Wukari International Studies Journal
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AN APPRAISAL OF THE AFRICAN UNION AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN AFRICA
Full text linkThis study sets out to explore the extent to which the African Union has been able to consolidate democracy in Africa, via its election monitoring system. It also examined the obstacles that hamper the realization of the objectives set out in the African Charter on Democracy Elections, and Governance, (ACDEG). Since not much have been written on the aforementioned subjects, therefore, this study seeks to fill these yawning knowledge gaps. The factors that threaten democracy in Africa include, but not limited to, military coup d’etat, tenure elongation, electoral corruption and violence. We anchored our analysis on the liberal democratic theory as espoused by Locke (1939); Rousseau (1950); Montesquieu (1978); Mills (1979); Heyek (1983) and adopted the descriptive research design. The study employed the secondary/qualitative method of data collection, while content analysis was utilized for the analysis of data. Essentially, we discovered that since the transition from the Organization of African Unity (OAU), to the African Union (AU) on 9 July, 2002, several governance institutions and mechanisms have been put in place to accelerate democratic development and socio-economic governance in Africa. These commitments are spelt out not only in the AU Constitutive Act itself, but also in the declaration on observing and monitoring elections, among others. The ACDEG is a vital instrument that underscores Africa’s collective commitment to uphold constitutional order, entrench respect for human rights and strengthen the rule of law beyond electoral democracy. However, poor execution, and weak monitoring system among other factors, tend to hamper its implementation. Consequently, the study recommends among others, that the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) should be fully professional and its reports based on evidence generated over a period of time by trained observers and experts.  
THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF LIBERIAN REFUGEES IN WEST AFRICA, 1990-2007: A DISCOURSE
Full text linkThe main aim of this paper is to critically interrogate the nexus between the United Nations (UN) and the management of Liberian refugees in West Africa between 1990 and 2007. The UN has the mandate to provide humanitarian assistance to the various categories of uprooted persons such as refugees, internally displaced persons and asylum seekers. This assistance is being carried out by the UN refugee agency, known as, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The outbreak of Liberian civil war in 1989 resulted in the production of refugees, who sought safety in the neighbouring countries in West Africa and beyond. By 1990, the UNHCR took over the responsibility of the management of Liberian refugees in their various host countries in West Africa. The various host countries of Liberian refugees in West Africa included Guinea, Sierra Leone, Cote d’ Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria. Through effective collaboration with the governments of host countries, other UN agencies and non-governmental organisations, the UNHCR succeeded in managing Liberian refugees in these countries. It highlights and discusses major pragmatic steps taken by the UNHCR in conjunction with these partners towards the management of Liberian refugees during this period. Following the restoration of peace into Liberia in 2003, the UNHCR began to implement durable solutions, which were completed in 2007. Thus, in 2007, the UNHCR finally wounded up the various Liberian refugee camps in West Africa. The methodology adopted in this paper is historical, thematic, qualitative and quantitative utilising materials from both primary and secondary sources of data collection
SPORTS COACHES’ PROFICIENCY AND ATHLETES’ SPORTS SUCCESS BASED ON ATHLETES’ TYPE IN SOUTH-SOUTH NIGERIA
Full text linkThe research looked at the connection between South-South Nigerian athletes' sports accomplishments and the proficiency of their coaches, paying special emphasis to the type of athlete. A sample of 1,402 athletes was chosen by multistage sampling from a population of 4,669 athletes spread across six states using a correlational design. Data was collected using the Coaches' Competence and Athletes' Sports Achievement Questionnaire (CCASAQ), which has a Cronbach's alpha of 0.81. The data was analysed using Fisher's Z statistics and Pearson correlation at a significance level of 0.05. The findings showed a statistically significant, positive, and modest correlation between athletes' sports accomplishments and the skill of their coaches. The study, which was informed by the theories of self-determination and social cognition, discovered a moderately substantial relationship between the accomplishments of athletes and the competency of their coaches, with the relationship being noticeably stronger among student-athletes. The reason for the discrepancy is that student-athletes usually receive more individualised and prolonged instruction. In order to increase athletes' performance across a range of sporting categories, the study highlights the crucial role that coaching competency plays in affecting sports performance and suggests on-going professional development programs for coaches. This study adds to the body of knowledge by shedding light on the relationship between coaching proficiency and athletic success, especially in the Nigerian environment
ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND DOMESTIC WATER DEMAND IN YELWA AREA OF BAUCHI METROPOLIS
Full text linkThis paper examines the impact of socio-economic characteristics on domestic water demand among households in Yelwa Area of Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria. Using systematic random and stratified sampling techniques, data were collected from 310 households across seven neighborhoods via structured questionnaires. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The results reveal that socio-economic characteristics significantly influence domestic water demand. Specifically, income level and household size are significant predictors of domestic water demand, while occupation is not. The findings suggest that Policymakers and Water Resource Managers, Urban Planners, City Planners, Urban Managers and Urban and Regional Planners should consider the socio-economic characteristics of households when developing strategies to provide and manage water resources. Income and household size should be taken into account when predicting domestic water demand and further research is needed to explore the relationship between occupation and domestic water demand, as the findings of this study suggest that occupation is not a significant factor in contexts. This study contributes to existing knowledge by highlighting the relationships between socio-economic characteristics and domestic water demand in the study area, providing insights for improved domestic water supply strategies
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY IN TRANSFORMING SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA
Full text linkSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria have long faced limited access to affordable financial services, which hinders their growth, particularly in underserved regions. This research investigates how Financial Technology (FinTech) has influenced SME development in Nigeria between 2014 and 2024. Using decade-long trend analysis and empirical data from national surveys, FinTech platform reports, and central banking statistics, the study evaluates adoption rates, credit access, and sectoral transaction volumes across agriculture, retail, and manufacturing. The findings reveal that while SME FinTech usage rose from 6% in 2014 to 42% in 2024, digital loan penetration remained low at only 12%, and rural coverage lagged significantly, with Northern Nigeria accounting for just 35% of total FinTech access. Furthermore, despite exponential investment growth reaching $1.26 billion in 2022, infrastructure gaps, regulatory overlaps, and cybersecurity threats continue to limit the inclusive potential of FinTech. The study recommends regulatory harmonization between the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission, expanded rural broadband investment, SME-focused digital literacy programs, and fiscal incentives for inclusive FinTech innovations. These interventions are essential for translating Nigeria’s FinTech expansion into meaningful economic development for its most vital business segment
AN INTER-RELIGIOUS AND BIO-ETHICAL INTERACTION ON ABORTION AND EUTHANASIA
Full text linkBackground: This paper explores the medical, religious, and social dimensions of abortion and euthanasia, emphasising the perspectives of major religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, and various African belief systems.
Research Problem: The study aims to understand the complex interplay between religious doctrines and secular reasoning that shapes attitudes toward abortion and euthanasia.
Research Method: A qualitative analysis of religious texts and contemporary commentaries was conducted, with a thematic exploration to uncover significant beliefs and values related to these intricate issues.
Research Results: The findings indicate that many women navigate the decision-making process concerning abortion by balancing their religious beliefs with secular considerations. In examining euthanasia, the paper highlights a common opposition among the explored religions, which is grounded in an external moral framework and a belief in a hopeful afterlife that offers solace in the face of current suffering.
Conclusion: These insights provide a nuanced understanding of how religious perspectives influence societal attitudes toward abortion and euthanasia, emphasising their importance in ethical discussions and legislative processes.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This research highlights the necessity of incorporating religious viewpoints into societal discourse on euthanasia and abortion, as these beliefs significantly impact the lives of billions and inform legislative decisions.
Recommendations: Lawmakers should take into account religious perspectives and allow for conscientious objection in jurisdictions where euthanasia is legal, ensuring that healthcare providers and institutions opposed to these practices can opt out while still respecting the choices of those who seek euthanasia
CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS TO THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND WEALTH CREATION PROGRAMME (PAWECA) IN ADAMAWA STATE
Full text linkResearch problem: The Poverty Alleviation and Wealth Creation Programme (PAWECA) was introduced in Adamawa State to empower citizens and reduce poverty. However, its effectiveness has been undermined by persistent challenges, including corruption, inadequate funding, and weak institutional capacity, raising concerns about its ability to achieve sustainable poverty reduction and wealth creation.
Methods/theory: The study was guided by Social Capital Theory, which highlights the role of trust, networks, and institutional structures in achieving development goals. A survey research design was employed with a sample of 400 respondents drawn from beneficiaries and stakeholders of PAWECA. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed through descriptive and inferential techniques.
Results: Findings indicated that corruption, mismanagement of funds, inadequate manpower, and weak coordination among implementing agencies were the most pressing challenges. In addition, poor funding and limited institutional capacity significantly constrained programme performance, reducing its impact on poverty alleviation and empowerment outcomes.
Conclusion: The study concludes that PAWECA’s sustainability and effectiveness are threatened by systemic and structural weaknesses. Unless these constraints are addressed, the programme will continue to fall short of its objectives in Adamawa State.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This research provides empirical evidence on institutional and financial barriers to poverty alleviation programmes, underscoring the importance of governance, accountability, and institutional strengthening in development initiatives.
Recommendation: The study recommends the establishment of a centralized coordinating body to streamline the roles of implementing agencies, enhance accountability, and ensure adequate funding for PAWECA’s effective delivery
SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE AND EDUCATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN ENUGU NORTH SENATORIAL ZONE, NIGERIA: LEARNED HELPLESSNESS
Full text linkResearch Problem: Academic underperformance continues to be a significant issue that concerns not only students but also the government and different school administrations. While some researchers construe parental styles, others perceive a poor educational environment as a factor. Hence, this study assessed the effects of internet usage on school engagement, academic motivation, and psychosocial well-being of undergraduates in Enugu through an examination of learned helplessness.
Methods/Theory: The study adopts a quantitative method using a structured questionnaire to elicit information from 200 undergraduates. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Digital Native Theory was adopted to examine the profound control of social networks on cognitive and learning processes among the study population.
Results: There are mixed opinions among undergraduates on internet engagement, suggesting students leveraged digital platforms as formidable sources for communication, entertainment, and academic purposes. There is a relatively low percentage of students who actively use the internet and social media for collaborative research and knowledge sharing.
Conclusion: Students' apparent lack of control over the use of social media, which can be broadly characterized as helpless behavior, results in their incapacity to handle the majority of their academic assignments and other school engagements. Thus, an addiction to social media causes them to lose focus in class, and their academic performance suffers as a result.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: The study provides insights into the detrimental impacts of internet dependency on the academic performance of undergraduates.
Recommendation: Integration of digital literacy programs into the course curriculum of students
EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF EVENT MARKETING ON PROMOTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS, BRAND ENGAGEMENT, AND STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING
Full text linkThe study examines the effects of event marketing on consumer patronage, promotion success, and brand success for trade shows, concerts, and beverage brands such as Guilder, Heineken, and Star. Based on the survey data from 47 participants and chi-square, ANOVA, and reliability tests, the results show that event marketing has significant effects on purchase intention, brand interaction, and market share. The trade shows and concerts emerged as most successful in increasing consumer interaction, while demographic variables in the form of age, level of education, and level of management acted to moderate reaction to event marketing campaigns. The research highlights the strategic relevance of aligning event marketing to brand goals, consumer taste, and overarching business strategies. Policy recommendations point to the importance of formal support for promotional events through regulatory policies and professional guidelines. The outcomes add to theory and practice by tying experiential marketing strategies to measurable business results and consumer behavior patterns
EXPLORING GLOBAL TRENDS IN RESEARCH ON E-GOVERNMENT: A BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW
Full text linkThis study provides a novel and comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global e-government research, examining 2,119 publications from Scopus (2017-2024) to map emerging themes, leading contributors, and the evolution of research on e-government services. Employing Scopus tools, Excel, and VOSviewer, the study analyzes publication patterns, citations, and collaborations across countries, institutions, and researchers. Key findings indicate steady growth in e-government research, with Asia, particularly Indonesia and China, making the largest contributions, primarily in computer science, social sciences, and business management. Universitas Indonesia emerged as the top institution, with Government Information Quarterly and Sustainability Switzerland as the most influential sources. While highlighting significant collaborative research, the study notes limited involvement from less-developed nations. Distinguishing itself from prior studies, this research offers a unique, comprehensive bibliometric mapping of the e-government literature, revealing its interdisciplinary nature and underscoring the necessity for greater global inclusivity. By synthesizing trends and patterns across a substantial body of work, this study offers a distinct perspective on the development and current landscape of e-government research, concluding that addressing regional disparities and promoting broader international collaboration are vital for maximizing its impact on public sector policy and strategic management