Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journals
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APPLICATION DE L’INTELLIGENCE ARTIFICIELLE À L’APPRENTISSAGE DE LA LANGUE FRANÇAISE : PERSPECTIVES ET DÉFIS
No full textFrench is generally offered as a course of study in most colleges and universities, with most students being interested in studying it due to the importance given to bilingualism today. With the development of science and technology, some artificial intelligence (AI) tools have been developed to enrich the learning of French as a foreign language. This article therefore presents some of these AI tools that are used in learning the French language, namely the Speech Interpretation and Recognition Interface (SIRI), Microsoft Cortana, and Machine Translation Technology. The features, advantages, and obstacles associated with the use of these AI technologies are clearly detailed in this work. The article also suggests strategies through which French language learners can overcome these obstacles while using AI technology. One of them is that learners must be trained in the basic knowledge of AI technologies and understand how to effectively use these technologies to improve learning efficiency.
Résumé La langue française est généralement proposée comme programme d\u27études dans la plupart des collèges et universités, la plupart des étudiants étant intéressés à l\u27étudier en raison de l\u27importance accordée aujourd\u27hui au bilinguisme. Avec le développement de la science et de la technologie, certains outils d’intelligence artificielle (IA) ont été développés pour enrichir l’apprentissage du français langue étrangère. Cet article présente donc certains de ces outils d\u27IA qui sont utilisés dans l\u27apprentissage de la langue française, à savoir L\u27interface d\u27interprétation et de reconnaissance vocale (IIRV), Microsoft Cortana et la Technologie de Traduction Automatique. Les caractéristiques, avantages et obstacles liés à l’utilisation de ces technologies d’IA sont clairement détaillés dans cet ouvrage. L’article suggère également des stratégies grâce auxquelles les apprenants de langue française peuvent surmonter les obstacles tout en utilisant la technologie de l’IA. L’une d’elles est que les apprenants doivent être formés aux connaissances de base des technologies d’IA et comprendre comment utiliser efficacement ces technologies pour améliorer l’efficacité de l’apprentissage. 
AIMÉ CÉSAIRE COMME PRÉCURSEUR DU RETOUR À LA SOURCE DANS LA LITTÉRATURE ANTILLAISE
No full textThe aim of this study is to undertake a thematic analysis of Aimé Césaire’s Cahier d’un retour au pays natal (1956), with a view to identifying and examining the various dimensions of return in the poem as well as the impact of Aimé Césaire on Francophone Caribbean Literature. The methodology adopted in the study is textual analytical approach. The study focused mainly on the poem Cahier d’un retour au pays natal (1983). The poem was analyzed using textual analytical approach to identify, uncover and interpret the different dimensions of return of Aimé Césaire. The study’s focus was also on some journal publications with related subject. The theoretical framework is rooted in Frantz Fanon’s postcolonial theory. The findings of this study are that Aimé Césaire was inspired by the need to highlight the domination of the black race by the White man and the hypocrisy of the Mulattos in Francophone Caribbean society. It also reveals that he felt inspired to advocate for the treatment of the domination and mistreatment of the Blacks in Francophone Caribbean Literature.
Résumé Aujourd’hui, beaucoup de critiques littéraires et sociologues mettent de plus en plus l’accent sur l’étude du conditionnement littéraires et sociologiques des œuvres littéraires et s’attachent à montrer comment ces œuvres naissent et se développent au sein d’un ensemble de faits littéraires et sociaux qu’elles reflètent. On commence aussi à reconnaître l’importance de l’influence inverse que peuvent exercer les œuvres sur les faits sociaux. Cela est le cas de l’œuvre d’Aimé Césaire auprès de la jeune littérature antillaise d’expression française qui est née en France après la parution de revue Légitime Défense en 1932. Les dimensions du retour qui ont marqué l’œuvre de Césaire sont sans équivoques. Cette étude cherche à examiner l’apport révolutionnaire d’Aimé Césaire dans la littérature antillaise d’expression française contemporaine. L’étude cherche aussi à étudier les dimensions de retour dans Cahier d’un retour au pays natal (1983) d’Aimé Césaire. Pour effectuer cette étude, nous adoptons la théorie postcoloniale de Frantz Fanon. La démarche méthodologique de cette étude sera celle de l’analyse textuelle. L’étude conclut qu’Aimé Césaire se sent concerné de la nécessité de réclamer l’identité noire passée, un passé dont les racines remontent en Afrique. Elle conclut aussi que le poète se sent concerné par l’évolution de la littérature antillaise qui jusqu’à la parution de son Cahier d’un retour au pays natal se soumise à des modèles de la littérature coloniale française. Il veut aussi que le Blanc essaie de remédier aux abus, aux atrocités et aux malversations qu’abondent aux Antilles françaises
DIFFICULTÉS DE PRODUCTION DES VOYELLES NASALES ET DE LA LIAISON EN FRANÇAIS CHEZ LES APPRENANTS ANGLOPHONES DU FRANÇAIS LANGUE ÉTRANGÈRE : ÉTUDE COMPARÉE DE DEUX UNIVERSITÉS DU NIGERIA
No full textMany Nigerian learners face challenges in producing nasal vowels and correctly applying liaison in French as a foreign language (FFL). This study aims to analyse the difficulties encountered by anglophone learners in mastering these phonological features and to propose pedagogical strategies to improve their pronunciation. Conducted among students from two universities in south-eastern Nigeria, the study adopts a comparative approach to examine the influence of first languages on the acquisition of French nasal vowels and liaison. The findings reveal frequent mispronunciation of nasal vowels, particularly /ɛ/ and /œ/, as well as numerous liaison errors stemming from a lack of understanding of its rules in spoken French. Grounded in Selinker’s Interlanguage Theory (1972), this study offers pedagogical recommendations to enhance phonetic instruction in FFL, taking into account Nigeria’s specific linguistic and educational context.
RÉSUMÉ De nombreux apprenants nigérians rencontrent des problèmes dans la production des voyelles nasales et dans l’emploi correcte de la liaison en français, langue étrangère. (FLE). L’objectif principal de la présente étude est d’analyser les difficultés rencontrées par les apprenants anglophones dans la production correcte des voyelles nasales et dans l’application de la liaison en français afin de proposer des pistes pédagogiques pour améliorer leur prononciation. Menée auprès des étudiants dans deux universités situées au sud-est du Nigeria, l’étude adopte une approche comparative afin de comprendre l’influence des langues premières sur l’acquisition de ces traits phonologiques du français. Apres l’analyse, le résultat révèle la production incorrecte des voyelles nasales surtout le /ɛ/ et le /œ/. Concernant la liaison, de nombreuses erreurs sont observées liées à une méconnaissance des règles qui régissent son usage en français oral. Basée sur la théorie de l’Interlangue de Selinker 1972, l’étude propose des recommandations pédagogiques pour améliorer l’enseignement de la phonétique en FLE en tenant compte du contexte linguistique et éducatif propre au Nigeria. 
An Overview of the Imperatives and Challenges of the Nigerian Tax System
No full textTaxation globally is designed as one of the tools by governments to generate revenue as such, itseconomic importance to Nigeria and most countries of the world cannot be overemphasized. Undersome specific laws, the three tiers of government being, the federal, state and local governments havethe responsibility of tax administration in Nigeria. However, the role of tax administration has changeddramatically in the past decade, and the pace of change has accelerated sharply in recent years due tothe development and implementation of new technologies as well as the application of same to thefunctions and processes of tax administration. Finding reveals that, the Nigerian tax system isconfronted with many challenges such as multiplicity of taxes, corruption, bad administration, non-availability of data/database, tax touting, complex nature of the tax laws, minimum tax, and non-payment of tax refunds among several others. Additionally, the research essentially recommended thatthe various tiers of government should cooperate and support the relevant tax authorities to achievedesired results in tax administration. Furthermore, it is recommended that efforts should be made tostreamline tax collection mechanism, as this in turn would ensure good, effective and efficient taxadministration. There is also the need for effective alignment with recent developments in taxtechnology, in order to enhance the Nigerian tax system
PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF THE BONA-FIDE PURCHASER FOR VALUE
No full textThis study examines the role of the Sale of Goods Law (SGL) in safeguarding the rights of bonafide purchasers for value (BFPV) and emphasizes the necessity of such protections. Using the doctrinal legal research methodology, this study investigates the legal principles, statutes, and judicial precedents that shape the legal framework surrounding BFPV. A comparative analysis of BFPV under property law and commercial law reveals a stark contrast in the burden of due diligence imposed on purchasers. Under property law, purchasers are expected to conduct thorough due diligence, whereas commercial transactions primarily require purchasers to pay valuable consideration and act in good faith, even in cases of negligence. Furthermore, exceptions to the nemo dat quod non habet principle, as enshrined in the SGL, provide additional protections for BFPV, ensuring transactional security amidst uncertainties in verifying the legitimacy of sellers\u27 titles. This study concludes that these statutory exceptions and legal safeguards are crucial in mitigating risks associated with commercial transactions and facilitating equitable trade
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND COMMERCIAL LAW REFORM IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL EVALUATION
No full textForeign Direct Investment (FDI) plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth, technology transfer, and job creation in developing economies. In Nigeria, efforts to attract FDI have led to numerous commercial law reforms aimed at improving the investment climate. This article critically evaluates the effectiveness of these reforms, focusing on recent legislative changes, regulatory institutional frameworks, and the legal barriers still impeding investor confidence. It draws from both statutory developments such as the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Finance Act series, as well as Nigeria’s investment treaties and trade facilitation policies. Using doctrinal and policy analysis methods, the study finds that while legal reforms have improved transparency and corporategovernance, persistent issues such as policy inconsistency, enforcement challenges, and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to undermine Nigeria’s competitiveness. The article concludes with reform proposals that aim to harmonizes commercial legislation, strengthen regulatory coordination, and balance investor protection with national development goals.
HARNESSING IGBO YOUTHS’ HUNGER FOR SUCCESS: ADVOCATING FOR YOUTHS LEADERSHIP AS HUMAN CAPITAL
No full textLeadership as human capital entails investing in youths through education, vocational studies, apprenticeship and mentoring for the purpose of development. While Igbo’s intrinsic hunger for success can be traced to their rich cultural heritage that propels them to work hard, create wealthand enjoy financial freedom. Hence, their entrepreneurial spirit and drive to make wealth is often interpreted as ‘love for money’. The study aims to strike a balance between Igbo youths’ materialistic quest and the need to invest in human capital. The work investigates the economic, social and cultural rights that provides for the investment in human capital and examined factors that hinder same. The work found that investment in human capital is jeopardised by the non justiciability of Chapter (ii) of the 1999 Constitution which is very critical for achievement of humancapital. The work found that unemployment and poverty is the greatest challenge of Nigerian youths, hence this condition has driven thousands of Nigerian youths to engage in criminal activities. Further, the work discovers that the inability of the government to provide enabling conditions for development of human capital is a serious gap that makes youths susceptible to nefarious activities. The study observed that, investment in human capital is precedent to national development and recommends for urgent review of Chapter (ii) of the 1999 Constitution
INTRINSIC VALUES AS A DETERMINANT OF A NATION\u27S DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF THE 2023 NIGERIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
No full textThe 2023 Nigerian Presidential Election served as an important watershed in the nation’s clamour for development and the actualization of intrinsic values that underpin its socio-political framework. The election witnessed each Presidential candidate representing a spectrum of ideologies, each advocating for various intrinsic values such as integrity, transparency, and inclusivity. Voters’ determination was largely displayed by the determination to vote for that candidate capable of ending the pressing challenges that had bedeviled the nation for so long, including corruption, insecurity, indiscipline, infrastructure deficits, and moral decay. This paper examines the intricate synergy between national development and the intrinsic values adopted by the different Presidential candidates and the electorate. This paper concludes that the nation\u27s successful development rests on the alignment of political leadership with sincere fundamental values respected by its citizens, especially the family, schools, and teachers who have been classified as the true agents of change. This paper having reviewed the values and the roles that the different state actors must play in achieving national development in Nigeria recommends that the values imbibed by a nation must be upheld by political leaders, citizens and all the agents of national values without fear and favour, all in pursuit of a sustainable national development
Analysis of Soil Heavy Metal Pollution in Automobile Workshops in Nnewi North, Anambra State
No full textHeavy metal contamination from activities in automobile workshops is of public health concern. These heavy metals can remain in the environment over time. This study examined the concentration of soil heavy metal pollution in automobile workshops. To achieve the main objective, purposive sampling was adopted and 8 sites were identified of which 5 out of eight automobile workshops were selected and another sampling site which has no influence of automobile workshop activities was selected as the control. Soil samples from these areas were collected at a depth of 0-15cm using a locally fabricated stainless soil auger and a control sample was also collected for result comparison. The contamination level of the soil was calculated using the geo-accumulation index, the 5-sample site for Cd ranged from 1.6 - 73.93 mg kg-1,0.84 mg kg-1- 6.39 mg kg- 1 Cu, 0.06 – 5.28 mg kg- 1Pb, 1.16 – 1.99 mg kg-1 Zn, 0.4 – 2.13 mg kg-1 As, 1.56 – 3.03 mg kg-1Hg. Samples 1,2,3,4,5 indicated a non-contamination level for Ni while Zn and As values for sampled site 1, 2, 3 and 4 ranging from 0.4 -2.13 mg kg1indicate an uncontaminated to moderately contaminated level. One-tailed ANOVA was employed to test the statistical difference in the concentration of heavy metals in the sampled sites. The result from the statistics showed a p-value of 0.002 which is <0.05. This suggests that the different sampled sites contribute differently to the concentration of heavy metals. There is a need for strict enforcement of safe waste-handling methods to reduce soil contamination around automobile workshops
Geographical Analysis of Gully Erosion Site in Ekwueme Square, Awka Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques
No full textThis research work focused on the Geographical Analysis of Alex Ekwueme Square Gully Erosion Site Awka, employing advanced techniques in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Key findings include a V-shaped head indicating subsoil resistance, a trapezoidal mid-section suggesting increased bank erosion, and a flat-tailed end signifying initial intense runoff. The site\u27s elevations varied from 90m to 103m at the head, indicating erosion-resistant subsoil. Elevations at the tail ranged from 58m to 64m, showcasing a consistent cross-section profile and intense surface runoff during initial development. The gully site is located at the foot of the Ifite hill, sloping towards the Obibia River. Slope analysis revealed inclined landscapes ranging from 0° to 21.5°, contributing to surface runoff and erosion. The highest slope regions, predominantly facing eastward and north-eastward, converge in the gully site, indicating potential for increased gully erosion. Land use and land cover changes from 2012 to 2023 revealed urban development encroaching on vegetated areas, with built-up areas increasing from 0.51 sq.km. in 2012 to 0.83 sq.km. in 2023. The vegetation class suffered significant spatial losses, indicating an increasing trend of urban development impacting densely vegetated areas. Over the period the gully\u27s length fluctuated, peaking at 1,384m in 2018, which prompted Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to commence GRASS project. This research paper recommends establishing monitoring systems using remote sensing and GIS technologies to track changes in the gully site over time.