemekele, Ighodalo Ph.D
NIGERIA’S BORDER CLOSURE, THE ECOWAS AND DYNAMICS OF ECONOMIC RELATIONS IN POST-COLONIAL WEST AFRICA
The central objective of this paper is to analyze the implications of Nigeria’s border closure policy on its economic relations with other West African countries. It is evident that the intersections between the politics of border closure and economic relations in sub-Saharan Africa have attracted considerable scholarly attention in recent times. However, the extant literature on this subject reveals a gap, as there is scant research focusing on the implications of Nigeria’s border closure policies on its economic relations with other West African countries since the country’s return to democratic rule. This paper fills this gap by interrogating the complex dynamics of Nigeria’s border closure policies and how they have shaped internal imbroglio, tensions, and frictions arising from economic distress and inflationary pressures. The study also examines the impact of border closure on strained diplomatic rapprochement and economic relations between the Nigerian state and its immediate neighbours within the West African sub-region. The data used for this study were collected through secondary sources obtained from the review of related literature. The major findings of the study indicate that although the policy was necessitated by the need to address cross-border security infractions, smuggling, terrorism, and economic protectionism aimed at shielding domestic industries and boosting local agricultural production, it has produced significant consequences not only for economic relations and cooperation within the sub-region but also for the diplomatic and domestic policies of the affected West African states.
Border closure, ECOWAS, economic relations, cooperation and Policies
Seriki Kazeem Omotola; Arulogun Olukunmiloye Philips
AESTHETICS OF AFRICANISM IN NDUBUISI GEORGE'S WOES OF IKENGA
The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) stands as a somber elegy to the fracture of postcolonial nationhood, where the cadence of political discord dissolved into a dirge of human suffering. The aftermath lingered like an unresolved stanza in Nigeria’s national narrative. Beyond the immediate toll, the war etched enduring scars upon the collective psyche—intergenerational grief, fractured ethnic allegiances, and a muted silence around memory that shaped postwar reconciliation. The purpose of this study is to portray the casualties of war and the sorrowful experiences they had, as portrayed by Sefi Atta in the novel Everything Good Will Come.
Culture, Aesthetics, Africanism, Traditions, Roots, Values
RE-INTERROGATING THE CALCULATIVE NATURE OF HUMAN RATIONALITY AND THE CHALLENGE OF SOCIAL STABILITY
Philosophy encompasses thinking, which is why a philosopher is sometimes called a thinker. In view of this, philosophy may be understood as the thinking of a thinker. This implies that, whenever philosophical discourse begins to make thinking a subject, philosophy then assumes a different form, that is, thinking about thinking. This is another way of saying that a genuine phenomenology of thinking entails philosophy of philosophy. This paper establishes that there are two conventional modes through which human thinking finds expression. The first is calculative rationality and the second is meditative thinking. Each of these modes of thinking is value-laden with implications on how human beings view and treat the world. Scholars from Heideggerian persuasion seem to agree that human rationality assumes calculative when it proceeds with the intention to dominate and objectify experience with a view to having a controlled outcome. This is in sharp contrast to meditative mode of thinking which allows reality to negotiate for meaning in a non-compelling manner that enthrones respect and reciprocal solidarity. In contemporary phenomenology of thinking, a call is being made to man to return to the meditative mode of being so as to enable him preserve the world and sustain human civilization. It is line with this objective that this study seeks to re-examine the calculative approach to human rationality with the aim of canvassing restraint in man’s exercise of reason as ratio. It argues that calculative dimension to human thinking is a recipe for conflict and instability because it has the tendency of always wanting to decree other perspectives to thinking out of relevance and as such, creates tension and strife in human society. As a theoretical engagement between philosophy and security thinking, the paper provides a new direction to philosophy of conflict and peace studies.
Calculative Rationality, Phenomenology, Social Stability
THE REPRESENTATION OF FEMALE AGENCY IN NOLLYWOOD FILMS WITHIN PATRIARCHAL CULTURAL CONTEXTS
This study examined the representation of female agency in Nollywood films within the framework of patriarchal cultural contexts in Nigerian society. Nollywood, as one of Africa's most influential film industries, functioned as both a mirror and a moulder of social values, gender ideologies, and cultural practices. Within this context, the portrayal of women in film often reflected the tensions between traditional patriarchal expectations and emerging forms of female autonomy, resistance, and self-definition. The study investigated how female characters were constructed, negotiated, and positioned in relation to systems of male dominance, family structures, cultural norms, and societal expectations. It explored whether Nollywood reinforced patriarchal stereotypes that depicted women as submissive, dependent, and domesticated, or whether it created spaces for women to assert independence, challenge oppression, and redefine their social roles. Using feminist film theory and gender representation theory as analytical frameworks, the study critically analysed Nollywood film as a case study to interrogate the visual, narrative, and ideological strategies through which female agency was articulated. It paid particular attention to themes such as marriage, motherhood, sexuality, economic independence, leadership, resistance, and social mobility. The study argued that while many Nollywood films continued to reproduce patriarchal assumptions, a growing body of films also portrayed women as active agents of change, capable of negotiating power and reshaping cultural meanings. Ultimately, the research contributed to ongoing scholarly discussions on gender, cinema, and African cultural production by highlighting the complex ways Nollywood both constrained and empowered female subjectivity in contemporary Nigerian society.
SOMTOO OBIEFUNA ARINZE-UMOBI; CHUKWUEMEKA EMMANUEL AKPANKWO
ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AS CORRELATE OF JOB PERFORMANCE OF UNIVERSITY LECTURERS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
This study examined digital content development as a correlate of the job performance of university lecturers in South East Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. The sample consisted of 333 lecturers drawn from four federal universities in South East Nigeria. The study adopted a multistage sampling procedure. The instruments for data collection were three researcher-developed questionnaires titled: Transformative Professional Development Questionnaire (TPDQ), Empowerment Strategies Questionnaire (ESQ), and Lecturers’ Job Performance Questionnaire (LJPQ). Out of the 333 copies of the three instruments administered, 313 copies of each instrument, representing approximately a 94% return rate, were properly completed by the respondents and used for data analysis. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to answer the research question raised for the study, while linear regression analysis was used to test the null hypothesis that guided the study at a 0.05 level of significance. Based on the analysis, it was found, among others, that human capital development significantly related to the job performance of university lecturers to a very high positive extent. The regression result revealed a significant probability (p)-value of 0.000, which is less than the alpha value of 0.05. The study concludes that regular exposure of lecturers to training, workshops, and seminars are essential tools for enhancing lecturers’ job performance in universities, which every stakeholder in university education should encourage. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should make it mandatory for lecturers to attend a certain number of conferences or workshops each year, as this should serve as evidence of readiness for promotion
Human Capital Development, job performance, university lecturer, Southeast, Nigeria
Ejike-Onu Monica Nkechinyere & Aniebi Joseph Ngbede Paul (PhD)
PERFORMANCE MECHANISMS OF AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT IN ALIBABA’S STAND-UP COMEDY
This study explores the mechanics and significance of audience interaction in the stand-up comedy of Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, widely regarded as a pioneer of the modern Nigerian stand-up comedy industry. Stand-up comedy is conceptualized as a dialogic performance form characterized by direct engagement with the audience rather than a purely monologic delivery. Adopting a qualitative research design, including ethnographic case studies, participant observation, and interviews, the study investigates how Ali Baba utilizes interaction to create what may be described as “socio-aesthetic harmony.” His performance style is grounded in breaking the “fourth wall”—the psychological barrier between performer and audience—to facilitate dialogue, inclusivity, and shared experience. A hallmark of his technique is spontaneity, which enables dynamic audience engagement and helps maintain performance control. His aptly titled Spontaneity series exemplifies this principle by training comedians in improvisational joke creation based on real-time audience interaction. Specific interactional strategies identified include physical involvement, stage aesthetics, and audience adaptation—entailing the deliberate adjustment of language, diction, and content in response to the audience’s social background, class, and religious or political orientations. The study finds that Ali Baba’s success is closely tied to the audience’s ability to relate to his content. By positioning the audience as a collaborative partner and employing established theatrical techniques such as strategic pauses for laughter and responses to audience interjections, he has transformed stand-up comedy in Nigeria into a communal, therapeutic, and professionally viable art form.
Stand-up Comedy, audience engagement, Ali Baba, Performance Aesthetics, Spontaneity, fourth wall
COMMUNICATING IN THE MULTIMEDIA AGE: EXPLORING THE USE OF EMOJIOLOGY IN SELECTED X COMMENTS ON MIRABEL’S ALLEGED RAPE SAGA
Communication does more than enable human survival; it helps humans to thrive across all spheres of interactions, from leisure activities to business engagements. Emojis as iconic communication symbols of expression help to construct, label and deepen meaning in contemporary digital communication. However, due to the increasing need for universally understanding symbols that convey meaning and express emotion, the use of emojis as an interactive feature in digital communication has become increasingly important. This study examines Emojiology as a tool for sharing and deepening meaning in machine assisted (computer-aided) communication exchange. The study is underpinned by the multimodal discourse analysis framework within a qualitative semiotic approach. Primary data were obtained from posts and comments on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), in response to discussion surrounding an alleged rape incident involving a social media user, Abigail Inkak, popularly known as Mirabel, reported in Lagos, Nigeria, in February 2026. The study examines the role of emojis as paralinguistic features in digital communication, focusing on their use in selected online responses to the case. Findings reveal semiotic resources such as emojis enhance communication by deepening emotional expression and clarifying intended meaning. Emojis and emoticons help to reduce cultural and linguistic barriers, thereby supporting more universal forms of meaning-making in digital discourse. In light of these findings, the study concludes that the convergence of meaning and emotional expression through emojis should be further explored and developed as an efficient and increasingly relevant mode of communication in contemporary society.
Emojis, Machine Assisted Communication, Multimedia, Semiotics
MBEDE, ANIEBIET UNWANA; ETUK, JACKSON ARCHIBONG
TRAGEDY OF RELIGIOUS RADICALISM AND THE THREAT TO MODERN CULTURE AND CIVILISATION
The aim of this paper is to examine the threat posed by religious radicalism, particularly radical Islam, to global culture and civilization, and to propose pathways for confronting this menace. Through analytical method, this study investigates the ideological foundations of religious fanaticism and its devastating impact on democratic institutions, cultural heritage, and modern secular values. The scope encompasses conceptual analyses of religion, culture, and civilization; historical instances of religious fanaticism in Christianity including the Inquisition and persecution of scientists; the distinctive character of contemporary Islamic radicalism as a global assault on modernity; systematic destruction of educational institutions and cultural treasures across Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, and Afghanistan; and critical evaluation of proposed responses ranging from military coalition to cultural counterbalancing. The appraisal reveals that while religious fanaticism is not exclusive to Islam, radical Islam constitutes a unique and persistent threat targeting not merely Western societies but the universal values of modernity; reason, science, individual freedom, and secular governance seeking to obliterate cultural memory and historical identity through deliberate destruction of monuments, manuscripts, and educational systems. The paper concludes that the free world must unite with resolute determination to protect the hard-earned fruits of civilisation, resisting both the paralysis of political correctness and the temptation of reciprocal religious extremism, for the survival of democracy, cultural heritage, and human freedom hangs in the balance.
Religion, Christianity, Islam, radicalism, freedom, civilisation
THE INDIVIDUAL IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY: THE IMPERATIVE OF SELF-ACTUALISATION
This paper explores the position of the individual within contemporary society, emphasizing the imperative of self-actualization in an age marked by rapid social, technological, and cultural change. Drawing on sociological and philosophical frameworks, including the works of Maslow, Kierkegaard, and others, the study examines how modern social structures, globalization, and the culture of individualization shape the capacities, aspirations, and constraints of the self. It highlights the tension between societal expectations and personal growth, demonstrating how pressures of conformity, risk, and networked living can both hinder and facilitate the pursuit of self-fulfillment. By integrating theoretical perspectives with contemporary examples, the paper argues that self-actualization is not merely a psychological ideal but a critical social and existential necessity, enabling individuals to navigate complexity, assert autonomy, and contribute meaningfully to communal life. The study concludes that understanding the interplay between social forces and personal development is essential for fostering resilience, creativity, and authentic identity in modern societies.
Self-actualization, individualization, contemporary society, identity, personal development, social theory
IGBOPHOBIA: A FACTOR IN NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC RETROGRESSION
This paper examines Igbophobia as a systemic and structural form of prejudice against the Igbo people of Nigeria, arguing that it constitutes a critical bottleneck to national economic advancement. Far from being a mere social sentiment, Igbophobia operates as an institutionalized framework of exclusion that marginalizes one of Nigeria’s most entrepreneurial demographics, thereby contributing to internal brain drain, capital flight, and declining productivity. The study traces the phenomenon’s historical foundations to colonial Indirect Rule, which often characterized Igbo republican governance as “troublesome,” and to First Republic politics, where Igbo socio-economic mobility and meritocratic advancement were reframed by critics as “ethnic domination.” This perception intensified after the January 1966 coup—widely interpreted in ethnic terms as an “Igbo plot”—and contributed to the 1966 pogroms and the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Post-war policies framed as “Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation” arguably functioned, in part, as mechanisms of economic containment. The 1970 banking policy that limited many Igbo depositors to £20 restricted capital recovery, while the 1972 Indigenization Decree and the implementation of “Abandoned Property” policies contributed to the dispossession of sections of the Igbo middle class and weakened access to real estate–based collateral. Structural marginalization has also been associated with infrastructural gaps, including the limited development of the Onitsha River Port, delayed upgrades to Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, and the relative underrepresentation of the Southeast in federal industrial projects—factors that have been described as imposing a “logistical burden” on regional commerce. The cumulative impact includes constrained innovation in industrial hubs such as Aba and Nnewi, increased incentives for skilled migration, and market inefficiencies linked to uneven regulatory enforcement. Critics argue that an overreliance on quota-based systems at the expense of merit can hinder progress toward a knowledge-based economy. Adopting a qualitative historical approach, this paper analyzes how Igbophobia may contribute to economic underperformance and proposes policy responses, including infrastructural equity, merit-based governance, targeted capital access, and national reorientation. It concludes that Nigeria’s long-term economic growth depends on addressing exclusionary structures and perceptions, as the country continues to bear the cost of underutilizing the full productive potential of all its regions.
Igbophobia, Structural Marginalization, Economic Retrogression, Nigerian Civil War, Indigenization Decree, Brain Drain, National Productivity
Udem, Marcia Chidinma; Asiegbu, Tochukwu Ebuka
PREVAILING INFLUENCE OF SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' LEARNING OF BIOLOGY IN OTUOCHA EDUCATION ZONE, ANAMBRA STATE
This study investigated the prevailing influence of superstitious beliefs on secondary school students’ learning of Biology in Otuocha Education Zone, Anambra State. Guided by three research questions, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 120 Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students was drawn from a population of 520 SS2 students in the zone during the 2024/2025 academic session using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher based on relevant literature. The instrument was validated by three experts, and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that superstitious beliefs are widespread among secondary school students in Biology and have a negative influence on their academic performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that educational stakeholders should enhance teacher training programmes and explicitly address superstitious beliefs in schools. This will help foster an environment that promotes rational inquiry and evidence-based learning, thereby reducing misconceptions in science education.
Biology, Education, Learning, Students, Superstition
Okeke, Obinna Chukwudalu (PhD); Ohachenu, Ifeoma Elizabeth (Ph.D)
THE USE OF DNA EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL TRIALS IN NIGERIA: WHETHER A CONCLUSIVE PROOF OF THE GUILT OF AN ACCUSSED
This article aimed to evaluate whether the use and admissibility of DNA evidence in criminal trials in Nigeria constitute conclusive proof of the guilt of an accused person. To achieve this aim, the study examined issues of relevance and admissibility that arise where DNA evidence is employed in criminal proceedings. Based on the analysis of disputes relating to the relevance and admissibility of DNA evidence, the study found that DNA evidence in criminal trials is generally corroborative rather than conclusive proof of guilt. It therefore operates in conjunction with other available evidence to establish the guilt of an accused person. The study also found that although DNA evidence is corroborative in nature, it has become a vital tool in crime detection. The presence of an accused person’s DNA at a crime scene may constitute prima facie evidence linking the accused to the crime scene or victim. The study concluded that where DNA evidence is combined with other supporting evidence to establish a match in criminal trials, it can accurately identify perpetrators of crime, exonerate innocent persons, and enhance public confidence in the criminal justice system. To this end, the researcher recommends that the Nigerian government should provide the necessary legal frameworks, facilities, and funding to ensure that the legal system evolves in line with advances in forensic science. This will promote the effective utilization of DNA evidence in the Nigerian criminal justice system, which remains underutilized to date.
Forensic science, forensic evidence, DNA Evidence, DNA profiling, Criminal Trial Proof of Guilt, corroborative evidence.
AN ETHICAL EVALUATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PATIENT AS A VALUABLE GROUND FOR EUTHANASIA
Euthanasia, often referred to as mercy killing or physician-assisted death, remains one of the most contentious issues in contemporary bioethics, law, and medical practice. It raises profound moral questions concerning the sanctity of life, the autonomy of the individual, and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. This paper critically evaluates euthanasia through the lens of patients’ rights, particularly examining whether the right to life can be interpreted to include a right to die. Drawing on philosophical discourse, legal frameworks, and medical ethics, the study explores the historical evolution, conceptual distinctions, and ethical controversies surrounding euthanasia. Special attention is given to the Nigerian legal context, where euthanasia remains criminalized yet ethically debated. The paper argues that while euthanasia poses significant risks, particularly regarding abuse and coercion, the rights of competent patients to make informed decisions about their own lives, including the refusal of life-sustaining treatment, provide a compelling ethical basis for reconsidering its absolute prohibition. The study concludes by advocating for a cautious, regulated approach that balances autonomy with the protection of vulnerable populations.
Euthanasia, Patient Autonomy, Right to Die, Bioethics, Nigeria, Human Rights
Oguegbu, Celestine Udoka; Prof. Charles Nweke
POLICE-PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE POPULATIONS IN NIGERIA: A SOCIOECONOMIC AND CULTURAL APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY
This paper examines the crucial connection between police-public relations and the protection of vulnerable populations in Nigeria, highlighting a socioeconomic and cultural framework for developing sustainable social welfare policies. In a nation marked by persistent insecurity, poverty, and institutional mistrust and other critical and pervasive threats to human welfare, the role of the police extends beyond crime control; it encompasses the broader responsibility of safeguarding marginalized groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and the urban poor. However, pervasive issues such as reported police brutality, intimidation, perceived corruption, and discriminatory practices, which have cost the profession the approval, respect, and affection of the public, are a bugging issue. The public has accused the Nigerian police unit of committing acts of extortion, rape, torture, and murder. Even the scenario of police unbridled and total allegiance and loyalty to the constituted authority, like the government, has eroded public confidence and disproportionately exposed these populations to humiliation, violence, exploitation, and systemic neglect. In place of social services that should affect them. Drawing from sociological, economic, and cultural perspectives, this paper examines how poor police-community engagement perpetuates social exclusion and weakens the effectiveness of social welfare interventions. It argues that meaningful protection of vulnerable groups requires not only police reform but also the integration of culturally sensitive, community-based policing strategies aligned with local norms and economic realities. This discourse emphasizes the significance of inclusive governance, legal accountability, and public participation in transforming police institutions to align with democratic values and human rights. The theoretical framework for this discourse is Social Contract Theory, which uses secondary data. Employing a multidisciplinary approach and reviewing existing policy gaps, the paper advocates for a rights-based policing model that reinforces social welfare infrastructure and promotes social justice. This paper recommends that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) should adopt a more committed, fair, and citizen-centered approach to policing to rebuild public confidence, particularly in addressing pervasive challenges such as insecurity, poverty, and social inequality.
Nigeria, police-public relations, socioeconomic, sustainable social welfare policy, vulnerable populations
Gladys Amaechi Ohazulike; Ifeoma Elizabeth Ohachenu
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS AND COMPLIANCE AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN ANAMBRA STATE
Background: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria face unique cybersecurity challenges due to limited resources, lack of dedicated IT personnel, and inadequate security budgets. Despite increasing digitalization of business operations, many SMEs operate without formal cybersecurity policies or structured training programmes, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. Objective: This study examined the level of cybersecurity awareness among SMEs in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, and identified the factors influencing compliance with cybersecurity regulations and best practices. Methods: The study adopted a mixed-methods research design. A sample size of 184 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, drawn from a population of 1,902 registered SMEs in Awka South LGA. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select respondents across seven towns and fourteen business locations. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distributions and percentages), while qualitative data were gathered through six in-depth interviews (IDIs) with business owners and managers and analyzed using thematic analysis. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) served as the theoretical framework. Results: The findings revealed that while 40.9% of respondents reported high awareness of basic cybersecurity practices and 47.7% perceived cyber threats as high risk, only 33.0% had participated in formal cybersecurity training, and 63.6% lacked formal cybersecurity policies. Regarding compliance, lack of funds (39.8%) was the most frequently cited barrier, followed by lack of technical knowledge (30.7%), weak enforcement (18.2%), and low risk perception (11.3%). Furthermore, 75.0% of respondents indicated that financial capacity influences compliance, 84.1% identified technical expertise as a key factor, and 71.6% highlighted the role of organizational culture. Objective: This study examined the level of cybersecurity awareness among SMEs in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, and identified the factors influencing compliance with cybersecurity regulations and best practices. Methods: The study adopted a mixed methods research design. A sample size of 184 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, drawn from a population of 1,902 registered SMEs in Awka South LGA. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select respondents across seven towns and fourteen business locations. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distributions and percentages). Qualitative data were gathered through six In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with business owners and managers, analyzed using thematic analysis. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) served as the theoretical framework. Results: The findings revealed that while 40.9% of respondents reported high awareness of basic cybersecurity practices and 47.7% perceived cyber threats as high risk, only 33.0% had ever participated in formal cybersecurity training, and 63.6% lacked formal cybersecurity policies. Regarding compliance, lack of funds (39.8%) was the most frequently cited barrier, followed by lack of technical knowledge (30.7%), weak enforcement (18.2%), and low risk perception (11.3%). Furthermore, 75.0% of respondents affirmed that financial capacity influences compliance, 84.1% affirmed that technical expertise influences compliance, and 71.6% affirmed that organizational culture influences compliance.
Cybersecurity awareness, compliance, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Technology Acceptance Model,
NON-VIOLENT CAMPAIGN FOR SELF-DETERMINATION: THE IPOB AND THE IGBO AGENDA
The non-inclusive nature of governance in Nigeria and its conscientious and intentional marginalization to the Igbo tribe/extraction is of great concern to the national polity. Moreover, this has led to the exclusion of the Easterners from the mainstream of Nigerian politics and life, and has logically fanned into flame their spirit of self-determination through movements like the MASSOB and IPOB. This paper aims to show how injustice meted to the Igbo extraction is the main root of the Easterners’ nonviolent campaigns for self-determination. Thus using the analytic method, this paper demonstrates how injustice against the Easterners encourages the non-violent campaigns for self-determination amongst the people. The scope of this research studies the justification for self-determination, Nigeria's amalgamation theory, IPOB agitations, and non-violent agitations for self-determination. This study establishes that there has been no plans to reintegrate the Igbos (Easterners) into the mainstream of Nigerian politics and life but to relegate them as second class citizens. The people have been maliciously abandoned and excluded from being part of major players in decision making whereas their resources are exploited, hence giving rise to different forms of agitations. The quest for self-determination as the major agenda of the IPOB/Easterners is justified since Nigerian governance has continued to promote injustice and renege on its promises for inclusive governance. In conclusion, non-violent campaigns is an undeniable catalyst to the success of the quest for self-determination.
Igbo, Self-determination, Non-violent campaigns, IPOB, Amalgamation theory
FACTORS AFFECTING THE CORRECTIONAL FUNCTIONS OF CORRECTIONAL CENTRE IN AWKA METROPOLIS, ANAMBRA STATE
Correctional centres are vital institutions in the contemporary era, saddled with the responsibility of reforming, punishing, and rehabilitating convicted inmates. However, correctional centres, especially in Nigeria, appear to be struggling to perform these fundamental responsibilities effectively. It is particularly troubling that some discharged inmates struggle to successfully reintegrate into society. Against this backdrop, this paper examines the factors affecting the correctional functions of the Awka Correctional Centre. The study is anchored on the frustration–aggression theory as its theoretical framework. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection. A sample size of 156 correctional officers was used for the administration of questionnaires, while eight (8) officers participated in in-depth interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25, while the research questions were addressed using frequency counts and percentages. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic method. The findings revealed that overcrowding of inmates is one of the major factors affecting the correctional functions of the Awka Correctional Centre. The study also found that the current infrastructure and facility conditions at the Centre adversely affect the implementation of rehabilitation and reformation programmes for inmates. Based on these findings, it is recommended, among other measures, that to address the persistent problem of overcrowding and poor living conditions at the Awka Correctional Centre, the government and relevant stakeholders should implement a comprehensive decongestion strategy. This strategy should include accelerated trial processes, the adoption of non-custodial sentencing options, and the expansion of existing facilities.
Correctional Centres, Reformation, Rehabilitation, reintegration, and Deterrence
Florence Ngozi Mmakah; Dr. Clement Emeka Ikezue
REEXAMINING THE NON-TRANSACTIONAL NATURE OF SACRIFICE IN IGBO TRADITIONAL RELIGION: ITS CHALLENGES TO YOUTH RITUAL MATERIALISM
The conventional and increasing troubling shifts in the understanding of sacrifice among Igbo youths as a means of making money or creating wealth runs contrary to the beliefs of traditional Igbo religion. It is well established that the traditional Igbo conception of sacrifice is deeply embedded in a non-transactional worldview, in which ritual acts are primarily expressions of reverence, communion with the spirits, and the restoration of cosmic balance and communal harmony. However, in contemporary Nigerian society, there has been a significant shift, particularly among the youth, towards a transactional understanding of sacrifice. This paper critically reexamines the non-transactional nature of sacrifice in Igbo Traditional Religion and explores its challenge to the growing phenomenon of youth-driven ritual materialism. It traces the philosophical, theological, and ethical foundations of traditional Igbo sacrificial practices and contrasts them with the distorted motivations underlying modern ritual abuse. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines indigenous African religious thought, cultural anthropology, and contemporary ethical analysis, the study exposes the spiritual, moral, and social consequences of this shift from sacred duty to economic transaction. The research argues that this false understanding of sacrifice in Igbo Traditional Religion among modern youth stems from the erosion of traditional moral education, the glamorization of wealth in Igbo culture, and the “get-rich-quick” syndrome. The study concludes that this trend calls for a revival of indigenous ethical consciousness through intergenerational dialogue, economic revitalization, and the re-engagement of traditional custodians of religion and culture.
Igbo Traditional Religion, Sacrifice, Non-transactional Ritual, Ritual Materialism, African Spirituality, Ethical Values
Preaching the Gospel in a Digitalized World through Proper Communication Skills: Considering Urban Catholic Churches in Nigeria
Man is a homo loquens (speaking being). This special characteristic of man which is founded on his being an animal rationalis (rational animal) makes him more so a homo communicans (communicating being). His ability to communicate hinges on the fact that he lives in a community and consequently uses language as vehicle for the transmission of thought. However, with the progress in the society, especially in information technology, there came an improvement in social communication. Sequel to that, since communication is the life-wire of every relationship and organization, the upgrade in communication technology resulted in a drastic enhancement in social communication. In the human relationship it is a sine qua non because lack of it signals a rupture. In the work of evangelization, the use of digital technology has also continued to aid and facilitate the propagation of the faith in no small measure. The researcher therefore unravelled the effects of the use of digital technology and proper communication skills in preaching the gospel in the Catholic churches located in urban areas. In this research, the descriptive methodology was used to expose the intricacies in the use of digital technology especially in the spreading of the Good News and making it reach to the remotest part in the urban areas in obvious adherence to the fact that faith comes through hearing. Through the analytic approach, the researcher made a critical evaluation of the impact of digital technology on evangelization. The findings helped in making adequate recommendations.
Communication, information technology, evangelization, gospel
THE SOCIAL CONTRACT AND THE CRISIS OF GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: A ROUSSEAUIAN ANALYSIS OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND STATE LEGITIMACY
Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. Since then, the country has faced unresolved political challenges, particularly endemic corruption, limited civic participation and the problem of political legitimacy. These challenges are largely rooted in political corruption and crisis of leadership succession often orchestrated by the country’s political elite have fostered widespread apathy among citizens. There is therefore tension between civic responsibilities and political authority especially regarding how the state reflects the collective will of the people. Deploying Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s social contract theory as its theoretical framework, the study deploys the documentary method of data collection and hermeneutics analysis to explore how political corruption and weak civic participation undermine the legitimacy of the Nigerian state. According to Rousseau, legitimate authority does not only derives from the consent of the governed and but more importantly, on its continual alignment with the general will. In order words, any state that neglect the aspiration of its citizens or undermine their political participation faces fundamental crisis of legitimacy. Applying this Rousseau’s insight to the Nigerian context, the study argues that governance in the country is punctuated by systemic disconnect between the ruling class and the populace resulting in persistent legitimacy crisis and political apathy. Based on this, the paper recommends the reconstruction of Nigeria’s social contract through deliberate efforts toward participatory governance, civic reorientation, and institutional accountability. It concludes that such reform are essential for restoring public trust and accelerating Nigeria’s democratic consolidation legitimacy as the hallmark of liberal democracy
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Citizen Participation, State Legitimacy, Governance, Nigeria
MOTIFS AND MOTIFS: ADAPTATION OF AKWETE-IGBO WOVEN MOTIFS AND ULI-IGBO PAINTING MOTIFS ON FABRICS AS TEXTILE PRINTS FOR CONTEMPORARY FASHION
Most cultures around the world possess cultural heritage that has been passed down from one generation to another. This heritage is expressed through various forms such as clothing, painting, body decoration, architecture, music, folklore, dance, food, and language, among others. Africans also express themselves through their cultural heritage. For instance, in Nigeria, many ethnic groups showcase their identities through diverse cultural practices, many of which remain vibrant to date. The Igbo people of South-Eastern Nigeria possess a rich and vibrant culture that reflects their worldview. This is evident in their dress, traditional hand woven fabrics, wall and body painting traditions, carving, language, food, and folklore, among others. In their cloth weaving and body and wall painting, symbolic motifs are used to represent aspects of Igbo culture. However, these practices are in urgent need of sustainability, which forms the basis of this study. This study posits that combining these motifs to produce designs for printed fabrics could significantly enhance their preservation. The research adopts a qualitative approach and employs design-based practical experimentation in the studio. Data were collected using a historical approach, as well as from samples of Akwete fabric and Uli as sources of design inspiration. Samples of printed fabrics incorporating a combination of these motifs were subsequently produced. The findings reveal that weaving and painting motifs are suitable for application in printed textile design and should be further explored by textile and fashion designers, as this innovation contributes to the diversity of African textiles. In conclusion, these printed designs have the potential to preserve and promote these cultural traditions while enhancing their sustainability.
Akwete hand woven fabrics, clothing, uli traditional painting, Screen printing, African symbolic motifs
ASSESSMENT OF CYBERBULLYING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
The study assessed the prevalence of cyberbullying among university students in Southeast Nigeria. Specifically, it ascertained the level of prevalence of cyberbullying, examined the nature of cyberbullying, and investigated the causes of cyberbullying among university students. The study was anchored on the tenets of Social Influence Theory. A survey research design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The sample size consisted of 400 university students selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.The major findings revealed that 92.0% of the students reported having experienced cyberbullying, while 94.0% indicated that they knew a friend who had experienced cyberbullying. Regarding the nature of cyberbullying, 95% of the students affirmed awareness of its various forms. The results further showed that exclusion (94.0%), cyberstalking (96.0%), dissing (77.0%), and trolling (95.0%) were the major forms of cyberbullying experienced by the students. The study also found that the major causes of cyberbullying included hatred for others (94.0%), the desire for power and control (94.0%), revenge, deficient digital communication skills (94.0%), and lack of empathy for others (91.0%). The study concluded that there is a high level of cyberbullying prevalence among university students in Southeast Nigeria. It recommended that cyberbullying can be curtailed through awareness campaigns, seminars, workshops, and the enforcement of laws to punish offenders, as these measures will go a long way in reducing cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying, Prevalence, University Students
Ralph-Nwachukwu, Onyinye Patricia; Ihejirika Walter C.; Benson-Eluwa Virginia; Onu, Samson E.