JOURNAL OF AFRICAN CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH

The goal of achieving objectivity in historiography is a lofty and noble one. Objectivity is the heartbeat and spine of history. It distinguishes history from propaganda, journalistic pieces and fiction. Regrettably, most extant historical scholarship are documented without undiluted commitment to the truth, making historical objectively a wild goose chase. This is attributable to a multitude of daunting challenges. Against this backdrop, this study, relying on secondary sources of historical research, interrogates the nexus between historiography and the historian and project possible and actionable solutions to achieve historical objectivity. This work finds that the major cause of the impossibility of error-proof history is due to the personality of the historian, complex nature of man’s actions in the past and the attitude of the government to research, to mention but a few. Given that a credible historiography is very critical in the pursuit of any scientific knowledge, the paper recommends, among other things, that the historian must painstakingly investigate his/her raw materials as no source is perfect and complete, adopt complex problem-solving approaches like the interdisciplinarity, multidisciplinarity, cross-disciplinarity and transdiciplinarity, and be totally committed to truth. Only then can “true history” be attained.AbstractThe goal of achieving objectivity in historiography is a lofty and noble one. Objectivity is the heartbeat and spine of history. It distinguishes history from propaganda, journalistic pieces and fiction. Regrettably, most extant historical scholarship are documented without undiluted commitment to the truth, making historical objectively a wild goose chase. This is attributable to a multitude of daunting challenges. Against this backdrop, this study, relying on secondary sources of historical research, interrogates the nexus between historiography and the historian and project possible and actionable solutions to achieve historical objectivity. This work finds that the major cause of the impossibility of error-proof history is due to the personality of the historian, complex nature of man’s actions in the past and the attitude of the government to research, to mention but a few. Given that a credible historiography is very critical in the pursuit of any scientific knowledge, the paper recommends, among other things, that the historian must painstakingly investigate his/her raw materials as no source is perfect and complete, adopt complex problem-solving approaches like the interdisciplinarity, multidisciplinarity, cross-disciplinarity and transdiciplinarity, and be totally committed to truth. Only then can “true history” be attained. The goal of achieving objectivity in historiography is a lofty and noble one. Objectivity is the heartbeat and spine of history. It distinguishes history from propaganda, journalistic pieces and fiction. Regrettably, most extant historical scholarship are documented without undiluted commitment to the truth, making historical objectively a wild goose chase. This is attributable to a multitude of daunting challenges. Against this backdrop, this study, relying on secondary sources of historical research, interrogates the nexus between historiography and the historian and project possible and actionable solutions to achieve historical objectivity. This work finds that the major cause of the impossibility of error-proof history is due to the personality of the historian, complex nature of man’s actions in the past and the attitude of the government to research, to mention but a few. Given that a credible historiography is very critical in the pursuit of any scientific knowledge, the paper recommends, among other things, that the historian must painstakingly investigate his/her raw materials as no source is perfect and complete, adopt complex problem-solving approaches like the interdisciplinarity, multidisciplinarity, cross-disciplinarity and transdiciplinarity, and be totally committed to truth. Only then can “true history” be attained. 

The primary objective of this research was to examine the contribution of the parents teachers association (PTA) to enhancing the quality of education in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area (KOLGA) of Bayelsa State. The paper was structured around five objectives and employed a descriptive design. The research population consisted of principals, teachers, and executive members of the PTA from 15 public secondary schools within the area. A total of 120 participants were picked through random sampling technique. Data were gathered using a questionnaire designed by the researcher. The instrument used a four-point Likert scale. Reliability was determined using the test-retest approach, and it was analyzed using PPMC, which produced a reliability coefficient of 0.73, indicating that the tool was dependable. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study was able to establish the fact that the role Parents Teachers Association play greatly improves the quality of Education in KOLGA of Bayelsa State and as such recommended that  Parents Teachers Association should be encouraged to be more active in their roles such as bridging home school gap, advocacy for a robust curriculum, raising of funds to provide key infrastructures, helping the school to address the issue of indiscipline and supporting students’ well-being which will definitely improve the calibre of Education in public secondary schools in KOLGA of Bayelsa State.

This article examines the Perception of Modern Funding Strategies and Sustainable , Entrepreneurship among the Youths in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria with the view to ascertain whether a significant positive relationship exists between the predictor and criterion variables. The Research  utilised a descriptive cross-sectional survey design while the Population of the Study involves  200 SMEs manned by young Entrepreneurs within the age range of 18-40 years of age in Oshogbo, Osun State which was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was used to gather data which was  measured on a five-point Likert scale with the following values: strongly agree (SA) = 5, agree (A) = 4, neutral (N) = 3, disagree (D) = 2, and strongly disagree (SD) = 1, with a total of twenty (20) items altogether.  The hypotheses formulated in this study was tested using multiple ordinary least squares regressions to determine if crowdfunding, P2P and fintech solutions are significant predictors of entrepreneurial sustainability at the 0.05 level of significance. The conclusion deduced  shows a significant positive relationship between the predictor and criterion variables. This means that a significant positive relationship  exists between Modern Funding Strategies and Sustainable Entrepreneurship among the Youth in Osogbo, Osun State. Therefore, Modern Funding Strategies such as Crowdfunding, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending and FinTech Solutions are highly recommended for Sustainable Entrepreneurship among the Youths in Osogbo, Osun State.

This study examines the availability and condition of facilities required for the effective implementation of technical and vocational education programmes in Rivers State. Technical and vocational education depends primarily on functional workshops, laboratories and equipment that support hands-on learning, but many institutions across the state struggle with inadequate or obsolete facilities. A descriptive survey design was used to investigate teachers’ and students’ experiences in four Government Technical Colleges and seven Government Craft Development Centres. A sample of 532 respondents was selected using proportional stratified random sampling. Data were collected through observational checklists, document reviews, interviews and a structured questionnaire, and were analysed using percentages and mean scores with a decision benchmark of 2.50. Findings showed that most facilities required for effective programme delivery were either unavailable or insufficient in quantity. Only a few areas such as automobile, electrical, woodwork and some mechanical workshops had basic equipment, while essential facilities for home management, introductory technology, business studies and agricultural education were largely absent. The condition of the available facilities was also poor, with most equipment classified as bad, obsolete or unsuitable for practical instruction. These deficiencies limit both teaching quality and students’ opportunities for skill acquisition. The results-highlight a significant gap between policy expectations and actual infrastructural realities. Improving the state of facilities is therefore necessary for strengthening technical and vocational education and producing graduates with  employable and entrepreneurial competencies. 

Payroll management is a critical administrative function in tertiary institutions, directly influencing staff satisfaction, motivation, and overall institutional performance. This study investigates the effect of payroll management on staff satisfaction at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examines payroll accuracy, timely salary payments, and transparency in payroll processes as key determinants of staff satisfaction. Using a survey research design, data were collected from 188 academic and non-academic staff via structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics (percentages) and inferential statistics (correlation analysis) were employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that payroll accuracy, timely disbursement of salaries, and transparency in payroll processes positively and significantly impact staff satisfaction. Accurate payroll reduces errors that might cause dissatisfaction, timely payments support financial stability and motivation, and transparent processes enhance trust and organizational commitment. The analysis demonstrates a strong nexus between payroll management and staff satisfaction, confirming that effective payroll practices are crucial for promoting employee morale and institutional efficiency. These results align with Expectancy Theory, which posits that employees are motivated when they believe that their efforts lead to valued outcomes. The study recommends investment in reliable payroll systems, training of personnel, timely disbursement of salaries, and transparent communication of payroll policies to optimize staff satisfaction and institutional performance.

The study investigate the relationship between continuous assessment grade and students academic peroformance in chemistry examination in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The correlational research design was adopted for the study and a total of 118 students made up the population of the study. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypothesis. Date for study was analyzed using PPMC and the hypothesis was tested  0.5 level of significant. Findings revealed that, Continuous Assessment (CA) and Examination Grade (E) has positive relationship with student’s academic performance (r = .53). The result also showed that, male and female students have positive relationship with their academic performance (r = .22). Based on the findings, it was recommended that teachers should be educated and encouraged on the need to take and administer continuous assessment in their teaching and learning process.

This study examines the influence radio and rural development programmes have on the residents of Imo State. Three objectives and three research questions were used. The study was anchored on Development Media theory. The survey research method was applied. The population of the study was 4,186,633 and with a sample size of 384 using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sample size determination table. Furthermore, the study employed questionnaire and interview schedule as instruments for data collection. The study adopted the multi stage sampling techniques. The data generated through the questionnaire were categorised and represented in frequency tables, which were thereafter analysed using weighted mean score. It was discovered among other things that Imo state residents were fully exposed to Ozisa 96.1 FM development programmes. The level of exposure of Imo State residents on developmental programmeon Ozisa 96.1 FM was at a very high level. The study concludes that radio plays a key role in rural developmental programmes, not just in Imo State but in other parts of the world. Finally, the study recommends that the residents of Imo State should continue to expose themselves to Ozisa 96.1 FM developmental programmes, residents of Imo State should always expose themselves to developmental programmes to be knowledgeable about happenings in Imo State, Ozisa 96.1FM radio station should develop and maintain existing developmental programmes to keep the people abreast of happenings around their environment and equally to keep government on their toes, in delivering good governance to the people. 

It is certain that environmental sustainability, social security and resilience in any organization is key in promoting and strengthening workers and employees relationships, improves productivity, enhances safety,  customers satisfaction and income generation.  The aim of the study is to examine how company’s policy on social security and environmental sustainability can develop, build and extending good hand of magnanimity to the unemployed retired staffers and host communities.  The methods applied by the researchers in this study consist of the primary and secondary sources which includes: personal interview, distribution of questionnaire consulting relevant company bulletin and newsletters.  Ten (10)  copies of questionnaire were distributed to twenty one (21) plants and departments in the company, amounting to two hundred and ten (210) copies altogether. At the point of collection only one hundred and eighty (180) was recovered.  Table and percentage method  Including SPSS was employed  for the analysis.  The study found out that, there is good relationships between environmental sustainability, social security and resilience at work place and recommending that, environmental matters be given to only environmental experts.

The family remains a primary agent of socialization, providing emotional, moral, and educational guidance critical to the development of children. In contemporary Nigeria, the prevalence of single-parent households has increased due to divorce, separation, spousal death, and out-of-wedlock births, raising concerns about the educational development of affected students. This study investigates the relationship between single parenting and students’ educational development in Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), Rivers State, with a focus on implications for social work practice. Guided by the Structural Functionalism Theory, the study adopted a descriptive survey design involving 400 respondents, selected respondents through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean scores and standard deviations. Findings reveal that single parenting in Emohua LGA is primarily driven by marital conflict, infidelity, early pregnancies, spousal death, economic hardship, and cultural tolerance for polygamy. The study further establishes that children from single-parent homes experience emotional instability, inadequate supervision, limited parental involvement, and financial constraints, which collectively hinder academic motivation, classroom participation, and access to learning materials. Importantly, the study highlights the critical role of social work practice in mitigating these challenges. School-based interventions, counseling, parental empowerment, and policy-driven programs are essential in supporting both single parents and their children to enhance educational outcomes. The research underscores that addressing the educational disparities of students from single-parent families requires a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach integrating schools, social workers, community structures, and policy frameworks to foster resilience, inclusiveness, and holistic child development.

This study examined poverty, unemployment, and community development in Rivers State, with a focus on the role of social workers in enhancing livelihoods. The objectives were to assess how household income levels, access to basic services, and livelihood security influence community development; to examine the effects of youth unemployment, underemployment, and reliance on informal economic activities on livelihoods; and to explore how social work interventions contribute to improved household and community outcomes. The study adopted a qualitative research approach using secondary sources, including academic journals, government reports, policy documents, and institutional assessments. Data were analyzed through thematic content analysis, enabling identification of patterns and relationships among key variables. The study was anchored on Sen’s Capability Approach (Sen, 1999), which assumes that development is realized when individuals have the freedom and capability to achieve well-being, emphasizing empowerment, access to resources, and agency in enhancing livelihoods and community participation. Findings revealed that low household income, limited access to basic services, and unstable livelihoods constrain participation in local economic and development initiatives, while youth unemployment and underemployment exacerbate household vulnerability and limit community development. Reliance on informal economic activities provides temporary income but fails to ensure long-term stability. Social work interventions—such as community empowerment, skills acquisition support, and access to social welfare services—were found to enhance livelihoods, promote community cohesion, and strengthen institutional responsiveness, facilitating sustainable development outcomes. The study concludes that integrated strategies combining economic support, social protection, and social work interventions are essential to improving livelihoods and fostering inclusive community development in Rivers State.

This paper examined politics of global security and its implications on the Africa since 1960. The politics of global security in Africa is a complex and evolving landscape that warrants careful examination since a wholesome event here can create a swell effect on the global community. Politics, in its very nature, presents a complex web of issues that are seldom capable of causing a ripple effect on a global scale, particularly, when not handled with caution. Using the primary and secondary sources of data through a multidisciplinary approach to generate the required information, this study provides an overview of the multifaceted nature of Africa's security challenges and the intricate dynamics involving both global and regional actors. As regard theory, the study used the Security Dilemma and Good Governance theories to explain African security issues. The study revealed that Africa has experienced armed conflicts, terrorism, resource competition, and humanitarian disasters over the years as a result of external global influences due to balance of power struggle. The paper argued that that regional institutions like the African Union and ECOWAS has over the years helped to resolve conflicts and maintain peace with numerous challenges due to western influences. The study established that natural resources, particularly oil, minerals, and water, serve as both a source of wealth and conflict, while the rise of extremist groups adds to the region's security concerns due to their external linkages. The study concluded that addressing the root causes of conflicts, promoting good governance, and fostering sustainable development are central to finding lasting solutions to the continent's security challenges and recommended an indigenous mechanism to conflict management as a means to reduce security challenges in Africa.

Curriculum is the bed rock of education; it specifies the methods, instructional instruments and the pedagogy of transferring knowledge from the teacher to the learner. When a curriculum is poorly implemented, the educational system will fail, and its policies and objectives will not be achieved. The poor educational system of Nigeria, characterized by lack of instructional materials, academic manpower and adequate infrastructural facilities for learning informs the educational doom currently facing the nation. Many scholars have associated this to poor educational policies and implementation. However, this study takes a critical look at the effect of the national problem of corruption on the implementation of curriculum in Nigeria, considering it as the root cause of the decay in the educational system of the nation. Primary date was collected with a questionnaire and distributed to two institutions of higher learning in Bayelsa State. Using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS), a regression and correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses. The results indicated an increase on the rate of corruption will lead to a more than average corresponding reduction on curriculum implementation. It is therefore recommended that financial accountability should be strongly entrenched in our educational systems.

The paper examines the impact of illegal migration in Africa and the security challenges this unofficial migration has posed in the form of trans-national border crimes such as the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs), terrorism, human trafficking, slave trade, drug smuggling and peddling, etc. These transnational border crimes were given impetus as a result of the drive by young people to seek better sources of livelihood in Europe, Middle East, etc, in response to poor governance which is common place in the African continent. The paper suggests that African governments through their leaders should provide the people with good governance by providing them with basic infrastructures that will better their lots. This the paper says can be achieved through popular policies of the various African governments as well as deep and entrenching democracy so that issues of political unrest which contributes to insecurity and dwindling economy as the reason while young people migrate illegally to the West and other places can be checked. Also, the need for collaboration by African leaders with other regional leaders and international organizations to stem the tide was strongly advocated

This research investigated the impact of traffic congestion on supply chain performance. The primary purpose of the study is to examine the effect of road traffic congestion on the supply chain performance of Biswal Company Limited. Specifically, the study evaluated the causes of road traffic, assessed the effect of road traffic on supply chain performance, examined the effect of road traffic on customer service and assessed the effect of road traffic on productivity. The study adopted a case study survey research design. Findings from this study reveal that the correlation between road traffic congestion and supply chain performance is significant (r = 0.567), indicating a robust linear relationship. The R-squared value of 0.147 suggests that 14.7% of the variation in road traffic congestion can be explained by supply chain performance. The results indicated that road traffic congestion affected supply chain performance positively and significantly (F = 8.465, p = 0.005). There is also a significant correlation between the proxies. Based on these results, appropriate recommendations were made.

The study examined the effect of career self-management on employee job satisfaction in selected federal universities in South-South, Nigeria. The literature was segmented into four main sections namely; conceptual framework, theoretical framework, theoretical exposition and empirical review. However, the theoretical exposition was highlighted to reflect the specific objectives of the study being the main body of the literature. The study was designed as a descriptive survey for the purpose of generalizing the results for the entire population of interest. From the population of 6433 non-teaching staff identified from the selected universities in the South-South region, Nigeria, 1236 sample was estimated for the study. The main tools of analysis were frequency distribution and multiple regression analysis. All tests were based on 0.05 level of significance. Major findings from the study indicate that career self-management goal characteristics and career self-management strategies has significant and positive effect on employee job satisfaction in the organization. It was concluded that employees who are involved in goal orientation and strategic career management gain significant satisfaction from their jobs. The study recommended among others that employees should be encouraged to play more significant roles in their career by guiding them on the process of attaining career goal and by incorporating individual career management ideology in its personnel management policy

The legislature makes the law but it is the role of judges to interpret the words of legislature. The judges in the course of interpreting the law have a measure of discretion and creative power in the manner in which they interpret law. Legislature can include words that have more than one meaning or words whose meaning changes depending on its context. It can lead to a lack of clarity or precision and the language or words used can create obscurity, ambiguity, meaningless and failing to achieve the purpose which it is aimed simply through being badly drafted. As a result, judges need to provide legislation with effective meaning through interpretation which can be restrictive, literal, permissive and purposive. Language is indeterminate and innately vulnerable to the unsettling play of deconstructive forces. It is argued that words have no essential meaning, instead, words are constantly shifting variable with capacity to impede communication and derail the interpretive processes. This raises the obvious question whether judges their duty of interpretation of statute to discover the intention of the legislature, is a myth or realty

Salary, wage and performance have been identified as one of the most important area and greater expense of any organization. The main objective of evaluation of salary, wage management and performance: A study of Ebonyi State Civil Service Nigeria (2018-2024) is aimed at evaluating the impact of salary, wage and performance, to identify the problems that are militating against salary and wage in an organization. The study attempts to discuss some of the factors that can promote productivity in an organization, adequate budgetary, planning, human training, increment etc. The question now is: what extent can effective salaries management impact on worker’s productivity in Ebonyi State Civil Service? The sample survey method was adopted. In study, the researcher used two theories: wage fund theory by Adam Smith in (1846) that emphasised on the workers payment of wage that can enhance productivity and subsistence theory by David Richard in the year (1975), he emphasised on the market price of labour and productivity, seeing workers basic needs as important. This study recommended among others, that salaries and wages of employees should be promptly paid as and when due to avoid low morale in the service

The importance of stare decisis in the legal system of Nigeria is obvious. That stare decisis properly applied contributes to certainty in the law (amongst other benefits) as an indispensable attribute of justice is also not in dispute. However, the application of the doctrine of stare decisis by Nigerian courts, particularly the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court is fraught with uncertainties arising from conflict in principles. This is a very serious impediment in the use of stare decisis to attain an egalitarian society. The Supreme Court thus needs take the lead in ensuring consistency in its decisions generally and laying down clearly, principles applicable in the area of stare decisis. Prevention is, definitely and indisputably better than cure

This study examined the relationship that existed between voters’ apathy and electoral processes and outcomes in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine whether any relationship existed between voters’ apathy and electoral outcomes in Nigeria. The theoretical frameworks adopted for the study were the Rational Choice theory and the Political Alienation theory. The study used descriptive research method to describe characteristics of the population being studied. It aimed to accurately and systematically describe the phenomenon of voters’ apathy in Nigeria’s elections. Voters’ apathy means a general decline in citizen’s involvement in the political activities of a particular country. Causes of voters’ apathy according to this study included the belief by voters that all political candidates are the same in deceit, lack of political accountability by the politicians, failed promises of political leaders, corruption, violence, lack of proper mobilization of the electorates for election, lack of credible leaders, security challenges during election and lack of faith in the electoral umpire by the voters. The effect of voters’ apathy was such that it could sharply reduce the number of people whose voices are heard in an election. It was concluded from the study that government should restore the confidence of the voters during elections by ensuring that their votes actually counted. Finally, it was recommended among others that voters’ education be aggressively pursued along with the de-monetization of the voting process in Nigeria. The study would be a further contribution to de-escalate the despicable incident of voters’ apathy in Nigeria.

The goal of this study is to look at how recruitment and selection affect employee turnover. The researcher used five research questions and hypotheses.  The study's methodology was survey-based, with the questionnaire serving as the primary data collection technique. The data collected was presented as a percentage and examined using correlation analysis. The results indicated that there is a strong association between recruiting and employee turnover, since the calculated value of r, 1.15, was greater than 0.5. Selection is significantly related to employee turnover, as the calculated value of r, 1.1345, is greater than 0.5, hence the researcher accepted the alternative hypothesis while rejecting the null hypothesis. There is a strong association between placement and employee turnover, as indicated by the estimated value of r, 0.5, and the researcher accepted the alternative hypothesis. Recruitment is substantially associated to absenteeism, as indicated by the r-value of 0.591, which is greater than 0.5. There is a substantial relationship between selection and employee absenteeism; because the value of r, 1.0410, was greater than 0.5, the researcher accepted the alternate hypothesis. Based on the findings, the study suggests that human resource departments, particularly Nigerian Breweries plc, place a greater emphasis on the recruiting process by promoting available vacancies through various modes of communication in order to attract the suitable personnel. In other words, the positions should be open to everyone rather than limited to specific individuals. They should understand that the recruitment process should be conducted in a free and fair manner.

This study investigated the intellectual stimulation on employees’ innovation skills of selected manufacturing firms in South East, Nigeria. The objectives of the study are to examine the effect of intellectual stimulation on employees’ innovation skills of selected manufacturing firms in South East, Nigeria, evaluate the effect of inspirational motivation on employees’ commitment of selected manufacturing firms in South East, Nigeria and determine the degree to which individualized consideration boost employees’ job satisfaction of selected manufacturing firms in South East, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design and primary data was mainly used to obtain accurate data based on the opinion of the respondents and supported by reviews of information from secondary sources for validation. The target population of two thousand, three hundred and fifty-one (2,351) obtained from the fifteen (15) selected manufacturing firms in South East, Nigeria. The sample size of three hundred and forty-two (342) respondents was derived from Taro Yamane formula. Therefore, a total of three hundred and forty-two (342) copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the various manufacturing firms. Out of this number, fifty-six (56) copies of questionnaire were lost/wrongly filled with percentage ratio of 16.6% while two hundred and eighty-six (286) copies of questionnaire were correctly filled and returned with percentage ratio of 83.4%, which formed the basis of the study. To test the hypotheses of this study, the study adopted simple regression model, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient of SPSS Version 22. From the result of the findings, the study indicated that intellectual stimulation has a significant effect on employees’ innovation skills of selected manufacturing firms in South East, Nigeria (R2 = 83.0%, t-value = 4.161** at 5 percent significant level) and that inspirational motivation has a significant effect on employees’ commitment of selected manufacturing firms in South East, Nigeria ((R2 = 80.5%, t-value = 3.491** at 5 percent significant level). Also that  individualized consideration boost employees’ job satisfaction of selected manufacturing firms in South East, Nigeria (f- statistics = 486.133, mean square = 47.641 with p- value = 0.000< 0.05% significance level) From the results of the hypotheses testing, the study concluded that intellectual stimulation has a significant effect on employees’ innovation skills, inspirational motivation has a significant effect on employees’ commitment, individualized consideration boost employees’ job satisfaction, idealized influence enhances employees’ motivation while there is a positive and significant relationship between transformational leadership style and firms’ creativity of selected manufacturing firms in South East, Nigeria. The study recommended that Management of the selected manufacturing firms should regularly work on enhancing the еmployееs morale with inspirational words and actions as these will develop еmployееs strong sense of confidence to work harder towards achieving better organizational performance.

The study empirically evaluates how financial inclusion and macroeconomic stability affect poverty reduction in Nigeria from 2009 to 2023. Specifically, the study considered how bank account per head, inflation rate, number of bank branches, and bank loans to rural dwellers influence poverty index. Data came from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin, the World Bank database, and the National Bureau of Statistics. The study employed the descriptive statistics, unit root, and ARDL techniques at the 5% significant level. The unit root test revealed that the variables had mixed stationarity; necessitating the ARDL F-bound test the shows the absence of long-run form. The findings show that bank loans to rural dwellers is positive and significant to poverty index, inflation rate is positive but insignificant to poverty index, and number of bank branches and bank account per head are negative and insignificant to poverty index in Nigeria. The research concludes that the number of bank accounts per person is the primary factor of financial inclusion that has a substantial impact on the poverty index in Nigeria. Therefore, the research recommends that banks should lower the lending rates and collateral requirements for rural residents in order to enhance financial inclusion and simultaneously alleviate poverty in Nigeria.

This study was carried out to evaluate heavy metal concentration in the tissue and carapace of Tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) sold in major supermarkets and market within Port-Harcourt metropolis. The prawns were purchased from Hyper city (Station 1), Next Cash and Carry (Station 2), Timeless Supermarket (Station 3) and open Market, Creek Road Market (Station 4). The tissue and carapace were tested for the presence of the selected heavy metals with their proximate composition. The concentration of heavy metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) method, following electro-thermal heater digestion. The Mean values recorded for the heavy metals in tissue ranged from 0.20-0.58mg/kg, 2.20-3.54mg/kg and 31.89-33.65mg/kg for Ni, Cu and Zn respectively. Concentration of Ni and Zn in tissue were higher in tiger prawn collected from open market while Cu was higher in tissues of tiger prawn collected from super market. The mean values recorded for the heavy metals in carapace ranged from 2.693-4.397 mg/kg, 3.587-7.267 mg/kg and 11.537-13.257 mg/kg for Cu, Ni and Zn respectively. The prawns collected from all stations are however, recommended for human consumption as the levels of heavy metal concentrations recorded did not exceed the limit for human consumption except for Ni. The high protein content found in the prawn should also consider it a major food for consumption.

Infections induced by seafoods consumption during pregnancy can harm a developing fetus. These infections can be fatal to the mother, fetus, or newborn when it is untreated. Furthermore, it can lead to viral infections, potentially causing spontaneous abortions or organ disease(Van Oostdam, et al., 2005). However, pregnancy exposure to methylmercury is unlikely to be a significant risk factor for low neurodevelopmental functioning, especially in terms of cognitive performance (Huss, et al., 2000) in early childhood. Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women consume a variety of low-mercury seafoods that provide essential nutrients without exposing them to excessive levels of contaminants. The US FDA and EPA advise a maximum intake of 8–12 ounces (2–3 servings) per week of cooked seafoods low in mercury, such as shrimp, salmon, canned light tuna, tilapia, and catfish (Clarkson, et al., 2003). According to FDA recommendation, pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and young children should also avoid high-mercury seafoods such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish (Lüth, et al., 2020) which can accumulate more toxins in their tissues due to their longer lifespan and higher trophic level in the food chain.

The primary objective of the macroeconomics is the realization and actualization of full employment for the citizens as well as creating an efficient platform (stable) environment for optimal business/economic activities. This can be achieved by reducing the rate of unemployment and maintaining inflation rate in the economy, significantly. Sequel to this notion, Phillips (1950) proposed and inverse relationship between unemployment and inflation. The model of Phillips is known as the Phillips curve theory. The research is geared towards investigating existence of the theory in the Nigerian economic system. Several diagnostics tests have been conducted to determine the nature of data to ascertain the method of data analysis. Some of the tests conducted in the study include optimal lag selection, unit root tests (i.e. ADF and PP), Engle co-integration regression as well as autoregressive regression model using actual variables, log difference and log difference transformation of the variables. The try to build different models to ascertain the one that best fit the data (Model with/without constant, linear and quadratic trend). Hence, the autoregressive regression of log transformation of inflation rate data and log transformation of unemployment and money supply at lag one indicated that each of the variables is significantly related to inflation rate. The Engle co-integration also showed significant long-run relationships between the variables log transformation. This implies that unemployment reduction depends on both inflation rate and monetary and fiscal policies. The control of money supply also enhances economic growth and on the long-run help in reducing unemployment rate in Nigeria. Conclusively, from this study’s findings, it is concluded that Phillips curve theory holds in Nigeria since there exist is a trade-off link between unemployment and inflation in the period under review, 1980- 2018. Based on the findings the study recommends that government should create efficient platform for business opportunities which subsequently can be translated into unemployment reduction hence meeting up with the inflation trend in the nation.

This study investigates market approach and corporate profitability of listed cement firms in Nigeria. Anchored within the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) fair value framework, the research specifically examines the relationship between the market approach and two key profitability metrics: Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) and Return on Equity (ROE). Employing an ex-post facto research design, secondary data were collected from the annual reports of three major cement manufacturers such as Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc, and Lafarge Africa Plc for the period 2009– 2014. Data analysis using regression revealed a strong positive and statistically significant effect of the market approach on both ROCE (R² = 0.825, p = 0.033) and ROE (R² = 0.812, p = 0.037), leading to the rejection of the null hypotheses. The findings indicate that the use of observable market-based valuations enhances the transparency and relevance of financial reporting, providing a more accurate reflection of asset values and, consequently, improving reported profitability ratios in this capital intensive sector. The study concludes that the consistent application of the market approach under IFRS 13 contributes positively to profitability assessment. It is recommended that Nigerian regulators strengthen implementation guidelines for the market approach and that firm management enhance related financial disclosures to bolster stakeholder confidence in reported performance metrics.

This study examines the effect of oil and non-oil exports on economic growth in Nigeria, covering a period of thirty-three years i.e. from 1990 to 2022. The research was based on the Two-Gap Model. The research utilised time series data obtained from the statistics bulletin of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The data analysis methods utilised included the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) statistic, the Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) technique, and the Error Correction Model. The major finding of the research is that oil exports have a significant and positive effect on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in both the short and long run. Likewise, non-oil exports have a positive and significant impact on GDP, both in the short and long run. Nevertheless, the exchange rate has a significantly negative impact on GDP in both short and long run. The study concluded that both oil and non-oil exports have a positive and significant influence on the growth of the Nigerian economy. The study recommended among others that the Nigerian government should diversify its range of products, simplify the export procedures and strengthen Nigerian businesses in order to increase the percentage of non-oil exports in the total Nigerian export volume for increased economic growth.

Curriculum is the bed rock of education; it specifies the methods, instructional instruments and the pedagogy of transferring knowledge from the teacher to the learner. When a curriculum is poorly implemented, the educational system will fail, and its policies and objectives will not be achieved. The poor educational system of Nigeria, characterized by lack of instructional materials, academic manpower and adequate infrastructural facilities for learning informs the educational doom currently facing the nation. Many scholars have associated this to poor educational policies and implementation. However, this study takes a critical look at the effect of the national problem of corruption on the implementation of curriculum in Nigeria, considering it as the root cause of the decay in the educational system of the nation. Primary date was collected with a questionnaire and distributed to two institutions of higher learning in Bayelsa State. Using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS), a regression and correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses. The results indicated an increase on the rate of corruption will lead to a more than average corresponding reduction on curriculum implementation. It is therefore recommended that financial accountability should be strongly entrenched in our educational systems

This study was conducted to investigate flipped classroom model of blended learning and Senior Secondary School Students’ (SSI) Performance in English Language writing skills in Rivers East Senatorial Zone, Rivers State. Three objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The research design used for this study was quasi-experimental research design. The population consisted of fifteen thousand eight hundred and twenty six (15,826) (SSI) students in public senior secondary schools in Rivers-East senatorial zone. A Sample size of eight hundred (800) students was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was English Language Performance Test on Writing (ELPTW), validated by two experts in English Language department. The reliability of the instrument was established with test retest method and the scores were correlated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation and a coefficient of 0.76 was obtained. Descriptive statistics mean and standard deviation was used to analyses the research questions while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that the flipped classroom model of blended learning made the students at a posttest stage to have greater effect than the pretest stage in the use of English Language writing skills. There is significant difference in pretest posttest scores of students in flipped classroom model of blended learning made of the students at a posttest stage showed a greater effect than the pretest stage in the use of grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation. The study concluded that there is significant difference in the pretest posttest of flipped classroom blended learning and conventional method; hence the null hypothesis was rejected. Flipped classroom model leads to academic achievement because it encourages students’ engagement, boost collaboration among students and critical thinking ability in English language writing skills. It was recommended that: parents should encourage their children by providing enabling environment for study at home so as to attain to their assignments, task and online materials before the main classes at school, Ministry of education should share free computers and other electronic system as it brings good result in student's studying abilities and academic performance.

A counselor’s approach is a reflection of his/her training and coaching philosophy. For instance, a counselor trained in behaviorism will view a client’s behavior as a function of reward and punishment systems. Behavioral counselors primarily focus on how a person’s behavior is impacted by environmental factors, as opposed to thoughts or unconscious motivations. More so, counseling approaches are differentiated by how counselors interact with clients in the counseling session. For instance, client-centered counselors tend to focus on a client’s innate goodness and use a non-directive style of interaction. Generally speaking, counseling approaches are guided by theories of counseling. Undoubtedly, the effectiveness of counseling depends largely on the application of theories so as to ensure that the right principles and procedures are adopted and followed when engaging in the business of assisting a client. However, the focus of this article was to explore seven theories of counseling, namely: Psychoanalytical Theory by Sigmund Freud, Client-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers, Rational Emotive Behavioral Theory (REBT) otherwise known as ABC of Psychotherapy, developed by Albert Ellis, Theory of Existentialism by Jean-Paul Sartre and others, Gestalt Therapy popularized by Fritz Perls, Behavioral Theory by John O. Krumboltz and others, and Reality Therapy propounded by William Glasser. The role of counselor in each of the seven counseling theories was also highlighted in this article by the authors.

Qualitatively, this article sought to examines the essence of family ideals and the perceived subjugating positions of women in patriarchy society. Patriarchy has been a cultural issue to grapple with in our contemporary society. The paper intends to place male dominance as a trigger factor for domestic violence within a theoretical framework which shows that it is not an individual problem but rather a social one. This is why this research is not only apt and timely, but also appropriate. Phenomenological design was adopted for this study. The research sought to answer the following questions: (1) what are the position of women in the family?; (2) what are the position of women in the workplace?; and (3) what are the position of women in the church?. The population was made up of married men and women in the Effutu municipality of Central Region of Ghana. The population for the study consisted of thirty people, which were made up of fifteen females and fifteen males from five communities within the municipality. The five communities were conveniently selected. Purposive sampling technique was employed in selecting the population for the study. The criteria for the selection were (1) married men and women, (2) households having permanent residence of couples, (3) gainfully employed and (4) being church goers. This research is delimited to male domineering of women in the areas of households, workplace and the church. It is further delimited to selected communities in the Effutu Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana. Qualitatively, outcomes from the interviews, observation and domestic violence data from Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) at the municipal police headquarters, Winneba were analyse based on strands of themes arrived at. It was revealed that family ideals are controlled and shrouded in patriarchal and men benefit at the expense of women. In the family, while men are seen as the head and independent, most women are not independent. They rely on men for upkeep because they have either become house wives or are not gainfully employed. Based on the findings it was recommended that, women should form caucuses and networks within professional organizations and academic disciplines to pressure for changes in internal policies and priorities. Women’s studies programmes should be established in universities and there should also be creation of serious academic journals focused on gender and women empowerment

This study assesses the effect of particulate matter from gas flares around the environs of Igwuruta community, Rivers State. The study employed a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD). Ambient air quality measurements were conducted across four (4) stations using instruments such as the Aeroqual 500 Series Gas Monitor, GT 321 Particulate Meter, Automated GPS, Extech Meteorology Meter, and a measuring tape to assess pollutant levels in the surrounding environment. The study revealed that PM₂.₅ (85.4 mg/m²/day) and PM₁₀ (145.6 mg/m²/day) deposition rates are highest at Station A (100m upstream), indicating intense atmospheric fallout of particulates onto the soil surface. Also, PM₂.₅ (50.8 mg/m²/day) and PM₁₀ (90.5 mg/m²/day) levels dropped at Station C (500 m), indicating reduced contamination with distance. While PM₂.₅ (0.020 mg/L) and PM₁₀ (0.040 mg/L) levels dropped slightly above WHO limits at Station D (Control - 1000 meters away), showing distance reduces pollution impact. Hence, the study concludes that the environs around the Agbada flow station is polluted with particulate matter pollutants. The study recommended, among others, that trees should be planted to absorb the excess concentration of CO2 around the environs of the Agbada flow station, alongside high temperature resistant plants like Lantana should be planted in the communities bordering the Agbada flow station with high intensity of temperatures.

This study examines the predictive validity of variables of absenteeism on senior secondary school students’ academic achievement in Biology in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted the correlational research design. A sample of 936 respondents comprising 288 and 648 Biology teachers and students respectively were selected from 72 public senior secondary schools across six (6) randomly selected Local Government Areas in Rivers State. A 20-item self-structured instrument titled “Predictive Validity of Variables of Absenteeism Questionnaire” (PVVAQ) and 50-item “Biology Achievement Test” (BAT) with reliability coefficients of 0.874 and 0.861 respectively necessitated their use for collecting data analyzed using regression analysis. The study revealed p-values of .000*, .000*, and .050* which indicated that the predictors of absenteeism like school refusal, school withdrawal and early leaving respectively significantly contributed to determine senior secondary school students’ achievement in Biology in Rivers State. The study recommended that school administrators and supervisors should regularly monitor and ensure that Biology teachers class conduct aligns with the ethos of the profession such as teaching, assessment, counselling and discipline in order to avoid students becoming idle that would predispose them to unruliness, truancy and absenteeism that affects academic achievement in Biology.