Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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LA VIE D’ERRANCE OU LA DESTRUCTION DE L’ENFANT DANS PETIT PIMENT D’ALAIN MABANCKOU
No full textIn the last decades, the works of fiction centred on childhood feature regularly in Francophone African literature. Some of the childhood-based novels portray the child’s life of wandering from place to place, leading to his physical as well as psychological and social destruction. Using Petit piment, one of Alain Mabanckou’s novels as a case study, this article takes a look at the problems of roaming in a child’s life. Through Sigmund Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis, the study analyses the causes and the consequences of the unhappiness of the child-character by analysing his past, his desires repressed in the unconscious and the significance of locations. The study reveals that negligence by parents, abandonment by other adults as well as the society’s indifference towards the well-being of the child push him to a life of wandering, resulting in his final destruction in the novel. Thus, the study concludes that every act of negligence or abandonment of the child attracts severe and devastating consequences against his survival. So, the authors of this article recommend that parents, guardians and the society at large take adequate care of children to prevent them from becoming victims of unpleasant circumstances.
Résumé La production romanesque basée sur l’enfance figure régulièrement dans la littérature africaine francophone des dernières décennies. Dans des romans centrés sur l’enfance se dévoile la vie d’errance de l’enfant qui le conduit à la destruction tant physique que psychologique, mentale et sociale. Appuyant sur Petit piment, l’un des romans d’Alain Mabanckou, cette présente étude jette un regard sur la problématique de l’errance de l’enfant. Par la psychanalyse de Sigmund Freud, le travail analyse les causes du mal-être du personnage-enfant en analysant son passé, ses désirs refoulés dans l’inconscient et la signification des espaces. L’étude révèle que la négligence par les parents, l’abandon des autres adultes ainsi que l’indifférence de la société envers le bien-être de l’enfant le poussent à la vie d’errance ; ce qui le mène ensuite à la destruction finale dans le roman. Voilà pourquoi l’étude conclut que chaque acte de négligence ou d’abandon de l’enfant attire souvent des retombées graves et désastreuses pour la survie de l’enfant. Les auteurs de cette communication recommandent alors que les parents, les gardiens des enfants ainsi que la société en général prennent soins adéquats des enfants afin d’éviter qu’ils ne deviennent victimes de circonstances malheureuses. 
LANGUAGE, LITERATURE AND STYLE: A STUDY OF ISIDORE OKPEWHO’S THE LAST DUTY
No full textThis paper attempts a stylistic analysis of Okpewho’s The Last Duty. The work explores the employment of language style, to exemplify Okpewho’s theme of war experience in Nigeria, which results in some ugly circumstances, including deprivations and hardship. Through language style, the study further reveals the survival strategies the victims of the war adopt to mitigate the unpleasant consequences associated with the unfortunate incident. This study examines the resources of language employed in the text, which demonstrates the novelist’s peculiar style and choice of language use. This will enable readers’ understanding of the text and enhance their ability to interact with the linguistic milieu of the writer. Therefore, attempt is made to expose the writer’s foregrounded language choices in terms of the manner of usage, in order to portray his style. The analysis of the text, which is text-based and descriptive, utilizes Hallidayan model of analysis. The model helps us to adapt the narrative to suit the realities of our social environment through the prominent linguistic features in the text. It is against this background that the study analyses Okpewho’s The Last Duty, focusing on the artistic manipulation of the resources of language, with specific reference to the syntax and lexico-semantics of the text. 
Gaps and Bridges between Data Protection and Competition Law in Nigeria
No full textDigitization has improved data collection and processing, making data an invaluable commodity. Thisdevelopment has granted significant market power to companies with substantial personal data andraised concerns about the concentration of market power in digital markets, as dominant data poweroutmuscles competitors. Concurrently, these companies depend on robust data protection frameworksto make the necessary investments for economic growth. At the same time, the security of personal datais protected under various data protection laws and frameworks. This paper explores the link betweenpolicy challenges related to data protection and competition law under Nigerian legislation. It positsthat when the material scope of these legal frameworks overlaps, competition law can integrate dataprotection law as a normative tool when evaluating non-price competition. Data protection can,therefore, serve as an internal constraint on competition law. Furthermore, it suggests that followingrecent legal and institutional developments, data protection and other fundamental rights also imposean external constraint on competition law and, in certain situations, can influence or dictate itsapplication. As national and supranational regulators confront the challenge of fostering a dynamicinformation economy that upholds fundamental rights, acknowledging these constraints would facilitatea more coherent approach to Nigerian law concerning the digital economy society
Rethinking the Place of E-commerce Transactions under The Harmonization of Business Law inAfrica (OHADA)
No full textThe contemporary trend of electronic commerce transactions has been identified as a significantdevelopment in the realm of business, with social networks emerging as effective platforms forconducting global commerce. While the OHADA Law through its Uniform Act on General CommercialLaw does not expressly address electronic commerce, this study contends that the borderless andfaceless nature of technology cannot be disregarded, as it has significantly amplified the prevalence oftrans-border commercial transactions. The central objective of this study therefore is to test the potencyof OHADA Law through its Uniform Act on General Commercial Law in regulating specifically e-commerce transactions when applying traditional contract law rules to the buying and selling of goods.As this study employs an in-depth critical analysis of the provisions of the Uniform Act, it firmly assertsthe imperative need for the enactment of a uniform framework capable of regulating this critical aspectof online business transactions in this contemporary era
Interrogating the Place of Industrial Design in Boosting Economic Growth and Development
No full textThis paper explores the role of industrial design in boosting economic growth and development, withfocus on how industrial design contribute to the economy by creating visually appealing and functionalproducts that enhance consumer demand. The study begins by examining the concept of Industrialdesign, economic growth and development. The paper then x-rayed the nexus between both concepts inrelation to economy growth. It identifies that industrial design plays a pivotal role in driving economicgrowth by fostering innovation, enhancing product competitiveness, and promoting sustainabledevelopment. It finds further that as a strategic tool, industrial design are faced with challenges thathinders it from performing an active role as tool for economic growth which include: Inadequate legalframework, enforcement challenges, globalization and market competition. The methodology employedin this paper is a mixed method approach, heavy reliance is based on doctrinal and case studyapproaches. Primary and secondary sources were used to collect data, this include the constitution,federal legislations, international legal frameworks, textbooks, journals, and internet sources. Thepaper conclude by providing policy recommendations aimed at strengthening industrial design as a toolto boosting economic growth. These includes enhanced legal framework, proper enforcement measures,promoting innovation through design, support design in small and medium enterprises, encouragesustainable design practices, facilitate international market access, increase awareness of design’seconomic impact, integrate technology with design among others. By addressing these issues, it submits,Nigeria can move towards a more robust industrial design system, ultimately contributing to sustainabledevelopment and improved economy
PROTECTING PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY IN NIGERIA: LEGAL, ETHICAL,AND PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVES
No full textConfidentiality is the cornerstone of civil claims requesting compensation for a damage caused by health care professionals. Poor awareness and illiteracy in the community today have made most individuals unwilling to seek their legal entitlements stemming from medical secrecy. This study looked at professional and medical confidentiality in Nigeria. The purpose was to investigate the legal, ethical, and public health dimensions of patient confidentiality and the barriers preventing its effective protection. This study adopted a doctrinal methodology, examining existing legal frameworks, ethical guidelines, and relevant judicial precedents pertaining to medical confidentiality in Nigeria. Due to false information, misunderstandings, budgetary constraints, and a fear of the unknown, it was found that there are either none at all or very few medical confidentiality suits in existence today. Many Nigerians are ignorant of their rights on matters of medical secrecy. Therefore, this study concludes that a significant lack of awareness and numerous socio-economic barriers severely limit the enforcement of patient confidentiality rights in Nigeria, undermining both legal recourse and public health outcomes. The researchers recommend that strict measures should be taken to educate the public on their rights to medical confidentiality. The court should discourage the act by penalising the offenders, which will in turn serve as a deterrent to others. To inform medical professionals of their legal obligations to their patients, hospital administrations should set up training sessions on confidentiality or law and medicine
THE ROLE OF LAW AND NON-STATE ACTORS IN ENSURING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE AND PROMOTING THE RIGHT TO LIFE IN NIGERIA
No full textNigeria currently operating a democratic system of governance, is without doubt observing rule of law.Right to life in Nigeria is considered sacrosanct and inalienable, needing adequate and constantpromotion and protection. The right to life, as guaranteed under section 33 of the Constitution of theFederal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and reinforced by the regional and international humanrights frameworks, inherently encompasses issues concerning access to adequate healthcare services.The challenge, however, to the effective realization of access to healthcare is deeply rooted in thesystemic weaknesses currently being experienced in the Nigerian health sector, catalyzed by the generallaw inadequacies and continuous over-dependence on the operations of the non-state actors. Inanalyzing the role of law and non-state actors in ensuring access to healthcare and promoting the rightto life in Nigeria, doctrinal methodology and qualitative research methodology were adopted, to buttresshow constitutional provisions, statutory provisions, and judicial pronouncements have make or marredthe realization of access to healthcare as an essential component of right to life in Nigeria. The researchfurther evaluated the responsibilities and accountability of the non-state actors, which encompassprivate healthcare providers, Non-Governmental Organizations, and international donors, withinNigeria’s multi-healthcare clime. By analyzing the intersection of law, policy, and health administrationin Nigeria, this research identified legal and institutional gaps that undermine equitable access tohealthcare. The research proffered certain recommendations geared towards strengthening the capacityof the state to improve on the adequacy of the legal framework and step up regulatory oversight on theoperations of the non-state actors and promoting human right-based approach to healthcare matters inNigeria, with the ultimate view to further improving and promoting right to life in Nigeria.
THE CORNERSTONES OF ARBITRATION: RE-ENGAGING THE FOUR PILLARS IN MODERN PRACTICE
No full textArbitration has emerged as a cornerstone of modern dispute resolution, distinguished by four foundational principles: party autonomy, arbitrability, separability, and judicial non-interference or minimal interference. These pillars have historically defined the appeal and effectiveness of arbitration, particularly in cross-border and commercial contexts. However, the evolving dynamics of global commerce, legal reform, and technological advancement now call for a critical reassessment of how these principles function in practice. This paper employed the doctrinal research design which is a library-based research design, where statutes, and case law are considered. The doctrinal design is conducted on a legal proposition through the analysis of the existing provision of the statutes and cases using the power of reasoning. Data was gathered through primary source such as Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023, and secondary sources such as journal articles, books, and website materials. The study found that the four pillars of arbitration are both in operation and relevant to arbitral processes in Nigeria. In addition, the study further discovered that any deviation from any of the four pillars is a clog in the wheel of arbitration. The study concludes that re-engaging with these foundational elements is vital to sustaining arbitration’s legitimacy, efficiency, and adaptability. By revisiting the core values that underpin arbitral practice, this study offers insights into strengthening arbitration for the demands of a rapidly changing world. The study recommends that there is a need to maintain a balanced arbitration clause through model agreements to avert overreach by one party. Furthermore, the paper recommends that incorporation of technology into arbitral processes to facilitate the efficiency of arbitration.
THE EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF PARENTHOOD, ADOPTION AND LEGITIMACY IN NIGERIA
No full textThis article investigates the intersecting statutory, customary, and international legal regimes that shape the recognition of parenthood in Nigeria, with particular focus on adoption and legitimacy. Despite the enactment of the Child Rights Act 2003, adoption remains procedurally inconsistent due to decentralised implementation and doctrinal conflict with Islamic guardianship (kafala) frameworks. Legitimacy, meanwhile, continues to reflect colonial-era statutes and discriminatory customs, often excluding children born outside wedlock from inheritance and family identity contrary to constitutional guarantees under Section 42(2) of the 1999 Constitution. Through doctrinal analysis, judicial interpretation, and comparative review, the article evaluates gaps in enforcement, cultural resistance, and institutional weaknesses. It highlights key controversies, including fragmented jurisdictional application, post-adoption vulnerability, and the impact of corruption. Drawing on international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and African Charter for the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the study advocates for legal harmonisation, expansion of legitimation pathways, codification of acknowledgment practices, and enhanced cross-border cooperation via ratification of the Hague Convention. The article concludes by proposing a reform agenda centred on rights-based, child-focused principles that reconcile Nigeria’s plural legal traditions with constitutional and international obligations. In doing so, it contributes to scholarship on family law reform and offers practical pathways toward inclusive and legally secure parenthood.
Hydrological Modelling of Ungauged Mamu River Basin Using SWAT Model
No full textHydrological modeling of ungauged basins is necessary for decision and policymaking in water resources management. The Mamu River Basin is characterized by a wide range of environmental pressures such as erosion-caused devastation. The impact of climate change is likely to have considerable implications for water resource planning in the Basin. Despite these challenges, there is no gauged data available to evaluate the water resources of the Mamu River Basin. The objective of this study is to simulate river discharge in the ungauged Mamu River Basin using Soil and Water Assessment Tools (SWAT). A regionalization approach was employed to simulate the river flow at the Ebenebe axis of the Mamu River. Calibrated and validated model parameters from gauged Imo River were transferred to the Mamu River Basin. Shuttle Radar Topographic Misson-Digital Elevation Model (SRTM-DEM), land use, soil data, and rainfall data for the Mamu River Basin were used to improve the model. The SWAT model simulated streamflow for the basin and this was validated using discharge measurements along the Mamu River from 01/01/2021to 31/12/2022. During the validation process, the model performance indicators, NSE, R2, and PBIAS values were 0.77, 0.95, and 15 respectively. This study showed that the SWAT model can simulate river discharge in an ungauged river basin and will enhance our understanding of the hydrological response of the ungauged Mamu River Basin to environmental changes.