African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences

RISK FACTORS AND MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN LAGOS STATE

2026-02-19T08:42:35+00:00

The high rate of alcohol consumption among undergraduates in Lagos State has
become a serious concern, demanding urgent attention to safeguard undergraduates’ health and
well-being. The study, therefore, examined the risk factors and mental health challenges associated
with alcohol consumption among undergraduates in Lagos State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey
design was employed in this study. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 403
respondents from three universities in Lagos State. A research instrument, titled "Risk Factors and
Mental Health Challenges of Alcohol Consumption Questionnaire (RFMHCACQ)" was used to
collect data from the respondents. The content validity of the instrument was established by five
experts from the Department of Social Work at the University of Ibadan, and the reliability was
established using test re-test reliability method, which yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.88. The
data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics at the 0.05 level of
significance. The findings revealed that academic pressure, emotional stress, and negative peer
influence were among the major risk factors contributing to alcohol consumption. Findings further
revealed that alcohol consumption has severe mental health consequences, such as cognitive
impairment, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and social withdrawal. The findings showed no
significant gender differences in either the risk factors for alcohol consumption or the associated
mental health challenges. This concluded that both male and female undergraduates are equally
vulnerable and require similar prevention and counselling interventions in school. It was therefore
recommended that school counsellors should support undergraduates in managing academic
pressure and emotional stress through regular exercise, time management workshops, and peer
support groups to promote better mental health and reduce reliance on alcohol. Undergraduates
should be encouraged by university counsellors and health practitioners to seek psychological
interventions from counselling centres when experiencing mental health challenges related to
alcohol consumption.

RAPE PREVENTION IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN SOCIETY: THE ROLE OF GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

2026-02-19T21:34:23+00:00

Rape is a criminal act of sexual misconduct that violates the dignity of victims and
threatens their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Despite its prevalence in Nigeria,
many cases remain unreported due to stigmatisation, victim-blaming, fear of retaliation, and threats
from perpetrators. Existing research has largely focused on the prevalence, causes, signs and
symptoms, and consequences of rape, with limited attention given to preventive interventions and
the professional roles of guidance counsellors. This qualitative study addresses this gap by
reviewing secondary sources, including textbooks, journal articles, newspapers, and online
materials, analysed through content analysis and anchored on psychoanalytic theory. The study
examines the meaning and types of rape, contributing factors, signs and symptoms, prevalence, and
the challenges guidance counsellors encounter in implementing rape prevention programmes. The
findings highlight that factors such as patriarchal cultural norms, gender inequality, lack of sexual
education, exposure to violence, peer influence, mental health challenges, and social myths about
indecent dressing contribute to rape. The paper recommends that guidance counsellors should
intensify public awareness about rape through campaigns, workshops, and seminars. Guidance
counsellors should also provide counselling services to victims and individuals at risk to help them
cope with trauma and pursue justice. In addition, guidance counsellors should collaborate with
parents, policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to strengthen institutional
support and preventive mechanisms. By emphasising the preventive and rehabilitative roles of
guidance counsellors, this study contributes to strategies for reducing rape and supporting victims
in Nigerian society.

DOES THE PARALLEL EXCHANGE RATE MATTER FOR NON-OIL EXPORTS? EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA’S DUAL EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM

2026-02-19T21:42:10+00:00

This study examined the impact of the parallel market exchange rate on Nigeria's
non-oil export performance using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) framework and
monthly data from 2008 to 2024. The ARDL bounds test confirmed a stable long-run relationship
among the variables. Empirical findings indicated that the parallel exchange rate exerted a
significant negative influence on non-oil exports, reflecting the adverse effects of currency
misalignment and market fragmentation. In contrast, the official exchange rate had a positive and
marginally significant effect, suggesting that moderate depreciation enhances export
competitiveness. The study concludes that exchange-rate stability, particularly convergence
between official and parallel markets, is critical for sustainable export growth. The study concludes
that sustainable growth in Nigeria’s non-oil exports depends less on exchange-rate depreciation
itself and more on achieving stability and convergence between the official and parallel foreign
exchange markets through coordinated monetary and exchange-rate policies.

WHO CARES FOR PERSONS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA? SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIMARY CAREGIVERS IN A NIGERIAN TERTIARY HOSPITAL

2026-02-19T21:56:17+00:00

Caregivers play a critical role in the long-term management of patients with
schizophrenia, yet the sociocultural and demographic determinants shaping their experiences
remain underexplored in many low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the pattern of
sociodemographic characteristics of primary caregivers of outpatients with schizophrenia in a
Nigerian tertiary hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, and 244 eligible
primary caregivers were recruited (October 2022 to January 2023). Data were collected using a
structured questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics and caregiving commitments,
while the Psychotic Module of MINI-Plus (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) was
used to re-validate schizophrenia diagnosis in care recipients. Caregivers were aged 20–63 years
with a mean of 44.7 ± 12.0 years. Almost two-thirds (65.2%) were at least 40 years old, about half
(46.7%) had a tertiary level of education, and the majority (89.3%) were occupationally engaged.
A total of 15.6% had provided care for more than 60 months, and over a quarter (26.2%) committed
36 hours or more per week in the caregiving role. While 41.0% provided care for persons with
whom the kinship duration was over 30 years, 61.1% were either parents or siblings. Nearly three-
fifths (59.8%) financed patients' care by themselves, and a quarter (25.0%) reported receiving no
support in the caregiving role. The pattern of caregiver sociodemographic characteristics observed
in this study suggests that schizophrenia care in Nigeria is sustained largely by middle-aged,
economically active family members who assume long-term, high-intensity caregiving roles with
limited support. These findings underscore the necessity for mental health policies that extend
beyond patient-focused care to incorporate structured, caregiver-centred interventions aimed at
financial protection, psychosocial support, and work-compatible service delivery.

THE IMPACT OF EXCHANGE RATES ON FINAL CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS IN NIGERIA: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS

2026-02-19T22:03:07+00:00

The primary motive of this paper was to investigate the impact of exchange rates on
the final consumption expenditure of households in Nigeria from 1981 to 2023. Annual time series
data were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and the World Development
Indicators. Household Consumption Expenditure (HCER) was used as the dependent variable.
Exchange Rate (EXR), Trade Openness (TOP), Inflation (INF) and Interest Rate (INR) were
captured as explanatory variables of the study. The paper employed Autoregressive Distributed
Lag (ARDL) and other estimation techniques. Other tests demonstrated in this paper included the
unit root test, descriptive statistics, lag length, the F-Bound Test, and the diagnostic Test, and
collectively established the validity and reliability of the model used. All the variables were
integrated of the same order 1(1) except for Household Consumption Expenditure and Inflation,
which were integrated of order 1(0). The paper was anchored on the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)
theory. The results revealed that exchange rate, inflation, trade openness, and interest rate had
significant negative impacts on household consumption expenditure in the long run, with only
exchange rate and inflation significant in the short run. The study concluded that macroeconomic
stability is crucial for sustaining household welfare and recommends that policymakers pursue
exchange rate stabilization, inflation control, trade policy reforms, and interest rate adjustments to
support household consumption expenditure.

TERRORISM AND THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF RESOURCE CONTROL IN NORTHERN AND MIDDLE BELT NIGERIA

2026-02-20T10:59:38+00:00

This study examines terrorism and the political economy of resource control in
Northern and Middle Belt Nigeria, focusing on its underlying economic, political, and security
dimensions. This study advances debates on terrorism in Nigeria by demonstrating how violent
groups in the Northern and Middle Belt deliberately exploit resource control dynamics—linking
land, extractive resources, and governance failures—to sustain conflict, thereby integrating political
economy perspectives with security analysis in a context-specific framework. Anchored on the
Resource Curse Theory, the research adopts a qualitative research design, drawing evidence from
scholarly literature, security reports, and field-based empirical studies. The findings reveal that
terrorism in these regions has evolved from ideologically driven violence into a strategic
mechanism for the economic capture of natural and land-based resources, including gold deposits,
farmlands, and grazing corridors. Weak governance structures, corruption, unemployment, and
socio-political exclusion have fostered conditions where non-state armed groups exploit natural
resources to finance insurgency and sustain territorial control. The study further establishes that
existing state and regional counter-terrorism frameworks, notably military operations and cross-
border security collaborations, have achieved only limited success because they neglect the
economic and governance roots of terrorism. The research concludes that Nigeria’s resource-
endowed regions illustrate the dynamics of the resource curse, where resource wealth,
mismanagement, and institutional weakness intersect to produce cycles of violent conflict. It
recommends a paradigm shift from militarized counter-terrorism to integrated governance and
development approaches, emphasizing transparency in resource management, community
participation, and inclusive peace building as pathways to sustainable security and stability.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY IN NIGERIA: A SOCIO-TECHNICAL ANALYSIS OF OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

2026-02-20T18:57:15+00:00

This study critically examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in Nigeria's
security architecture through a socio-technical lens, analysing the nexus between technological
opportunities, institutional constraints, and governance challenges. Rather than providing a broad
overview, this research demonstrates that effective AI adoption requires integrating technological
systems with strong institutions, ethical frameworks, and human capacity development, rather than
relying on technology deployment alone. Using secondary data sources, including peer-reviewed
journals (2021–2026), policy documents, government publications, and international reports, the
study employs qualitative content analysis to examine Nigeria's current AI-security landscape.
Findings reveal that while AI tools such as facial recognition, predictive policing, and cyber defence
systems offer significant potential, Nigeria's adoption remains constrained by poor digital
infrastructure, inadequate policy frameworks, and weak institutional capacity. The study concludes
that successful AI integration requires a holistic approach that combines technological investment
with governance reforms, capacity building, and ethical safeguards. The research contributes to
existing scholarship by moving beyond techno-optimism to examine how failures of socio-technical
systems explain Nigeria's lagging AI adoption in security despite the urgent need.

BRIDGING GENDER GAPS THROUGH ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: EVIDENCE FROM RURAL NIGERIA

2026-02-20T19:04:07+00:00

Women’s economic empowerment is a key development priority in rural Nigeria,
driven by persistent household poverty and gender inequalities that restrict women’s access to
resources and economic opportunities. Although women significantly contribute to agriculture and
the informal economy, structural and cultural barriers limit their ability to reduce poverty. This
study examined how women in agriculture initiatives, women’s vocational training programmes,
and women’s cooperatives contribute to household poverty reduction in rural Nigeria. The analysis
is grounded in human capital theory, which emphasizes that investment in education and skills
increases individual productivity and yields sustained economic benefits for households and
society. A non-empirical qualitative design was adopted, relying on systematic review and thematic
synthesis of peer reviewed journal articles, books, and policy reports on women’s economic
empowerment and rural poverty in Nigeria. The study finds that women in agriculture initiatives
improve household income and food security through increased productivity and market access.
Vocational training enhances income diversification and financial autonomy, particularly when
combined with credit and post training support. Women’s cooperatives reduce poverty by
improving access to finance, strengthening social capital, and enhancing women’s decision making
power. Sustainability is limited by insufficient funding, weak institutional support, and entrenched
patriarchal norms. Women’s economic empowerment constitutes a viable and evidence-based
pathway to household poverty reduction in rural Nigeria, provided it is supported by enabling
institutional and socio-economic conditions. Policies should integrate gender responsive
agricultural reform, market oriented vocational training, cooperative strengthening, and legal
protection of women’s economic rights to ensure sustainable poverty reduction.

FOOD INSECURITY AMONG VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS: IMPLICATIONS ON POVERTY PERPETUATION IN IMO STATE

2026-02-20T19:19:13+00:00

This study examined food insecurity among vulnerable households in Imo State,
Nigeria, with particular attention to income disparities, asset ownership, and household expenditure
patterns. Using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), the study assessed the
severity of food insecurity and explored how economic constraints shape household coping
strategies. A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 484 respondents drawn from
vulnerable communities across eight Local Government Areas in Imo State. The study population
comprised low-income households, female-headed households, widows, elderly persons living
alone, and residents of rural and peri-urban areas. Data were collected through a structured
questionnaire and analysed using both descriptive and multivariate techniques. Findings indicate
that food insecurity is widespread and severe among vulnerable households, with a substantial
proportion experiencing chronic food shortages. Food insecurity was strongly associated with low
income levels and was found to undermine household asset ownership and distort expenditure
priorities. Many households adopted adverse coping strategies, including skipping meals, reducing
meal portions, and selling productive assets, actions that further entrenched their vulnerability and
weakened long-term economic resilience. The study concludes that food insecurity in Imo State is
not merely a short-term welfare issue but a structural challenge closely linked to poverty and
livelihood instability. Addressing this challenge requires integrated policy responses that go beyond
food aid. The study recommends targeted income-support programmes, household-level food
subsidy initiatives, and community-based agricultural interventions to strengthen livelihoods,
protect household assets, and enhance sustainable food access among vulnerable populations.

EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING: PREPAREDNESS, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS OF EBBC TELEVISION

2026-02-20T19:36:14+00:00

This study examined the preparedness, challenges, benefits, and prospects of
educational broadcasting in Nigeria within the context of 21st-century technological and
socio-economic realities, using the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC) as a case study.
Anchored on the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods
approach involving a survey of 385 respondents and interviews with key personnel across EBBC
departments. The central argument advanced in this study is that although EBBC recognizes the
importance of educational broadcasting, its current level of preparedness reflected in its
infrastructure, manpower, funding, and digital adaptation, is insufficient to deliver effective,
accessible, and competitive educational programming. Findings revealed persistent structural and
operational challenges, including inadequate manpower, insufficient funding, limited public
awareness, and technological constraints that undermine the effectiveness and reach of educational
broadcasting. While respondents acknowledged the relevance and potential value of EBBC’s
educational programs, issues of accessibility, audience penetration, and content effectiveness
remain significant. The study contributes to scholarship by providing one of the most
comprehensive empirical assessments of a state-owned broadcaster’s readiness for educational
broadcasting in Nigeria, applying DOI theory to explain adoption barriers, and proposing actionable
pathways for digital transformation, policy alignment, and capacity development. It recommends
increased investment in digital infrastructure, enhanced collaboration with educational institutions,
improved content development strategies, and targeted digital literacy initiatives. Strengthening
these areas will enhance the reach, quality, and impact of educational broadcasting in Nigeria,
thereby contributing to national educational development.

BELIEFS, BARRIERS, AND CYCLICAL PATTERN OF CARE: EXPLAINING TREATMENT PATHWAYS OF VESICOVAGINAL FISTULA PATIENTS IN EBONYI AND PLATEAU STATES, NIGERIA

2026-02-20T19:44:58+00:00

Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), which is an abnormal opening between the bladder
and the vagina that results in uncontrollable leakage of urine, remains a major public health concern
among women in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, VVF is perceived to be caused by multiple
factors, including obstetric complications, spiritual forces and bad omen. These perceptions
strongly influence the treatment options women pursue, resulting in diverse treatment pathways.
The study adopted the Health Belief Model as its theoretical framework and employed a
comparative qualitative design. Data were generated through in-depth interviews and key Informant
Interviews involving forty (40) VVF patients (20 per state) and eight (8) healthcare professionals
(4 per state) in Ebonyi and Plateau States. The data were analysed using thematic content-analysis.
Findings revealed multiple treatment pathways involving repeated movements between home
remedies, traditional healers, faith-based centres, primary health care facilities, hospitals and
specialized VVF centres. Key factors influencing treatment pathways included perceived causes of
VVF, financial constraints, place of delivery and distance to health facilities. Cues to action
included a doctor’s referral, media publicity and significant others. Although some contextual
differences were observed between the two states, treatment pathways were largely similar. The
findings contribute to understanding sociocultural determinants of delayed VVF treatment and
inform future sensitization efforts on the causes and appropriate treatment of VVF to reduce delays
and improve health outcomes.

REMUNERATION PRACTICES AND WORK ENGAGEMENT AMONG INEC ADHOC STAFF IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR ELECTORAL INTEGRITY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

2026-02-20T19:52:11+00:00

This study evaluates the impact of remuneration practices on the work engagement
of adhoc staff employed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the
2019 and 2023 General Elections in Nigeria. Recognizing the pivotal role these workers play in the
electoral process, from voter registration to vote counting, the research highlights how
compensation influences their work engagement. The study employs a descriptive case study design
to analyze remuneration challenges, including lack of transparency and timely payment, and their
effects on work engagement. Results reveal a significant correlation between fair remuneration
practices and staff engagement, suggesting that improvements in these areas could enhance
electoral outcomes and contribute to national development. Recommendations are offered for
establishing transparent payment mechanisms, fair compensation structures, and effective
communication channels to bolster staff engagement and ensure the credibility of Nigeria's electoral
processes. Overall, the research underscores the essential link between adequate worker
compensation, electoral integrity, and broader national growth.

FROM COMPLIANCE TO PREVENTION: FIRE SAFETY PREPAREDNESS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

2026-02-20T19:57:31+00:00

Fire safety in tertiary institutions is a critical governance and public safety concern
due to high population density, complex infrastructure, and recurring fire incidents that threaten
lives and academic assets. This study examined fire safety measures, emergency response
preparedness, and the role of technology in fire prevention strategies in tertiary institutions in
Nasarawa State, Nigeria, using risk management theory as an analytical framework. Drawing on
survey data from students and staff, the findings revealed that fire safety preparedness is uneven
and largely inadequate. Although basic fire safety units and limited training initiatives exist, critical
preventive infrastructure such as functional fire alarms, smoke detectors, emergency exits, and
maintenance systems remains insufficient. Emergency response preparedness is further constrained
by weak coordination, limited training coverage, poor inclusivity for persons with disabilities, and
minimal collaboration with external fire services. While technology integration is low, empirical
evidence shows that technology-driven measures significantly enhance fire prevention
effectiveness. The study concludes that fire incidents are foreseeable and manageable risks
requiring integrated, enforceable, and technology-enabled prevention strategies. It recommended
mandatory installation and maintenance of essential fire safety infrastructure, regular training and
drills, strengthened regulatory enforcement, collaboration with fire services, and phased adoption
of smart fire detection, alert, and monitoring technologies supported by sustained funding and
institutional commitment.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS SHAPING BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT AMONG WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS IN ABIA STATE, NIGERIA

2026-02-20T20:04:51+00:00

This study examined the socio-economic factors shaping business establishment
among women entrepreneurs in selected communities in Abia State, Nigeria. Guided by three
objectives, the study assessed the effects of access to finance, education, and social support on
entrepreneurial success. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected
from 349 women entrepreneurs across selected local government areas of Abia State using a
structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while Multivariate
Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was employed to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of
significance. The findings revealed that access to finance, education, and social support each had a
statistically significant influence on the success of women entrepreneurs. Women with better
financial access, higher educational attainment, and stronger family and community support
demonstrated improved business establishment and sustainability outcomes. The study concluded
that socio-economic factors play a critical role in shaping women’s entrepreneurial success in Abia
State. It was recommended that policymakers and financial institutions implement flexible
financing options, expand skill development initiatives, and strengthen community-based support
systems to enhance women’s entrepreneurship. This study contributes to existing research on
women entrepreneurship in Nigeria by providing empirical evidence from subnational
communities, highlighting context-specific drivers of women-led business success.

SPIRITUALISING THE SECULAR: RELIGION AND ACCOUNTABILITY EVASION IN NIGERIA

2026-02-20T20:15:39+00:00

In Nigeria, political elites increasingly employ a mechanism termed “spiritualising the
secular” to evade accountability. By framing governance failures—such as corruption, economic instability,
and insecurity—as spiritual issues or divine will, state actors successfully shift responsibility away from
institutional mismanagement. Utilizing Postcolonialism and Strategic Rhetoric/Framing theories, this study
analyzes political discourse, public statements, and policy justifications. It examines the correlation between
religious rhetoric and major governance crises through historical analysis and specific case studies. The
research identifies specific mechanisms of evasion, including divine punishment framing and state-
sponsored religious rituals. This instrumentalization of faith serves to pacify public discontent and
delegitimize dissent. The findings reveal a destructive cycle where spiritualisation erodes institutional trust,
deepens ethno-religious polarization, and entrenches political impunity. To restore democratic
accountability, the article proposes a multi-pronged approach: enhancing civic education to foster critical
thinking, facilitating interfaith dialogue for inclusive governance, and implementing legal reforms to protect
secular boundaries. Addressing this metaphysical reframing of state failure is essential for advancing
transparent, performance-based governance and ensuring long-term socio-political stability in Nigeria.

THE CIVIL SERVICE, VALUE RE-ORIENTEATION AND SUSTENANCE OF DEMOCRACY: THE PROBLEM AND PROSPECTS OF THE POST-INDEPENDENCE NIGERIA CIVIL SERVICE

2026-02-20T20:22:13+00:00

With the Civil Service values visibly eroded and, as a result, declining productivity,
institutional corruption and other vices became evident in the Nigerian Civil Service. This paper sought
to inquire into the problems and prospects of the Nigerian Civil Service. To carry out this investigation,
the researcher depended on secondary sources and civil service experience to assess the various reforms
in the Civil Service, review the recruitment processes in the Nigerian Civil Service, the implications of
the Federal character principle on productivity, and the retention strategies, with particular interest on
the minimum/living wage. It was found out that although the Federal character principle was meant to
be “an effective nation-building strategy for managing the combustible diversity in Nigeria”, this
principle has badly eroded the professional and competency capacity of the public service. Similarly,
the new minimum wage of N70,000 per month was perceived as substantial income, low value,
laughable, and meaningless. It was therefore recommended that there be independent, nonpolitical
control over recruitment and conditions of employment, recruitment by merit, and payment of a living
wage.

MICROFINANCE AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM LOKOJA, KOGI STATE

2026-02-20T20:25:14+00:00

This study investigates the impact of microfinance on poverty reduction in Lokoja,
Kogi State, Nigeria, focusing on how microfinance services influence income generation and job
creation among beneficiaries. Data were collected from 370 microfinance clients using structured
questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The
results indicate that microfinance services significantly enhance poverty reduction primarily
through income generation, while job creation was not statistically significant. The findings
highlight that access to loans, savings, and financial training improves beneficiaries’ financial
autonomy and household welfare. Challenges such as high interest rates, rigid repayment terms,
and limited financial literacy constrain the effectiveness of microfinance. Based on these results,
the study recommends strengthening financial literacy programs and improving loan accessibility
to maximize the poverty-alleviation potential of microfinance services.

AfCFTA AND NIGERIA'S DEVELOPMENT: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES IN WEST AFRICA BORDERLANDS

2026-02-20T20:30:52+00:00

This paper interrogates the developmental implications of the African Continental
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for Nigeria, with particular attention to the often-overlooked West
African borderlands. As the continent’s most populous country and an important regional actor,
Nigeria occupies a central role in shaping AfCFTA’s outcomes. The agreement, while widely
framed as a pan-African milestone for economic transformation, presents a complex terrain of
opportunity and constraint for Nigeria. On one hand, it holds the promise of expanded intra-African
trade, export diversification, industrial revitalization, and enhanced regional cooperation. Nigeria’s
strategic sectors, including agro-processing, textiles, and digital services, could benefit from access
to broader markets, increased investment, and job creation. On the other hand, this paper contends
that realising these benefits remains conditional upon addressing a range of domestic and sub-
regional challenges. These include infrastructural deficits, border insecurity, institutional
incoherence, weak productive capacity, and entrenched corruption. The analysis foregrounds the
paradoxes of trade liberalisation in Nigeria’s fragile frontier regions, where informal economies,
porous borders, and overlapping regulatory regimes persist. By situating borderlands as both spaces
of vulnerability and sites of economic potential, the paper highlights how exclusionary governance
practices, particularly the marginalisation of women-led enterprises and small-scale traders,
threaten inclusive participation in AfCFTA. Through a critical political economy lens, the study
argues for a development-oriented trade governance model that foregrounds institutional reform,
local capacity-building, and multi-level coordination. Special emphasis is placed on integrating
informal actors and SMEs into formal value chains, strengthening sub-national engagement, and
harmonising policy across borders. The paper contributes to ongoing debates on regional
integration, state capacity, and the reimagining of Africa’s border economies as engines of
transformative growth.

FROM SACRED RITE TO SECULAR CONTEST: KINGSHIP SUCCESSION AND LEGITIMACY CRISES IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

2026-02-20T20:35:12+00:00

This study examines the profound crisis confronting the institution of kingship in
Southwest Nigeria, where ancient sacred traditions increasingly clash with modern secular forces.
It investigates the historical and contemporary dynamics of kingship selection and appointment,
arguing that escalating conflicts stem from a fundamental struggle over the source of legitimacy—
divine sanction versus political and legal authority. Employing a qualitative methodology based on
documentary analysis, the research traces the evolution of kingship from a spiritually ordained
office to one entangled in political patronage, litigation, and commercialization. The analysis
identifies three core areas of contradiction: the tension between hereditary succession and
meritocratic principles, the erosion of spiritual authority by secular governance, and the damaging
commodification of the throne. Findings reveal that these conflicts are symptomatic of a deeper
institutional legitimacy deficit. This deficit undermines social cohesion and impedes community
development. The paper concludes by advocating for a syncretic model that strategically integrates
sacred tradition with modern accountability. It proposes specific reforms to depoliticize
appointment processes, curb commercialization, and redefine leadership around a composite
legitimacy derived from spiritual validation, genealogical right, and demonstrated merit. This
approach aims to ensure the institution's relevance and stabilizing role in 21st-century governance.

HUMAN FERTILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA AND GHANA (1980 – 2023): AN ARDL COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

2026-02-20T20:43:36+00:00

This study examined the relationship between human fertility and economic growth
in Nigeria and Ghana, utilising annual time series data from 1980 to 2023. The study employed the
ARDL estimation technique and found that the impact of the total fertility rate (measured by number
of children per woman) on economic growth (measured by real gross domestic product growth rate)
differs between the two countries. In Nigeria, the total fertility rate has a negative but not
statistically significant effect on economic growth in the short run (-26.6782; P-value 0.1045), but
a positive and statistically significant impact in the long run (17.9225; P-value 0.0380). In contrast,
Ghana experiences a statistically significant negative effect on economic growth from its total
fertility rate in both the short (-8.4670; P-value 0.0005) and long run periods (-10.5597; P-value
0.0028). The study recommends that policymakers in Nigeria focus on long-term economic growth
by improving the quality of education and access, implementing family planning programs, and
promoting vocational training. In Ghana, policymakers should implement family planning
programs, integrate family planning education into school curricula, empower women, and allocate
resources for family planning programs and human capital development.

ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING IN 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM EBBC TELEVISION

2026-02-22T23:31:11+00:00

This study assessed educational broadcasting in Nigeria amidst the challenges of the
21st century, with a focus on EBBC TV educational programmes. The objectives were to ascertain
EBBC’s preparedness level for educational broadcasting; assess the level of awareness, efficacy
and reach of EBBC educational broadcasting; ascertain the implications of educational
broadcasting on the development of Ebonyi State; and investigate the quality of curriculum used in
EBBC programmes. This study adopted a survey design and was anchored on the Diffusion of
Innovation theory. A sample size of 400 was drawn using Taro Yamane's method, and data were
collected from 385 respondents to explore their perceptions and experiences with EBBC TV
educational content. Findings revealed that the level of preparedness of the EBBC for educational
broadcasting is rather low. Despite the acceptable relevance, the awareness and reach of EBBC’s
educational broadcasts are still low; there are positive implications for Ebonyi State if utilised; and,
invariably, EBBC has not been making use of the State’s educational curriculum in designing its
educational programmes. It was recommended that the station’s preparedness level for the
educational broadcasting should be heightened through funding, and provision of digital broadcast
equipment; enhanced accessibility through digital literacy programmes, improving content through
collaboration with educational institutions, and leveraging emerging technologies for better
dissemination; stakeholders in education and broadcasting should work in synergy to enhance the
effectiveness of educational broadcasting in Ebonyi; and there is need to collaborate with subject
experts to ensure quality and engaging educational contents that meet curriculum standards.

ABUSIVE SUPERVISION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIA: THE MODERATED MEDIATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT

2026-02-22T23:40:20+00:00

Abusive supervision has been associated with adverse psychological outcomes in
academic settings, yet research evidence among postgraduate students in Nigeria remains scarce.
This study examined the relationship between abusive supervision and psychological distress,
assessing psychological capital (PsyCap) as a mediator and perceived social support as a moderator.
Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 251 postgraduate students in public
universities in southwestern area of Nigeria. Reliable and validated measures were used to assess
abusive supervision, PsyCap, perceived social support, and psychological distress. Hypotheses
were tested using Hayes’ PROCESS macro analysis. Findings showed that abusive supervision was
positively associated with psychological distress. PsyCap mediated this relationship, such that
reduced psychological resources partially explained the effect of abusive supervision on distress.
Perceived social support moderated the indirect effect by mitigating the negative effects of abusive
supervision on PsyCap. This study extends conservation of resources theory by revealing how
internal psychological resources and external social support jointly counteract resource loss
associated with abusive supervision among postgraduate students in an academic setting. The
findings have implications for university policies, supervisor training, and student support systems
aimed at safeguarding postgraduate students’ psychological well-being.

INFLUENCE OF INTERNET ON GRADUATING STUDENT’S PROJECT REPORT WRITING: THE SOUTH-EAST PROJECT SUPERVISORS EXPERIENCE (2014-2024).

2026-02-22T23:43:15+00:00

This study on the influence of the internet on graduating students' project report
writing aimed to assess the emerging trend of graduating students in Nigerian higher institutions
relying on internet content when writing their project reports. The study sampled student project
supervisors’ opinions in South East universities and polytechnics for a period of ten years (2014-
2024). The researchers employed a combined research approach: content analysis and surveys, with
questionnaires and interview instruments as the primary data collection instruments. Results
revealed that on average, over 60% of graduating students downloaded their project reports from
the internet, especially with the help of an artificial intelligence site. In conclusion, the study
submitted that the level of students’ dependence on the internet for their academic work is alarming.
It recommended sensitisation workshops and seminars for students to alert them to the risks of
mortgaging their natural intelligence to artificial intelligence, even though the internet is helpful.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND STAFF PERFORMANCE IN ABIA STATE BOARD OF INTERNAL REVENUE, UMUAHIA

2026-02-22T23:47:04+00:00

In recent times, there have been numerous challenges in manpower development in
Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Umuahia, which cut across inadequate training programmes,
insufficient funding, poor talent retention, outdated skills, and inadequate performance appraisal.
Therefore, this study examined human resource development and staff performance in the State
Board of Internal Revenue. It sets out to interrogate the impact of human resource development on
the staff performance, ascertaining if regular development leads to improved performance in their
operations, and examining how staff development programmes can enhance the skills and potential
in the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue. The researchers employed a survey design for the
study. Mixed method of primary and secondary data collection was used. An instrument titled
Human Resource Development and Staff Performance Survey Questionnaire (HRDSPSQ),
structured in a four-point Likert format, was administered for data collection. The hypotheses were
tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at a 0.05level of significance.
The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and means. The study is
anchored on Human Capital Theory. It was discovered that there were inefficient human resource
recruitment, selection, training, and remuneration strategies, which had negative effects on the staff
performance in the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Umuahia. It was recommended that the
government at all levels should have mechanisms for formulating and implementing an
employment edification policy to encourage human capital development and training programmes
to enhance the growth of a skilled workforce, as well as improve performance for organic
development in the organization.

SECURITY COUNCIL PARALYSIS AND THE LIMIT OF UNITED NATIONS CONFLICT MANAGEMENT: A REALIST ANALYSIS OF THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE CRISIS (2023-2025)

2026-02-22T23:52:36+00:00

This paper examines how the United Nations handled the Israel-Palestine conflict
between 2023 and 2025, focusing on the Security Council's inaction in the wake of the Hamas
attacks on October 7, 2023, and Israel's subsequent military action. Anchored on the Realist
International Relations theory, this study offers descriptive explanations of institutional weakness
and thus views the Security Council’s paralysis as a strategic result of great-power interest
alignment rather than a multilateralist procedural failure. The study illustrates how conflicting
geopolitical interests among permanent members systematically limited ceasefire initiatives,
humanitarian protection, and accountability mechanisms through qualitative analysis of Security
Council resolutions, veto patterns, official debates, and policy reports. To connect theory to current
practice, the paper empirically traces how realist power politics functioned within the Security
Council during a conflict. The study highlights the structural limitations of UN peace efforts in
highly polarised conflicts and challenges normative assumptions about collective security by
placing UN conflict management within an emerging multipolar context. It concludes that reforms
intended to improve UN effectiveness in conflict management are unlikely to produce significant
results unless veto-driven strategic behaviour is confronted.

COGNITIVE PROCESSING OF TRAUMA, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, AND HELP-SEEKING ATTITUDES AMONG NIGERIAN UNDERGRADUATES

2026-02-23T00:00:42+00:00

Traumatic experiences are increasingly recognized as significant determinants of
mental health outcomes. This study examined the impact of cognitive processing of trauma on
psychological distress and attitudes toward help-seeking behaviour among Nigerian
undergraduates. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted with 389 undergraduate
students (female = 227, male = 162) from the University of Lagos, selected via a convenience
sampling method. Participants completed validated instruments: the Cognitive Processing of
Trauma Scale (CPOTS), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Attitudes toward
Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale-Short Form (ATSPPHS-SF). Data were analyzed
using Pearson’s correlation, independent samples t-tests, and linear regression. Results indicated
that Maladaptive cognitive processing showed a statistically significant but weak positive
correlation with psychological distress (r = .141, p < .001). Additionally, adaptive processing
positively predicted help-seeking attitudes (β = .179, p < .001), accounting for 3.2% of the variance.
Students with positive help-seeking attitudes reported lower distress (M = 29.54, SD = 8.58) than
those with negative attitudes (M = 30.86, SD = 6.82; t (387) = -1.66, p = .049). These findings
demonstrated that maladaptive trauma processing exacerbates psychological distress, while
adaptive strategies foster openness to professional help and mitigate psychological distress. The
study recommends culturally tailored programs that target maladaptive cognitions to minimize
stigma and bridge treatment gaps.

WOMEN, COMMUNITY PEACEBUILDING, AND STRUCTURAL EXCLUSION IN NIGERIA: PROSPECTS AND PERSISTENT BARRIERS

2026-02-23T00:04:57+00:00

Over the decades, the role of women has not been overemphasised at home or in
society. Their various engagements in restoring social order after conflict, through resilience and
leadership in grassroots peace initiatives and peacebuilding, are remarkable. Nevertheless, their
efforts are often undermined by systemic barriers that limit their access to efficient governance and
peace-making mechanisms. Women are often excluded from major decision-making processes,
thereby relegating their roles in peacebuilding. Patriarchy has eaten deep into the Nigerian system,
which has majorly hindered the comprehensive participation of women in the peace process. This
study used data from public documents and the extant literature, including journal articles and
books, to highlight initiatives undertaken by women to advance peace in society. The study notes
that the patriarchal system, social and gender norms, are major challenges that hinder women's
participation in societal affairs. The paper submits that engaging key stakeholders and
implementing conventional instruments, such as Sustainable Development Goal 5, are necessary
for an inclusive decision-making process on peace-making, peace-thinking, and peacebuilding at
both the formal and informal levels of Nigeria's peace process.