Impact International Journals and Publications
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IMPACT INTERNATIONAL JOURNALS AND PUBLICATIONS
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ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF INSECURITY AND PATHWAYS TO INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT IN MANGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
This study investigates the economic implications of insecurity and the pathways to inclusive development in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Mangu is a local government area that has experienced severe communal violence, farmer-herder conflicts, and displacement in recent years. These conflicts have disrupted farming activities, destroyed livelihoods, and created a humanitarian crisis. The problem is that insecurity has devastated the local economy, yet there is limited understanding of how to rebuild sustainably and inclusively. This study used a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 200 respondents was selected from affected communities across Mangu LGA. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. The data was analyzed using mean scores and chi-square tests. Findings showed that insecurity has significantly reduced agricultural productivity, destroyed market access, and displaced thousands of people. It has also led to loss of income, food insecurity, and breakdown of social cohesion. The study concludes that insecurity poses a major threat to economic development and poverty reduction in Mangu LGA. It recommends community-led peacebuilding initiatives, economic empowerment programs for vulnerable groups, and government investment in rural infrastructure and agricultural support.
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
PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN CONFLICT-AFFECTED MANGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
This study investigates private sector development and economic recovery in conflict-affected Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. Mangu is a local government area that has experienced severe communal violence, farmer-herder conflicts, and mass displacement in recent years. The conflict has devastated the local economy, destroyed livelihoods, and created a humanitarian crisis affecting over 19,000 displaced persons. The problem is that while humanitarian aid has provided temporary relief, there is limited understanding of how private sector development can drive sustainable economic recovery. This study used a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 200 respondents was selected from affected communities across Mangu LGA, including business owners, farmers, and displaced persons. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. The data was analyzed using mean scores and chi-square tests. Findings showed that private sector activity has been severely disrupted by insecurity, with businesses closing and markets collapsing. However, there is strong demand for economic recovery through agricultural value chain development, infrastructure investment, and inclusive enterprise support. The study concludes that private sector development is essential for sustainable economic recovery in Mangu LGA. It recommends government investment in agricultural infrastructure, support for small and medium enterprises, and inclusive private sector engagement that benefits displaced persons and host communities.
IGBO DIALECTS AND AI; TOWARDS A DIALECT-AWARE FRAMEWORK
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems developed for Igbo are trained mainly on Standard (Central) Igbo, although everyday communication occurs through numerous regional varieties. This paper examines how that standardization bias affects the digital vitality and representation of Igbo dialects. It uses a structured descriptive-theoretical review of 18 sources on Igbo dialectology, language ecology, digital vitality, natural language processing, machine translation, and community data governance. The sources are analyzed thematically against four research questions concerning dialect documentation, available digital resources, system performance, and strategies for dialect-aware development. The review finds that Igbo dialects are extensively described in print scholarship but remain poorly represented in machine-readable corpora, speech datasets, input tools, and automated processing systems. IgboAPI provides an important partial lexical resource, yet no complete publicly accessible text-and-speech corpus exists for any dialect. Evidence reviewed also indicate that systems trainedon Standard Igbo perform less effectively on dialectal input, thereby limiting access for dialect speakers. In response, the paper proposes a four-tier framework that combines dialectological classification, language ecology, digital vitality indicators, community-led data collection, and isomorphism-guided transfer learning. The framework prioritizes practical development while retaining every documented variety within the long-term planning horizon. The study concludes that inclusive Igbo AI requires coordinated resource creation, transparent performance testing, and community control over linguistic data.
HYBRID ANFIS-GA-RL TRAFFIC SIGNAL CONTROL: A SIMULATION STUDY OF NIGERIAN CITIES
Urban freshwater ecosystems are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities that alter habitat quality and environmental conditions, with important implications for amphibian communities. This study assessed the influence of habitat characteristics and physicochemical variables on the diversity and distribution of anurans at Jabi Lake, Abuja, Nigeria. A total of 257 anurans were investigated, and findings revealed four anuran families: Bufonidae, Pipidae, Dicroglossidae, and Ranidae, comprising five species across four genera namely: Sclerophrys regularis, Xenopus fischbergi, Xenopus tropicalis, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, and Amnirana galamensis. Anuran species richness and evenness were notably higher during the wet season, with biodiversity indices peaking in the rainy months. Simpson’s index showed the least probability in August (0.2049) with an exponential increase of 0.5062 and 0.5556 in January and February. It was observed that Shannon-H of 0 in March and May (Dry season) indicate no evenness among the species during those months. However, this increased subsequently in the rainy season with the highest (1.597) observed in August. The CCA revealed that dissolved oxygen, water temperature, pH, and turbidity were the principal environmental variables influencing anuran distribution. Xenopus fischbergi and Amnirana galamensis were strongly associated with habitats characterized by elevated dissolved oxygen, lower pH, and cooler water, indicating relatively narrow ecological requirements. In contrast, Sclerophrys regularis exhibited greater tolerance to elevated temperature, higher pH, and moderate turbidity, reflecting considerable ecological plasticity and persistence under dry-season conditions. Hoplobatrachus occipitalis and Xenopus tropicalis showed comparatively weak associations with the measured physicochemical variables, suggesting broader ecological tolerances and responses to multiple interacting habitat factors.
ENVIRONMENTAL DRIVERS OF ANURAN DIVERSITY IN AN URBAN LAKE
Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA),
EFFECT OF POST-CLASSROOM AND IN-CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS ON BIOLOGICAL DRAWING ABILITY OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated the effect of post-classroom and in-classroom assignments on secondary school students' biological drawing ability in Sokoto State, Nigeria. A pretest post-test quasi-experimental design was used followed by a supplementary qualitative interview. The population comprised 15,301 Senior Secondary School II students, from which 380 students were selected using multistage and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using the Biological Drawing Ability Test (BDAT) and an interview schedule administered to five purposively selected students from the experimental group. Quantitative data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and an independent-samples t-test, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The results revealed a significant difference in biological drawing ability between the experimental and control groups, with students exposed to post-classroom assignments obtaining a higher mean score of 30.67 and a SD of 8.82 than those exposed to in-classroom assignments. An independent sample t-test showed there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups. The interviews further showed that family support, a conducive home learning environment, and students' motivation enhanced opportunities for practising biological drawings. The study concludes that post-classroom assignments are more effective than in-classroom assignments in improving students' biological drawing ability and recommends their integration into biology instruction.
MIS ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND NIGERIA’S DIGITAL ECONOMY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Nigeria remains Africa's largest economy by nominal gross domestic product, yet persistent gaps in information management continue to constrain its public and private sectors. Management Information Systems (MIS) entrepreneurship research has gained increasing attention as a candidate lever for economic diversification, but the underlying evidence remains fragmented across disciplinary silos, including financial technology, health informatics, agricultural technology, e-government, educational technology, data analytics, cybersecurity, and logistics, without an integrative synthesis. This systematic review follows PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searching six scholarly databases: Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, IEEE Xplore, and PubMed/PMC. Following independent dual-reviewer screening, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer, 33 studies published between 2015 and 2026 were selected from an initial pool of 650 records. We identify four complementary categories of MIS entrepreneurial value creation: transaction-level digital financial infrastructure, service-delivery platform optimization, data- and productivity-centric approaches, and governance and policy-level sustainability. We further synthesize the theoretical apparatus underlying this literature, including the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, Schumpeterian innovation theory, and sociotechnical systems theory. Our central finding is an outcome-measurement gap: adoption-stage evidence substantially outweighs outcome-stage evidence linking MIS interventions to GDP, productivity, or institutional performance. Closing this gap requires coordinated investment in digital infrastructure, data governance, human capital, and public procurement, alongside greater use of quasi-experimental and causal-identification research designs. This review offers a structured, auditable, PRISMA-compliant framework for researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners engaged in Nigeria's digital economic transformation.
2050 AIM STRATEGY AND BLUE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA, 2012-2025
Africa's maritime domain is one of the continent's most strategic economic and geopolitical assets. With over 38 coastal and island states, vast Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and critical sea routes connecting Africa to global trade networks, the maritime sector offers significant opportunities for economic transformation, regional integration, and sustainable development. Yet, maritime insecurity, piracy, illegal fishing, weak institutional coordination, environmental degradation, and inadequate infrastructure continue to undermine these prospects. Although the African Union's 2050 Africa's Integrated Maritime (AIM) Strategy provides a comprehensive framework for maritime governance and blue economy development, limited scholarly attention has been devoted to examining its political economy and implementation constraints across Africa, creating an important knowledge gap that this study addresses. Guided by Maritime Security Theory, this study examines the developmental implications of the 2050 AIM Strategy using a qualitative documentary research design based on African Union policy documents, International Maritime Organization publications, and recent scholarly literature. The findings indicate that while the strategy offers a coherent framework for integrating maritime security, environmental sustainability, and economic development, implementation has been constrained by weak state capacity, inadequate financing, fragmented regional cooperation, and persistent insecurity, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea and the Horn of Africa. The study concludes that effective implementation requires stronger continental cooperation, greater investment in maritime infrastructure and blue economy sectors, enhanced naval capabilities, and harmonised legal and institutional frameworks.
CUSTOMARY MARINE TENURE AS ENVIRONMENTAL LAW: REIMAGINING OCEAN JUSTICE
Contemporary ocean governance remains predominantly state-centred despite increasing recognition that effective environmental protection requires legal frameworks capable of accommodating diverse normative traditions. Although customary marine tenure has received considerable scholarly attention within Indigenous rights, legal pluralism and community-based resource management, its status as environmental law has attracted comparatively little doctrinal analysis. This article argues that customary marine tenure constitutes environmental law because it establishes binding rules governing access to marine resources, ecological stewardship, conservation, dispute resolution and intergenerational responsibility. Adopting a doctrinal legal research methodology, it examines international environmental law, legal pluralist jurisprudence and comparative jurisprudence to determine whether customary marine tenure possesses the defining characteristics of environmental law. The analysis demonstrates that those characteristics depend upon the regulatory functions performed by a legal system rather than the institutional source from which its rules originate. It further shows that recognising customary marine tenure as environmental law provides a stronger jurisprudential foundation for ocean justice by acknowledging Indigenous marine legal institutions as complementary components of environmental governance operating within constitutional and statutory frameworks. A functional and pluralist understanding of environmental law therefore more accurately reflects the diversity of legal institutions through which marine environments have historically been governed.
BOARD OWNERSHIP AND LIQUIDITY RISK IN LISTED DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA
Liquidity risk remains the fault line along which banking systems fail, and the Accepted Date: 04/06/2026 Published Date: 20/07/2026 Type: Research Nigerian banking industry has repeatedly demonstrated that solvent banks can still be brought down by funding mismatches. This study examined the effect of board ownership on the liquidity risk of listed deposit money banks (DMBs) in Nigeria, disaggregating board ownership into executive and non-executive director shareholding. An ex-post facto research design was adopted. The population comprised the fourteen DMBs listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group, from which thirteen banks with complete audited records over the ten-year period 2014 to 2023 were selected using the filter technique, giving a balanced panel of 130 bank-year observations. Data were extracted from the audited annual reports and accounts of the sampled banks. Liquidity risk was proxied by the loan-to-deposit ratio, while board size, bank size, capital adequacy ratio, return on assets and a dummy for the Central Bank of Nigeria minimum loan-to-deposit ratio policy served as control variables. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, variance inflation factors, the Breusch-Pagan test, the Hausman specification test and panel regression estimated by pooled ordinary least squares, fixed effects and random effects, with cluster-robust standard errors at the .05 level of significance. Board ownership averaged 6.00% of issued shares (SD = 2.36) while liquidity risk averaged 60.55% (SD = 9.00). The fixed effects estimates show that aggregate board ownership exerts a negative and significant effect on liquidity risk (beta = -0.936, p < .001), and that this effect is driven entirely by executive director ownership (beta = -1.936, p < .001), whereas non-executive director ownership is statistically insignificant (beta = -0.413, p = .068). The results are confirmed by a robustness check using liquid assets to total assets as an alternative proxy. The study concluded that equity held by executive directors operates as an effective internal governance mechanism restraining liquidity risk, consistent with the convergence-of-interest hypothesis, while the token shareholdings typically held by non-executive directors in Nigeria are too small to generate any comparable incentive effect. It was recommended, in direct response to these findings, that the Central Bank of Nigeria incorporate a minimum executive director shareholding threshold into its corporate governance code for banks, that share-based components of executive remuneration be structured with extended vesting and post-vesting holding periods, and that banks disclose director shareholdings separately for executive and non-executive directors.
CULT-RELATED CRIMES AND SAFETY OF RURAL DWELLERS IN SOUTH-SOUTH GEO-POLITICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA
This study examined cult-related crimes and the safety of rural dwellers in the South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria. The study was guided by two objectives: to determine the relationship between armed robbery and the safety of rural dwellers, and to assess the relationship between assassination and the safety of rural dwellers. Two corresponding null hypotheses were formulated and tested. The study was anchored on the Human Security Theory. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was conducted in selected rural communities in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States. The target population comprised rural residents aged 18 years and above. Using Cochran's (1963) sample size determination formula, a sample of 384 respondents was obtained. Respondents were selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure involving purposive, simple random, and systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A pilot study yielded a Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82, confirming satisfactory internal consistency of the instrument. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square (χ²) test of independence at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between armed robbery as a form of cult-related crime and the safety of rural dwellers (χ² = 178.84, p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the first null hypothesis. Similarly, a significant relationship was found between assassination and the safety of rural dwellers (χ² = 80.62, p < 0.05), resulting in the rejection of the second null hypothesis. The study concluded that cult-related crimes, particularly armed robbery and assassination, constitute serious threats to the safety and security of rural communities. The study therefore recommended the strengthening of community-based security structures through effective collaboration among traditional institutions, community leaders, and formal security agencies.
ENTREPRENEURIAL CAPABILITIES OF PARTICIPANTS OF SKILLS-BASED PROGRAMME IN BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING SKILLS TRAINING CENTRES IN YOBE STATE, NIGERIA
Despite the entrepreneurial focus of the Skills-Based Programme operated by Business and Engineering Skills Training Centres (BESTC) in Yobe State, evidence on whether participants actually acquire usable entrepreneurial capability remains limited and mixed, creating uncertainty about whether the programme's product-level objectives are being met. This study evaluated the entrepreneurial capabilities of participants of the Skills-Based Programme in BESTC, Yobe State, Nigeria. Anchored on the Product component of Stufflebeam's Context, Input, Process and Product (CIPP) evaluation model, the study was guided by one objective, one research question, and one null hypothesis. An evaluative survey design was adopted, drawing on a total population of 158 respondents (11 principals and 147 instructors) across the eleven BESTC in the state, studied through total population sampling. A structured, expert-validated, five-point Likert-scale questionnaire (Cronbach Alpha = 0.81) was used for data collection, and data were analysed using mean and standard deviation, with a cut-off mean of 3.00. Findings revealed that both principals and instructors agreed on all twelve assessed items relating to trainees' entrepreneurial capabilities, with mean ratings ranging from 3.64 to 4.93, covering trade areas such as furniture design, electrical installation and maintenance, welding and fabrication, computer craft practice, automobile technology, bricklaying, tailoring, and leather work. The study concludes that participants of the Skills-Based Programme in BESTC in Yobe State have acquired requisite entrepreneurial capabilities enabling them to establish and operate their own trade-based enterprises. It is recommended that government and stakeholders provide targeted financial assistance and business-support services to graduates of the programme to help them translate acquired competencies into sustainable self-employment.
PEER REJECTION IN ADHD: A RELATIONAL ECOLOGY FRAMEWORK
Social difficulties, including peer rejection, low friendship quality, and social isolation, are among the most well-documented and treatment-resistant features of childhood ADHD, often persisting even after core symptoms improve. Despite decades of research, social skills training (SST) programs have yielded only modest improvements in peer acceptance and friendship quality, revealing a fundamental mismatch between prevailing theoretical models and the relational realities of children’s social lives. This paper argues that existing approaches are constrained by an overly individualistic conceptualization of peer difficulties. Drawing on developmental psychopathology, peer relations research, educational psychology, and social network theory, the paper proposes the Relational Ecology Framework (REF), a multi-level model that repositions peer rejection and social exclusion as emergent outcomes of interactions among individual vulnerabilities, friendship processes, classroom ecologies, teacher relationships, family systems, and school environments. A central argument is that friendship quality, rather than broad peer acceptance, constitutes a more developmentally meaningful indicator of social adaptation and a more productive intervention target. The framework introduces ‘relational affordances’, the opportunities a classroom structurally provides for meaningful peer connection, and ‘relational engineering,’ the deliberate redesign of classrooms, teacher practices, and family involvement to increase those opportunities. Six empirically testable propositions are outlined as a future research agenda. The paper concludes that meaningful advances in ADHD social intervention require a shift from teaching social skills to cultivating the relational ecologies within which belonging, connection, and developmental resilience can emerge.
THE IMPACT OF COMPANY INCOME TAX (CIT) PAYMENTS ON THE PROFITABILITY OF NIGERIAN MANUFACTURING FIRMS
This study investigates the impact of Company Income Tax (CIT) payments on the profitability of Nigerian manufacturing firms. The manufacturing sector is very important for Nigeria's economy. It provides jobs and helps the country grow. However, many manufacturing firms are struggling to make good profits. One reason for this problem is the high tax burden they face. Company Income Tax is a major cost for these firms. It reduces their net income and affects their ability to reinvest in their businesses. This study used a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 120 accountants and finance managers from 60 manufacturing firms was selected. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed using mean scores and chi-square tests. Findings showed that Company Income Tax payments have a significant negative impact on the profitability of manufacturing firms. The study also found that the high CIT rate reduces the funds available for reinvestment. This limits the growth and expansion of these firms. The study concludes that the current CIT regime poses a major threat to the survival and growth of Nigerian manufacturing firms. It recommends that the government should review the CIT rate. It also calls for more tax incentives for manufacturing firms. This will help them become more profitable and competitive.
CURRICULUM REFORM, EMPLOYABILITY AND BRAIN DRAIN: A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO TALENT RETENTION
This study investigates the interrelationship between curriculum reform, graduate employability, and brain drain in Nigeria, adopting a systems-based approach to talent retention. Anchored on systems theory, the research conceptualises education, industry, and policy environments as interdependent components whose misalignment contributes to the emigration of skilled professionals. Using a mixed-methods convergent parallel design, quantitative data were collected from 270 respondents (graduates, employers, and academic staff in Lagos State) via structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression in SPSS (version 26), while qualitative data from 24 semi-structured interviews were analysed thematically. Findings reveal that outdated curricula, insufficient practical training, and weak industry-academic collaboration reduce graduates’ employability, with 68.5% of respondents reporting low employability scores also expressing strong migration intentions. The study further demonstrates that targeted curriculum reforms, particularly competency-based education, experiential learning, and digital skills, substantially improve job readiness and reduce migration intentions. In addition, supportive policy measures, including incentives for local employment and strengthened public-private partnerships, were found to enhance talent retention. The study’s key contribution is the development of an integrated systems model that links curriculum transformation with labour market demands and policy support mechanisms. It concludes that reducing brain drain requires coordinated, system-wide reforms that create sustainable and attractive opportunities within the domestic economy.
SAWDUST AND RICE HUSK BIOCOMPOSTS: COMPARATIVE EFFECTS ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND GROWTH OF FLUTED PUMPKIN (Telfairia occidentalis)
Organic farming is gaining renewed attention as sustainable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic fertilizer. This study evaluated the impact of sawdust and rice husk biocomposts on soil physicochemical dynamics, and growth performance of Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). Samples of raw sawdust and rice husks were heaped with unrefined crude sugar (Gur) as carbon starter, and wheat bran (choker) as nutritional accelerator, and moisturized for 3-4 days. The components were mixed with gypsum and re-piled for 10-12 days. The resulting biocomposts were air-dried and subjected to chemical profiling using standard laboratory procedures. The Fluted Pumpkin seeds were sown in the soils amended with 500 g of the biocomposts, and the unamended soil as the Control. The results showed significantly higher Nitrogen (p < 0.001), Sodium (p = 0.001), Potassium (p < 0.001), Zinc (p < 0.001) and Copper (p < 0.001) in the sawdust compost than the rice husk; while Magnesium, Phosphorus and Iron were higher in the rice husk (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the amended soils were observed to have higher mineral nutrients than the unammended soil with a significant rise in Cation Exchange Capacity and Electrical Conductivity (p < 0.05). On the growth performance of T. occidentalis, rice husk compost produced significantly longer vines and more tendrils, while the sawdust promoted vegetative yield and biomass weight (p < 0.05). The biocomposts produced in this study significantly improved soil properties and the growth responses of T. occidentalis confirming their value as sustainable pathways for waste-to-wealth agricultural systems.
TIMELINESS OF HEALTHCARE SERVICE DELIVERY AND CLIENT SATISFACTION IN NHIS-ACCREDITED HOSPITALS IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE
This study examined the relationship between timeliness of healthcare service delivery and client satisfaction in NHIS-accredited hospitals in Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study consisted of 2,784 NHIS stakeholders drawn from six selected NHIS-accredited hospitals, from which a sample size of 350 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. A total of 342 valid questionnaires were retrieved and analysed, representing a 97.7% response rate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (simple linear regression) with the aid of SPSS version 25. The study was anchored on the Expectancy Disconfirmation Theory (Oliver, 1977), which explains that client satisfaction is determined by the comparison between expected service performance and actual healthcare experiences. Findings revealed that prolonged waiting time before consultation, registration and card processing delays, laboratory and diagnostic service delays, and pharmacy and drug dispensing delays significantly reduced client satisfaction among NHIS enrollees. Regression results showed that waiting time before consultation explained 46.5% of the variation in client satisfaction (R² = .465, β = -.512, p < .05), registration and card processing explained 49.6% (R² = .496, β = -.536, p < .05), laboratory and diagnostic service delays explained 45.0% (R² = .450, β = -.489, p < .05), while pharmacy and drug dispensing delays explained 51.7% (R² = .517, β = -.558, p < .05). The study concludes that delays across major healthcare service points remain significant barriers to achieving satisfactory NHIS service experiences in Makurdi. It recommends that hospital management and NHIA authorities should strengthen digital patient processing systems, improve workflow management, and enhance staffing and operational efficiency in consultation, laboratory, and pharmacy units to reduce waiting time and improve client satisfaction.
CONSUMER PREFERENCES FOR PROTECTED PRODUCTION SYSTEMS OF HIGH-VALUE BELL PEPPER AND TOMATO IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Consumer demand for high-value bell pepper and tomato from Protected Production Systems [PPS] is rising in Nigeria, yet evidence on awareness, market channels, and socioeconomic drivers remains limited for Kano State. This study examined consumer awareness, attitudes, willingness to purchase, and socioeconomic characteristics of consumers of PPS bell pepper and tomato in Kano State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 288 consumers across nine LGAs between 22 January and 3 February 2026 using structured questionnaires via Open Data Kit. Of the sample, 72 consumed bell pepper only, 110 consumed tomato only, and 106 consumed both. To address overlap, respondents who consumed both crops were included in analyses for both crops. Estimation samples were n=178 for bell pepper and n=216 for tomato. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and multiple response analysis. Results show that 90.4% of bell pepper consumers and 93.5% of tomato consumers were at least "somewhat familiar" with PPS. Willingness to prioritize purchase of PPS vegetables was widespread at 97.22% for tomato and 97.75% for bell pepper, and cut across all socio-demographic groups. Supermarkets were the main market channel for both crops at 73.6% for bell pepper and 77.3% for tomato. "Better quality and freshness" was the main driver of increased purchase. Demand for "certification/assurance" was higher for tomato 57.9% than for bell pepper 36.5%. The high awareness, near-universal willingness, and market access drive PPS demand. We recommend awareness campaigns, safety certification, and stronger supermarket linkages to expand PPS vegetables in Kano State.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF AI INTEGRATION IN HRM PRACTICES AMONG HR PRACTITIONERS AND ACADEMIC STAFF IN UNIVERSITIES IN KWARA STTE, NIGERIA
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Human Resource Management (HRM) practices is transforming administrative processes in universities by improving efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making. Despite these benefits, concerns remain regarding the psychological effects of AI adoption on employees. This study examined the psychological impacts of AI integration in HRM practices among HR practitioners and academic staff in universities in Kwara State, Nigeria. A quantitative descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 1,026 HR practitioners and academic staff drawn from five selected public and private universities in Kwara State. A sample of 280 respondents was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample size determination table and selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire titled Artificial Intelligence Integration and Psychological Impacts Questionnaire (AIIPIQ) with a Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.89. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to answer the research questions, while independent samples t-test, simple regression, and multiple regression analyses were employed to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that respondents experienced high levels of technostress and job insecurity and demonstrated a high level of trust in AI systems. A significant difference existed in the level of technostress experienced by HR practitioners and academic staff, whereas no significant difference was found in their perception of job insecurity. Furthermore, perceived fairness significantly influenced psychological well-being, while technostress and perceived fairness jointly predicted psychological well-being, accounting for 42% of the variance. The study concluded that effective AI integration in HRM should prioritize fairness, transparency, continuous staff training, and psychological support to enhance employee well-being and ensure sustainable digital transformation in universities. The study recommended the adoption of ethical AI governance frameworks, continuous digital capacity building, and employee-centred implementation strategies to promote responsible AI integration in university HRM.
WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR ORGANIC TOMATO AND BELL PEPPER IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA: A HECKMAN TWO-STEP ANALYSIS
Background: Demand for organic vegetables is growing in Nigeria, but high prices and consumer uncertainty limit market growth. Objective: This study estimated consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for organic tomato and bell pepper and examined the socioeconomic and perception factors driving WTP in Kano State. Methods: Primary data were collected from 288 consumers using structured questionnaires. The Heckman two-step model was used to correct for selection bias in WTP responses. Key Findings: On average, consumers were willing to pay a premium for organic tomato and organic bell pepper. Key drivers differed by crop. For tomato, age and freshness increased WTP, while higher education reduced the likelihood of paying. For bell pepper, age reduced WTP and household income reduced the probability of participation. Consumers rated freshness, taste and appearance highly, but rated chemical safety lowest, indicating low awareness of organic certification. The attitude scale showed low reliability, suggesting an attitude-behaviour gap. Conclusion: The results support crop-specific marketing strategies. Freshness-based messaging will work for tomato, while affordability and pesticide-free certification are critical for bell pepper. Improving consumer awareness of organic standards can help bridge the gap between positive attitudes and actual premium payments.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MECHANISMS AND EARNINGS MANAGEMENT OF LISTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN NIGERIA
The objective of this study is to ascertain the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and earnings management in Nigeria. The study adopted data procured from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, the Nigerian Exchange Limited, and the companies’ yearly reports for the period 2014-2023. A sample of 10 firms was selected from the listed companies for a 10years period making for 100 observations. Board size, Board meeting, Board gender diversity, Audit committee meeting were used as independent variables, while Discretionary accruals was adopted as a proxy of earnings management and dependent variable. The data were described and analysed using the panel regression technique on the multiple regression model. Findings from the analysed data showed that; board size has positive but insignificant effect on earnings management, board gender diversity has a negative and insignificant effect on earnings management, board meeting has a negative and insignificant effect on earnings management, and audit committee meeting has a positive but insignificant effect on earnings management of manufacturing companies in Nigeria. Thus, the study concluded that corporate governance mechanisms has no significant effect on earnings management in Nigeria. Therefore the study recommended as follows: Firms focus more on the quality and effectiveness of board members. Organizations should promote and encourage greater inclusion of women on corporate boards. Board meetings of firm should be effective and focus driven. Quality, independence, and expertise of audit committee members should be emphasized.
PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF WAEC CBT EXAMINATIONS AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SOBA METROPOLIS
This study assessed the Perceived benefits and challenges of WAEC CBT Examinations among senior secondary school students in Soba Metropolis. The study comprised two objectives and two research questions. The design of the study is descriptive survey research design. The population of the study is 1,833 from four private and public senior secondary schools in Soba Metropolis, The sample of the study is 183 i.e. 10% of the students population selected through simple random and proportionate sampling techniques. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire adapted and comprised 27 items using 4 points likert scale. The reliability of the instrument was established at 0.78. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering all research questions using decision mean of 2.50. Based on the findings of the study, the study conclude that; WAEC CBT Examination curb examination malpractice and is cost effective among others fringe benefits with average mean and standard deviation of 3.21 and 0.66 respectively, and has challenges of lack of adequate ICT facilities, students phobia, network failure among others with average mean and standard deviation of 3.12 and 0.51 respectively. The following recommendations were made; WAEC should continue with the process for the conduct of CBT Examinations in senior secondary schools examinations like JAMB in order to curb examination malpractice and to cut cost for production of booklets, question papers and other logistics. Government and non-Governmental organizations should in providing the necessary ICT facilities to both public and private senior secondary schools and train both teachers and students in the field of ICT periodically for the successful WAEC transition from pen and paper to CBT Examinations among others.
GOD'S WILL FOR MARRIAGE IN GENESIS 2:18–23 AND MARITAL OUTCOMES AMONG NIGERIAN CHRISTIANS
Contemporary Christian marriages in Nigeria continue to face challenges arising from marital conflict, declining commitment, cultural pressures, and divergent interpretations of biblical teachings on marriage. These realities underscore the need to re-examine God's original intention for marriage as revealed in Scripture. Although previous studies have examined Christian marriage from theological, sociological, counselling, and psychological perspectives, limited scholarly attention has been given to integrating an exegetical analysis of Genesis 2:18–23 with contemporary marital outcomes within the Nigerian Christian context. This study examined God's will for marriage through an exegetical analysis of Genesis 2:18–23 and explored its implications for marital outcomes among Nigerian Christians. The study adopted a qualitative exegetical research design, employing the historical-grammatical method to analyse the literary, historical, grammatical, and theological dimensions of the biblical text. The analysis was informed by a critical review of 10 peer-reviewed journal articles and five major biblical commentaries, interpreted within the framework of the Biblical Covenant Theory of Marriage. The analysis suggests that Genesis 2:18–23 presents marriage as a divine covenant founded on companionship, mutual dignity, complementarity, covenant commitment, and shared purpose. It further indicates that these theological principles provide an enduring framework for understanding and evaluating contemporary Christian marriages in Nigeria, particularly in relation to marital stability, relational unity, spiritual companionship, and covenant fidelity. The study concludes that Genesis 2:18–23 remains the foundational biblical text for understanding God's will for marriage and that renewed commitment to its theological principles provides a biblically grounded framework for strengthening Christian marriages within the Nigerian Church.
Department of Sociology and Social Work, Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo Cross River State, Nigeria.
Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in promoting global economic growth and development, particularly in developing economies where formal employment opportunities are limited. This study examined the role of entrepreneurial microbusiness activities in promoting employment in Ado-Ekiti Metropolis, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study specifically assessed the contribution of microbusiness enterprises to youth and women’s employment, examined the relationship between entrepreneurial skills and employment sustainability, evaluated the influence of access to microfinance on business expansion and employment creation, and identified the major challenges faced by microbusiness operators. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample of 280 respondents was selected from a population of 928 using Yamane’s formula. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings showed that 71.0% of respondents reported creating employment opportunities for young people, while 47.3% indicated that their businesses supported women’s employment. The study found a strong positive relationship between microbusiness growth and employment sustainability (r = .984, p < .01). Furthermore, 69.8% agreed that improved access to microfinance would enhance business expansion and employment generation. The study concludes that the Ekiti State Government, in conjunction with financial institutions, should explore innovative strategies to lower interest rates, thereby improving access to capital for microbusiness growth and job creation among others.
AN ASSESSMENT OF REGIONAL SECURITY CRIME MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA
This study assessed regional security crime management strategies and public safety in South-East Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigated the influence of regional security intelligence-led policing on public safety and examined the relationship between regional security community engagement efforts and public safety. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted across the five states of South-East Nigeria: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire whose reliability was established through a pilot study, yielding a Cronbach's Alpha coefficient of 0.70. Data were analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that intelligence-led policing had a strong and statistically significant influence on public safety. Similarly, community engagement demonstrated a strong and significant positive relationship with public safety. The study concluded that intelligence-driven policing and effective community engagement are critical determinants of improved public safety in South-East Nigeria. The study recommends the establishment of dedicated intelligence units to strengthen intelligence gathering and analysis, as well as the institutionalisation of structured community engagement programmes through regular town hall meetings, security forums, and stakeholder consultations to enhance collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
security intelligence and community engagement
RESOURCE-BASED CONFLICTS: THE EREI FARM SETTLEMENT EXPERIENCE, 1961-2025
This study examines the deep-seated resource-based conflict rocking the Erei Farm Settlement. This farm straddles the communities of Okon Aku in Abia State, Ekoli Edda in Ebonyi State and Ikun, Urugbam and Egbor in Cross River State. Despite the glimmer of hope from the value of land, farm’s wealth and rising stock in palm oil, conflict has continued to ravage these pristine communities and their economies. To resolve these paradoxical gaps, the study aims at establishing a straight course on the history, causes and solutions to water down this conflict. In doing this, the study adopts qualitative method of in-depth analysis by relying on primary and secondary sources, while using structural conflict theory to expand the existing knowledge of the conflict. The findings reveal that varying claims to and unequal distribution of a piece of land with a total area of 10,385.30 acres and its resources were the underlying causes of the conflict. The study concludes by addressing this smothering conflict and recommends the governments of Abia, Cross River and Ebonyi States to develop a comprehensive strategy for natural resources regulations to meet and overcome the conflict.
Trade and Investment Relations between Romania and Nigeria, 1968–2024: Trends, Challenges and Prospects.
This study examines the origin of economic interactions between Romania and Nigeria since 1968 to 2024, while focusing on trade models, investment flows, diplomatic engagements, and bilateral cooperation initiatives. By using a historical and descriptive research paradigms, the study uses official government documents, trade statistics, diplomatic records, and important scholarly literature to evaluate the trajectory of economic relations between the two countries. Findings show that although diplomatic engagements between Romania and Nigeria have remained stable since their establishment in 1968, economic interactions have been characterized by irregular levels of trade and investment. Bilateral economic exchanges expanded during eras of increased diplomatic relation but experienced setbacks owing to economic reforms, global market volatility, and changing local priorities in both states. Analysis of trade data shows that total merchandise trade reached approximately US$91.8 million in 2024, with Romanian exports accounting for the larger share of bilateral exchange. Romania’s principal exports consisted of cereals, machinery, industrial equipment, chemicals, and manufactured goods, while Nigeria’s exports were dominated by agricultural commodities, rubber, wood products, and other primary products. The study further reveals that investment engagements have remained relatively restricted, with cooperation concentrated in technical assistance, education, agriculture, and technology transfer rather than large-scale capital investments. Limited institutional coordination, inadequate trade facilitation mechanisms, and feeble private-sector involvement have restricted the expansion of bilateral economic cooperation despite sustained diplomatic goodwill and periodic cooperation consensus. Recent cooperation programs in agriculture, education, technology transfer, investment promotion, and technical training indicated renewed opportunities for upholding bilateral relation. The study concludes that boosting trade facilitation frameworks, deepening institutional cooperation, promoting greater private-sector participation, and expanding sector-specific partnerships could greatly improve Romania–Nigeria economic engagement. The study contributes to the literature on Africa–Eastern Europe relations by providing a historical evaluation of a relatively underexplored bilateral partnership and identifying pathways for future economic relation.
DISTRIBUTED DENIAL-OF-SERVICE (DDOS) ATTACKS, MALWARE DISTRIBUTION AND ELECTRONIC TRANSACTIONS IN CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
This study examined the relationship between Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, malware distribution, and electronic transactions in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study specifically investigated the relationship between Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks and electronic transactions, and established the relationship between malware distribution and electronic transactions. The study was guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study was conducted among users of electronic transaction platforms in Cross River State, with an accessible population of 160,000 active users. Using the Taro Yamane (1967) formula, a sample size of 400 respondents was determined and selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A pilot study produced a Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.82, confirming high internal consistency. Data were analysed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks and electronic transactions. The second hypothesis revealed a significant relationship between malware distribution and electronic transactions. The negative correlation coefficients indicate that increasing incidences of DDoS attacks and malware distribution are associated with declining effectiveness, reliability, and user confidence in electronic transaction systems. The study concludes that cyber threats constitute a significant impediment to the sustainability and security of electronic transactions in Cross River State. It therefore recommends the deployment of robust cloud-based and on-premises DDoS mitigation mechanisms, alongside advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, antivirus solutions, and application whitelisting technologies to strengthen the resilience and security of electronic transaction infrastructures.
electronic transactions and cybersecurity
EFFECT OF LABORATORY STRATEGY ON ACADEMIC SELF-EFFICACY OF CHEMISTRY STUDENTS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
This study investigated the Effect of Laboratory Strategy on Academic Self-efficacy of Senior Secondary Chemistry Students in Katsina Zonal Education Quality Assurance. Two Research objectives and corresponding hypotheses were developed to guide the study. The Objectives are: To find out the effect of laboratory strategy on Academic self-efficacy among senior secondary school chemistry students in Katsina zonal education quality assurance. And to find out the gender based differences in the effect of laboratory strategy in academic self-efficacy among senior secondary school chemistry students in Katsina zonal education quality assurance. The theories used were Constructivism learning theory by Jerome Brunner and Social cognitive theory by Albert Bandura. The study adopted Quasi-experimental research design, involving pre-test and post-test experimental and control groups. The population of the study was 19,613 SSI Chemistry students. The sample was 147 students from two intact classes. The selection was based on purposive sampling technique. One validated instrument namely; Academic self-efficacy scale (ASES) was used to collect data. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.911. Independent sample t-test was used in testing the hypotheses. Findings of the study showed that students in laboratory teaching group obtained higher academic self-efficacy compared to their control group counterpart. There was no significant gender based difference in the mean academic self-efficacy of chemistry students taught separation techniques using laboratory strategy. It was concluded that laboratory teaching strategy is more effective in facilitating academic self-efficacy of chemistry students. It was recommended among others that there is need for the government to retrain chemistry teachers on effective use of laboratory strategy in teaching and learning.
RELIGION, ETHNICITY, AND DEMOCRATIC BEHAVIOUR IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE FROM THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS
Religion is broadly understood as a form of belief systems and practices, whereas ethnicity connotes a shared cultural identity and heritage. Both are essential in shaping the identity and strengthening the bond between people and their creator. While this is normal and a fundamental right of every citizen of Nigeria, the differences in religious beliefs and cultural affiliations have created certain disunity and tension amongst people that do not share similar beliefs and culture. More troubling is the fact that, political actors have used religious and ethnic differences to advance their political ambition. The objective of the study is to examine how religion and ethnicity influenced voter behaviour in the 2023 Nigeria General Elections. The study adopted the mixed research method of data collection. Secondary sources included books, journals, Publications and textbooks. 400 questionnaires were administered across 25 states of Nigeria using simple random technique, 318 were retrieved and used for the study. The Primordial theory, and the Relative deprivation theory were applied for the study. Findings from the study revealed that religion and ethnicity played a significant role in influencing voter behaviour in the 2023 General Elections. The study recommended that INEC and Political parties should strengthen voter education awareness that will encourage the electorates to focus more on candidates with issue-based voting rather than religious or ethnic consideration.