African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences

AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES (AJSBS) - VOLUME 14, NUMBER 1 (APRIL, 2024)

2024-04-20T09:59:42+00:00

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INFLUENCE OF PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE AND EMOTION REGULATION ON WORK VIGOUR AMONG EMPLOYEES OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE

2024-04-20T10:02:00+00:00

Following the continuous need for innovation prompted by increasing competition in the banking industry, banking organizations are saddled with the challenge of building and developing work vigour among their employees. Consequently, organizational researchers and professionals in the sector have started dedicating attention and resources to understanding the antecedents of employees' work vigour. This study is therefore one of those research efforts targeted at understanding the antecedents of work vigour in the workplace by investigating Perceived Organizational Culture, Emotion Regulation and Work Vigour among employees of commercial banks in Makurdi, Benue State. Cross-sectional research approach was used and a total of 207 (147 males and 60 females) respondents were purposively selected for the study. Their ages ranged from 27-58 years with a mean age of 46.39 years. Fifty-seven
of the participants were senior staff members while one hundred and fifty were junior staff members. Organizational Culture Scale (OCS), Emotion Regulation Scale (ERS) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) were used to assess Perceived organizational culture, Emotion regulation and work vigour of participants respectively. Results showed a significant positive prediction of perceived organizational culture on work vigour [F (1,201) =20.228, P<.001]. The results of the study also indicated that emotional regulation significantly predicted work vigour [F (1,201) =17.441, P<.001]. There was also a significant joint prediction of perceived organizational culture and emotion regulation on work vigour, [R2= .108, F (4, 202) =5.15, P< .001]. The implications of these findings to the banking sector were that favourable organizational culture will provide employees with better emotion regulation and the opportunity to exert more efforts towards achieving organizational goal. It was recommended among other things that bank employees should be provided with an enabling organizational culture where they could effectively control their negative emotions as this will make them demonstrate their unique skills thereby fostering work vigour.

EXPLORING THE PREDICTIVE INTERPLAY BETWEEN CYBERLOAFING BEHAVIOUR, PROCRASTINATION AND MENTAL HEALTH OF NURSES IN OWERRI MUNICIPALITY

2024-04-20T10:10:04+00:00

The study explored the predictive interplay between cyberloafing behaviour, procrastination and mental health of nurses in Owerri municipality. In the cross-sectional study, the participants were drawn using the convenience sampling technique. The study recruited
250 nurses from private hospitals located in Owerri municipality. The participant’s ages ranges between 22- 58 years with a mean age of 30.83 years and a standard deviation of 9.06. Data was gathered using self-report inventories; Cyberloafing Behaviour Questionnaire (CBQ), General Procrastination Scale (GPS), and Nurse’s Workplace Mental Health Questionnaire (NWMHQ). Analysis of acquired data was done using descriptive statistics and Hierarchical Multiple Regression. The study found that cyberloafing behaviour and procrastination negatively predicted mental health of nurses in Owerri municipality, (β=-.65, t= -13.46,p< .01), (β = -.48, t=-8.18, p<.01), respectively. The implication of the study informs the development of target workplace interventions aimed at mitigating cyberloafing and procrastination and these strategies may include time management training, stress reduction programs, and
initiatives promoting a healthy work-life balance.

A REVIEW OF URBANIZATION IN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T10:16:07+00:00

The trend of urbanization differs from country to country but, in the case of Nigeria, rural-urban migration; influenced by the influx of migrants from rural areas seems to be a major cause of urbanization. This most likely, is a result of the rural-urban bias that seems
to have taken root in most parts of the country. Thus, this study explored the trend of urbanization in Nigeria and answered four research questions which were formulated in the course of the study. Literature on urbanization in Nigeria; patterns, causes, benefits and challenges and how best to cope with urbanization, were reviewed. The study anchored on the rational choice theory because it best explains the trend of urbanization in Nigeria. The study adopted a desktop research method because; this study relied on existing literature. Data were therefore derived through secondary sources and analysed using a thematic method of data analysis. Findings revealed that the current pattern of urbanization in Nigeria is focused on the depopulation of rural areas and the increase in urban population and not the creation of cities or the transformation of rural areas into urban areas. It was also revealed that this breeds
poverty, housing problems, pollution, overcrowding, heavy traffic congestion, improvement of urban planning laws, rules and guides, underdevelopment of rural areas, and loss of human and natural resources in rural areas. The study, therefore, recommends the creation of jobs especially, in the informal sector. It was also recommended that the government should ensure even development in urban and rural areas to curb rural-urban migration and perhaps, ensure equitable distribution of population in urban and rural areas.

ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND INCOME INEQUALITY IN THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY

2024-04-20T10:21:45+00:00

This study examines the economic system and income inequality in the Nigerian economy in selected years from 1985 to 2023. One of the essential features of an economic system is income distribution but oftentimes, this is not translated in the desired direction and
thus broadens inequality, threatens social and political instability in society. For instance, three Nigerians are wealthier than eighty-three million others. Thus, rising inequality in Nigeria can have a devastating effect on the effort to fight poverty. This study utilized descriptive analysis and employs secondary data to investigate the Gini coefficient and income share held by the lowest 10 percent and highest 10 percent in Nigeria. Findings show that there is tremendous income gap between incomes held by the lowest 10 percent and highest 10 percent while wealth inequality is on the increase in Nigeria with a Gini coefficient for wealth of 85.5 in the period
2000-2020. This study recommends that a comprehensive strategy within a consistent political framework would therefore seem to be called for. Additionally, there is need for subsidization of social investment such as education and health with adequate utilization of returns to achieve higher social benefits is necessary.

EXPORT DIVERSIFICATION AND MANUFACTURING SECTOR PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T11:58:58+00:00

The study examined the effect of export diversification on manufacturing sector performance in Nigeria for the period of 1981 to 2021. The specific objective was to investigate the relationship between Extensive Margin Export Diversification with Share of Manufacture
product on total exports in Nigeria; secondly to determine the relationship between Intensive Margin Export Diversification with Share of Manufacture product on total exports in Nigeria. the variables used are; Share of Manufacture product on total exports in Nigeria as the dependent variable, while Extensive Margin Export Diversification index, Intensive Margin Export Diversification index, with control variables like Gross Fixed Capital Formation and Labor participation rate, serves as the independent variable. The data was sourced from International Monetary Fund (IMF) export diversification and quality databases. However, due to the nature of the unit root test which comprises of ADF and PP test, of mixed order of integration, ARDL statistical techniques was applied in analysing the data. From the result, it was deduced that, Extensive Margin Export Diversification possessed a positive and insignificant relationship with Share of Manufacture product on total exports in Nigeria; Intensive Margin Export Diversification possessed a negative and significant relationship with Share of Manufacture product on total exports in Nigeria and the control variables also showed that, Gross Fixed Capital Formation possessed a negative and significant relationship with Share of Manufacture product on total exports in Nigeria; Labor participation rate possessed a positive and insignificant relationship with Share of Manufacture product on total exports in
Nigeria. It was recommended that, Policies that will encourage different sectors in the manufacturing component to also diversify in order to boost productivity in the country and expanding of exports to new products or new markets (extensive margin) in Nigeria; There is need to balanced mix of existing products (intensive margin) in Nigeria before exporting them because by so doing it will improve variety of product being exported and in the long run it will improve manufacturing export product performance.

“SCHOOL-GIRLS KIDNAP” SYNDROME AND GENDER EQUALITY IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:01:18+00:00

In the wake of incessant kidnappings of school children in Northern Nigeria, concerns over the number of out-of-school children and its attendant consequences have grown substantially. While girl-child education in Northern Nigeria is confronted with socioeconomic, religious and cultural impediments, insecurity has added to the list and threatens to reverse the gains made. Leveraging the rational choice theory, this paper examines the trend in the kidnap-for-ransom (K4R) incidents in Northern Nigeria with emphasis on school-girls kidnap which has become pervasive and threatens the achievement of Goal 5 (Gender Equality) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Secondary research design was adopted and data were sourced from extant literature to substantiate the arguments of the paper. Content analysis was adopted in analysing the data. Consequently, the paper discusses the trend in K4R in Northern Nigeria which has targeted female-dominated schools leading to endless victimisation of school-girls in the region. The paper attributes the act to the rational choice of kidnappers towards achieving their sundry motives. Should the trend continue, the
paper argues that school girls in the region would be denied access to education. Given the role of education in achieving gender equality, the paper concludes that the inability of girls to receive quality education under the prevailing atmosphere of insecurity would hinder the achievement of goal 5 of the SDGs. Thus, the paper recommends cogent ways to rejig schools’ security architecture in order to safeguard the girl-child from imminent attack by kidnappers which would eventually lead to balanced gender representation.

MAKING A CASE FOR SPORTS, SPORTS RIGHTS AND MEDIA RIGHTS IN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:16:31+00:00

Phenomenological evidence reveals that there is fervent passion for sports among Nigerians across diverse socio-economic, religious and political strata. However, this avid hunger has mainly been in favour of foreign football competitions organized by prominent
football leagues in Europe and America, such as: the Spanish LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, UEFA Champions League, Premier League, etc., and foreign football clubs: Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal FC, Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, etc. The
concern is that the manifest degree of passion in sports, has, probably, not attracted genuine and commensurate interest in overall sports development in Nigeria. It appears that prolific investments in sports and sporting activities, for economic and commercial purposes, are rare; thus, current statistics indicates that the sports sector in Nigeria account for a meagre 0.005 percent of Nigeria’s Gross domestic product (GDP), much less than what is obtained in developed climes. Sports and sporting activities do not only serve the psychological, physiological and physiotherapeutic needs of mankind, for infotainment, relaxation, withdrawal from boredom and improvement in physical health; but also, investments in sports guarantee national development, through jobs creation and revenue generation; thereby, positively influencing the cultural, social and economic life of people across the globe. Anchored on Personality-based, Utilitarian and Natural Right theories of Intellectual Property, this paper examines the concept of sports, sports-media nexus and why sports, sports right and media right, should be enhanced in Nigeria, within the framework of Media Rights and Intellectual Property. We argued that sports production, organization and management are herculean tasks, involving money, time, energy and human intellect, and recommended, among others, that public-private partnership should be fashioned between government and popular private broadcast organizations, such that media or broadcast rights fees are subsidized, to aid public craving for and wide promotion of local sports. Similarly, to boost curiosity in local sports competitions, leagues and clubs, the government should concentrate more on improving sports technologies and evolving sports culture that could stand the test of time.

GOVERNMENT SPENDING EFFICIENCY IN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:22:27+00:00

This paper assessed the efficiency of government expenditure of five economic sectors in Nigeria from 2010–2022, both in relation to each other and compared across time using Data Envelopment Analysis. The aim is geared toward examining the efficiency of government spending on the health, education, administration, transport and communication and agricultural sectors in Nigeria. The study employs the output-oriented Variable Return to Scale (VRS) approach using government expenditure as a percentage of GDP as input while the contribution of each sector to GDP (expressed as a percentage of GDP) was used as output. The result of the inter-sector analysis showed that on average the economic sectors are inefficient with an average output efficiency score of 0.45 while the
input efficiency score is 0.49. Among the five sectors, public administration, health and education were found to be inefficient. However, when each sector was taken individually and efficiency scores analysed across time, the result revealed an average high efficiency score of 0.90 for public administration, 0.88 for health, 0.94 for education, 0.91 for agriculture and 0.93 for transport and
communication. The study recommends improving working incentives, curtailing bureaucratic processes and corruption and improving labour productivity as measures of improving efficiency in the public sectors.

THE NEXUS BETWEEN SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT

2024-04-20T12:27:49+00:00

This research looked at the nexus between security and development by interrogating the activities of unknown gunmen. The study reviewed the activities of the unknown gunmen on the economic and social development of the southeastern part of Nigeria. The functionalist theory/perspective was adopted as the framework for analysis. The secondary method of data collection was used to assemble data from documents, which was analysed qualitatively This finding showed that the menace of unknown gunmen has in diverse ways undermined both economic and social development in the southeast region of Nigeria. This paper found out that the activities of these non-state actors (unknown gunmen) have increased the poverty level, disrupted/closed a number of business/commercial activities, destroyed both public and private infrastructures, and undermined educational and general development in the area. The study recommended more government commitment towards insecurity exploring kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in finding a solution to this problem, adoption of ICT enhanced surveillance equipment, strengthening of security agencies, and encouraging more synergy among security agencies in their joint operations in this area, while leveraging on community policing for intelligence that may lead to the identification of the sympathizers and sponsors of the unknown gunmen.

A STUDY OF SKILLS ACQUISITION PROGRAMMES IN GOMBE MEDIUM SECURITY CUSTODIAL CENTRE, GOMBE STATE-NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:32:23+00:00

Nigerian Correctional Centre were established as institutions that rehabilitate inmates through various correctional services. One of these correctional services is the skills acquisition programme. The programmes aimed at rehabilitating the prisoners in order to equip them with new skills thereby making them useful to themselves through different activities they engaged in after leaving prisons. This paper therefore examines the availability and functionality of the skills acquisition programmes in Gombe Medium Security Custodial Centre. The methodology employed for this study is the descriptive research method and data was collected from a sample of 294 inmates from the population of 1088 using the Taro Yamani formula for calculating sample size for research activity. The findings of the study indicated that the skills acquisition programmes registered by the inmates include tailoring and cap making, weaving, welding and carpentry, shoe and cream making, bead and soap making, earrings makings and laundry. The study also revealed that majority of the respondents received daily training. Furthermore, the study discovered that the skills acquisition facilities were outdated as shown by the majority views. The study also found that the programmes have relative impact on the inmates. The challenges facing the smooth functioning of the programmes include among others: insufficient training materials, lack of professional skills acquisition tutors and unstable power supply. Finally, the study recommends among others; the need to provide sufficient and updated training facilities, professional skills acquisition tutors and constant power supply by sticking to alternative solar power supply.

IMPACT OF GOVERNMENT SIZE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:38:29+00:00

The study examines the relationship between government size (measured as government spending as a percentage of GDP) and economic growth in Nigeria, using the FMOLS method to analyse secondary data from 1981 to 2021 sourced from the Central Bank
of Nigeria's Statistical Bulletin. It found a significant and positive long-term connection between government size and economic growth, with a coefficient of 0.582 indicating the impact of government spending on growth. This underscores the importance of government expenditure in driving Nigeria's economic progress, emphasizing the necessity for efficient and effective spending policies to enhance growth outcomes in the country.

JOB COMMITMENT AMONG CIVIL SERVANTS IN UYO METROPOLIS

2024-04-20T12:43:22+00:00

Civil servants in Nigeria are believed to be among the least committed and appreciated categories of workers and they sometimes engage in shady dealings in order to meet up with societal expectations. Ensuring worker’s well-being prompted the researchers to
investigate the role of workplace conflict and employee ability on job commitment among civil servants in Uyo metropolis. Two hundred (200) participants were purposively recruited from four government ministries at Idongesit Nkanga Secretariat in Uyo Local Government Area, consisting of 108 males and 92 females with ages ranging from 25 to 60 years and mean age of 40 years. In order to ascertain the determinants of job commitment, three standardized instruments were employed to collect data, namely: Organizational Commitment Questionnaire, Workplace Interpersonal Conflict Scale and Work-ability Support Scale. Two hypotheses were tested by utilizing statistical tools such as multiple regressions, and other descriptive statistics. The first hypothesis was not affirmed as workplace conflict was not an independent predictor of job commitment (β= -0.108; t = -1.580; P= >0.05). The second finding showed that employee ability was an independent predictor of employees’ commitment (β= 0.310; t = 4.510; P=<0.05). The study, however, found a joint influence of predictor variables on job commitment (F= (2,192) = 11.735; P<0.01), and concluded that training on managing workplace conflict and preventing escalation of tension coupled with adequately motivating employee’s ability will go a long way in eliciting appropriate job commitment and reducing associated risk of low performance and poor turnover intentions; while recommendations and suggestion for further studies were advanced.

ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS TOWARDS USE OF ANTENATAL CARE AND CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION SERVICES IN ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:49:23+00:00

Maternal and under-five mortality is averted through the utilisation of antenatal care (ANC) and childhood immunisation services. However, utilisation of the services is determined by the attitude of people towards the services. This study examined the attitude of
mothers towards the use of Athe NC and childhood immunisation services in Zamfara State, Nigeria. A qualitative design was employed for the study. Twelve (12) sessions of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) were conducted, 6 each for mothers and the household heads. Six sessions of Key Informant Interview (KII) were also conducted for traditional rulers and healthcare professionals. The data were analysed thematically using ATLASti8 software. The study identified that most of the mothers and household heads in Zamfara State had positive attitudes towards ANC and childhood immunisation services. Furthermore, the study found that the positive attitude of only mothers towards ANC and childhood immunisation might not suffice as attitudes of healthcare providers and extended family members, as well as religious and traditional leaders’ support, exerted strong influences on women's perception of ANC and childhood immunisation services. This study recommends that governmental organisations, managers of maternal and child health programmes, and other stakeholders should educate the general public about the importance of ANC and childhood immunisation and encourage parents, religious leaders, and traditional leaders to improve/sustain the positive attitude
towards the services. More importantly, academic staff involved in healthcare professional training should inform their students about the need to accord respect, humility, and commitment to women seeking ANC and childhood immunisation.

EXAMINING FACTORS PREDICTING EMPLOYEE WORK ENGAGEMENT AMONG CONTRACT STAFF OF COMMERCIAL BANKS IN OWERRI

2024-04-20T12:51:08+00:00

The study investigated perceived job insecurity and employees’ turnover intention as predictors of employees’ work engagement among contract staff in commercial banks in Owerri, Nigeria. One hundred and seventy-three participants, comprising 70 males
and 103 females, were selected from five commercial banks in Owerri, through the purposive sampling technique. Participants were between the ages of 22-53 years with a mean age of 35.01 and a standard deviation of 8.73. Three instruments; the Job Insecurity Scale by DeWitte (2000), Turnover Intention Scale by Mobley, et al (1978) and Utrecht’s Employee Engagement Scale by Schaufeli, et al (2002) were used for data collection. The design of the study was a cross-sectional survey design while data was analysed using hierarchical multiple regression. The results revealed that perceived job insecurity (β = -.778, p<.01, t = -16.21) and overall turnover intention (β = -.664, p>.01, t = -10.49) significantly predicted work engagement among contract staff of commercial banks in Owerri. Also, two of the three dimensions of turnover intentions namely job search behaviour (β = -.373, p<.01, t = -4.07) and psychological withdrawal (β = -.202, p<.01, t = -3.28), negatively predicted work engagement among contract staff of commercial banks in Owerri. However, job dissatisfaction (β = -.119, p>.05, t = -1.00) did not significantly predict work engagement among contract staff of commercial banks in
Owerri. The researchers recommended, among others, that to mitigate perceptions of job insecurity among contract staff, commercial banks in Nigeria should consider hiring and converting contract staff to permanent staff positions. Ensuring equality in treatment and
implementing clear job evaluation and performance management systems can further enhance job security and promote a sense of stability among all staff members.

EFFECT OF CAUSE-RELATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN ON BRAND IMAGE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:40:52+00:00

The study explored the effect of cause-related marketing campaigns on the brand image of non-alcoholic beverage companies in Nigeria. The research design that was adopted for this study is the cross-sectional survey research design. The population of the study
consists of customers of non-alcoholic beverage companies in Delta State Nigeria. The Cochran formula was used to determine the sample size of 384. The research employed the snowball sampling technique. The data for this study were basically obtained from the primary source using a structured questionnaire. The assessment of internal consistency for each construct was conducted to establish reliability of the research instrument. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed that brand-cause fit, point-of-sale donations, and brand storytelling has significant positive effect on brand image.
The study concluded that cause-related marketing campaign has significant positive effect on brand image. The study recommended amongst others that non-alcoholic beverage companies should meticulously select causes that align closely with their brand values and resonate authentically with their target audience.

EXTRAVERSION AND OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE AS PREDICTORS OF IMPULSE BUYING BEHAVIOUR AMONG UNDERGRADUATES OF NNAMDI AZIKIWE UNIVERSITY, AWKA

2024-04-20T10:24:17+00:00

The study examined extraversion and openness to experience as predictors of impulse buying behaviour. The participants in this study were 217 undergraduates of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. They comprised of 87 male students (40.1%) and 130 female
students (59.9%). The age range was 17 to 33 years, with a mean age of 21.62 and a standard deviation of 2.16. Two instruments were used for the study which included: Big Five Personality Inventory (BFPI) (Goldberg, 1993) and Impulse Buying Behaviour Scale (IBBS)
(Rook & Fisher, 1955). Cross sectional survey was used for the study while multiple regression was used for data analysis. Two hypotheses were tested and results showed that extraversion significantly and positively predict impulse buying behaviour (β =.14, t = 2.03, p <.05) while openness to experience did not significantly predict impulse buying behaviour among undergraduate students (β = .06, t = .92, p > .05). This implies that individuals with high extroversion personality trait are more likely to engage in impulse buying than those with low extroversion personality trait. It was recommended that students with high extroversion trait can use self-reflection and self-control techniques to manage their impulsive buying tendencies. Additionally, further research on the relationship between personality traits and impulse buying behaviour will help expose how other personality traits not covered by this study affects impulse purchasing.

ANALYSING PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:46:19+00:00

This study investigated the public perception of women's political participation in Nigeria, with emphasis on analysing the relationship between the belief that women lack the requisite education and skills for political engagement and the general public's opinion of
women's participation in politics. The research population consisted of 240 Nigerian citizens selected through the convenience sampling technique. The study employed a descriptive design approach where participants were administered a self-reported questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the Spearman Correlation Coefficient were used to analyse data collected using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS, Version 27) The results indicated that the majority of the participants believed that women have the training and skills necessary to completely participate in politics. In addition, the findings demonstrated the positive influence
of Nigerian public opinion on women's political participation. This perception, however, creates a considerable barrier, restricting women's participation in the political process and limiting their representation. Several factors that influence public perception include
socioeconomic status, educational background, and cultural norms. There were also demographic differences in public opinion based on gender, age, and level of education. Based on the study's findings, the study recommends education and awareness initiatives, leadership development programmes, gender-sensitive legislation, establishment of women's support networks and institutions and promoting a commitment to gender equality in politics. The study concluded that these may assist in dispelling misconceptions, increasing women's political participation, and fostering a more inclusive and representative democracy in Nigeria.

CORPORATE INCOME TAX AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA (2001-2022)

2024-04-20T10:19:15+00:00

The study examined effect of corporate income tax on Nigerian economic performance for the period 2001 to 2022. What informed the research was perennial challenges in corporate entities resistance to tax compliance through tax evasion, tax avoidance and
corrupt practices in collusion with revenue authorities. The study specifically investigated on effect of Education Tax, Company Income Tax and Petroleum Profit Tax on the Nigerian economic performance using the Human Development Index as proxy for economic
performance. Ex-post facto research design was employed to examine how the independent variables Company Income Tax (CIT), Education Tax (EDT), Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) affected the dependent variable Human Development Index. Secondary data were sourced online from the websites of Federal Inland Revenue Service, UNDP statistical update and CBN bulletin. Vector Error Correction Model was employed to analyse the relationship between the dependent variable and the explanatory variables of the study. Results revealed that Tertiary Education Tax and Company Income Tax had significant effect on the Human Development Index while Petroleum Profit Tax did not. The research recommends that tax authorities should revisit their tax administrative policies by devising procedures to capture all registered companies in the tax net and ensure timely collection of their taxes. Also given the dwindling
revenue from petroleum-related sources, activities of petroleum corporations should be promoted in such a way that its tax incentives will boast its performance on tax revenue for economic performance.

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ON ACADEMIC STAFF PERFORMANCE IN GOMBE STATE UNIVERSITY

2024-04-20T10:11:43+00:00

The study aims to assess the impact of training and development programmes on academic staff performance in Gombe State University. The descriptive survey design method was adopted for research design. Using a proportionate sampling and simple random sampling as a sampling technique, 238 respondents were selected using the Slovene’s formula, out of the target population of 596 academic staff of Gombe State University. A self-administered Questionnaire was used as a source of primary data, and the data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation analysis with the aid of IBM SPSS Statistic Version 21. The major findings revealed that there was positive significant correlation between academic study fellowship (ASF) and staff performance (SP), Academic Conference Attendance (ACA) and staff performance (SP) and Academic Workshop Attendance (AWA) and staff performance (SP). The study recommended that the university management should create additional means of sponsoring academic staff for training and development programmes. This can help in reducing long queues waiting for academic staff to
benefit from the training and development programme of the university. The study also recommended that the university management should publish policy document guideline on training and development programmes of the university and ensure the availability of such document to academic staff of the university.

INTERNAL DEBT FINANCING AND NIGERIAN ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE (1989-2022)

2024-04-20T12:36:08+00:00

The study examined the effect of internal debt financing on Nigerian economic performance for the period 1989-2022. What informed this research was Nigeria's low level of economic growth despite steady increases in the domestic debt stock. The study specifically
investigated on effect of Federal Government Bonds, and Treasury Bills on the Nigerian economic performance using the Real Gross Domestic Product as a proxy for economic performance while Money Supply and Interest Rate were used as the control variables. Ex-post facto research design was employed and secondary data were sourced online from the CBN statistical bulletin. Johansson cointegration Test was used to analyse the long-run relationship among the variables in the model while the Vector Error Correction Model was employed to analyse the relationship between the dependent variable and the explanatory variables of the study. Johansson cointegration test results revealed the existence of long-run relationships among the variables of the model. Vector Error Correction Model results revealed that Federal Government Bond as a source of domestic debt financing has significant effect on the Nigerian Real Gross Domestic product for the period in view while Treasury Bill has insignificant effect. Findings further revealed that while money supply and Real Gross Domestic Product are positively related Interest lending Rate and RGDP are negatively related. The research recommends that government should reduce the level of Treasury Bills and increase stock of Federal Government Bond issue in the domestic debt market. Also, government should put in some fiscal measures to maintain a favourable Interest Lending Rate in Nigeria.

GLOBALIZATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR

2024-04-20T10:06:55+00:00

This study examines the imperative of the current paradigm shift in Human Resource Management in the Nigerian Public Sector. This paradigm shift which has resulted in the blend of both international and domestic human resource management practices in the
Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government in the country has both negative and positive effects. Although it ensures improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the management of human resources in the Nigerian public sector, it has equally, given rise to human resources management problems such as loss of job security, retrenchment, downsizing, delay and non-payment of some workers’ salaries, casualization of labour and ghost workers syndrome etc. The application of these mixed human resource management practices in Nigerian public service organizations has created more problems than it tries to solve. The study adopted a qualitative methodology with data collected from secondary sources. The objectives of the study were to determine the extent to which flexible employment patterns affect Human Resources Management Practices in the Nigerian Public Sector and to
find out how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) affects Human Resource Management Practices in the Nigerian Public Sector. The Resources-based Based View Theory was used to explicate the phenomenon under investigation. The findings amongst others show that as much as the use of ICT has assisted the government in running the MDAs, the employees have continued to suffer its negative effects. It was therefore recommended amongst others that efforts should be intensified by the government to sensitize and adequately train the public sector Human Resources Management practitioners on how to effectively apply ICT ahead of
time to ensure the effective realization of set goals and objectives.

SEXUAL INTIMIDATION AND DESIRE FOR GOOD GRADES

2024-04-20T12:29:23+00:00

Sexual intimidation, a form of sexual and gender-based violence within academic institutions remains a global concern, raising socio-legal and psychological implications. The heightened sensitivity of such acts within institutions dedicated to knowledge dissemination underscores the urgency of understanding the multifaceted factors at play. Hence, this study delves into the prevalent issue of 'sexualised grades' at the Federal University Wukari, Nigeria, exploring how the power imbalance between lecturer and students on one hand, and the desire for good grades by the students contributes to the phenomenon of sexualised grades. The study engaged a sample of 255 undergraduate students, employing quantitative research methods. Chi-square tests were employed to analyse the statistical significance of key findings. The research establishes a compelling connection between students and lecturers, revealing a pattern where sexual favours are exchanged for academic success. The study revealed a significant relationship between male lecturers demanding sex from the students and the prevalence of sex for grades (χ²=22.92, P<0.001); the study further revealed that lack of sexual discipline among lecturers is a contributing factor to the prevalence of sex for grade (χ²=29.75, P<0.001). Additionally, the study unveils the significant relationship between peer influence and the practice of sex for grade (χ²=53.60, P<0.001). Lastly, the study revealed a significant relationship between academic laziness of female students and the practice of sex for grade (χ²=88.81, P<0.001). Thus, the issue of sex for grade transcends a simple power imbalance and extends into the realm of individual agency and personal choices. Hence, the study recommends redesigning communication channels for enlightenment campaigns, comprehensive workshops, and seminars for both staff and students to address socio-psychological temptations. Institutional policies should undergo review to ensure strict compliance and foster a culture that prioritizes ethical conduct. In conclusion, the study emphasizes that the prevalence of 'sex for grade' within academic institutions is a problematic and multifaceted issue that reveals a complex interplay of power dynamics and individual motivations.

E-GOVERNANCE AND SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:25:15+00:00

The study aimed at examining the problems and prospects of adopting governance to achieve effective and efficient service delivery in Nigeria. To achieve the objective of the study, the researcher made use of content analytical technique whereby the study heavily relied on secondary data obtained from articles published in reputable journals, official publications, relevant books, etc. At the end of the analysis, the paper found that challenges of inadequate infrastructure, cybersecurity risks, and digital literacy gaps underscore the need for strategic interventions to overcome barriers to the effective implementation of e-governance initiatives. On the other hand, the study discovered that governance holds a lot of prospects for the country such as providing information job vacancies, an e-policing system, a medium for information dissemination, and economic development among others. The paper therefore recommends, among others, that Nigeria should take advantage of the opportunities presented by digital technologies to address her
service delivery challenges and guarantee the welfare of the citizens, the government should provide ICT infrastructure, there should be an enactment of ICT laws in the country, the government should show commitment to making e-governance achieve successes in the country, etc. The study concludes that e-governance is the sine qua non for the actualization of simple, moral, accountable, responsive and transparent administration in the country.

GENDER DIFFERENCES AND PERSONALITY TRAITS AS CORRELATES OF PARENTAL INFLUENCE ON CAREER CHOICE AMONG UNDERGRADUATES IN LAGOS STATE

2024-04-20T12:20:21+00:00

Deciding on the most appropriate choice of career serves as one of the most important decisions students make in determining their future plans. While often perceived to be an individual choice, a variety of factors are likely to influence one's ultimate career decision. This study investigated gender differences and personality traits as correlates of parental influence on career choice among undergraduates. The study adopted a correlational survey design and randomly selected 281 (48.7%) male and 296 (51.3%) female participants from three universities in Lagos, Nigeria. Two standardized scales were utilized for data collection; a 44-item self-report Big Five Personality Inventory (Goldberg, 1992) with Cronbach coefficient of .76, and 14 14-item scale by Udoh (2012) which sought information on how parental influence on children’s career choice. The results revealed that only agreeableness (r=.285; p>.01), conscientiousness (r=.169; p<.01) and openness to experience (r=.278; p<.01) had significant but weak positive relationship with parental influence on career choice. Also, the difference in means scores of female and male undergraduates was not statistically significant (t= -1.15; df (575); P>.05). The research recommended a policy that will empower the counselling units to continue to educate students on the role of personality in the degree of parental influences on undergraduates’ career choices. Also, this study
emphasised the importance of assessing personality traits by counsellors before offering career guidance. In addition, freedom and proper guidance should be given to female undergraduates who intend to venture into areas or careers that are dominated by males.

IPOB SIT-AT-HOME ORDER AND INSECURITY IN THE SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:06:31+00:00

In recent years, the Southeast region of Nigeria has been plagued by insecurity. This has been attributed to various factors, including the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) sit-at-home order, which has exacerbated tensions in the region. This order, aimed at protesting against perceived discrimination and marginalization, has resulted in widespread disruption of daily activities leading to heightened insecurity in the region. This study therefore examined the effect of the IPOB sit-at-home order on the security situation in southeast Nigeria. The Marxist revolutionary theory was adopted as the study theoretical framework. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey research design. The sample size of the study was 969 which included men, women, youths, business owners, school administrators, government security agents and members of IPOB in southeast Nigeria. Structured questionnaire and Key Person
Interview (KPI) were the data collection instruments. Data analysis was processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while the content analysis method was adopted for qualitative data. It was found that IPOB sit-at-home order has to a considerable extent increased insecurity in southeast Nigeria. It was also found that increase in attacks on security personnel and fears in the minds of the people were more prominent during the sit-at-home order. Therefore, it was concluded that since IPOB sit-at-home order induced insecurity in southeast Nigeria, to reduce insecurity
in the region, government, especially at the Federal level should initiate constructive dialogue with IPOB hierarchies on ways to reach a middle ground, chart a course for peace and reduce insecurity in the region.

EFFECT OF NEWS COMMERCIALIZATION ON AUDIENCE PERCEPTION OF REALITY IN NIGERIA

2024-04-20T12:54:04+00:00

This study investigates the influence of the Propaganda Model on news commercialization and its impact on the audience's perception of reality. Two specific objectives were formulated, with the Social Responsibility Theory serving as the theoretical
framework guiding the study. Secondary data collection methods were employed, and a Systematic Review approach was utilized to analyse the literature on news, news commercialization, and the Propaganda Model proposed by Herman and Chomsky. The
findings of the study revealed several key determinants and elements of news, including prominence, proximity, impact, immediacy, conflict, oddity, consequence, and human interest. Additionally, the study identified major features and characteristics of news, such as objectivity, truthfulness, balance, fairness, accuracy, conciseness, clarity, brevity, and recency. Furthermore, the study outlined five filters driving news commercialization according to the Propaganda Model: size, ownership and profitability, advertisers' influence, sources. In order to mitigate the effects of commercialization, the study recommends a reinvention of media content to enable media outlets to fulfil their potential as agents of national development rather than tools for ideological reinforcement by capitalist interests. Moreover, it suggests that journalists should be adequately compensated and provided with regular training and retraining
opportunities to ensure they adhere to journalistic ethics and fulfil their societal roles effectively. Media owners are urged not to prioritize profit over public affairs issues, but to explore alternative revenue generation methods such as investment and fundraising.
Additionally, relevant regulatory agencies are encouraged to enhance their monitoring responsibilities to ensure that public interest is not compromised for financial gains within the media landscape.