Yamtara Wala Journal of Arts, Management and Social Sciences
Yamtara-wala Journal of Arts, Management, and Social Science (YAJAMSS) is a peer-reviewed and open access journal in the academic discipline of Arts, Management and Social Sciences. The scope of the Journal focuses on theoretical and empirical research in the broader fields of Arts, Management and Social Sciences areas. YAJAMSS publishes original research, creative work and critical discourse on traditional, contemporary and popular issues in Arts, Management and issues in the field of social science studies. Besides English, this journal publishes papers in French, Hausa, Kanuri and Arabic languages. YAJAMSS is the bi-annual journal that publishes 1 volume and at least 2 issues per year in print and online versions.
BASELINE ASSESSMENT OF VEGETATION COVER ALONG THE ABUJA – KADUNA RAIL CORRIDOR USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUES
This study assessed the baseline vegetation cover along the Abuja–Kaduna Rail Corridor prior to railway construction using geospatial techniques. Establishing pre-construction vegetation conditions is essential for monitoring environmental changes associated with infrastructure development and for distinguishing natural vegetation dynamics from anthropogenic disturbances. The study employed remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques using Landsat satellite imagery acquired for the year 2011. Image preprocessing involved radiometric and atmospheric corrections to improve spectral accuracy and consistency. Vegetation conditions within a 200m buffer zone along both sides of the rail alignment were evaluated using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The processed NDVI imagery was classified into five vegetation density classes: very low, low, moderate, high and very high vegetation. Spatial analysis and supervised classification were conducted in ArcGIS, while accuracy assessment was performed using field observations and GPS validation points. Results revealed that moderate vegetation constituted the dominant land cover class, accounting for 42.6% of the study area, followed by high vegetation at 28.3%. Very high vegetation occupied 5.4%, representing dense forest patches, wetlands and riparian vegetation, while low and very low vegetation covered 18.5% and 5.2% respectively, mainly around built-up and agriculturally disturbed areas. The findings indicate that the corridor was largely characterized by stable and productive vegetation cover prior to railway development. Spatial distribution patterns further revealed higher vegetation density in rural and less accessible areas, whereas lower vegetation classes were concentrated near urbanizing zones around Abuja. The study establishes a reliable environmental baseline for future monitoring and assessment of vegetation changes associated with railway construction and related land-use transformations.
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THE LEGITIMACY DEFICIT: STRUCTURAL AND NON-STRUCTURAL PATHWAYS TO UNITED NATIONS REFORMS
The United Nations was established in 1945 to promote and maintain international peace and security. The Organization is allegedly undemocratic, unrepresentative and it does not reflect the current geopolitical realities. The UN faces persistent calls for structural and nonstructural reforms as the global power distribution, norms and challenges have transformed. The UN reforms is fundamentally a contest over ideas about what the institution would represent in the 21st century. The structural reforms involves the changes in the UN composition and voting procedures of the Security Council, the expansion of membership in the UN organs and the amendment to the UN Charter. While the non-structural reforms involved changes to the working methods and management practices. The demand for the UN reforms are driven by the need for greater representation, legitimacy and equity, especially from the emerging powers and the Global South, who argue that the UN configuration no longer reflects today‟s geopolitical realities. This study examines both tracks of reform and their interaction. It analyzes qualitative secondary data from UN documents, state position papers and NGO reports to trace how arguments about legitimacy, sovereignty and responsibility evolved. By applying content and discourse analysis, it seeks to explain why structural reforms remains blocked while non-structural reform continue to advance and what this pattern shows about power and norm change in the United Nations system. The structural reforms remains stalled because of the veto power of the permanent 5 unlike the non-structural reforms which is more feasible politically as it does not require permanent 5 consent and also without altering the Charter.
دراسة أدبية في رثاء الشيخ شريف حسن جذه للشاعر آدم يونس الهوساري
تهدف هذه الدراسة المعنونة بـ"دراسة أدبية في رثاء الشيخ شريف حسن جده للشاعر آدم يونس الهوساري" إلى إبراز شخصية الشاعر آدم يونس الهوساري، مع الإشارة إلى انتاجاته العلمية والأدبية، ودراسة إحدى قصائده في الرثاء، من خلال استعراء بناءها من المطلع وحسن التخلص وجودة المقطع. والمنهج المتبع في هذه الدراسة هو المنهج الاستقرائي والوصفي، وأدرك الباحث أن الشاعر آدم يونس الهوساري من الشخصيات البارزة في مجال الشعر المحلي، وأن قصائده تتمتع بالبناء الشعري من حيث المطلع وحسن التخلص والمقطع، لذلك يتجه النصح للباحثين بالبحث عن قصائد الشاعر آدم يونس ودراستها دراسة أدبية.
BEYOND TRIBE AND TONGUE: NATION-BUILDING AND DEMOCRATIC CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA
Historically, lack of tolerance among politicians and their refusal to obey the rule of law and fair play in government have caused political unrest in Nigeria, thereby engulfing political instability across the nation. This paper, therefore, took a prognostic view of the continuing crisis of democratic challenges in Nigeria. Methodologically, it relies on secondary sources of data. The paper argues that, beyond tribe and tongue, ethnicity has fundamentally shaped the paths of nation-building, as well as the ideas and philosophies of political players in both military and civilian governments. Furthermore, democracy has encouraged some people's culture of impunity by applying the theory of prebendalism. Political disagreements are believed to have contributed to some of the violence that has occurred. The paper then suggests that the ethnic division afflicting the Nigerian system can be mostly explained by colonialism and its capitalist ideology foundations, as well as by the transplantation of the same kinds of features to Nigerian bourgeoisie components. The study exposed that sectional attitudes as well as ethnic bias match the evil ethnic structures produced by colonialism and the current trend of terrorism and security breaches destroying various geopolitical zones, particularly the northeastern region of Nigeria under the former Jonathan and Buhari administrations. Therefore, the main focus of the paper is to explore the recurrent cycle of defective political and ethical conflicts, aiming to identify their nature, shape, causes, and suggested remedies to enhance governance and address the challenges facing Nigerian democracy.
INFLATION TARGETING IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES: CREDIBILITY, GOVERNMENT INFLUENCE, AND ITS EFFECTS ON INCOME DISTRIBUTION
This study titled “inflation targeting in developing economies: credibility, government influence and its effects on income distribution” examines the political economy of inflation targeting in developing economies with a focus on institutional credibility, government influence, and distributional outcomes. While inflation targeting is widely promoted as a framework for achieving price stability, its effectiveness in developing contexts remains uneven due to structural and institutional constraints. This research adopts a qualitative research design, utilizing a comparative case study approach with Nigeria as the primary case. Data is drawn from secondary sources, including central bank reports, policy documents, international financial institution publications, and academic literature, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. The study finds that weak institutional credibility, characterized by limited central bank independence and inconsistent policy implementation, undermines the effectiveness of inflation targeting in Nigeria. The findings suggest that inflation targeting in Nigeria operates more as a constrained policy framework than a fully credible commitment mechanism. The study concludes that strengthening institutional capacity, improving fiscal discipline, and enhancing policy coordination are essential for improving the effectiveness and equity of inflation targeting in developing economies. By situating monetary policy within a broader political economy context, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and limitations of inflation targeting in developing countries.
INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN FINTECH FIRMS IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
The rapid growth of Nigeria's fintech sector, particularly in Southwest Nigeria, underscores the urgent need to understand how employee-level innovation translates into performance outcomes. Despite substantial global research on innovative work behaviour (IWB), sub- Saharan Africa - and Nigeria's fintech industry specifically - remains critically underrepresented in the empirical literature, with existing studies being geographically decontextualised, sector-agnostic, and methodologically narrow. This study addresses this gap through a systematic literature review (SLR) guided by the PRISMA 2020 framework. A structured search of five major databases - Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, Emerald Insight, and Google Scholar - yielded 1,582 initial records, which were reduced through rigorous screening to 76 studies for final synthesis. Quality appraisal was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), applied consistently across all quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method studies included in the final sample. Findings reveal a consistently strong positive relationship between IWB - encompassing idea generation, championing, and implementation - and employee performance across task, contextual, adaptive, and creative dimensions, with standardised effect sizes ranging from β = 0.20 to 0.65. Social Exchange Theory, Self-Determination Theory, and the Componential Theory of Creativity emerged as dominant theoretical frameworks, though none was developed specifically for fintech contexts. Psychological empowerment, work engagement, and knowledge sharing were identified as key mediating mechanisms. The review establishes five critical gaps: geographic deficit, absence of fintech-specific theory, unidimensional performance operationalisation, insufficient attention to digital and AI-mediated moderators, and dominance of cross-sectional designs. A contextually grounded multi-level conceptual framework integrating five theories is proposed alongside a future research agenda for Southwest Nigeria's fintech sector.
INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA UTILIZATION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF EDUCATION STUDENTS, IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY GUSAU
This study examines the dual role of social media utilization on the academic performance of education students in universities. Adopting a descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 291 undergraduate education students of federal university Gusau, using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including mean rating and standard deviation, were employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal a high level of social media utilization for academic purposes such as accessing learning materials, peer collaboration, and communication with lecturers. Students generally perceived social media as supportive of their academic engagement and performance. However, excessive and unregulated use was also associated with negative outcomes, particularly distraction, poor time management, and reduced study concentration. The study concludes that social media’s influence on academic performance is inherently conditional, shaped largely by students’ patterns of use and self-regulation practices. The paper recommends structured institutional guidance and the promotion of responsible digital practices to enhance the academic benefits of social media while minimizing its disruptive effects.
MORPHO-SYNTACTIC COMPOSITIONS OF THE PERSONAL NAMES AMONG THE PEOPLE OF ILÉ-IFE
Findings revealed that many Yorùbá linguists have discussed extensively on the basic morpho-linguistic structure and cultural characteristics of personal names among the Yorùbá in general perspectives. The influence of lexical verbs in the derivation of personal names in Ilé-Ifẹ̀ has not received attention. Some varieties of lexical words were collected from four quarter heads. The four quarter heads are Obàlo̩ràn, Obaláayè, Obaj́io, and Ako̩gun. Also, the Os̩ògún of Ifè̩ and Lówá were interviewed independently to verify some items of information as regards the personal names which are strictly restricted to Ifè̩ indigenes. Such names as; Awóminúrẹ̀, Ọ̀ráṣakin, Ẹgbẹ́wọlé, Omítińdè. Moreso, another ten language informants were incorporated into our research findings. Asides, the authors of the paper are indigenes of Ifẹ̀. This provides deep and nuanced insights that an outsider would likely miss. The data were duly expanded upon with the descriptive pattern of generative theories of Chomskyan Theory. Our findings revealed that some lexical verbs are restrictedly used in Ifẹ̀ dialect. These sets of lexical varieties vividly reflected the restricted use of verbs which are peculiar to Ifẹ̀ dialect suhc as ‘Awó-mi-nú-rẹ̀’, ‘Omi-ti-ń-dè’, ‘Ọmọ-rè-mí’. The study recommends that researchers may look inwardly into the same syntactic composition of personal names that are locally restricted to certain geographical areas in Yoruba land.
تجلياث الموسيلى الشػريت في ديوان "هور الحم" للكولخي (دراست وصفيت)
The study entitled “Manifestations of Poetic Musicality in Diwan Nur al-Haqq by al-Kaulakhi” is considered one of the critical literary studies that examines the phenomenon of poetic rhythm in African Arabic poetry through an exploration of the musical structure in the poetry of Sheikh Ibrahim Inyas al-Kaulakhi, with particular focus on his collection Nur al-Haqq. The study adopts the descriptive-analytical approach, presenting the musical phenomena and then analyzing selected examples through artistic and semantic interpretation. The research problem lies in identifying the manifestations of both external and internal poetic musicality in the Diwan and clarifying their role in constructing the poetic experience. The study aims to define poetic musicality and its various forms, reveal the manifestations of external and internal rhythm in the Diwan, and explain the effect of musical devices in highlighting poetic meanings. It also seeks to demonstrate the artistic and aesthetic value of poetic musicality in the poet’s work. In conducting this research, the researcher relied on the descriptive-analytical method by describing the musical phenomena, analyzing selected examples, and clarifying their artistic and semantic functions. The significance of the study lies in highlighting an aspect of African Arabic literature, shedding light on the poetry of al-Kaulakhi, and demonstrating the relationship between poetic musicality and spiritual experience in prophetic praise poetry. The article reached several important findings, most notably: the richness of both external and internal musicality in the Diwan, the dominance of the al-Tawil meter in the poems of the collection, and the frequent use of repetition as both an expressive and spiritual device.
TRUMP’S FOREIGN MEDIA POLICY AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR PRESS FREEDOM: A STUDY OF VOA HAUSA IN NIGERIA
This study critically analyses the impact of the Trump administration foreign media policy on press freedom and public diplomacy in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the termination of Voice of America (VOA) Hausa language services. Historically, international broadcasters like VOA have been vital for disseminating information, fostering cultural exchange and promoting democratic ideals, especially in countries like Nigeria transitioning from authoritarian rule.The purpose of this study is to examine the implications of President Trump’s foreign media policy on press freedom through a study of VOA Hausa services in Nigeria. This study employs a qualitative case study approach. Driven by an "America First" ideology and a goal to reduce federal spending, the Trump administration's policy shifts led to the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and, consequently, the cessation of VOA Hausa services. Utilising the Political Economy of Communication (PEC) and the Media Ownership Theory, this qualitative case study employs secondary data and thematic analysis. It investigates the immediate effects on information access for millions of Hausa-speaking Nigerians, the broader implications for U.S. public diplomacy and soft power, with the consequences for press freedom within Nigeria. Findings revealed that the termination created a significant information vacuum, leaving millions without a trusted news source and exacerbating isolation in conflict-prone regions. This decision severely damaged U.S. credibility and influence, which creates an opening for rival global powers like Russia and China to expand their media presence. The study concludes that the cessation of VOA Hausa services undermined press freedom by eliminating a crucial source of independent, fact-checked news, thereby exposing the fragility of diverse information access to shifts in foreign policy. The study recommends that the U.S. reconsider its policy to restore VOA Hausa services, while Nigeria should pursue diversified information access initiatives and increase support for independent local media to fortify press freedom.
رثاء العلماء في الشعر العربي النيجيري بين الأصالة والتجديد قصيدة " شهيد المحراب" أنموذجا THE ELEGIES OF SCHOLARS IN NIGERIAN ARABIC POETRY BETWEEN ORIGINALITY AND RENEWAL, THE POEM OF “MARTYR OF THE MIHRAB” AS A MODEL
يعربّ الشاعر النيجيري شعوره نحو م يتتقده م قري أو صدي أو عام، وم أبرز المراي النيجيري نناوا، مريية العلماء وذلك لمنزلتهم بين الأمة ويهدف المقال إلى دراسة رائية الشاعر الأمين أحمد حمزة الموسومة ب "شهيد المحراب" في رثاء الشيخ جعتر محمود آدم مع إجراء المقارنة بين عناصر الأصالة والتجديد فيها ونكم مشكلة ىذه الدراسة فيما حًظو الكانبان نوفرر كل م السمات التقليدية والجديدة في معظم المراي الشاعر أمين أحمد حمزة وم، نر النور لذا أراد الباحثان إظهار نلكم السمات وم الأسئلة التي نسعى ىذه الدراسة إلى الإجابة عنها: ما ى أىم خصائص المكمنة في قصيدة شهيد المحراب؟ وما ىو طابع المعاصرة والحداية فيها؟ ونظهر أهمية المقال في إلقاء الضوء ع أبرز عناصر التجديد في القصيدة وأ ر ن المراي في الشعر العربي النيجيري المعاصر م، يق ر ل بشأن العلماء الراحلين ويتبع الكانبان في ىذه الدراسة المنهج الوصت والتحليل ويشتمل المقال على يلاية محاور الأول:موجز ع متهوم الرثاء والثاني: نبذة ع المريِ رِ الثالث: تحليل القصيدة واختتم المقال بذكر النتائج.
AI-DRIVEN FRAUD DETECTION AND CYBER FRAUD MITIGATION IN NIGERIAN DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS
This study examines the role of AI-driven fraud detection systems in mitigating cyber fraud in Nigerian deposit money banks. Specifically, the study investigates the effects of AI fraud detection capability, predictive analytics capability, automated transaction monitoring systems, and FinTech digital infrastructure on cyber fraud mitigation. The study adopted a survey research design and collected data from banking professionals working in fraud risk management, internal control, digital banking operations, and information technology security departments of selected deposit money banks in Nigeria. A total of 123 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 102 were properly completed and used for analysis, representing a response rate of 82.6%. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The model explained 73.2% of the variance in cyber fraud mitigation, indicating strong predictive power. The findings revealed that AI fraud detection capability had a significant positive effect on cyber fraud mitigation. Predictive analytics capability also significantly influenced cyber fraud mitigation. Similarly, automated transaction monitoring systems had a significant positive effect on cyber fraud mitigation. FinTech digital infrastructure recorded the strongest effect on cyber fraud mitigation. The study concludes that AI technologies, predictive analytics, automated monitoring systems, and robust FinTech infrastructure significantly enhance banks’ capacity to detect, prevent, and manage cyber fraud in digital banking environments. The study recommends increased investment in AI-based fraud detection systems, improved FinTech infrastructure, automated transaction monitoring, and stronger cybersecurity frameworks.
FORMS OF BANDITRY AND THEIR IMPACT ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF THE PEOPLE OF ZAMFARA CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT, ZAMFARA STATE, NIGERIA
Banditry, especially in Northwestern Nigeria, is one of the major setbacks hindering the progress of the region and the country at large. The menace of banditry has posed serious security challenges to Zamfara state in general and the central senatorial district in particular. This study, therefore, analyzed the forms and impact of banditry on the socioeconomic activities of Zamfara central senatorial zone, Zamfara state, Nigeria. The study also employed a mix of quantitative and qualitative approaches including questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews, as instruments for data collection. A total of 400 respondents were purposively sampled for the study. The data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages, the relative importance index and time series analyses. Findings also showed that, cattle rustling (mean = 4.5), murder (mean = 4.48), and kidnapping (mean = 4.47) are among the major forms of banditry in the study area. The results also revealed that, unemployment (mean = 4.30), mass poverty (mean = 4.38), drug abuse (mean = 4.35) and available ungoverned spaces (mean = 4.40) are some of the causes of banditry in the area. Some of the effects of banditry discovered during the study include increased poverty (RII = 0.85), Based on the findings, the study recommends among others the need for government to deploy modern technology such as geospatial technology in combating banditry and other crime activities as well as the introduction of policies that would bring about the social-inclusiveness of members of the various people and communities on issues relating to security of the area.
NEGOTIATING LINGUISTIC IDENTITY IN MULTILINGUAL URBAN SPACES THROUGH YOUTH LANGUAGE PRACTICES IN POST-MIGRATION COMMUNITIES
Understanding how young people negotiate identity through language in superdiverse urban environments remains a critical gap in sociolinguistic research. This study examines how youth in post-migration communities in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria, utilise multilingual repertoires to construct identities, navigate social contexts and generate new linguistic varieties. Despite growing recognition of urban superdiversity, traditional sociolinguistic frameworks inadequately capture the fluid, creative nature of youth multilingual practices that transcend ethnic and national categories. This qualitative ethnographic study, conducted between February and June 2024 across three multilingual neighbourhoods in Ibadan, engages 24 purposively selected participants aged 16–25 through participant observation, semi-structured interviews and six focus group discussions. Thematic analysis using NVivo 12 software is applied to verbatim transcriptions across multiple coding rounds. Findings reveal that participants deploy distinct contextual linguistic personas across urban spaces, with English dominating formal educational settings (66.7%) and mixed codes most prevalent in peer interactions (37.5%). Interlocutor linguistic background (91.7%) and topic sensitivity (79.2%) emerge as the strongest determinants of language choice. Systematic linguistic innovations including lexical borrowing (34.4%) and code-switched phrases (27.3%) evidence the emergence of new urban varieties. These findings challenge deficit models of multilingualism and carry significant implications for inclusive educational language policy in Nigeria, while advancing theoretical frameworks better suited to African multilingual contexts and supporting additive approaches to linguistic diversity.
CONSTITUTIONAL POLITICAL ZONING IN NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT
This study examines why and how the current political tensions in Nigeria can be managed and how such measures may place the country in the path of peace, progress, and sustainable development. The Findings reveals, that the prevailing insecurity and lack of unity in the Nigerian nation-state are traceable to leadership struggles and political tussles that have persisted since independence. The paper argues that this quagmire can only be addressed by ensuring a sense of belonging and equitable political for all groups. While religious and ethnic bigotry contribute to the crisis, they are considered secondary factors. The primary cause of instability in the Nigerian state is identified as the excessive quest for political power and leadership control. The Methodology adopted for this study is historiographical, employing an interdisciplinary approach. This paper contributes to ongoing scholarly discourse on the factors militating against national unity and sustainable development in Nigeria.
FROM SURVIVAL STRATEGY TO STRUCTURAL DEPENDENCE: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF ILLEGAL OIL REFINING IN BAYELSA STATE
The study investigated how involvement in illicit crude oil refining creates new forms of economic dependency among residents of Bayelsa State, identifying mechanisms such as income dependence, informal labour networks, patron-client relationships, and a lack of alternative livelihoods that support these dependency relationships. Using a qualitative study design, information was gathered from four communities, Bassambiri/Opu Nembe, Akassa/Elepa/Abonuma, Bilabiri, and Biseni, through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). To ensure meaningful engagement with traditional practitioners, community leaders, and active refiners participating in the local refining economy, purposive and snowball selection strategies were used to choose participants for a total of 22 KIIs and four FGDs. To analyze the data for this study, the thematic method was employed. The thematic analysis of the results shows that involvement in illicit refining results in complex and long-lasting forms of economic dependency that affect households and larger community systems in addition to individual players. The study also demonstrates that kpo-fire serves as an alternative livelihood system that bridges the gaps left by unemployment, a weak governmental presence, and the decline of traditional professions like farming and fishing as a result of environmental deterioration. Many locals consequently become economically dependent on the refining networks for access to informal loans, social protection, and everyday survival. The study concludes that deeprooted socioeconomic interdependence, ingrained in regional survival tactics, in addition to criminal intent, maintains illegal refining in Bayelsa State. The report suggests, among other things, that community-level dependency structures be addressed by targeted social protection measures that lessen reliance on informal refining economies, livelihood diversification programs, environmental restoration projects, and inclusive economic governance.
UNDERSTANDING THE TECHNOLOGY OF PRODUCING DECORATIVE BRASS SCULPTURE: A STUDY OF MUSULUMATU MARQUETTE
This study focuses on the technology of brass casting sculpture depicted in culture and religion. Art, culture, and religion are inseparable because they co-exist from the creation and inception of man. Almighty God is a Great and Dynamic Artist, He moulded human beings in His image as recorded in the Holy Bible and the Quran. Based on this, the concept of a Muslim woman was used for this study. This study reiterates that artists strive towards expressing their inner emotions or feelings to mirror society, irrespective of culture, religion, taboo, law, and superstition. It is qualitative research that throws more light on the characteristics of a Muslim woman, such as covering of the body and head with a scarf or hijab, and other forms of head covering. A descriptive approach was used, primary data were collected and analysed through observation during the process of clay modelling, plaster of Paris, different metals, and scraps melted together. Secondary data are grounded in academic journals and books in both hard and electronic copies, while self-determination theory (SDT) and skill acquisition theory (SAT) guided the study. The findings suggest that beauty exists in other people's culture and religion, which has been adopted in Nigeria. Hence, the finished work in brass or bronze is a long, difficult, and painstaking exercise. The recommendations suggest that the government should provide materials and tools for the execution of bronze casting in all the tertiary institutions that offer Fine and Applied Arts - Sculpture, especially. The curriculum planner should make bronze casting compulsory in the Fine and Applied Arts curriculum of the tertiary institutions. This will enhance students' sculpture (bronze casting) skills and knowledge without extra efforts or cost outside the school system.
TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND LEARNERS’ PERFORMANCE IN OPEN, DISTANCE, AND E-LEARNING: A STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS DLI AND LASU ODLRI
This study examines the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) and its impact on learners’ performance within Open, Distance, and E-Learning (ODeL) environments, focusing on two Nigerian public institutions: the University of Lagos Distance Learning Institute (DLI) and the Open and Distance Learning and Research Institute (ODLRI) of Lagos State University. Amid growing concerns over declining academic outcomes and learner satisfaction in ODeL systems, this research investigates whether TQM practices, such as quality virtual instruction and responsive student support, can enhance academic performance and reduce attrition. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with data collected from 287 valid student responses using a structured questionnaire. The study tested two hypotheses using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between the quality of virtual teaching and reduced learners’ attrition rates (r = .609, p < .001), as well as between the adequacy of responses to learners’ complaints and academic performance (r = .621, p < .001). These results affirm that TQM principles contribute meaningfully to learner outcomes in ODeL contexts. The study recommends increased investment in virtual teaching infrastructure, prompt academic support services, and inclusive stakeholder engagement in strategic quality planning as pathways to improved institutional performance and student success.
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE AMNESTY PROGRAMME ON ARMS CONTROL IN KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
The paper assessed the effects of amnesty programme on arms control in Katsina state located in Nigeria‟s North-West region from the perspective of Human Security Theory (HST). The study relied on data generated from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were from fifteen (15) key informants purposively selected from critical stakeholders including representatives of the Katsina state Government, former members of armed bandit groups, the Nigeria Army (NA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Security (DSS), vigilantes, traditional rulers, security experts/academics, and religious leaders within the study area. Secondary data were sourced from books, journals, newspapers, and relevant online materials among others. Data generated from primary sources were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings from the study revealed that the amnesty programme facilitated the recovery of significant numbers of arms and ammunition including AK-47 assault rifles, thereby contributing to a reduction in proliferation of illegal arms in the state. Based on these findings, the study recommended among others measures that Katsina state government should collaborate with the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure the deployment of more adequately armed security personnel to flashpoints of criminal activities the state. This would further reduce the number of illegal arms in the possession of unauthorized individuals and groups.
IMAGINATIVE AND CREATIVE ABILITIES IN WRITTEN AND ORATORY DEVELOPMENTS IN STUDENTS OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS
Imaginative and creative abilities in writing and oratory stills in the study of English language is of utmost importance. The purpose of this study is to ensure that the students are taught by highly qualified teachers of English language as to acquire the best knowledge of it. The study’s aims and objectives is to examine the perceived roles of English Language teachers in imaginative and creative abilities in writing and oratory development, creative abilities in writing and oratory development in English Language. The researcher made use of two research questions. The sample of the study was 60 English teachers in the public schools in Imo State in Nigeria, drawn through proportionate stratified random sampling techniques. A self-constructed likert 4 – point scale questionnaire containing two clusters with a total of 30 items was used to collect data from respondents. The instrument was first validated by two Senior Lecturers one from English Language and the other from Measurement and Evaluation Department, all from Abia State University Uturu. The Cornbach Alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The instrument yielded a co-efficient of 0.92. The results were analysed using the mean scores. The result shows that the perceived ways English teachers help students to develop imaginative and creative abilities in writing and oratory skills are through the following: Folktales, storytelling, exposure to English play or drama, English music, English dance and acquisition of artistic expressions in English and above all English conversation and others. In addition, the findings revealed that the perceived basic knowledge, English Language teachers inculcate in students to guide them in creative writing and oratory in English language include letting them know that the writers’ thought patterns must be rooted in English culture, the work must have a specific function and a target audience and must be original.
THE NEXUS BETWEEN UNGOVERNED SPACES AND RURAL INSECURITY IN NIGERIA
The paper examined the nexus between ungoverned spaces and rural insecurity in Nigeria, adopted Social Disorganization Theory as its theoretical framework. Ungoverned spaces refer to physical territories where there is either an absence of state capacity or a lack of political will to exercise effective control. These areas are often rugged, remote, maritime, or littoral areas that are not effectively governed by a sovereign state. In many cases such spaces emerge when governments, eitherby choice or due to forceful circumstances, relinquish control, thereby leaving the areas relatively lawless. Consequently, armed bandits, criminals, terrorist, insurgent group, militant and jihadist takes advantage of the government’s failure to establish authority and occupy these territories through force. The phenomenon of ungoverned spaces reflects the inability of a state to exercise effective control over certain geographic areas within its territory. This situation is evident in states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Borno, Yobe and Adamawa where bandits, terrorist, insurgents, jihadist and other criminal groups have taken control of forested areas and transformed them into operational bases. The existence of these ungoverned spaces has significantly contributed to the growing level of rural insecurity across many part of Nigeria. The paper recommends that, the Nigerian government in collaboration with with neighboring countries should develop effective strategies to strengthen border security. This can be achieved through joint intelligence sharing, coordinated surveillance operations, and enhanced regional cooperation among security agencies to combat the activities of criminal groups operating within ungoverned spaces.
PRODUCTION CONSTRAINTS AMONG SMALLHOLDER ROSELLE PRODUCERS IN SELECTED STATES OF NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA
This study assessed the constraints limiting roselle production in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, involving the purposive selection of the three states and selected Local Government Areas based on the intensity of roselle production. A total of 195 roselle producers, comprising 138 males and 57 females, were randomly selected for the study. Primary data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and the Garrett Ranking Technique (GRT). The findings revealed that roselle production in the study area were predominantly male dominated, with male adults and youths constituting the majority of producers, while female participation remained relatively low. Most of the producers were married, had attained at least secondary education, belonged to cooperative societies and operated as smallholder farmers with considerable farming experience. The Garrett ranking results identified the high cost of farm inputs as the most severe production constraint across the study area. Other major constraints included insecurity and the unavailability of improved roselle varieties, whereas labour scarcity was ranked as the least severe challenge. The study concluded that these constraints significantly limit roselle productivity in the study areas. Consequently, the study recommended improving producers’ access to affordable farm inputs, strengthening cooperative societies to enhance collective action and market participation and expanding access to agricultural credit and institutional support services for roselle producers. ; ; ; production constraints.
IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND DIGITAL INNOVATION IN THE LAGOS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
This study examined the impact of Artificial Intelligence on business management systems and digital innovation in the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 180 employees, while the Taro Yamane formula produced a sample size of 124 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Of the 124 questionnaires administered, 118 were correctly completed and returned, representing a response rate of 95.2%. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, mean scores, and simple linear regression analysis at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that Artificial Intelligence adoption significantly improves operational efficiency through enhanced decision making, workflow coordination, information management, and organizational productivity. Regression analysis showed that AI adoption significantly impacts operational efficiency (F = 33.642, p < 0.05), Artificial Intelligence technologies significantly affect digital innovation (F = 29.874, p < 0.05), and AI implementation challenges significantly affect digital transformation initiatives (F = 25.466, p < 0.05). The study concluded that Artificial Intelligence is a strategic tool for improving organizational effectiveness and digital transformation. It recommended the establishment of an AI governance framework, development of a digital transformation roadmap, and periodic AI capability audits.
AL-SHAKWĀ IN MUHAMMAD THAOBĀN ĀDAM ʿABDULLĀH AL-ILORY‟S DĪWĀN AL-SHUKRĀN: QUR‟ANIC INTERTEXTUALITY, ETHICAL DISCOURSE, AND RHETORICAL STRATEGY
This study examines the poetry of complaint (shakwā) in the works of Muhammad Thaobān Ādam ʿAbdullāh Al-Ilory with particular attention to Qur‟anic intertextuality in Dīwān al- Shukrān. Although the collection is rhetorically framed around gratitude (shukr), many of its verses function as subtle expressions of ethical complaint against betrayal, envy, hypocrisy, and social injustice. Drawing upon theories of intertextuality developed by Julia Kristeva and Gerard Genette alongside classical Arabic rhetorical concepts such as iqtibās, talmīḥ, and taḍmīn, the study argues that Muhammad Thaobān transforms complaint into a spiritually disciplined discourse grounded in Qur‟anic ethics. Through close textual reading informed by Islamic literary criticism, the paper identifies three dominant modes of Qur‟anic intertextuality: ethical authorization through divine justice, prophetic allusion as moral exemplarity, and rhetorical imitation of Qur‟anic discourse patterns. The study concludes that Qur‟anic intertextuality in Muhammad Thaobān‟s poetry functions simultaneously as rhetoric, theology, and ethical critique, thereby contributing significantly to contemporary Nigerian Arabic literature and African Arabic poetics.
LANGUAGE AND IDEOLOGY IN LECTURE/SEMINAR INTERACTION IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY
Lecture/Seminar Interaction in the Nigerian Army is often being organised for soldiers, both Officers and Men, to upgrade their knowledge in the act of security and defense, locally and internationally. Despite the numerous of studies on army discourses, those that directly address lecture/seminar interactions and their associated hidden ideologies cum linguistic forms that index them are scanty, thus, preventing access to full information and understanding of ideological leaning of the Army. This, therefore, constitutes the gap that the present study attempts to fill. The Theoretical Frameworks adopted for the study are Van Dijk’s (1998) Social Cognitive model of Critical Discourse Analysis and Systemic Functional Grammar of M.A.K Halliday (1961, 1994). The data, which were collected through Audio Tape Recorder and Video Clips, comprise oral communication of soldiers of the Nigerian Army during lecture/seminar interaction, held at the Central Auditorium of 2 Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan. The data, which were subjected to descriptive/qualitative analytical method, reveal one main ideology; professional ideology, which has two categories: leadership and regimentation driven professional ideology. These are indexed with linguistic forms such as transitivity (material, mental and relational types) and some antonymous words. Thus, there is a nexus between the ideologies revealed in the lecture/seminar interaction and the linguistic forms that characterise them, the attendant consequence of which could promote effective dissemination and comprehension of commands/orders by officers and men of the Nigerian Army, respectively, necessary to enhance their effectiveness on duty, locally and globally.
ISLAMIC REALISM AND THE CONCEPT OF PRENATAL EXISTENCE IN JĀMI‟AT ALARWĀH
Islamic realism, a philosophical approach that emphasises the interpretation reality of Islam from an Islamic perspective, is usually portrayed by Nigerian Arabic fiction writers, including Adam Yahya al-Fulāni. Previous studies on Adam Yahya al-Fulāni‟s works have focused mainly on rhetorical and stylistic analyses, with scant attention paid to Islamic realism in his works. This study was, therefore, designed to examine Islamic realism in Adam Yahya al-Fulāni‟s novels to identify the principles of Islam as guidance to every area of lives including the human prenatal stage. Abdul-Qāhir al-Jurjānī‟s Theory of Maʿnā al- Maʿnā (Meaning of the Meaning) was adopted as the framework. An interpretive design was employed. Jāmiʿat al-Arwāḥ was purposively selected based on its thematic relevance. The text was subjected to literary analysis. The novel revealed that Islamic realism has fundamental principles to navigate different worlds where human beings exist including the human prenatal stage. Human prenatal stage in the realism of Islam begins in a world that is unknown to human beings and follows by the existence in a stage of water.
تعليم اللغة العربية للناطقين بغيرها في ظل التحولات العالمية
اعتمدت ىذه الدراسة الدنهج الوصفي التحليلي لرصد واقع تعليم اللغة العربية للناطقين بغيرىا في ظل التحولات العالدية الدعاصرة، وتحليل أبرز التحديات والفرص التي تواجهو، مع الاستفادة من التجارب العربية الرائدة والاتجاىات الحديثة في تعليم اللغات وتقنياتها الرقمية. وقد تناولت أثر العولدة والثورة الرقمية في إعادة تشكيل أىداف تعليم العربية ومناىجو، وناقشت قضايا ازدواجية اللغة، وإعداد الدواد التعليمية، وتقويم الكفاية اللغوية، كما أبرزت دور الذكاء الاصطناعي والتعلم الإلكتروني والفصول الافتراضية في تطوير العملية التعليمية. وتوصلت الدراسة إلى أن تعليم العربية أصبح جزءًا من بيئة تنافسية عالدية تتطلب معايير جودة دولية، وأن ازدواجية اللغة ما تزال من أبرز التحديات، في حين يمثل توظيف التقنيات الحديثة ضرورة لتطوير التعليم وجذب الدتعلمين. وأوصت بإنشاء أطر مرجعية ومعايير دولية موحدة للكفاية اللغوية، وتطوير برامج إعداد الدعلمين، وتعزيز البحث العلمي والشراكات الأكاديمية الدولية، والاستثمار في تطبيقات الذكاء الاصطناعي والدوارد الرقمية الحديثة لدعم انتشار اللغة العربية عالديًا ، ، ، ، .
FOOD PRICES IN NIGERIA, IMPLICATIONS ON POPULATION HEALTH: AN ARDL APPROACH
Measures, like Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), in 2023, increased healthcare funding in 2025 aims at improving population health to increase individual and aggregate productivity over time by boosting physical and mental capacities which is becoming increasingly vital for economic growth and development in Nigeria, but despite all effort population health remains unsatisfactory with life expectancy of 53.6 and many living below poverty threshold. Food price inflation, sanitation, school enrollment, health expenditure were analysed by using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method in explaining population health in Nigeria The outcome shows that in the long run increase in food prices was negative and statistically significantly with life expectancy and positive and significant with infant mortality rate, improved sanitation shows a positive and substantial link with life expectancy at birth and negative with infant mortality rate while secondary school enrollment shows negative and non-significant link with life expectancy and per capita health expenditure also indicate a positive but insignificant relationship. These results has significant implication for health policy formulation. The study, therefore, recommend policymakers to prioritise actions aimed at stabilising and reducing food costs, including subsidies for critical food items, enhancements in agricultural production, and initiatives to alleviate supply chain disruptions. This could be achieved by promoting local farmers to reduce reliance on import foods, school feeding program be initiated, ensuring real time monitoring of food price and improve access to sanitation service.
EFFECT OF INNOVATION DIMENSIONS ON KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA
This study empirically investigates the relationship between innovation dimensions (collaboration, ideation, implementation, and value creation) and knowledge management (KM) within private schools in the Northeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, quantitative data was gathered from a proportionate stratified random sample of 288 school proprietors, owner managers and managers across six states (Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe). Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling. The results reveal that collaboration, implementation, and value creation exert a significant positive effect on knowledge management. while ideation exerts insignificant effect on knowledge management. The study concludes that deliberate innovation practices act as foundational drivers that compel educational institutions to systematically acquire, share, and apply knowledge assets to sustain their operational frameworks.
TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTERS (TICS) AND SMES PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA
Technology Incubation Centers (TICs) have become critical tools in promoting entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) development, globally, especially in emerging economies. They are set of specialized centers offering programmes that augment and support the growth and development of business enterprises. This study explores the impact of Technology Incubation Centers (TICs) on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. A descriptive survey was used to select a total of 308 SMEs in Lagos, Abia, and Kano states, Nigeria that have used the TICs in these states within the years of 2017 and 2020 ensuring the selected enterprises have about five years of post-incubation existence. Research Advisor table was used to select a total 169 through a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was distributed electronically to elicit data from the respondents through their WhatsApp and E-mail addresses with the aid of the registries of the TICs in the selected states. The data collected from the respondents were all analyzed using multiple regression analysis, frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation while the hypothesis were tested at 0.05 level of significance using SPSS statistical tool. The study found that, incubators significantly and favorably affect SMEs' sales growth and that, TICs mentorship positively and significantly influenced the selected SMEs competitiveness in Nigeria. In view of this, Nigeria government through the TICs coordinating ministry, the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology should ensure more availability of latest and essential technological infrastructure at the TICs. TICs should engage in more robust mentoring activities that will aid the SMEs competitiveness and overall operation, thereby increasing their performance