Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Sustainable Forest Management in Nigeria
No full textArtificial Intelligence (AI) in sustainable forest management is emerging as a powerful tool to address critical environmental challenges. In Nigeria, where deforestation and forest degradation pose significant threats to biodiversity, climate stability, and local livelihoods, the integration of AI technologies holds the potential to enhance conservation efforts. This paper explored how AI can contribute to sustainable forest management in Nigeria. By analyzing existing case studies and examining the opportunities and challenges of implementing AI in Nigeria’s forestry sector, this study highlighted the role of AI in improving decision-making processes and fostering long-term sustainability. Additionally, it considered the socio-economic implications of AI adoption, including the need for capacity building, policy frameworks, and community engagement to ensure equitable and effective outcomes. The research used an integrative review approach to combine perspectives on Nigerian studies, aiming to create new theoretical models rather than covering all published articles. Studies conducted in Nigeria which is the geographic location met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. This paper showed that AI-driven solutions, when appropriately tailored to local contexts, can significantly contribute to preserving Nigeria’s forests and advancing sustainable land management practices. Hence, the use of AI tools in local communities should be promoted by providing training and resources to forest-dependent communities, enabling them to contribute to monitoring and conservation efforts. Furthermore, the Nigerian government should support the integration of AI technology into its national forest policy, ensuring that modern technologies are prioritized as part of its strategy for sustainable management of forest resources
PERSONAL SELLING AND PROFITABILITY: A STUDY OF JUICE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
No full textProfitability is a critical measure of a company\u27s success, influenced by various internal and external factors. In today\u27s competitive business landscape, businesses constantly strive to differentiate themselves and gain market share. The effectiveness of a company\u27s marketing strategies can significantly impact its ability to attract and retain customers, ultimately affecting its profitability. Therefore, there is a need to investigate how personal selling practices can positively influence the profitability of selected juice manufacturing companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. By focusing on personalized sales techniques and effective customer relationship management, these companies can improve their sales performance, strengthen customer loyalty, and ultimately enhance their profitability in the highly competitive market. The study employed a survey research design to investigate the effect of personal selling on the profitability of selected juice manufacturing companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. The population consisted of 2,769 employees from these companies. Using the Research Advisor\u27s table, a sample size of 433 employees was determined. Data were collected through a structured and validated questionnaire, with a response rate of 88.2%. The reliability coefficients, measured by Cronbach\u27s alpha, ranged from 0.791 to 0.98, indicating high internal consistency. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings are stated thus, Personal selling have a significant effect on profitability (R = 0.525, R2 = 0.276; t =12.030, β =0.458>0.05), of juice manufacturing companies in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommended companies to continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their marketing strategies which involves tracking key performance indicators such as sales growth, market share, competitive advantage and profitability to assess the impact of advertising, sales promotion, personal selling, direct marketing, and overall marketing communication efforts. By regularly reviewing and adjusting their marketing strategies based on performance insights, companies can adapt to changing market dynamics and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
 
ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SERVICE: ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD
No full textThe Nigeria’s Public Service is bedeviled with plethora of ethical issues ranging from bribing, embezzlements of funds, meant for developmental projects, falsification of government’s documents for selfish motives, over-voicing of contracts’ figures etc. Conversely, this widespread of lack of ethics and accountability in the public service are part of the causative agents for the poverty, deprivations, and inequalities facing the generality of Nigerians, especially in the face of abundant natural and human resources. The blatant looting of palliative materials meant for the vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic era and lockdown periods, by public officials, points to the fact that, there exist ethical problems and gaps in our public service, which is saddled with the responsibility of implementing programs and projects of the government. The article therefore, sought and explored the causes of the widespread unethical behaviour in the public service. The study employing mainly secondary data, adopted the content analysis method where findings and relevant information from textbook, newspapers, magazines, journals, government publications, specific empirical studies etc., as they relate to the issues of ethics and accountability. Arising from the analysis, the article identified as constraints to ethical behaviour in Nigeria’s public service generally are general poverty, corrupt practices, lack of accountability culture, unethical culture from the erstwhile colonialists, weak regulatory instruments, politicization of the service, nepotism, amongst others. Based on the identified problems, recommendations such as; creation of practical anti-crimes tools and instruments in the service, the use of the public service occupational associations to institutionalize professional values, creation of enabling environment and more realistic condition of service, strengthening public institutions responsible for ensuring accountability devoid of selective justice, are suggested as practical ways of promoting ethics and accountability in the public service.
 
ETHICS IN THE NIGERIAN PUBLIC SERVICE: A DISCOURSE
No full textThe objective of this paper is to highlight the indispensability of ethics or sound ethical conduct as a basis for effective service delivery in the Nigerian public sector. If Nigeria must get development initiative/efforts right in the 21stcentury, then the transformation agenda of this present administration must be anchored on sound public service values and enduring ethical practices. This work relied on the utilitarian theory as the theoretical framework while using mostly secondary sources of data by way of content analysis. The paper concluded that the march towards an ethical based public service must continue and be regarded as series of “work in progress”. The paper recommends among others that there is an urgent and continuous need to remould the thought and conduct of civil servants and the entire public service and its officials through the development of ethics and value reorientation that is based on probity, accountability and transparency in the public service. It further recommended strong commitment to implementation of laws, enforcement of sanctions and strengthening of institutions of governance on a continuous basis
SOCIAL INEQUALITIES AND HEALTH: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL CAPITAL IN MENTAL WELL-BEING
No full textHealth is a fundamental human right influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors. This paper was illuminated by the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Theory which explains how disparities in income, education, employment, and living conditions shape health outcomes. Inequalities in healthcare access, gender discrimination, and poverty disproportionately impact marginalized communities, perpetuating cycles of poor health. Social capital, comprising interpersonal relationships and community networks, plays a crucial role in mitigating these disparities by fostering support, trust, and shared resources. Conversely, strong social connections enhance mental health, improve well-being, and reduce health inequalities. However, structural barriers such as political exclusion, economic instability, and environmental hazards reinforce social disparities, limiting individuals\u27 access to essential resources. Historically, inequalities have persisted despite economic progress, reflecting systemic mechanisms that favour privileged groups. This paper therefore established that public policy interventions, including social welfare programs, education, and healthcare reforms, are vital for addressing these disparities. This is so as economic instability, inflation, and unemployment further exacerbate inequalities, negatively affecting health and social mobility
EXPLORING WORK-LIFE BALANCE AS A STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING JOB PERFORMANCE AMONG SELECTED ACADEMIC STAFF OF KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE
No full textWork-life balance as a broad and complex phenomenon has continued to attract global attention because of its influence on workers\u27 productivity. Despite the growing recognition and inherent benefits of work-life balance in enhancing job performance in an organisation, exploring it remains a persistent challenge, particularly for academic staff in higher education institutions. That is, most teaching staff in the institution have continued to pay less attention to work-life balance. The increasing demands of academic work, coupled with personal life responsibilities, have made achieving an optimal balance a significant concern for academics. This study ascertains the influence of Work-Life Balance (WLB) as a strategy on job satisfaction at Kwara State University, and examines the influence of Work-Life Balance (WLB) as a strategy on employees’ well-being in Kwara State University. The study adopted a cross-sectional approach and relied heavily on qualitative research design. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select two senior and two junior staff members from the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences for interview responses. The data from the interviewees are thematically analysed. The study found that work-life balance is crucial to enhance job satisfaction and improving academic delivery at the University. Beyond that, it is also found that work-life balance greatly influences employees’ social life and well-being. The study recommends that the university introduce flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options (for some categories of staff) and adjustable teaching schedules, to help academic staff balance their professional and personal responsibilities. Additionally, implementing work-life integration initiatives, including family-friendly policies, childcare support, and wellness programs, can address employees\u27 diverse needs and foster a supportive work environment
DOES ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT MATTER FOR JOB CREATION IN KADUNA STATE?
No full textJob creation has been widely acknowledged as ways of achieving economic development through generation of entrepreneurial mindset which is capable of reducing social vices. This study adopted a descriptive survey approach and 489 respondents were sampled using proportionate stratified sampling technique from the population of 15558 small businesses across the twenty three Local Government Areas in Kaduna State Nigeria. The findings indicated a positive relationship between entrepreneurial spirit and job creation. The study recommended that policy makers should provides appropriate entrepreneurial ecosystem that will foster the development of entrepreneurial spirit as it is capable of improving job creation which fosters economic development.
 
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND CUSTOMERS’ VALUE IN SKYRUN INTERNATIONAL, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined supply chain management strategies and customers’ value in Skyrun International, Cross River State. It aimed to determine the relationship between supply chain management strategies – logistics, inventory and supplier relationship management and customers’ value in Skyrun International. Cross-sectional survey research design was adopted. Primary data were elicited from 168 executive and managerial personnel at Skyrun International, Calabar using a structured questionnaire. The data obtained were descriptively analyzed and interpreted while hypotheses testing was done using Pearson’s product moment correlation. The findings of the study revealed that logistics management, inventory management and supplier relationship management had significant positive relationships with customers’ value in Skyrun International, Calabar. Hence, it was recommended that manufacturers of consumer electronics should prioritize logistics management by ensuring efficient procurement, transportation capacity, and warehouse optimization to guarantee uninterrupted processes that create customer value. Additionally, inventory resources should be strategically managed by a designated department to maintain consistent availability of raw materials, work-in-progress accuracy, and finished goods audits, thereby enhancing customer value
