NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES (NJAH)
Nigerian Journal of Arts and Humanities (ISSN: 2814-3760; E-ISSN: 2955-0343) is an interdisciplinary and a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the promotion of scholarship and research in Arts and Humanities. It publishes well-researched scholarly papers in all areas of arts and humanities and related disciplines. The journal welcomes the submission of manuscript that is original and devoid of plagariasm. NJAH accepts papers in English, French, Chinese and Nigerian languages. It is domiciled in the department of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AS CORRELATE OF JOB PERFORMANCE OF UNIVERSITY LECTURERS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
This study examined digital content development as a correlate of the job performance of university lecturers in South East Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. The sample consisted of 333 lecturers drawn from four federal universities in South East Nigeria. The study adopted a multistage sampling procedure. The instruments for data collection were three researcher-developed questionnaires titled: Transformative Professional Development Questionnaire (TPDQ), Empowerment Strategies Questionnaire (ESQ), and Lecturers’ Job Performance Questionnaire (LJPQ). Out of the 333 copies of the three instruments administered, 313 copies of each instrument, representing approximately a 94% return rate, were properly completed by the respondents and used for data analysis. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to answer the research question raised for the study, while linear regression analysis was used to test the null hypothesis that guided the study at a 0.05 level of significance. Based on the analysis, it was found, among others, that human capital development significantly related to the job performance of university lecturers to a very high positive extent. The regression result revealed a significant probability (p)-value of 0.000, which is less than the alpha value of 0.05. The study concludes that regular exposure of lecturers to training, workshops, and seminars are essential tools for enhancing lecturers’ job performance in universities, which every stakeholder in university education should encourage. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should make it mandatory for lecturers to attend a certain number of conferences or workshops each year, as this should serve as evidence of readiness for promotion
Human Capital Development, job performance, university lecturer, Southeast, Nigeria
Ejike-Onu Monica Nkechinyere & Aniebi Joseph Ngbede Paul (PhD)
PERFORMANCE MECHANISMS OF AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT IN ALIBABA’S STAND-UP COMEDY
This study explores the mechanics and significance of audience interaction in the stand-up comedy of Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, widely regarded as a pioneer of the modern Nigerian stand-up comedy industry. Stand-up comedy is conceptualized as a dialogic performance form characterized by direct engagement with the audience rather than a purely monologic delivery. Adopting a qualitative research design, including ethnographic case studies, participant observation, and interviews, the study investigates how Ali Baba utilizes interaction to create what may be described as “socio-aesthetic harmony.” His performance style is grounded in breaking the “fourth wall”—the psychological barrier between performer and audience—to facilitate dialogue, inclusivity, and shared experience. A hallmark of his technique is spontaneity, which enables dynamic audience engagement and helps maintain performance control. His aptly titled Spontaneity series exemplifies this principle by training comedians in improvisational joke creation based on real-time audience interaction. Specific interactional strategies identified include physical involvement, stage aesthetics, and audience adaptation—entailing the deliberate adjustment of language, diction, and content in response to the audience’s social background, class, and religious or political orientations. The study finds that Ali Baba’s success is closely tied to the audience’s ability to relate to his content. By positioning the audience as a collaborative partner and employing established theatrical techniques such as strategic pauses for laughter and responses to audience interjections, he has transformed stand-up comedy in Nigeria into a communal, therapeutic, and professionally viable art form.
Stand-up Comedy, audience engagement, Ali Baba, Performance Aesthetics, Spontaneity, fourth wall
COMMUNICATING IN THE MULTIMEDIA AGE: EXPLORING THE USE OF EMOJIOLOGY IN SELECTED X COMMENTS ON MIRABEL’S ALLEGED RAPE SAGA
Communication does more than enable human survival; it helps humans to thrive across all spheres of interactions, from leisure activities to business engagements. Emojis as iconic communication symbols of expression help to construct, label and deepen meaning in contemporary digital communication. However, due to the increasing need for universally understanding symbols that convey meaning and express emotion, the use of emojis as an interactive feature in digital communication has become increasingly important. This study examines Emojiology as a tool for sharing and deepening meaning in machine assisted (computer-aided) communication exchange. The study is underpinned by the multimodal discourse analysis framework within a qualitative semiotic approach. Primary data were obtained from posts and comments on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), in response to discussion surrounding an alleged rape incident involving a social media user, Abigail Inkak, popularly known as Mirabel, reported in Lagos, Nigeria, in February 2026. The study examines the role of emojis as paralinguistic features in digital communication, focusing on their use in selected online responses to the case. Findings reveal semiotic resources such as emojis enhance communication by deepening emotional expression and clarifying intended meaning. Emojis and emoticons help to reduce cultural and linguistic barriers, thereby supporting more universal forms of meaning-making in digital discourse. In light of these findings, the study concludes that the convergence of meaning and emotional expression through emojis should be further explored and developed as an efficient and increasingly relevant mode of communication in contemporary society.
Emojis, Machine Assisted Communication, Multimedia, Semiotics
MBEDE, ANIEBIET UNWANA; ETUK, JACKSON ARCHIBONG
TRAGEDY OF RELIGIOUS RADICALISM AND THE THREAT TO MODERN CULTURE AND CIVILISATION
The aim of this paper is to examine the threat posed by religious radicalism, particularly radical Islam, to global culture and civilization, and to propose pathways for confronting this menace. Through analytical method, this study investigates the ideological foundations of religious fanaticism and its devastating impact on democratic institutions, cultural heritage, and modern secular values. The scope encompasses conceptual analyses of religion, culture, and civilization; historical instances of religious fanaticism in Christianity including the Inquisition and persecution of scientists; the distinctive character of contemporary Islamic radicalism as a global assault on modernity; systematic destruction of educational institutions and cultural treasures across Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, and Afghanistan; and critical evaluation of proposed responses ranging from military coalition to cultural counterbalancing. The appraisal reveals that while religious fanaticism is not exclusive to Islam, radical Islam constitutes a unique and persistent threat targeting not merely Western societies but the universal values of modernity; reason, science, individual freedom, and secular governance seeking to obliterate cultural memory and historical identity through deliberate destruction of monuments, manuscripts, and educational systems. The paper concludes that the free world must unite with resolute determination to protect the hard-earned fruits of civilisation, resisting both the paralysis of political correctness and the temptation of reciprocal religious extremism, for the survival of democracy, cultural heritage, and human freedom hangs in the balance.
Religion, Christianity, Islam, radicalism, freedom, civilisation
THE INDIVIDUAL IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY: THE IMPERATIVE OF SELF-ACTUALISATION
This paper explores the position of the individual within contemporary society, emphasizing the imperative of self-actualization in an age marked by rapid social, technological, and cultural change. Drawing on sociological and philosophical frameworks, including the works of Maslow, Kierkegaard, and others, the study examines how modern social structures, globalization, and the culture of individualization shape the capacities, aspirations, and constraints of the self. It highlights the tension between societal expectations and personal growth, demonstrating how pressures of conformity, risk, and networked living can both hinder and facilitate the pursuit of self-fulfillment. By integrating theoretical perspectives with contemporary examples, the paper argues that self-actualization is not merely a psychological ideal but a critical social and existential necessity, enabling individuals to navigate complexity, assert autonomy, and contribute meaningfully to communal life. The study concludes that understanding the interplay between social forces and personal development is essential for fostering resilience, creativity, and authentic identity in modern societies.
Self-actualization, individualization, contemporary society, identity, personal development, social theory
IGBOPHOBIA: A FACTOR IN NIGERIA’S ECONOMIC RETROGRESSION
This paper examines Igbophobia as a systemic and structural form of prejudice against the Igbo people of Nigeria, arguing that it constitutes a critical bottleneck to national economic advancement. Far from being a mere social sentiment, Igbophobia operates as an institutionalized framework of exclusion that marginalizes one of Nigeria’s most entrepreneurial demographics, thereby contributing to internal brain drain, capital flight, and declining productivity. The study traces the phenomenon’s historical foundations to colonial Indirect Rule, which often characterized Igbo republican governance as “troublesome,” and to First Republic politics, where Igbo socio-economic mobility and meritocratic advancement were reframed by critics as “ethnic domination.” This perception intensified after the January 1966 coup—widely interpreted in ethnic terms as an “Igbo plot”—and contributed to the 1966 pogroms and the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). Post-war policies framed as “Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation” arguably functioned, in part, as mechanisms of economic containment. The 1970 banking policy that limited many Igbo depositors to £20 restricted capital recovery, while the 1972 Indigenization Decree and the implementation of “Abandoned Property” policies contributed to the dispossession of sections of the Igbo middle class and weakened access to real estate–based collateral. Structural marginalization has also been associated with infrastructural gaps, including the limited development of the Onitsha River Port, delayed upgrades to Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, and the relative underrepresentation of the Southeast in federal industrial projects—factors that have been described as imposing a “logistical burden” on regional commerce. The cumulative impact includes constrained innovation in industrial hubs such as Aba and Nnewi, increased incentives for skilled migration, and market inefficiencies linked to uneven regulatory enforcement. Critics argue that an overreliance on quota-based systems at the expense of merit can hinder progress toward a knowledge-based economy. Adopting a qualitative historical approach, this paper analyzes how Igbophobia may contribute to economic underperformance and proposes policy responses, including infrastructural equity, merit-based governance, targeted capital access, and national reorientation. It concludes that Nigeria’s long-term economic growth depends on addressing exclusionary structures and perceptions, as the country continues to bear the cost of underutilizing the full productive potential of all its regions.
Igbophobia, Structural Marginalization, Economic Retrogression, Nigerian Civil War, Indigenization Decree, Brain Drain, National Productivity
Udem, Marcia Chidinma; Asiegbu, Tochukwu Ebuka
PREVAILING INFLUENCE OF SUPERSTITIOUS BELIEFS ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS' LEARNING OF BIOLOGY IN OTUOCHA EDUCATION ZONE, ANAMBRA STATE
This study investigated the prevailing influence of superstitious beliefs on secondary school students’ learning of Biology in Otuocha Education Zone, Anambra State. Guided by three research questions, the study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 120 Senior Secondary Two (SS2) students was drawn from a population of 520 SS2 students in the zone during the 2024/2025 academic session using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher based on relevant literature. The instrument was validated by three experts, and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.85. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that superstitious beliefs are widespread among secondary school students in Biology and have a negative influence on their academic performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among others, that educational stakeholders should enhance teacher training programmes and explicitly address superstitious beliefs in schools. This will help foster an environment that promotes rational inquiry and evidence-based learning, thereby reducing misconceptions in science education.
Biology, Education, Learning, Students, Superstition
Okeke, Obinna Chukwudalu (PhD); Ohachenu, Ifeoma Elizabeth (Ph.D)
THE USE OF DNA EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL TRIALS IN NIGERIA: WHETHER A CONCLUSIVE PROOF OF THE GUILT OF AN ACCUSSED
This article aimed to evaluate whether the use and admissibility of DNA evidence in criminal trials in Nigeria constitute conclusive proof of the guilt of an accused person. To achieve this aim, the study examined issues of relevance and admissibility that arise where DNA evidence is employed in criminal proceedings. Based on the analysis of disputes relating to the relevance and admissibility of DNA evidence, the study found that DNA evidence in criminal trials is generally corroborative rather than conclusive proof of guilt. It therefore operates in conjunction with other available evidence to establish the guilt of an accused person. The study also found that although DNA evidence is corroborative in nature, it has become a vital tool in crime detection. The presence of an accused person’s DNA at a crime scene may constitute prima facie evidence linking the accused to the crime scene or victim. The study concluded that where DNA evidence is combined with other supporting evidence to establish a match in criminal trials, it can accurately identify perpetrators of crime, exonerate innocent persons, and enhance public confidence in the criminal justice system. To this end, the researcher recommends that the Nigerian government should provide the necessary legal frameworks, facilities, and funding to ensure that the legal system evolves in line with advances in forensic science. This will promote the effective utilization of DNA evidence in the Nigerian criminal justice system, which remains underutilized to date.
Forensic science, forensic evidence, DNA Evidence, DNA profiling, Criminal Trial Proof of Guilt, corroborative evidence.
AN ETHICAL EVALUATION OF THE RIGHTS OF THE PATIENT AS A VALUABLE GROUND FOR EUTHANASIA
Euthanasia, often referred to as mercy killing or physician-assisted death, remains one of the most contentious issues in contemporary bioethics, law, and medical practice. It raises profound moral questions concerning the sanctity of life, the autonomy of the individual, and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. This paper critically evaluates euthanasia through the lens of patients’ rights, particularly examining whether the right to life can be interpreted to include a right to die. Drawing on philosophical discourse, legal frameworks, and medical ethics, the study explores the historical evolution, conceptual distinctions, and ethical controversies surrounding euthanasia. Special attention is given to the Nigerian legal context, where euthanasia remains criminalized yet ethically debated. The paper argues that while euthanasia poses significant risks, particularly regarding abuse and coercion, the rights of competent patients to make informed decisions about their own lives, including the refusal of life-sustaining treatment, provide a compelling ethical basis for reconsidering its absolute prohibition. The study concludes by advocating for a cautious, regulated approach that balances autonomy with the protection of vulnerable populations.
Euthanasia, Patient Autonomy, Right to Die, Bioethics, Nigeria, Human Rights
Oguegbu, Celestine Udoka; Prof. Charles Nweke
POLICE-PUBLIC RELATIONS AND THE PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE POPULATIONS IN NIGERIA: A SOCIOECONOMIC AND CULTURAL APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY
This paper examines the crucial connection between police-public relations and the protection of vulnerable populations in Nigeria, highlighting a socioeconomic and cultural framework for developing sustainable social welfare policies. In a nation marked by persistent insecurity, poverty, and institutional mistrust and other critical and pervasive threats to human welfare, the role of the police extends beyond crime control; it encompasses the broader responsibility of safeguarding marginalized groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities, and the urban poor. However, pervasive issues such as reported police brutality, intimidation, perceived corruption, and discriminatory practices, which have cost the profession the approval, respect, and affection of the public, are a bugging issue. The public has accused the Nigerian police unit of committing acts of extortion, rape, torture, and murder. Even the scenario of police unbridled and total allegiance and loyalty to the constituted authority, like the government, has eroded public confidence and disproportionately exposed these populations to humiliation, violence, exploitation, and systemic neglect. In place of social services that should affect them. Drawing from sociological, economic, and cultural perspectives, this paper examines how poor police-community engagement perpetuates social exclusion and weakens the effectiveness of social welfare interventions. It argues that meaningful protection of vulnerable groups requires not only police reform but also the integration of culturally sensitive, community-based policing strategies aligned with local norms and economic realities. This discourse emphasizes the significance of inclusive governance, legal accountability, and public participation in transforming police institutions to align with democratic values and human rights. The theoretical framework for this discourse is Social Contract Theory, which uses secondary data. Employing a multidisciplinary approach and reviewing existing policy gaps, the paper advocates for a rights-based policing model that reinforces social welfare infrastructure and promotes social justice. This paper recommends that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) should adopt a more committed, fair, and citizen-centered approach to policing to rebuild public confidence, particularly in addressing pervasive challenges such as insecurity, poverty, and social inequality.
Nigeria, police-public relations, socioeconomic, sustainable social welfare policy, vulnerable populations
Gladys Amaechi Ohazulike; Ifeoma Elizabeth Ohachenu
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS AND COMPLIANCE AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN ANAMBRA STATE
Background: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria face unique cybersecurity challenges due to limited resources, lack of dedicated IT personnel, and inadequate security budgets. Despite increasing digitalization of business operations, many SMEs operate without formal cybersecurity policies or structured training programmes, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. Objective: This study examined the level of cybersecurity awareness among SMEs in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, and identified the factors influencing compliance with cybersecurity regulations and best practices. Methods: The study adopted a mixed-methods research design. A sample size of 184 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, drawn from a population of 1,902 registered SMEs in Awka South LGA. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select respondents across seven towns and fourteen business locations. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distributions and percentages), while qualitative data were gathered through six in-depth interviews (IDIs) with business owners and managers and analyzed using thematic analysis. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) served as the theoretical framework. Results: The findings revealed that while 40.9% of respondents reported high awareness of basic cybersecurity practices and 47.7% perceived cyber threats as high risk, only 33.0% had participated in formal cybersecurity training, and 63.6% lacked formal cybersecurity policies. Regarding compliance, lack of funds (39.8%) was the most frequently cited barrier, followed by lack of technical knowledge (30.7%), weak enforcement (18.2%), and low risk perception (11.3%). Furthermore, 75.0% of respondents indicated that financial capacity influences compliance, 84.1% identified technical expertise as a key factor, and 71.6% highlighted the role of organizational culture. Objective: This study examined the level of cybersecurity awareness among SMEs in Awka South LGA, Anambra State, and identified the factors influencing compliance with cybersecurity regulations and best practices. Methods: The study adopted a mixed methods research design. A sample size of 184 respondents was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, drawn from a population of 1,902 registered SMEs in Awka South LGA. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select respondents across seven towns and fourteen business locations. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distributions and percentages). Qualitative data were gathered through six In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with business owners and managers, analyzed using thematic analysis. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) served as the theoretical framework. Results: The findings revealed that while 40.9% of respondents reported high awareness of basic cybersecurity practices and 47.7% perceived cyber threats as high risk, only 33.0% had ever participated in formal cybersecurity training, and 63.6% lacked formal cybersecurity policies. Regarding compliance, lack of funds (39.8%) was the most frequently cited barrier, followed by lack of technical knowledge (30.7%), weak enforcement (18.2%), and low risk perception (11.3%). Furthermore, 75.0% of respondents affirmed that financial capacity influences compliance, 84.1% affirmed that technical expertise influences compliance, and 71.6% affirmed that organizational culture influences compliance.
Cybersecurity awareness, compliance, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Technology Acceptance Model,
NON-VIOLENT CAMPAIGN FOR SELF-DETERMINATION: THE IPOB AND THE IGBO AGENDA
The non-inclusive nature of governance in Nigeria and its conscientious and intentional marginalization to the Igbo tribe/extraction is of great concern to the national polity. Moreover, this has led to the exclusion of the Easterners from the mainstream of Nigerian politics and life, and has logically fanned into flame their spirit of self-determination through movements like the MASSOB and IPOB. This paper aims to show how injustice meted to the Igbo extraction is the main root of the Easterners’ nonviolent campaigns for self-determination. Thus using the analytic method, this paper demonstrates how injustice against the Easterners encourages the non-violent campaigns for self-determination amongst the people. The scope of this research studies the justification for self-determination, Nigeria's amalgamation theory, IPOB agitations, and non-violent agitations for self-determination. This study establishes that there has been no plans to reintegrate the Igbos (Easterners) into the mainstream of Nigerian politics and life but to relegate them as second class citizens. The people have been maliciously abandoned and excluded from being part of major players in decision making whereas their resources are exploited, hence giving rise to different forms of agitations. The quest for self-determination as the major agenda of the IPOB/Easterners is justified since Nigerian governance has continued to promote injustice and renege on its promises for inclusive governance. In conclusion, non-violent campaigns is an undeniable catalyst to the success of the quest for self-determination.
Igbo, Self-determination, Non-violent campaigns, IPOB, Amalgamation theory
FACTORS AFFECTING THE CORRECTIONAL FUNCTIONS OF CORRECTIONAL CENTRE IN AWKA METROPOLIS, ANAMBRA STATE
Correctional centres are vital institutions in the contemporary era, saddled with the responsibility of reforming, punishing, and rehabilitating convicted inmates. However, correctional centres, especially in Nigeria, appear to be struggling to perform these fundamental responsibilities effectively. It is particularly troubling that some discharged inmates struggle to successfully reintegrate into society. Against this backdrop, this paper examines the factors affecting the correctional functions of the Awka Correctional Centre. The study is anchored on the frustration–aggression theory as its theoretical framework. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, involving both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection. A sample size of 156 correctional officers was used for the administration of questionnaires, while eight (8) officers participated in in-depth interviews. The quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 25, while the research questions were addressed using frequency counts and percentages. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic method. The findings revealed that overcrowding of inmates is one of the major factors affecting the correctional functions of the Awka Correctional Centre. The study also found that the current infrastructure and facility conditions at the Centre adversely affect the implementation of rehabilitation and reformation programmes for inmates. Based on these findings, it is recommended, among other measures, that to address the persistent problem of overcrowding and poor living conditions at the Awka Correctional Centre, the government and relevant stakeholders should implement a comprehensive decongestion strategy. This strategy should include accelerated trial processes, the adoption of non-custodial sentencing options, and the expansion of existing facilities.
Correctional Centres, Reformation, Rehabilitation, reintegration, and Deterrence
Florence Ngozi Mmakah; Dr. Clement Emeka Ikezue
REEXAMINING THE NON-TRANSACTIONAL NATURE OF SACRIFICE IN IGBO TRADITIONAL RELIGION: ITS CHALLENGES TO YOUTH RITUAL MATERIALISM
The conventional and increasing troubling shifts in the understanding of sacrifice among Igbo youths as a means of making money or creating wealth runs contrary to the beliefs of traditional Igbo religion. It is well established that the traditional Igbo conception of sacrifice is deeply embedded in a non-transactional worldview, in which ritual acts are primarily expressions of reverence, communion with the spirits, and the restoration of cosmic balance and communal harmony. However, in contemporary Nigerian society, there has been a significant shift, particularly among the youth, towards a transactional understanding of sacrifice. This paper critically reexamines the non-transactional nature of sacrifice in Igbo Traditional Religion and explores its challenge to the growing phenomenon of youth-driven ritual materialism. It traces the philosophical, theological, and ethical foundations of traditional Igbo sacrificial practices and contrasts them with the distorted motivations underlying modern ritual abuse. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines indigenous African religious thought, cultural anthropology, and contemporary ethical analysis, the study exposes the spiritual, moral, and social consequences of this shift from sacred duty to economic transaction. The research argues that this false understanding of sacrifice in Igbo Traditional Religion among modern youth stems from the erosion of traditional moral education, the glamorization of wealth in Igbo culture, and the “get-rich-quick” syndrome. The study concludes that this trend calls for a revival of indigenous ethical consciousness through intergenerational dialogue, economic revitalization, and the re-engagement of traditional custodians of religion and culture.
Igbo Traditional Religion, Sacrifice, Non-transactional Ritual, Ritual Materialism, African Spirituality, Ethical Values
Preaching the Gospel in a Digitalized World through Proper Communication Skills: Considering Urban Catholic Churches in Nigeria
Man is a homo loquens (speaking being). This special characteristic of man which is founded on his being an animal rationalis (rational animal) makes him more so a homo communicans (communicating being). His ability to communicate hinges on the fact that he lives in a community and consequently uses language as vehicle for the transmission of thought. However, with the progress in the society, especially in information technology, there came an improvement in social communication. Sequel to that, since communication is the life-wire of every relationship and organization, the upgrade in communication technology resulted in a drastic enhancement in social communication. In the human relationship it is a sine qua non because lack of it signals a rupture. In the work of evangelization, the use of digital technology has also continued to aid and facilitate the propagation of the faith in no small measure. The researcher therefore unravelled the effects of the use of digital technology and proper communication skills in preaching the gospel in the Catholic churches located in urban areas. In this research, the descriptive methodology was used to expose the intricacies in the use of digital technology especially in the spreading of the Good News and making it reach to the remotest part in the urban areas in obvious adherence to the fact that faith comes through hearing. Through the analytic approach, the researcher made a critical evaluation of the impact of digital technology on evangelization. The findings helped in making adequate recommendations.
Communication, information technology, evangelization, gospel
THE SOCIAL CONTRACT AND THE CRISIS OF GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: A ROUSSEAUIAN ANALYSIS OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND STATE LEGITIMACY
Nigeria gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. Since then, the country has faced unresolved political challenges, particularly endemic corruption, limited civic participation and the problem of political legitimacy. These challenges are largely rooted in political corruption and crisis of leadership succession often orchestrated by the country’s political elite have fostered widespread apathy among citizens. There is therefore tension between civic responsibilities and political authority especially regarding how the state reflects the collective will of the people. Deploying Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s social contract theory as its theoretical framework, the study deploys the documentary method of data collection and hermeneutics analysis to explore how political corruption and weak civic participation undermine the legitimacy of the Nigerian state. According to Rousseau, legitimate authority does not only derives from the consent of the governed and but more importantly, on its continual alignment with the general will. In order words, any state that neglect the aspiration of its citizens or undermine their political participation faces fundamental crisis of legitimacy. Applying this Rousseau’s insight to the Nigerian context, the study argues that governance in the country is punctuated by systemic disconnect between the ruling class and the populace resulting in persistent legitimacy crisis and political apathy. Based on this, the paper recommends the reconstruction of Nigeria’s social contract through deliberate efforts toward participatory governance, civic reorientation, and institutional accountability. It concludes that such reform are essential for restoring public trust and accelerating Nigeria’s democratic consolidation legitimacy as the hallmark of liberal democracy
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Citizen Participation, State Legitimacy, Governance, Nigeria
MOTIFS AND MOTIFS: ADAPTATION OF AKWETE-IGBO WOVEN MOTIFS AND ULI-IGBO PAINTING MOTIFS ON FABRICS AS TEXTILE PRINTS FOR CONTEMPORARY FASHION
Most cultures around the world possess cultural heritage that has been passed down from one generation to another. This heritage is expressed through various forms such as clothing, painting, body decoration, architecture, music, folklore, dance, food, and language, among others. Africans also express themselves through their cultural heritage. For instance, in Nigeria, many ethnic groups showcase their identities through diverse cultural practices, many of which remain vibrant to date. The Igbo people of South-Eastern Nigeria possess a rich and vibrant culture that reflects their worldview. This is evident in their dress, traditional hand woven fabrics, wall and body painting traditions, carving, language, food, and folklore, among others. In their cloth weaving and body and wall painting, symbolic motifs are used to represent aspects of Igbo culture. However, these practices are in urgent need of sustainability, which forms the basis of this study. This study posits that combining these motifs to produce designs for printed fabrics could significantly enhance their preservation. The research adopts a qualitative approach and employs design-based practical experimentation in the studio. Data were collected using a historical approach, as well as from samples of Akwete fabric and Uli as sources of design inspiration. Samples of printed fabrics incorporating a combination of these motifs were subsequently produced. The findings reveal that weaving and painting motifs are suitable for application in printed textile design and should be further explored by textile and fashion designers, as this innovation contributes to the diversity of African textiles. In conclusion, these printed designs have the potential to preserve and promote these cultural traditions while enhancing their sustainability.
Akwete hand woven fabrics, clothing, uli traditional painting, Screen printing, African symbolic motifs
ASSESSMENT OF CYBERBULLYING AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
The study assessed the prevalence of cyberbullying among university students in Southeast Nigeria. Specifically, it ascertained the level of prevalence of cyberbullying, examined the nature of cyberbullying, and investigated the causes of cyberbullying among university students. The study was anchored on the tenets of Social Influence Theory. A survey research design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The sample size consisted of 400 university students selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.The major findings revealed that 92.0% of the students reported having experienced cyberbullying, while 94.0% indicated that they knew a friend who had experienced cyberbullying. Regarding the nature of cyberbullying, 95% of the students affirmed awareness of its various forms. The results further showed that exclusion (94.0%), cyberstalking (96.0%), dissing (77.0%), and trolling (95.0%) were the major forms of cyberbullying experienced by the students. The study also found that the major causes of cyberbullying included hatred for others (94.0%), the desire for power and control (94.0%), revenge, deficient digital communication skills (94.0%), and lack of empathy for others (91.0%). The study concluded that there is a high level of cyberbullying prevalence among university students in Southeast Nigeria. It recommended that cyberbullying can be curtailed through awareness campaigns, seminars, workshops, and the enforcement of laws to punish offenders, as these measures will go a long way in reducing cyberbullying.
Cyberbullying, Prevalence, University Students
Ralph-Nwachukwu, Onyinye Patricia; Ihejirika Walter C.; Benson-Eluwa Virginia; Onu, Samson E.
NIGERIA AND ECOWAS: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL LEADERSHIP AND INTEGRATION
This paper examines Nigeria’s role in the formation, evolution, and consolidation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with a particular focus on its leadership in promoting regional integration and stability. Established in 1975, ECOWAS has emerged as one of Africa’s most prominent regional organizations, largely influenced by Nigeria’s political, economic, and military contributions. Using a historical-analytical approach, the study traces Nigeria’s leadership trajectory from the post-independence era, through the Cold War, and into the contemporary period. It evaluates Nigeria’s contributions to economic integration, peacekeeping, and institutional development, while also interrogating the domestic and external constraints that have shaped its regional ambitions. The paper argues that, although Nigeria has been the backbone of ECOWAS, its leadership has been inconsistent due to internal political instability, economic challenges, and shifting foreign policy priorities. The study contributes to broader debates on regional hegemony, integration, and the role of middle powers in global governance.
Nigeria, ECOWAS, regional integration, foreign policy, West Africa, leadership
Mohammed SAIDU, Habeeb Lajide SULAIMON, and Akeem Aderayo SARAKI, Ph.D.
BARRIERS TO UTILIZING SKILLED BIRTH ATTENDANCE AMONG ADOLESCENT MOTHERS IN URBAN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS IN NIGERIA: A LITERATURE REVIEW
This literature review synthesizes evidence on barriers to skilled birth attendance (SBA) among adolescent mothers in urban informal settlements in Nigeria. The paper adopts the Three Delays Model as the theoretical framework. Drawing on studies published between 2012 and 2025, the review identifies critical socioeconomic, cultural, health system, and individual-level barriers that impede access to facility-based delivery services. Key findings reveal that only 18–34% of adolescent mothers in Nigeria utilize health facilities for delivery, with rates particularly low in Northern Nigeria and urban slum communities. Major barriers include poverty and the high cost of services, low educational attainment, long distances to health facilities, negative attitudes of healthcare workers, cultural beliefs favoring traditional birth attendants, stigma against pregnant adolescents, and lack of family support. The review highlights the urgent need for multi-sectoral interventions, including girl-child education, expansion of health insurance coverage, improvement in healthcare worker attitudes, community engagement, and targeted support for vulnerable adolescent populations in urban informal settlements. These findings have significant implications for achieving Nigeria’s maternal mortality reduction targets and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Adolescent Mothers, Skilled Birth Attendance, Nigeria
Ngozi Chinenye Okeke, Bisiola Ekelechi Okoye & Nneoma Emelechi Okoye
CHRISTIAN ENCOUNTER WITH THE OCCULT PHENOMENON: A KABALLISTIC EXPERIENCE
The idea of mysticism or occultism has always been shrouded in demonic and evil forces by most fanatical and overzealous Christians. The Kaballah is an ancient Jewish teaching that uses biblical stories as allegories for human experience, and its primary concern is the knowledge of God, the universe, and humanity. The Kaballistic Tree of Life is a complex diagram that serves as a device for understanding the universe and humanity, and its connection to mystical experiences. This article explores the concept of occult knowledge, particularly the Hebrew Qaballah, its relevance to Christian scholars. It examines the distinction between mystics and magicians, white and black witches and the concept of white and black magic. The Kaballa has contributed to the development of the magic faculty or mystic sense, and has influenced the Christian theology, particularly the works of Dion Fortune and Thomas Aquinas. Basically, the work demonstrates the value of occult knowledge and the Kaballah in deepening one's understanding of spiritual reality and the nature of God.
Orah, M. T. (Phd), (Unizik); And Rev Fr Arazu, R. C. (PhD)
THEATRE, MEDIA AND SOCIAL RECONSTRUCTION: A STANCE AGAINST RAPE IN ONCE UPON A PARADE
Gender-based violence, including domestic violence, rape and other sexual abuses, has assumed a frightening dimension globally. In Nigeria, incidents of rape are reaching alarming levels, sustained by patriarchal systems and reinforced by a culture of silence. Such acts constitute infringement on women’s rights, privacy, self-preservation and dignity. This study examines the intersection of theatre and media as instruments for social reconstruction. A descriptive qualitative study approach was adopted, involving textual and performance analysis of Once Upon a Parade by Aniebiet Mbede, staged in the Akwa Ibom State University Pinnacle theatre. This work interrogates the sociological, institutional and cultural factors accentuating the rise of sexual violence in Nigeria. Underpinned by Feminist Theory and Bystander Theory, the study highlights the dramaturgical techniques and narrative modalities employed in the multimedia performance, which challenges prevalent myths surrounding rape and gendered power imbalances. Findings reveal that the performance’s advocacy function promotes victim empathy, exposes systematic corruption, and fosters collective action to address this social menace. In conclusion, the synergy of theatre and creative digital media remains a viable strategy for cultural reorientation and social reconstruction in contemporary Nigeria. This study recommends intensive sensitisation of citizenry regarding the traumatic effects of rape and advocates for strict enforcement of existing laws to protect victims against stigmatisation and humiliation, thereby contributing to a safer and more just society.
Feminism, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Media, Social Reconstruction, Theatre
ARISTOTLE’S ACCOUNT OF VIRTUOUS LEADER AND THE QUEST FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN AFRICA
This paper focuses on Aristotle’s account of the virtuous leader as a paradigm for achieving good governance in Africa, particularly Nigeria. It examines how morally upright, responsible, responsive, accountable, transparent, courageous, and wise leaders can intellectually and morally harness societal resources for the sustainable development of society and the eradication of poor governance. Aristotle’s account of virtuous leadership is particularly imperative in societies where poor governance—characterized by corruption, prebendalism, nepotism, favouritism, economic sabotage, unequal distribution of wealth and resources, and the misappropriation of public funds—has led to widespread political, social, and economic instability. To capture the nuances of the thesis of this project, the research explores the meaning of good governance, identifies the qualities that define a virtuous leader, and analyzes how these two elements can help address leadership problems in Africa, particularly Nigeria. Using the analytical and critical methods of philosophizing, the study compares Aristotle’s ideals of moral virtue with the current realities of political leadership in Nigeria. The paper argues that many of Nigeria’s challenges, including corruption and nepotism, are rooted in moral decay rather than in structural or legal deficiencies. Thus, the study asserts that meaningful reform must begin with ethical leadership grounded in character, discipline, and a genuine commitment to the common good. It further encourages educators, policymakers, and civil society organizations to invest in deliberate character formation as part of leadership training. By prioritizing moral integrity alongside competence, nations like Nigeria can lay the groundwork for more just, effective, and trustworthy governance.
Good Governance, Virtuous Leaders, Nigeria, Corruption, Moral Character
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN EASTERN NIGERIA BEFORE 1976: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS
This study examines agricultural activities in Eastern Nigeria before 1976, a period marked by significant economic, social and political changes. Agriculture was the backbone of the regional economy, with crops such as palm produce, cocoa and root crops serving as major sources of income. The region’s agricultural sector was characterised by small-scale farming, with farmers relying on traditional farming methods and tools. The introduction of cash crops by colonial authorities led to a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, with many farmers producing crops for export. However, this shift also brought challenges such as land degradation, labour exploitation and fluctuating market prices. Despite these challenges, agriculture remained a vital sector of the regional economy, providing employment and income for millions of people. This study draws on historical records and empirical evidence to provide insights into the dynamics of agricultural activities in Eastern Nigeria before 1976. It covers the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria, which comprised the present-day states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River (then part of the South-Eastern State), Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers. The methodology adopted is historical analysis and an extensive review of data collected from primary and secondary sources. The findings of this study have implications for contemporary agricultural policies and practices in the region.
Agricultural Activities, Eastern Nigeria, Pre-1976, Cash Crops, Small-Scale Farming
THE EVOLUTION AND CHALLENGES OF BANKING IN NIGERIA, 1959-1998: A REVIEW OF BANK FAILURES AND LESSONS LEARNED
The banking industry is no doubt an important live wire in the smooth running of economic activities and the driving of socioeconomic development. The alarming rate of bank failures in Nigeria, a country yearning for socioeconomic development, therefore calls for concern. Little wonder it has raised serious concerns among stakeholders. This paper therefore attempts a historical analysis of the causes and effects of bank failures in Nigeria and, more importantly, the lessons the country can learn from them in order to build a stronger banking industry and accelerate development. Adopting a historical methodology, which involves a qualitative analysis of primary and secondary source materials related to a chosen time period, the paper argues that from the rubble of bank failures, valuable lessons can be harnessed if greater attention is paid to the hard lessons that can be gleaned from such failures. The study finds that the causes of bank failure are largely man-made, pointing mainly to managerial failure, and that the lessons they offer have, to a large extent, been neglected.
Bank, Banking System, Bank failures, Nigeria, Lessons
OBIENUSI, Ihuoma Elizabeth; LAWRENCE, Chichebem Solomon
FINANCIAL STRESS AND PERSONALITY TRAITS AS PREDICTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG CAREGIVERS OF MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS
This study examined financial stress and personality traits as predictors of psychological distress among caregivers of mentally ill patients at Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Nawfia, Anambra State, Nigeria. Eighty-nine caregivers were recruited using a total population sampling technique (31 males, 34.8%; 58 females, 65.2%), with ages ranging from 24 to 51 years (M = 39.63, SD = 8.96). Instruments included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), a Financial Stress Questionnaire, and the Big Five Personality Inventory. A predictive cross-sectional design was employed, and data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results indicated that the affective dimension of financial stress significantly and positively predicted psychological distress (β = 1.19, t = 7.39, p < .05). Other financial stress dimensions demonstrated negative but non-significant relationships. None of the Big Five personality traits significantly predicted psychological distress in this sample. The findings underscore the salience of financial strain in shaping caregivers’ psychological well-being, while suggesting that personality traits may play a less direct role within this context. It is recommended that mental health institutions incorporate structured financial counseling and psychosocial support services to mitigate distress among caregivers.
financial stress, personality traits, psychological distress, caregivers, mental illness
Anyaorah, Godson Chukwudi; Okanya, Esther Chinecherem; Obi U. C.
BOKO HARAM, TERRORISM, AND THE CHURCH IN NORTHERN NIGERIA (1999–2015)
This study examines the emergence of Boko Haram as a terrorist movement and its impact on the Christian Church and broader Nigerian society between 1999 and 2015. It argues that Boko Haram’s evolution from a local religious sect into a full-scale insurgency was facilitated by structural weaknesses such as poverty, corruption, political exclusion, and the instrumentalization of religion. Drawing on documentary sources and existing scholarly literature, the paper analyses the social, economic, political, and religious consequences of terrorism on Christian communities in northern Nigeria. The study concludes that although Boko Haram has inflicted significant damage on religious institutions and national cohesion, the crisis is not insurmountable if addressed through coordinated security reforms, effective governance, and sustained interreligious engagement.
Professor Ifeyinwa Henrietta EMEJULU; Uchenna Kelechi IWUOZO
LA TRADUCTION DES TEXTES DE PHILOSOPHIE EMPIRIQUE
Cette étude a pour but de rechercher à surmonter les obstacles qui gênent la compréhension et la traduction des textes philosophiques au perspectif empirique voire la traduction des discours au tour de Germain, le protagoniste dans La mare au diable de George Sand, de français vers l’anglais. L’étude révèle que le texte empirique de la philosophie est un texte dénotatif, objectif, descriptif qui fait appel à la sensation humaine à savoir: le goût, le toucher, la déduction et l’induction des faits, l’analyse des données et qui attire des maximes. Nous découvrons que c’est dans la traduction des axiomes et des maximes que réside la plupart des difficultés dans la traduction des textes philosophiques au perspectif empirique. Nous adoptons la méthode séquentielle de Daniel Gile. La théorie de cette étude est les principes de correspondance d'Eugene Nida. Le perspectif de cette étude fait partie de l’aspect méthodique de l’épistémologie, cet aspect de la philosophie qui enquête sur la connaissance. Bien qu’il y ait d’autres perspectives épistémologiques tels que : l’intuition, le raisonnement, la foi, l’autorité et la révélation qui sont à la fois des sources de connaissance, le perspectif empirique nous paraît central à toutes domaines traditionnelles de la philosophie y compris l’esthétique, l’éthique, la métaphysique, la logique, et l’épistémologie.
la philosophie, l’empiricisme, corpora, la traduction
EZUOKE, CHUKWUDINMA OGECHI; ADAEZE NGOZI OHUOBA
THE POWER OF NARRATIVE: ARTISTIC REPRESENTATION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN SUNNY ALLI’S LAGOS GIRLS – A FILM
The power of narratives in films offers a profound means of reflecting on, questioning and addressing societal issues. This research explores the artistic representation of domestic violence in Lagos Girls, a film by Sunny Alli, analysing how the narrative structure, visual techniques and character portrayals contribute to the depiction of this sensitive and often silenced issue. Through a detailed analysis of key scenes and character arcs, and by incorporating Cathy Caruth’s trauma theory, the study examines the role of film in raising awareness about domestic violence within Nigerian society while also considering its broader societal implications. By delving into the complex interplay between personal trauma and social norms, the paper demonstrates how Lagos Girls employs artistic expression to challenge traditional narratives surrounding gender, power and violence. Furthermore, the study highlights the potential of film as a medium for advocacy and social change, offering a nuanced understanding of how domestic violence is both represented and contested in contemporary African cinema.
artistic representation, domestic violence, visual techniques, film
AKINRINLOLA, DEBORAH ATINUKE; OSEMWEGIE, Mojisola Omowumi; IMASAGBOR Blessing
WATER BODIES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA
The paper discusses water bodies and economic development in south East, Nigeria. It explores the relationship between water bodies and economic development in Southeast Nigeria. It highlights the biodiversity potential of these water bodies and outline strategies to make them functional such as environmental restoration, infrastructure development, dredging, and regular pollution control. The study examines the potential economic benefits of functional water bodies in the region, including reliable clean water supply, improved transportation, consistent access to aquatic food, enhanced recreation and tourism, efficient irrigation, and ecosystem restoration. The paper also addresses the negative impacts of the current lack of functional water bodies, such as the widespread drilling of boreholes, economic losses due to travel to other regions for essential resources, migration out of the region, and the overall dependency of the local economy. The study employed a historical method of qualitative objective content analysis of both primary and secondary sources. The finding of the paper reveals that the absence of functional water bodies has significantly contributed to the region's economic stagnation which has in constant migration out of the region with attendance economic consequences. The study concludes that revitalizing the water bodies in Southeast Nigeria could transform the region into a thriving economic hub within the nation.
Water Bodies, and Economic, Development, Economic Development