NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF AFRICAN STUDIES (NJAS)
The Nigerian Journal of African Studies (ISSN: 2734-3146) is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of scholarly research on the diverse cultures, histories, languages, philosophies, and socio-political systems of Africa, with a particular emphasis on Nigeria and West Africa. NJAS provides a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars in the humanities and social sciences, including but not limited to African history, literature, linguistics, anthropology, sociology, political science, gender studies, and cultural studies. The journal is committed to advancing critical thought on African experiences, indigenous knowledge systems, and contemporary issues affecting the continent, while fostering intellectual exchange that bridges local and global perspectives. Through rigorous academic standards and inclusive scholarship, NJAS seeks to contribute meaningfully to the evolving discourse on African identity, heritage, and development. NJAS is a publication of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.
THE INFLUENCE OF MOBILE BANKING APPLICATIONS AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION ON ACCOUNT HOLDERS' ACCESS TO FINANCIAL SERVICES
This study examined the influence of mobile banking applications on financial inclusion among account holders. A quantitative survey research methodology was used in this study, and primary data were collected through questionnaires from 200 account holders. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression with the help of SPSS. Results from the descriptive analysis indicated high use of mobile banking applications, with a grand mean of 4.25, whereas respondents agreed that mobile banking applications made access to financial services easier (grand mean = 4.35) and facilitated financial inclusion (grand mean = 4.27). Linear regression analysis revealed that mobile banking application use had a significant positive influence on access to financial services (β = 0.716, R² = 0.513, p < 0.05) and financial inclusion (β = 0.759, R² = 0.576, p < 0.05). It was concluded that the higher use of mobile banking applications facilitates access to financial services and enhances financial inclusion.
Mobile Banking Applications, Financial Inclusion, Financial Services, Digital Banking
Ijeoma Gift EZENTA, Olajide Solomon FADUN, Sunday Adekunle ADULOJU
YOUTH IN CRISIS OF SURVIVAL: THE QUEST MOTIVE AND DIASPORA EXPERIENCE IN GEORGE NDUBUISI’S WOES OF IKENGA AND CHIKA UNIGWE’S ON BLACK SISTERS’ STREET
The problem of identity and greener pastures have become the major concerns of Africans in diaspora and a major theme in literature. The state of identity crisis is seen as one affecting the psychological conditions of a person or group, a situation of internal contradictions within the individual which could lead to different forms of disequilibrium. The conflict and search for identity and survival have to do with various factors such as the new versus the old, modern versus conservative or migration. Most times, writers are often individuals in search of their identities, and it is no wonder that the major characters possess basic similarities with the authors. The intention of this research, therefore, is to explicate the search for identity and survival in Ndubuisi’s Woes of Ikenga and Unigwe’s On Black Sisters Street. The duality with the nostalgia of the main characters obviously for different reasons originates from their contact with the different worlds they found themselves in. The resolutions of these conflicts and dualities are naturally not the same because of differences in both cases. However different they are, the ultimate disillusionment in exposure of identity crisis is inevitable in every society as portrayed in the works under study. The data for this study is form both primary and secondary sources. The theory that guided this study is that of Trauma. It was discovered that hardships, unemployment and quest for greener pastures necessitated the different humiliating situations, fates and actions taken by the various characters out of desperation and keenness to survive against all odds.
Crisis, Migration, Racism, Migrant, Integrity, Humiliation, Youth
REVOLUTIONS AND RATIONALITY IN HISTORY OF SCIENCE
One of the enduring controversies in twentieth-and twenty first century philosophy of science concerns the logic of scientific revolutions. At the heart of this debate is whether scientific revolutions can be adequately explained on a purely rational ground or whether extra-rational factors, such as psychological, sociological as well as institutional influences also play significantly role in scientific development. The two major participants in this debate are the rationalists and non-rationalists. While the rationalists, both the verificationist and falsificationist traditions maintain that scientific progress can be explained through rational criteria alone, the non-rationalist argue that extra-rational factors and indispensable to understanding scientific revolutions. This paper uses the library research approach and the analytic method to investigate the rationalist-non-rationalist impasse with the aim of reconciling the tension between traditions. Drawing on evidence from the history of science, the paper contends that the rationalists were correct in insisting that scientific inquiry is fundamentally committed to logical and methodological accountability. Equally, the non-rationalists were correct in arguing that these rational standards are neither applied nor developed in historical vacuum but within scientific communities shaped psychological, socio-economic and institutional influences. The paper concludes that scientific revolutions are best understood as dynamic historical processes in which rational evaluation and historical circumstance continuously interact.
WOMEN'S ECONOMIC AGENCY IN PRE-COLONIAL OKPELLA, EDO STATE NIGERIA (C. 1400–1904)
This study examines the economic agency of women in pre-colonial Okpella, a Benin-derived clan in northern Edo State, Nigeria, from the foundational migration of c. 1400 to the eve of British colonisation in 1904. Drawing on oral traditions, colonial records, and archaeological inferences, it traces women’s pivotal roles across shifting cultivation, food processing, craft production (pottery, mat-weaving, and ritual masks), livestock rearing, and intra-regional trade via head porterage and periodic markets. Gendered divisions of labour, guild organisation, and inheritance patterns enabled women to control resources, expand household production, and sustain inter group exchange networks with Nupe, Esan, and Ebira neighbours. The analysis establishes a pre-1904 baseline for understanding subsequent colonial transformations in women’s economic status.
Okpella women, pre-colonial economy, shifting cultivation, craft guilds
Ayodele Samuel ABOLORUNDE, PhD; Arebamen, Donald Dennis
The Ethics of Categorical Imperative and the Struggle for Development in Nigeria
Development is a crucial goal for any nation, but it remains a thing of mirage for Nigeria. This research examines the ethical principle of categorical imperative and its impact on the struggle for development in Nigeria. It analyzes the current challenges faced by the country, the roles of the government, civil society, and other stakeholders in promoting development, principles and challenges of implementing categorical imperative in Nigeria. This moral principle introduced by Immanuel Kant, advocates for ethical decision-making based on universal principles. Applying this principle to development in Nigeria requires the prioritization of the wellbeing of all citizens. It emphasizes the importance of eradicating corruption, ensuring social justice, and promoting equal opportunities for all Nigerians. Currently, Nigeria faces numerous challenges that hinder its developmental progress. These challenges include political corruption, inadequate infrastructure, high poverty rates, income inequality, and security concerns. These issues create barriers to sustainable development and hinder the improvement of living conditions for Nigerians. Notedly, this academic research employs analytical method on relevant literatures and the researcher discovers that development in Nigeria will continue to experience several hiccups, if the government and the stakeholders are negligent of impunity, lack of transparency, poor governance and corruption. The government should however, respect the humanity in others and act in accordance with rules that could hold for everyone, by building a strong pact with accountability and honest structures that will be an immense resource to development, which involve ensuring fair and just policies and practices that treat all citizens as ends in themselves.
categorical imperative, development, Nigeria, ethics, government, civil society, stakeholders, principles, challenges, methodology
FRAGILE NATIONHOOD: ETHNIC MISTRUST AND PEACE-BUILDING IN SELECTED POSTWAR NIGERIAN MEMOIRS
This article investigates the construction of ethnic mistrust in Postwar Nigerian memoirist genre. It argues that there is evidence in post-war Nigerian non-fiction that the Biafran question is one factor that complicates the quest for national unity. While the Igbo locate the origin of their marginalization in colonial history and the attempt by the British to punish them for challenging the colonial project of domination, other ethnic groups in Nigeria lay claim to their own marginalization and the attempt by the Igbo to dominate them. Relying on Bhabha’s theory of mimcry as menace and the concept of fragility of peace in its interrogation of these controversies, the article examines three postwar memoirs by authors from each of the three ethnic formations, Wole Soyinka's The Man Died: A Prison Memoir (1972), Chinua Achebe's There Was a Country: A Personal History of the Nigeria-Biafra War (2012) and Ayuba Mshelia's Araba Let's Separate: The Story of the Nigeria Civil War to show how postwar Nigerian non-fiction has engaged with the question of ethnic mistrust, the fragility of peace and the prospects of inter-ethnic reconnection in Nigeria.
REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN WEST AFRICA IN THE CONTEXT OF JIHADIST INSURGENCIES AND MILITARY RULE IN THE SAHEL, 2011-2023
This study investigates the interplay among jihadist insurgencies, military rule, and regional integration in West Africa between 2011 and 2023, with particular emphasis on the Sahel region. The study is situated within the context of the deteriorating security environment characterised by the proliferation of violent extremist groups and the resurgence of military coups, both of which have posed significant challenges to the regional integration agenda of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional institutions.The study aims to examine how these twin phenomena—jihadist insurgency and authoritarian resurgence—have influenced the political and institutional environment for regional integration. It adopts a qualitative research approach, employing content analysis of policy documents, official communiqués, and relevant scholarly literature. Thematic analysis is used to identify the major patterns and issues emerging from the data.The findings reveal that the persistence of jihadist violence and recurrent military coups has undermined state legitimacy, fragmented political authority, weakened democratic governance, and diminished regional solidarity. The study further finds that ECOWAS's capacity to respond effectively has been constrained by institutional weaknesses, political divisions among member states, and inconsistent enforcement of regional protocols. In addition, the emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States has intensified regional fragmentation and exposed growing disagreements over security cooperation, governance, and the future direction of regional integration. The study concludes that meaningful regional integration in West Africa remains achievable but depends on comprehensive institutional reforms, stronger political commitment among member states, enhanced regional cooperation, and inclusive governance practices that simultaneously promote security, democratic governance, and sustainable development.
Regional Integration, Jihadist Insurgency, Military Rule, ECOWAS, Sahel
THE ROLE OF INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF IGBO
Language serves as a major medium for the transmission of knowledge, culture, and identity, and its role in sustainable development cannot be overemphasized. This study examines the role of the Igbo language in promoting sustainable development in Nigeria. The study adopts Language Ecology Theory as its theoretical framework. Data were collected through oral interviews, focus group discussions, textbooks, and online sources. A qualitative research approach was employed to analyze the data using thematic and content analysis. The findings reveal that the Igbo language contributes significantly to sustainable development by serving as a medium for the transmission of indigenous knowledge, cultural values, and social mobilization. However, its full potential is constrained by its underutilization in formal education and government, as well as by negative attitudes towards indigenous languages. The study concludes that achieving sustainable development requires the active promotion and utilization of indigenous languages such as the Igbo language. It therefore recommends the integration of the Igbo language into the formal education system, government administration, the media, and digital platforms, supported by deliberate language policies and systematic documentation efforts.
Indigenous language, Igbo language, sustainable development, culture, language ecology, language policy
FOREIGN POLICY AS COUNTERINSURGENCY: A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION’S EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENTS IN RESPONSE TO NIGERIA’S SECURITY CRISIS
Confronted with a protracted security crisis characterized by large-scale insurgency, Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari, who assumed office in May 2015, witnessed a renewed commitment to combating Boko Haram insurgency and related security threats that had severely undermined national stability and tarnished the country's international image. In line with his campaign promises, President Buhari placed counterinsurgency at the core of his foreign policy agenda, actively engaging diplomacy in both bilateral and multilateral levels to secure strategic military partnerships. This was aimed at complementing domestic security operations through intelligence-sharing, logistical support, and capacity-building initiatives. With the completion of his eight-year tenure on May 29, 2023, it becomes imperative to undertake a critical academic assessment of the foreign policy dimensions of Buhari administration and its effectiveness in addressing Nigeria’s internal security challenges, particularly in the northern part of the country. This reflection is mostly pertinent in evaluating whether President Buhari fulfilled the expectations set during his 2015 electoral campaign. This study adopted an ex-post facto research design, enabling a critical analysis of events and policies after their occurrence without manipulating variables. It employed the documentary method of data collection, drawing exclusively on secondary sources such as government records, international agreements, policy documents, academic literature, and credible media reports. Data were analysed using content and thematic analysis, allowing for a critical interrogation of the patterns, narratives, and strategic alignments in Nigeria’s foreign policy and their impact on counterinsurgency in Nigeria. The study found that the Buhari administration’s foreign policy, though initially effective in securing external military support and achieving tactical gains against insurgents, ultimately failed to sustain long-term security due to its largely militarised approach. It concluded that the lack of integrated domestic reforms and adaptive security mechanisms weakened the impact of these foreign engagements. The study recommended a holistic strategy that aligns foreign policy with internal socio-political reforms, regional cooperation, indigenous defence development, and human security priorities.
Foreign Policy, Counterinsurgency, Security Crisis, Insurgency, Boko Haram, Internal Security
Ignatius Ifesinachi Ngini; Daniel Uchechukwu Lawrence; Sunday Aideloje
AN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO) STANDARDS ON CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IN NIGERIA
International labour standards promote decent work in freedom, equity, security, and dignity. They are ILO conventions and recommendations setting global principles and rights at work. This study examines the application of International Labour Organization (ILO) standards on the protection of children’s rights in Nigeria. Nigeria’s ratification of these core conventions reflects a formal commitment to eliminating child labour and safeguarding children from economic exploitation. The study adopts a doctrinal and analytical approach, reviewing relevant legal frameworks, anti-trafficking legislation, alongside policy initiatives and institutional mechanisms established in collaboration with the ILO. The findings reveal that Nigeria has made significant progress in aligning its domestic legal and policy structures with international labour standards. Notably, the prohibition of hazardous child labour, increased awareness campaigns, and the integration of child protection measures into national development strategies demonstrate a degree of compliance with ILO obligations. However, the study identifies a persistent gap between legal commitments and practical implementation. Key challenges include inconsistencies in national laws, weak enforcement mechanisms, inadequate labour inspection systems, and limited institutional capacity. Furthermore, the prevalence of child labour in Nigeria remains high, largely driven by socio-economic factors such as poverty, limited access to quality education, cultural norms, and the dominance of the informal sector. These structural issues undermine the effective application of ILO standards and hinder the realization of children’s rights in practice. The study argues that while Nigeria is largely compliant at the normative level, it falls short in operational enforcement, resulting in only partial adherence to international standards. The paper concludes that strengthening the protection of children’s rights in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach, including legal harmonization, enhanced enforcement mechanisms, expansion of social protection programmes, and sustained community-level engagement. It emphasizes that the effective application of ILO standards is contingent not only on legislative alignment but also on addressing the broader socio-economic conditions that perpetuate child labour.
International labour standards, children’s rights, Child labour, Children’s rights protection
Prof. Beatrice Nkechi Okpalaobi (PhD) & Augustine I. Orabueze (PhD)
PERFORMING POVERTY: ENTERTAINING FOR ALMS AND EMERGING VOICES IN STREET PERFORMANCE IN AWKA
This study examines street begging as a form of performance and investigates how visually impaired street beggars in Awka transform poverty into performative acts through entertainment-oriented strategies aimed at attracting alms. Anchored in Richard Schechner's Performance Theory, the study adopts a qualitative research design utilizing participant observation and content analysis of four selected visually impaired mobile beggars operating in public spaces across Awka. The findings reveal that the beggars employ organized artistic and communicative techniques such as musical performances, praise singing, storytelling, instrumental display, vocal modulation, bodily expression, and strategic spatial positioning to engage passersby and sustain audience interaction. These performative practices function not only as survival strategies but also as forms of informal street theatre that communicate socio-economic realities, vulnerability, and resilience within urban spaces. The study further reveals that the interaction between beggars and passersby reflects core theatrical elements, including performers, audiences, performance spaces, and symbolic communication. It argues that entertaining for alms constitutes an emerging mode of street performance that challenges conventional notions of theatre as being restricted to formal stages and professionally trained performers. The study concludes that street beggars represent marginalized yet significant voices within contemporary Nigerian street performance culture. The study therefore recommends broader scholarly engagement with alternative, informal, and everyday performance traditions in Nigeria as part of efforts to expand the boundaries of theatre and performance studies.
Performing Poverty, Entertaining for Alms, Emerging Voices, Street Performance, Survival Performance, Beggars’ Artistry, Performance Studies, Nigerian Theatre
Kosy Anulika Okafor (PhD) & Geraldine Ebele Ojukwu (PhD)
Traditional Nigerian Dress Culture: Indices for designing historically informed Films of Nollywood
Over the years, the connections between dress, individual and collective identities continue to be of interest to scholars and practitioners in the field of art, fashion, textiles and Nigerian entertainment industry. Historically, dress through the ages provides a broad overview of costume traditions of diverse cultures so much beyond the description of what people wore and why; but with detailed descriptions of the obvious variables of nationality, ethnicity, socio economic status, gender, etc. It also takes into account the geography, climate, occupation, marital status, ideology, historical milieu and its influence on traditional societies. With the inception of Nollywood, the traditional dress culture of Nigeria has reached global viewership and has contributed significantly in showcasing the country's identity and heritage to the outside audiences. But the portrayal of traditional dresses in most of these films do not accurately reflect the historical context and intricacies of Nigerian dress culture due to lack of indepth research in cultural knowledge. This paper therefore aims to provide indices for designing historically informed films in Nollywood, with a specific focus on traditional Nigerian dress. Through an in-depth analysis of historical survey of traditional Nigerian dress culture of seven (7) ethnic regions, between 1960-1970 of Nigerian historical dress practices; the paper seeks to identify key elements and characteristics that can be incorporated into film costume design to create a more authentic representation of traditional Nigerian dress. The paper thus suggests that Nollywood designers should tap into the flux of these diverse traditional dress practices in designing historically informed films. For it is hoped that creating convincing costumes can aid in a holistic understanding of socio-cultural history and identities; no matter the genre, concept or historical setting.
THE LINGERING LEGACY OF BRITISH COLONIALISM: LANGUAGE SHIFT AMONG IGBO AND YORUBA SPEAKERS IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA
Language remains one of the most enduring legacies of colonialism in Africa. In Nigeria, the elevation of English during British colonial rule significantly altered patterns of language use and contributed to the gradual decline of indigenous languages in formal domains. This study examines the impact of British colonialism on language shift among Igbo and Yoruba speakers, with particular attention to the historical roots and contemporary manifestations of linguistic change. Drawing on qualitative evidence from archival materials and ethnographic data obtained through interviews and online observations, the study explores how colonial language policies institutionalized English in education, administration, religion, and commerce while simultaneously marginalizing indigenous languages. The findings reveal that English continues to enjoy considerable prestige as a language of education, social mobility, and economic advancement. Consequently, many parents prioritize English in the home, contributing to the weakening of intergenerational transmission of Igbo and Yoruba. Although both languages have experienced significant pressure from English, Yoruba appears to have retained greater visibility in the media, religion, and public discourse. The study argues that contemporary language shift in Nigeria is sustained not only by colonial legacies but also by socio-economic structures that continue to reward proficiency in English. It concludes that meaningful language revitalization requires coordinated policy reforms, increased indigenous language education, and stronger community-based efforts to preserve linguistic heritage.
Language shift, British colonialism, English language, Igbo, Yoruba, indigenous languages, Nigeria
Okwakwom-Amadi, Fortune & Dimebo, Ifunanya Nzubechukwu
COLONIAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND THE ENTRENCHMENT OF THE CAPITALIST MODEL OF DEVELOPMENT
This study examines the relationship between colonial development planning and the consolidation of the capitalist model of development in Nigeria during the late colonial period. It seeks to interrogate how development policies introduced by the British colonial administration between the 1940s and the 1950s shaped the structure and orientation of Nigeria’s economy. Employing the historical method and relying primarily on secondary sources, including scholarly monographs, journal articles, colonial economic reports, and archival materials, the study analyses the ideological foundations, institutional frameworks, and economic outcomes of colonial development planning. The findings reveal that although development planning was officially presented as a strategy for economic modernization and social welfare, in practice it primarily served to expand export agriculture, improve trade infrastructure, and deepen Nigeria’s integration into the global capitalist economy. Consequently, colonial development plans reinforced Nigeria’s role as a peripheral supplier of raw materials and a consumer of manufactured goods, thereby entrenching a pattern of structural economic dependency that persisted into the postcolonial period.
Colonial rule, Development Planning, Capitalist Model, Development, Nigeria
Justina Iruamaka Nwankwo; Chidi E. Osuagwu
EXPLOSION OF EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR QUALITY AND DEVELOPMENT
Aside its benefits to the individual person, education functions in any nation as a lubricant for the engine of development. It builds up human capital which is a core determinant of a nation’s prosperity. Hence, lacking the necessary means to cater for the tertiary education of her teeming number of youths, Nigeria introduced private higher education bill through an amendment decree in 1993. The bill permitted individuals and private bodies to erect tertiary institutions as supplement to the government’s efforts in the sector. The concomitant of this is the unbridled proliferation of private institutions at the expense of excellence. Thus, the paper aims at investigating the implications of this sacrifice of quality for quantity. Using the method of analysis, it examines critically how these mushroom educational institutions have impacted the quality of education rendered to the students and the overall development of Nigeria. In the light of the purpose of education as a means of preparing and empowering the young for developmental roles, it explores the depressing state of tertiary education in Nigeria. It reveals that the system is rightly a Second Generation Model (GSM) with its products lacking employable skills. This study recommends as following; an abrogation of the bill that enabled such unchecked explosion; proper supervision of primary and secondary schools where occurs the foundational learning which tertiary institutions consolidate; serious punishment for examination malpractice; review of curriculum; and digitalization of learning.
Educational Institutions, Nigeria, Quality, government, private
IFRS ADOPTION AND THE IMPLICATION FOR ACCOUNTING AND TAXATION IN NIGERIA: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
The study examined the implications of the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for accounting and taxation in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the need for transparency, improved financial reporting, and enhanced accountability. The paper explored the conceptual foundations and practical implications of IFRS adoption for accounting and taxation in the Nigerian context, drawing on Agency Theory, Stakeholder Theory, and Institutional Theory. From an accounting perspective, IFRS adoption was driven by the need to reduce information asymmetry between managers and investors, in line with Agency Theory. IFRS enhances the relevance, verifiability, and faithful representation of financial disclosures. While the adoption of IFRS in Nigeria has improved the credibility of financial reporting and strengthened stakeholder accountability, it has also presented significant taxation challenges, including the misalignment between Nigerian tax laws and IFRS principles, as well as the absence of comprehensive tax guidelines that adequately address IFRS-based reporting. In light of these findings, the study recommends that the government should provide continuous training for accounting professionals on IFRS principles and implementation. Furthermore, the government should review and reform existing tax laws to ensure alignment with IFRS principles and facilitate effective implementation.
IFRS Adoption, Implications, Accounting, Taxation, Conceptual Framework, Nigeria
ESUIKE BENJAMIN UWEHVWIYOVWE; INIFADHE UYOYOH LINUS
ENGAGING ECOWAS IN MANAGING THE CONFLICT IN THE NIGER DELTA: A PERCEPTION STUDY
The Niger-Delta conflict has been one that has shown signs of protractions, with great economic and environmental costs to both the federal government and the local communities alike. Likewise, the conflict increasingly seems to be falling out of the effective management and control of the state despite the availability of capable and mandated international bodies that are established to effectively intervene in such a conflict. As such, this paper is a perception study that examines the option of an ECOWAS intervention in the Niger-Delta in line with the institution’s core principle of maintaining and initiating peaceful resolution to conflict, and also how a supranational intervention in the conflict will be received by the Niger-Delta people. The study used a quantitative research approach, a sample size of 482 respondents comprising of 259 males and 223 females from across various fields of life, but all residing in the Niger-Delta region. A non-experimental research design was used with the aid of a cluster random sampling technique in administering the questionnaires to the respondents and also for data collection. The findings of the study strongly indicates that public opinion in the Niger-Delta community agrees with the notion that Nigeria is not taking advantage of ECOWAS as a conflict management and resolution mechanism in meeting its domestic security challenges as found in the Niger-Delta, despite being a host to this prestigious intergovernmental organisation. Key recommendations includes the conceptualization of Nigeria’s security needs before ECOWAS Heads of States Summit, and also the effective exploitation of ECOWAS statutory committees to advance Nigeria’s security agenda particularly in the Niger Delta.
Perception, Niger-Delta, ECOWAS, Role, Government, Conflict
Madu, E. Tochukwu; Professor Okafor, Frank-Collins; Onwuchekwe, I, Stanley
Issues in French Language Teaching in Nigeria: The Case of Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
This paper compares the issues faced in French language teaching between Nwafor Orizu College of Education and Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria. Both institutions play a crucial role in imparting French language education to students, and this comparative analysis seeks to identify and examine the challenges they encounter in this process. The demand for French language instruction has increased, but the availability of proficient instructors remains limited, impacting the quality of language learning for students in both schools. The lack of appropriate instructional materials and resources hinders effective language teaching as both institutions struggle to access tailored textbooks, workbooks, and audiovisual aids, making it difficult to provide comprehensive language learning experiences that align with the needs of Nigerian students. The lack of necessary infrastructure and resources restricts the comprehensive incorporation of technology in language classrooms, limiting the potential benefits it can offer in enhancing language acquisition. However, despite these shared challenges, there may be some institution-specific issues unique to each university. Factors such as institutional policies, funding, and teaching methodologies could vary and contribute to discrepancies in the French language learning experience for students. This paper aims to provide valuable insights into the issues faced in French language teaching in Nigeria, specifically within Nwafor Orizu College of Education and Nnamdi Azikiwe University. By identifying these challenges, this paper will contribute to the development of targeted strategies and interventions that can be implemented to improve the quality of French language education in both institutions and, by extension, across the country. Ultimately, addressing these issues will lead to a more proficient and culturally enriched generation of French speakers in Nigeria. This paper employs a comparative research methodology to analyze the issues faced in French language teaching between Nwafor Orizu College of Education and Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria. Drawing upon a theoretical framework grounded in educational psychology and language acquisition theories, the study aims to identify and examine the challenges encountered in imparting French language education to students in these institutions. By utilizing qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, including interviews, surveys, and document analysis, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the quality of French language instruction. The theoretical framework guides the interpretation of findings, allowing for a deeper exploration of the underlying reasons behind the identified challenges. Through this research approach, the paper aims to contribute valuable insights into the issues faced in French language teaching in Nigeria, paving the way for targeted strategies and interventions to enhance the quality of language education in both institutions and foster a more proficient generation of French speakers in the country.
Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, French language, Nigeria, Education
Domitila Onyinye Ubajaka; Ozioma Siddharta Omedobi Anyawuike, PhD
LABOUR MIGRATION AND SLUM DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE: A POSTCOLONIAL URBAN ANALYSIS OF THE OKPOKO-ONITSHA LANDSCAPE
This paper examines the relationship between labour migration and slum development in Anambra State, Nigeria, with particular focus on Okpoko within the Onitsha urban corridor. Moving beyond descriptive accounts, the study situates the proliferation of slums within the theoretical frameworks of postcolonial urbanism and the social production of space. Employing qualitative research methods, including interviews, participant observation, and visual documentation, the study demonstrates that the growth of Okpoko is not merely a demographic consequence of rural–urban migration but a spatial expression of structural inequality, weak urban governance, and uneven development. Drawing on the theoretical insights of Henri Lefebvre and Manuel Castells, the paper argues that urban space in Onitsha is socially produced through power relations that marginalize migrant populations and constrain their access to urban resources. The findings reveal the dual character of migration as both a catalyst for economic opportunity and a driver of urban precarity. The study concludes by advocating inclusive urban planning policies that prioritize spatial justice, infrastructural development, and rural revitalization as essential strategies for addressing the underlying conditions that sustain slum formation.
Labour Migration, Slum Development, Postcolonial Urbanism, Okpoko, Onitsha, Spatial Inequality
Kosy Añulika Okafor, Ph.D.; Geraldine Ebele Ojukwu, Ph.D.
BALANCE OF STRUCTURE AND SPONTANEITY IN IMPOROVISATIONAL STAND-UP COMEDY AND SCRIPT COMEDY ACTING
Improvisational stand-up comedy is often perceived as entirely spontaneous; however, performers typically rely on pre-developed frameworks, rehearsed narratives, and strategic timing to guide their delivery. In contrast, scripted comedy acting is based on written texts, yet actors frequently incorporate spontaneous expressions, improvisation, and adaptive performance techniques to enhance authenticity and audience engagement. Therefore, this study aims to examine the balance between structure and spontaneity in improvisational stand-up comedy and scripted comedy acting, emphasising how both elements contribute to effective comedic performance. The study employs a qualitative approach, drawing on performance theory and practical examples to analyse how comedians and actors negotiate the interplay between planning and improvisation. The study argues that both forms of comedy exist on a continuum in which structure and spontaneity are interdependent rather than opposing forces. Findings reveal that successful comedic performance depends on the performer’s ability to integrate structured preparation with spontaneous creativity, resulting in improved timing, flexibility, and audience connection.
Acting, Improvisation, Scripted Comedy, Spontaneity, Stand-up Comedy, Structure
NATURE AND MAGNITUDE OF ARMED BANDITRY IN ZAMFARA STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR FOOD SECURITY
This paper investigated the evolving nature and escalating magnitude of armed banditry in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The study argues that excessive kinetic interventions have failed to address the underlying political economy of the conflict. It adopted the Greed and Grievance Theory, developed by Paul Collier and Anke Hoeffler between 2000 and 2002, as its theoretical framework, while a mixed research design was employed as the methodology. A total of 400 questionnaires were administered to respondents, while Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were used for data collection. Qualitative data were content-analysed, while quantitative data were presented in charts and percentages. The analysis revealed that armed banditry manifested in the forms of cattle rustling (93.4%), night attacks (90.0%), land confiscation (85.5%), and the burning of farmlands (84.1%). It further revealed that incidents of armed banditry increased from 128 cases in 2018 to 1,031 cases in 2024, indicating an escalating magnitude. Additionally, about 71.7 per cent of respondents linked increasing food insecurity to the loss of farm produce, while 89.5 per cent agreed that hunger had become more widespread within their households. In view of these findings, the nature and magnitude of armed banditry reveal a significant escalation and sophistication in banditry operations since 2012 in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The study recommends that the Zamfara State Government should institute stiffer penalties for cattle rustling and kidnapping while implementing developmental programmes aimed at improving the living standards of the people. It further recommends that the Federal Government of Nigeria should strengthen relations with neighbouring countries such as Chad, Niger, and Benin to facilitate joint efforts against armed banditry for enhanced regional security, as well as procure advanced technological surveillance equipment, including drones, to improve border surveillance and management.
Armed banditry, Burning of farmlands, Food Security, Kidnapping for ransom, Zamfara State
Dr. Raymond Chibueze Nwankwo; Professor N. D. Danjibo; Professor Ruth O. Adio-Moses
MMETỤTA ỌRỊA ỌKPỌNỤBỤRỤ N’ASỤSỤ EPUM NKE GBADORO ỤKWỤ N’INYOCHA ONYE ỌRỊA NTỌTỌ OKWU NA NNEWI
Isi nchọcha a bụ mmetụta ọrịa ọkpọnụbụrụ n’asụsụ epum, nke gbadoro ụkwụ n’inyocha ndị ọrịa ntọtọ okwu nọ na Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital. Ndị ọrịa ntọtọ okwu e jiri mee nchọcha a bụ ndị nọ n’ụlọ ọgwụ ahụ dị na Nnewi. Nchọcha a lebara anya n’ịchọpụta ọtụtụ ụdị nsogbu dị iche iche ndị nwere mmerụ n’akụkụ ụbụrụ a na-akpọ Broca na Wernicke na-enwe n’ịkpọpụta okwu Igbo n’olu Nnewi, iji gosipụta mmetụta nrụjọ ụbụrụ ha nwere n’asụsụ. Ọchọcha a chọpụtara ụdị ntọtọ okwu dị iche iche, kọwakwaa ụdị ntọtọ okwu e nwegasịrị, njirimara ha, na ụzọ dị iche iche e si amata onye nwere ọrịa ọkpọnụbụrụ. E lebakwara anya n’usoro ndokọ okwu na nghọta okwu dị n’okwu ndị ọrịa ntọtọ okwu, tinyere ụzọ dị iche iche e nwere ike isi nyere ha aka. Ọchọcha a gbara ndị ọrịa ntọtọ okwu anọ ajụjụ ọnụ — mmadụ abụọ nwere nsogbu Broca na mmadụ abụọ nwere nsogbu Wernicke — ma nyochaa azịza ha n’usoro ndokọ okwu na nghọta okwu. Ọchọcha a gbasoro usoro nkọwasị mee nchọcha ya. Nchọpụta ọchọcha gosiri na ọrịa metụtara akụkụ ụbụrụ Broca ma ọ bụ Wernicke na-eme ka onye ọrịa ghara ịkparịta ụka nke ọma. A chọpụtara na akụkụ Broca na-ahụ maka usoro ndokọ okwu, ebe akụkụ Wernicke na-ahụ maka nghọta okwu. Ọchọcha a gara n’ihu ịkọwapụta ụdị ọkpọnụbụrụ ndị ọzọ e nwegasịrị ma tụpụta atụmatụ ga enyere ndị ọrịa ntọtọ okwu aka, ọkachasị n’ihe gbasara ịsụ asụsụ epum.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital
INDIGENOUS TEXTILE PRODUCTION: A STUDY OF WEAVING TRADITIONS IN ISEYIN
The purpose of the study was to examine weaving and textile design in Iseyin. Specifically, the study sought to examine modern trends in weaving as well as strategies for improving weaving in Iseyin. A descriptive ethnographic research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised three weaving locations, with a minimum of nine centres, each centre having between 10 and 15 apprentices and masters. The sample size for the study comprised 36 weavers selected through an accidental sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The data collected were analysed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that the use of synthetic yarns, which are more colourfast; the merging of traditional Aso-Oke with other textile materials such as Ankara and lace; the cultivation and use of traditional cotton; and the use of Aso-Oke to create various products such as bags, shoes, and furniture, among others, are modern trends in weaving in Iseyin. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the National Directorate of Employment should prioritize the art of weaving by ensuring that the skills of weavers are fine-tuned through exposure to seminars and workshops. This is with a view to ensuring employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths through weaving.
Indigenous, Textile, Weaving, Traditions, Iseyin
Azuka Abigail Nzoiwu-Ogbogu PhD; Johnson Ezenwa Arua PhD; Omotoso Emmanuel, Adekola
ARMS PROLIFERATION AND THE SPREAD OF SMALL ARMS AND LIGHT WEAPONS (SALWS) IN WEST AFRICA: A FRUSTRATION–AGGRESSION THEORY ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL INSECURITY DYNAMICS
The proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) has emerged as a major driver of persistent insecurity across West Africa, where insurgency, terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts continue to threaten regional stability. Despite numerous security interventions, the widespread availability of illicit weapons has intensified violence and undermined state authority, raising critical concerns about the underlying causes of this insecurity. This study therefore examines the relationship between SALWs proliferation and insecurity in West Africa, with the primary objective of explaining how structural conditions contribute to the escalation of armed violence. Adopting a qualitative research methodology, the study relies on secondary sources, including academic literature, policy reports, and institutional publications. The analysis is anchored on Frustration–Aggression Theory, which provides a framework for understanding how socio-economic and political frustrations arising from poverty, unemployment, inequality, weak governance, and marginalization translate into aggressive and violent behavior when access to weapons is readily available. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to bridging the gap between structural causes of violence and the instrumental role of SALWs in facilitating conflict. Findings reveal that the proliferation of SALWs not only sustains existing conflicts but also lowers the threshold for violence, making it easier for frustrated individuals and groups, particularly youths, to engage in armed aggression. The study concludes that insecurity in West Africa cannot be effectively addressed without simultaneously tackling both the structural roots of frustration and the unchecked spread of weapons. It therefore recommends improved governance, strengthened arms control mechanisms, and enhanced regional cooperation as essential strategies for achieving lasting peace and security.
proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons
REFLECTION OF WAR CASUALTIES AND ITS AFTERMATH IN SEFI ATTA’S EVERYTHING GOOD WILL COME
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.
Trauma, Postcolonial, Suffering, War, Scars, Nigeria
RE-EXAMINATION OF THE QUESTION OF BEING, HIERARCHY OF FORCES IN BANTU ONTOLOGY
The scholarly work of Placide Tempels on Bantu ontology has sparked enduring debate, particularly among African philosophers. The arguments and counterarguments center on questions of interpretation, Being, and the hierarchy of forces. This study undertakes a re-examination of the concept of Being within Bantu ontology, with particular focus on the hierarchical ordering of forces. It draws on the philosophical framework of Placide Tempels and challenges static interpretations of Bantu thought by foregrounding the dynamic, relational, and force-based characterization of Being. This study critically analyzes the hierarchical ordering of these forces, which proceeds from God (the Supreme Being), through ancestral spirits and living humans, to animals, plants, and inanimate objects, with each level possessing a distinct degree of vital influence. Revisiting this hierarchy reveals tensions between its descriptive cultural roots and its prescriptive use in justifying traditional authority or social stratification. It is the contention of this paper that the hierarchical structure is neither rigid nor purely ontological; rather, it is interwoven with relational ethics, ritual efficacy, and communal well-being. Furthermore, by interpreting Being as force, this re-examination challenges lingering colonial interpretations that depict Bantu ontology as primitive or irrational. In essence, this study proposes that the hierarchy of forces is best understood as an open, participatory field of becoming—where the task of human existence is not merely to contemplate static Being, but to intensify, channel, and preserve life-force through proper relational conduct.
Re-examination, Being, Hierarchy, forces, ontology
FAMILILYHOOD IN PLATO’S FEMINISM AND THE POLITICS OF FEMALE GENDER IDENTITY
The question of gender equality has been a perennial concern. Human beings possess different natural capacities in accordance with their dual nature as homo socius and homo politicus. While some argue that these differences imply inequality, others advocate equality, and still others advance an extreme egalitarian position that assumes all individuals are identical and should receive equal life chances. Using the philosophical methods of exposition and analysis, this study explores the contributions of Plato as a pioneer among those who argue for the abolition of the nuclear family as a means of enabling women to function equally with men in society. It also examines the perspectives of Hannah Arendt and Susan Moller Okin, among others, on the question of gender equality. The paper further argues that Plato’s proposal to abolish the nuclear family does not entail the complete elimination of family life, as is often assumed. Rather, it represents a transformation of the private family into a unified collective structure embodied in the state. Supporting this view, the paper draws on the argument of Véronique Mottier, who maintains that the nuclear family cannot be entirely abolished without undermining the very purpose for which it would be replaced, such as a state-run system akin to a well-regulated orphanage. While this study acknowledges that total egalitarianism is largely utopian, it concludes that a more viable approach to addressing gender inequality lies in emphasizing shared human attributes while also encouraging the development of the unique capacities of both men and women.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF HERDERS-FARMERS CONFLICT IN ANAMBRA STATE: A STUDY OF SELECTED COMMUNITIES IN AWKA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA
This study investigated the socio-economic impacts of herders–farmers conflict in Anambra State, with a focus on selected communities in Awka North LGA. The study objectives examined the prevailing nature of the herders–farmers conflict, its causes, consequences, and possible solutions for mitigating it. Four theories were reviewed, namely: Conflict Theory, Structural Functionalism Theory, Symbolic Interactionism Theory, and Social Disorganisation Theory. Conflict Theory and Structural Functionalism Theory were adopted as the theoretical framework. The study adopted a mixed methods research design for data collection and analysis. A sample size of 204 respondents was used. The quantitative data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and presented using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, simple percentages, and charts. The qualitative data were analyzed thematically using NVivo software (Version 2.0). Two hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square (χ²) test statistic. The results indicate, among others, that the major causes of herders–farmers conflict include land encroachment, destruction of crops by cattle, killing of cattle, reprisal attacks, inadequate grazing reserves, and blockage of grazing routes. Also, the major consequences of herders–farmers conflict include destruction of farmlands, loss of lives and property, displacement of local farmers, food insecurity, and discouragement of investors. The study recommends proactive measures such as awareness creation on the need for peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers in Awka North LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Conflict, Farmers, Food production, Herders, Pastoralists
Umeadi, Mary Ukamaka; Okeke, Obinna Chukwudalu (PhD)
INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY STRATEGIES AS CORRELATES OF STUDENTS’ LEARNING OUTCOME IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OTUOCHA EDUCATION ZONE OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
Students’ learning outcomes are germane to the transformation of individuals and serve as a major tool for national development. This study examined instructional delivery strategies as correlates of students’ learning outcomes in public secondary schools in Anambra State. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a correlational research design. The population comprised 934 SSII students in 274 public secondary schools across the six education zones of Anambra State. A sample of 457 respondents was drawn using the simple random sampling technique. The instruments for data collection were researcher-structured questionnaires titled “Instructional Delivery Strategy Questionnaire (IDSQ)” and “Mathematics Achievement Test Questions (MATQ).” The face validity of the instruments was established by three experts: one in Measurement and Evaluation and two in Educational Management, all from the Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus. Construct validity was determined using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method. The reliability of the instruments was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, yielding an average coefficient of 0.81, which was considered adequate for the study. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) was used to answer the research questions, while tests of significance of correlation were used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a high positive and significant relationship between direct-instruction strategy and students’ learning outcomes. There was a moderate positive and significant relationship between project-based instructional delivery strategy and students’ learning outcomes. However, the relationship between personalized instructional delivery strategy and students’ learning outcomes was low, positive, and not statistically significant. Based on the findings, it was recommended that principals should encourage teachers to make greater use of direct-instruction and project-based instructional delivery strategies. This study contributes to knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the relationship between instructional delivery strategies and students’ learning outcomes in public secondary schools in Anambra State.
Instructional Delivery, Students, learning
OBI, ZITA C. (Ph.D); OHAMOBI, IFUNANYA N. (Ph.D); ONU, IFEANYICHUKWU DENNIS (Ph.D); ONYEKAZI, PEARL IFEOMA (Ph.D)
CORPORATE DIVERSIFICATION AND PERFORMANCE OF LISTED INSURANCE FIRMS IN NIGERIA
The study examined the effect of corporate diversification on the financial performance of listed insurance firms in Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the effects of geographical diversification, business subsidiary diversification, and product diversification on return on assets. An ex-post facto research design was employed. The population consisted of fifteen listed insurance firms on the Nigerian Exchange Group, while nine firms were purposively selected based on data availability. Secondary data covering the period 2015–2024 were sourced from the annual reports of the selected firms. The hypotheses were tested using panel regression analysis with the Estimated Generalized Least Squares (EGLS) technique. The findings showed that geographical diversification has a positive and significant effect on return on assets (β = 0.027318, p = 0.0000); business subsidiary diversification has a positive and significant effect on return on assets (β = 0.028473, p = 0.0000); and product diversification has a positive and significant effect on return on assets (β = 0.002402, p = 0.0136).In conclusion, firms operating in the insurance industry are able to leverage the advantages of spreading their operations across different fronts, thereby reducing risk concentration and enhancing income stability. The study recommended that the management teams of listed insurance firms in Nigeria should strategically extend their operations into underserved and emerging regions across the country. By building a stronger presence in diverse geographical locations, firms can tap into new customer bases, reduce overdependence on highly competitive urban markets, and improve stability in revenue generation, thereby strengthening their overall financial performance.
Corporate Diversification, Financial Performance, Geographical Diversification, Business Subsidiary Diversification, Product Diversification
Eze, Maria Nwankwoeke PhD; Okoye, Ezinne Chimaram