Advances in Law, Pedagogy, and Multidisciplinary Humanities

Farmer-Herder Conflicts and Food Security in North-central Nigeria

Paul Terngu Haaga — 2025-01-10

This study is aimed at exploring the nexus between farmer-herder conflicts and food security in North-central Nigeria. Of all the major drivers of food insecurity in the world, conflict ranks topmost. In the last decade, farmer-herder conflicts have become one of the defining conflicts in Nigeria with North-Central Nigeria as its hotbed. As a region with about the most significant agricultural prospect in the country, it becomes imperative to study the nexus between the conflict it is engulfed in and the agricultural prospects the region has. the objectives of the study included to: analyse the existing reality of food (in)security in North Central Nigeria; highlight the trajectory of food (in)security in North Central Nigeria over the last two decades and into the coming decade; establish the nexus between the farmer-herder conflicts and food insecurity in North Central Nigeria and determine how this affects the food and livestock value chains; and develop a framework for conflict mitigation and food security for the future. The area of the study covers Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa and Niger states in North-central Nigeria. The study adopted a mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative) approaches for the purpose of triangulation. While a thematic approach and analysis of storylines would be used for the qualitative part of the study, an ex post facto research design would be adopted for the quantitative aspect. The findings showed that there is a logical and necessary connection between the conflicts and food insecurity in the area of study. In fact, the more the crises, the greater the chances of food insecurity. The study made recommendations for mitigation of crises to forestall further deepening of food insecurity in the area of study and Nigeria, in general.

Effect of Sports Sponsorship on Consumers Perception of Marketing in Delta State of Nigeria

Sunday Nathaniel Nwabuwe — 2025-01-10

Sports sponsorship has become a critical tool in advancing sports marketing globally, and in improving infrastruture, sports participation, and economic growth. Assessing its functionality in Delta State is necessary for an enhance improvement. This paper therefore, examines the extent sports sponsorship enhance consumers’ perception of sports marketing in Delta State are suggests means of improving sports sponsorship in Delta State. To arrive at meaning conclusion or findings the study used descriptive research design. The research instrument used was a set of questionnaire administered to 100 respondents selected through single random sampling which consists of sports marketers, sports coaches, sports journalist and athletes in Delta State, Nigeria. The findings reveal a strong public perception of the benefits associated with sports sponsorships, particularly in terms of job creation, investment attraction, and infrastructure development. Respondents largely agree that increased sponsorship can lead to tangible economic benefits, positioning it as a critical component for fostering local development. Finally the study amongest others recommended that to foster partenership with reputable sponsors, enhance visibility and engagement, develop targeted sponsorship strategies.

The Nexus Between Security, Human Development, and Economic Stability: Addressing Insecurity as a Threat to National Growth in Nigeria

Charles Berebon — 2025-01-10

Community insecurity in Nigeria raises critical human, economic, and political security concerns that demand attention from scholars and policymakers on a global scale. The complexity of these issues has led to the adoption of various security strategies, ranging from localized self-help security arrangements and community policing initiatives to joint security task forces at state and federal levels. Despite these efforts, the root causes of insecurity—such as social inequality, marginalization, weak institutions, human rights abuses, bad governance, poverty, globalization, militarization of migration, constitutional violations, and pervasive corruption—continue to exacerbate the situation. This study seeks to explore the emerging threats posed by community insecurity to human, economic, and political stability in Nigeria. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing library-based techniques to gather data and analyze the multifaceted dimensions of the problem. The findings emphasize that security and development are not mutually exclusive but are instead deeply interdependent. Addressing one without the other risks perpetuating the cycle of insecurity and underdevelopment. To tackle these issues effectively, the study suggests that a more robust and inclusive approach is necessary. A stronger engagement between security providers and local communities is paramount. This engagement must foster trust and cooperation, ensuring that security measures align with the unique needs and dynamics of individual communities. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of addressing the systemic issues that fuel insecurity. This includes reforming institutions to strengthen governance, promoting social and economic inclusion, upholding human rights, and combating corruption at all levels. Addressing Nigeria's insecurity challenges requires a holistic strategy that goes beyond immediate responses to crises. It demands a long-term commitment to building resilient communities through sustainable development and effective governance. Collaborative efforts involving state actors, local communities, and international partners are essential to creating a secure and stable environment conducive to economic growth and social cohesion.

Artificial Intelligence and Lokean Epistemology

Chinda Clifford Linus — 2025-01-22

Abstract— This research explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and John Locke’s epistemology, examining how advancements in AI challenge traditional notions of knowledge and the subject of knowledge. The increasing sophistication of AI systems, which simulate human-like reasoning and learning processes, blurs the boundaries between human cognition and machine intelligence. This study investigates the potential connections between AI and Locke's theory of knowledge, which emphasizes that knowledge arises from sensory experience and reflection. Beginning with a review of Locke’s epistemological principles, including the role of empirical data and the distinction between primary and secondary qualities, the research evaluates how AI’s reliance on vast datasets, machine learning algorithms, and neural networks aligns—or diverges—from Locke’s framework. It questions whether AI systems can possess knowledge in the Lockean sense and examines the epistemic status of AI-generated outputs in terms of reliability, trustworthiness, and biases in training data. The role of human oversight in validating AI-generated insights is also critically assessed. Ultimately, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the nature and limits of knowledge in the AI era, challenging traditional epistemological frameworks. By integrating Locke’s principles with contemporary AI developments, it advances the debate on what it means to "know" in a world increasingly mediated by artificial agents, offering a nuanced perspective on the implications of AI for human understanding and the evolving landscape of knowledge.

The Philosophical and Constitutional Critique Of the Legislative “Take a Bow and Go” Phenomenon in Legislative Screening of Political Appointees

Stephen Nyeenenwa — 2025-02-16

Politics is inherently dynamic and self-evolving worldwide, yet Nigeria’s political landscape remains stagnant, often at odds with both ideal and practical governance. The 2023 elections, long anticipated, have come and gone, but their contentious nature will leave lasting scars on the nation’s democratic process. As February 25, 2023, approached, tensions escalated amid fears of a tumultuous transition at both federal and state levels. Despite constitutional guarantees ensuring the transfer of power, public scrutiny intensified over the selection and confirmation of key government officials. A crucial aspect of governance in Nigeria is the legislative confirmation of nominees for ministerial and commissioner positions. However, this process has been undermined by the widespread adoption of the "Bow and Go" practice, where nominees are granted automatic approval without substantive scrutiny. This has sparked public outrage, with critics arguing that it compromises democratic accountability, weakens the principles of representation, and undermines the doctrine of separation of powers. This paper examines the legitimacy of the "Bow and Go" practice within Nigeria’s constitutional and jurisprudential framework. It questions whether such a process upholds or erodes democratic principles and whether it reflects the will of the electorate. Relying on John Locke’s Social Contract and Consent Theory, the study explores how governance should be rooted in accountability, representation, and separation of powers. It further assesses whether a strict application of these principles can restore legislative integrity and protect the interests of the people. Ultimately, this analysis seeks to determine whether the Nigerian legislative confirmation process enhances or hinders governance and how reforms can prevent the perpetuation of ineffective leadership.

Implications of Information Sources in Shaping Public Awareness of Kidney Disease: Insights from Health Practitioners

Grace Okpongkpong — 2025-02-18

Kidney disease poses a significant public health challenge, yet awareness of its risk factors and prevention strategies remains limited in many regions, including South-West Nigeria. This study aims to evaluate the role of information sources in shaping public awareness of kidney disease, with insights from health practitioners. Specifically, it assesses the level of awareness and exposure to kidney disease risk communication among residents in South-West Nigeria, examines the sources of information used by residents to learn about kidney disease risk factors, and explores the challenges faced by health practitioners in delivering these messages. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with health practitioners and community members. The findings reveal that while residents are exposed to a range of information sources, including mass media, social media, and healthcare facilities, gaps in understanding persist due to inconsistent messaging, low health literacy, and cultural misconceptions. Health practitioners identified resource constraints, misinformation, and limited community engagement as major barriers to effective communication. The study underscores the need for coordinated, culturally tailored, and evidence-based communication strategies to improve public awareness of kidney disease and empower communities to adopt preventive measures. These insights highlight critical areas for policy intervention and public health campaigns in South-West Nigeria.

Indigenous Rights and the Night Sky: Reconciling Satellite Mega-Constellations with Indigenous Astronomical Traditions

Charles Berebon — 2025-02-22

The rapid expansion of satellite mega-constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO) has introduced significant challenges for astronomy, particularly for Indigenous communities whose astronomical traditions are deeply interwoven with cultural, spiritual, and practical knowledge systems. While these satellites provide essential global services, such as internet connectivity, their increasing numbers obstruct the night sky, threatening Indigenous relationships with celestial bodies that have been sustained for millennia. This disruption not only impacts Indigenous astronomy but also raises broader ethical concerns regarding the governance of Outer Space. International space law, including the Outer Space Treaty, asserts that space is the "province of all mankind." However, the interests of Indigenous Peoples have largely been overlooked in discussions surrounding satellite deployment. Existing legal frameworks, such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), offer protections for Indigenous cultural practices, yet their applicability to Outer Space remains unaddressed. The lack of Indigenous representation in decision-making processes related to space governance further exacerbates these challenges. This paper argues for the inclusion of Indigenous voices in shaping policies that impact their ability to practice and preserve astronomical traditions. Potential pathways for engagement include collaboration with international organizations like the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS), as well as domestic initiatives with national space agencies. Recognizing Indigenous knowledge systems as a vital part of humanity’s shared relationship with the cosmos is essential to ensuring that the expansion of space activities is both inclusive and sustainable. By fostering dialogue and integrating Indigenous perspectives into space governance, it is possible to strike a balance between technological progress and the protection of cultural heritage.

Climate change, Environment Justice Degradation, Environmental Rights and Social Equity

Alex Abang Ebu — 2025-02-22

The world today is faced with the reality of changing climate conditions and degrading of the ecology that is of great concern to humanity. This concerns include gas flaming, oil spillage, fossil fuel burning, deforestation, flood, air pollution and atmospheric ozone layer depletion among others which result in climate charge or global warming. The purpose of this paper is therefore is to examine climate change issues and environmental justice in Niger Delta Region in Nigeria. The paper adopted doctrinal research approach with data collected from journal articles, textbooks, United Nations environmental programme reports, government records, internet and newspapers. The findings of this research showed that gas flaring and oil spillage impacted on the poor and under-privileged people, especially from Ogoni communities in Niger Delta Region. These under-privileged people also suffer environmental health hazards and social injustices. The study concluded by suggesting that establishment of environmental justice policy would promote social equity, clean and healthy environment in Niger Delta Region.

The Implications Of 1timothy 5: 3-10 For Widow’s Care and Empowerment in Anglican Diocese of Ughelli

John Onoriode Akemor — 2025-02-26

Within the context of the Anglican Diocese of Ughelli, this article investigates the implications of 1 Timothy 5:3-10 for the care and empowerment of widows within the congregation. This biblical passage not only emphasizes the need to provide widows with both spiritual and financial support but also outlines guidelines for the church’s role in caring for them. The study evaluates the effectiveness of existing methods and proposes areas for improvement. A descriptive method was employed, and interviews were conducted with widows, church officials, non-church leaders, and other respondents within the Anglican Diocese of Ughelli. The research revealed that, although the church plays a significant role in assisting widows, there are opportunities to enhance their empowerment through skill development, economic support, and deeper community engagement. The study concludes by advocating for improvements in how the Anglican Church cares for widows, ensuring that its practices align more closely with biblical teachings.

The Role of Christian Clerics in Promoting Good Governance in Nigeria: The Case of Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State

Elijah Egbele — 2025-02-26

The Ughelli North Local Government Area is grappling with a severe socio-political crisis, driven by unjust and anti-people leadership. In Nigeria, where there is a high concentration of churches, Christianity holds significant sway over society. Religion, as a powerful social influence, is deeply embedded in human consciousness, shaping behavior—especially among leaders. Historically, religion has been used to manipulate social, political, and economic systems, with its influence evident in ancient Israel, Europe, and the Middle Ages. Christianity has also played a role in fueling the expansion of capitalist ideology and has contributed to Europe’s economic development. In Ughelli North LGA, the Church’s misguided involvement in politics undermines its prophetic and ecclesiastical role as a moral watchdog, drawing parallels to the situation in Europe prior to Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation. If left unchecked, the current socio-political instability in the local government could escalate into complete anarchy.

Understanding Youth Ministry in Anglican Diocese of Ughelli: Development, Challenges and Prospects

Christopher Igho — 2025-02-26

This paper examines the history, challenges, and potential of youth ministry in the Anglican Diocese of Ughelli, emphasizing its role in developing faith, community, and leadership among young people. Christianity has challenged societal conventions, with young people driving these transforming initiatives. In Nigeria, the Anglican Diocese of Ughelli has seen the importance of youth ministry in addressing spiritual, interpersonal, and psychological needs of young adults.

Harmonization vs. Fragmentation: The Struggle to Govern Cross-Border Data in Trade Agreements

Miebaka Nabiebu — 2025-04-09

In the modern global economy, digital trade rules—particularly those governing cross-border data flows—have become a pivotal arena for both international competition and cooperation. States have adopted markedly divergent regulatory approaches, reflecting their distinct economic, political, and social priorities. The United States champions a market-driven model, advocating for minimal restrictions on data mobility to maximize commercial freedom. In contrast, the European Union enforces stringent data protection standards under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), prioritizing individual privacy over unconstrained data flows. Meanwhile, developing nations often retain regulatory flexibility to nurture domestic industries and safeguard digital sovereignty. China presents a unique case, navigating tensions between domestic industrial policy, national security imperatives, and global integration. Its cross-border data governance framework seeks to balance economic openness with state control, permitting data transfers while imposing strict localization requirements in sensitive sectors. This approach underscores the broader challenge: how to harmonize conflicting regulatory paradigms without fragmenting the global digital trade system. This article contends that a narrowly tailored WTO e-commerce agreement could offer a viable solution. By establishing clear yet adaptable rules on cross-border data flows, such an agreement could accommodate legitimate policy exceptions—including security, privacy, and developmental concerns—while preventing protectionist overreach. A flexible multilateral framework, rather than rigid uniformity, may be the most pragmatic path forward in governing the digital economy.

Continuity in Indigenous Institutions for Capital Formation among the Igbo in Post-Colonial Nigeria, 1970–2020

Ikechukwu Cosmas Ahamefule — 2025-04-21

Among the Igbo of southeastern Nigeria, traditional institutions have long served as mechanisms for capital formation, enabling individuals and communities to mobilize resources for collective and personal needs. These institutions include contribution clubs (Isusu), family and extended family pools, age-grade associations, title-taking societies, pawning, inheritance, land and economic tree pledging, Imachi Nkwu (palm tree inheritance), and Ilu-Elulu (custody of domestic animals). Despite confrontations from internal and external forces—primarily colonialism, Christianity, Western education, and urbanization—many of these indigenous financial systems have persisted, albeit in modified forms. This paper examines the resilience of these institutions from 1970 to 2020, analyzing the factors that have sustained their existence despite significant socio-economic transformations.

Social Media Tools and Public Relations Practice of Select Banks in Akwa Ibom State

Victoria Joshua Tom — 2025-04-13

This study investigated the application of social media in public relations practices of select banks – UBA and First Bank Plc., in Uyo metropolis with the objectives to: investigate the use of social media platforms or tools for public relations practices in UBA and First Bank Plc., Uyo, Akwa Ibom State; determine how the social media platforms used by UBA and First Bank Plc., affected their public relations practices; find out the most effective social media platforms frequently used by the UBA and First Bank Plc., Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in their public relations practice, among others. The survey research design was used involving 394 respondents. The instrument of data collection was the questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to present data while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient statistics was used to test the research hypotheses. The study found among others that the select banks – UBA and First Bank Plc. Uyo used social media platforms for public relations practice, there was mutually beneficial relationship between the banks and their publics via the social media channels used for public relations practice. However, the relationship was not significant. UBA and First Bank Plc. Uyo used social media for public relations activities such as image making, customer relationship, etc., but there was no significant relationship between the successes of the public relations activities and the social media channels used by UBA and First Bank Plc., Uyo, for public relations practice. It is concluded from the study that social media platforms facilitated and served as catalyst for mutually beneficial relationship between UBA and First Bank Plc., Uyo and their publics. The study recommends among others, that the UBA and First Bank Plc., Uyo should intensify the use of social media channels as globalisation, technological advancement and the explosion of web based, Internet powered communication have introduced a radical change to how the world works in all spheres as well as how issues concerning human relationships, business and communication are viewed.

Nietzschean Perspectives on Algorithmic Governance: Creativity, Resistance, and the Ethics of Digital Power

Ibiang Obono Okoi — 2025-04-21

This study initiates a philosophical exploration of Friedrich Nietzsche’s discourse on power dynamics, applying his critical framework to contemporary debates surrounding the digitization and algorithmization of society amid rapid advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). By engaging with Nietzsche’s conception of creative culture as a realm of autonomous thought and action, the analysis underscores the centrality of human agency and responsibility in sustaining social resilience. Nietzsche’s critique of metaphysical systems through the lens of power relations suggests that humanity can transcend systemic illusions via reason—understood not as passive rationality but as an active, critical reflection cultivated within creative cultural practices. Building upon Nietzsche’s dialectic of “weak and strong types of behavior,” this article proposes that his philosophy offers alternative ethical considerations for technological development. Specifically, it examines how resistance—manifested in creative and individualized cultural expressions—can counteract the mechanization of social existence. This resistance fosters ethical frameworks grounded in personal autonomy, emotional depth, and moral responsibility, challenging the homogenizing effects of algorithmic governance. Furthermore, the study highlights the significance of subjective narratives, emotional intelligence, and empathetic engagement in shaping human-centered ethics that safeguard individual experiences against systemic dehumanization. Ultimately, Nietzsche’s insights provide a robust philosophical foundation for rethinking digital ethics, advocating for a balance between technological progress and the preservation of human creativity and diversity.

Reconciling Pluralism and Rights: Advocating for Communitarian Legal Pluralism (CLP)

Charles Berebon — 2025-04-26

Communitarian Legal Pluralism (CLP) is an emerging jurisprudential framework that challenges the dominance of state-centric legal systems by advocating for the coexistence of multiple, community-based normative orders. Rooted in communitarian philosophy and legal pluralist thought, CLP asserts that law should not be an exclusive product of state institutions but should instead emerge organically from the moral, cultural, and social fabric of communities. This theory bridges the gap between formal state law and informal, localized legal traditions, arguing that justice is most effective when it reflects the lived experiences and collective values of the people it governs. At its core, CLP is built on two foundational pillars: (1) communitarianism, which prioritizes collective identity, shared morality, and participatory governance over liberal individualism, and (2) legal pluralism, which recognizes that diverse legal systems—such as customary, religious, and indigenous laws—operate simultaneously within a single society. By synthesizing these perspectives, CLP proposes a decentralized model of legal authority where communities retain autonomy in dispute resolution, norm-setting, and justice administration, provided they adhere to overarching human rights principles. However, CLP is not without controversy. Critics argue that it risks legitimizing regressive practices under the guise of cultural relativism, potentially undermining gender equality, minority rights, and legal certainty. Proponents counter that a well-structured CLP framework can harmonize communal legal traditions with universal human rights through dialogue, institutional safeguards, and cross-system accountability mechanisms. Empirical case studies—such as Indigenous justice systems in Canada, hybrid Sharia-civil courts in Nigeria, and restorative justice models in New Zealand—demonstrate both the potential and challenges of CLP in practice. This paper explores CLP’s theoretical foundations, key principles, critiques, and real-world applications, ultimately assessing its viability as an inclusive alternative to rigid, top-down legal systems.

Designing Gamified Science Curricula in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions

Henrietta Ifeanyichukwu Nwabuwe — 2025-04-27

This study explored the integration of gamification into science curricula in Nigerian tertiary institutions, focusing on its impact on student engagement, academic performance, and the readiness of educators and students to adopt gamified learning approaches. With the growing demand for innovative, student-centered learning strategies, gamification offers a compelling solution by applying game-based elements—such as points, leaderboards, and rewards—to enhance educational outcomes. Using a quantitative survey research design, data were collected from 100 respondents, including science students and educators across selected institutions. The study addressed two main research questions: (1) How does the integration of gamification influence student engagement and academic performance? and (2) What are the perceptions and readiness of stakeholders toward adopting gamified learning? Results revealed high levels of agreement that gamification increases engagement, improves conceptual understanding, enhances motivation, and positively affects academic outcomes. Additionally, participants expressed favorable perceptions of gamification as a relevant, modern educational tool and showed readiness to embrace it despite some variability in institutional resources. Hypotheses tested using Chi-square analysis confirmed significant relationships between gamification and improved learning outcomes, as well as between positive perceptions and the willingness to adopt gamified approaches. These findings highlight the transformative potential of gamification in science education. The study concludes that gamified curricula can play a critical role in revitalizing science education in Nigeria’s higher education system. It recommends increased institutional investment in digital tools, educator training, curriculum redesign, and policy support to ensure effective implementation. Gamification, when properly designed and supported, offers an engaging, motivating, and effective pathway for improving science learning in tertiary education

The Effects of Social and Cultural Barriers on Sports Participation in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

Juliet Nkonyeasua Ossai — 2025-04-27

This study investigates the social and cultural barriers affecting students’ participation in sports in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, focusing specifically on the influence of gender norms and religious beliefs. The research aims to identify the key barriers to sports engagement, assess their impact on students, and propose strategies to overcome these challenges. A survey was conducted with 100 students from various Nigerian universities, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather data on their perceptions of and experiences with sports participation. The findings highlight significant barriers, including cultural beliefs, religious practices, gender-based expectations, and family pressures, which predominantly affect female students’ involvement in sports. The study reveals that gender norms and religious beliefs are strong determinants of students' sports participation, with societal views on gender roles and religious teachings limiting opportunities for engagement, particularly for women. The Chi-square analysis indicates a statistically significant relationship between gender norms, religious beliefs, and sports participation. Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of gender-inclusive sports policies, greater religious accommodations, and the organization of cultural awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and promote equal participation. Additionally, fostering community support for sports participation is suggested to reduce external pressures. This research contributes to the understanding of the barriers to sports participation in Nigeria and offers actionable recommendations for promoting inclusivity in university sports programs.