Covenant Journals (Covenant University)
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Climate Litigation and Multi-level Governance Systems Dynamics in Nigeria and South Africa
Full text linkAs courts in Africa play an increasingly important role in resolving cases related to climate change and environmental protection, their rulings have significant impact on the power dynamics in multi-level governance systems. This paper focuses on climate litigation and explores how judicial decisions influence federal-state relations within multilevel governance systems in Nigeria and South Africa. Climate Litigation is an emerging field of environmental law which refers to legal actions taken to address issues related to climate change. The paper embraces interpretivism, and recognise that although legal frameworks possess objective realities, subjective interpretations and social contexts shape our understanding. To examine climate litigation in these African countries, the study adopts a mixed-method approach-doctrinal and socio-legal approach. Doctrinal is used to uncover legal principles and precedents, while a socio-legal approach explores the impact of judicial decisions on federal-regional dynamics and climate governance. The paper underscores the importance of judicial decisions in managing complex federal dynamics amidst global environmental changes. The research findings conclude that judicial decisions have significantly impacted federal-state relations by enforcing policy alignment with environmental protection goals. Key findings indicate that, despite the existing tensions between the national government and its regions, the judiciary plays a crucial role in shaping climate policies and reconciling national and regional interests. Nevertheless, the primary challenge confronting these judicial rulings is the lack of enforcement
Biophilic Retrofit of Historic Industrial Buildings for Community Health Hubs in Nigeria: A Scoping Review
Full text linkNigeria's urban landscape is marked by a paradox: a wealth of abandoned industrial buildings alongside a critical shortage of community health infrastructure. This scoping review investigates the viability of bridging this gap by converting these historic structures into biophilic health hubs, offering a solution to urban neglect, health inequity, and the loss of natural connection in cities. Guided by the established scoping review methodology of Arksey and O’Malley, the study synthesizes evidence from 40 key publications, including academic journals and industry reports from the last decade, with a focus on Nigeria and comparable regions. The analysis demonstrates that strategically introducing natural elements like sunlight, fresh air, and greenery into old factories and warehouses can create restorative environments that enhance psychological wellness and strengthen community health. Despite this promise, the path forward in Nigeria is hindered by insufficient policy support, financial constraints, and a need for locally tailored design models. Ultimately, this study positions biophilic adaptive reuse as a pragmatic and sustainable approach to urban regeneration. To move from concept to reality, it calls for specific actions: governments should create financial incentives for reuse projects, design professionals must engage communities directly in the planning process, and the academic community should focus on generating hard data to measure the real-world benefits of these transformative spaces
Public Private Partnership System Initiation Challenges for the Procurement of Public Infrastructure
Full text linkThis study investigates the severity of the challenges associated with the Public-Private Partnership system initiation phase in the procurement of public infrastructure. Also, strategies for managing the barriers associated with the procurement system were evaluated. The study adopted a quantitative research method, conducting a questionnaire survey targeted at selected PPP stakeholders, which includes Architects, Builders, Structural engineers, estate managers, and Quantity surveyors in Lagos and Abuja. The stakeholders were elicited from selected 19 PPP projects using a project-based approach. The data generated were analysed with SPSS 21 using descriptive and inferential tools. Findings from the study revealed the most severe factors associated with PPP procurement system failure to deliver public infrastructure at the inception phase, including a lack of PPP development fund to promote PPP, corruption among the political class, and investors' perception of the country as high-risk for investment. Likewise, strategies considered significant to managing the PPP initiation barriers were unveiled including establishing policies to facilitate PPP at the inception phase, improving transparency in information sharing and providing guarantee legal framework to protect investors. The findings will grant PPP stakeholders insights to the issues responsible for the termination of PPP project collaboration at initiation phase of the procurement system. Also, the unveiling of the PPP challenges and mitigating strategies at the inception phase could guide stakeholders in developing a framework to a successful PPP implementation in a bid to encouraging more participation at this level
Gender Equity in Technology and Innovation: Pathways to Reducing Poverty: Paper selected from 2nd Covenant University Conference on Leadership and Development (CUCLeD), June 11-13, 2025
No full textTechnology and innovation are critical for producing jobs, improving the quality of life, and generating economic growth. Still, gender disparities in access and involvement in these sectors continue to impede growth. Gender equity in technology and innovation is crucial for fostering inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction. In contextualize the findings, the study uses a qualitative research design and a thorough review of secondary sources, including industry reports and policy documents. The study employed secondary data from global databases like the World Bank, ITU, and UNESCO, using thematic analysis to identify trends, patterns, insights, and relationships between gender equity in technology and socio-economic outcomes, evaluating key indicators such as women's representation in leadership roles, access to digital technologies, participation in STEM education, and involvement in the technology workforce. Hence, addressing the intersection of gender equity, technology, and poverty reduction, the study highlights the need for transformative approaches that neutralize structural barriers, encourage inclusive policies, and harness the potential of innovation to achieve sustainable development goals, eventually leading to a more prosperous and equitable society
Leadership Innovation Through Transparency and Accountability for Sustainable Development in Nigeria : Paper selected from 2nd Covenant University Conference on Leadership and Development (CUCLeD), June 11-13, 2025
No full textSeveral studies have shown that leadership plays a pivotal role for the growth and development of a Nation either developed, underdeveloped or developing. This can only be seen through leadership strategy known as leadership innovation initiatives (LII). Against this premise, this paper examined leadership innovation through transparency and accountability for sustainable development in Nigeria. The theoretical framework for the paper is Transformational Leadership Theory by James MacGregor Burns in (1978). Within the context of framework, this paper depended on secondary sources of data obtained from textbooks, journals, internet and other published articles relating to the study. The paper found out that, an innovative leader is the one that has the capacity to think and bring out issues that would put it on the trajectory of development such as, vision, transparency and accountability mechanisms. Furthermore, the paper reveals some of the hurdles faced by leaders that affects her sustainable development to include; absence of political ideology, lack of vision and institutional imbalances. The paper also reveals ways of enhancing leadership innovation through accountability and transparency by enhancing civic engagement, public participation and ethical standards of the public service. The paper concluded that leadership innovation enhances good governance, economic stability, social cohesion, and institutional integrity to Nigeria’s growth and development
Youth Inclusion in the Political and Ecclesiastical Governance: A Bridges in Nigeria’s Leadership Gap
Full text linkIn recent times there has been increased glamour for youth inclusion in governance in Nigeria to bridge the country’s governance gap. Experts say youth inclusion was requisite for robust governance and accountability. The principal findings of this study indicate that the concept of youth as leaders of tomorrow have constricted a very important social category to the political fringe and reduced a demographic majority to a political minority. In the run-off to the 2023 general election, Nigeria’s youth played pivotal roles, while they were seen and heard throughout the election circle both online, in mainstream media and on the ground. Although there was apathy in past elections due to the lack of credibility of these polls, the situation changed around. It is estimated that 60 percent of Nigeria’s population is under the age of 25, making it the youngest country in Africa, and their awareness and recognition of the democratic power they hold has undoubtedly increased. There is the general understanding among stakeholders that Nigeria’s youth are under-represented in public office, either elective or appointed despite forming the bulk of the voting population. There is an overwhelming view that the situation needs to change. To achieve this goal, the study adopted the Trait Theory of Leadership and to a large extent, the secondary sources of data collection with historical method of data analysis. However, the study calls for concerted efforts by the religious and political leadership in Nigeria to utilize these youthful assets effectively to drive national transformation
Navigating NATO Framework of Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Arms Control Policy in Modern Warfare
Full text linkSince its inception in 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has been a cornerstone in the architecture of international security, playing a crucial role in shaping the global agenda on non-proliferation and arms control. This paper critically examines the evolution of NATO's strategies and policies in these domains, assessing their significant impact on international peace and security. The study employs qualitative analysis, utilizing secondary data sources. Through a comprehensive analysis of NATO documents, scholarly research, and policy critiques, the study delineates the alliance's pivotal contributions to the reinforcement of international norms and treaties, such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). It also explores NATO's engagements with non-member states and international organizations, highlighting its instrumental role in fostering global cooperation against the backdrop of diverse geopolitical interests among member states and the dynamic nature of security threats. Despite notable successes, the research identifies challenges that hinder NATO's effectiveness, including internal divergences and evolving global security landscapes. The conclusion presents strategic recommendations to enhance NATO's impact in nonproliferation and arms control, advocating for policy recalibrations and strengthened international collaborations to navigate contemporary and future security dilemmas effectively
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contaminants in Local Cassava Chips Associated with Vehicular Traffic in Makurdi Metropolis, an Agrarian City
Full text linkIn the present study, we investigated the levels of lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) using cassava chips dried by select road junctions as an indicator for heavy metals associated with automobile emissions in Makurdi Metropolis. Fresh cassava tubers were obtained and processed like the locals' producing cassava chips, which were sun-dried at the selected junctions. Metal analysis was carried out using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (Agilent 4210 MP-AES). The analysis revealed varying concentrations of heavy metals at road junctions. Lead concentrations ranged from 1.26 mgkg-1 to 5.18 mgkg-1, exceeding safe limits set by WHO and NAFDAC. The levels of Cadmium in cassava chips exposed at some Junctions were also found to be above the maximum permissible levels set by local regulatory agencies. Copper concentrations ranged from 2.50 mgkg-1 to 2.78 mgkg-1, falling within permissible limits but varied across sampling points. Chromium concentrations 0.001 mgkg-1 to 0.245 mgkg-1. No permissible limit was found for chromium concentration from the local regulatory authorities. The findings highlight the significant contribution of vehicular emissions to environmental metal pollution in the studied area. Therefore, consuming cassava chips dried at these Junctions poses risks of toxic metals poisoning. Public awareness campaigns on the dangers of heavy metal exposure and the promotion of alternative drying methods for agricultural produce are recommended to safeguard public health
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CO-INFECTION ANALYSIS AMONG HIV-INFECTED INDIVIDUALS PRESENTING AT A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
Full text linkCoinfections have a major impact on viral persistence and reservoirs in some ways. Coinfections can trigger immune cell activation, creating an environment favourable for HIV-1 persistence. This study aims to analyse the coinfection profiles of persons infected with HIV presenting at a tertiary hospital in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional approach was employed in the study, and the study population was drawn from persons infected with HIV undergoing clinical monitoring at the Niger Delta University of Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A whole blood sample was collected from 200 consented subjects. Serological analysis of cytomegalovirus ((CMV), hepatitis B core antibodies (HBc) IgM, and herpes simplex virus 1 &2 (HSV 1&2) was carried out using commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits. CMV IgG was detected in 169 samples and CMV IgM in 130 samples, representing 84.5% of HIV patients with persistent CMV coinfection and 65.0% with recent coinfection with CMV, respectively. Also, HBV core IgM was detected in 48 (24.0%), HSV IgG in 114 (57.0%), and HSV-IgM in 79 (39.5%) of the samples tested among the study subjects. Also, 189 representing 94.5% of the samples tested, were positive for either CMV, HBV, HSV, or all three viruses. Overall, the information and findings of this study provided fresh insight and knowledge on the current circulating HIV-1 co-infections with CMV, HBV, and HSV 1&2. Clinicians can leverage these findings to provide more individualistic care to HIV patients for better health outcomes and a reduction in the rate of transmission in the general population
Geopolitical Power Struggles and Regional Sovereignty: A Historical Analysis of Russia-Ukraine Relations since 1991
Full text linkThe result of combining modern development with a complicated historical backdrop is the confrontation between Russia and Ukraine. The desire for war and bloodshed has never come from any nation-state or population; rather, it has come from selfish people in positions of authority who are unaware of the implications of their influence. This article throws more light on the understanding of both Russia's and Ukraine's historical backgrounds from the imperial era to the USSR to the complex history that unites and divides them. It went further to address Ukraine's turbulent post-independence history and their relationship that speaks volumes about the struggle at hand, from the 10th - 19th, early 20th, soviet, post-soviet, and 21st centuries, among other eras, with their historical disagreement and implication of the war lead to the global issue. For the benefit of clarity, however, the theory of realism in international relations is modified to explain the situation more in line with their perspective of the conflict and makes contributions on the part of Ukraine, Russia, the US, NATO, and the EU about the implications and potential for ending conflict and war. Because of the underlying tensions, which are financial and economic, and also the timing of the conflict is a major worry to the international community, it is impossible to ignore the global shift in the global economic order, lessons learned and solutions toward the war negotiation in Ukraine and Russia