Wukari International Studies Journal
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DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN HAPPINESS: AN OPINION SURVEY OF THE RESIDENTS OF KOGI STATE
Get PDFResearch Problem: The assumption is that democracy ought to increase human happiness since it bestows upon the people the task of electing those that govern them in a free and competitive environment. Nigeria has had that golden opportunity since May 29, 1999, when democracy was restored. However, several misgivings still permeate the various segments of society. This study is therefore a survey of the residents of Kogi State to ascertain their happiness level using the globally standardized indicators of happiness as the yardsticks.
Methods/Theory: It adopts both qualitative and quantitative research methods, uses data from primary and secondary sources, and adopts statistical and normative methods of data analysis to examine the relationship between democracy and human happiness in Kogi State.
Results: The study among others finds that from the survey carried out, there is a positive correlation between democracy and satisfaction with life. It further indicates that democratic systems contribute to happiness by allowing citizens to participate freely in the political process, vote in legitimate elections, and hold their representatives accountable.
Conclusion: Democracy has been generally adopted as the most acceptable system of government. It has become an acceptable pattern of political succession globally. There is a positive correlation between democracy and human happiness because of the possibility of democracy to guarantee freedom, human rights and political liberty.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: It contributes to the discourse on the interrelationship between democracy and human happiness particularly at the sub-national level.
Recommendations: There is need for the satisfaction of life of the people to be improved. Secondly, there is the need to improve the economic welfare of the people by improving the credibility of the electoral process
DETERMINANTS OF EMPLOYEE TURNOVER IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SECTOR: THE ROLES OF JOB SATISFACTION, JOB SECURITY, AND PROMOTION OPPORTUNITIES
Get PDFEmployee turnover continues to pose a serious challenge to organizational success, especially in developing economies where keeping skilled workers is essential for long-term competitiveness. This study explores how job satisfaction, job security, and promotion opportunities affect turnover among employees in Nigeria. Data were gathered through surveys of 140 respondents across different organizational levels, with descriptive and correlation analyses used to assess the connections between the variables. The results show that employees who are satisfied with their jobs, feel secure in their roles, and perceive fair promotion opportunities are less likely to consider leaving. On the other hand, dissatisfaction with pay, delayed promotions, and perceptions of unfair treatment increase the chances of turnover. These findings emphasize the role of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors in retaining employees. Based on the results, the study recommends that organizations adopt targeted retention strategies that prioritize fair compensation, clear career growth paths, and stronger job security measures. It also suggests that future studies should investigate how leadership style and organizational culture may shape turnover outcomes
ICT INFRASTRUCTURAL PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH AS REQUISITE OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT IN PLATEAU STATE
Get PDFBackground: This study x-rays the roles of ICT in governance by contextualizing its contributions as a change manager in Plateau State, Nigeria.
Objectives: The study was scoped to infrastructural planning, development, and growth of ICT in Plateau State to be able to ascertain the current ICT infrastructure in Plateau State, assess the extent of awareness of ICT projects/programmes that foster digital literacy and inclusion, the considerable digital divide between rural and urban areas where examined, and what constitute the challenges personally experienced that related to failed ICT infrastructure planning in Plateau State.
Methods: A survey research design of the quantitative research approach was adopted for the study. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection administered to 100 purposively sampled respondents. The results analyzed and presented descriptively in tabular form using frequency counts and simple percentages.
Results: The findings show that respondents were aware of community-based ICT projects or programs scattered across Plateau state but there is still a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas despite notable digital skills that foster digital literacy and inclusion.
Conclusion:
Plateau State stands at a pivotal juncture, where infrastructural planning serves as a catalyst for ICT development and growth. The challenges identified underscore the need for strategic and adaptive approaches.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: The strategies proposed provide a roadmap for overcoming obstacles and fostering a resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem.
Recommendation: The study recommends a thorough review of existing infrastructural plans to guarantee alignment with the dynamic nature of ICT use for the approved ethical development and growth purposes
MICROFINANCE AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: TRENDS AND OUTCOMES
Get PDFDespite decades of intervention, women across Sub-Saharan Africa continue to face systemic exclusion from formal financial systems, limiting their ability to participate fully in economic, social, and political domains. This paper examines how microfinance interventions between 2014 and 2024 have influenced various dimensions of women’s empowerment across the region. Using a conceptual framework grounded in context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) logic, the study analyzes access to credit, savings behavior, digital financial inclusion, and gendered economic participation. It draws on national survey data, institutional databases, and regional trends presented in Tables 1 through 8. Findings show that while female labor force participation rose modestly from 62.1 percent in 2014 to 66.3 percent in 2024, formal credit access remains disproportionately low, with only 23 percent of women having access to microloans in 2024 compared to 41 percent for men. However, mobile money adoption among women increased from 11 percent to 47 percent over the same period, signaling a shift toward digital-led inclusion. Savings mobilization improved in countries with well-structured microfinance institutions, with Rwanda and Ghana outperforming regional averages by over 18 percentage points. The study recommends that regional financial inclusion policies prioritize digital microfinance platforms tailored for women, enforce gender-balanced governance in lending institutions, and integrate financial literacy into women-focused rural programs. By expanding access to adaptive and non-extractive microfinance models, Sub-Saharan Africa can unlock broader empowerment outcomes that extend beyond income generation to include voice, agency, and collective well-being
THE IMPACT OF AFRICAN MIGRATION TO EUROPE A STUDY OF ITALY
Get PDFAfrican migration to Europe, particularly Italy, has been a significant phenomenon with socio-economic, political, and cultural implications. This study examines the causes, patterns, and consequences of African migration to Italy, focusing on its impact on both the African continent and the host country. Through a qualitative and analytical approach, the research explores historical migration trends, the socio-economic contributions of African migrants in Italy, and the challenges they face. The study also highlights the negative effects of brain drain on African nations while assessing Italy’s immigration policies. Recommendations are provided to improve migration management for mutual benefits. African migration to Europe represents one of the most consequential demographic shifts of the 21st century, with Italy serving as a primary entry point due to its geographical proximity to North Africa. This study examines the multifaceted implications of African migration, analysing its socio-economic, political, and cultural impacts on both Italy and African nations. Employing qualitative methods and leveraging secondary data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Eurostat, and scholarly works, the paper explores the historical roots of migration, the "brain drain" effect on Africa, and the integration challenges in Italy. Findings reveal that while African migrants contribute significantly to Italy’s labour market, their departure exacerbates skill shortages in origin countries. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at fostering equitable migration governance
ANALYSIS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS AND DOMESTIC WATER DEMAND IN YELWA AREA OF BAUCHI METROPOLIS
Get PDFBackground: Domestic water demand is influenced by various socio-economic factors, and understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective water resource management.
Objective: This paper analyzed socio-economic characteristics and domestic water demand in Yelwa Area of Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria.
Methods: Using systematic random and stratified sampling techniques, data were collected from 310 households via structured questionnaires, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyze the data.
Results: The results revealed that socio-economic characteristics significantly influence domestic water demand in the study area, specifically, income level and household size were significant predictors of domestic water demand, while occupation was not.
Conclusion: The paper concluded that income and household size have significant and positive relationships with domestic water demand in the study area.
Key Contribution to knowledge: This study contributed to existing knowledge by providing insights into the relationship between socio-economic characteristics and domestic water demand in the study area.
Recommendations: Based on the research conclusion, the following recommendation was proffered; policymakers, 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 and income and household size should be taken into account when predicting domestic water demand, and again further research should explore the relationship between occupation and domestic water demand, as the findings of the study suggested that occupation was not a significant factor in the study area
ROLE OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES IN FOSTERING YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN PLATEAU STATE
Get PDFBackground: Government actions are crucial in influencing employment possibilities and tackling youth unemployment, which has considerable effects on economic stability and social cohesion. However, these policies do not reflect the actual needs of the youth labor market, as there is a noticeable gap between the skills imparted through these programs and the skills required by the evolving job market.
Objective: This study therefore assessed the role of government policies in fostering youth employment on the Plateau. The role of government policies in fostering youth employment in Plateau State was deemed pivotal, given the persistent challenge of unemployment within Nigeria. Plateau State grappled with high levels of youth unemployment, a situation exacerbated by the overall economic challenges and socio-political dynamics of the country.
Methods: This study employed methodological approaches such as desk review, focus group talks, and key informant interviews. To accomplish the goals of the study, both primary and secondary data were utilized. Eighty key informant interviews and eighteen focus groups were held in all.
Results: The study discovered that the government had rolled out numerous policies designed to address youth unemployment in Plateau State, but there were several shortcomings in their design and implementation.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This study is crucial for policymakers, as it will help them adopt a more holistic approach that integrates various aspects of youth empowerment into a cohesive strategy.
Recommendations: The study thus recommended that a central coordinating body should be established to oversee all youth employment initiatives in Plateau State
A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME (NHIS) AND NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE AUTHORITY (NHIA) ON UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE (UHC) IN NIGERIA
Get PDFBackground: NHIS was established for the purpose of attaining Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria. However, the agency has less than 5% enrolment in 20 years. In effort towards bridging the above gap, NHIA was set up in 2022 as replacement for NHIS. Hence, the need to conduct a study to ascertain what makes NHIA different from NHIS. This is the gap that this paper intends to bridge.
Objective: The objective of this paper is to examine the extent to which NHIA has guaranteed UHC in comparison with NHIS.
Methods: The paper adopted a qualitative technique of data collection with the use of textual content analysis of documents obtained from concerned agencies.
Results: The findings of the paper reveal that both NHIS and NHIA have not been able to guarantee UHC due to insufficient manpower, inadequate equipment, non-availability of essential drugs, lack of protection for vulnerable groups and poor service delivery.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the inability of NHIA to make a noticeable different in its performance is due to lack of effective monitoring and regular enforcement of guidelines.
Key Contributions to Knowledge: The study contributed to knowledge through a comparative analysis of the performance of NHIS and NHIA.
Recommendations: The study recommends for proper supervision and regulation of health care service providers by NHIA in order to enforce compliance with relevant laws. Also, the challenges of poor funding, corruption, poor serviced delivery, protection of vulnerable groups, lack of sufficient drugs and facilities should be tracked by NHIA
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF UK ARMS EXPORT IN ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT AND THE COMPLICIT IN WAR CRIMES
Get PDFThis paper examines the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas that took place in Gaza and the conflict emerged from unprecedented destruction from the Hamas militant group in Palestine. Although the Hamas group portray themselves as freedom fighters, but western and developed countries have tagged it a terrorist group responsible for initiating the recent dispute in the Middle East, especially in the State of Israel. However, this paper analyses the United Kingdom’s possible involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict and assesses how the country’s weaponry exports have affected the Israel-Hamas conflict. The paper therefore provided insights on arms exports by the British government and how this equipment has enabled acts that contravene international humanitarian law and how weapons such as drones, tanks and ammunitions have been utilized in military operations in Gaza. Furthermore, the paper shows the UK’s compliance with its duties to control arms exports and stop their use in war crimes and human right abuse. Using the military-industrial complex theory, the paper provides how the military and defense contractors benefit mutually from arms exportation and the aim is not to aid the nations in need of war tools to win the war rather what they stand to gain when arms are exported. In this study, secondary data was employed using textbook, published articles, newspapers and media outlet report. Drawing findings from the in-depth interview conducted, this paper revealed that the UK are not the major exporters or arms to Israel in its recent conflict with Palestine due to several factors which includes condemnation from the public and economic decline. This paper recommended that the UK should conduct a thorough risk assessment to ensure that arms exports to Israel will not be used to violate international humanitarian law and Israel and Palestine conflict could be addressed by border controls and international peacekeeping forces. This paper therefore concluded that the conflict is fueled by external factors including arms exportation and the UK must re-examine their arms export policies
WOMEN PARTICIPATION IN LEADERSHIP AND BUSINESSES IN NIGERIAN WORKPLACES: A STUDY OF TRADE UNIONS SINCE 1999
Get PDFResearch Problem: Since the declaration by the United Nations of the years 1976-1985 as the UN decade for women, there have been efforts by governments and organisations in Nigeria aimed to encourage women participation in governance and business. Workshops and conferences were organized towards this goal. One of such effort was the national workshop organized by the Michael Imoudu Institute for labour Studies in 1994 with the aim to address the in-adequate participation of women in trade unionism in Nigerian workplaces. Fourty years after the UN declaration, this work assess the various efforts by the trade unions in Nigeria towards achieving this goal.
Methods: Data was collected from the various trade unions in Nigeria as well as the labour centres. Oral interviews were conducted. Newspaper reports of the activities of trade unions during this period also augment the data collected from the trade unions. Results: The research finds that while the unions have made several initiatives towards women inclusion in leadership, men are still in dominance.
Conclusion: A lot still needs to be done to enhance women participation in leadership.
Key Contribution to Knowledge: This work historicises the efforts y trade unions in Nigeria towards women inclusion in governance so as to chart a way forward for future policy direction in this aspect of gender mainstreaming.
Recommendation: The work recommends enhance and sustained policy advocacy by leadership of trade unions in Nigeria as a pivot for women’s business and leadership empowerment