British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies
British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies is a multidisciplinary research platform in all disciplines – Business and Management Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Medical Sciences.The Journal provides an international forum for discussion and debate, for individual, academics and practitioners to promote their double blinded peer reviewed works on any field. The purpose is to explore the field of Multidisciplinary Research directed for, academics, researchers and practitioners working in any area.
Employability Skills, Knowledge Domestication, and the African Narrative
The persistent challenge of unemployment in Africa has intensified discussions around employability skills, knowledge production, and the need to reshape dominant narratives about the continent. This paper is set out to examine the relationship between employability skills, knowledge domestication, and the African narrative within the context of socio-economic development. Historical method was used to collect data relying on primary and secondary source of historical information the conceptual framework on which the paper is hinged centered on Human Capital Theory while Decolonial Theory was the theoretical framework on which the paper is anchored. The author addressed the link between unemployment and skill acquisition through indigenous knowledge. Findings of the paper reveals that improving employability requires not only technical and soft skills but also educational systems that domesticate knowledge that reflect African realities. Integration indigenous knowledge systems, culturally relevant pedagogies, and local development priorities through African institutions can better prepare graduates for the labor market. In addition, reclaiming the African narrative is crucial for redefining Africa’s identity in global discourse and promoting innovative solutions to local challenges. The paper concludes that a holistic approach combining skills development, contextualized knowledge production, and narrative transformation is essential for sustainable development and economic empowerment in Africa. Based on the discussions of this paper it was recommended that African government and institutions should be proactive in designing the educational system to address the local peculiarities and current realities by blending the school curriculum to reflect the indigenous and western knowledge.
Education, Learning, Training & Development
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Curriculum Relevance, Digital Competence, and Employability Outcomes among University Graduates in Nigeria
The persistent concern over graduate unemployability in Nigeria has renewed attention on the relevance of university curricula and the digital competence of graduates in an increasingly competitive labour market. This research work examined curriculum relevance, digital competence, and employability outcomes among university graduates in Nigeria using descriptive survey research design. The population comprised of all university final year under-graduates from selected public universities in Nigeria, from which a sample of 250 respondents was drawn through a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a researcher-developed instrument titled “Curriculum Relevance, Digital Competence and Employability Outcomes Questionnaire” (CRDCEOQ). The instrument was subjected to face and content validation by experts in educational management and measurement. Reliability was established using the Cronbach’s alpha method, yielding coefficients of 0.81 for curriculum relevance, 0.84 for digital competence, and 0.86 for employability outcomes, indicating satisfactory internal consistency. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the levels of the study variables, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analyses were employed to test the stated hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that employability outcomes among graduates were moderate, curriculum relevance was perceived to be fairly aligned with labour-market demands, and graduates demonstrated an appreciable level of digital competence. The results further showed significant relationships between curriculum relevance and employability outcomes, as well as between digital competence and employability outcomes. In addition, curriculum relevance and digital competence jointly predicted employability outcomes among university graduates. The study then concludes that improving curriculum responsiveness and strengthening digital competence development are critical to enhancing graduate employability in Nigeria.
Communicating Agricultural Biotechnology Among Farmers In Ebonyi State, Nigeria
This study was carried out to investigate the impact of communicating agricultural biotechnology to farmers in Ebonyi state. This study was anchored on Diffusion of Innovation Theory. In conducting this research, descriptive research design was adopted. The population of the study was 2,880,383 from which a sample size of 400 was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Multistage sampling technique was adopted to select samples while questionnaire served as instrument of data collection. Data collected were analyzed using SPPS frequency tables, percentages and arithmetic mean in a four-point likert scale. Findings showed that majority of the respondents were fairly exposed to agricultural biotechnology information through various sources of information outlets such as the mass media. It was also found that most of the respondents agreed that kind of information contents on agricultural biotechnology was on new crops and animal species while majority of them had poor cum negative attitude towards adoption of agricultural biotechnology products and practices. The study recommended that regular communication with farmers in Ebonyi State on the nature and application of agricultural biotechnology through various mass and social media outlets and platforms, communicating Ebonyi farmers on simple and affordable or applicable agricultural biotechnology devices, innovations and products by Agricultural Development Agencies and mass media campaigns on agricultural biotechnology should be designed with local language, contents and settings on acceptance and application of agricultural biotechnology by the farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Childhood Experiences as determinant of Antisocial Behaviours among Basic School Pupils in Oyo State, Nigeria
The study examined how childhood experience determined antisocial behaviour among basic school pupils in Oyo state, Nigeria. Specifically, the study aimed to identify the level of antisocial behaviour, assessed prevalent childhood experiences among basic school children in Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed. The research employed multi-stage sampling procedures incorporating simple random sampling and a baseline method. From a total population of 2503 basic school, a sample of 96 schools were selected across 24 local government areas, comprising a total sample size of 812 pupils across all selected schools. The "Childhood Experiences, Questionnaire (CESQ) (r = 0.893) was used to gather information. One research question and one hypothesis were raised and tested. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Correlation, and Multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed bullying victimisation experiences being most prevalent. Females exhibited higher antisocial behaviour (t= 92.170, X̅ = 2.62017, p< 0.05) than males (t = 77.959, X̅ = 2.39682, p< 0.05). The study provides a comprehensive understanding of antisocial behaviour among basic school pupils in Oyo State, Nigeria. revealing the complex interplay between gender differences. Implementing school-based behaviour management, peer mediation, and empathy-building activities is recommended to reduce subtle antisocial behaviours.
Amelioration and Pejoration of Arabic Loanwords in Hausa: Evidence of Semantic Change and Implications for Language Teaching
This study investigates semantic change in twenty Arabic loanwords in Hausa, examining how borrowed lexical items undergo meaning elevation (amelioration) and meaning degradation (pejoration) in the host language. The twenty words analysed — eight exemplifying amelioration and twelve exemplifying pejoration — provide concrete linguistic evidence of the processes through which Arabic source meanings are transformed, inverted, narrowed, or entirely replaced during integration into the Hausa lexicon. The study reveals that amelioration in Hausa Arabic loanwords operates primarily through the naming tradition sub-process, by which words carrying neutral, negative, or inanimate referential meanings in Arabic are elevated to honorific human naming functions in Hausa — exemplified by Safinaa (ship to female name), Unaizaa (she-goat to female name), and Mal'uunatu (accursed to female name). Pejoration operates through semantic inversion, register degradation, and taboo transfer, illustrated by shaakira (grateful to sex organ), maulaa (Lord to beg), and tsubbu (medicine to sorcery). The study derives significant implications for language teaching, arguing that awareness of semantic divergence between Arabic source meanings and Hausa borrowed meanings is indispensable for effective bilingual education, Arabic language instruction, and the prevention of pragmatic errors among Hausa learners of Arabic and Arabic learners of Hausa.
Artificial Wisdom is final future AI or ultimate Artificial Brain at Earth, Space, Intersteller or at Cosmic level wide where all possible Ais interconnected and form one giant AI. Hence itsneed precisemodelling and engineering which I itriedwith simple but deep models the Octane model with 8 Sections, where each section further has 4 layers where each layer further has 3,4 or 5 segments as shown in layer models which applicable on all types of AI simillarly and finally for Artificial Mesh/Brain or AW inter sections and layers as well as intra sections signals and communication engineering require for same type and different types of AIs and with all possible communications shown in last model.
Exploring QSARs for Inhibitory Activity of some Antimalarial Compounds by MLR and PC-AN
As malaria disease is continuous to be one of the major health problems, and until now no effective vaccines or drugs are available due to the mutation of the plasmodium. So, in order to help in designing a new antimalarial agent, a quantitative structure activity relationship was performed to study the Activity of 79 compound as antimalarial agents. The QSAR models were developed using the multiple linear regression (MLR) as a linear method. The principal component – artificial neural network (PC-ANN) was used as nonlinear method for modeling. The models resulted have a good prediction power. The MLR models (13-17) which have R2 >0.6, the best model was model number 17 with correlation coefficient R= 0.889, R2= 0.791, and R2adj.= 0.733. Cross validation LOO and LMO were performed on the resulted MLR models 13 - 17 in which they showed a good predictive power. The PCA was performed to divide the data into three data sets; training, validation and test set. Then the ANN performed on the models 13-17. The resulted ANN models were validated by randomization test, then the conditions that proposed by Golbraikh and Tropsha were applied to confirm that the QSAR models have acceptable prediction power or not. However, the best ANN model with the best predictive power was model number 17, with R value 0.8138.
Innovative Teaching Aids for French Language: A Study of Teachers' Perspectives and Challenges in Nigerian Schools
This study assesses innovative teaching aids for French Language: A study of teachers’ perspective and challenges in Nigerian schools. This study employed a descriptive research design of the survey type to systematically collect and analyze data on French teachers' perceptions of innovative teaching aids. The population comprised 1,001 French Language teachers across selected schools in Southwest Nigeria, with a sample size of 115 determined through stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled French Teachers' Perception on Innovative Teaching Aids (FTPITA), which was validated through expert review in French Language education. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed with a coefficient of 0.91, indicating high internal consistency. The questionnaire was administered electronically, ensuring a high response rate. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (percentages, mean, and standard deviation) to summarize demographic characteristics and overall perceptions, while inferential statistics (t-test and regression analysis) were used to examine relationships and differences between variables. Hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance, ensuring statistical rigor in determining meaningful patterns. The findings of the study reveal that teachers acknowledge the benefits of innovative teaching aids in improving student engagement and learning in French instruction. However, their effective use is hindered by inadequate training, limited access to resources, poor infrastructure, and insufficient government support. While teachers do not see traditional methods as superior, schools face shortages of multimedia tools, language labs, and internet access. Funding constraints, lack of external collaborations, and insufficient professional development further restrict integration. Despite confidence in using technology, structured training remains inadequate, making financial and institutional barriers key challenges to adopting modern teaching aids. It was recommended among others that the government and school administrators should allocate more funding for procuring innovative teaching aids such as multimedia tools, language laboratories, and stable internet connectivity to improve instructional delivery.
English Language, Teaching, Literature, Linguistics and Communication
Ideological Warfare in the Digital Comment Section: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Reader Responses to the 2026 US-Israel-Iran Conflict on Al Jazeera English and i24 News
This study examined the ideological and discursive strategies deployed by online commenters in response to breaking news coverage of the 2026 US-Israel-Iran conflict. This was triggered by the joint American and Israeli strikes on Iran that commenced on 28 February 2026 and codenamed Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion respectively. These breaking news items appeared on two editorially opposed international news platforms: Al Jazeera English (AJE) and i24 News. Employing a purposive corpus of 50 reader comments (25 from each platform, five per breaking news item across five major stories), the study adopted Van Dijk's (1998, 2008) socio-cognitive Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) as its primary framework, supplemented by Martin and White's (2005) Appraisal Theory and Austin's (1962) and Searle's (1969) Speech Act Theory. The study investigated how ideologically committed readers construct in group solidarity and out group antagonism through lexical, evaluative, and pragmatic choices, with particular attention to Van Dijk's (1998) ideological square. Grounded in debates on mediated conflict, digital public spheres, and partisan journalism (Papacharissi, 2015; Cottle, 2006; Chouliaraki, 2006), the findings revealed patterns of ideological polarisation, delegitimation, and dehumanisation across the two platforms, raising significant questions about internationally positioned media and the amplification of conflict discourse in the digital age.
Influence of Single Parenthood Family Structure on Pupils Academic Achievement in Primary School in Egbeda Local Government, Oyo State
The purpose of this research was to assess how the family structure, specifically single parenthood, impairs the performance of primary school age children in the area of Egbeda Local Government in the Oyo State. The study was a descriptive survey which assisted in the collection of data from 200 students drawn randomly from each of four schools. The study compiled all gathered data from both sets of materials – structured questionnaire and schools’ files – and appropriate statistical treatments in terms of analysis were conducted. Results revealed that academic achievement of majority of pupils could be classified as moderate level of performance and mean girls’ performance was better than boys. Hence, the study demonstrated that academic performance of pupils whose parents lived separately was less than that of the students from nuclear families. However, an analysis of some pupils from reconstituted family revealed that they scored very high in their performance inclusive of the aspects like poverty, resilience, parental involvement, and school inclination. It is thus the case that the learning culture of single paternity has adversely affected the learners’ scholastic achievement. Part of the recommendations that can be made therefore is to suggest strategies that inherently exist within school teaching programs, which are focused on the child. They can be as ways of solving the problem - first, strategies that place the welfare of the child and issues of gender in particular, in the course of why children go to school, second, strategies that actively involves parents in the learning experiences of their child, third, and pushing for better legislation and/or working policies that support singlehanded families. This study aims at advancing knowledge in the field of the topic of family pattern as a contributor to the grade of attainment in education in Nigeria, more specifically, in primary school therefore calling the educationist and all the stakeholders as one.
Global Transmission of Geopolitical Oil Price Shocks in the Energy Transition Era: Evidence from Russian Sanctions, The Us-Israel-Iran War and Emerging African Oil Producers (Nigeria & Angola)
This study investigates the global transmission of geopolitical oil price shocks within the context of the energy transition era (2000–2025). Employing a Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) framework, estimated via Mean Group (MG) and Pooled Mean Group (PMG) techniques, the research analyzes a diverse panel comprising global economic powers—the USA, China, the Euro_Area, Russia, and Saudi Arabia—alongside emerging African oil producers, Nigeria and Angola. Data for the study variables, including Real GDP Growth (RGDPG), Real Exchange Rate (LNRER), Interest Rates (INTR), Global Oil Prices (LNGOP), and Global Real Economic Activity (GREA) were sourced from the World Bank’s WDI, IMF International Financial Statistics, and the U.S. EIA, with a binary dummy capturing the Russian Sanctions (SAN) era. The empirical results, validated by the Hausman test, justify the PMG estimator and reveal a significant long-run equilibrium across the variables. A central finding is the confirmation of strong cross-sectional dependence via the Pesaran CD test, proving that geopolitical shocks—such as the Russian sanctions and the US-Israel-Iran tensions—are instantaneously transmitted across the panel. While global real economic activity serves as a robust driver of growth, the study identifies a contractionary long-run impact of sustained high global oil prices and interest rates. It further reveals that real exchange rate supports long-term economic expansion, but its immediate effect on growth is not significant in the short-run. Furthermore, the high speed of adjustment evidenced by the error correction term highlights a degree of macroeconomic resilience. Notably, the sanctions dummy was statistically insignificant as a direct shock, suggesting that geopolitical conflicts impact emerging producers primarily through the mediation of global demand and price volatility. The study concludes that as the energy transition accelerates, producers must shift toward aggressive economic diversification and regional integration to mitigate the risks of global shock transmission.
Teachers’ Performance and the Rpms-Ppst: A Social Cognitive Perspective
This study determined the dynamic interactions of the three social cognitive factors of Bandura to the performance rating of teachers for S.Y. 2022-2023, particularly secondary teachers of the South District in the Division of Cagayan de Oro using the RPMS-PPST as the framework. This study investigated the factors influencing teacher performance ratings. Teachers achieved outstanding ratings overall. The analysis revealed that a teacher's rank, educational attainment, and self-efficacy in their job role significantly explained variations in performance ratings. Other factors, such as core behavioral competencies, self-assessment, and stress, did not have a significant impact. Notably, self-efficacy emerged as a crucial factor associated with outstanding performance. The findings support Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory, highlighting the importance of self-efficacy for teachers. These results can be used to improve performance appraisal and promotion systems for teachers. In essence, the study identified self-efficacy as a key factor influencing teacher performance ratings. This suggests that teachers with high self-belief in their ability to succeed are more likely to achieve outstanding results.
Solution to Einstein's Vacuum Equation with a Large Number of Lambda Terms
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The Interplay of Parental Stress and Mental Health in Shaping Parenting Behaviours and Child Development in Ekiti State, Nigeria
Parenting constitutes an essential responsibility in shaping a child's emotional, cognitive, and social growth in the contemporary era of the 21st century. This research endeavor sought to explore the complex relationship between parental stress and mental health in influencing parenting behaviors and child development within Ekiti State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The target population comprised “all parents residing in Ekiti State, with a sample of 300 parents selected through simple random sampling techniques. The instrument utilized for data collection was a self-constructed questionnaire, which underwent validation by three experts in the fields of Guidance and Counseling, Early Childhood Education, and Educational Measurement. A pilot study was conducted involving 20 parents who were not part of the primary study, and the reliability of the instrument was assessed using Cronbach’s Alpha, resulting in a coefficient of 0.81, indicating a high degree of internal consistency. The data gathered were subjected to inferential statistical analysis, with all hypotheses evaluated at a significance level of 0.05. The results demonstrated a significant positive correlation between parental stress and parental mental health. Additionally, findings indicated a significant negative correlation between parental stress and parenting practices. The analysis further revealed a significant correlation between parental mental health and parenting practices. The study concluded that parenting practices serve as significant predictors of child development. Consequently, it is recommended that parents be offered stress management and counseling support, which would enable them to effectively navigate financial pressures, work obligations, and parenting duties, thereby enhancing their mental health and overall well-being.
From Digital to Smart Villages: Concept, Characteristics, and Development Pathways in Rural Bangladesh and Global South
The implementation of smart villages serves as an essential advancement from the digitalization-based efforts to improve rural areas in the Global South that face continual economic, governance, and service delivery exclusion from their rural citizens. The existing projects in Bangladesh, which aim to establish digital villages through improving connectivity and e-service delivery, lack both a clear definition of smart village elements and a verified method for developing these elements. The study introduces a local particularity framework that scientists use to define smart villages and to create local pathways for developing these villages in Bangladesh. The Global South uses smart village development as its main approach to achieving rural transformation but Bangladesh has developed only limited methods to evaluate this development within its areas facing climate threats and institutional inconsistencies. The study defines smart villages through multiple dimensions by creating the Smart Village Index (SVI) that evaluates rural development based on infrastructure and governance and digital services and livelihood innovation and social inclusion and climate resilience. The research team conducted their study through a mixed-method approach which included village-level surveys and institutional assessments and GIS-based spatial profiling and comparative case analysis to investigate five village clusters in Bangladesh which included Kaliganj (Gazipur) and Mithapukur (Rangpur) and Shyamnagar (Satkhira) and Char Kukri Mukri (Bhola) and a remote haor settlement (Sunamganj). The research results show that rural areas experience major differences in development because peri-urban and institutionally dense villages achieve better smartness scores than ecologically vulnerable char and wetland areas which remain outside digital access despite having infrastructure development. The study demonstrates that smart village development requires more than technology diffusion which interacts with governance capabilities and livelihood diversity and inclusion patterns and environmental threats. The study introduces a new theoretical framework to understand rural smartness through ICT4D and development-as-freedom while the study proposes a phased Vision 2041 Smart Village Roadmap for Bangladesh as its policy recommendation. Smart villages need a new definition which sees them as development ecosystems that enable rural equalization while building pathways for sustainable development instead of their current role as technological demonstration sites.
History, International Relation, Political Science and Administration
Motivational antithesis Among Teachers with Upgraded qualifications in Zambia
This article investigates the paradox of “motivational antithesis” among Zambian primary school teachers who upgraded their qualifications following the Government’s 2015 policy mandating academic upgrading for all serving teachers. While the policy aimed to enhance teacher quality and learner outcomes by leveraging both extrinsic-salary increments and promotions, and intrinsic- professional growth and self-actualization motivators, emerging evidence suggests that upgrading has coincided with declining motivation. Guided by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and Herzberg’s two-factor theory, the study examined; the extent of qualification upgrading; levels of motivation among upgraded teachers; and the relative influence of extrinsic hygiene factors and intrinsic motivators on job motivation. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted with 100 primary school teachers selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire and analyzed with the aid of SPSS into descriptive and multiple regression results. Major findings reveal that 72% upgraded from certificate to diploma and/or degree, largely through self-sponsorship. Of these 97% had not received the expected salary scale adjustments while only about 3% had been promoted. Mean motivation remained low (3.94 ± 1.79), designating substantial demoralization. Regression analysis (R² = .52) revealed that intrinsic factors; perceived professional growth (β = .48, p < .001), sense of achievement (β = .26, p < .001), and meaningfulness of work (β = .21, p < .001) constituted the strongest predictors of job motivation, while extrinsic factors (salary increment, promotion status) had little effect, demonstrating that working conditions were insignificant in this instance. These outcomes show a motivational antithesis where a significant individual effort in upgrading, initially fueled by both extrinsic and intrinsic motivations, is weakened by institutional failure to fulfill promised and expected extrinsic rewards like realignment of salary, jobs and career paths. Thus, qualification upgrading alone is insufficient to boost teacher motivation but that it may be counterproductive if not combined with timely, transparent salary reforms, merit-based promotion structures, and leadership practices that recognize and utilize upgraded teachers' competencies.
The Role of Fintech in Bridging the Financial Inclusion Gap for Rural Women Agripreneurs
Financial exclusion remains a persistent challenge for rural women agripreneurs in developing countries. These women often lack access to affordable financial services due to infrastructural barriers, sociocultural norms, and limited digital literacy. Fintech-defined as the integration of technology into financial services-has emerged as a potential game-changer. This review explores how fintech solutions can close the financial inclusion gap by offering mobile banking, micro-insurance, digital credit, and blockchain-based platforms that bypass traditional banking systems. Drawing upon recent empirical evidence, this article analyzes the extent of fintech adoption, the barriers to scalability, and the socio-economic implications for women agripreneurs. It concludes with policy recommendations for governments and development agencies to catalyze inclusive digital financial ecosystems.
Integrating Sustainable Carbon Farming and Gender Equality: A Critical Interdisciplinary Review
Sustainable carbon farming has emerged as a vital strategy in combating climate change, enhancing soil health, and promoting ecosystem resilience. However, the intersection of carbon farming practices with gender equality remains underexplored. This review synthesizes interdisciplinary research on how sustainable carbon farming initiatives impact, and are impacted by, gender dynamics, particularly in rural and agrarian societies. Drawing on over twenty academic sources from environmental science, gender studies, and agricultural economics, the paper develops a dual-framework analysis-ecological sustainability and gender inclusion—to explore the synergies and conflicts in implementing gender-equitable carbon farming policies. The findings show a critical gap in equitable participation, benefit-sharing, and decision-making roles for women, despite their central role in land stewardship. The study concludes with policy recommendations for mainstreaming gender into carbon farming programs, stressing the need for participatory models, capacity-building, and equitable access to climate finance.
Perceived Effects of Sexual Harassment on Psychological Well-Being of Secondary School Students
This study was designed to fluid out the perceived effects of sexual harassment on psychological well-being of secondary school students in Oyo metropolis of Oyo state, Nigeria. The study focused on finding the influence of gender and religion effects of sexual harassment on psychological well-being of students. The disruptive survey method was adopted for the study. The target population comprised of all secondary school teachers in Oyo metropolis. The sample for the study was selected using purposive sampling technique. A sample of 200 participants was involved in the study. A research instrument titled, “Effects of Sexual Harassment on Psychological Well-being Questionnaire” was employed to collect data for the study. It has two sections. Section A consists of demographic data of gender and religion and Section B consists of 15 items on effects of sexual harassment on psychological well-being of students. The content and construct validity of the instrument was established by experts in counselling and test and measurement department of the Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo. The reliability of the instrument was carried out using test re-test procedure and co-efficient of 0.73 were obtained. The findings revealed that sexual harassment make student loose interest in schooling, it makes students perform woefully in examination and also make students develop emotional stress. No significant difference in teachers’ perception on effects of sexual harassment on psychological well-being of students based on family type and religious affliction. The implication of this findings for Counsellors and Education Managers among others are that both counsellors and Education Managers need to be trained on skills of handling issues of sexual harassment among students. The strategies of handling sexual harassment need to be included in the sexuality and family life education programmes. It is therefore recommended that seminars and conferences should be organized for the teachers in other to enlighten them on challenges of sexual harassment on student’s psychological well-being. The school workers and personnel should also be given counselling on unwholesome activities that can lead to sexual harassment.
Shifting Development Paradigms: Community and Environmental Wellbeing Over Corporate Profit in Africa
The prevailing paradigm in international business and investment increasingly prioritizes economic gains over the well-being of indigenous communities and the environment, particularly in developing nations. This article challenges this approach, focusing on Africa as a case study. Through a critical analysis of existing legal frameworks, policies, and practices, it argues for a shift towards a more holistic approach to sustainable development and foreign direct investment (FDI) that places the rights of indigenous communities and environmental protection at the forefront. Examining case studies and empirical data, the paper demonstrates the adverse effects of prioritizing profit-driven agendas in African communities and ecosystems. Drawing on principles of ethics, justice, social inclusion and sustainability, it proposes a new framework emphasizing human well-being and environmental safeguards while still promoting economic development through FDI. By reordering the priorities within existing legal instruments and advocating for community inclusion, and stronger enforcement mechanisms, the goal is to achieve a more accountable and equitable foreign investment standard, contributing to a sustainable future for all stakeholders in Africa.
Self-Regulation and Academic Engagement among Undergraduate Students in Public Universities in Anambra State, Nigeria
This study examined the relationship between self-regulation and academic engagement among undergraduates in public universities in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study aimed to determine the levels of self-regulation and academic engagement among students and to establish whether a significant relationship exists between the two variables. Three research questions guided the study while one null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The theoretical framework for this study is grounded in two complementary perspectives: Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and Wilmar Schaufeli’s Theory of Engagement. A descriptive correlational research design was adopted, and data were collected from 1,777 undergraduates using standardized instruments. Findings revealed that only 13 students (0.7%) exhibited low self-regulation, 496 (27.9%) demonstrated moderate self-regulation, while the majority, 1,268 (71.4%), showed high self-regulation. Similarly, 473 students (26.6%) displayed moderate academic engagement, while 1,304 (73.4%) exhibited high engagement levels, with no respondents recording low engagement scores. The correlation analysis yielded a coefficient of r = 0.428 with a p-value of 0.000, indicating a statistically significant moderate positive relationship between self-regulation and academic engagement. The study concludes that self-regulation plays a crucial role in enhancing academic engagement among undergraduates. Based on the findings, it was recommended that universities should incorporate structured programmes that teach students goal-setting, time management, and self-monitoring strategies. These can be embedded into general studies
Analysis and Functions of Vague and Ambiguous Language in President Tinubu’s 2023 Inaugural Address
The paper sheds light on the types and functions of vague and ambiguous language in President Tinubu’s 2023 inaugural address to the nation which forms the data for the study. The analysis was carried out using insight from the concepts of vagueness and ambiguity in semantics. Findings reveal that vague expressions in the speech are meant to: make Nigerians feel happy and hopeful; make Nigerians have pride in their country; achieve tact or save the face of some people; achieve mass mobilisation or support, etc. For ambiguous expressions in the speech, their functions include creating a sense of belonging or shared value and achieving tact.
An Analytical Study of NAFDAC’s Influence on the Safety and Market Dynamics of Aporo-Epa Ijebu in South-West Nigeria
The study examines National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) with particular reference to the role of NAFDAC established by Decree 15 of 1993 (as amended) and charged with responsibility to control and regulate the manufacture, importation, advertisement, sales and use of food, drugs, chemicals, cosmetics, detergents, medical devices and all drinks with the view of protecting and safeguarding the citizens against consumption of hazardous and uncertified food, drugs and other related products. The study analyses primary data against the background of the objective. Evidence available indicates that consumer protection in Nigeria like most less developed countries remained at the lowest ebb. The study observed that although NAFDAC recognized the right of consumers but not specifically provide avenue on how these rights should be enforced as they are merely implied and subsumed with the function of the agency. Meanwhile, consumers’ awareness of their protection laws is low, even in case of obvious infringement. This implies that NAFDAC should be more proactive in safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians. The study employed Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) to elicit information from illiterates that more vulnerable while secondary data are sourced from textbooks, journals, publications and internet facilities.
Human, Nature, and the Ring: Fire and Struggle in Jack London’s Fiction
This article examines Jack London’s short stories The Game (1905) and To Build a Fire (1908) through the lens of literary naturalism and the concept of dignified defeat. It argues that London redefines heroism not as victory over external forces but as moral endurance in the face of inevitable failure. By juxtaposing human confrontation with nature and with another human opponent, the study demonstrates how London foregrounds inner strength, ethical resolve, and perseverance as central markers of human worth. Drawing on close textual analysis and contextualized within American naturalism, the article situates London’s protagonists as figures who achieve moral triumph despite physical annihilation.
Effects of Classroom Environment on Learning Outcomes of Students in Public Schools in Afijio Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria
The classroom environment is a significant determinant of students’ learning outcomes, influencing cognitive, affective, and socio-emotional development. This study examined the effects of both physical and psychological aspects of classroom environments on students’ learning outcomes in public schools within Afijio Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was utilized, and data were collected from a sample of 390 students, selected via a multistage sampling technique across primary and secondary schools. Structured questionnaires were employed to obtain information on students’ perceptions of classroom infrastructure, teacher-student interactions, peer cooperation, and other socio-emotional factors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and means. Findings indicated that physical factors such as adequate seating, proper ventilation, sufficient lighting, and availability of instructional materials significantly enhanced learning outcomes. Psychological factors—including supportive teacher-student relationships, positive classroom climate, discipline, encouragement, and peer collaboration—were also positively associated with students’ motivation, engagement, and academic achievement. The study identified systemic challenges, including overcrowding, insufficient furniture, poor ventilation, and lack of instructional resources, which hinder the creation of conducive learning environments. It is recommended that educational stakeholders prioritize both physical infrastructure and the psychosocial climate of classrooms to optimize students’ learning outcomes. The study provides empirical evidence for policymakers and school administrators to enhance educational quality and contributes to understanding how holistic classroom environments impact learning outcomes in Nigerian public schools.
Effective Leadership Strategies in Educational Institutions: Enhancing Performance and Innovation
Educational institutions increasingly operate in rapidly evolving landscapes shaped by digital transformation, accountability pressures, and demands for pedagogical innovation. Effective leadership is critical not only for sustaining institutional performance (e.g., teacher effectiveness, student achievement) but also for fostering innovation (e.g., novel pedagogies, organizational change). This paper presents a systematic literature review of empirical and theoretical studies (2015–2025) to identify leadership strategies that contribute to both performance and innovation in educational settings. We synthesize evidence on instructional, transformational, distributed, and technology-enabled leadership, examine underlying mechanisms and contextual moderators, and highlight research gaps. Findings suggest that integrated leadership models combining instructional focus, shared decision-making, trust, and digital capacity are most effective. We conclude with recommendations for policy, practice, and future research.
Nexus Between Employees’ Retention and Organisational Sustainability Among Health Workers in Ondo State, Nigeria
Employee retention is not just about keeping the competent staff; it also promotes continuity of workers to ensure services delivery and working environment is sustained. However, the study evaluated relationship between employees’ retention and organisational sustainability among health workers in Ondo State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. The study adopted simple random sampling techniques to choose respondents for the study. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the socio-demographic information of the respondents while inferential was used to analyse the stated hypothesis. Specifically, pearson correlation was used to analyse the hypothesis at 0.05 alpha level. The result of the study revealed that there was significant relationship between employees’ retention and organisational sustainability among health workers in Ondo State, Nigeria {r (307) = -.231**, p < .01}. The study concluded that employees’ retention significantly relates to organisational sustainability among health workers in Ondo State. Therefore, it was recommended that selected health institution should regularly review the remuneration of their health workers to meet the competitive global standard.
The Evolution of Small Language Models in Healthcare: A Narrative-Evolutionary Literature Review
Small Language Models (SLMs) are emerging as transformative tools in healthcare AI, offering an optimal balance between task performance, privacy, and computational efficiency. Unlike Large Language Models (LLMs), which require substantial infrastructure and raise privacy concerns, SLMs are designed for domain-specific applications in real-time, resource-constrained clinical settings. This narrative-evolutionary review traces the development, capabilities, and deployment of SLMs across key healthcare domains, including clinical documentation, decision support, mental health, and telehealth. It outlines enabling technologies such as model compression, federated learning, and edge deployment that facilitate secure and efficient operation within sensitive healthcare infrastructures. To assess their clinical utility, we introduce a domain-relevance matrix and evaluate SLMs using both conventional and deployment-aware metrics, such as latency, memory usage, and compliance with data regulations. The review also identifies critical research gaps in benchmarking practices, data diversity, and explainability. We emphasize the importance of collaborative data ecosystems, standardized evaluation protocols, and socio-technical governance to ensure safe, multimodal, and regulation-compliant integration of SLMs in healthcare workflows. Overall, our findings position SLMs as a scalable, transparent, and context-aware solution for advancing real-world medical NLP, especially in scenarios demanding adaptability, trustworthiness, and decentralized AI performance.
Barriers to Scaling Circular Economy Practices in Selected Nigerian Cities
Rapid urbanisation in Nigeria has intensified waste generation and exposed the limits of disposal-oriented waste management systems. While circular economy (CE) principles are increasingly referenced in policy discussions, their practical scaling remains limited. This study examines the systemic barriers constraining the expansion of circular economy practices in Awka, Enugu, and Onitsha in south-eastern Nigeria. Using a qualitative exploratory design, twelve focus group discussions were conducted with municipal officials, private recycling firms, informal waste actors, and community representatives. Thematic analysis revealed six interrelated barriers: regulatory fragmentation, infrastructural deficits, financial constraints, informal–formal disconnects, weak market demand, and institutional coordination gaps. Findings indicate that circular transition is not hindered by the absence of recovery activity, but by structural misalignments across governance, infrastructure, finance, and market systems. Disposal-oriented regulatory incentives reinforce mixed waste streams, while limited access to capital and unstable demand discourage technological upgrading and private investment. Informal actors, despite playing a central role in material recovery, remain institutionally excluded. Cross-city comparisons further demonstrate that administrative structure and commercial intensity shape transition dynamics. The study concludes that scaling circular economy practices in Nigerian cities requires coordinated governance reform, infrastructural investment, financial innovation, and inclusive institutional frameworks rather than isolated technical interventions.
Talent Retention Strategies and Institutional Stability: A Comparative Analysis of Public and Private Universities in Southwest, Nigeria
This study examined the impact of talent retention strategies on institutional stability in public and private universities in Southwest Nigeria, with particular emphasis on incentive strategies. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and covered a total population of 8,550 academic and non-academic staff, with population data obtained from the Nigeria University Digest (2019). Using the Taro Yamane (1967) formula as cited in Umar and Wachiko (2021), a sample size of 382 respondents was determined and selected for the study. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Descriptive statistics, including frequency tables, were used to summarize respondents’ demographic characteristics, while inferential analysis employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings revealed that incentive strategies have a positive and statistically significant effect on institutional stability in both public and private universities in Southwest Nigeria. In addition, the results indicated a significant difference in talent retention practices and institutional stability between public and private universities, suggesting variations in incentive structures, managerial flexibility, and organizational environments. The study concluded that talent retention strategies significantly influence institutional stability, though their effectiveness varies across university types. Consequently, it was recommended that universities, particularly public institutions, should design and implement context-specific and competitive incentive programs that align with the needs and expectations of their faculty and staff to enhance long-term institutional stability.