African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Table of Content

content TABLE OF — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Table of Content

EFFECTIVENESS OF DISABILITY CLUSTERS IN LAGOS STATE UNDER THE UN CRPD

David Obinna Anyaele — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the effectiveness of disability cluster organisations in Lagos State in implementing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) in advocacy and service delivery. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with leaders and members of four disability clusters, including the National Association of the Blind, the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf, the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, and the Spinal Cord Injured Association of Nigeria. Findings indicate that the UN CRPD serves as a key tool for legitimising advocacy, promoting a rights-based approach, and influencing service provision, including accessibility improvements in public facilities. However, institutional and economic constraints, such as limited training, insufficient technical support, and financial challenges, hinder the effective application of the convention. The study underscores the importance of strengthening organisational capacity and providing stable financial and institutional support to enhance the ability of disability clusters to fulfil their mandate. The findings provide evidence on how legal instruments such as the UN CRPD translate into practical outcomes for persons with disabilities and highlight avenues for policy and programmatic interventions to promote inclusion and rights protection in Lagos State.

ROBERT DAHL’S CONCEPT OF POLITICAL EQUALITY

Felix Agbo Okwa — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Robert Dahl made a significant contribution to the theory of democracy in the twentieth century. His central claim is that every citizen is substantial in that each person’s preference ought to carry equal weight in the processes of governance. He calls this idea political equality. This paper explores Dahl’s concept of political equality as the moral and institutional foundation of enduring democracies. To this end, the paper argues that political equality is not merely a procedural norm but rather a substantive condition for the actualization of democratic legitimacy and stability. The paper achieves this by examining how political equality ensures inclusive participation, responsive leadership, and the continuous renewal of democratic trust. In furtherance of this, the paper critiques contemporary democratic systems where economic inequality, elite capture, and information divide have made the principle of equal political voice improbable. Using the analytic method of philosophical research, the study highlights that democracies endure only when they institutionalize mechanisms that protect citizens from marginalization and ensure equitable distribution of political power. Consequently, the paper concludes that the revitalization of political equality in both established and emerging democracies is indispensable for preventing democratic regression and fostering civic solidarity in plural societies. Hence, Dahl provides an enduring moral compass for reconceiving democratic practice in contemporary times.

ETHICAL FRAMEWORK, CULTURAL HUMILITY IN FOSTERING INNOVATION IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Ahmed Jibrin, Nuhu Gideon Sammni, Tanimu Muhammed — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper advances an integrative ethical framework for clinical psychology that aligns mid-level Principlism with cultural humility to guide decisions in culturally plural, innovation-driven care settings. We address a practical problem: clinicians must weigh autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice while engaging patients’ cultural values and fast emerging technologies. The aim is to provide a concise, actionable model that clarifies how Principlism can be operationalized without erasing local meanings of illness, care, and community. Drawing on illustrative cases, digital mental-health tools, eco-conscious nanomedical approaches, traditional herbal practices, and a subnational vignette from Keffi, Nasarawa State, we show how cultural humility calibrates principle-based analysis, improving consent processes, risk appraisal, and fairness in access. The contribution is a pragmatic ethical framework for clinical psychology that specifies when and how to adapt principled reasoning to context while preserving normative rigor. Implications include transparent justification of clinical choices, culturally responsive consent and disclosure, and criteria for selecting and evaluating innovations so that interventions remain equitable, respectful, and clinically defensible across diverse populations.

ROLE OF TRADITIONAL RULERS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE TARABA NORTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT OF TARABA STATE

Esther N. Maijama, Shamsudeen T. Mohammed, Andrew E. Zamani — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the role of traditional rulers in conflict resolution within Taraba North Senatorial District, Nigeria. The research was guided by two objectives: to explore the mechanisms used by traditional rulers to resolve conflicts and to identify the challenges they encounter in doing so. Anchored in Stakeholder Theory, the study employed a qualitative descriptive case study design. Data were collected through Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with 10 purposively selected participants, including first-, second, and third-class chiefs, as well as senior officials responsible for chieftaincy affairs. The findings revealed that traditional rulers rely on culturally rooted practices such as open compound hearings, layered reconciliation models, land walks to verify boundary claims, ritual reconciliation ceremonies, and symbolic restitution to maintain peace. Despite their continued relevance, the findings highlight numerous challenges undermining their effectiveness, including political interference, erosion of respect among younger generations, inadequate legal recognition, lack of training, and insufficient resources to enforce decisions. The study concludes that while traditional rulers remain indispensable stakeholders in community peacebuilding, their potential is significantly constrained by systemic and structural limitations. It recommends establishing a comprehensive legal framework to support traditional conflict resolution and implementing inclusive community engagement and capacity-building initiatives. By addressing these constraints, policymakers and practitioners can strengthen indigenous institutions and enhance sustainable conflict management in Taraba North and similar contexts.

EFFECT OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE OF DANGOTE CEMENT, OBAJA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Muktar Abdullahi, Esther Y. Bagobiri, Virginia Kassah — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The need for a holistic management practice in every organization cannot be overemphasized. This is because management has realized its need to establish a robust organization. Thus, the study examined the effect of Total Quality Management on the performance of Employees in Dangote Cement, Obajana, Kogi State. A survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected using a questionnaire distributed to 401 employees of Dangote Cement Obajana, representing 4.5% of the population of 8,972 employees. Regression analysis of the collected data revealed that Total Quality Management has a positive and significant effect on employee performance at Dangote Cement, Obajana, Kogi State. Specifically, the study revealed that Employee training and employee engagement have a significant, positive effect on employee performance in the organization. The study therefore recommended that Dangote Cement's management improve employee training and engagement to enhance employee performance.

EFFECTS OF PUBLIC DEBT CRISES ON LIFE EXPECTANCY

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria faces persistent public debt crises, alongside one of the lowest life expectancy levels in Sub-Saharan Africa. Accordingly, this study empirically estimates the effect of public debt on life expectancy in Nigeria. Covering the period from 1981 to 2020, the study employs the Johansen co-integration approach. The findings indicate a negative and significant long-run relationship between Nigeria’s external public debt and life expectancy. Conversely, domestic public debt is statistically significant and contributes positively to life expectancy in Nigeria in the long run. Based on these results, the study recommends reducing external debt while ensuring that domestic debt is properly monitored and safeguarded against misappropriation to enhance life expectancy at birth in Nigeria. Nigeria’s governments could also finance their budget deficits with domestic borrowing. However, they should ensure that such funds are allocated to priority projects that have the capacity to deepen the economy and improve citizens' well-being.

EFFICACY OF A CULTURALLY-ADAPTED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT) IN REDUCING PERCEIVED PREGNANCY STRESS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Pregnancy is often a period of significant psychological stress, which is associated with adverse maternal and infant outcomes. In resource-limited settings like Nigeria, the integration of effective, low-cost psychological interventions into prenatal care is crucial. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based intervention for stress, but its efficacy among pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa remains underexplored. This study assessed the efficacy of a culturallyadapted CBT intervention in reducing perceived pregnancy stress among pregnant women in Ekiti State, Nigeria. A true experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed. Thirty pregnant women with high stress scores (27-40 on the Pregnancy Stress Scale) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). The experimental group received an 8-week, culturally-adapted CBT intervention, while the control group received no intervention. Perceived stress was measured before and after intervention. The inclusion criteria include pregnant women in their second or third trimester (to ensure sufficient exposure to pregnancy-related stressors and must be 18 years or older. Ethical approvals were gotten from Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti and Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency. An Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for baseline stress, revealed a statistically significant effect of the intervention on post-test stress scores, F(1, 27) = 651.66, p < .001, with a very large effect size (partial η² = .96). Participants in the CBT group reported significantly lower adjusted mean stress scores (M = 11.76) compared to the control group (M = 30.51). A culturallyadapted CBT intervention was associated with large reduction in perceived stress among pregnant women in Nigeria. The findings support the integration of structured, culturally sensitive psychological interventions into routine antenatal care to improve maternal mental health outcomes.

PATRIARCHAL CONTROL OVER REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH: LINKS TO MATERNAL MORTALITY AND HOUSEHOLD POVERTY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Princewill Chikere, Agnes Osita-Njoku, Vincent O. Umeh — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The essence of the study on patriarchal control over reproductive health was to explore the impact of patriarchal control on women's reproductive health decision-making; the relationship between household poverty and maternal mortality in rural communities with strong patriarchal influence, and the role of cultural and social norms driven by patriarchal values in shaping maternal health-seeking behaviors in Southeast Nigeria. Relevant literature was reviewed as authoritative support for the study, while the Gender and Development (GAD) Theory was adopted as the theoretical framework. Employing a descriptive survey design, a sample of 360
respondents was selected from two communities in each of the five southeast states (Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo) using multistage and snowball sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews, and analyzed using SPSS v.23. Findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between patriarchal control and poor maternal health outcomes. The compounded effect of poverty and patriarchal influence also demonstrated a strong association with maternal mortality. Furthermore, cultural norms rooted in patriarchy were found to delay maternal health-seeking behaviors significantly. The study concluded that patriarchal systems not only restrict women’s access to life-saving maternal healthcare but also perpetuate intergenerational poverty. Recommendations include empowering women through community-based education, subsidizing healthcare for low-income households, culturally adapting health programs, and launching rural economic empowerment initiatives for women.

AUDIENCE RESPONSES TO MEDIA MESSAGES ON HPV VACCINE UPTAKE IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

Victor Chibueze Nwogbo, Unoma Oluchi Okafor — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Lack of awareness of the Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV) and cultural responses toward its acceptance continue to generate a significant burden in combating cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria. Consequently, the study examines the audience's responses to media messages on HPV vaccine uptake as a strategy for combating cervical cancer in Enugu State. The Two-step flow theory and the Health Belief Model underpinned the study. Utilizing a survey research design, 385 participants were surveyed to assess the influence of media exposure, cultural beliefs, and social norms on HPV vaccine uptake. Findings reveal that while media exposure raises awareness and motivates individuals to learn more about the HPV vaccine, it does not directly translate into increased vaccination uptake. Participants reported moderate exposure to HPV-related information through various media outlets, and there was a positive correlation between media exposure and motivation to seek further information. However, cultural beliefs were identified as the most significant factor influencing individuals' perceptions and decisions regarding vaccination, followed by social norms. Barriers to vaccine uptake include logistical issues, concerns about vaccine safety, and familial or peer influence. The study concludes that while the media play a pivotal role in increasing awareness, their impact on vaccine adoption is limited without addressing the underlying cultural and social factors that shape health decisions. Based on these findings, the study recommends developing culturally tailored media campaigns, increasing community engagement, and improving access to the HPV vaccine to enhance uptake.

AN EXAMINATION OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT FUNDING AMONG ACADEMIC STAFF IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA (2010-2024)

Ahmed Mustapha, Sani Lawal Malumfashi — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper studied staff development funding among academic staff in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 2010-2024. The study specifically examined the condition of refund practices, continuous funding of staff development, and the number of academic staff who benefited from the TETFund between 2010 and 2024. The study used Skinner’s Reinforcement theory to analyze issues on staff development funding in the university system. From the 2433 target population, a sample of 1040 academic staff were drawn using multi-stage cluster sampling, across sixteen faculties of the institution. Structured Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data from academic staff, while in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 academic staff and key informant interviews with four members of the university management. Of the questionnaires distributed to the sample, only 1000 were duly completed and returned by academic staff members. Data were statistically analyzed using SPSS (Version 23) to obtain frequencies, percentages, crosstabulations of variables, and binary logistic regression results using a mixed-methods research design. Findings reveal that the majority of academic staff have not been refunded for funding staff development. Furthermore, a binary regression analysis with a P value of 0.001 indicates a significant relationship between funding and staff development. Moreover, the available record shows that science-based faculties have benefited more from TETFund funding than humanities-based faculties between 2010 and 2024. Furthermore, the records show that of 231 funding opportunities, only 21 were held by female academic staff and 192 by male academic staff. Based on the findings of the research, the study recommended, among other things, the need for improved partnership and linkage strategies to support staff development participation, and for the university management to eradicate disparities in nominations for funding opportunities.

CORRUPTION AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Emmanuel Anayo Onyeiwu — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria has experienced grave vicissitudes throughout its socio-political history. Unfortunately, after almost 60 years of political independence, Nigeria still lags behind the comity of Nations in development. Despite Providence's concentration of human and natural resources, Nigeria's basic development indices remain low, and there have been a series of inquiries to uncover the causes, magnitude, and dimensions of the paradox of underdevelopment in Nigeria, which has left over 180 million people in an enclave of backwardness. This particular concern propelled this research, which seeks to uncover the gamut of this ugly trend using Dependency World system theories and history as a guide. The design adopted was a survey design. The study population consisted of 5000 individuals, of whom 200 were selected. The data collected were presented in a table and analyzed using simple percentages. The findings indicate that corruption is prevalent in Nigeria's underdeveloped society. It was recommended that action be taken to curb the menace of corruption.

MANAGING STUDENTS’ DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOUR IN THE CLASSROOM BEYOND DISCIPLINE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN DELTA STATE

James Urien, Christopher Ogaga, Peter Urien — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study focused on the management of students’ disruptive behaviour in secondary schools in Delta State beyond discipline. Three research questions and three null hypotheses were raised and tested. The study is a qualitative and quantitative survey employing an ex-post facto design. The population comprised all public secondary school principals, teachers, and students in Delta State. There are currently 479 public secondary schools in Delta State, with 479 principals and 14,877 teachers. The sample for this study comprised 100 principals and 400 teachers from selected public secondary schools in Delta State. The Students’ Disruptive Behaviour Beyond Discipline Questionnaire (SDBDQ) was designed to generate data to answer the research questions. The instrument was validated prior to its administration. It was pilot-tested with professionally trained teachers from two schools that did not form part of the main study. Cronbach’s alpha was used to assess reliability, yielding r-0.87 and r-0.84, respectively. Descriptive statistics, including the mean and standard deviation, were used to analyse the demographic data and the research questions, while inferential statistics, the independent samples t-test, were used to test the hypotheses. In conclusion, the persistence and complexity of disruptive student behaviours are classified primarily as verbal, physical, attentional, aggressive, and relational. Students’ disruptive behaviour poses a significant challenge for the teaching-learning process in secondary schools. However, teachers who have had the privilege of undergoing professional preparation are expected to create a congenial atmosphere for teaching and learning to thrive. There is an urgent need to address students’ disruptive behaviour in secondary schools in Delta State by adopting effective classroom management strategies that go beyond discipline.

EVALUATION OF CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENT ON CUSTOMER PATRONAGE IN THE NIGERIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR IN ENUGU METROPOLIS

Rita Ada Mazeli, Samuel C. Anyionu — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the influence of celebrity endorsement on customer patronage in the Nigerian telecommunications sector, focusing on subscribers within Enugu Metropolis. Grounded in the Source Credibility Theory, the research examined four core dimensions of celebrity endorsement, trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness, and popularity, and their effects on customer patronage. A quantitative survey design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to telecommunication subscribers. Of the 400 distributed questionnaires, 370 valid responses were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Findings revealed that all four dimensions of celebrity endorsement significantly and positively affect customer patronage. Celebrity trustworthiness showed a strong influence, while expertise, attractiveness, and popularity also demonstrated significant predictive effects on patronage. The study concludes that celebrity endorsement remains an effective promotional strategy in Nigeria’s telecommunication industry when endorsers align with brand values and consumer expectations.

SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AND DETERMINANTS AMONG SECONDARY-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Ojumu Charles Ali — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This mixed-methods cross-sectional study assessed sexual behavioural patterns and their determinants among secondary school students in Benue State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 400 students (JSS 1-SS3) from six co-educational schools, who completed a structured questionnaire; 12 in-depth interviews and four focus group discussions provided contextual depth. The prevalence of sexual activity was 41.3% (165/400), with 52.7% of sexually active students initiating sex between ages 13 and 15. Risky patterns were prevalent: 58.8% did not use a condom at last sex, 66.7% had two or more partners, and contexts included
peer pressure (37.6%) and transactional sex (27.3%). Guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, key determinants included favourable attitudes towards sex (e.g., as a sign of maturity, 46.3%), strong subjective norms (43.0% believed most friends were sexually active), and low perceived behavioural control (only 33.0% were confident refusing sexual advances). Qualitative data contextualized these findings, revealing peer networks as primary sources of information and pressure. The study concludes that risky sexual behaviour is multifaceted, driven by attitudinal, normative, and control factors. A multi-tiered programme is recommended: scale up comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education; support peer-led prevention campaigns; and broaden access to confidential, youth-friendly sexual health services. Limitations include self-report bias and the non-causal nature of the cross-sectional design.

EFFECT OF FINANCIAL LEVERAGE ON FIRM VALUE OF LISTED OIL AND GAS FIRMS IN NIGERIA

Vincent Onyeneke Agbachi, Bobby Godwin Ogbogu Ogbogu, Catherine Amoge Eneh — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the effect of financial leverage on the firm value of listed oil and gas companies in Nigeria. The specific objective was to determine the effects of the total debt-to-equity ratio, the total debt-to-assets ratio, and the long-term debt-to-assets ratio on the net asset per share of listed and gas firms in Nigeria. The study deployed an ex-post facto research design. The population comprises nine (9) publicly listed oil and gas companies on the Nigerian Exchange Group. The selection of firms for the sample size was based on purposive sampling. In this study, specifically, five (5) out of the available nine (9) firms were chosen. Secondary data were extracted from annual reports of oil and gas companies over ten years, spanning from 2014 to 2023. The collected secondary data were coded into the statistical software EVIEWS Version 11. To test the hypotheses, Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis was conducted at a 5% significance level. The findings showed that: total debt to equity ratio has a negative but non-significant effect on the net asset per share of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria (β = -0.700522; p-value = 0.7772); total debt to asset ratio has a positive and significant effect on the net asset per share of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria (β = -82.91655; p-value = 0.0394); long term debt to asset ratio has a negative and significant effect on the net asset per share of listed oil and gas firms in Nigeria (β = 111.0643; p-value = 0.0050). In conclusion, firms with substantial long-term debt may see a reduction in their net asset per share, reflecting the adverse effects of prolonged financial obligations. In light of the adverse effect of the long-term debt-to-assets ratio on net asset per share, the board of directors should implement policies to limit excessive long-term borrowing. They should prioritize financial strategies that maintain a balanced approach to long-term debt, ensuring that it does not compromise the firm’s financial flexibility or lead to value erosion.

EPHEMERAL REVOLUTIONS AND SOCIAL MOVEMENTS IN NIGERIA’S HYBRID DEMOCRACY

Ekeledirichukwu C. Njoku, Ernest Ifeanyichukwu Olemeforo — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study advances the concept of ephemeral revolutions to explain why major protest waves and social movements in Nigeria generate intense public mobilisation but fail to produce lasting political or institutional change. Drawing on social movement and hybrid regime theory, it argues that movements such as Occupy Nigeria, EndSARS, and the Obidient Movement exhibit similar trajectories: rapid mass mobilisation, short-lived disruption of state power, and eventual decline driven by elite co-optation, repressive adaptation, institutional weakness, and the volatility of digital organising. Through comparative qualitative analysis, the study shows how each movement illuminates a different facet of ephemerality. Occupy Nigeria demonstrated cross-class alliances, EndSARS – a digitally networked but leaderless structure, and the Obidient Movement, an attempt to channel protest energy into electoral politics – all of which confronted structural limits embedded in Nigeria’s hybrid democracy. The findings refine debates on movement durability in hybrid regimes and suggest that without stronger political institutions, protections for civic space, and mechanisms for post-movement institutionalisation, digital-age mobilisation in Nigeria will continue to yield powerful moments rather than enduring democratic transformations.

PARENTAL REJECTION AND SELF-ESTEEM AS PREDICTORS OF ADJUSTMENT DISORDER AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN YABA, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper investigates the predictive influence of perceived parental rejection and self-esteem on adjustment disorder among university students in Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria. Grounded in Attachment Theory and Social Learning Theory, the paper examines how early parental experiences and self-perceptions shape students’ emotional adjustment during the university phase. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a sample of 357 full-time undergraduate students drawn from the University of Lagos, Yaba College of Technology, and St. Augustine’s University of Education through proportionate stratified random sampling. Standardized instruments were utilized: the Adjustment Disorder Scale (Israel, 2016), Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (Rohner & Khaleque, 2005), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), all of which demonstrated strong internal reliability (α > .80). Data analysis using simple and multiple regression revealed that perceived parental rejection significantly predicted adjustment disorder (β = –.346, p < .001), while self-esteem also predicted adjustment disorder, albeit with a modest effect (β = .142, p = .007). These findings affirm that negative parental experiences and fragile self-concepts contribute substantially to emotional maladjustment among university students. The results align with Attachment Theory, which links early rejection to insecure relational patterns, and Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes learned self-perception and coping responses. The paper concludes that fostering parental warmth, emotional support, and authentic self-esteem development can mitigate adjustment difficulties and promote mental well-being among Nigerian undergraduates.

ETHICAL ISSUES IN CONDUCTING PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT IN CORPORATE ORGANIZATIONS

Godwin Shima Iorwanev, Abubakar Musa Tafida — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the ethical issues encountered in conducting personality assessments within corporate organizations. Using a review of relevant literature and practical cases, the paper highlights the significance of personality assessments in areas such as employee selection, leadership development, and organizational decision-making. The research identifies and critically discusses the ethical concerns associated with standardized personality assessment tools, professional competency, data security, and the use of assessments for specific purposes. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges professionals face in ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and the protection of participants' rights during the assessment process. The findings reveal that while personality assessments are instrumental in improving organizational outcomes, improper handling of these assessments can lead to ethical violations, including bias, data breaches, and misuse of personal information. The study recommends adopting multifaceted evaluation approaches that incorporate situational judgment tests and peer reviews to enhance the accuracy and fairness of assessments. Moreover, the importance of continuous professional training on ethical practices and the establishment of robust data security measures within organizations is underscored. This research contributes valuable insights into the ethical considerations necessary for conducting effective and responsible personality assessments in corporate settings.

ECONOMIC AND SECURITY DRIVERS OF EMIGRATION FROM NIGERIA, 2005–2018

Abiodun Ayooluwa Areola — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study analyzes how economic (unemployment, real GDP) and security indicators (armed robbery and missing persons) shaped emigration from Nigeria between 2005 and 2018. Using secondary data from the NBS, CBN, and World Bank, the study applies SPSS regression analysis, ArcGIS spatial mapping, and a 14-year dataset (N = 14) to assess trends and relationships. The joint regression model explains 47.2% of the variance in emigration, with unemployment emerging as the only significant predictor (p = 0.022). A projection to 2030 suggests a potential rise in emigration, though this estimate depends on model assumptions and carries forecast uncertainty, underscoring the need for cautious policy responses integrating employment creation and security reforms.

TIME MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY IN INNOSON NIGERIA LIMITED

Nicholas I. Achilike — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated Time management and organisational productivity in Innoson Nigeria Limited. The specific objectives of the study were to: examine the relationship between scheduling and operational efficiency; ascertain the extent of the relationship between delegation and output; and investigate the relationship between timely budgetary allocation and the designated timeframe in Innoson Nigerian Limited. The study used a descriptive survey design. The population of the study was two hundred (200) staff of Innoson Nigerian Limited. The entire population was studied due to its small size. The Z-test statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses. The findings indicated that Scheduling had a significant positive relationship with operational efficiency (Z = 8.005, P = .001). Delegation had a significant positive relationship with output, as indicated by a Z-test (Z = 9.082, P = .001). Timely budgetary allocation has a significant positive relationship with the designated timeframe of Innoson Nigeria Limited, as indicated by a Z-test (Z = 9.010, P = .001). The study's findings indicate that Scheduling, delegation, Timely budgetary allocation, and Deadline setting had a significant positive relationship with operational efficiency, output, adherence to the designated timeframe, and meeting targets at Innocent Nigeria Limited. The study therefore concludes that effective time management enhances employee performance, minimizes delays, reduces waste, and enables the company to meet targets consistently, especially in areas such as supply chain coordination, vehicle assembly, and client delivery timelines. To maintain high productivity, Innoson should apply principles such as goal-setting, prioritization (Pareto Principle), and task delegation, ensuring that workers focus on high impact tasks.

BLUE ECONOMY GOVERNANCE

Prince Ezeikpe Ifegwu-Livingrich, Adamu Lawi Rimamchaten — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The growing relevance of the marine and blue economy has intensified global concern over the governance of coastal ecosystems, particularly in the Global South, where ecological fragilities intersect with developmental pressures. This study interrogates how evolving threat landscapes, ranging from coastal degradation and illegal fishing to marine pollution, climate-induced risks, and persistent governance deficits, undermine the sustainability of blue economy initiatives and their implications for sustainable development. The analysis draws on 62 carefully selected materials, including national policy documents, international conventions, and peer-reviewed empirical studies, chosen through relevance-based inclusion criteria. Anchored on environmental governance theory and Political Ecology, the objectives of the study are to: (1) identify main ecological and security threats affecting coastal regions; (2) assess existing blue economy governance frameworks; and (3) determine their effectiveness in promoting sustainability. Findings reveal that weak regulatory institutions, fragmented governance, and overextraction of marine resources undermine blue economy outcomes. This is exemplified by Ghana’s marine fisheries sector, which continues to experience stock depletion due to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, despite existing regulatory instruments, reflecting a wider regional governance gap. The study concludes that realising a resilient and sustainable blue economy requires coherent and adaptive governance systems supported by strengthened institutional capacities. Accordingly, the study prioritises three strategic actions: (1) establishing integrated and enforceable multi-actor maritime governance mechanisms; (2) investing in climate-resilient coastal infrastructure and ecological restoration; and (3) promoting community-based resource management alongside enhanced South–South cooperation to improve knowledge sharing and regulatory innovation.

TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON THE PERFORMANCE OF DANGOTE CEMENT, OBAJANA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Muktar Abdullahi, Esther Y. Bagobiri, Virginia Kassah — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, the idea that the quality of services and products is of interest to humans has been a driving force behind the success of businesses. Its importance has caused many to research how it affects various aspects of businesses. Hence, this study examines the effect of total quality management on the performance of Dangote Cement, specifically at the Obajana plant in Kogi State. The study adopted a survey research design. The population consists of 8,972 employees of the organization, and a sample of 383 was derived using Taro Yamane's formula. However, 422 questionnaires were distributed to make provision for attrition, and 401 were returned and used. The research employed statistical tools, including correlation and regression analysis, to analyze the collected data. The study revealed that total quality management has a significant and positive effect on the performance of Dangote Cement, Obajana, Kogi State. Specifically, the components of TQM, such as customer focus and employee involvement, had a positive and significant effect, with customer focus having the most effect, as shown by the analysis. The research recommends that the management of Dangote Cement, Obajana, Kogi State, should emphasize the involvement of employees in quality decisions, such as design. Also, the employees should be involved in the strategic planning for quality in the organization.

EFFECT OF TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN ENHANCING CREATIVE THINKING AND INNOVATION AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN OWERRI MUNICIPAL, IMO STATE

Chidimma Odochi Nwokorie — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the Effect of Technology Integration in Enhancing Creative Thinking and Innovation among Senior Secondary School Students inOwerri Municipal, Imo State, with specific objectives of examining the effect of access to digital devices on students’ flexibility in thinking, investigating the influence of student exposure to digital platforms on their problem-solving ability, and assessing the impact of technology integration in lesson delivery on the level of student innovation projects. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, with a population comprising all SSI–SS3 students in Owerri Municipal, from which a sample size of 400 students was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Five schools were sampled: Government Secondary School Owerri (GSSO), Owerri Girls Secondary School (OGSS), Urban Secondary School Owerri, Baptist High School Owerri, and FMC Staff Secondary School Owerri. Data were collected using a structured four-point Likert-scale questionnaire distributed to 400 students, of whom 387 were returned and 381 validated for analysis. Mean and standard deviation were employed to answer the research questions, while the hypotheses were tested using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA). Findings revealed that access to digital devices significantly enhanced students’ flexibility in thinking, with Wilks’ Lambda = 0.873, F(4,376) = 15.294, p < 0.05, Partial Eta Squared = 0.140, showing that 14% of the variance in flexibility was explained by digital access. Similarly, exposure to digital platforms significantly influenced problem-solving ability with Wilks’ Lambda = 0.861, F(4,376) = 17.208, p < 0.05, Partial Eta Squared = 0.155, indicating 15.5% variance contribution. The integration of technology in lesson delivery significantly improved innovation projects, with Wilks’ Lambda = 0.849, F(4,376) = 18.734, p < 0.05, Partial Eta Squared = 0.166, explaining 16.6% of the variance. The study concluded that technology integration strongly enhances flexibility, problem-solving, and innovation among secondary school students, aligning with global educational demands. It was recommended that government, administrators, and teachers invest in digital infrastructure, training, and resources to foster creativity and innovation in schools.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY ON UNDERGRADUATE PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS’ STRESS LEVEL AND COPING MECHANISMS

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Psychology students increasingly report high stress levels and difficulties adopting effective coping strategies, raising concerns about factors that either buffer or intensify this stress. This necessitated examining the relationships among social support, academic self-efficacy, stress levels, and coping mechanisms among undergraduate psychology students at Ekiti State University (EKSU) and Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE). A total of 190 students (81 males, 109 females) participated, with 104 from EKSU and 86 from FUOYE. Correlation analysis indicated that students with higher academic self-efficacy experience lower stress levels (r =- 0.21, p < .01), avoidant coping strategies showed a positive correlation with stress levels (r = 0.22, p < 01), and emotion-focused coping was positively associated with stress (r = 0.16, p < 05). Social support from family, friends, and significant others was positively correlated with both emotion-focused and problem-focused coping mechanisms. Regression analyses revealed that social support significantly predicted emotion-focused (β = 0.22, p < .01) and problem-focused (β = 0.28, p < .01) coping strategies. Conversely, academic self- efficacy negatively predicted avoidant coping (β =- 0. 31, p <. .01). Stress levels also significantly predicted both avoidant (β = 0. 16, p <. .05) and emotion- focused coping (β = 0. 16, p <. .05). Mediation analysis revealed that academic self-efficacy and stress partially mediated the relationship between social support and coping mechanisms by reducing the direct effect of social support after being severally introduced to the model as mediators. A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) showed that neither academic level (F(1, 186) = 0.02, p > .05) nor institution (F(1, 186) = 265, p > .05) produced a significant main effect on these variables. Findings suggest that interventions that enhance academic self-efficacy and social support networks could effectively help students manage stress and adopt more adaptive coping mechanisms.

THE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL POLICY IN PROMOTING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN ENUGU STATE SCHOOLS

Caroline Obiageri Enwuru — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the role of educational policy in promoting inclusive education in schools in Enugu State. The research specifically focused on the extent to which state educational policies ensure the enrollment and regular attendance of learners with disabilities, the availability and adequacy of teaching aids, and the institutional challenges that hinder effective policy implementation. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from teachers and school administrators in selected public primary and secondary schools using structured questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using mean scores and standard deviations to determine respondents’ perceptions. The findings revealed that educational policies in Enugu State are inadequately implemented, teaching aids are insufficient, and institutional challenges, such as limited administrative support, poor funding, and lack of teacher training, hinder effective inclusive education practices. The study concluded that while policies exist, their practical impact is limited due to weak implementation mechanisms and institutional constraints. It recommends strengthened policy enforcement, provision of adequate resources, continuous teacher training, and enhanced administrative support to improve inclusive education outcomes in Enugu State schools.

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC MODERATORS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION, SELF-ESTEEM, AND SOCIAL ANXIETY IN UNDERGRADUATES

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This rapid increase in the use of social media among young adults has increased scholarly concern about its psychological effects, especially among undergraduates who are struggling to find their academic footing and self-identity with high social evaluation. Existing evidence suggests that excessive engagement can trigger maladaptive comparison processes, distorted self-appraisal, and behavioural dependency, thereby escalating vulnerability to social anxiety. However, the moderating role of socio-demographic characteristics in these associations remains insufficiently explored, especially within the Nigerian context. This study therefore
investigated how socio-demographic variables shape the relationships among social media addiction, self-esteem, and social anxiety among undergraduates in Ekiti State. A cross-sectional design was adopted, and data were obtained from 450 students selected through random sampling across three universities. Standardised instruments, including the Social Media Addiction–Student Form (SMA-SF), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), were administered. Results demonstrated that self-esteem significantly predicted social anxiety (β = .50, R² = .25, p < .05), indicating that lower self-esteem corresponded with higher social anxiety levels. Joint regression analysis further showed that social media addiction and self-esteem significantly predicted social anxiety (R² = .31, F = 55.03, p < .05), with significant independent contributions from social media addition (β = .28, p<0.05) and self-esteem (β =- .37, p<0.05). Moderation analysis indicated that gender and religion significantly influenced some of the relationships, such that the effects of social media addition and self-esteem on social anxiety were stronger among female students and attenuated among highly religious students, but age did not exert a significant moderating effect.

TRADITIONAL RULERS AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN NORTHERN TARABA

Esther N. Maijama, Shamsudeen T. Mohammed, Andrew E. Zamani, Usman A. Yusuf — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines the role of traditional rulers in conflict resolution within the Taraba North Senatorial District of Taraba State, Nigeria, through a literature-based analytical approach. Drawing from existing conceptual, theoretical, and empirical studies, the paper situates traditional rulers as indispensable agents in grassroots peacebuilding and governance. Anchored on Conflict Transformation Theory, the study conceptualizes conflict as an opportunity for relational and structural renewal rather than mere dispute settlement. The review reveals that traditional rulers play multifaceted roles in mediating conflicts, facilitating dialogue, promoting reconciliation, and preserving communal harmony. Empirical evidence from recent Nigerian and African studies underscores that their legitimacy, moral authority, and cultural embeddedness make them more effective in resolving disputes than formal judicial mechanisms in many rural settings. However, the literature also identifies persistent challenges, including political interference, lack of constitutional recognition, generational shifts in leadership, and limited inclusion of women and youth in peace processes. The paper concludes that empowering traditional rulers through legal recognition, capacity-building, and institutional integration would enhance their transformative role in sustaining peace and social cohesion in Taraba North. The findings contribute to deepening theoretical understanding and policy discourse on the intersection between indigenous governance systems and contemporary conflict transformation in Nigeria.

ROLE OF CONFLICT REPORTING IN NIGERIA

Ferdinand Obasi, Felix O. Ugwuanyi, Nicholas Agu, Obinna Ogbuka — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the role of conflict reporting in managing and reducing conflicts in Nigeria. It reviewed historical patterns of conflict and analysed how journalists shaped public understanding through their reporting choices. The paper explained that responsible coverage, built on fact-checking, neutrality, balanced framing, and giving voice to affected groups, helped to reduce tension and support peacebuilding. It also showed that mature and well-trained journalists are better equipped to handle the
pressures, risks, and ethical demands of conflict situations. Overall, the study argued that conflict reporting was most effective when journalists adopted human-centred, non-violent approaches that promoted dialogue, protected national security, and strengthened public trust.

PERSONALITY TRAITS AND SELF-ESTEEM AS PREDICTORS OF ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Aishatu A. Muhammad, Shamsudeen T. Mohammed, Abubakar M. Tafida — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examined the influence of personality traits and self-esteem on antisocial behaviour among secondary school adolescents in Abuja, Nigeria. The study was anchored on Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (1977), which emphasizes the interaction between personal dispositions and environmental reinforcement in shaping behaviour. The paper adopted a survey research design, with a total population of 4,270 students drawn from four selected secondary schools within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Using Yamane’s (1967) sample size determination formula, a sample of 366 respondents was selected through a multistage sampling
technique. Data were collected using standardized instruments: the Big Five Inventory (John et al., 1991), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), and Deviant Behaviour Scale (Sanches et al., 2012). Data analysis was performed using simple and multiple regression analyses via SPSS. The results revealed that personality traits jointly accounted for 82.4% (R² = .824) of the variance in antisocial behaviour, with openness to experience (β = .659, p < .001) and neuroticism (β = .568, p < .001) emerging as the strongest predictors. Conversely, self-esteem had no significant influence on antisocial behaviour (β = –.061, p = .257, R² = .004). The findings highlight that emotional instability and impulsivity are major drivers of antisocial conduct, while self-perception plays a minimal role. The study concludes that antisocial behaviour arises from the interplay between personality predispositions and social learning processes. It recommends that school-based interventions should focus on emotional regulation, personality development, and peer influence management to curb antisocial tendencies among adolescents in Nigeria.