Impact International Journals and Publications
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IMPACT INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS AND PUBLICATIONS
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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.
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
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.
ASSESSMENT OF THE AVAILABILITY, FUNCTIONALITY AND ADEQUACY OF ICT FACILITIES FOR WAEC CBT EXAMINATIONS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
The study assessed the availability, functionality and adequacy of ICT facilities for WAEC CBT examinations in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Three objectives and three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Some of the objectives include: determine the availability of ICT-facilities for WAEC CBT examinations in Kaduna State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study consisted of 432 WAEC centres and 141,408 SS3 from private and public senior secondary schools in Kaduna State. Checklist on availability, adequacy and functionality of ICT Facilities (CAAFIF) was used for the data collection. The data collected were analyzed using percentage, frequency count and mean using cutoff points of 70% and 3.50 respectively. The study concluded that ICT facilities were found unavailable given that only 3.66 percent with a mean value of 0.91 were found. ICT facilities in the schools that are available were found to be functional with grand percentage and mean of 78 and 4.40 respectively And ICT facilities were found Inadequate indicating grand ratio of 1:2,322 for the conduct of computer-based-examinations in senior school certificate examination. The study recommended among other that: Educational stakeholders such as government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and/or other philanthropic organizations should prioritize the supply of up-to-date WAEC recommended ICT Facilities and School administrators must ensure that ICT facilities are functional by establishing a regular maintenance programme, and partnership with internet service providers, investment in campus-wide WiFi infrastructure, and subsidized data plans. .
PERCEPTION OF LECTURERS AND STUDENTS ON THE USE OF MACHINE LEARNING-BASED EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS FOR IDENTIFYING AT-RISK STUDENTS IN GOMBE STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND LEGAL STUDIES, NAFADA
This study investigated the effect of an intelligent early warning system on at-risk students using machine learning techniques at Gombe State College of Education and Legal Studies, Nafada. A Research and Development (R&D) design combined with a quasi-experimental pretest–post-test control group design was adopted. The population of the study comprised all registered NCE and undergraduate students in the Departments of Mathematics/Computer Science and Legal Studies totalling 429 students. Using the Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table, a sample of 152 participants was selected. This comprised 141 at-risk students, with 71 assigned to the experimental group and 70 to the control group and all 11 lecturers and academic advisers who were purposively selected to provide expert input and support the implementation of the intervention. The findings revealed that an intelligent early warning system can be effectively developed using machine learning techniques to identify at-risk students (grand mean = 3.64). The study further showed that the system had a positive effect on the early identification and intervention of at-risk students (grand mean = 3.69) and significantly improved students’ academic performance and retention (grand mean = 3.69). The hypothesis tests indicated statistically significant effects on early identification and intervention, t(139) = 4.86, p < .001; academic performance, t(139) = 5.42, p < .001; and retention, t(139) = 5.87, p < .001. The study concluded that intelligent early warning systems based on machine learning techniques are effective tools for identifying academically vulnerable students and enhancing their academic performance and retention. It was recommended that Gombe State College of Education and Legal Studies, Nafada, should adopt and institutionalize the system, train relevant staff on its use, and integrate it into the college’s academic monitoring and student support framework.
A THEOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN PROPHECY IN LIGHT OF OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY
This study examines the concept of prophecy within contemporary Nigerian Pentecostal Christianity in light of Old Testament theology. It investigates the nature, function, and theological orientation of prophetic ministry as presented in the Hebrew Bible and evaluates its continuity and discontinuity in present-day Pentecostal practices in Southwest Nigeria. Grounded in a biblical-theological and hermeneutical framework, the study draws extensively on Old Testament prophetic traditions, particularly the ministries of Amos and Jeremiah, which emphasize covenantal accountability, ethical responsibility, and social justice as the core of prophetic activity. The study employs a qualitative, library-based research design involving critical textual analysis of biblical passages and scholarly literature on prophecy, African Pentecostalism, and Nigerian prophetic movements. Findings reveal that Old Testament prophecy is primarily covenantal and ethical in nature, with emphasis on forth-telling, social critique, and moral transformation rather than predictive or prosperity-oriented declarations. In contrast, contemporary Nigerian Pentecostal prophecy is largely characterized by predictive utterances, personal revelations, spiritual diagnosis, and solution-driven messages addressing individual and socio-economic challenges. The study further identifies a growing commercialization of prophetic ministry and increased emphasis on material and personal success, which diverges from the communal and justice-centered focus of biblical prophecy. However, areas of continuity are also observed, particularly in the belief in divine communication and the perceived relevance of prophecy in addressing existential human concerns. The study concludes that while contemporary prophetic practices remain a significant feature of Nigerian Christianity, there is a pressing need for theological reorientation. It recommends a renewed engagement with Old Testament prophetic principles to recover the ethical, communal, and covenantal dimensions of prophecy. Such re-engagement is essential for fostering a biblically grounded and theologically responsible prophetic ministry within Nigerian Pentecostalism.
AGRICULTURAL CREDIT GUARANTEES SCHEME, INFLATION DYNAMICS AND POVERTY NEXUS IN NIGERIA
This study investigates the moderating influence of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund on the relationship between inflation and poverty in Nigeria over the period 1986-2025. Rising inflation has continued to reduce household purchasing power and worsen poverty, especially among rural farming households, thereby making inflation management a critical policy concern. The study specifically examines whether agricultural credit support can cushion the adverse effects of inflation on poverty reduction. Annual time-series data were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), World Development Indicators (WDI), and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This study employs the Non linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model to capture asymmetric short run relationships among poverty, inflation proxied by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and ACGSF. The ADF unit root test indicated mixed orders of integration, while the Wald test confirmed significant short run asymmetry. However, the Bounds Cointegration Test revealed that no long run relationship among the variables, as the F-statistic (1.8099) fell below the 5% critical bounds. The findings indicate that positive inflation shocks significantly increased poverty by 43.6%, whereas negative inflation shocks reduced poverty by 35.7%. In contrast, the coefficients of ACGSF were positive but statistically insignificant, implying limited effectiveness in reducing poverty. Diagnostic tests confirmed the absence of serial correlation, heteroskedasticity, and model misspecification. The study recommends stronger inflation control policies, improved agricultural credit targeting, and coordinated rural development interventions to enhance poverty reduction in Nigeria.
impact international journals of Sciences
COST SHARING SYSTEM, CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND MANAGEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
This study assessed cost sharing system, consultancy services and management of higher education institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. Two research questions were used and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. Correlational research design was adopted for this study. Census technique was employed in selecting the entire sampled population of 197 heads of department in the four public higher education institutions in the area of the study. Two structured validated instruments tagged “Cost Sharing System, Consultancy Services Questionnaire (CSSCSQ)” and “Management of Higher Education Institutions Questionnaire (MHEIQ)” were used for data collection. The researcher analyzed the data collected through the use of Simple Regression analysis. The results of the study revealed that cost sharing system explained only 5% of variation in management (R²=0.05), while consultancy services explained only 18% (R²=0.18) in management of higher education institutions in Cross River State. Based on this result, it was concluded that cost sharing system and consultancy services significantly predicted management of higher education institutions in Cross River State, Nigeria. It was therefore recommended, that stakeholders in higher education institutions should share in the burden of funding education and managers of higher education institutions should effectively organize consultancy services in order to enhance the management of higher education institutions in the State.
consultancy services, maintenance skills
PROPOSING A CONSTRUCTED NATIONAL LANGUAGE FOR NIGERIA: A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS
Nigeria’s linguistic diversity and repeated failure to establish a unified national language have sustained ongoing debates in language planning. Previous efforts, including constructed language proposals such as Guosa, have not achieved institutional adoption. Recent policy shifts, including the 2022 National Language Policy and its cancellation in 2025, alongside renewed scholarly and public debates in 2026, have intensified the search for alternative solutions. This study adopts a conceptual and comparative analysis approach, drawing on language planning theory (Spolsky, 2012), existing empirical evidence, and international comparative cases of language policy implementation and constructed language adoption. Findings indicate that while Nigeria’s multilingual structure necessitates a unifying linguistic mechanism, prior constructed language efforts failed largely due to weak institutionalisation and lack of systematic planning. Empirical evidence also shows mixed public attitudes, with perceived benefits of linguistic unity but significant cultural and practical barriers. Comparative analysis highlights that successful cases, such as Bahasa Indonesia, depended on strong state support and pre-existing lingua franca conditions, while alternative strategies like Burkina Faso’s 2026 AI-driven language development prioritise strengthening existing languages instead of constructing new ones. The study proposes a structured, institutionally guided approach to constructing a neutral Nigerian language, distinguishing it from prior attempts by embedding formal planning mechanisms, educational integration, and technological support. Nevertheless, political feasibility and public acceptance remain critical constraints in the current policy environment
DATA PROTECTION ACT 2023 AND PERFORMANCE OF INSURANCE BROKING FIRMS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
The enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (DPA) 2023 represents a major regulatory shift, with significant implications for the operations and compliance structures of insurance brokerage firms. Understanding how this Act affects organisational outcomes is crucial to enhancing data governance in Nigeria’s financial services sector. This study aimed to examine the challenges posed by the implementation of the Data Protection Act 2023 and its impact on the organisational performance and growth of selected registered insurance brokers in Nigeria. A quantitative research design was adopted using a structured questionnaire administered to 300 purposively selected fifteen insurance broking firms across Lagos State. Of these, 210 responses were valid and were analysed using SPSS version 23. Hypotheses were tested using simple regression analysis and Chi-square Test for Goodness of Fit. The results revealed a strong positive relationship between the implementation of the DPA 2023 and the organisational performance of insurance brokers. It also showed that a significant number of brokers face implementation challenges, such as limited staff training and inadequate compliance infrastructure. Furthermore, the study found a positive and significant relationship between the DPA 2023 and the growth of insurance brokers. The study concludes that while the DPA 2023 positively influences both performance and growth of insurance brokers, implementation challenges remain a critical barrier that must be addressed to fully realise its benefits. It is recommended that regulatory bodies and broker associations provide more training, compliance support, and digital infrastructure to insurance brokers to ease DPA implementation. This will enhance performance outcomes and foster sustainable growth within Nigeria’s insurance brokerage sector.
INTEGRATED REPORTING AND FINANCIAL REPORTING QUALITY IN NIGERIAN INDUSTRIAL FIRMS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF BOARD INDEPENDENCE
This study examined the effect of integrated reporting on financial reporting quality (FRQ) of listed industrial firms in Nigeria, with board independence as a moderating variable. The study focuses on governance, business model, and performance disclosures, while FRQ is measured using the IFRS disclosure compliance index. Using an ex-post facto design, the study analyzes a balanced panel of 130 firm-year observations from 13 listed industrial firms over the period 2015–2024. Random Effects regression is employed, with firm size included as a control variable. The model explains 45.6% of the variation in FRQ (overall R-squared = 0.456). The findings show that governance disclosure (coefficient = 0.143, p < 0.05) and performance disclosure (coefficient = 0.198, p < 0.01) have positive and significant effects on FRQ, while business model disclosure has a positive but insignificant effect (coefficient = 0.058, p > 0.05). Board independence has a significant positive direct effect (coefficient = 0.127, p < 0.05) and strengthens the relationship between governance disclosure and FRQ (interaction coefficient = 0.189, p < 0.05), with a weaker moderating effect on performance disclosure (interaction coefficient = 0.134, p < 0.10). However, it does not significantly moderate the relationship between business model disclosure and FRQ. Firm size also has a positive and significant effect (coefficient = 0.024, p < 0.01). The study concludes that FRQ among Nigerian industrial firms is mainly enhanced by governance and performance disclosures, particularly where boards are more independent. It recommends that regulators promote the adoption of integrated reporting and stronger board independence, while firms should prioritize governance and performance-related disclosures to improve IFRS compliance and reporting quality.
SUSTAINABLE GOVERNANCE AND WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP: RETHINKING DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYS IN NIGERIA
The research examines the essential function of women's political leadership in Nigeria's quest for sustainable development. Grounded in Critical Mass Theory, Feminist Institutionalism, and Sustainable Governance Theory, the study contends that women's leadership transcends mere justice; it is a strategic imperative for realising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Inclusive Institutions). Notwithstanding decades of lobbying, Nigeria persists in facing pronounced gender gaps in government. Women occupy fewer than 10% of positions in the National Assembly, much below the 35% affirmative action standard established by the National Gender Policy. At both state and local levels, representation is constrained, with only marginal gains in female candidatures in recent electoral cycles. The research highlights that the under-representation of women is not just quantitative but fundamentally entrenched in patriarchal attitudes, party frameworks, financial obstacles, and inadequate implementation of gender legislation. Comparative data from Rwanda illustrates the transformational capacity of institutional enforcement. Rwanda's use of Gender-Responsive Budgeting (GRB) has transformed government results, yielding inclusive policies in health, education, and community empowerment. Nigeria, in contrast, has faced challenges in institutionalising Gender Responsive Budgeting, resulting in women's leadership being predominantly symbolic rather than substantive. The study comes to the conclusion that more stringent enforcement of gender quotas, institutional changes, safeguarding women from political violence, and capacity-building programs are necessary for Nigeria to achieve sustainable government. Integrating fairness, participation, and accountability into governance frameworks will enable women's leadership to transition from mere symbolic representation to meaningful impact, therefore expediting Nigeria's advancement towards inclusive and sustainable development.
EFFECTS OF CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES ON SENIOR SECONDARY TWO STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN READING COMPREHENSION IN JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE
The study examined the effects of classroom management techniques on senior secondary two students’ achievement in reading comprehension in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design. The population consisted of 1,856 SS II students, while a sample of 68 students from two randomly selected schools was used. One school served as the experimental group (35 students), while the other served as the control group (33 students). The instrument for data collection was the Students’ Reading Comprehension Achievement Test (SRCAT), validated by experts in Educational Management and Measurement and Evaluation, with a reliability coefficient of 0.72. Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that students taught using effective classroom management techniques performed significantly better than those taught using conventional methods. It was also found that there was no significant difference in achievement between male and female students. It was recommended that teachers adopt effective classroom management techniques to improve students’ academic achievement.
DIGITAL SOCIAL WORK IN NIGERIA: A CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF ADOPTION, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS
Digital social work is the use of information and communication technologies to deliver social services, support vulnerable populations and enhance professional practice. However, Nigeria is yet to systematically integrate these tools into mainstream practice despite high mobile phone penetration. This conceptual study, grounded in Diffusion of Innovations Theory and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, synthesizes existing literature to assess adoption, challenges and future directions. Evidence shows Nigeria is in an early-adoption stage, with initiatives like UNICEF's Digital Villages programme (reaching over 80,000 children) demonstrating proof of concept. However, efforts remain fragmented and donor-dependent. Key barriers include poor infrastructure, low digital literacy, curriculum gaps in social work education, unreliable electricity, data privacy concerns and gender-disparities in device access. The digital divide risks excluding the most vulnerable. Realizing digital social work's potential requires deliberate intervention: developing a national policy framework, integrating digital competencies into social work curricula, investing in rural connectivity and establishing ethical standards. This paper contributes to emerging discourse on technology-mediated social work in the Global South.
ROLE OF DISCIPLESHIP IN SPIRITUAL FORMATION OF CHRISTIAN YOUTHS: A CASE STUDY OF FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH, VICTORIA GARDEN CITY DISTRICT, AJAH, LAGOS STATE
This study examined the role of discipleship in the spiritual formation of Christian youths, with specific focus on Foursquare Gospel Church, Victoria Garden City District, Ajah, Lagos State. Although discipleship remains central to Christian teaching and practice, its influence on the spiritual development of contemporary youths has not received sufficient scholarly attention, particularly within Nigerian Pentecostal churches. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A total of 51 respondents, comprising pastors, deacons/elders, church workers, and members, participated in the study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings showed that discipleship significantly contributes to youth spiritual formation. Specifically, 90% of respondents indicated that they had personally experienced spiritual growth through discipleship, while 93% affirmed that discipleship plays a crucial role in shaping Christian character and spiritual maturity. Also, 94% agreed that discipleship provides practical guidance for moral and ethical challenges, and 93% acknowledged its relevance to holistic development, including spiritual, emotional, and social growth. However, the study identified challenges such as cultural influences, technology distractions, busy lifestyles, inadequate mentorship, and resistance to accountability. Opportunities for strengthening youth discipleship included relational mentoring, relevant biblical teaching, digital discipleship platforms, and youth leadership development. The study concluded that intentional and structured discipleship practices are essential for nurturing mature Christian youths. However, the findings are limited by the study’s descriptive design and reliance on frequency counts and percentages without inferential statistical analysis. The study recommended comprehensive discipleship programs, mentor training, digital engagement, stronger fellowship structures, and youth leadership empowerment.
EFFECT OF ADVERTISEMENT ON CONSUMER PURCHASING DECISION IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA; A STUDY OF MTN NIGERIA
This study examined the effect of advertisement on consumer purchasing decisions in Lagos State, using MTN Nigeria as a case study. Advertising remains an important marketing communication tool for creating consumer awareness, shaping attitudes, reducing uncertainty, and influencing buying behaviour. The study adopted a survey research design, and primary data were collected from 187 respondents through structured questionnaires administered across selected areas of Lagos State in 2024. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlation. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between advertisement and consumer purchasing decisions, with the result showing that advertisement was moderately associated with consumers’ buying behaviour (r = 0.481, p < 0.01). The study also found a strong positive association between exposure to advertised services and consumer preference for such services (r = 0.765, p < 0.01). However, since Pearson correlation measures the strength and direction of a relationship rather than a statistical difference, the second result should be interpreted as an association rather than evidence of a significant difference between advertised and non-advertised services. A t-test or ANOVA would be required to test such a difference. The study concludes that effective advertisement influences consumer awareness, perception, and purchasing decisions by providing information that guides consumer choice. It recommends that companies adopt truthful, targeted, and socially responsible advertising strategies, while consumers should critically engage with advertisements before making purchase decisions.
ASSESSING THE PERCEIVED EFFECTIVENESS AND IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES OF LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT PROGRAMS AMONG IDPS IN BORNO AND YOBE STATES
The global displacement crisis continues to affect millions worldwide, with refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) experiencing severe socio-economic challenges. In Nigeria, the insurgency in the Northeastern states of Borno and Yobe has led to substantial internal displacement, heightening the need for sustainable interventions. Livelihood programs have emerged as a central strategy to reduce reliance on humanitarian aid and enhance resilience among IDPs. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted across displacement camps in both states. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were transcribed and thematically examined with NVivo. Findings identified key livelihood initiatives vocational training, microfinance, agricultural support, entrepreneurship, and cash transfers that contributed to improved food security, income generation, and skills development. However, program effectiveness was constrained by insecurity, inadequate funding, weak coordination, limited market access, and gender disparities, particularly affecting women and persons with disabilities. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive policy framework, sustainable financing, improved security, expanded vocational and digital training, inclusive financial services, and stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration. Strengthening livelihood opportunities is essential for fostering long-term self-reliance, stability, and socio-economic development in conflict-affected regions.
CASHLESS POLICY AND SME PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA: THE GAINS, CHALLENGES AND CONSEQUENCES FOR SMES IN LAGOS STATE
This study examined the impact of the cashless policy on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ojo District, Lagos State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigated the effects of cashless payment systems on SMEs’ financial performance, operational efficiency, perceived benefits, challenges, and unintended consequences. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and primary data were collected from 50 SME owners and managers through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that the cashless policy has positively influenced SMEs by improving transaction speed, enhancing financial transparency, reducing excessive dependence on physical cash, and expanding customer reach through digital payment options. However, the study also found that poor network connectivity, high transaction charges, limited digital literacy, cybersecurity risks, and failed transactions continue to limit the effectiveness of cashless payment systems among SMEs. In addition, unintended consequences such as delayed payment confirmation, customer dissatisfaction, and occasional loss of sales were identified. The study concluded that the cashless policy has the potential to support SME growth and improve business operations in Ojo District. However, its full benefits can only be realized when infrastructural, technological, and systemic challenges are addressed. The study recommended improved digital payment infrastructure, reduced transaction charges, stronger cybersecurity measures, increased financial literacy, and better support from banks and payment service providers.
EARLY CHRISTIAN RESPONSES TO PERSECUTION AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO CHRISTIANS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Christian communities in parts of Plateau State, Nigeria, have faced persistent attacks, forced displacement, and destruction of property, prompting a search for faith-based coping strategies. This study examines how the early Christian church responded to persecution and explores the relevance of those responses for contemporary Christians in Plateau State. The research employed a historical-analytical design, utilising secondary sources including journal articles, books, and institutional reports, alongside primary data collected through key informant interviews. Informants were purposively selected to include pastors, community elders, a herder representative, women and youth leaders, an IDP camp coordinator, and a local government official. Interviews were analysed thematically. Key findings indicate that the early church survived state-sponsored hostility through non-violent endurance, intellectual apologetics, communal solidarity, and a developed theology of martyrdom. In Plateau State, Christian communities exhibit similar patterns of resilience, though the intensity of violence and displacement has severely strained traditional support systems. The study recommends documenting violations, strengthening theological teaching on suffering, enhancing inter-communal cooperation, and advocating impartial state protection. Re-appropriating early Christian strategies can contribute to pastoral care and community preservation.
GLOBALIZATION AND NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY: OPPORTUNITIES, CONSTRAINTS, AND STRATEGIC RESPONSES IN THE BUHARI ERA, 2015-2023
This study investigates the impact of globalization on Nigeria's foreign policy from 2015 to 2023, an era marked by increasing global interconnection, changes in political relations, and shifting priorities among developing nations. Globalization refers to the enhanced interdependence among nations through advancements in technology, global trade, movement of capital, and diplomatic collaboration on a multilateral scale. As a key political and economic player in Africa, Nigeria's foreign policy during this timeframe was influenced more by outside global factors than by a sense of isolation. During the duration of this research, globalization affected Nigeria's international interactions through demands for economic openness, compliance with global standards, and reactions to cross-border security issues. While globalization offered avenues for greater multilateral collaboration, foreign investments, and a leadership role in West Africa, it also revealed Nigeria's weaknesses, such as reliance on foreign markets, diminished ability to make independent policy decisions, and complicated border security challenges. From 2015 to 2023, Nigeria faced challenges like global economic fluctuations, terrorism and insurgency, commitments to regional integration, and the rise of new global power dynamics, necessitating ongoing adjustments in its diplomatic approach and foreign policy focus. By utilizing secondary data sources such as academic articles, policy papers, and government reports, the study illustrates that globalization influenced not only the aims of Nigeria’s foreign policy but also how it was structured and executed. The results highlight a dual effect characterized by enhanced global engagement coupled with increasing external limitations. The research concludes with suggestions for a more unified economic diplomacy approach, improved institutional capability, and proactive regional collaborations to leverage the advantages of globalization while protecting national sovereignty and pursuing long-term development objectives.
IMPACT OF INDUSTRY-BASED TRAINING ON EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS OF AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS IN COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
Industry-Based Training (IBT) plays a vital role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical competencies in technical and vocational education. This study examined the impact of IBT on the employability skills of automobile technology students in six selected Colleges of Education in North Central Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed the extent to which IBT influences employability skills, the relationship between IBT duration and students’ proficiency in technical and soft skills, and the effectiveness of IBT facilities, workshops, and tools. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 112 students, from which 24 respondents were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Industry-Based Training and Employability Skills Questionnaire (IBTESQ). The instrument was validated by experts in technical education for face and content validity, while its reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, yielding a coefficient of 0.82. Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and Spearman Rank Correlation. Findings revealed that IBT significantly enhances employability skills, with a positive relationship between IBT duration and skill proficiency. However, IBT facilities and tools were found to be moderately effective. The study concluded that effective IBT improved students’ technical competence and workplace readiness, and it recommended stronger industry partnerships, extended training duration, and improved workshop facilities.
COMPARATIVE EFFECTIVENESS OF 5E AND SCAFFOLDING STRATEGIES ON STUDENTS’ INTEREST AND ACHIEVEMENT IN READING SCIENCE-BASED TEXTS IN BENUE STATE, NIGERIA
This study assessed the comparative effectiveness of 5E and scaffolding strategies on students’ interest and achievement in reading science-based texts in Benue State, Nigeria. The design was quasi-experimental, specifically pretest, posttest non-randomised equivalent group design. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to sample 44 senior secondary one students in two schools from a population of 5730 in Otukpo, Benue State. The students were sampled from two intact classes. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The instruments for data collection were Interest in Reading Science-based Texts Questionnaire (IRSTQ) and Science Reading Achievement Test (SRAT. The instruments were validated by experts and subjected to trial testing. IRSTQ yielded a coefficient of 0.83 while SRAT yielded 0.96. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were tested at 0.05 significance level using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) . it was found that both 5E and scaffolding significantly improved students’ interest and achievement in reading of science-based texts. Since the strategies improved students’ academic achievement and interest in science-based texts, it was recommended that English Language teachers should adopt 5E and scaffolding strategies in teaching students how to become proficient in reading science-based texts.
MARKET ORIENTATION PRACTICES AMONG SMALL BUSINESS MANAGERS IN THE OJO BUSINESS DISTRICT OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
This study examined market orientation practices among small business managers in the Ojo Business District of Lagos State, Nigeria. Specifically, it identified existing market orientation practices, investigated key barriers to their implementation, and analysed how these barriers influence business performance. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 25 small business managers through structured questionnaires. The findings revealed that although managers moderately adopt customer-focused practices, other important dimensions of market orientation, such as competitor analysis and internal coordination, receive less attention. The study further identified limited financial resources, inadequate managerial skills, poor access to market information, and an unstable business environment as major barriers to effective implementation. These barriers reduce the ability of small business managers to translate market orientation into improved profitability, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness. Given the small sample size (N=25), the findings should be interpreted with caution, and future research with larger samples is recommended. The study concludes that targeted managerial training, improved access to finance, better market information systems, and supportive business policies are essential for strengthening the effectiveness, competitiveness, and sustainability of small businesses in Nigeria.