African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences the Faculty of Social Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State en-US African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences 2141-209X TABLE OF CONTENTS https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2967 <p>AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES (AJSBS)</p> Volume 14 number 8, 2024 Table of Contents Copyright (c) 2024 African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 A STUDY OF FACTORS INFLUENCING KIDNAPPING IN ZURMI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2933 <p>This article examines the factors that influence kidnapping in Zurmi local<br>government area of Zamfara state, covering the periods between 2019–2023. Since the return<br>to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed a catalogue of increased crimes and insecurity.<br>Kidnapping and ransom collection are such, which have bedevilled especially in the Zurmi area<br>of Zamfara state. Kidnapping has great adverse effects on the nation’s socio-economic<br>development. The act is closely linked to armed banditry, cattle rustling and armed robbery.<br>The wealthy and low-income earners have been picked up by kidnappers who only free their<br>victims after payments of ransom. This menace exerts enormous and far-reaching economic<br>and social costs. It induces and creates a palpable ambience of fear and despair for all citizens,<br>stultifies economic growth, and hinders sustainable development. This study adopted a mixed<br>method utilising both in-depth interviews and structured questionnaires to identify the factors<br>that influence kidnapping in Zurmi, Zamfara state. In terms of findings, the data revealed that<br>the factors that influence kidnapping in the study area include poverty, unemployment,<br>illiteracy, revenge, governmental negligence of herdsmen’s grazing areas, antisocial<br>tendencies, injustice and envy. Other factors include lacking religious faith, breach of trust<br>among people, injustice of leaders, competition among people, desire for luxury, corruption,<br>poor socialization, high level of immorality, poor parental control, drug abuse, lack of<br>awareness, inequality in resource allocation, poor security system, disrespect of tradition<br>leaders, parental negligence, and rampant divorce. The research adopted the Rational Choice<br>Theory (RCT) as its theoretical frame of reference to explain the menace of kidnapping and its<br>consequences on the community. RCT posits that in any course of action, individuals weigh up<br>the likely benefits and disadvantages of each action. Before kidnappers go into the act, they<br>must have weighed the options and concluded more rewards than punishment. In order to<br>address the causes of kidnapping in the study area, the study offered recommendations. These<br>include the need for the governments to create job opportunities for the teeming youth as well<br>as an enabling environment so that private sectors can thrive. Also, there should be proper<br>protection of the identities of the public members that supply useful information to security<br>agencies.</p> Faisal Muhammad Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 IMPACT OF ASSET MANAGEMENT RATIO ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIAN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2934 <p>The study examined the impact of Asset management ratio on the financial<br>performance of manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Specifically, the study examines the<br>effect of the asset Utilization Ratio, Asset Productivity Ratio and Current Asset Turnover Ratio<br>on the Return on Assets. The study adopted the Ex-post factor research design. The main<br>sources of data for this study were secondary sources obtained from the online publication of<br>the annual report of eighteen Nigerian manufacturing companies quoted on the Nigerian Stock<br>Exchange in the year 2022. A sample size of eighteen (18) manufacturing companies whose<br>financial statements were accessible online for the year 2022 was purposely taken. The<br>approaches used to measure asset management are asset utilization ratio, asset productivity<br>ratio, and current asset turnover ratio, while financial performance is measured by profitability<br>using return on assets (ROA). A linear relationship was established between the Return on<br>Asset (ROA), the dependent variable, and the independent variables, Asset Utilization Ratio<br>(ASUR), Current Asset Ratio (CASR) and Asset Productivity Ratio (ASPR). The Ordinary<br>Least Square Regression Model was used to express the model relationship between ROA and<br>the explanatory variables, ASUR, CASR and ASPR. Descriptive statistics were also employed<br>to analyse the descriptive properties of the variables. The regression t-statistics results were<br>used to test the hypotheses at a 5% level of significance. Findings showed that the Asset<br>Utilization Ratio has a significant effect on Return on Asset, while the Asset Productivity Ratio<br>and Current Asset Turnover Ratio have an insignificant effect on Return on Assets. The study<br>recommends that manufacturing companies should improve their asset management practices<br>in the areas of Asset Productivity Ratio and Current Assets to enhance their financial<br>performance.<br><br></p> Stella Ngozi Okoroafor Theresa Chidinma Okoro Samuel Kemakolam Uzoma Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION, BARRIERS IN DISCLOSURE AND FACILITATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE EXPERIENCE AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN DELTA STATE https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2935 <p>This study investigates interpersonal communication barriers and facilitators<br>related to the disclosure of sexual abuse experiences among female students in tertiary<br>institutions in Delta State. Through a structured questionnaire, the research examines the<br>prevalence of abuse, barriers to disclosure, and the effectiveness of support systems. The study<br>employed a quantitative approach to elicit data through surveys with selected students from<br>Delta State University, Abraka and College of Education, Warri. Findings revealed a high<br>prevalence of sexual abuse, with significant barriers to disclosure identified, including a lack<br>of trust in institutional authorities and fear. The study revealed that many cases of abuse go<br>unreported, perpetrators often being fellow students, and alcohol and substance abuse a<br>contributing barrier to the disclosure of sexual abuse experiences by impairing memory and<br>emotional clarity, making it hard for victims to articulate and tell their experiences. Cultural<br>beliefs and socioeconomic status were less influential than anticipated, while ineffective<br>institutional policies and religious beliefs emerged as significant factors discouraging<br>disclosure. The effectiveness of current support systems was rated poorly, with respondents<br>indicating that support services and counselling are inadequate. Recommendations include<br>enhancing institutional policies to provide clear reporting mechanisms and support services,<br>improving the accessibility and effectiveness of support systems, and implementing campaign<br>programs to address stigma and build trust between students and authorities. This study<br>highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in institutional responses to sexual abuse<br>and calls for a supportive environment to facilitate open communication and reporting among<br>students.</p> Joan N. Odedede Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 ECOLOGICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF SOLID BIOMASS-DRIVEN DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION IN MALUMFASHI, LGA, KATSINA STATE https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2936 <p>This study assessed the perceived ecological and socio-economic impact of<br>deforestation and forest degradation arising from the consumption of solid biomass in<br>Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, Nigeria. Taro Yamani's (1967) formula<br>for sample size determination was used in determining the sample size and a total of 400<br>questionnaires were administered to the respondents across the LGA using systematic sampling<br>method. The questionnaires were administered to the target respondents who are the head of<br>households. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables.<br>The study revealed that loss of biodiversity, ecological stability and reduction in density of<br>trees was the major perceived impact and accounted for 44.5%, this is followed by desert<br>encroachment and increased frequency of dust storms (24.0%), soil degradation resulting in<br>loss of soil fertility and soil erosion accounts for 21.5%. The results further discovered that<br>77.5% of the respondents agreed that deforestation and forest degradation arising from solid<br>biomass consumption have led to a change in the density of trees. The result further showed<br>that 45.5% of the respondents were of the opinion that loss of vegetation and reduction in<br>density of trees have resulted in the scarcity of cooking fuels and timber resources was the<br>major socio-economic impact of deforestation and forest degradation. Reduction in fodder<br>resources, edible fruits, leaves and medicinal herbs in turn resulting in severe food shortages<br>and insecurity account for 25.0% of the responses. This study concluded that deforestation and<br>forest degradation arising from the consumption of solid biomass play a significant role in the<br>degradation of the environment and was identified as one of the human environmental<br>interventions affecting the ecological and socio-economic stability of the local communities.<br>The study recommends that the government and other stakeholders should be committed to<br>more urgent action to control the menace of deforestation and forest degradation by providing<br>cheap, affordable and efficient alternative energy sources to solid biomass. It is also<br>recommended that robust and result-oriented proactive strategies, policies and programs<br>aimed at improving afforestation, reforestation, agro forestry, the establishment of more<br>woodlots and protection of existing forest reserves to reduce the rate of deforestation and forest<br>degradation should be put in place and appropriate sanctions must enforce on defaulters and<br>incentives for promoters of tree planting be encouraged and provided.<br><br></p> Ibrahim Danladi Sule Sanusi Adamu Bishir Abdulmalik Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 IMPACT OF HOME ENVIRONMENT ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN OWERRI ZONE, IMO STATE, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2937 <p>This study explored how the home environment affects the academic<br>performance of secondary school students in the Owerri Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. It focused<br>on the impact of parental occupation, family size, and family structure on students' educational<br>achievements. This study was delimited to government-owned secondary schools in Owerri<br>Municipal of Imo state, Nigeria. The method adopted for the study was survey research<br>design. The study's population comprised 1,030 respondents, including 64 principals and<br>966 teachers from 32 public secondary schools in the Owerri Zone of Imo State. A random<br>sample of 206 respondents, representing 20% of the total population, included 32<br>principals and 174 teachers. Data collection was conducted using a researcher-designed<br>questionnaire. The instrument's face and content validity were established through the<br>review of two experts in measurement and evaluation and educational management and<br>policy from the Faculty of Education at Imo State University, Owerri. Revisions were<br>made based on their feedback prior to final approval. The instrument demonstrated a<br>reliability coefficient of 0.89, determined using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient<br>(Spearman's ρ). Findings revealed that home environment, including parental education,<br>occupation, family size, economic status, and motivation, significantly affects students'<br>academic performance, with supportive and resourceful home settings encouraging better<br>educational outcomes among secondary school students in Owerri Zone. The study<br>recommends that parents should spend time with their children and check their children’s<br>academic work, direct them where necessary, and discuss the academic problems of their<br>children with their teachers or school guidance counsellors so as to detect the student's<br>problems early enough and tackle it before it affects the students.<br><br></p> Ngozi Blessing Ndubuisi-Evans Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 RESPONSE OF SELECTED MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES TO OIL PRICE SHOCKS IN NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2938 <p>The question of how the exchange rate, oil revenue, inflation rate and other<br>macroeconomic variables respond to oil price shocks in Nigeria has generated tremendous<br>interest among economic scholars for decades. This study examines the responses of the<br>exchange rate, inflation rate, oil revenue and government expenditures as macroeconomic<br>variables to oil price shocks in Nigeria using time series techniques of the Vector<br>Autoregressive (VAR) model, cointegration test, Impulse Response Function (IRFs) and<br>Variance Decompositions (VDCs). The result of the cointegration test suggests the presence of<br>cointegration among variables. The estimated VAR model affirms the response of shocks in<br>the macroeconomic variables. The results have shown that the oil price shocks have a<br>significant response to macroeconomic variables in Nigeria. The response of the inflation rate<br>to global oil price shocks is positive, indicating that an increase in oil price leads to an increase<br>in the inflation rate in Nigeria; in contrast, the response of the exchange rate to oil price shocks<br>is negative, indicating that an increase in global oil price leads to depreciation of exchange rate<br>and fall in oil revenue thereby affecting government expenditure negatively in Nigeria. Hence,<br>the study recommends that appropriate measures be taken, such as capacity utilization of the<br>oil sector, and the Nigerian government should emphasize stable macroeconomic policies as<br>well as diversification of the economy</p> Buhari Bello Zakari Saheed Mustapha Muktar Chris Egwaikhide Yakubu Alfa Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 INFLUENCE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNALISM ON FREELANCE JOURNALISTS IN THE SHRINKING MEDIA INDUSTRY IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2939 <p>Entrepreneurial journalism is gaining popularity in Nigeria's entrepreneurial and<br>media discourses. The worsening unemployment issues in Nigeria have made freelance<br>journalists devise creative means to survive the onslaught of job crises. Thus, this study is<br>designed to investigate the influence of entrepreneurial journalism on freelance journalists in<br>South-Western Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed method. The survey method and paired<br>depth interview were used to investigate the influence of entrepreneurial journalism on<br>freelance journalistic practice, techniques of entrepreneurial journalism, and barriers to<br>entrepreneurial journalism among freelance journalists. Findings showed that economic factors<br>have compelled most freelance journalists to embrace entrepreneurial journalistic practices.<br>Findings also showed that blogging, YouTube videos, and other audio and video content on<br>social media are the techniques of entrepreneurial journalism in South-Western Nigeria.<br>Findings showed that lack of objectivity and fairness in news reportage, as well as monetary<br>consideration over balanced news reportage, has been a barrier to entrepreneurial journalistic<br>practices in South-Western Nigeria. Therefore, it is recommended that entrepreneurial<br>journalists not only consider the ethics of journalism in their daily journalistic activities but<br>also be mindful of the unwholesome influence of excessive attention to economic<br>considerations in their journalistic practices. Entrepreneurial values of all digital and social<br>media-based platforms must be taught to students of mass communication and journalism to<br>make them self-employed and self-reliant when they eventually graduate from school. A<br>regulatory agency, like the National Broadcast Commission, that regulates the affairs and<br>activities of all broadcasting stations in Nigeria, must be established to regulate the activities<br>of entrepreneurial journalists who have their independent radio or television on the internet so<br>that the issues of lack of objectivity, fairness and unbalanced news reportage could be<br>addressed.</p> Adebayo John James Ogundeji Benjamin Kayode Mustapha Olalekan Rufai Bisi Olawunmi Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 CORRUPTION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2941 <p>This study investigates the impact of corruption on good governance in Nigeria<br>using secondary sources of data through the analysis of key indicators derived from the<br>fundamental components of good governance. By utilising secondary data sources, this study<br>focuses on government legitimacy, public officials' accountability, and the government's<br>capacity to formulate policies and provide services while upholding human rights and the rule<br>of law. Despite the substantial resources allocated to policies promoting good governance, the<br>study reveals that pervasive corruption remains a significant impediment, contributing to poor<br>economic performance, deteriorating infrastructure, escalating living costs, and increased<br>poverty in Nigeria. Addressing corruption is imperative for the nation's survival, presenting<br>Nigerians with a clear choice: a sincere war against corruption or perpetuation of the status<br>quo, risking consumption by this multifaceted challenge. The study concludes with<br>recommendations to alleviate these issues.</p> Kabiru Said Sufi Jamilu Abdulhamid Bello Abdullahi Ahmad Ahmad Bala Raihana Kabir Ibrahim Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 BROADCAST MEDIA COVERAGE OF 2022 FLOOD IN OGUTA AND OHAJI/EGBEMA LGAs, IMO STATE https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2942 <p>The thrust of this study was to evaluate broadcast media stations’ reportage of<br>flooding in Nigeria, using Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema LGAs of Imo State as reference points.<br>The study anchored on the Framing theory adopted the content analysis method to evaluate<br>flood disaster stories in NTA, Owerri and IBC, Owerri. 244 programme guides of the two<br>stations from July 2022 to October 2022 were chosen. A sample size of 56 was determined<br>using the composite or construct week method. Findings showed that the main format usually<br>adopted by the broadcast media for reportage of flood disasters was the Straight news; the tone<br>of flood disaster stories evokes fear and panic; the quality of flood stories covered were<br>unbalanced; the broadcast stations do not adequately cover the causes, impact, and strategies<br>to curb flood disasters in their reportage. Recommendations were that NTA, Owerri and IBC,<br>Owerri, as well as other broadcast media in Nigeria, should minimise the use of straight news<br>and adopt more feature presentations/documentaries, opinions/interviews; their news and<br>reports of flood disasters should be framed and presented in such a way that it would instil<br>hope, trust and preparedness, not evoke fear, panic, and anxiety, to the people; they should<br>avoid “afghanistanism” and balance their news reportage; and there should be a synergy<br>between the broadcast media, Federal and State emergency and rescue agencies to warn and<br>educate the public about flood disasters.<br><br></p> Chibuzor Cosmas Nwoga Chukwuemeka OnonujuNwankiti Chioma Rose Chime- Nganya Ogban Obin Ogbin Ogonnaya Lynda Ngwu Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 A PURVIEW OF THE CAUSES OF YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN ARMED BANDITRY IN KADUNA STATE, NORTH WESTERN NIGERIA (2012-2022) https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2943 <p>The work is a sociological inquisition of the causes of youth involvement in<br>armed banditry in Kaduna State (2012-2022). The following research objectives guided the<br>study: investigate the socio-economic factors responsible for youth involvement in armed<br>banditry in Kaduna State; determine the institutional lapses in governance responsible for youth<br>involvement in armed banditry; and analyse the government’s poor policy formulation and<br>implementation responsible for youth involvement in armed banditry in the study area. The<br>study was anchored on the Routine Activities Theory by Cohen and Felson. Using a multi-<br>stage sampling of cluster, stratified and simple random sampling, 1000 residents of the affected<br>communities were administered questionnaires. In addition, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)<br>and In-depth Interviews were purposively conducted with members of the Nigeria Police Force<br>(NPF), vigilantes, traditional leaders, youth leaders and arrested bandits. The quantitative data<br>from the use of questionnaires were analysed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences<br>(SPSS) version 23.0 with descriptive statistics and Principal Factor Analysis (PFA). The study<br>revealed that all the 10 variables given as socio-economic factors were responsible for youth<br>involvement in armed banditry in the State. This was because the Bartlett’s test of sphericity<br>χ2(75) = 4904.270 for the socio-economic factors was statistically significant at P &lt; 0.01.<br>Additionally, the study revealed that though 10 socio-economic variables were responsible for<br>youth involvement in armed banditry in the State, the abuse of hard drugs had the highest factor<br>loading value with 0.92. In contrast, peer influence had the second highest factor loading value<br>with 0.91. The study further revealed that although 7 variables were given as the institutional<br>lapses in governance that resulted in youth involvement in armed banditry in the State, all the<br>seven variables identified were retained. Also, the Bartlett’s test of sphericity χ2 (21) =<br>4904.270 for the factors was statistically significant at P&lt; 0.01. At the same time, the<br>diminishing role of traditional institutions in the governance of Kaduna State had the highest<br>factor loading value of 0.79. More so, inadequate policing and weak security arrangements of<br>the State came second with 0.78 factor loading. The study recommended that the Federal and<br>State governments in the State must ensure that they minimized the abuse of hard drugs, youth<br>unemployment, and poverty and reduce the ungoverned spaces in the State.<br><br></p> Aminu Yunusa Bala Saleh Dawakin Tofa Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 SECONDARY SCHOOL GIRLS' AWARENESS OF AND PROFICIENCY WITH MENSTRUATION MANAGEMENT IN MAKARFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2945 <p>There is a significant knowledge gap regarding women's cycles and menstrual<br>hygiene in many social contexts because menstruation is not always directly observed in<br>homes, schools, and communities. This disparity also brings up questions about menstrual<br>cleanliness and treatment. In addition to the lack of knowledge, girls require access to water,<br>sanitary toilets, personal hygiene products that have been disinfected and kept, and referral<br>centres where their long-term health may be guaranteed. This study looked into how female<br>students in government secondary schools in Makarfi Local Government Area were treated and<br>informed about their monthly menstrual cycles. In the study, the survey design was used.<br>Participants were drawn from four randomly chosen public junior high schools in the study<br>area using a multi-stage random testing technique. Following a thorough investigation, the<br>responses were expressed as percentages. It is suggested that community health professionals<br>be given the authority to visit schools in order to offer counselling services and teach seminars<br>at the community and school levels in light of the study's findings. The study concludes that it<br>is crucial to continue teaching girls about menstrual cycles, menstrual cleanliness, and how to<br>take care of school-age girls. Governments and non-governmental organisations should<br>simultaneously supply all girls with sanitary napkins and other menstrual hygiene stations and<br>services.</p> Samaila Ignatius Stephen Sunday Ojo Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 NAIRA ABUSE BY NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES: PERSPECTIVES OF AE FUNAI STUDENTS ON BOBRISKY AND CUBANA CHIEF PRIEST CASES https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2946 <p>This study examines the misuse of the Nigerian Naira on social media by<br>celebrities, focusing on Bobrisky and Cubana Chief Priest. Utilising a descriptive survey<br>design, 374 AE-FUNAI students were surveyed using the Taro Yamane method. Celebrity<br>Endorsement theory was adopted to explain the behavioural pattern, while three research<br>questions and objectives guided the study. Data was analysed using percentages and a 4-point<br>Likert scale mean value method. Findings revealed that respondents are aware of naira abuse<br>on social media. Naira abuse has significant negative socio-cultural and economic impacts if<br>left unchecked. Respondents acknowledged whistle-blowing on violators of naira abuse on<br>social media as a definite approach to curbing misuse of naira, amongst other stricter regulatory<br>measures. Recommendations include enhanced collaboration between the CBN, NOA, and<br>social media platforms to address this issue, teamwork with celebrities to generate awareness<br>against misuse of the naira, encouraging Federal lawmakers to make more stringent laws on<br>misuse of the naira, the increased presence of EFCC in Nigerian universities to checkmate the<br>excesses of students and Cultural orientation by parents to instil a sense of contentment and<br>respect for honest labour and genuine jobs.</p> Chukwuemeka Ononuju Nwankiti Chibuzor Cosmas Nwoga Chioma Rose Chime-Nganya Ogban Obin Obin Ogonnaya Lynda Ngwu Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 INFLUENCE OF BURNOUT ON EMOTIONAL LABOUR AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE MAKURDI METROPOLIS https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2948 <p>Due to the enormous job demands of a teacher, there is bound to be emotional<br>labour associated with the work. If properly handled it would impact positively on the lives of<br>students and lead to better teaching and learning. This study examines the influence of burnout<br>on emotional labour among Secondary school teachers in the Makurdi metropolis. The cross-<br>sectional research design was employed for the study. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI,<br>1983) and Emotional Labour Scales were used. Participants were selected through simple<br>random sampling technique. The participants were made up of 237 (48.0%) males and<br>257(52.0%) females. The study has two main objectives, namely, to examine the influence of<br>burnout on emotional labour among secondary school teachers in Makurdi metropolis and to<br>explore gender differences in emotional labour among secondary school teachers in Makurdi<br>metropolis. Multiple linear regression analysis and independent t-test were used to analyse<br>data. Findings from the results revealed that overall burnout significantly and positively<br>influenced emotional labour among secondary school teachers in Makurdi metropolis [F<br>(3,490) =4652.728; P&lt;.01; Finding also revealed that there were no significant gender<br>differences in emotional labour among secondary school teachers in Makurdi metropolis t (df,<br>492) =.336; P&gt;.05. The study concluded that burnout is a determinant of emotional labour. The<br>higher the level of burnout by teachers, the higher the level of emotional labour. Gender<br>differences were not a predictor of emotional labour among teachers. The study recommended,<br>amongst others, that the Benue State Government, through the Ministry of Education, should<br>design policies and programmes such as training on coping strategies and an increase in<br>motivation that would add value to teachers’ welfare and productivity. More so, more teachers<br>should be hired to complement the efforts of the existing ones to reduce heavy workloads,<br>burnout and emotional labour. Training on coping strategies should be carried out to give<br>teachers the resiliency training they needed to overcome psychological strain and emotional<br>labour at work. This would increase efficiency and productivity among teachers in the state.</p> Mngusuur Mngusuur Jam Patrick Saaondo Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION: INSIGHTS FROM MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2949 <p>This study examined the effect of digital transformation on business model<br>innovation among multinational companies in South-South Nigeria. Utilizing a quantitative<br>approach with a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from a sample of 384 respondents<br>with digital expertise. Analysis revealed that digital transformation significantly drives<br>business model innovation, with big data analytics having the strongest influence, highlighting<br>the value of data-driven decision-making. Digital assets play a key role in developing new<br>business models, while digital agility and networking capabilities support flexibility and<br>collaboration. With 62% of business model innovation explained by digital transformation<br>variables, the study recommends investing in digital infrastructure, fostering agility, enhancing<br>collaboration, and leveraging advanced analytics to stay competitive.</p> Philomena U. Omodafe Stanley Akpevwe Onobrakpeya Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION AND VENTURE INITIATIVES AMONG UNIVERSITY GRADUATES IN NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2950 <p>This study explores the impact of entrepreneurship education on the venture<br>initiatives of university graduates in Northeastern Nigeria, focusing on graduates’ readiness to<br>engage in business, venture size, and business intentions. Northeastern Nigeria, which includes<br>states such as Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe, has faced economic and<br>social challenges due to prolonged insurgency, with high graduate unemployment despite<br>annual outputs of over 600,000 graduates in Nigeria. Given this context, the study examines<br>the role of entrepreneurship education in fostering entrepreneurial intentions among graduates<br>residing in the region. Using a structured questionnaire adapted from the Global<br>Entrepreneurship Monitor and other sources, data was collected from a representative sample<br>of 1,200 graduates across Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba states. Probit and negative binomial<br>regression models were employed to analyze the data, assessing the influence of variables such<br>as entrepreneurship theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and personal entrepreneurial<br>characteristics on venture engagement. The findings reveal that while male graduates and those<br>with high practical skills show a greater tendency to engage in ventures, other factors like age,<br>educational background, and satisfaction with the entrepreneurship education structure also<br>significantly impact graduates' entrepreneurial actions. Graduates from fields such as arts,<br>social sciences, and sciences display varying levels of engagement, influenced by their<br>educational experiences. The results highlight the importance of aligning entrepreneurship<br>education with practical skills development to encourage graduates’ active participation in<br>ventures, thereby addressing unemployment in Northeastern Nigeria.</p> Adamu Jibir Musa Abdu Fatima Bala Sani Farida Bello Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 GENDER OPPORTUNITY GAP AND WAGE DIFFERENTIALS IN THE BANKING SECTOR OF NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2951 <p>This study investigated the effects of gender opportunity gap on wage<br>differentials in the banking sector of Nigeria, using Access Bank PLC as a unit of analysis.<br>Specifically, the study investigated the effects of unequal leadership promotion on basic salary<br>differentials between men and women, as well as how unequal work transfer opportunities<br>affect housing allowance payments to men and women. The study employed a survey and<br>descriptive research design. Questionnaires and interview methods were used for data<br>collection. The sample size was 320. Data analysis revealed that there is no significant<br>relationship between unequal leadership promotion and base pay differences for men and<br>women and that there is no significant relationship between unequal work transfer<br>opportunities and housing allowance differentials for men and women. This study bridges a<br>gap in the existing literature by examining specific organizational practices that perpetuate<br>gender-based wage differentials in the Nigerian banking sector. Based on the findings, it was<br>recommended that banks should develop clear and unbiased promotion criteria that are<br>accessible to all employees and regularly review compensation structures to identify and<br>address any discrepancies.</p> Chiemeka Onyema Chikere Princewill Chidimma Chigbu Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRACTICE OF CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING AMONG WOMEN IN ANTENATAL AND POST NATAL CLINIC IN DALHATU ARAF SPECIALIST HOSPITAL LAFIA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2952 <p>Cervical cancer continues to be a substantial health issue for women worldwide,<br>with a particularly high burden in low-resource settings where access to preventive care is often<br>limited. Although screening is an effective, cost-efficient way to reduce cervical cancer<br>incidence and improve outcomes, the rate of screening in the study area remains low. This<br>research aimed to examine the socio-cultural factors affecting cervical cancer screening<br>practices among women attending antenatal and postnatal care at Dalhatu Araf Specialist<br>Hospital, Lafia, using the Health Belief Model. A mixed-methods approach was employed,<br>incorporating surveys and in-depth interviews to gain a nuanced understanding of the<br>determinants influencing screening behaviour. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS<br>version 25.0, while qualitative responses were organised thematically. The study found that,<br>although awareness of cervical cancer was high among respondents, numerous barriers limited<br>screening uptake. Factors such as a low perceived personal risk of cervical cancer, financial<br>constraints, spousal approval, fear of a positive diagnosis, lack of information about available<br>screening facilities, religious beliefs, discomfort with male healthcare providers, and overall<br>lack of awareness of screening benefits all impacted women's willingness and ability to engage<br>in screening practices. These findings show a complex interplay of personal beliefs, socio-<br>economic challenges, cultural norms, and healthcare system limitations that collectively<br>discourage regular screening. To address these barriers, the study recommends focused<br>educational campaigns that clarify screening benefits, community advocacy to increase<br>awareness, improved accessibility to screening services, healthcare provider training, and<br>engagement with community leaders to foster supportive attitudes toward screening.</p> Deborah Gwom Dung Samuel Matthew Mamman Jummai Musa Magaji Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 MENTORING IN NIGERIAN HIGHER EDUCATION: DUAL ROLES AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2953 <p>Mentoring in Nigerian higher education institutions is crucial for academic and<br>professional development, yet it can also become a source of exploitation. The dual character<br>of academic mentoring—where mentors act as either opportunistic tormentors or supportive<br>guides—is investigated in this paper. Examining both the favourable effects of mentoring on<br>research output and the negative consequences of exploitative methods on mentees' well-being<br>using Social Exchange Theory as a framework, the paper shows weaknesses in formalised<br>mentorship systems that let unethical behaviour continue. Using case studies and flow charts,<br>this paper shows typical "tormenting" behaviours in mentoring. Results imply that Nigerian<br>colleges have to put in place disciplined, moral mentoring programs and responsibility systems<br>to provide a balanced intellectual environment fit for development.</p> Chinyere Iheoma Erondu Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 GENDER, TAX KNOWLEDGE, AND COMPLIANCE AMONG SELF-EMPLOYED WORKERS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2954 <p>This study investigates the relationship between gender, tax knowledge, and tax<br>compliance among self-employed workers in Nigeria. The study employed a quantitative<br>approach, collecting data through surveys administered to 129 self-employed individuals in<br>Lagos, Nigeria. Statistical analysis, including t-test, correlation and regression analysis, was<br>conducted to examine the relationships between gender, tax knowledge, and tax compliance.<br>The findings revealed no significant gender differences in tax compliance and tax knowledge<br>among self-employed workers in Nigeria. The study further explores possible reasons for this<br>unexpected result, considering factors such as equal access to education, cultural norms, tax<br>policies, and economic conditions. Additionally, the research confirms a positive relationship<br>between tax knowledge and tax compliance. Individuals with a higher level of tax knowledge<br>tend to exhibit greater tax compliance, reinforcing the importance of tax education and<br>awareness campaigns in promoting voluntary compliance. These findings underscore the need<br>for tailored tax policies and educational initiatives that consider the unique socio-economic<br>context of Nigeria. In conclusion, this study contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of<br>gender, tax knowledge, and tax compliance among self-employed workers in Nigeria. The<br>absence of gender differences in tax compliance challenges conventional assumptions and<br>highlights the need for context-specific research in tax compliance. Moreover, the positive<br>association between tax knowledge and compliance underscores the importance of educational<br>efforts to enhance tax literacy and ultimately improve voluntary compliance in Nigeria's self-<br>employed sector.<br><br></p> Lilian Azaka Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 RADIO CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AMONG STUDENTS IN OSUN STATE https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2955 <p>This study explores radio content consumption patterns among students of Osun<br>State University, traditional media platforms such as radio continue to play a vital role in<br>disseminating information, particularly in developing regions like Nigeria. Radio, in particular,<br>remains a significant medium for communication, entertainment, and education, especially<br>among younger demographics such as students. Employing a quantitative research design that<br>combines survey and in-depth interview methods. The research instruments, including a<br>structured questionnaire and interview guide, collected both demographic and psychographic<br>data from respondents. The objectives of the study, were to determine how often students listen<br>to the radio and identify the types of programs they prefer, and to explore the locations and<br>times students are most likely to listen to the radio, as well as their motivations for doing so.<br>The study addresses four key research questions on listenership frequency, program<br>preferences, listening contexts, and motivations. Findings indicate that 63% of respondents<br>frequently listen to radio, with an additional 18% reporting very frequent listenership. The<br>majority prefer news, short dramas, and educational programs, though musical and<br>entertainment programs also attract significant interest. In terms of listening context, over half<br>of the respondents tune in from home, predominantly in the morning and evening hours. The<br>study reveals that students often listen to the radio to stay informed, entertain themselves, and<br>alleviate boredom, citing radio’s accessibility as a major advantage. The uses and gratification<br>theory and the reception theory frame these findings, emphasizing that user needs and<br>contextual influences, such as time and place guide media consumption. The research<br>concludes that radio listenership remains high among Uniosun students, despite the<br>proliferation of internet-based media. Students balance their academic schedules and media<br>consumption, tuning in during times that do not conflict with their academic commitments.<br>This highlights the enduring relevance of radio as a medium for information and entertainment<br>among university students</p> Emmanuel Ifeduba Ewetan David Favour Lawal Olusola Ayinde Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 NEOLIBERAL FUEL SUBSIDY REFORMS: IMPACT ON COMMERCIAL DRIVERS' LIVELIHOODS IN AGWADA, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2956 <p>This study provides a nuanced analysis of the micro-level socio-economic<br>consequences of fuel subsidy removal in rural Nigeria, focusing on commercial drivers in<br>Agwada, Nasarawa State. Grounded in Welfare Economics Theory (WET), the research offers<br>a comprehensive framework for understanding the welfare and distributional effects of such<br>economic policies. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines primary data,<br>obtained through structured questionnaires administered to commercial drivers at Mararaba<br>Agwada motor park, with secondary data from peer-reviewed scholarly sources and reputable<br>digital databases. Quantitative analysis of the survey data reveals that fuel subsidy removal has<br>significantly increased fuel prices, resulting in an over 50% rise in operational costs and a<br>corresponding decline in drivers’ earnings. These economic pressures have led to reduced<br>disposable income, increased indebtedness, depleted savings, and restricted access to<br>healthcare for drivers and their families. At the community level, the cascading effects include<br>suppressed market activities, declining school enrolment, and reduced employment<br>opportunities in vehicle maintenance. Despite adopting coping mechanisms such as fare<br>increases, route optimization, income diversification, and extended work hours, drivers<br>continue to face substantial economic hardships. The study underscores the need for targeted<br>interventions, including low-interest loans, infrastructure development, affordable healthcare<br>insurance, and reinstated fuel subsidies. These policy recommendations aim to alleviate the<br>economic burden on commercial drivers and promote socio-economic stability and resilience<br>within their communities.<br><br></p> Ahmed Audu Yusufu Bello Audu Abu Audu Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 EMPOWERING THE MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES IN MULTICULTURAL NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY RADIO https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2957 <p>In a country like Nigeria, characterized by people of different races, ethnicities,<br>religion and nationalities, there are bound to be marginalised communities. These set of people<br>are being treated insignificantly and rendered powerless in the society they live in. Community<br>radio stations across the nation have taken it upon themselves to empower these marginalised<br>communities and be the voice for the people, as it is vital in combating marginalisation because<br>it gives marginalised people a forum to speak up, obtain pertinent information, and engage in<br>public conversation. The aim of the study was to identify and examine the role of community<br>radio in empowering the marginalised communities in a multicultural society like ours. This<br>study adopted the development media theory, using qualitative methodology while secondary<br>data was utilised. Other academics’ studies, as well as press articles served as sources. The<br>study concludes that community radio is considered a very important aspect in rural areas and<br>plays an active role in rural development. It helps cater for the information needs of the<br>marginalised society in a multicultural society. In addition, community radio could be used as<br>a tool to empower the marginalised or underprivileged and speak out against discrimination<br>and social injustices in society. The study recommended that community radios should ensure<br>access and participation, diversity, independence and locality. This is to make sure that<br>members of the marginalised groups can express their problems and difficulties via the station. </p> Bernice Oluwalaanu Sanusi Sunday James Okunade Grace Olatundun Jire-Oladiran Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF OUTDOOR ADVERTISING: A STUDY OF OSUN STATE, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2958 <p>This study explored the environmental impacts of outdoor advertising in Osun<br>State, with a focus on visual pollution, aesthetic degradation, and regulatory challenges. It<br>addressed a research gap in understanding the perceptions and implications of outdoor<br>advertising in a developing context. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected<br>through structured questionnaires from a stratified sample of 400 residents to ensure<br>representative participation from various demographics. Structured questionnaires collected<br>data on public perceptions and awareness, and descriptive statistics were employed to analyse<br>the findings. The results revealed a widespread public perception of outdoor advertising as a<br>source of visual pollution and a significant disruptor of environmental aesthetics. Respondents<br>identified low public awareness and ineffective regulatory enforcement as critical challenges.<br>Despite the presence of environmental regulations, their impact was perceived as minimal,<br>reflecting weak implementation frameworks and limited public engagement. This research<br>contributes to knowledge by highlighting the interplay between public perceptions and<br>regulatory effectiveness in addressing outdoor advertising pollution. It underscores the need<br>for enhanced public awareness, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and sustainable advertising<br>practices. The study’s findings have significant implications for urban planning and policy<br>development, offering actionable recommendations for creating visually harmonious urban<br>environments. Future research should investigate the economic impact of advertising<br>regulations and explore the effectiveness of policy interventions in mitigating visual pollution. </p> Emmanuel Ifeduba Sunday James Okunade Suliyat Morenikeji Taiwo Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 ANALYSING THE IMPACT OF SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS INFLUENCING VOTER TURNOUT IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC (2015-2023) https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2959 <p>Despite various political situations in Nigerian democracy marked by various<br>political contexts and a wide range of strategies to contest the results, voter turnout in Nigerian<br>presidential elections has declined. This study aimed to investigate the influence of socio-<br>economic factors on voter turnout in Nigeria’s 2015, 2019, and 2023 presidential elections.<br>Using secondary data, the study employed descriptive statistics (maximum, minimum, mean,<br>and standard deviation) and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis with the statistical<br>package for the social sciences (SPSS) environment to describe and evaluate the impact of<br>these factors on voter turnout, respectively. ESRI ArcGIS 10.8 was also used to examine the<br>geographical distribution of voter turnout. The findings revealed a significant decrease in the<br>average voter turnout of 46.72% in 2015, 35.63% in 2019, and 27.06% in the 2023 presidential<br>elections. Notably, states with higher voter turnout rates were often aligned with the ruling<br>party's geopolitical zones, which shifted over the three election cycles. Findings indicate that<br>socio-economic factors did not significantly affect voter turnout in the 2015 and 2023<br>presidential elections. Additionally, only the percentage of educated women negatively<br>influenced voter turnout in the 2019 presidential election. Based on these findings, the paper<br>recommends that the federal, state and local governments should further strengthen the<br>implementation of measures to reduce poverty and improve socio-economic conditions so that<br>citizens can participate more actively in elections.</p> Bitrus Eniyekenimi Daukere Benedine Akpu Fidelis A.E. Paki Enekole Esther Adeniyi Harrison Onyeka Uti Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 ENHANCING THE ADOPTION OF ICT IN TEACHING AND LEARNING: EXPLORING KEY FACTORS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2960 <p>This study investigates the factors influencing the successful adoption of<br>Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in teaching and learning at Nigerian<br>universities. Using Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), we<br>analysed data from 3,218 respondents across 12 Nigerian universities to examine the<br>relationship between key constructs—such as attitude, infrastructure, ICT training, usage,<br>professional development, and quality of ICT resources—and ICT adoption. The results reveal<br>that a positive attitude toward ICT, its active usage, and the quality of technological resources<br>significantly impact successful ICT adoption, with beta values of 0.076, 0.422, and 0.046,<br>respectively. However, organisational factors such as infrastructure, ICT training, and<br>professional development were not found to be significant contributors. These findings<br>underscore the importance of fostering a positive attitude, enhancing ICT engagement, and<br>ensuring the availability of high-quality technological resources to drive successful ICT<br>adoption in Nigerian higher education. The study concludes that while technical factors are<br>critical, further research is needed to explore how organisational support can be improved to<br>bolster the adoption process.<br><br></p> Isyaka Mohammed Salisu Aliyu Alhaji Abubakar Ezra Samaila Danbauchi Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 NAVIGATING POLITICAL SILENCE: THE IMPACT OF TWITTER BAN ON NIGERIAN YOUTH ACTIVISM https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2961 <p>Twitter has emerged as a vital forum for political activism and conversation,<br>particularly among young people. It is an effective instrument for political engagement because<br>of its capacity to promote quick information sharing, rally supporters, and magnify voices. The<br>consequences of this ban on political participation and communication have been significant.<br>It was extremely difficult for political movements that depended on the platform for<br>coordination and communication to stay visible and gain traction. It is a potent social media<br>tool that has transformed social interaction, communication, and information sharing across a<br>range of industries, including politics, entertainment, news, and private messaging. The study<br>aims to explore how youth activism and political participation have been affected by the ban,<br>as well as how they adapt and discover new ways to mobilise support and express their political<br>beliefs. The methodology of this study was gathered through primary data collection. The key<br>findings of the study are that the bans on Twitter led to a significant decline in political<br>participation among young people. In the absence of Twitter, young people are adopting a<br>variety of innovative approaches and techniques for political activism. This study concludes<br>that while censorship may inadvertently foster creativity and resilience in activists, pushing<br>them to develop new strategies, the implications of this kind of ban are profound. The study<br>recommends that to sustain youths’ political engagement despite challenges posed by Twitter<br>restriction; society must go back to the traditional route: an offline community-building effort<br>where youths can engage in discussions like town hall meetings and face-to-face interactions<br>with grassroots leaders like the Local Government Chairman to mitigate the effects of the<br>banned online space.</p> Emmanuel Ifeduba Olubusayo Temitope Koyi Grace Olatundun Jire-Oladiran Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF BILLBOARD ADVERTISING IN OSOGBO, NIGERIA: INSIGHTS FROM A QUALITATIVE STUDY https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2962 <p>Billboard advertising remains a pivotal component in marketing, utilising<br>prominent locations, creative visuals, and emotional appeals to captivate audiences. This study<br>explores public perception of billboard advertising in Osogbo, Osun State, examining its<br>impact on organisational profit maximisation and associated challenges. Findings reveal that<br>billboards are highly regarded for enhancing brand visibility and reaching diverse audiences,<br>particularly non-digital populations. However, their effectiveness is undermined by challenges<br>such as design clutter, oversaturation in certain areas, and limited viewer interaction time.<br>Residents appreciate billboards for bridging traditional and digital media gaps, particularly in<br>reaching non-digital audiences. However, issues such as fleeting attention spans and<br>overemphasis on models rather than products diminish their impact. These insights underscore<br>the need for strategic placements, simple messaging, and contextually relevant content to<br>optimise billboard advertising outcomes. The study highlights the importance of strategic<br>placement, concise messaging, and culturally relevant content to enhance billboard advertising<br>outcomes. These insights contribute to the growing discourse on optimising advertising<br>strategies in an increasingly competitive media landscape.</p> Christianah F. Y. Badmus-Olofintuyi Grace Funmilayo Akinola Emmanuel Ifeduba Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 IMPACT OF PUBLIC SERVICE REFORMS ON WORKERS’ PRODUCTIVITY IN THE FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE, ABUJA, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2963 <p>Public service performance challenges in Nigeria date back to the colonial<br>period, leading to the introduction of many reforms as a remedy to those maladies. Those<br>reforms, however, have not achieved any significant results. This study, therefore, sought to<br>assess the implications of reforms in achieving organizational stability, particularly in the<br>Nigerian civil service. It also delved into factors that led to public service reforms and<br>ascertained their benefits to the general performance of civil servants. The study adopted a<br>descriptive survey design using questionnaires and an interview guide to generate its primary<br>data. The target population was made up of all the 94,511 workers in the federal civil service<br>in Abuja. A sample of 622 participants was selected using Taro Yamane (1967) through<br>multistage and simple random sampling techniques. Major findings of the study show that<br>reforms were considered a potential measure of organisational ineffective and inefficient<br>service delivery. It was discovered that the reasons why reforms have not achieved their<br>primary objective were corruption and the parochial interests of the officials. The study<br>recommends that the government should desist from all subtleness by intensifying efforts at all<br>costs through a genuine willingness to tackle favouritism, nepotism and others that jeopardise<br>government reforms in the civil service. Also, corrupt officials must be dealt with decisively<br>to serve as a deterrent for future occurrences.<br><br></p> Tope Alabi Chigozie H. Okeke Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 FINANCIAL DEEPENING AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA: AN AUTOREGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTED LAG APPROACH https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2964 <p>This study investigates the effect of financial deepening on economic growth in<br>Nigeria. The annual times series data from 1991 to 2022 were used for the study, while the ex-<br>post facto research design was adopted for the study. The Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF)<br>and the Phillipps-Perron methods were used to test for unit roots. The data were analyzed using<br>the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. In contrast, the Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey<br>test for heteroskedasticity, Correlogram of Residuals Squared, Cusum test and Histogram<br>Normality test were also used for the diagnostic test. The outcome of the long-run analysis<br>indicates that the Ratio of broad money to GDP and Market capitalization have a positive and<br>significant effect on the Gross Domestic Product, while Credit to the private sector to GDP has<br>an inverse and significant impact on the Gross Domestic Product. Conversely, the Liquidity<br>ratio of commercial banks has a negative and no significant effect on the Gross Domestic<br>Product. Thus, the study finds that financial deepening significantly impacts Nigeria’s<br>economic growth. Hence, the study concludes that financial deepening has a significant effect<br>on economic growth in Nigeria. Finally, the study suggests that Banks should extend more<br>credit facilities to sectors of the economy that are production-driven</p> Monday A. Gbanador Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 IMPACT OF BROKEN HOMES ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2965 <p>This study was carried out specifically to find out the commonality of students<br>in secondary schools from broken homes, establish whether such family background had an<br>effect on their school performance, and submit ways such students can be helped to improve<br>their academic performance. This study employed a survey design utilizing a simple random<br>sampling methodology. The population sample consisted of teachers and students from senior<br>secondary schools within Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State. This approach ensured<br>that the selection of participants was unbiased and representative of the broader population,<br>thus enhancing the reliability and validity of the findings. In determining the sample size, the<br>researcher used 266 respondents with 259 validated. A self-constructed and validated<br>questionnaire was utilized for data collection, and statistical analysis was performed using<br>frequency tables and mean scores. The findings revealed that broken homes tend to contribute<br>to a negative flagging on the affected students’ academic performance. It is therefore<br>recommended that married people should think about the implications of the negative effect<br>that broken relationship can have on the emotional, academic, social, and educational<br>performance of their children and wards in the long and short term. The author is of the opinion<br>that schools should provide accessible and well-resourced counselling services with trained<br>and motivated professionals who can support students' emotional and psychological well-<br>being.</p> Julie Ijeoma Chidiezie-Chineke Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8 EARNINGS PER SHARE AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED ICT FIRMS IN NIGERIA: A PANEL STUDY https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/2966 <p>The study examined the relationship between earnings per share and the<br>financial performance of listed information and communication technology in Nigeria: A Panel<br>Study. The specific objective was to ascertain the extent to which earnings per share relates to<br>the net profit margin, return on asset and the asset turnover of listed ICT firms in Nigeria. This<br>study utilised an ex-post facto research design. The study's population comprises all ICT firms<br>listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group as of the end of the 2023 financial year. The purposive<br>sampling technique was employed to select five (5) firms. Secondary data for this research<br>were obtained from the financial statements of the selected firms from 2014 to 2023.<br>Descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation, were used to analyse the data.<br>For hypothesis testing, inferential statistical analysis was conducted using the Pearson Product<br>Moment Correlation Analysis technique. The findings show that Earnings Per Share has a<br>negative but non-significant relationship with the net profit margin of listed ICT firms in<br>Nigeria (r = -0.161723; p-value = 0.2885); Earnings Per Share has a positive but non-significant<br>relationship with the return on assets of listed ICT firms in Nigeria (r = 0.255900; p-value =<br>0.0898); Earnings Per Share has a positive and significant relationship with the asset turnover<br>ratio of listed ICT firms in Nigeria (r = 0.486598; p-value = 0.0007).In conclusion, while EPS<br>positively influences Return on Assets and Asset Turnover Ratio, indicating improved asset<br>efficiency and sales effectiveness, its negative relationship with Net Profit Margin suggests<br>potential trade-offs between short-term earnings enhancement and long-term profitability. The<br>study recommends that the board of directors should prioritise strategies that enhance<br>operational efficiency rather than focusing solely on increasing EPS through financial<br>manoeuvres like share buybacks.</p> Catherine Amoge Eneh Vincent Onyeneke Agbachi Bobby Godwin Ogbogu Nwankwo Charles Ikechukwu Agu Copyright (c) 2024 2024-12-14 2024-12-14 14 8