Wukari International Studies Journal
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THE DELICATE DANCE: DILEMMAS OF THE IGBO APPRENTICESHIP MODEL IN NIGERIA
Get PDFThe Igbo apprenticeship model, deeply embedded in Igbo culture and a driver of economic success, faces contemporary challenges in Nigeria. This paper explores the key dilemmas of the model, including the tension between modernization and traditional values, limited social and economic mobility, gender and inclusion issues, and concerns about sustainability and relevance. To achieve this, anthropological and historical methodologies were used to generate data, while the qualitative method was used for the analysis. We argue that navigating these dilemmas requires a delicate balance between preserving the model's strengths and adapting to modern realities. Potential solutions include skill development programs, microfinance initiatives, formalization and regulation, promoting inclusivity, and government collaboration. By addressing these challenges and embracing ongoing adaptation, the Igbo apprenticeship model can continue to be a powerful tool for entrepreneurship, community development, and cultural preservation in Nigeria
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT AND INTERNAL SECURITY: LINKING RECRUITMENT TO ETHICAL BEHAVIOR IN NIGERIA POLICE FORCE
Get PDFThis theoretical paper looks into the essential relationship between Human Resource Development (HRD) and internal security in Nigeria, with a focus on how recruitment practices in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) influence officers' ethical behavior. Drawing on Systems Theory, the study develops an integrative model that links strategic recruitment and continuing HRD interventions to the formation of an ethical, accountable police force capable of strengthening national security. In light of widespread police misconduct, cases of brutality, extortion, harassment and the 2020 EndSARS protests, the paper advises that recruitment go beyond basic skills and incorporate assessments of integrity, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of continual ethical development to maintain the moral standards of police personnel. This approach offers a comprehensive framework for reforming recruitment and HRD practices to build a more professional and ethically grounded police force in Nigeria
TRAUMA AND SELF-DISCOVERY IN SADE ADENIRAN’S IMAGINE THIS
Get PDFThis paper examines the multifaceted journey of the protagonist as she navigates through layers of psychological trauma and embarks on a transformative quest for self-understanding in Sade Adeniran’s Imagine This. Existing studies have focused on inter-cultural conflicts, existentialism, psycho-pathology, racism, and victimization but have not adequately studied the causes of psychological trauma, self-discovery and emancipation from the trauma as portrayed in the text. This study, therefore, examines the effect of psychological trauma on the victim as a result of her inner mental process and gains insight into the unconscious intention of the character. This is an attempt to show how psychoanalysis can be used to understand the behaviour of characters and what inspires the action in them. Analytical research method is employed in this study. Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalytical Theory and Cathy Caruth’s Trauma Theory is used in the course of the analysis. The paper reveals the psychological trauma and finds the strategies of self-discovery. Adeniran’s Imagine This also examines the psychological effects of broken marriage, parental irresponsibility, hostility, alienation and defective ‘personality’ structure on a child at formative age. Lola, a teenage girl recounts the pains of harsh realities of cultural shock occasioned by her sudden change of environment which inflicts on her psyche deep sense of neglect, deprivation and abandonment. The study concludes by portraying the effect of trauma and the emancipation from such trauma. This paper discovers that characters have some psychological trauma; this arises from painful psychological experiences in their lives. Some were subjugated to oppression, inferiority complex and depression
KEY MILESTONES IN PEACE STUDIES IN NIGERIA: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES
Get PDFPeace studies in Nigeria have evolved in response to the country’s long history of socio-political conflicts. This paper examines key milestones in peace studies, highlighting Nigeria’s contributions to peacekeeping efforts, the development of academic programs, and scholarly contributions to conflict resolution. The study further explores emerging trends, such as technological innovations in peace education and critical pedagogy, which enhance research and learning in the field. Additionally, the paper discusses the integration of modern conflict resolution strategies with indigenous practices to create culturally relevant and effective peacebuilding mechanisms. By adopting a holistic approach that blends traditional and contemporary models, peace studies in Nigeria can contribute to sustainable conflict resolution. The prospects for the discipline lie in further leveraging technology, expanding interdisciplinary research, and promoting the synergy between academic theories and indigenous peace mechanisms
IMPACT OF MICROLOANS ON SMALL BUSINESS GROWTH IN RURAL AREAS OF NORTH-EAST NIGERIA
Get PDFPersistent underdevelopment in rural North East Nigeria is compounded by limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, and widespread economic displacement caused by conflict. Small businesses, often run by women and youth, remain chronically underfinanced, undermining their potential to stimulate local economic recovery and reduce poverty. This study examines the role of microloans in supporting small business growth across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States between 2014 and 2024. Using a trend-based analytical framework, the study integrates secondary data drawn from institutional reports, microfinance access surveys, and national small business statistics. Five tables (Tables A to E) provide data on credit access, gender distribution, digital finance use, business survival, and employment outcomes. The conceptual framework is grounded in institutional finance theory and the resource-based view of enterprise growth. Findings reveal that microloan coverage in rural North East Nigeria expanded from 18.2 percent in 2014 to 51.4 percent by 2024, with women-led businesses accounting for 57 percent of microloan recipients in 2024. The adoption of mobile lending platforms also rose from under 3 percent in 2014 to 48 percent by 2024, contributing to an average 22 percent increase in business survival rates and a 14 percent rise in rural employment among loan beneficiaries. The study recommends scaling up digital microcredit delivery channels, integrating capacity-building for female entrepreneurs, subsidizing onboarding costs for first-time borrowers, and embedding flexible repayment terms to accommodate regional volatility. These strategies are essential for strengthening rural enterprise ecosystems and fostering inclusive growth in Nigeria’s most vulnerable zones
ECONOMIC CAUSES OF LABOUR CONFLICTS IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR: THE RESOLUTION AND THE STRATEGIES
Get PDFThis study examined the economic causes of labour conflicts in the Nigerian public sector, identifying critical issues such as inadequate salaries, delayed payments, poor working conditions, inflation, and lack of job security. Through a comprehensive analysis, the research highlighted the impact of these factors on employee dissatisfaction and industrial unrest. The study utilized qualitative and quantitative methods to gather data from public sector employees, union representatives, and government officials, providing a well-rounded perspective on the challenges faced by workers. Findings revealed that inadequate salaries and delayed payments significantly contribute to feelings of undervaluation among employees, leading to increased tensions and strikes. Additionally, the lack of job security due to government austerity measures heightens fears of layoffs, prompting workers to engage in protests.To address these underlying issues, the study proposed several effective strategies for conflict resolution. These included implementing regular salary reviews, ensuring timely wage payments, improving working conditions, and fostering enhanced communication between government and trade unions. By focusing on these areas, the findings suggested that Nigeria could mitigate labour conflicts and promote a more equitable work environment. Ultimately, the study emphasized that prioritizing the rights and needs of public sector employees is essential for enhancing service delivery and ensuring national development, thereby contributing to a more stable and productive public sector in Nigeria
A THEOLOGICAL AND ETHICAL EXAMINATION OF THE TENSION BETWEEN CHRISTIAN MORAL VALUES AND AFRICAN CULTURAL IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIAN SOCIETY
Get PDFResearch Problems: This study explores the tension between Christian moral values and African cultural identity in Nigeria, focusing on challenges in rites, family duties, gender roles, and communal life. It identifies the absence of cohesive pastoral guidance, often resulting in polarised responses, either outright rejection or uncritical acceptance of cultural practices.
Methods: The study employs a theoretical approach grounded in theological ethics, African moral philosophy, and contextual theology. Critical engagement with recent theological and ethical discourse provides a reflective and interpretive analysis of the intersections between faith and culture.
Results: Findings reveal that cultural influences continue to shape ethical decision-making among Nigerian Christians despite the primacy of Scripture. The lack of structured pastoral direction exacerbates the dilemma, creating fragmented responses within church communities.
Conclusion: The study emphasises the need for a contextualised Christian moral framework honouring biblical authority while constructively engaging African cultural realities. Such a structure can tie the gap between faith and culture without undermining.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This research advances scholarly understanding by proposing a balanced ethical vision that integrates Christian moral teachings with African cultural identity. It provides a resource for church leaders and theologians seeking practical tools for fostering meaningful moral formation within Nigerian Christianity.
Recommendation: Church leaders and theological educators should develop structured pastoral guidelines and contextual teaching models that address cultural-ethical tensions. This will empower Nigerian Christians to maintain spiritual integrity while affirming positive aspects of cultural identity
SEEING IS DECEIVING: THE ROLE OF VISUAL IMAGES IN THE SPREAD OF MISINFORMATION ON SECURITY ISSUES
Get PDFResearch Problem: This study addresses the lack of empirical research on how security-related visual misinformation influences public perception in the specific socio-political context of Nigeria.
Methods/Theory: Anchored on Social Cognitive Theory, this quantitative study surveyed 312 Nigerian social media users to analyse how the theory's core tenets are amplified by visual media.
Results: Findings indicate high public concern over visual misinformation, with news websites and user-generated content as primary sources. Exposure significantly increased fear, anxiety, and distrust in official communications.
Conclusion: The proliferation of false visual images profoundly impacts how Nigerians perceive security. The phenomenon is a cognitive and behavioural challenge, not merely an informational one.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This paper provides the first empirical analysis of visual misinformation's impact on security perceptions in Nigeria, offering crucial local insights into vulnerabilities and mitigation.
Recommendation: The study advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach, including enhanced national media literacy, improved fact-checking infrastructure, and adaptive regulation to defend public safety
TRANSLATING BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE INSIGHTS INTO GROWTH: A FRAMEWORK FOR BANK PRODUCT MANAGERS
Get PDFThis study explores how business intelligence insights contribute to business growth in the Nigerian commercial banking sector. Business intelligence is increasingly adopted by Nigerian banks to gain a competitive edge; however, many financial institutions struggle to fully leverage their business intelligence systems due to technological and operational challenges. This study adopted a qualitative research design to examine how business intelligence insights influence key growth indicators, including customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and internal process efficiency for bank product managers using a hybrid of technology organisation environment and dynamic capability theory. A thematic analysis method was used to analyse the information gathered from respondents and it was found that customers and employees sometimes experience issues when using the digital banking channels provided by the Nigerian banks. Also, there is no effective use of the information provided to the bank by consumers
This study concludes that consumers and employees of Nigerian banks can have better experiences when using the digital banking channels provided if there can be improvement in operational activities through the use of predictive analysis to get real time information.
This study contributes to previous research in business intelligence by examining not just the adoption of business intelligence tools but the use of business intelligence tools for building better relationship with consumers and enhancing operational effectiveness in the Nigerian banking industry. It was recommended that banks should have a single profile that analyse the information gotten from consumers, develop young talents to solve their technological issues, make use of predictive analytics to examine customers profile and provide personalised information tailored to customer needs
TRADE OPENNESS AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS FROM NIGERIA
Get PDFThe influence of trade openness is a significant subject of investigation regarding the factors that stimulate foreign direct investment inflows into a country. Following this, this study examines the effects of trade openness and foreign direct investment in Nigeria. The study employed ARDL techniques in analyzing the data from 1986 to 2023 using data obtained from World Development Indicator (WDI, 2023). The results demonstrate that foreign direct investment adversely affects gross domestic product per capita. The unproductive character of foreign direct investment accounts for this effect; hence, it has adversely impacted growth. This data corroborates the prevalent notion that alterations in the composition of FDI generally exert a negative impact on GDP. These findings, along with previous research, indicate that trade openness significantly influences the attractiveness of FDI inflows. This perspective asserts that governments should enact various rules and regulations to foster trade openness. Governments endeavor to liberalize their trade sectors by enacting various open-door policies, fostering integration, and reducing barriers and bureaucratic obstacles to attain enhanced economic development