Advances in Law, Pedagogy, and Multidisciplinary Humanities
Advances in Law, Pedagogy, and Multidisciplinary Humanities (ALPAMET) is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to exploring the intersections between law, education, and the humanities. The journal provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and educators to share innovative research, critical analysis, and theoretical perspectives that contribute to the understanding and advancement of these fields. ALPAMET covers a broad range of topics including legal theory and practice, educational philosophy and pedagogy, and interdisciplinary studies in the humanities such as history, literature, philosophy, and cultural studies. By fostering dialogue across these disciplines, the journal aims to deepen the analysis of societal issues, promote academic discourse, and propose solutions to contemporary challenges in law, education, and the humanities. The journal welcomes submissions that blend theoretical insights with practical implications, and encourages cross-disciplinary approaches that address the complex and evolving dynamics of the modern world. ALPAMET seeks to advance knowledge and contribute to both academic scholarship and practical applications in law, education, and the broader humanities.
Fakultas Sastra Universitas Muslim Indonesia
Technology, Entrepreneurial, and Market Orientations as Key Determinants of Small Business Success in Tanzania: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania face persistent challenges despite their critical role in economic development. While prior research has examined individual strategic orientations, little is known about their combined influence on different managerial functions in emerging economies. This study investigates the synergistic effects of technology orientation (TO), entrepreneurial orientation (EO), and market orientation (MO) on small business success across four managerial domains: marketing, operations, human resource, and financial management. Using a positivist paradigm and quantitative approach, data were collected from 410 randomly selected SMEs across eight Tanzanian regions and analyzed through multiple regression with validity and reliability assessments. The results reveal distinct patterns of influence. Technology orientation emerged as a consistent positive predictor across all domains, with the strongest effect on HRM (β = 0.470), suggesting digital tools enhance employee management in resource-constrained settings. Entrepreneurial orientation significantly predicted marketing (β = 0.443), operations (β = 0.302), and financial performance (β = 0.493) but showed a negative association with HRM (β = -0.083), indicating potential trade-offs between entrepreneurial dynamism and structured people management. Market orientation positively influenced marketing (β = 0.172), operations (β = 0.346), and HRM (β = 0.413) but had no significant effect on financial management (β = 0.002), suggesting customer focus improves internal processes but may yield delayed financial returns in competitive markets. Collectively, these orientations explain substantial variance in business success: 58.6% in marketing, 58.8% in operations, 58.3% in HRM, and 48.1% in financial management. The study contributes to strategic orientation theory by demonstrating context-dependent effects in an emerging African economy, revealing trade-offs between entrepreneurial dynamism and HR management, and highlighting the delayed financial returns of market orientation. It offers practical guidance for Tanzanian SMEs to achieve sustainable growth through balanced integration of these strategic orientations.
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Blue Economy: A Study of Sand (Nveja) Mining Industry and the Economy of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, 1999-2023
Sand deposit is one of the mineral deposits that are found in, and obtained from rivers in different parts of Ebonyi State. The research is anchored on Linkage Theory developed by Albert Hirschman. This theory suggests that a leading sector, such as the sand industry as a component of blue economy can drive economic growth and development through its linkage with other sectors. Strict investigations revealed that its impact on the economy is conspicuous on the areas of extraction, distribution, and construction. Data were generated from primary and secondary sources. They were analysed qualitatively, using content analysis to identify that the industry was an important source of revenue and employment, providing invaluable support to the sector of construction. It is further discovered that the main sources of sand for construction in the state are rivers and their banks. The rivers cut across various places that are not limited to the communities of Ezza, Izzi, and Afikpo. Its negative effects, such as environmental and health risks, and challenges were investigated. It is discovered that the management practices, involving use of local skills, and manual mining approach are inadequate and could not sustain a long-term extraction, and distribution of the wealth for sustainable profit maximization. So, the enterprise requires a thoughtful and problem-solving policy that could create a conducive environment for achieving profit-oriented sand mining enterprise. This pursuit would be strengthened by subsidizing the cost of mechanising the industry. Implementation of such a scheme would involve active participation of entrepreneurs, alongside some critical stakeholders of all religions.
Beyond ‘Yahoo’ and Subsistence: Digital Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Youth Empowerment, Social Cohesion, and Future-Building in Benue State, Nigeria
Youth unemployment and social fragmentation present existential challenges to Benue State, Nigeria. Dominant narratives often oscillate between the peril of internet fraud (“Yahoo”) and the despair of subsistence agriculture, overshadowing potential pathways for constructive youth engagement. This study investigates the underexplored role of legitimate digital entrepreneurship as a tripartite catalyst for youth empowerment, social cohesion, and future-building. Employing a mixed-methods approach—a survey of 384 digital entrepreneurs across Makurdi, Gboko, and Otukpo, complemented by 25 in-depth interviews and 3 focus group discussions—the research is framed by Sen’s Capability Approach and Social Capital Theory. Preliminary findings indicate that digital entrepreneurship significantly enhances participants’ economic agency, skills, and self-worth (empowerment). Furthermore, collaborative digital hubs and online communities are fostering new, non-ascriptive identities that bridge ethnic divides, particularly between the Tiv, Idoma, and Igede youth (social cohesion). Despite severe infrastructural and financial constraints, these ventures are building resilient economic futures and altering intergenerational aspirations. The study concludes that targeted policy interventions in digital infrastructure, youth-focused e-enterprise funds, and the incubation of tech hubs in tertiary institutions can systematically harness this potential. This research contributes to the literature on youth, digital economies, and peacebuilding in conflict-prone regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Followership Crises: The Role of Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Leadership Management
The study explores the critical issues surrounding followership crises in Africa, focusing on the roles of forgiveness and reconciliation in enhancing leadership management. Leadership crisis is a critical issue that faced the African society and the dearth of effective leadership across different sphere of influence has been described as the pivot of African economic, political and religious misery. Leadership and followership are inseparable concepts which significantly influence organizational, social, economic, political and religious success. The relationship that subsists between leadership and followership is bedeviled with betrayal, pain, disloyalty and trust issues, backstabbing, among others. The wide gap in trust issues between leadership and followership demands forgiveness and reconciliation between followership and leadership in restoring leadership effectiveness in organizations. The problem addressed in this paper is the prevalent crisis of followership characterized by apathy, disillusionment, and a lack of accountability among followers, which undermines leadership effectiveness and organizational success. The significance of this research lies in its potential to illuminate the often-overlooked dynamics of followership and its impact on leadership outcomes. By examining the concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation, the study aims to provide insights into how these elements can foster a more collaborative and productive leader-follower relationship, thereby enhancing organizational resilience during crises. The study adopts qualitative method in analyzing literature and the nuances around leadership and followership. The study posits that addressing followership crises through forgiveness and reconciliation can significantly improve leadership management in Africa.
The Afrobeats Digital Diaspora: TikTok, Algorithmic Curation, and the Remaking of Nigerian Cultural Identity in the Global Mainstream
The global ascent of Afrobeats is often narrated as an organic cultural movement, yet this paper argues that its recent, accelerated proliferation is fundamentally co-constituted by the symbiotic relationship between the Nigerian digital diaspora and the algorithmic architectures of social media platforms, with TikTok as a primary agent. Moving beyond narratives of simple cultural export, this study examines how TikTok’s algorithmic curation—particularly its recommendation engine and format of viral challenges—amplifies, simplifies, and repackages specific sonic and visual tropes of “Naija” identity for global consumption. Employing a conceptual framework rooted in platform studies and diaspora media theory, this paper analyzes how diaspora users act as cultural intermediaries, using Afrobeats to perform and negotiate identity, while simultaneously being guided by the platform’s logic of virality. Through case studies of tracks like “Calm Down” by Rema and “Love Nwantiti” by CKay, and analysis of viral dance challenges, the research demonstrates a feedback loop where algorithmic preference shapes artistic output and diaspora engagement. The findings reveal a tension between authentic cultural expression and a “platformized” Nigerian identity—one that is often flattened, meme-ified, and decontextualized to fit the logics of algorithmic discovery. This research contributes a critical new framework for understanding 21st-century cultural globalization, positioning platform algorithms and user-generated content not as neutral conduits, but as active agents in the construction and circulation of national identity from the Global South.
The “Francophonie Économique”: A Discursive and Strategic Analysis of France’s Neo-Mercantilist Turn in Africa
The Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) has traditionally been presented as a vehicle for cultural cooperation and linguistic promotion. This paper argues that under the presidencies of François Hollande and, more decisively, Emmanuel Macron, the institution and the broader concept of Francophonie have been strategically reconfigured into a tool of neo-mercantilist policy in Africa. Faced with intensified global competition from China, Russia, and Turkey, and a rising wave of anti-French sentiment in its traditional spheres of influence, France has undertaken a deliberate discursive and strategic shift. This paper employs critical discourse analysis to trace the evolution of French official rhetoric, identifying a systematic move away from the lexicon of “coopération” and “rayonnement” (cultural influence) towards a new vocabulary of “partenariats économiques,” “écosystèmes d’affaires,” and “Francophonie économique.” Concurrently, it analyzes policy documents and financial flows to demonstrate how this discourse is operationalized through development aid, investment treaties, and diplomatic initiatives. The findings reveal that the Francophonie économique is not merely a supplementary economic dimension but a fundamental reorientation of French foreign policy. It represents an attempt to leverage linguistic and historical ties to secure market access, promote French corporate interests, and maintain geopolitical relevance in a multipolar world, thereby masking a realist pursuit of power within a neoliberal and cooperative discursive framework.
Impact of Religious Precepts on Environmental Policies in Urhoboland of Nigeria
This paper analyzes the influence of religious precepts on environmental policies in Urhoboland, Nigeria, emphasizing a deficiency in policies that prioritize Western models over indigenous knowledge. Employing qualitative methodologies such as interviews and content analysis, it demonstrates that the Urhobo holistic worldview integrates spirituality with environmental care. Religious views can facilitate policy acceptability by portraying nature as sacrosanct, yet may obstruct it when secular restrictions conflict with spiritual concepts. The research promotes the incorporation of these values into environmental policies to enhance their efficacy and sustainability, while also advocating for engagement with religious institutions and the integration of indigenous ethics into policy formulation.
A Critical Examination of the Impact of Religious Teaching on Sexual Behaviour Among Undergraduates in Delta State of Nigeria
This study examines the influence of religious teaching on sexual behaviour among university students in Delta State, Nigeria. With rising concerns about premarital sex, unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and transactional relationships on campuses, this research investigates whether religious teachings continue to shape students' sexual conduct in contemporary university settings. The study focused on three institutions: Delta State University (DELSU), Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), and Novena University Ogume (NUO). Using a qualitative method, data were collected through interviews with campus fellowship leaders and students, supplemented by academic literature review. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and responses were analysed thematically, with strict adherence to ethical standards including voluntary participation, confidentiality, and anonymity. Findings reveal that religious teaching continue to influence students' moral outlook by promoting abstinence, self-discipline, and respect for relationships; however, a significant gap exists between belief and practice. Several factors undermine the effectiveness of religious guidance, including peer pressure, digital media influence, economic hardship, and inconsistent role modelling from religious leaders. Campus fellowships nonetheless serve as important spaces for moral guidance through mentorship, open discussions, and special programmes that emphasise responsible behaviour. The study concludes that while religious teachings impact students' sexual behaviour, the degree of influence varies considerably among individuals based on social and environmental factors. Recommendations include adopting more student-centred approaches, integrating technology and social media in religious education, providing economic and emotional support, and maintaining consistency in religious leadership to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of moral teachings in guiding students' sexual conduct.
Adultery and Complex Family Relationships in Aya De Yopougon by Marguerite Abouet Et Clement Oubrerie
Adultery is depicted as a widespread but not always hidden part of adult life. While extramarital affairs are often joked about or normalized in the African community, they have really emotional and social consequences. In Aya de Yopougon, Marguerite Abouet and Clément Oubrerie craft a richly layered narrative that captures the everyday realities of life in 1970s Côte d’Ivoire through the lens of humour, satire, and social realism. Central to the story are the intertwined themes of adultery and complex family relationships, issues that serve not only as personal crises for the characters but also as reflections of a society negotiating the tensions between tradition and change. Through a unique blend of visual storytelling and colloquial dialogue, the authors explore how gender roles, generational expectations, and the pressures of reputation shape domestic life in Yopougon. Literary techniques such as irony, caricature, and polyphonic narration allow Abouet and Oubrerie to humanize their characters while critiquing social norms surrounding fidelity, legitimacy, and family honour. Set against the backdrop of a post-colonial African society experiencing both economic development and moral upheaval, Aya de Yopougon uses the personal to illuminate the political, turning intimate betrayals and family secrets into a broader commentary on cultural transformation.
Pre-K Program as Panacea to Academic Performance and Achievement Gaps between High and Low Socio-Economic Status (SES) Students in Nigeria
The fact that socio-economic status (SES) impacts on academic performance and achievement is universally established. Abundant researches have shown that students from high socio-economic background academically perform better than their peers from low socio-economic background. The fact is beyond contention. Interest and energy of educationists should be focused on solving the problem. Therefore, this paper prescribed the Pre-K Program as a veritable and effective solution to academic performance and achievement gaps existing between students due to SES of their parents. It is opined that the implementation of the Pre-K Program as recommended by this paper will eliminate the problem of existence of academic performance and achievement gaps between students of low and high SES background and parentage. The government of Nigeria and all stake holders in the educational sector are called upon to rise to the situation in eliminating the effects of SES on academic performance and achievement gap of students.
The Anthropocene's Unjust Heirs: Intergenerational Ethics in a Post-Natural World
The foundational premise of mainstream intergenerational ethics, as articulated by thinkers like Hans Jonas and John Rawls, is that future generations will inherit a "natural" world—a biogeophysically stable Earth system broadly analogous to the Holocene conditions that nurtured the development of human civilization. The proposed epoch of the Anthropocene fundamentally shatters this premise. This paper argues that future generations will not inherit a pristine or self-regulating nature, but a planet pervasively and perpetually shaped by direct human technological management, from climate geoengineering and genetic rescue of species to large-scale pollution remediation and automated conservation systems. This seismic shift renders traditional models of intergenerational ethics, centered on conservation, non-maleficence, and resource distribution, critically inadequate. Our primary duty to the future is no longer merely one of preserving a natural legacy but has transformed into a daunting responsibility of stewardship over complex, irreversible socio-ecological-technological systems. This paper investigates the profound ethical implications of this new responsibility, which we term the "Anthropocene Inheritance." It entails novel and poorly understood obligations, including the duty to transmit the capacity and knowledge to manage these technological systems, the justice implications of imposing "obligatory technological dependencies," and the rights of future people to consent to or refuse their inherited technological condition. Through an analysis of emerging technologies like Solar Radiation Management and CRISPR-driven genetic conservation, this paper develops a new ethical framework: "Techno-Stewardship Justice." This framework obligates present generations to ensure that the actively managed planet we bequeath is not only habitable but also just, navigable, and does not foreclose the ability of future generations to define their own relationship with the world, thereby preserving their autonomy in a post-natural age.
An Appraisal of the Contributions of Ariria Market in Aba, Abia State, to the Economic Development of Nigeria, 1999-2023
Abstract—This study provides a comprehensive appraisal of the Ariaria International Market's contributions to Nigeria's economic development from 1999 to 2023. As one of West Africa's largest and most vibrant markets, Ariaria is renowned for its entrepreneurial dynamism, indigenous manufacturing capacity, and innovation, particularly in leatherwork, footwear, and garment production. This research investigates the market's transformative role within Nigeria's informal sector, focusing on its impact on job creation, domestic production, poverty alleviation, and intra-African trade over a 24-year period marked by economic liberalization, democratic consolidation, and significant infrastructural challenges. Employing a qualitative historical methodology, the study draws on primary data, including oral histories and semi-structured interviews with market stakeholders, complemented by secondary sources from scholarly journals, books, and government reports. An interdisciplinary lens is applied to synthesize insights from economics, business management, and development studies. The period under review, spanning Nigeria's return to democratic governance and its integration into the global economy, positions Ariaria as a critical case study of grassroots economic resilience and self-reliance. The findings demonstrate that Ariaria Market is not merely a commercial hub but a significant engine of economic development, contributing substantially to employment, industrial development in Southern Nigeria, and the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The study concludes that Ariaria symbolizes the potent potential of indigenous enterprise and serves as a vital pillar for sustainable economic transformation in Nigeria.
Strengthening Foster Care in Nigeria: Codifying the UN Guidelines on Alternative Care
This article provides a critical examination of the Child's Rights Act in Nigeria, with a focus on strengthening foster care through the codification of the United Nations (UN) Guidelines on Alternative Care. It analyzes the existing legal framework governing foster care in Nigeria, identifying gaps and limitations that hinder the effective protection and care of children living in foster care arrangements. The article argues that the Childs Rights Act which is the current legal framework on foster carte in Nigeria, falls short of international and contemporary standards of practice, resulting in inadequate care and protection for vulnerable children. By examining the potential benefits of codifying the UN Guidelines on Alternative Care into Nigerian law, this article proposes a way forward for strengthening foster care in Nigeria. The methodology used for this research is doctrinal. It relied on primary and secondary sources such as the Child’s Rights Act, Statutes, Conventions, Guidelines as well as dictionaries, articles, journals, and the internet respectively. It concludes that the domestication of the UN Guidelines on Alternative Care under the Nigerian Laws would provide a comprehensive framework for foster care practice, prioritize the best interests of the child and promote family-based care. The findings and recommendations of this article stand to provoke policy and law reform efforts, ultimately enhancing the protection and well-being of children living under the foster care settings in Nigeria.
Moore’s Unyielding Hand: A Robust Defence of Common Sense against Radical Skepticism
This paper offers a robust defense of G.E. Moore’s common-sense response to radical skepticism. Against the skeptic’s claim that we cannot know anything about the external world, Moore famously argued that his certain knowledge of common-sense propositions (e.g., “Here is one hand”) serves as a proof that an external world exists. Critics dismiss this as a facile begging of the question, arguing that Moore simply assumes what the skeptic denies. This paper contends that this charge of circularity, while logically valid, misunderstands the dialectical force of Moore’s argument. Rather than attempting to convince the skeptic on their own impossible terms, Moore’s proof performs a foundationalist function. It exposes that the skeptic’s premises are less certain than the common-sense truths they purport to undermine. By holding up his hand, Moore shifts the burden of proof, forcing the skeptic to explain why we should deny our most basic, action-guiding convictions in favor of abstract, hyperbolic doubt. The paper concludes that while Moore’s argument may not be a logical refutation, it is a pragmatically necessary and epistemically legitimate vindication of everyday knowledge. It establishes that common-sense certainty provides a more stable and reasonable starting point for epistemology than the skeptical hypothesis.
The Influence of Social Media Platforms on E-Commerce Promotion in Cross River State: The Calabar Experience, 1999-2023
This study investigates the influence of social media on e-commerce in Calabar, analyzing how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Twitter (now X) have revolutionized company practices and customer interaction in the digital economy. As internet and mobile technology proliferate in Calabar, Cross River State, social media has emerged as an essential instrument for entrepreneurs, small and medium companies (SMEs), and large corporations to promote products, expand their reach, and streamline transactions. The research examines the degree to which social media impacts consumer behaviour, brand visibility, and business expansion in the local setting. It evaluates the techniques utilized by enterprises to capitalize on these platforms and the obstacles they encounter, including trust, digital literacy, and logistical concerns. The study employs an interdisciplinary methodology that includes surveys, interviews, and online content analysis to furnish empirical data regarding user interaction, engagement levels, and conversion rates associated with social media marketing. Research indicates that social media has markedly improved the visibility and operational efficacy of numerous e-commerce enterprises in Calabar; however, obstacles persist in infrastructure and trust development.
The Impact of Communal Conflict-Induced Trauma on the Academic Adjustment of In-School Adolescents in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria.
This study examined the impact of trauma on the academic adjustment of in-school adolescents in Benue and Nasarawa States, Nigeria. Guided by three research questions and three hypotheses, the study employed an ex-post facto research design. The population comprised 124,698 students from 622 public secondary schools, with a sample of 399 students selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using the Trauma and Psycho-Academic Adjustment Questionnaire (TPAAQ), developed by the researcher. The instrument's content and face validity were established through expert review, while a pilot test conducted on 40 students confirmed its test-retest reliability, yielding a high overall Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.93. Data were analyzed using Mean Score and Standard Deviation for the research questions, while chi-square statistics were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed that trauma significantly impacted class attendance, class participation, and concentration. Based on these findings, the study concluded that trauma adversely affected the academic adjustment of in-school adolescents in Benue and Nasarawa States. Consequently, it was recommended that the Ministries of Education in both states provide regular training for teachers on trauma-sensitive instructional strategies to enhance class participation and engagement among affected students.
The Influence of Supervisors' Role on the Effectiveness of Open Performance Appraisals: Evidence from Public Health Institutions in Tanzania
Effective performance appraisal systems are crucial for improving public sector service delivery. In Tanzania, the Open Performance Review and Appraisal System (OPRAS) has been implemented to enhance accountability, yet its effectiveness in the public health sector remains inconsistent, often attributed to supervisors' roles. This study examines the influence of specific supervisory actions—objective setting, commitment, and the administration of reward systems—on the effectiveness of OPRAS. An explanatory research design was employed, and data were collected via a structured questionnaire from a stratified sample of 310 employees across six major public health institutions in Tanzania. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results indicate that supervisors' commitment (β = 0.298, p < 0.001) and reward systems (β = 0.348, p < 0.001) have a strong, statistically significant positive effect on appraisal effectiveness. Conversely, the effect of objective setting was positive but statistically insignificant (β = 0.124, p = 0.077). This suggests that while clear goals are beneficial, the active engagement of supervisors and the tangible recognition of performance are far more critical levers for enhancing the appraisal system's impact. The study concludes that for OPRAS to achieve its intended goals in Tanzanian public health institutions, policy interventions should prioritize strengthening supervisory commitment and ensuring the timely and fair distribution of rewards. The findings underscore the need to move beyond bureaucratic compliance with objective-setting and focus on the motivational aspects of performance management led by dedicated supervisors.
An Assessment of Nigeria’s Democracy through the Lens of John Locke’s Political Thought
The quest for power is an inherent part of human inclination and existence. As a societal and political being, man seeks and exercises this power within his society. Once power is sought and legitimately invested by the people, those in authority often exercise it in an egocentric manner. Consequently, there is a tendency for this power to be abused. The abuse of political power in Nigeria is a deeply entrenched issue, rooted in a legacy of authoritarianism, corruption, and institutional fragility. This study investigates the phenomenon through John Locke’s political theory, offering a critical reflection on the legitimacy and limits of authority in the Nigerian political context. Furthermore, Locke’s principles, centred on the social contract, the consent of the governed, and the right to resist tyranny, provide a compelling framework for understanding the failures of governance and the erosion of democratic values. The study employs analytical methods to examine how Nigerian politicians consistently violate the foundational tenets of Locke’s philosophy, exercising power without accountability and undermining the rule of law. The findings reveal a persistent disconnect between the governed and those in authority, resulting in systematic injustice and political instability. The study therefore concludes that Locke’s theory is profoundly relevant to Nigeria’s political evolution, offering not only a critique of current governance but also a pathway toward restoring legitimacy, empowering citizens, and transforming power into a force for justice and collective progress.
Rational Cooperation and Nigerian Politics: A Gauthierian Analysis
This paper identifies the persistence and increasing complexity of cooperation failures in Nigerian political systems despite numerous attempts at institutional reforms and democratic consolidation. These problems include endemic corruption, ethnic competition for resources, a breakdown of trust between citizens and government, and the failure of formal democratic institutions to generate sustainable political cooperation. As a result of these political dysfunctions, democratic relationships are strained, and political legitimacy is undermined because orientations of rational cooperation are not given sufficient attention in political actions, governance failures, and proposed solutions. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the relevance of David Gauthier's rational choice contractualism, through its emphasis on constrained maximisation and morals by agreement, in understanding and potentially resolving certain cooperation problems confronting Nigerian politics and comparable postcolonial contexts worldwide. The methods adopted are philosophical analysis and phenomenological investigation to examine Gauthier's theoretical framework and interpret its applications, showing both its particular relevance to Nigerian contexts and its universal insights for understanding rational cooperation in diverse political systems. The paper concludes that a critically modified approach integrating Gauthierian rational choice principles with African communitarian cooperation traditions would address the limitations of purely individualistic rational choice models, which constitute a major source of cooperation failures. This approach must be thoughtfully grounded in indigenous collective decision-making traditions while incorporating Gauthierian insights about rational cooperation for more effective outcomes in addressing governance challenges.
Towards a Nigerian Theory of Directing: Synthesizing Indigenous Performance Aesthetics with Postcolonial Dramaturgy
This research proposes a theoretical framework for a distinctly Nigerian approach to theatre direction, arguing for the conscious synthesis of indigenous Nigerian performance aesthetics with postcolonial dramaturgical strategies. It critiques the continued dominance of Western directorial models—rooted in proscenium arch conventions, psychological realism, and Aristotelian structures—as a lingering effect of cultural colonialism that fails to fully express the Nigerian worldview. The study posits that a decolonized Nigerian theory of directing must instead be architected from the principles found in the nation's rich performance traditions, such as Yoruba Alárìnjó, Igbo Mmanwu, and Hausa Wassan Kara. These principles include a non-linear narrative structure, the intimate and participatory relationship between performer and spectator, the integral fusion of music, dance, and masquerade with text, and the spiritual dimension of performance. By engaging with postcolonial theory (Fanon, Bhabha) and African theatrical paradigms (Soyinka’s “Fourth Stage,” Ngũgĩ’s “Decolonising the Mind”), this paper constructs a new directorial lexicon. The ultimate aim is to move beyond mere adaptation and establish an authentic, foundational theory that empowers Nigerian directors to create work that is philosophically, culturally, and aesthetically rooted in their own heritage.
The Therapeutic Dimension of Christian Benevolence: Exploring the Link between Poverty Alleviation and Mental Well-Being in the Nigerian Church
Poverty remains a persistent social reality in Nigeria, significantly affecting individuals' mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Nigerian Christian benevolence has often focused on meeting physical needs. The Nigerian church has historically responded to poverty through various benevolent practices, including food distribution, skill acquisition schemes, educational sponsorship, and microfinance interventions. However, the therapeutic dimension of such Christian benevolence, particularly its capacity to contribute to mental well-being, remains underexplored within empirical and theological discourses. Thus, this paper investigates how Christian poverty alleviation practices within Nigerian churches improve the mental health of beneficiaries. Employing a qualitative methodology, the paper utilises analytical, critical, and expository methods of data interpretation. Drawing from testimonies of beneficiaries across selected churches in Lagos and supported by participant observation, the paper identifies reduced anxiety, renewed hope, an enhanced sense of belonging, and improved self-worth as common outcomes among recipients of church-based benevolence. Additionally, spiritual counselling and prayer provided during welfare activities often reduce feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair among recipients. The study concludes that Christian benevolence, while addressing physical poverty, plays a therapeutic role in supporting mental well-being in low-resource communities when it integrates economic support with spiritual and social care. The paper debunks secularistic arguments which claim that the church is insignificant in contemporary times. The paper advances the discourse on the nexus between religion and mental health in Africa and offers a model for faith-based poverty alleviation initiatives that meet material and psychological needs. This intersection is critical for scholars in practical theology, religious studies, and mental health, as well as policymakers engaging faith communities in poverty and mental health interventions.
Curriculum Innovation and Pedagogical Transformation: Assessing BMASS and CMASS Effect on Pre-Service Teachers in Teacher Education at the University of Delta
This study investigates the effect of two curriculum innovation models—the Blended Modularized Active Support System (BMASS) and the Collaborative Modularized Active Support System (CMASS)—on the academic performance and pedagogical skills of pre-service teachers at the University of Delta, Agbor, Nigeria. Employing a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, non-equivalent control group, 90 pre-service teachers were assigned to three groups: BMASS, CMASS, and a control group taught using traditional methods. Data were collected using an Academic Performance Test (APT) and a Pedagogical Competency Rating Scale (PCRS). Results were analyzed using ANCOVA. Findings revealed that students in the BMASS group significantly outperformed their peers in academic tests, while the CMASS group demonstrated superior development in pedagogical competencies. The control group showed the least improvement in both areas. These results underscore the value of learner-centered, modular, and technology-integrated instructional models in promoting meaningful learning and teaching proficiency in teacher education. The study concludes that both BMASS and CMASS are effective alternatives to traditional instruction and recommends their integration into teacher training curricula. The findings also highlight the need for policy reform, professional development for teacher educators, and investment in digital learning infrastructure. This study contributes to the discourse on curriculum transformation in higher education and offers practical strategies for improving teacher education in Nigeria and similar developing contexts.
Socio-Economic Factors Associated With Cannabis Use among Citizens of Delta State, Nigeria and the Implications for Drugs Education
Cannabis use has emerged as a major public health and educational concern in Nigeria, particularly within Delta State, where socio-economic instability and youth vulnerability intersect. This study investigated the socio-economic factors influencing cannabis use among citizens of Delta State and examined the implications for drugs education. Guided by Strain Theory and Social Learning Theory, the research adopted a descriptive survey design. A sample of 400 participants, drawn using multistage sampling techniques, provided data through structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression analysis. Findings revealed that poverty, unemployment, peer influence, cultural tolerance, and availability were the strongest predictors of cannabis use. Peer influence was particularly significant, indicating the role of social networks in sustaining substance use. Results further demonstrated that cannabis use adversely affects academic performance, cognitive development, and health outcomes, highlighting critical challenges for educational systems and public health in Delta State. The study concluded that cannabis use is not merely a matter of individual choice but is deeply embedded in socio-economic realities. Accordingly, drug education in Delta State should be contextualized, integrating socio-economic empowerment, peer-based interventions, and cultural engagement strategies. The study recommends a multi-sectoral approach involving government, schools, communities, and health institutions to design effective prevention and rehabilitation programs. Future research should examine gender-specific patterns of cannabis use and evaluate the effectiveness of current drug education interventions in Nigeria.
Impact of Virtual Reality on Learning Complex Biological Processes: A Study of Secondary Schools in Delta State, Nigeria
Advances in educational technology have created new opportunities for enhancing science learning. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive and interactive experiences that may improve students’ conceptual understanding and practical skills in biology, particularly in complex topics such as cellular respiration, mitosis, and enzyme action. This study employs a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. A sample of 120 Senior Secondary School Two (SSS II) biology students will be drawn from four schools in Delta State, Nigeria, representing both urban and rural settings. Two schools will be assigned as experimental groups receiving VR-based instruction, while two will serve as control groups taught using conventional lecture, chalkboard, and textbook methods. Data collection will utilize two validated and reliable instruments: the Biology Conceptual Understanding Test (BCUT) and the Biology Practical Skills Performance Test (BPSPT). The intervention spans six weeks, with both groups completing pre-tests and post-tests. Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to compare outcomes while controlling for baseline scores. It is expected that students exposed to VR-based instruction will demonstrate significantly higher gains in conceptual understanding and practical performance than those taught with conventional methods. Findings will provide empirical evidence on the effectiveness of VR in secondary school biology education in Nigeria. The study highlights the potential of immersive technologies to strengthen science teaching and learning, with implications for curriculum innovation in developing contexts.
Assessment of Leaders’ Adherence to Public Leadership Code of Ethics in Promoting Good Governance in the Local Government Authorities: Case Study of Kinondoni Municipality – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
The Public Leadership Code of Ethics Act No. 13 of 1995 was established in Tanzania's public sector, including local government authorities (LGAs), to promote ethical conduct among public leaders. However, leadership scandals, such as corruption and fraud, remain frequently reported in media, literature, and government reports concerning LGAs. This study sought to assess leaders' adherence to the public leadership code of ethics in promoting good governance within the Kinondoni Municipality. The study was guided by an interpretivist epistemology and employed a qualitative design. A total of 85 participants, including leaders and ordinary citizens, were selected using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews, and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that adherence to the code of ethics among local government leaders was low, as many were found to be unethical and pursued personal interests. The study recommends that the government collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement necessary reforms. Furthermore, ethics education should be integrated from the family level through university education to address the inadequacy of social and administrative ethics.
Linguistic Justice and the Nigerian Education System: A Framework for Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)
The Nigerian National Policy on Education advocates for mother-tongue instruction in early childhood learning, a principle aligned with global standards for linguistic justice and educational equity. However, the implementation of Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) remains profoundly ineffective, leading to a pervasive disconnect between policy rhetoric and classroom reality. This persistent failure exacerbates educational inequalities, hinders cognitive development, and marginalizes Nigeria's vast linguistic heritage. This conceptual paper argues that the current challenges—including a lack of political will, inadequate resources, ethno-linguistic politicization, and a misconceived policy framework—stem from a fundamental lack of a coherent, context-specific theoretical and operational model. Moving beyond mere critique, this study proposes a novel, multi-dimensional framework for implementing MTB-MLE in the Nigerian context. Drawing on theoretical foundations of linguistic human rights (Skutnabb-Kangas, 2000) and language economics (Grin, 2003), the framework is built on four interdependent pillars: (1) a multi-tiered language selection protocol that categorizes languages based on regional dominance and vitality; (2) a integrated curriculum model that strategically bridges the mother tongue with English; (3) a sustainable teacher training and material development ecosystem; and (4) a participatory governance structure involving communities, policymakers, and educators. The paper concludes that for MTB-MLE to transition from policy phantom to praxis, it must be reimagined not as a cultural annex but as the central pillar of a just, effective, and nationally inclusive educational strategy for Nigeria.
Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE)
Rawls and Selective Justice in Nigeria: A Philosophical Examination
This paper applies John Rawls’ Theory of Justice to interrogate the persistent problem of selective justice in Nigeria, drawing on three recent incidents as revealing case studies. The first involves Adams Oshiomhole, who confronted airline staff, occupied the terminal entrance, and disrupted operations yet faced no formal punitive outcome. The second concerns Fuji music icon Wasiu Ayinde Adewale (Kwam 1), who obstructed an aircraft in a grave aviation safety breach but was initially subjected only to a six-month travel ban, later quietly lifted. The third case is that of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, who was handed a lifetime flight ban for alleged unruly behaviour – a sanction that was immediate, uncompromising, and absolute. While all three incidents involve breaches of legal or ethical norms, the starkly divergent institutional and legal responses reveal a justice system that consistently tilts in favour of the influential while applying swift and severe punishment to the less powerful. The paper asks: to what extent does Nigeria’s justice system align with Rawls’ conception of justice as fairness? How do privilege, social status, and political influence shape the uneven enforcement of justice? Analysed through the lens of Rawls’ principles—particularly the veil of ignorance, the guarantee of equal basic rights, and the difference principle—these cases demonstrate a troubling departure from the ideal of “justice as fairness.” Instead, Nigeria’s current enforcement patterns evoke the ancient observation that laws ensnare the weak while allowing the strong to break free. By critically examining these disparities, the study seeks to illuminate pathways toward a more equitable and principled system of justice.
Motherhood Behind Bars: Effects of Incarceration on Parenting and Child Custody in the selected Correctional Facilities, the United States of America
This qualitative study investigates how incarceration impacts motherhood, examining the emotional, legal, and identity-related challenges faced by incarcerated mothers. Drawing on feminist criminology and strain theory, it explores how gendered social structures, and personal stressors intersect to affect women’s maternal roles while imprisoned. Based on interviews with incarcerated mothers across U.S. correctional facilities, the study highlights the disruption of parent–child bonds, fears of losing custody, and the enduring stigma of being labeled “bad mothers.” Despite these challenges, many women demonstrate resilience, maintaining their maternal identities and striving for reunification through adaptive coping strategies. The findings underscore the urgent need for policy reforms, including family-centered prison programs, safeguards against automatic termination of parental rights, and robust reentry support. By centering the lived experiences of incarcerated mothers, the research contributes to feminist criminology and demonstrates how mitigating incarceration-related strain is crucial for promoting rehabilitation, preserving family unity, and disrupting intergenerational incarceration cycles.
The Role of Images as Models in Biology Teaching and Learning: Enhancing Conceptual Understanding in Secondary Schools in Delta State, Nigeria
The study examined the role of images as models in enhancing conceptual understanding of biology among secondary school students in Delta State, Nigeria. Biology education often involves abstract concepts that are difficult for students to comprehend through text-based instruction alone. This quasi-experimental study adopted a non-equivalent pre-test, post-test control group design to investigate the effectiveness of integrating images-as-models strategies into biology teaching. A total of 360 senior secondary students from six public schools were sampled, with 180 students in the experimental group and 180 in the control group. Data were collected using a Biology Achievement Test (BAT) and a questionnaire on visual aid usage administered to 12 biology teachers. Descriptive statistics summarized teachers’ perceptions of visual aid availability and challenges, while inferential statistics, including ANCOVA and paired-sample t-tests, assessed differences in student performance and knowledge retention. Results indicated that the experimental group achieved significantly higher post-test scores compared to the control group, demonstrating the effectiveness of images as models in enhancing conceptual understanding. Furthermore, delayed post-test results revealed better retention among students exposed to visual aids. Teachers reported limited availability of projectors, videos, and models, as well as insufficient training, as key barriers to effective implementation. The study concludes that integrating images-as-models strategies in biology instruction significantly improves students’ learning outcomes and retention. Recommendations include provision of multimedia resources, targeted teacher training, curriculum enhancement, and infrastructure improvements to support the use of visual aids.
Influence of Social Media Marketing and eWOM on Cosmetic and Fashion Brand Preferences among Female Undergraduate Students in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State
This study investigates how social media marketing (SMM) and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) influence cosmetic and fashion brand preferences among female undergraduate students in Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria. The study was hinged on the Uses and Gratifications (U&G) theory. The study employed a survey research design with a sample of 388 students drawn from Ritman University and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic. Findings revealed that 70.1% of respondents reported high awareness of cosmetic and fashion brand marketing on social media, while 61.6% were confident in using these platforms to discover such brands. Engagement was moderately strong, with 55.6% actively interacting with brand content and 47.9% indicating continued interest. However, 33.7% were unwilling to maintain ongoing engagement. Factors influencing brand preference included perceived product quality (52.8%), transactional security (55.2%), and convenience (46.4%). Trust in online brands was more divided, with 47.9% expressing trust and 39.2% expressing distrust. Furthermore, brand preference was most influenced by delivery options (63.9%) and online reviews (53.3%). These findings indicate that while SMM and eWOM effectively enhance awareness and engagement, trust remains a critical barrier. The study recommends that brands prioritise trust-building mechanisms, personalised messaging, and platform-specific strategies to better engage digitally active youth consumers in semi-urban contexts