NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF AFRICAN STUDIES (NJAS)
The Nigerian Journal of African Studies (ISSN: 2734-3146) is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the promotion and dissemination of scholarly research on the diverse cultures, histories, languages, philosophies, and socio-political systems of Africa, with a particular emphasis on Nigeria and West Africa. NJAS provides a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars in the humanities and social sciences, including but not limited to African history, literature, linguistics, anthropology, sociology, political science, gender studies, and cultural studies. The journal is committed to advancing critical thought on African experiences, indigenous knowledge systems, and contemporary issues affecting the continent, while fostering intellectual exchange that bridges local and global perspectives. Through rigorous academic standards and inclusive scholarship, NJAS seeks to contribute meaningfully to the evolving discourse on African identity, heritage, and development. NJAS is a publication of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.
HISTORICAL TRENDS OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES: EXPLORING COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCES, 2019-2023
The paper discusses the historical trends of communicable diseases: exploring the COVID-19 pandemic and the Nigerian experiences, 2019-2023. It explores diseases such as Smallpox, Bubonic Plague, and Spanish Flu, COVID-19 and their impacts. It examines the area of similarities and similarities between COVID-19 and other pandemics in the past in terms of transmissions and global response. It highlights how COVID-19 impacted on economy, health, education, and also examines how the government of Nigeria and the citizens responded during the COVID-19 outbreak. The paper adopted the historical qualitative objective content analysis method of primary and secondary sources. The findings of the study reveal among other things, that globalization and improvement in transportation caused the COVID-19 to spread all over the world within a couple of weeks, unlike other communicable diseases in the past. It also showed that advancement in modern medicine led to the fast invention of vaccines and that Information Communication Technology (ICT) related businesses boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic period as a result of lockdowns and social distancing. The findings also showed that the Nigerian Government was ill- equiped in her efforts to combat the pandemic and that the citizens felt betrayed by manner in which the government treated its citizens. It concluded with the notion that if the coordinated efforts and cooperation as was seen by countries and international organizations towards the fight against the COVID-19 is sustained, future inevitable outbreaks of communicable diseases may be controlled on time. The paper concluded by stressing that if the same efforts used in combating COVID-19 are rechanneled towards the fight against poverty and crimes that the world will gradually become a better place for all.
Historical, Trends, Communicable Diseases, COVID-19, and Pandemic
Dr. Chidiebere Onuoha, Dr. Felix Uju Dike, Chukwuma Amaram
Philosophy of the Arts: Aesthetic Foundations of Creativity and Performance
This research explores the philosophical foundations that underlie artistic creativity and performance. It examines how aesthetic theory, as a branch of philosophy, provides a framework for understanding art as a mode of knowing, expressing, and creating meaning. Through an analysis of creativity as both an ontological and phenomenological process, the chapter situates performance within the continuum of aesthetic experience, ethics, and social meaning. Drawing from traditional Igbo Worldview and on Western thinkers such as Aristotle, Kant, Hegel, Dewey, and contemporary theorists of embodiment and process philosophy, it argues that art is not merely a product of imagination but a living dialogue between the artist, the audience, and the world.
Philosophy, Arts, Aesthetic, Creativity, Phenemenology
Dr. Francis Okechukwu Ndubuisi & Dr. PhilipMary Ayika
Asụsụ Igbo: Enyo Ngosipụta Ndụ na Njirimara Ndị Igbo
Nchọcha a bụ maka asụsụ Igbo: enyo ngosipụta ndụ na njirimara ndị Igbo. Ihe nwanchọcha bu n’obi bụ igosipụta etu asụsụ Igbo si egosipụta ndụ na njirimara ndị Igbo. Ihe kpalitere nwanchọcha ime nchọcha a bụ na ọtụtụ ụmụafọ Igbo ejizighi asụsụ Igbo kpọrọ ihe. Ọ bụ maka nke a ka nwanchọcha ji chọọ ime nchọcha a iji gosipụta na ọ bụ n’asụsụ Igbo ka ndụ na njirimara ndị Igbo gbadoro ụkwụ. Ya bụ na e wepu asụsụ Igbo, a mara na ndụ ndị Igbo enweghi isi. A bịa n’omenala Igbo, tupu ụfọdụ emụme adị ire, a ga-ejirịrị asụsụ Igbo mee ha, dị ka emume ọjị na emume ndị ọzọ. Ya bụ na echiche ndị Igbo na-agbado ụkwụ n’asụsụ Igbo. Mgbe e mechara nchọcha a, a chọpụtara ụzọ dị iche iche asụsụ Igbo si ezipụta ndụ na njirimara ndị Igbo. A chọpụtakwara na e nwegasịrị ihe ndị bụ ihe mkpọbi ụkwụ nye uto na mgbasa asụsụ Igbo. E lebakwara anya n’ihe ndị e merela iji kwalite ọnọdụ asụsụ Igbo n’ala Igbo na n’ebe ndị ọzọ dị iche iche na senturi nke iri abụọ na otu. Ihe ọzọkwa a chọpụtara bụ ihe ndị a ga-eme iji kwalite ọnọdụ asụsụ Igbo n’ogo dị elu. E bu n’uche na mpụtara nchọcha a ga-eweta mgbanwe n’echiche ụmụafọ Igbo gbasara asụsụ Igbo, ma mee ka ndị Igbo hụ asụsụ ha n’anya ma na-asụkwa ya n’ebe niile. Ya bụ na ndị Igbo kwesiri ikuli kwalite, chekwaa ma na-asụkwa asụsụ Igbo; maka na asụsụ bụ ndụ na njirimara mba.
FREE VARIATION IN AGỤATA DIALECT OF IGBO
This research is on free variation in Agụata dialect of Igbo. The researcher intends to find out the free variants in different communities in Agụata dialect, and free variants common to all the communities of Agụata dialect. It is a survey type of research. The researcher adopted variation theory as the theoretical framework for the study. The result shows that the following variants vary in some communities in Agụata dialect and do not vary in others. They are /s/ and /tʃ/, /ɲ/ and /j/, /ɣ/ and /ɦ/, /s/ and /ʃ/, /ɪ/ and /ʊ/. Besides, the following variants are common to all the communities of the dialect; they are /ɦ/ and /l/, /l/ and /r/, /l/ and /n/, /f/ and /ɦ/, and /r/ and /j/. At the end of the research, the researcher was able to accomplish the aim of embarking on the research. The study, recommends for further studies to be carried out in the following areas: The influence of geographical factors on free variation in Agụata dialect of Igbo, and free variation in Orumba dialect of Igbo.
NTỤCHA ASỤSỤ EKPEMEKPE ỌDỊNALA NA NKE ỤKA KRAỊST NA NSUGBE
Nchọcha a gbasara ntụcha asụsụ ekpemekpe ọdịnala na nke ụka Kraịst na Nsugbe. Asụsụ bụ otu ụzọ mmadụ na mmadụ ma ọ bụ mmadụ na mmụọ si enwe mmekọrịta. Amaghị ma ọ bụ nghọta okwu dị iche iche otu ekpemekpe ji eme ofufe na-eweta nghọtahie n’etiti ndị otu ekpemekpe dị iche iche. Nke a mere ndị nchọcha ji họrọ isiokwu a iji kọwaa ụfọdụ okwu ndị ekpemekpe ọdịnala na nke ụka Kraịst ji arụ ọrụ, ka ndị mmadụ wee ghọta nke ọma ihe ha na-ekwu mgbe ha ji okwu ndị a eme ofufe. Nke a ga-ebelata nghọtahie na-apụta n’etiti ndị ekpemekpe ọdịnala na ndị ụka. Ebumnobi nchọcha a bụ ịchọpụta okwu Igbo dị iche iche e ji arụ ọrụ n’usoro ekpemekpe abụọ a a na-atụle ma tụchaa ha iji zipụta mpụtara ha. Nchọcha e mere bụ nke nkọwa, e jikwa atụtụ nkwukọrịta okwu agbụrụ na omenala (Ethnography of Communication) nke Dell Hymes tụpụtara n’afọ 1964 mee ntụcha. E dekọpụtara mkpụrụokwu ndị ekpemekpe ọdịnala na ndị ụka Kraịst ji arụ ọrụ. A chọpụtara na okwu ndị na-ezipụta ihe onye bụ ma ọ bụ ihe onye na-arụ na-egosipụta otu echiche n’usoro ekpemekpe ọdịnala na nke ụka Kraịst. Nchọpụta ọzọ sitere na ntụcha okwu njiarụ ekpemekpe ndị a gosiri na usoro ekpemekpe ọ bụla kwenyere na ọ bụ Chukwu ka ha na-enye ofufe. Nchọcha a ga-abara ọhaneze uru n’ihi na ha ga-ahụ nzipụta okwu Igbo ndị e ji arụ ọrụ n’usoro ekpemekpe ndị a tụlere ma mata mpụtara ha. Nchọcha a ga-abụkwa mgbado ụkwụ maka ndị chọrọ ime nchọcha n’isiokwu dị ka nke a.
CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC: AN ANALYSIS OF IMPOLITENESS STRATEGIES BY NIGERIAN FACEBOOK USERS
Comments on Facebook provide a rich source of qualitative data that reflect public opinion as well as shed light on how people make decisions and build beliefs. In the world of pragmatics, there is a notion of politeness and impoliteness. Everybody has a public self –image and or faces which they hope that other people will appreciate. Studying impoliteness can be of help to people to understand unacceptable manners and impolite languages to help them regulate their actions when interacting with others. The aim of this study is to look into impoliteness strategies used by Nigerian Facebook users in relation to corona virus pandemic. To achieve this, a well thought-out methodological approach will be used to investigate how impoliteness strategies are implemented on Facebook comments. The descriptive method is used for this study. The data is extracted from Facebook users’ comments in Nigeria. The researcher finds out that impoliteness strategies were used to vent negative feelings, show frustration, display disappointment ridicule the writer of the posts as well as explain something on their mind. The researcher recommends to use this study as a reference for understanding the application of impoliteness in Facebook and social media in general for people in conveying their opinion.
impoliteness, politeness, Facebook, Corona virus, Face
QUESTION FORMATION IN ENGLISH AND NIGERIAN PIDGIN [NP]
This work analysis of, question formation in English and Nigerian Pidgin was carried out to examine similarities and differences between formation of question in English and Nigerian Pidgin. The study derives its framework from Government Binding Theory, a theory that elaborates syntactic levels through the concept of movement. This research is a qualitative one, recordings, personal contacts and observational data were collected and analysed. The findings indicate that there is movement of elements in both languages though with significant difference.
English language; Nigerian Pidgin; Pidgin
PERFECTIONISM AND ACADEMIC STRESS AS PREDICTORS OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY
The study examined perfectionism and academic stress as predictors of depressive symptoms among undergraduate students. Two hundred and fifty (250) students (116 males, 46.4%; 134 females, 53.6%) aged 17–26 years (M = 20.46, SD = 2.25) were selected using convenience sampling. Instruments included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (FMPS), and the Student Academic Stress Scale (SASS). A predictive survey design was adopted, and data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results indicated that perfectionism significantly and positively predicted depressive symptoms (β = .121, p = .041). Academic stress also significantly and positively predicted depressive symptoms (β = .434, p < .001), emerging as the stronger predictor. The findings suggest that maladaptive perfectionistic tendencies and elevated academic stress significantly increase vulnerability to depressive symptoms among undergraduates. The study recommends structured campus-based psychological interventions focusing on cognitive restructuring and stress management strategies.
perfectionism, academic stress, depressive symptoms, undergraduate students, Nigeria
MECHANISMS OF RENT CAPTURE AND DISTRIBUTION IN TARABA STATE’S MINING SECTOR, NIGERIA
The mining sector remains a critical source of economic rents in resource-rich regions; however, the processes through which these rents are captured and distributed often determine whether mineral wealth contributes to sustainable development or reinforces inequality. This paper examines the mechanisms of rent capture and distribution in Taraba State’s mining sector, with particular attention to the interaction between formal regulatory frameworks and informal governance practices. Drawing on a political economy and institutional analysis approach, the paper explores how rents are generated through licensing, royalties, taxation, and negotiated agreements, and how these rents are subsequently allocated among state institutions, mining operators, local elites, and host communities. Using both qualitative and quantitative data, the findings reveal that while formal legal and fiscal instruments exist to regulate rent capture, weak enforcement and pervasive informality significantly distort rent distribution. Consequently, a substantial portion of mining rents is captured by a narrow group of actors, thereby limiting the developmental impact of the sector at the state and community levels. The paper recommends reforms aimed at promoting more equitable and sustainable rent distribution in Taraba State’s mining sector.
Mechanisms, Rent, Capture, Distribution and Mining sector
Manga, Joseph & Tukura, Nashuka Tino, PhD
IMPACT OF PATERNAL INVOLVEMENT ON MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AND INFANT FEEDING PRACTICES IN NIGERIA: A LITERATURE REVIEW
This literature review examines the role of paternal involvement in shaping maternal mental health outcomes and infant feeding practices within the Nigerian context. Drawing on relevant studies identified through comprehensive database searches, the review synthesizes evidence on how fathers' participation influences exclusive breastfeeding rates, maternal psychological well-being, and child nutrition outcomes. The paper adopts Social Support Theory, Family Systems Theory, and Socio-ecological Models of Health Behavior as its theoretical framework. The review reveals that while paternal support significantly enhances breastfeeding initiation and duration and reduces the risk of maternal postpartum depression, Nigerian-specific research remains limited. Key findings indicate that culturally informed interventions targeting fathers can substantially improve their intentions and behaviors toward supporting exclusive breastfeeding. However, persistent barriers—including traditional gender norms, limited health system engagement with fathers, and socioeconomic constraints—continue to impede optimal paternal involvement. The review identifies critical gaps in understanding the mechanisms linking paternal support to maternal mental health in Nigerian populations and calls for context-specific interventions that address cultural beliefs while promoting father engagement in maternal and child health.
Infant feeding, Maternal health, Nigeria, Paternal involvement
Ngozi Chinenye Okeke, Ifeanyi Ikenna Ofonere & Leona Adimchi Ekeh
Gender Abuse in Nigerian Urban Space: An Impact Analysis of Domestic Violence against Women in Awka, 2000-2020
Domestic violence in Nigeria happens to both men and women but, oftentimes, it is mostly directed against women. The level of violence against women in the country increases by the day with two out of every five in most communities experiencing violent abuse at home, and the impacts on them are multiple. Women in both rural and urban spaces do experience it. Though many a scholar of gender and society has explored the problem of domestic violence against women in Nigeria, however, it is observed in their analysis of the problem that they not only tried to generalize the causes but tended to generalize the effects on women and how they respond to them. There is very little effort to dissect the experience in the urban spaces from what is obtainable in the rural areas as the latent social and economic elements in the two environments widely differ. As an attempt towards abridging this gap in knowledge, this paper, using Awka in Anambra State as a reference case, examines how domestic violence against women in the urban space impacts on them. It focuses on the family life, social relationships, psychological and mental health as well as economic wellbeing of the women. It makes some important findings: first, the impacts of domestic violence on women are more psychological damaging than physical; secondly, despite its deleterious consequences, many women seldomly report such abuses against them; and thirdly, very little instances of domestic violence against women have actually led to divorce. The paper adopts the thematic descriptive method of analysis. Sources of information used in this paper include: oral interviews, public government document and agency reports, books, journal articles, and the internet. The interviewees (informants) are drawn from different quarters in Awka metropolis, and were selected from amongst the victims as well as members of the general public that have relevant information or/and knowledge about the subject.
Awka. Urban Space, Women, Domestic Violence, and Gender Abuse
Festus C. Onuegbu & Amanda N. Nwafor-Orizu
PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE USE OF WAIST BEADS BY WOMEN IN AWKA SOUTH L.G.A, ANAMBRA STATE
This study investigated public perception of the use of waist beads by women in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State. It also examined the extent of usage, the reasons for wearing waist beads, prevailing perceptions, and measures that could be implemented to improve public perception of their use among women. Three theories were reviewed in this study: cultivation theory, symbolic interactionism, and phenomenology. Symbolic interactionism was adopted as the theoretical framework. The sample size comprised 204 respondents. A questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide were used for data collection. The quantitative data collected during fieldwork were processed using SPSS and analyzed using descriptive statistics, such as simple frequency distribution tables. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic method of data analysis. Two hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square (χ²) test statistic. The findings show, among other things, that the use of waist beads is not widespread. The reasons for wearing waist beads include beauty and fashion, maturity and sexual attraction, weight awareness, cultural identity, femininity, and fertility. Based on these findings, it was recommended, among other measures, that radio and television programmes be sponsored to counter negative perceptions held by some residents regarding the wearing of waist beads. Furthermore, policies should be developed to promote cultural heritage practices such as the wearing of waist beads.
waist beads, fashion, culture, stigmatization, misconception
Chikwendu, Stephen Chilaka; Ikebudu, Chioma; Njoku, Chinaza Benita
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIAL PHOBIA AND MARITAL SATISFACTION AMONG MARRIED PERSONS IN AWKA METROPOLIS, ANAMBRA STATE
This study explored the relationship between social phobia and marital satisfaction among married persons in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State. A total of 300 participants were sampled for the study. The participants consisted of married individuals residing in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, and were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Their ages ranged from 20 to 60 years, with a mean age of 37.5 and a standard deviation of 0.214. Two instruments were used for data collection: the Index of Marital Satisfaction developed by Walter W. Hudson (1982) and the Social Phobia Inventory developed by Katharine M. Connor et al. (2000). The study adopted a survey research design with a cross-sectional approach, and Pearson’s product–moment correlation was used to test the hypothesis. One hypothesis was formulated, which stated that social phobia would significantly correlate with marital satisfaction. The hypothesis was rejected (r = 0.051, p > .05), indicating no significant relationship between social phobia and marital satisfaction. Based on the findings, the researchers recommend that therapists, clinical psychologists, and marriage counsellors exercise caution when addressing the behavioural dynamics of social phobia and marital satisfaction among married persons.
Social Phobia, Marital Satisfaction, Married Persons, Awka Metropolis
Umeaku, N. N., PhD; Okoye, Bisiola E. & Umeaku, Happiness O.
BRUISED BODIES, TRAUMA AND RESISTANCE IN AKACHI ADIMORA-EZEIGBO’S TRAFFICKED AND CHRIS ABANI’S BECOMING ABIGAIL
In recent years, young girls in sub-Saharan Africa have become increasingly endangered due to human trafficking. They are not only subjected to modern slavery and forced prostitution, but their transported bodies are also bruised and traumatized in Europe. These harrowing experiences are captured in African diasporic narratives. This essay therefore examines the bruised bodies of trafficked girls, their traumatic experiences, and their resistance in Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s Trafficked and Chris Abani’s Becoming Abigail. Through coerced prostitution, these girls are reduced to mere commodities, deceived with false job opportunities, and forced into selling their bodies in Europe. However, the essay demonstrates that, despite the horrific constraints of racial discrimination, dehumanization, and commodification, the writers deploy different strategies of resistance to liberate their female protagonists. In their struggle for survival, some characters employ subtle tools of resistance, such as sisterhood and the infliction of injury on their oppressors, while others adopt more combative strategies, including killing their oppressors. The study adopts a qualitative research methodology and draws on Cathy Caruth’s trauma theory as its theoretical framework. This choice is based on the premise that the issue under investigation involves multidimensional questions of identity formation, characterization, and traumatic disorder. The essay concludes that although the combative strategy of inflicting physical injury or killing oppressors may be condemned as extreme, it reflects Adimora-Ezeigbo’s and Abani’s stylistic commitment to denouncing the continued bruising and traumatization of the female body, whether on African soil or abroad.
Bruised Bodies, Trauma, Resistance, Trafficking, dehumanisation
THE EFFECTS OF MULTIMODAL STORYTELLING ON COMPREHENSION, RECALL, AND DISCOURSE ENGAGEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA
Dementia causes a progressive decline in language comprehension and communication, limiting patients’ ability to engage in meaningful discourse. Although storytelling has been applied as a language-based intervention in dementia care, most existing approaches rely on single modes of presentation, such as verbal narration or visual cues, with little experimental evidence on the combined effect of multimodal communication. This pilot study investigated the effect of multimodal storytelling-integrating text, visuals, and gestures-on comprehension, recall, and discourse engagement in dementia patients. Guided by Multimodal Discourse Analysis (Kress & van Leeuwen, 2001) and cognitive theories of multimodal learning (Mayer, 2009), the study adopted a within-subjects quasi-experimental design involving six patients with mild to moderate dementia recruited from three tertiary hospitals. Each participant experienced three storytelling conditions: text-only, text plus visuals, and text plus visuals plus gestures. Short, age-appropriate narratives with clear sequences and concrete actions were used, delivered in 20–25 minute sessions twice weekly over four weeks. Storytelling was accompanied by illustrations and iconic gestures in the multimodal condition to support comprehension and engagement. Data were collected through structured comprehension tests, immediate and delayed recall tasks, observational engagement checklists, and audio/video recordings for multimodal discourse analysis. Quantitative analysis of comprehension and recall scores showed consistent increases across conditions, with the highest mean scores observed in the text + visuals +gestures condition (comprehension mean = 9.67/11; delayed recall mean = 8.33/10). Observational data indicated greater attention, participation, and mirroring of gestures in the multimodal condition. Qualitative analysis of transcripts and recordings revealed improved narrative coherence, richer use of temporal and causal connectives, and active engagement with visual and gestural cues. The findings suggest that multimodal storytelling significantly enhanced comprehension, memory retention, and discourse production compared to unimodal approaches. The study provides preliminary, language-centered evidence supporting the integration of text, visuals, and gestures in dementia interventions and offers practical strategies for improving communication and interaction in clinical settings. These results lay the groundwork for larger-scale experimental research in applied linguistics and dementia care.
Dementia, Multimodal Discourse Analysis, Storytelling, Gestures, Communication
THE EFFECT OF FLOODING ON FOOD SECURITY OF HOUSEHOLDS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA
The study was conducted to assess the effects of flooding on food security of households in rural communities of Delta State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to collect data from 160 respondents through the use of questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using mean, frequency, percentage, likert scale, multiple regression and binary probit models. The result indicated that the majority (71.6%) of the farmers had farming experience of 1–14 years and had no contact with an extension agent. The mean result (mean = 2.88) showed that farmers sourced food from the wild as coping strategies during floods. The result showed that use of saving (mean = 3.26), reliance on stored foods (mean = 3.09), change in livelihood (mean = 3.07), were coping strategies adopted by farmers during floods in the study area. The result showed that majority of the respondents had low income which connoted food insecurity. The result showed that education, income level, contact with extension agent and access to credit, affected food security. There was a statistically significant relationship between flooding and food security among rural households. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Governments and local authorities should establish early warning systems and improve flood preparedness measures, such as building flood-resistant infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and housing, to reduce destruction during floods. Encouraging the construction of canals and raising ground levels, as identified coping strategies, should be expanded to all farmers.
Akporise, Oruese Miracle & PROF. (MRS) R. N. Okoh
THE PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF PROVERBS IN ACHỌWA ISI ỌCHỤ
This study investigates the pragmatic functions and cultural significance of Igbo proverbs as used in Achọwa Isi Ọchụ by Chinedum Oformata, with particular focus on the application of Impoliteness Theory. Proverbs in Igbo discourse are not merely rhetorical flourishes; they are powerful communicative tools embedded with social meaning. Drawing on ten selected proverbs from the novel, the research explores how these expressions perform specific pragmatic roles such as correcting behavior, asserting authority, expressing disapproval, and subtly enacting face-threatening acts. The analysis reveals that impoliteness strategies, particularly positive impoliteness, sarcasm, and bald-on-record expressions are tactically deployed through proverbs to communicate social criticism without overt hostility. These proverbs reflect the sociocultural norms of the Igbo people, demonstrating how language, tradition, and interpersonal dynamics intersect in everyday communication. The study further highlights the impact of these proverbs on character interactions, showing how linguistic impoliteness functions not merely as a stylistic device but also as a mechanism for power negotiation and cultural reflection. By applying a pragmatic lens to indigenous literature, this work contributes to a broader understanding of African oral traditions, cultural linguistics, and the nuanced role of indirectness in communication.
Igbo proverbs, pragmatic function, Impoliteness theory, sacarsm, implicature, indirectness
Chinwenmeri Okechukwu; Ifeka Juliet Onyeocha; Chikelu Ezenwafor-Afuecheta
CRISIS ECONOMY AND INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF VIOLENCE AND ECONOMIC DECLINE
This paper examines the symbiotic relationship between crisis economy and pervasive insecurity in Nigeria, exploring how violence and economic decline operate as mutually reinforcing phenomena across the nation’s six geopolitical zones. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, drawing on secondary data from reputable sources, including the National Bureau of Statistics, the Institute for Economics & Peace (publisher of the Global Terrorism Index), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and extensive academic literature published between 2017 and 2026. The geographical scope covers Nigeria, with a purposive focus on five states representing distinct security challenges: Borno (North-East insurgency), Zamfara (North-West banditry), Benue (North-Central farmer–herder clashes), Rivers (South-South oil bunkering and militancy), and Imo (South-East secessionist agitations). The study is anchored in the Greed versus Grievance Theory developed by Paul Collier and Anke Hoeffler, which posits that conflict persists not merely due to ideological or ethnic grievances but also because violence creates profitable opportunities for armed groups, criminal networks, and corrupt officials who develop vested interests in sustained instability. The findings reveal that insecurity has systematically devastated Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with crop production declining by over 75 percent in Borno State, farmers in Zamfara paying extortionate harvest levies ranging from ₦5 million to ₦20 million, and over 615,000 persons displaced in Benue State alone. These disruptions have directly driven national food inflation above 40 percent, contributing to malnutrition affecting nearly 5.44 million children in northern states. The study documents over 3.2 million internally displaced persons nationwide, representing a significant loss of productive labour from economic activity. In the South-South region, illegal oil bunkering costs Nigeria billions in lost revenue while devastating fishing livelihoods through environmental degradation. In the South-East, sit-at-home orders have cost the regional economy an estimated ₦7.6 trillion between 2021 and 2025, paralysing informal markets and small businesses. Crucially, the research demonstrates how vested interests including corrupt officials who divert security funds, armed groups profiting from ransom and resource control, and criminal networks operating illicit economies actively undermine peace efforts because stability threatens their revenue streams. The study concludes that breaking this vicious cycle requires integrated strategies that combine security operations with economic recovery initiatives, accountability for fund diversion, and sincere political dialogue aimed at addressing structural grievances.
Crisis economy, insecurity, insurgency, banditry, farmer-herder conflict, oil bunkering, secessionist agitations, displacement, food inflation, vested interests, Greed versus Grievance Theory, Nigeria
A LABOURER DESERVES HIS WAGES (Luke 10:7): TOWARDS A LASTING SOLUTION TO WAGE CRISIS AND INCESSANT STRIKES IN NIGERIA
The issue of wage in Nigeria has become so worrisome. There have been various problems that emanate from wage issue in Nigeria. The Nigerian labour force and the employers of labour especially the government both at the federal and state levels have experienced various degrees of crises as such, matters about wage continually lead to problems. These crises in most cases are culminated into strike or industrial actions that hamper the expected goals for which various institutions were established. It may be that employers of labour are ignorant of the religious backing of wage. From Christian perspective, wage payment is a religious duty that its negligence amounts to sin. Occupying a special position in maintaining peace between the workers and their employers, this work using virtue ethics approach, gathered data from secondary source of information, discusses the expected reasons for the continued wage crisis in Nigeria. These include lack of workable economic planning, problem of interpretation of wage laws, insincerity of politicians, imbalance in federal allocations and much focus on oil resources among other reasons for wage crisis in Nigeria. The work proffered solutions to the problem under study. To get rid of the wage crisis in Nigeria, cost of governance has to be addressed, objective dialogue is needed, viable economic planning both at the federal and state levels are important, justice should serve as a watchword among other solutions. The work concluded that if the solutions as proffered by this work are considered in policies that concern wage in Nigeria, there will be noticeable reduction in wage crises in Nigeria.
RONALD DWORKIN’S LEGAL THEORY AND THE NIGERIAN LEGAL SYSTEM
The devastating effects of the 2023 election in Nigeria has continued to cast a dark shadow on the country in general and on the country’s judiciary/legal system in particular. We saw for the first time in the history of political elections in Nigeria how the perpetrators and the prime beneficiary of the savagery that passed for presidential election colluded and told those who were brazenly swindled to go to court. When they went to the Supreme Court, the judges sold their integrity, brought shame to the judiciary, destroyed democracy, put revolting question marks on the legal profession and plunged Nigeria into an unprecedented political turmoil. All of this raises important question about law in general and about Nigeria legal system in particular. All of this too is an off-shut of a legal interpretation and practice devoid of meaningful moral contents. Dworkin’s legal theory rejects legal positivism on the principal ground that a separation between law and morals is impossible. It is his view that law can possess no integrity once devoid of morality. This paper employs the hermeneutic and critical methods to offer a comparative study of Ronald Dworkin’s jurisprudence and Nigerian legal system. It finds that Nigerian legal system can only confer itself with dignity when the system learns to treat law and morals with no disparity.
Nigerian legal system, positivism, interpretivism, civil society, judiciary, election
Prof. BonaChristus Umeogu; Dr. Anthony M. Ogbuishi
Navigating the Challenges and Seizing the Opportunities Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Review
This review employs a comprehensive methodology utilizing secondary data sources to examine the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from a range of scholarly articles, reports, and statistical data, the study synthesizes insights into the challenges encountered and opportunities that have arisen across various sectors globally. The theoretical framework guiding this analysis encompasses concepts from public health, economics, sociology, and technology innovation. By integrating these perspectives, the review explores the epidemiological context of COVID-19, including its global spread, transmission dynamics, and the emergence of variants. Subsequently, it delves into the challenges posed by the pandemic, such as strains on healthcare infrastructure, economic disruptions, social and psychological impacts, and educational setbacks. In parallel, the review examines opportunities that have emerged in response to the pandemic, including accelerated technological innovation, remote work and digital transformation, strengthened community bonds, and enhanced global cooperation in healthcare. These phenomena are analyzed within the framework of theories related to innovation diffusion, crisis management, and social resilience. Furthermore, the study considers factors influencing responses to these challenges and opportunities, encompassing government policies, technological readiness, societal behavior, and healthcare system preparedness. Case studies and best practices are utilized to elucidate successful approaches to pandemic management and innovative solutions to mitigate COVID-19's impact. Finally, the review proposes future directions and recommendations, grounded in the theoretical underpinnings of pandemic preparedness, policy analysis, and avenues for further research. By incorporating methodological rigor and theoretical frameworks, this study offers a nuanced understanding of the interplay between challenges and opportunities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, providing insights for public health, policy-making, and societal resilience.
COVID-19 pandemic, global challenges, healthcare infrastructure, economic disruptions, social upheaval, technological advancements
Revd Dr. Chukwunonso Joseph Nosike; Ujunwa Cynthia Nosike
RECITS DE LA MALADIE DANS DEUX OEUVRES ROMANESQUES FRANCO AFRICAINS
La littérature en tant que le miroir de la société se préoccupe de tous les aspects de la vie humaine. Elle s’intéresse aussi à la santé. De nombreux romans africains francophones discutent la santé, les maladies et des malades sous forme de thèmes majeurs ou mineurs, mais les critiques interprètent rarement ces cas comme des réalités sociales ou sanitaires des Africains; ils les interprètent plutôt métaphoriquement pour représenter les vices sociaux qui entravent les développements économiques, et socio- politiques des sociétés africaines. Cette étude vise à examiner deux romans franco-africains : Contours du jour qui vient de Léonora Miano, et Sidagamie d’Abibatou Traoré, qui passent pour récits de la maladie afin d’interroger la représentation des maladies de drépanocytose, la paralytique et le sida dans de diverses sociétés africaines impliquées dans les deux textes sélectionnés. Nous avons adopté comme le cadre théorique pour l'analyse de notre corpus la théorie de la sociocritique. L’étude conclut que ces maladies sont des réalités sociales ou sanitaires des Africains contemporains représentés par ces auteurs à travers leurs récits narratifs.
Récits, Maladie, Drépanocytose, Paralytique, Sida
Augustina Orie Ndu; Prof. Richard Okoh Ajah
Les classes à effectifs élèves ou les grands groups : Le cas du Nigeria
Les effectifs des classes au Nigeria aussi bien dans l’enseignement publique que prive, au niveau primaire, secondaire et supérieur sont élevés. Ils varient entre 40, 50,60 et même 100 élèves par classe dans la plupart des régions du pays. La gestion de ces groupes est très problématique, compte tenu de formation adéquate des enseignants, et aussi du fait des limites en ressources et matériels pédagogiques adaptés à cette situation. Si en Afrique francophone la question a été abordée au niveau ministériel (la Conférence des Ministres de l’Education Nationale CONFEMEN) dès le début des années quatre-vingt-dix, débouchant sur l’élaboration d’un répertoire méthodologique sur les techniques d’organisation et d’enseignement dans les grands-groupes, en Afrique anglophone en général et au Nigeria en particulier, cette question reste entière.
Dialectical Nigerianism: Ethnic Militancy and Sectarian Insurgency as Antithesis of the Ruling Class Ideology
Years of training in humanistic education, especially, years of training in literary education expose the person undergoing the training to both macro and micro information types of culture, politics, history, religion, sociology, human psychology and philosophy. The person that has undergone this type of training, essentially, transforms these information types to knowledge. He or she even goes further to transform the knowledge into judgment and action –that is, he or she uses knowledge in a concrete and practical way. The objective of this paper was to study the flaws of dialectical materialism and see how these flaws could be recycled in order to produce a new concept, the concept of dialectical Nigerianism, which stipulates that societies as Nigeria does not have those indicators to make dialectical materialism applicable. Hegelian Dialectics and Marxist Dialectics are theoretical frameworks the work will depend on to evolve the concept of Dialectical Nigerianism. Moreover, dialectical Nigerianism argues that since the perfect mode of production anticipated through dialectical materialist knowledge application was utopia, dialectical materialism is, therefore, metaphysical. Therefore, the method of approach will be such whereby dialectical Nigerianism would integrate empiricism and idealism in the quest to create a new order for Nigeria.
Dialectic Materialism, Dialectic Nigerianism, Utopia, Empiricism, Information types, Humanistic Education
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA GAGGING IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES: LESSONS FROM THE TWITTER EXPERIENCE
Social media reaches a vast number of people, so it is a mass media tool, which can be used to perpetuate good or evil. Is the state to have reins over what shows up on social media or what does not. To gag is to stop up the mouth of (a person) by putting something in it, thus preventing speech, shouts, etc. to restrain by force or authority from freedom of speech. On June 5, 2021, the social media platform, “twitter” was banned restricting its full operation in the country. The major objective of this paper is to dissect the impact of gagging twitter on our daily lives. This paper is a qualitative study and study participants were sampled through snowballing; method of analysis was through content analysis. Social media has most importantly allowed us to engage with first-hand accounts of those undergoing human rights crises. Social media has been the crux of increased activism, giving depth and humanity to previous impersonal news of human rights violations. It was discovered that societies with an appreciable level of freedom of the internet (there is no such society with totally free internet space); tend to record steadier economic growth, as 3 days after the ban, it was reported that the ban has cost the country over 6 billion Naira and it also contributes to the worsening unemployment in the country. It is recommended that social media can be put to good work, it is a peace agent and can bring people together but can also be a dividing tool, so there should be legal contractual coverage, agreement, restriction and guidance of the use of social media.
freedom of speech, social media gagging, twitter
AGRIPRENEURIAL SKILLS NEEDED BY AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION UNDERGRADUATES FOR ENTRY INTO PINEAPPLE PRODUCTION FOR SELF-EMPLOYMENT IN DELTA STATE
The research aimed to explore Agripreneurial Skills Needed by Agricultural Education Undergraduates for Entry into Pineapple Production for Self-Employment in Delta State” aimed to explore the specific skills required by students for successful involvement in pineapple production, with a view to enhancing self-employment readiness. Two theories were used in this study. They are the Human Capital Theory and Experiential Learning Theory. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The research was conducted with a sample size of 115 but 111 respondents data collected through a structured questionnaire, which served as the primary instrument, were found usable. For the analysis, descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to assess responses to the research questions, while t-tests were employed to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings reveal valuable perceptions into the readiness and skill level of Agricultural Education undergraduates in Delta State for self-employment in pineapple production. Respondents consistently rated their agripreneurial skills for all stages of production at a moderate level, with no significant mean differences observed between the agripreneurial skills needed and their self-employment readiness across the various hypotheses. In pre-planting, planting, post-planting, harvesting, post-harvest operations, and marketing, respondents agreed on the essential skills required to handle these operations effectively. This indicates that students possess a basic foundation in agricultural production processes. However, the significant t-test values across all hypotheses—accompanied by p-values of 0.001—suggest that there are indeed meaningful differences in how these skills contribute to self-employment readiness, contrary to the initial null hypotheses. Based on the findings the following recommendations were made: Enhance agripreneurial training programs by incorporating practical, hands-on experiences into the Agricultural Education curriculum, allowing students to gain real-world skills in all stages of pineapple production. Encourage partnerships between educational institutions and local agricultural businesses to offer internships and mentorship opportunities for students, thereby boosting their readiness for self-employment. Increase access to funding and financial resources for undergraduates interested in agripreneurial ventures by collaborating with financial institutions and government agencies to provide start-up grants and low-interest loans.
ASỤSỤ NA MWULITE OBODO: ỌRỤ ASỤSỤ IGBO N’EBE NDỊ IGBO NỌ
Asụsụ bụ isi sekpụ ntị na mwulite obodo. Site n’okike ụwa, mmekọrịta na-adị n’etiti mmadụ na ibe ya bụ ihe ụwa ji aga. Mmekọrịta a na-apụta ihe site n’asụsụ, maka na ọ bụ site n’asụsụ ka mmadụ si ezipụta ebumnobi ya. Na nchọcha a, nwanchọcha bu n’obi ịchọpụta ọrụ asụsụ Igbo na-arụ na mwulite obodo, ọ kachasị n’ebe o si metụta ndị Igbo. Asụsụ Igbo abụghị naanị maka nzikọrịtaozi n’etiti ndị Igbo, ọ bụkwazi njirimara ndị Igbo. Mgbe ọbụla a na-ekwu maka mwulite obodo n’ebe ndị Igbo nọ, asụsụ Igbo bụgodu ihe mbụ ga-agbata mmadụ n’obi, maka na asụsụ bụ ndụ mba. Asụsụ na-ekewa mba ma na-achịkọtakwa mba. Ya bụ, ọ bụ site n’asụsụ ka e si enweta ihe ndị ọzọ a ga-eji wulite obodo, maka na mmadụ na-eche echiche site n’asụsụ ya. Ya bụ na nchọcha a ga-eleba anya n’ọrụ asụsụ Igbo na-arụ n’iwulite obodo dị ka o si metụta ndị Igbo, ụzọ asụsụ Igbo si nyego aka na mwulite obodo, ọghọm dị n’ileghara asụsụ Igbo anya dị ka akarangwa e ji ewulite obodo, ụzọ a ga-esi kwalite asụsụ Igbo dị ka akarangwa mwulite obodo, nakwa ụzọ a ga-esi chekwaba asụsụ Igbo ka ọ ghara ịnwụ.
Obodo, Mwulite obodo, Asụsụ, na Asụsụ Igbo
CHATGPT: IMPACT ON ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN NIGERIA
As the contemporary world is on the precipice of technological revolution, there is a pointer already that research and education are becoming inextricably intertwined with artificial intelligence. Such symbiosis has however generated a lot of debates in the academia. This is particularly the case with chatGPT. The issue of propriety of chatGPT’s admittance in research field and education has been on the front burner. Since its debut, chatGPT has been received differently in various quarters. This ranges from outright rejection to optimistic acceptance. While the optimistic acceptance harps on the chatGPT’s potentials, the rejection is premised on its negative effects on learning and research. The present work, using the method of hermeneutics and analysis seeks to evaluate the potentials of chatGPT on the one hand and the pedagogical and ethical challenges of the new artificial intelligence with regard to research integrity and educational efficiency, on the other hand. It carries out its study within the Nigerian context. The paper underscores that in many ways the Nigerian culture devalues education, a scenario that makes young people perceive education as scam. It then argues that notwithstanding its positive potentials, chatGPT could be in the hand of students within such education-debasing society as found in Nigeria, a made-easy tool that offers a shortcut away from creative research and dogged learning. The paper harps therefore, on the need for a concerted effort to establish some guiding principles with ethical, pedagogical, technological ramifications for a more constructive use of the chatGPT as it offers Hosseini’s proposal as starting point, while it points out that such effort would only be effective as an aftermath of creating a culture that values ducation and a system that makes education relevant for life.
THE 19TH CENTURY CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE AND DENOMINATIONAL RIVALRY IN IGBOLAND: A CALL FOR CHRISTIAN INTEGRATION
In the nineteenth century, there were various Christian missionary bodies who made their way to Igboland, Nigeria from Europe and American continents. Their aim was to ensure that the seed of Christianity is planted and grown. In as much as the missionaries made their way towards spreading the Christian faith in Igbo territory, each of them struggled for superiority over their counterparts. This act brought about unhealthy competition and denominational rivalry. It could be said that denominational rivalry helped to fast track the growth and development of Christianity and civilization of Igbo territory. On the other hand, it presented a poor image of Christ and his gospel to the indigenous people. However, many literature have been documented on the history of Christian missionary enterprise in Igboland and their contribution to the development of Igbo society. However, there are many literature on the impact of denominational rivalry in contemporary Igbo society but the main focus of this research is to reunite various denominations which is the gap this research tends to fill. The study makes use of secondary sources of data collection like journals, book of readings, unpublished project works, text books and mainline books. The study finds out that, the foreign Christian missionary bodies introduced denominational rivalry in Igboland while spreading the gospel as its impact is still felt in contemporary Igbo society.
Christian, Missionary, Denominational, Rivalry, Igbo, Society
CROSS-BORDER CRIMES AND REGIONAL SECURITY IN WEST AFRICA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ECOWAS' STRATEGIES IN COMBATING ARMS TRAFFICKING AND ORGANIZED CRIME IN NIGERIA AND BURKINA FASO (2019–2024)
The research investigated the persistent challenge of cross-border crimes in West Africa, which continually undermined regional security, political stability, and socio-economic development. It examined how the porous nature of borders, weak institutional capacities, and political instability in member states created enabling environments for transnational criminal networks to flourish. Despite the establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the adoption of various regional security frameworks, crimes such as arms trafficking, terrorism, and human smuggling continued to escalate, posing grave threats to the goals of regional integration. The study therefore critically examined ECOWAS’s strategies for addressing cross-border crimes, with a comparative analysis of Nigeria and Burkina Faso. It was grounded in the Regional Security Complex Theory and Transnational Organized Crime Theory. Methodologically, the research adopted a qualitative and explanatory design, employing content analysis and semi-structured interviews with security personnel and journalists. The findings revealed that ECOWAS, despite formulating robust legal and institutional frameworks—such as the 2006 Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) and the 2013 Counter-Terrorism Strategy—was unable to uniformly enforce these measures across member states. The study concluded that ECOWAS’s strategies achieved limited success due to inconsistent implementation, weak member-state compliance, and inadequate coordination between national and regional security agencies. It recommended strengthening regional intelligence-sharing mechanisms, enhancing border security infrastructure, and improving political will among member states to enforce ECOWAS protocols. The study also advocated increased funding, localized strategy adaptation, and stronger synergy between civil society, state actors, and regional bodies.
Cross-Border Crimes, Regional Security, ECOWAS Strategies, Arms Trafficking, Organized Crime, Nigeria and Burkina Faso
Nweke, Chibuzor Chigozie PhD;Ezeamu, Emmanuel Okwuchukwu PhD; Emelife, Anthony Maduka; Ugwu, Anthony Ndubuisi