Impact International Journals and Publications
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IMPACT INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS AND PUBLICATIONS
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DEVELOPMENT AND PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABLE EPOXY COMPOSITES FROM TAILOR'S WASTE USING LAYERING AND EMBEDDING TECHNIQUES
Growing concerns regarding municipal solid waste management and material sustainability have intensified the need to transition toward circular economic models within developing nations. Post-production tailor’s workshop waste comprising heterogeneous fractions of fabric off cuts, multi-ply threads, and polymeric or metallic hardware represents a significant regional pollution vector that is routinely discarded into landfills or openly incinerated. This study investigates the structural and optical optimization of sustainable diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy composites utilizing systematic layering and volumetric embedding architecture. Using a controlled experimental matrix, composite panels were fabricated by pairing a low-viscosity epoxy matrix with unrefined tailoring waste using accessible workshop techniques, including localized thermal degassing and automated dual-stage curing. The resulting composites were quantitatively evaluated based on volumetric epoxy displacement, optical transmittance attenuation profiles, and post-cure processability under mechanical tool stress. The empirical findings revealed that structural layout directly governs the material's properties. The layered configuration (Group A) functions as an effective anisotropic light barrier, inducing a 35% to 50% reduction in light transmission, making it ideal for opaque architectural panels. Conversely, the multi-depth embedding technique (Group B) produces an advanced three-dimensional visual effect characterized by distinct angle-dependent color shifts between 50 and 500. Critically, the incorporation of tailoring waste successfully achieved a volumetric resin displacement of 18% to 22%, yielding direct cost savings of up to #13,200 per square meter panel based on current Nigerian market values. Mechanical processing tests confirmed zero interfacial delamination or micro-cracking across all groups during cutting, drilling, and sanding. A predictive sustainability model shows that a modest network of ten local artisanal workshops could collectively divert 2.64 metric tonnes of stable tailoring waste from regional landfills annually. This study concludes that the creative upcycling of unrefined tailoring waste offers a scalable, economically profitable, and structurally viable material alternative for interior architecture and small-scale creative industries within low-resource environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, adaptation, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is properly cited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
UTILIZATION OF SMART CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGIES AND STUDENTS’ ENGAGEMENT IN CHEMISTRY LESSONS IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA COLLEGES OF EDUCATION
This study investigated the utilization of smart classroom technologies and students’ engagement in Chemistry lessons in North Central Nigeria Colleges of Education. The study was guided by three research questions and three hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population consisted of 120 chemistry lecturers and 1,850 NCE Chemistry students from six Colleges of Education in North Central Nigeria, giving a total of 1,970 respondents. A sample of 420 respondents comprising 60 lecturers and 360 students was selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Smart Classroom Technologies and Students’ Engagement Questionnaire (SCTSEQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Chemistry Education and Measurement and Evaluation, and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha, which yielded an overall coefficient of 0.85. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions, while independent samples t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that smart classroom technologies were utilized to a high extent in Chemistry lessons, although tools such as virtual laboratories and student-operated digital devices were less frequently used. The study also found that students’ engagement in Chemistry lessons was high, with evidence of active participation, motivation, collaboration, and attentiveness during instruction. Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between the utilization of smart classroom technologies and students’ engagement in Chemistry lessons (r = 0.684, p < 0.05). The study concludes that effective integration of smart classroom technologies enhances students’ engagement in Chemistry education. It recommends improved funding for ICT infrastructure, regular lecturer training, provision of stable electricity and internet facilities, and increased use of interactive digital tools to strengthen teaching and learning outcomes in Colleges of Education.
TREND ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN ECONOMICS AT WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION FROM 2013–2023 IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
The study examined the trend of students’ achievement in Economics at the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) from 2013 to 2023 in Plateau State, Nigeria. The study employed an ex-post facto survey research design. The population comprised 133,057 students (91,698 urban, 26,124 rural, with 15,235 students in peri-urban transitional zones not classified into either category; 61,264 males, 56,558 females) from 52 public senior secondary schools in Plateau State who sat for Economics in the WASSCE between 2013 and 2023. The sample consisted of 23,101 students from 12 public senior secondary schools — 15,554 from urban areas and 7,547 from rural areas. The Proforma for WASSCE Economics Results (PROWASER), designed by the researcher, was used as the data collection instrument. Face validity yielded a logical validity index of 0.76, and Cronbach coefficient alpha reliability of 0.84 was obtained. Research questions were answered using time series analysis and percentages, while Chi-square tests of independence were employed to test three null hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that the trend of students' achievement in Economics at WASSCE from 2013–2023 was fluctuating in nature, with an overall average of 63.79% achieving credit passes (A1–C6). No significant difference was found in achievement based on gender or school location. Male students recorded a marginally higher average credit pass rate (66.71%) compared to females (64.85%), while urban schools (63.10%) outperformed rural schools (56.94%) by 6.16 percentage points. Recommendations were made to sustain instructional improvement, address gender policy, and provide incentives to attract teachers to rural schools. This study addresses a gap in state-level trend research on WASSCE Economics in Plateau State for the period 2013 to 2023, with specific attention to the roles of gender and school location.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF SERMON PREPARATION IN NIGERIAN CHRISTIANITY
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is reshaping numerous professional and vocational domains, including religious ministry. This paper examines the emerging intersection of AI and sermon preparation within the context of Nigerian Christianity, a setting characterised by vibrant Pentecostal, charismatic, and mainline denominational traditions deeply rooted in biblical exposition and oral preaching culture. Drawing on a qualitative framework that integrates theological reflection with digital humanities discourse, the study explores how Nigerian pastors, preachers, and ministry workers are beginning to adopt AI-powered tools such as large language models, biblical concordance applications, and automated homiletic assistants to enhance the depth, efficiency, and contextual relevance of their sermon construction. The paper further interrogates the theological, ethical, and ecclesiological implications of AI-assisted preaching, raising critical questions about authenticity, the role of the Holy Spirit in sermon inspiration, pastoral authority, and congregational trust. Particular attention is given to the socioeconomic realities of Nigerian Christianity, including issues of digital access, literacy, and the varying capacities of urban versus rural congregations to adopt and adapt to these technologies. The study identifies both significant opportunities, including enhanced biblical research, cross-cultural contextualisation, and accessibility for under-resourced ministers, and notable challenges, such as the risk of homiletic homogeneity, over-reliance on algorithmic outputs, and the erosion of the preacher's prophetic voice. The paper concludes by proposing a framework for theologically grounded AI integration in Nigerian Christian ministry that affirms human pastoral agency while responsibly harnessing the capabilities of emerging technologies.
TECHNOLOGICAL MEDIATION IN 21ST-CENTURY SPORT: EXAMINING ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE, FAN ENGAGEMENT AND SOCIOCULTURAL IMPLICATIONS
The twenty-first century has witnessed rapid technological transformation in sport, reshaping athletic performance, fan engagement, and sociocultural experiences. This paper examines technological mediation in contemporary sport, focusing on how digital technologies such as wearable devices, artificial intelligence, biometric systems, social media platforms, and digital broadcasting infrastructures influence sporting practices. Using a critical literature review approach, the study draws on Mediatization Theory, Technological Determinism, Actor-Network Theory, and Afrocentric Theory to analyse the socio-technical dynamics of modern sport. Findings indicate that technological mediation enhances athletic performance through data-driven training, injury prevention, and performance optimisation. It also expands global access to sport and strengthens fan interaction through digital platforms. However, these benefits are accompanied by significant ethical and sociocultural concerns, including athlete surveillance, data commodification, digital inequality, and cultural marginalisation. The analysis further reveals that African sporting contexts experience unequal access to digital technologies, reinforcing structural disparities while simultaneously creating limited opportunities for the digital preservation of indigenous sporting practices. The paper concludes that technological mediation in sport is inherently dual in nature, being both enabling and constraining. It improves efficiency, connectivity, and global visibility, while also raising critical questions about equity, privacy, and cultural sustainability. By integrating global and Afrocentric perspectives, this study contributes to ongoing debates on sport and technology and underscores the need for context-sensitive approaches to digital transformation in sport.
EVALUATION OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NATURAL FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER COMPOSITES (KENAF FIBER AND POLYESTER RESIN) FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS
Natural fibers such as kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) have gained significant attention as reinforcement in polymer composites due to their biodegradability, lightweight nature, low cost, and favorable strength-to-weight ratio. This research investigates the mechanical and physical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced with polyester resin for potential use in structural applications. Composites with varying fiber volume fractions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) were fabricated and subjected to physical and mechanical characterization such as tensile, flexural, impact, compressive strength tests, density and water absorption test in accordance with ASTM standards. The results revealed that at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%; the tensile strength are 21.66, 18.89,16.81, 9.65 and 4.39Mpa; the compressive strength are 83.70, 64.16, 60.40, 47.17 and 33.55Mpa; the flexural strength are 13.49, 10.80, 8.64, 5.78 and 2.49Mpa; the impact strength are 12.5, 10.8, 9.2, 7.5 and 6.1J; the density are 1.13, 1.14, 1.24, 1.21 and 1.22g/cm3 while the water absorption are 1.86, 5.79, 6.78,9.54 and 19.32% respectively. The tests result from some mechanical and physical properties show a decline in strength as volume fractions of kenaf fiber increases. This decline in strength with increasing fiber content suggests that higher kenaf fiber incorporation reduces the matrix–fiber interfacial bonding strength. This implies that as the volume of fiber fractions increases, it should be with proportional increase in the volume of the resin. This study highlights the potential of kenaf fibers as eco-friendly reinforcements in advancing sustainable construction materials.
EDUCATION AS A TOOL FOR CRIME AND INSECURITY PREVENTION IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
Nigeria continues to struggle with persistent crime and insecurity, which is manifested in the form of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cultism, cybercrime, and other forms of security-related violence that threaten the national stability, economic development, and social cohesion of the country. While government interventions have traditionally focused on military operations, policing, and reactive law enforcement measures, comparatively little attention has been paid to education as a proactive and sustainable approach to crime prevention. This paper investigates the role of education in crime and insecurity prevention in Nigeria through a non-empirical, conceptual study of the available literature, policy frameworks, and theoretical perspectives. Drawing on human capital theory, social learning theory, and Social control theory, it is contended that education can be seen as a vital instrument for shaping moral values, developing employability, ensuring social cohesion, and equipping youth with the knowledge and skills to resist criminal and extremist influences. The study also identifies structural and systemic challenges that undermine the effectiveness of educational interventions, including inadequate funding, inequitable access, obsolete or poorly implemented curricula, and limited integration of security-related content. The analysis highlights the importance of educational systems reform that includes security-conscious education, enhanced civic and moral education, and the use of technology and public-private partnerships to improve educational outcomes. The paper concludes that education is a crucial preventive mechanism that can address the root causes of crime and insecurity in Nigeria, while complementing traditional enforcement approaches and ensuring long-term social stability, resilience, and national development.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN A NIGERIAN PUBLIC TERTIARY INSTITUTION
Financial management practices are essential for ensuring accountability, transparency, and sustainability in public educational institutions. This study examined the effect of financial management practices on organisational performance at the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Rivers State. The study was anchored on Agency Theory and supported by Stakeholder Theory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 220 academic and non-academic staff selected from a population of 486 employees using the Taro Yamane sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and Multiple Regression Analysis with the aid of SPSS version 25. The results revealed that budgeting practices (β = 0.372, p < .05), cash management practices (β = 0.248, p < .05), and internal control practices (β = 0.197, p < .05) significantly and positively influenced organisational performance. Budgeting practices emerged as the strongest predictor of organisational performance. The regression model explained 49.8% of the variation in organisational performance. The study concludes that effective financial management practices significantly enhance accountability, operational efficiency, and institutional sustainability in public tertiary institutions. The study recommended stronger budgeting, cash management and internal control systems to enhances institutional performance.
AN ASSESSMENT OF WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS
Waste management remains a major urban governance and public health challenge in rapidly growing Nigerian cities, including Makurdi metropolis. This study examined the effect of waste management policy implementation on environmental health outcomes in Makurdi metropolis, focusing on environmental cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene conditions, and drainage and flooding conditions. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, using structured questionnaires administered to 400 respondents drawn from residents of Makurdi metropolis and staff of the Benue State Environmental Sanitation Authority (BENSESA). A total of 380 valid responses (95% response rate) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The study was anchored on Policy Implementation Theory by Pressman and Wildavsky (1973) and Mazmanian and Sabatier (1983), which explains how gaps between policy formulation and implementation shape outcomes. Findings revealed that waste management policy implementation has a statistically significant positive effect on environmental cleanliness (R = .608, R² = .370), sanitation and hygiene conditions (R = .623, R² = .388), and drainage and flooding conditions (R = .641, R² = .411), all at p < 0.01. However, enforcement weaknesses and inconsistent public compliance limit the overall effectiveness of these improvements. The study concludes that waste management outcomes in Makurdi are moderately effective, with stronger performance in service delivery than in regulatory enforcement. It recommends strengthened enforcement by BENSESA, improved funding for waste infrastructure, and intensified community-based environmental education and compliance monitoring.
EDUCATIONAL CORRUPTION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FALLEN STANDARD OF EDUCATION; A STUDY OF UNIVERSITIES IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigates the relationship between educational corruption and the fallen standard of education in Nigeria, with specific emphasis on four universities in Bayelsa state, a population of 4,400, and sample of 800. Educational corruption was conceptualized using four dimensions: examination malpractice, admission racketeering, certificate racketeering, and sex for grade, while the fallen standard of education was treated as a single-construct dependent variable. The study adopted a correlational research design. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings reveal strong positive and statistically significant relationships between all dimensions of educational corruption and the fallen standard of education: examination malpractice (r = .731, p < .001), admission racketeering (r = .564, p < .001), certificate racketeering (r = .546, p < .001), and sex for grades (r = .482, p < .001). The regression results further confirm that educational corruption significantly predicts the decline in educational standards. The study concludes that corruption is a critical driver of educational decay in Nigeria and recommends institutional reforms, digital transparency systems, and stricter enforcement mechanisms.
ACADEMIC LIBRARIES AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
This systematic review examines the contributions of academic libraries to human development and knowledge acquisition, with particular attention to their roles in supporting lifelong learning, information literacy, educational equity, digital transformation, and community engagement within higher education. The review followed a modified PRISMA 2020 framework to identify, screen, and select relevant peer-reviewed empirical and conceptual studies published between 2021 and 2025. Studies were retrieved from databases including SAGE Journals, ScienceDirect, IFLA Journal, and Information Development. Following the application of predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, ten studies were included for thematic synthesis. The analysis revealed five major themes: academic libraries as agents of lifelong learning and educational equity; library support for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a human development framework; the role of information literacy in enabling knowledge acquisition and higher-order cognitive development; the impact of digital transformation and learning analytics on library-supported student success; and community engagement as a mechanism for extending library-enabled human development beyond formal academic boundaries. The findings indicate that academic libraries contribute significantly to capability development, equitable access to knowledge, and civic participation. This review synthesises recent evidence on the relationship between academic libraries, human development, and knowledge acquisition. It highlights the evolving role of academic libraries as multidimensional institutions that support not only information access but also human capability enhancement, social inclusion, and sustainable development.
POLITICAL INTERFERENCE AND TRADITIONAL KINGSHIP CRISIS IN TAKUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF TARABA STATE
The institution of traditional kingship in Nigeria has historically served as a critical pillar of community governance, social cohesion, and cultural identity. In post-colonial northern Nigerian states, however, the constitutional repositioning of traditional rulers as non-governmental actors has created conditions in which chieftaincy institutions are simultaneously more vulnerable to political interference and less legally protected from executive pressure. This study investigates the nature, mechanisms, and consequences of political interference in traditional kingship in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. Using a qualitative case study design anchored in 24 in-depth interviews with traditional rulers, community leaders, politicians, civil society actors, and state officials, the study identifies four primary mechanisms of political interference: partisan manipulation of chieftaincy appointment processes; strategic use of de-recognition powers by the executive; instrumentalisation of inter-dynastic disputes for electoral mobilisation; and judicial obstruction in chieftaincy litigation. The findings reveal that political interference has produced a self-reinforcing legitimacy crisis in which traditional rulers are perceived as political appointees rather than community leaders. This erodes the conflict mediation capacity of traditional institutions at a moment when Taraba State faces acute security and development challenges. The paper argues for structural reforms that separate chieftaincy from partisan politics while preserving the constitutional roles of traditional institutions in community governance.
CLOTHING NEEDS, FABRIC PREFERENCES, AND DESIGN FEATURES FOR COMFORTABLE AND FUNCTIONAL APPAREL FOR ELDERLY WOMEN IN ORUMBA SOUTH LGA, ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated the clothing needs, fabric preferences, and design features for developing comfortable and functional apparel for elderly women in Orumba South LGA, Anambra State, Nigeria, as part of a larger Research and Development project. The survey design involved 590 participants: 370 elderly women, 20 Clothing and Textiles lecturers, and 200 garment constructors. Instruments included the Comfortable Clothing Needs Assessment Questionnaire and Observation Checklist. Reliability Cronbach's Alpha coefficients were 0.772 and 0.694 (the latter acknowledged as acceptable for exploratory research). Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed elderly women experience challenges with mobility, dressing ease, and thermal comfort. Key activities influencing clothing needs included walking to community gatherings (mean=3.72), attending church meetings (mean=3.70), and sitting for long periods (mean=3.65). Preferred clothing types were loose-fitting boubou with front zip (mean=3.78), kaftan gown with side pockets (mean=3.70), and two-piece wrapper with Velcro fasteners (mean=3.66). Essential fabric characteristics included softness (mean=3.78), breathability (mean=3.82), lightweight properties (mean=3.71), and local affordability (mean=3.80). Critical design features included front openings (mean=3.80), loose-fitting designs (mean=3.82), Velcro fasteners (mean=3.77), and wider armholes (mean=3.76). The study concludes that elderly women's clothing must prioritize comfort, ease of dressing, and cultural appropriateness. Recommendations include integrating geriatric clothing design into Home Economics curricula and encouraging local garment producers to adopt user-centered design approaches.
THE ROLE OF DIGITAL EDUCATION IN PRESERVING AND REVITALIZING NIGERIA’S LINGUISTIC HERITAGE
Nigeria remains one of the most linguistically diverse countries in Africa, with more than 500 indigenous languages representing distinct cultural identities, histories, and systems of knowledge. Despite this linguistic richness, many Nigerian languages face varying levels of endangerment due to urbanization, globalization, migration, intergenerational language shift, and the continued dominance of English in education and governance. This paper examines the role of digital education in preserving and revitalizing Nigeria’s linguistic heritage through a conceptual and evidence-based review of recent literature and emerging digital initiatives between 2020 and 2026. Specifically, the paper investigates the digital tools currently being utilized for indigenous language preservation, the challenges limiting their effectiveness, and the opportunities digital technologies provide for sustainable language revitalization. Drawing on contemporary scholarship, policy documents, and examples of Nigerian digital language projects, the study argues that digital education has become a strategic mechanism for expanding access to indigenous language learning, improving language documentation, enhancing youth engagement, and promoting intergenerational language transmission. The paper further demonstrates that technologies such as mobile applications, social media platforms, digital archives, speech technologies, online learning systems, and artificial intelligence are increasingly shaping language teaching and revitalization efforts in Nigeria. However, infrastructural deficits, limited digital content, inadequate teacher preparedness, weak policy implementation, and insufficient funding continue to constrain large-scale impact. The paper concludes that sustainable preservation of Nigeria’s linguistic heritage requires coordinated collaboration among government agencies, universities, technology companies, local communities, and language activists. It recommends stronger policy implementation, investment in digital language infrastructure, specialized teacher training, and increased support for indigenous language technology research.
ELISHA'S PROPHETIC MODEL: LESSONS FOR CONTEMPORARY CHURCH LEADERSHIP IN OGUN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
This study examines Elisha’s prophetic ministry within the Elijah–Elisha narrative as a theological and leadership framework for understanding contemporary church leadership within the Ogun Baptist Conference. It asks: What leadership principles can be derived from Elisha’s prophetic model, and how can they inform church leadership practice and understanding in contemporary Baptist contexts? The study adopts a qualitative, desk-based design relying on biblical texts (2 Kings 2–7) and relevant scholarly literature in biblical theology, leadership studies, and African ecclesial research. Thematic analysis is used to examine Elisha’s leadership across five dimensions: succession, transformational intervention, ethical accountability, communal responsibility, and integration of spiritual and practical leadership. The analysis suggests that Elisha’s ministry presents a relational and mentorship-based model of leadership continuity that challenges purely administrative succession systems. It further demonstrates that his leadership is transformational, addressing material and social crises through practical intervention. Ethical integrity emerges as central to prophetic authority, particularly in resisting the commodification of spiritual power. In addition, Elisha’s leadership is shown to be strongly communal in orientation, prioritizing collective restoration over individual benefit, while simultaneously integrating spiritual authority with practical problem-solving. The study concludes that Elisha’s prophetic model offers a coherent framework for evaluating and strengthening church leadership in the Ogun Baptist Conference.
POLITICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE CLIMATE GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA
Nigeria’s efforts to tackle climate change face significant political, institutional, and economic problem. Although Nigeria has employed several climate policies and global commitments, the essence of its climate governance framework is limited by weak institutional capacity, policy enforcement gaps, limited fund, and continued dependence on fossil fuel revenues. Climate governance has become a major contemporary issue within modern global environmental politics owing to the increasing threat caused by climate change to human security, sustainable development, and ecological growth. Nigeria is the largest economy and one of the continent’s major player oil-producing states, fraught with severe environmental challenges which include flooding, desertification, coastal erosion, deforestation, and energy insecurity. Despite various global commitments and local policy mechanism targeted to mitigating and adapting to climate change, the reality of climate governance in Nigeria remains limited by political and institutional challenges. This work underscored the political and institutional obstacles limiting climate governance in Nigeria. Based on qualitative analysis and Global Governance Theory and Dependency Theory Perspectives, the paper contends that climate governance reliability is fundamentally inhibited by weak institutions, policy inconsistency, corruption, inadequate climate financing, bureaucratic segmentation/fragmentation, and political and economic dependence on fossil fuel income. The study further highlights Nigeria’s climate diplomacy in the context of international environmental regimes such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The paper concludes that upholding institutional capacity, increasing transparency, improving policy coordination and diversifying the economy beyond fossil fuel dependence are integral for sustainable climate governance in Nigeria.
ECONOMIC FACTORS AS CORRELATES OF YOUTH RESTIVENESS IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA
This study examined the connection between some economic factors and youth restiveness in Southwest, Nigeria. This study adopted descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised all the youths in Southwest, Nigeria. The sample consisted of 1166 youths selected through multistage sampling procedure. The instrument used to collect data was a questionnaire designed by the researcher titled “Questionnaire on Economic Factors and Youth Restiveness” (QEFYR). Face and content validity of the instrument were determined by experts in Social Studies Education as well as Tests, Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach Alpha reliability testing method. Overall reliability co-efficient of 0.97 was obtained and this was considered appropriate for this study. The data generated were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis. The findings showed that there were significant relationships between economic policies, availability of social amenities, unemployment, corruption and youth restiveness in Southwest, Nigeria. Based on these findings, it was recommended that government at all levels should formulate and implement favourable economic policies that can tackle unemployment, poverty, inflation and economic hardship so as to reduce youth restiveness. Government and service providers such as electricity distribution companies and water cooperation are encouraged to provide adequate and ensure maintenance of social amenities to reduce youth restiveness.
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN FARMER-HERDER CRISES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TRADITIONAL AND STATE-LED APPROACHES IN NASARAWA STATE, 2015-2023
This study examined conflict management strategies in farmer-herder crises through a comparative analysis of traditional and state-led approaches in Nasarawa State between 2015 and 2023. The study adopted a qualitative research design and relied on both primary and secondary sources of data. Primary data were obtained through twenty-four (24) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) purposively conducted across nine Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, namely Lafia, Doma, Keana, Keffi, Karu, Toto, Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba. Respondents comprised traditional rulers, community leaders, farmer association leaders, pastoralist representatives, security personnel, local government officials, members of peace committees, and officials of relevant government ministries. Thematic saturation was reached after the twenty-first interview, while three additional interviews were conducted to validate emerging themes and ensure data reliability. Secondary data were sourced from textbooks, journal articles, government publications, policy documents, reports of international organisations, conference papers, and credible media sources. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that farmer-herder conflicts in Nasarawa State are primarily driven by competition over land and water resources, population growth, climate change, destruction of farmlands by cattle, cattle rustling, weak enforcement of grazing regulations, and the proliferation of small arms. The study further found that traditional approaches such as mediation by traditional rulers, community dialogue, customary arbitration, and reconciliation mechanisms enjoy greater local legitimacy and acceptance among disputing parties. The study concluded that neither traditional nor state-led approaches alone can effectively address farmer-herder conflicts. Rather, a complementary and integrated framework that combines the legitimacy of traditional institutions with the enforcement capacity of the state offers the most sustainable pathway for conflict management and rural peacebuilding in Nasarawa State.
HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, REFORMS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Higher education remains a critical instrument for national development, technological advancement, and human capital formation in Nigeria. Over the years, successive governments have introduced several reforms aimed at expanding access, improving quality, strengthening institutional governance, and aligning tertiary education with national development objectives. Despite these efforts, the Nigerian higher education system continues to face persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, weak infrastructure, policy inconsistency, industrial disputes, graduate unemployment, and limited research capacity. This paper critically examines the evolution of higher education policy in Nigeria and evaluates why many reforms have failed to fully achieve their intended developmental objectives. Drawing on recent policy documents, institutional reports, and scholarly literature published between 2019 and 2025, the paper analyses governance structures, implementation mechanisms, policy reforms, and contemporary challenges affecting universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria. The study argues that the major limitation of higher education policy in Nigeria lies not merely in policy formulation but in weak implementation, political interference, bureaucratic inefficiency, and poor monitoring systems. The paper further highlights emerging trends such as digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, internationalization, and university-industry collaboration as important pathways for reform. It concludes that sustainable progress in Nigerian higher education requires increased funding, stronger institutional autonomy, evidence-based policymaking, and a strategic commitment to research and innovation.
ASSESSING GREENHUBAFRICA’S CLIMATE CHANGE ADVOCACY THROUGH PARTICIPATORY LEARNING AND ACTION IN SELECTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE
Climate trends and their associated impacts continue to pose significant global challenges, necessitating a fundamental transformation in how environmental risks are communicated. Participatory Learning and Action (PLA), an experiential approach emphasising active learner engagement, is critical for disseminating climate knowledge to early learners. This study assesses GreenHubAfrica’s climate advocacy through PLA in primary schools in Jos South, Plateau State. PLA enables children’s direct participation in knowledge creation and environmental problem-solving. Guided by Participatory Communication Theory, the study employed a mixed-methods design. It used Yamane’s formula to determine a sample size of 324 respondents, including teachers, children, and staff of the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board and GreenHubAfrica. The results indicate that the PLA model effectively shifted pupils and teachers from passive recipients to active participants in climate solutions. Notably, the PLA's participatory approach contributed to increased recycling behaviors and a deeper understanding of climate causality. The study concludes that PLA is an essential communication tool for fostering an informed and engaged populace. It is recommended that the Plateau State Primary Education Board and non-governmental organizations institutionalize this participatory approach to broaden climate change awareness within school communities.
BOUNDARY CONFLICT AND OIL RESOURCE CONTROL IN KPEAN AND SII COMMUNITIES, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA
The Niger Delta remains a conflict-prone region where petroleum extraction intensifies communal tensions and transforms land into an economically strategic asset. Although statecommunity resource disputes are widely documented, limited empirical attention has been given to the micro-boundary dynamics and institutional failures sustaining conflicts between neighboring host communities. This study examined the intersection of contested territoriality, oil resource control, and institutional enforcement gaps in the persistence of the Kpean–Sii boundary conflict in Rivers State, Nigeria. Anchored on Resource Curse and Relative Deprivation theories, the study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional correlational survey design. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample size of 384 adult residents was selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.82–0.88) and analyzed with descriptive statistics and Multiple Linear Regression. Findings revealed that while historical land tenure constitutes the foundation of the dispute, competition over oil resource control remains the strongest predictor of conflict persistence (β = 0.485, p < 0.05). The Petroleum Industry Act (2021) was also found to intensify territorial rigidity, as land ownership is increasingly perceived as the gateway to Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) benefits. Additionally, weak enforcement of boundary resolutions and low public trust in statutory agencies significantly sustain the conflict. The study concludes that the conflict persists due to resource-driven competition, distributive grievances, and institutional enforcement gaps. It recommends GIS-supported boundary demarcation, inclusive resource governance frameworks, and stronger statutory enforcement mechanisms to promote sustainable communal peace.
SCHOOL PLANNING STRATEGIES AND TEACHERS’ PRODUCTIVITY IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
The study determined the extent to which School planning strategies predict teachers’ productivity in public secondary schools in Cross River State. Two objectives were raised while two null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The population of the study comprised 4,876 teachers in the three Education Zones of Cross River State public secondary schools in Calabar Education Zone. The sample size was 370 teachers. Two sets of researcher’s developed instruments titled ‘‘School Planning Strategies Questionnaire (SPSQ) and Teachers’ productivity Questionnaire (TPQ)’’were used for data collection. The instruments were validated by two experts from the Department of Educational Management and one expert from Department of Measurement and Evaluation, all from the Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies. The inter-item reliability method was used to determine the internal consistency of the instruments which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.82 and 0.91 respectively. The research questions and hypotheses were answered and tested using Simple Linear Regression Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression Analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that school planning strategies such as; reciprocal engagement and effective communication jointly predict teacher’ productivity in Public Secondary Schools in Cross River State, Nigeria. It was recommended amongst others that; Since reciprocal engagement and effective communication jointly predicted teachers’ productivity significantly, school administrators should combine both strategies through regular meetings, feedback systems and participatory leadership practices to improve teachers’ productivity
impact international journals of education
reciprocal engagement and Effective communication
A PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF PENTECOSTAL PRACTICES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA USING C. S. LEWIS’ PHILOSOPHYOF MIRACLES
This study examines miracle practices within contemporary Pentecostal churches in Lagos, Nigeria, through the philosophical framework of C. S. Lewis. While Pentecostal Christianity strongly emphasizes divine healing, prophecy, deliverance, and supernatural intervention, concerns regarding manipulation, commercialization, and ethical abuse have increasingly emerged. Existing studies have mainly focused on sociological and anthropological dimensions, leaving a gap in philosophical evaluation. This research therefore investigates the epistemological, metaphysical, and ethical foundations of miracle claims within selected Pentecostal communities in Lagos. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining philosophical analysis with qualitative fieldwork involving interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Findings reveal that miracles function both as existential resources and as mechanisms of religious authority and economic influence. Some practices appear to reflect genuine transformative experiences, while others exhibit characteristics of emotional manipulation, staged testimonies, and commercialization. Using Lewis’ philosophy of miracles as a framework for discernment, the study argues that miracles should neither be dismissed outright nor accepted uncritically. The research concludes that authentic miracle practices require rational scrutiny, ethical accountability, and theological integrity.
LAND USE CHANGE AND ITS EFFECTS ON SUBURBAN AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION IN LAGOS STATE
This review article synthesises existing data (remote sensing data, institutional policy documents, and peer-reviewed literature), the study documents the conversion of cultivable suburban farmland between 1984 and 2024, the structural inadequacy of existing extension frameworks, the agronomic vulnerabilities of surviving smallholder farms, and the emerging policy responses of the Lagos State Government. The rapid urbanisation in Lagos, one of Africa's largest megacities, is exerting severe pressure on the agricultural land base of its suburbs and suburban localities, with far-reaching implications for food production, agronomic practice, and the effectiveness of agricultural extension services. This article reviewed the various works and reports on land use patterns in the four suburbs of Lagos, namely, Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe, and Ibeju-Lekki, Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos State, and examines how these alterations to cultivable arable lands affect food production prospects for the state. From the secondary data that was appraised, evidence indicated that the available lands in the three LGAs are inadequate for food production. Hence, the article suggests that without coordinated land use protection, reformation of extension service delivery, and adoption of climate-smart agronomic strategies, Lagos faces a deepening food security crisis that cannot be resolved by imports alone. Hence, it may be suggested that the policy recommendations should centre on land reservation legislation, intensification of the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority's extension services, integration of digital agronomy, and intergovernmental food system partnerships.
INFLUENCE OF CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES ON PEER CONFLICT RESOLUTION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE
This study examined the influence of Christian Religious Teaching (CRT) on peer conflict resolution among secondary school students in Pankshin Local Government Area, Plateau State. The study was guided by three objectives, three research questions, and one null hypothesis. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The target population comprised 5,218 senior secondary school students across 12 public secondary schools in Pankshin LGA. A sample size of 372 students was determined using Taro Yamane’s sampling technique. A structured questionnaire titled “Christian Studies Teaching and Peer Conflict Resolution Questionnaire (CRSPCRQ)” with 15 items (5 items per objective) was validated by three experts and achieved a Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of 0.84. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research questions, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC) for the hypothesis at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that CRS significantly influences students’ understanding of forgiveness, empathy, and non-violent communication in peer conflicts. The null hypothesis had r-cal as 0.612 with p-value of 0.001 which was rejected, indicating a significant positive relationship between exposure to CRS and effective peer conflict resolution skills. Challenges identified were from informal comments such as inadequate application of biblical principles in real-life disputes and lack of structured peer mediation programmes. The study recommended among others that Plateau State Ministry of Education should formally support the House of Representatives' resolution to separate CRS and IRS from the Religion and National Values (RNV) curriculum and restore Christian Religious Teaching as a distinct subject, as demanded by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
impact international journals of Social Sciences
INTEREST-DRIVEN TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED MATHEMATICS INSTRUCTION AND STUDENT OUTCOMES IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY, ABUJA, NIGERIA
This quasi-experimental study examined the association between a ten-week multi-component interest-driven technology-enhanced mathematics instructional programme and student motivation, engagement, and self-regulated learning (SRL) among Senior Secondary Two (SS 2) students in Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria. Grounded in the Four-Phase Model of Interest Development (Hidi & Renninger, 2006) and Zimmerman’s (2002) SRL framework, the programme embedded interactive digital boards, GeoGebra and Desmos tablet-based tools, collaborative problem-solving, open-exploration windows, and digital self-assessment portfolios within coordinate geometry and trigonometry instruction. A non-equivalent control group design compared 60 experimental and 58 control students from two purposively selected public secondary schools. Three validated instruments assessed outcomes: the Situational Interest–Motivation (SIM) Scale, the Student Behavioural Engagement Questionnaire (SBEQ), and the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire Self-Regulated Learning subscale (MSLQ-SRL). Student-level ANCOVA, with pre-test scores as covariates, indicated significantly higher adjusted post-test scores for the experimental group on motivation (F(1, 115) = 114.36, p < .001, partial η² = .495), overall engagement (F(1, 115) = 96.82, p < .001, partial η² = .454), and self-regulation (F(1, 115) = 108.91, p < .001, partial η² = .480). Interest-phase progression analysis indicated that 81.7% of experimental students advanced at least one interest phase compared with 15.5% of control students. Because treatment was assigned at the school level and the intervention comprised multiple components, findings are exploratory estimates and cannot be causally attributed to any single instructional element. Findings suggest that technology-enhanced mathematics instruction may support motivational and regulatory development when digital tools are organised around interest-triggering, contextual relevance, learner agency, and self-monitoring.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF ANJIDA DAY FESTIVAL (ADF) IN PROMOTING UNITY AND DEVELOPMENT IN NASARAWA STATE
The Anjida Day Festival (ADF) is a grassroots cultural institution of the Mada people in Anjida, Nasarawa State, yet remains underexplored in literature on festivals and rural development. Adopting a qualitative interpretivist approach (Creswell & Poth, 2018), this study draws on in-depth interviews with 20 stakeholders; elders, women, youth, vendors, okada riders, and visitors to examine how ADF is experienced as a medium for unity and community development. Thematic analysis reveals three key processes which include. First, ADF sustains intergenerational and inter-community bonds through shared rituals, with the masquerade dance identified as the primary driver of repeat attendance and cultural loyalty. Second, participants described ADF as a period of intensified economic activity where livelihoods visibly improve, framing the festival as seasonal support for household welfare. Third, while participants could not recall specific individual disputes, they constantly credited the town hall “Palace Meeting” with preventive conflict mediation, describing it as a collective process that restores harmony. The research concludes that ADF functions as a living institution that generates bonding, bridging, and linking social capital, offering a self-sustaining model for cultural preservation, economic resilience, and inclusive governance. By centering participants’ voices, the paper shows how community-owned festivals can force development without external intervention.(Agbese2018; P18; P15; P9; P11; P12; P20; Putnam 2000).
EFFECT OF A PARTICIPATORY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON TRADERS’ KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARD WATER POLLUTION IN RIVERINE AREAS OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Environmental degradation in riverine communities of Ondo State has become a growing concern due to poor waste disposal practices, water pollution, and inadequate environmental awareness among traders operating within coastal markets. This study investigated the effect of a participatory environmental education programme on traders’ environmental knowledge, attitudes, and practices in selected riverine areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was adopted. The sample consisted of 240 traders selected through stratified random sampling from four riverine markets. Data were collected using the Environmental Knowledge Questionnaire (EKQ), Environmental Attitude Scale (EAS), and Environmental Practices Inventory (EPI). The instruments yielded reliability coefficients of 0.81, 0.84, and 0.79 respectively using Cronbach’s alpha method. Participants in the experimental group were exposed to a 10-week participatory environmental education programme involving workshops, group discussions, demonstrations, and community sanitation activities, while the control group received no intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a significant effect of the participatory environmental education programme on traders’ environmental knowledge (F = 24.63, p < .05), attitudes (F = 31.82, p < .05), and environmental practices (F = 28.14, p < .05). The study concluded that participatory environmental education significantly improved environmental literacy and responsible environmental behaviour among traders in riverine communities. It was recommended that environmental agencies and local governments adopt participatory environmental education strategies for sustainable environmental management in coastal communities.
GUILT AND THE HUMAN CONDITION: AN ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND SOCIAL JUDGEMENT IN THE TRIAL BY FRANZ KAFKA
This study explores the idea of guilt in Franz Kafka’s The Trial, paying close attention to the uneasy relationship between personal consciousness, institutional authority, and social judgment. Rather than treating guilt as the direct consequence of legal wrongdoing, Kafka presents it as something more elusive and psychologically invasive. Through the experience of Josef K., the novel reveals how anxiety, fear, uncertainty, and social pressure can gradually reshape a person’s sense of self even when no clear offence has been committed. Drawing on Existentialist and Psychoanalytic theories, the paper examines the ways bureaucratic systems produce alienation, emotional instability, and a persistent sense of vulnerability. The study adopts a qualitative and interpretive method grounded in phenomenological and hermeneutic inquiry. Through close textual analysis, it considers themes such as existential anxiety, fractured consciousness, institutional domination, and the psychological effects of judgment. The findings suggest that Kafka’s novel is less concerned with legal guilt than with the fragile condition of individuals trapped within opaque systems of power. The court in The Trial functions not simply as a legal institution but as a mechanism of surveillance and psychological control capable of shaping identity itself. Ultimately, the paper argues that Kafka’s portrayal of guilt continues to resonate because it speaks to broader human experiences of insecurity, alienation, and the struggle to preserve dignity within systems that often appear indifferent to individual freedom.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL DISPARITIES AND LEARNING QUALITY IN PUBLIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA: A SURVEY OF URBAN, PERI-URBAN, AND RURAL LOCATIONS
Although access to instructional materials is a key determinant of learning quality, their distribution across public schools and geographic regions is rarely equitable. This study examines how unequal access to instructional materials affects learning quality in Nigerian public secondary schools, with specific focus on the nature and extent of material disparities, their effect on teacher instructional delivery quality, and their relationship with students’ academic engagement and overall learning outcomes. A descriptive survey design was employed. A stratified random sample of 400 respondents—comprising 200 teachers, 150 senior secondary students, and 50 school administrators—was drawn from urban, peri-urban, and rural public secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a 30-item validated questionnaire on a 4-point Likert scale. Three research questions and three corresponding null hypotheses guided the inquiry: H₁ (no significant disparity in material availability across school locations), H₂ (no significant relationship between material availability and teacher delivery quality), and H₃ (no significant relationship between material access and student learning outcomes). The study is anchored in the Resource-Based Theory of Education, adapted from Barney’s (1991) Resource-Based View and applied to educational contexts by Adeyemi and Adu (2022). Results revealed significant disparities in instructional material availability across school locations [F(2, 397) = 18.92, p < .001], a strong positive correlation between material availability and teacher delivery quality (r = .63, p < .001), and instructional material availability as the strongest correlate of student learning outcomes (β = .52) in a model accounting for 49% of outcome variance. All three null hypotheses were rejected. These findings underscore the urgent need for equity-driven resource allocation policies in Nigerian public school systems.