Wukari International Studies Journal
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CULTURE AND THE QUESTION OF IDENTITY IN NORTHERN NIGERIA: AN OVERVIEW OF THE GRAY AREAS IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Get PDFThe history of human existence revealed that, culture is an integral part of human endeavor. To every community/group of people, there is a cultural identity that binds them together at different levels of cultural practices. In Northern Nigeria, cultural practices and its sustainability among non-Hausas is perceived an uncommon trait. Since some writers assumed that the history of Northern Nigerian culture is the history of the Hausa culture. This paper argues that there exist in the North other ethnic groups whose cultural structure has the capacity of meeting the expectations of its adherents, but cultural suppression, domination and subjugation threatens the smooth practices of cultural heritage of most of these non-Hausa ethnic nationalities cohabiting the Northern part of Nigeria. The ebbs and flows of cultural practices among non-Hausa cultures was factored by European cultural imperialism in the 19th century, colonial degradation in the 20th century, self-vilification of culture by its adherents, globalization among others. The work used a multi-disciplinary approach in data collation and analysis. Finally, the work suggests viable ways toward restoring the lost glory of cultural heritage and how cultural values and practices among non-Hausa communities could be resuscitated in Northern Nigeria
APPRAISAL OF THE INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH ABIODUN ADETILOYE IN THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA ANGLICAN COMMUNION (1988-1999)
Get PDFThis article presents a critical appraisal of the indigenous leadership strategies employed by Archbishop Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye during his tenure as Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) from 1988 to 1999. The study addresses the problem of post-colonial ecclesiastical dependency and structural inefficiencies that hindered indigenous expression and contextual relevance in Nigerian Christianity. It evaluates how Adetiloye’s leadership responded through diocesan expansion, theological contextualization, and cultural integration.
The aim is to explore his strategies in fostering church growth, national unity, spiritual renewal, and social engagement. Using a historical-descriptive qualitative methodology, the study draws on primary sources—sermons, synod records, and correspondences—supplemented by oral histories and secondary literature. The analysis is framed by contextual theology, African ecclesiology, and servant leadership theory.
Findings reveal that Adetiloye expanded the Church from 26 to 76 dioceses, established mission-specific directorates, promoted indigenous seminary education, and encouraged multilingual and multiethnic ministry. His prophetic stance during Nigeria’s military era positioned the Church as a moral force. His leadership fostered national unity and gave the Anglican Church a global voice rooted in African identity.
The study recommends adapting his directorate model to contemporary challenges such as digital evangelism and mental health. It calls for seminaries to deepen contextual theology and for leadership development programs to integrate his legacy.
In conclusion, Adetiloye’s leadership offers a replicable model for sustainable African ecclesial development marked by cultural authenticity, institutional innovation, and spiritual depth
INFLATION VOLATILITY, FDI INFLOWS, AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE DECISIONS IN SOUTH AFRICAN MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Get PDFPersistent macroeconomic instability remains a critical challenge confronting capital formation decision in South Africa’s manufacturing sector. This study investigates the impact of inflation volatility and foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows on the capital structure decisions of manufacturing firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from 2012 to 2023, using the debt-to-equity ratio as the dependent variable. The independent variables include annual FDI inflows (in USD) and an inflation volatility index calculated as the annualized standard deviation of monthly inflation rates. The study employed a quantitative, ex post facto design, analyzing secondary panel data obtained from the World Bank, IMF, SARB, JSE filings, and company annual reports. A total of 45 manufacturing firms were purposively sampled for their consistency in reporting financial data over the study period. Analytical techniques included pooled OLS, fixed and random effects models, and robustness checks such as the Hausman test, VIF for multicollinearity, and heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation diagnostics. The findings reveal a significant negative relationship between inflation volatility and the debt-to-equity ratio, while FDI inflows exhibit a positive influence, suggesting that external capital mitigates reliance on domestic debt. These results imply that macroeconomic stability and sustained FDI are critical to optimizing firms’ financing strategies. The study concludes that capital structure decisions in emerging economies are deeply shaped by economic conditions and recommends that policymakers implement inflation-control measures and foster a favorable investment climate to reduce financial vulnerability among industrial firms
ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AND BUSINESS RESILIENCE AMONG NIGERIAN SMES IN THE POST-COVID ERA
Get PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic exposed structural vulnerabilities in Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), challenging their operational resilience and sustainability. In the post-COVID recovery phase, understanding the entrepreneurial factors that drive business resilience has become critical. This study examines the impact of entrepreneurial orientation specifically innovativeness, risk-taking propensity, and proactiveness on the resilience of Nigerian SMEs, measured in terms of adaptability, operational continuity, and recovery capability. The study adopts a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, targeting SME owners and managers across diverse sectors in Nigeria. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires grounded in validated scales from existing literature. Business resilience was measured using multi-item Likert-scale responses reflecting adaptability, continuity, and recovery. The independent variables innovativeness, risk-taking, and proactiveness—were assessed via self-reported survey items. The data were analyzed using Stata 17, beginning with descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation, followed by multiple linear regression analysis. Reliability and validity were confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha and factor analysis. Preliminary findings indicate that innovativeness and proactiveness significantly enhance business resilience, while risk-taking propensity has a positive but statistically weaker influence. The results underscore the importance of forward-looking strategic behaviors and creative problem-solving in helping SMEs navigate post-crisis environments. The study concludes that entrepreneurial orientation is a critical driver of SME resilience in Nigeria’s volatile business climate. It recommends that SME development programs focus on innovation training, strategic foresight, and risk management education to equip entrepreneurs with adaptive competencies for future crises
THE IMPACT OF UNRESOLVED WORKPLACE GRIEVANCES ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Get PDFWorkplace grievances, defined as complaints or concerns raised by employees regarding various aspects of their work environment, play a pivotal role in shaping organizational dynamics. When left unresolved, these grievances can have far-reaching consequences on organizational performance, leading to diminished employee morale, decreased productivity, higher turnover rates, and the erosion of workplace culture. This paper explores the multifaceted impacts of unresolved workplace grievances, emphasizing their detrimental effects on both employees and the organization as a whole. It highlights key sources of grievance, including perceived unfair treatment, ineffective communication, and inadequate management practices, illustrating how these issues contribute to dissatisfaction and disengagement. Furthermore, the financial implications of unresolved grievances, such as increased absenteeism, recruitment costs, and decreased efficiency, are analyzed. The paper underscores the critical role of management in identifying and addressing grievances through effective communication, transparent policies, and proactive conflict resolution strategies. By fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, organizations can mitigate the negative impacts of unresolved grievances, thereby enhancing employee satisfaction, organizational harmony, and overall performance. This study serves as a call to action for leaders to prioritize grievance resolution as an essential element of sustainable organizational success
THE ROLE OF EU AND FOREIGN OBSERVERS IN NIGERIA’S ELECTIONS, 1999-2019
Get PDFBackground: Since Nigeria transitioned from military rule in 1999, the involvement of the European Union (EU) and other foreign observers has become integral to the country’s electoral processes, with persistent challenges such as electoral malpractice and weak institutional capacity necessitating external scrutiny to enhance credibility.
Objective: The paper investigates the evolving role, contributions, and limitations of EU and foreign observer missions in Nigeria’s elections between 1999 and 2019.
Methods: Adopting a qualitative approach, the paper draws on mission reports, academic literature, and policy analyses to trace the historical development and impact of foreign observers, employing content analysis and insights from scholarly and stakeholder perspectives.
Results: The findings reveal that foreign observers have enhanced transparency, deterred overt fraud, and supported capacity-building initiatives, most notably through recommendations that led to programmes such as the EU-SDGN. However, the paper also identifies notable limitations, including limited observer coverage, an overemphasis on election day, and the lack of enforcement mechanisms to ensure the implementation of recommendations.
Conclusion: While foreign observer missions have contributed positively to Nigeria’s democratic trajectory, systemic challenges continue to undermine the sustainability of these reforms.
Key Contributions to Knowledge: The paper extend scholarship by redefining observers as reform catalysts, highlighting their role in institutional capacity-building, a dimension underexplored in prior research.
Recommendations: The paper recommends deeper collaboration between foreign and domestic actors, broader coverage beyond election day, and the development of stronger mechanisms for implementing observer recommendations to achieve sustainable democratic consolidation in Nigeria
‘A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE’: HINDRANCES TO THE COUNTER-TERRORISM RESPONSES IN BURKINA FASO
Get PDFTerrorism has become a pressing global concern, with fragile states increasingly serving as safe havens for terrorist groups to emerge, operate, and expand. West Africa has been particularly affected, and Burkina Faso stands out as a critical case. Despite the growing threat within its borders, Burkina Faso has attracted limited scholarly attention. This study seeks to address key questions: What are the origins and defining features of terrorism in Burkina Faso? How has the state responded to the challenge, and what factors have hindered the effectiveness of its counterterrorism efforts? Employing qualitative methods, this research draws on existing literature, media reports, and press releases from international organizations. The findings reveal a rapidly worsening security situation, exacerbated by limited military capacity, a lack of political commitment, and inadequate financial resources. The study concludes by advocating a multi-dimensional strategy, urging greater support from continental organizations to prevent the further regional spread of terrorism
ADVANCING GENDER-INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NIGERIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF BARRIERS, STRATEGIES, AND POLICY GAPS
Get PDFThe growth of entrepreneurship in Nigeria persists despite on-going socio-cultural, institutional, and economic disparities that negatively impact women. Although there have been several initiatives aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, institutional barriers still hinder their full integration into business environments, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas. This study employs a systematic literature review informed by feminist institutionalism and Intersectionality theory. Employing PRISMA 2020 guidelines to aggregate and critically synthesize 46 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources published from 2015 to 2025. The findings show that women still face barriers to starting their own businesses, such as gender-biased financial systems, patrilineal inheritance practices, limited gender-sensitive training, weak mentorship networks, and poor digital infrastructure. the study concludes that the National Women Empowerment Fund (NAWEF), the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF), microcredit schemes, and enterprise incubation centres have all helped women become more visible and earn more money. The study recommended that property right reforms, investment, capacity building, and digital connectivity for both males and females would immensely increase women's contributions to employment creation, family income growth, and community development in general. The study integrates the feminist and intersectional approaches in an innovative manner to bring to the fore the intersectional nature of structural gender inequality, institutional voids, and socio-cultural barriers for sustainable entrepreneurship. This helps shed new light on why the current efforts at empowerment have not registered the desired impacts
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION, HYGIENE PRACTICES, AND WATERBORNE DISEASE PREVENTION ON THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN IN MAIHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ADAMAWA STATE
Get PDFResearch problem: Poor sanitation, unsafe water, and inadequate hygiene practices remain leading causes of waterborne diseases that affect children’s health in rural communities. In Maiha Local Government Area of Adamawa State, these challenges persist despite the introduction of the Sanitation, Hygiene and Water (SHAWN) Programme, which aims to curb open defecation, promote handwashing, improve hygiene knowledge, and safeguard child health. Concerns, however, remain regarding the programme’s effectiveness in reducing sanitation and hygiene-related health risks among children.
Methods/theory: The study was guided by Neo-functionalism Theory, emphasizing the interdependence of institutions in tackling developmental issues. A mixed research approach was employed, combining quantitative and descriptive methods. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to households on sanitation and hygiene practices.
Results: Findings indicated that access to improved sanitation, hygiene awareness, and clean water significantly reduced the incidence of waterborne diseases among children in Maiha LGA. The SHAWN Programme was effective in eliminating open defecation and promoting behavioural change toward proper hygiene practices, contributing to better child health outcomes.
Conclusion: Sanitation and hygiene interventions are essential for reducing child morbidity caused by waterborne diseases. Strengthening and sustaining such interventions remain critical for long-term health improvements.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: The study provides empirical evidence on the impact of community-based sanitation and hygiene programmes in improving child health outcomes in rural contexts.
Recommendation: Government should expand access to improved toilet facilities and safe water sources across households and public areas in Maiha LGA
PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF SECURITY GOVERNANCE: EVALUATING EDO STATE SECURITY NETWORK'S EFFECTIVENESS IN SAFETY AND ORDER MAINTENANCE (2021-2024)
Get PDFRising insecurity in Edo State has driven the adoption of alternative policing strategies, leading to the establishment of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) in 2021 as a grassroots response to crime and public safety threats. Despite its active role, concerns persist regarding its effectiveness, transparency, and community inclusiveness.
This study assessed public perceptions of the ESSN’s performance between 2021 and 2024, focusing on its ability to ensure safety, maintain order, and engage residents in security processes.
Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered across selected communities in Oredo LGA, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and mean scores.
Findings revealed that while most respondents credited the ESSN with reducing crime and improving safety, they also expressed dissatisfaction with its limited transparency and minimal community participation in decision-making. This paradox operational success alongside governance skepticism highlights the need for reforms.
The study recommended institutionalizing community advisory councils, holding regular public briefings, and enhancing operatives’ training in human rights and ethical conduct to build trust, strengthen accountability, and improve long-term effectiveness in safeguarding lives and property