Nexus International University NIU Journals
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Invisible at Home and in Society: Social Exclusion Experiences of Children with Disabilities
No full textChildren with disabilities face multifaceted social exclusion across various domains of life, particularly in low-resource urban settings in Nigeria. This conceptual paper explores how children with disabilities experience exclusion within the home, school, and community. Drawing from social exclusion theory and Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory, the paper critically examines the interplay of cultural stigma, poverty, gender dynamics, and institutional gaps that reinforce their marginalization. Emphasis is placed on how these factors manifest differently across gender lines and how they contribute to the invisibility of these children in both private and public spaces. The study identifies limitations in current policies, inadequate support structures for caregivers, and societal misconceptions about disability. It proposes family-centered and community-based social work strategies, including inclusive education advocacy, caregiver psychosocial support, and public sensitization campaigns. The paper concludes with actionable recommendations for social workers, policymakers, and development actors committed to disability inclusion.
Keywords: Social Exclusion, Children with disabilities, Family, Social Work, Gender
The Hermeneutics of Θεραπερεια (Healing) in John 9:1-12 and Its Application in the Christ Apostolic Church, Ibadan, Nigeria
No full textThis study explores the physical, spiritual, and symbolic dimensions of healing performed by Jesus Christ as recorded in the Gospel of John. Healing occupies a central place in Jesus’ earthly ministry. In obedience to Christ’s directive to his followers to preach the gospel and heal the sick, the Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C.) has made healing one of its core practices. The various healing methods employed by Jesus—through touch, faith, prayer, anointing with oil, distance healing, and the use of water—form the foundational principles upon which the healing ministry of the C.A.C. is built. The healing narrative in John 9 was chosen for analysis because it features the use of natural elements such as water, clay, and saliva—methods that resonate with the healing practices found within the C.A.C. However, the study observes that the healing practices of some ministers within the Church fall short of the biblical model exemplified by Jesus. The questionable character of certain healers often casts doubt on the authenticity of their ministry, leading some believers to question whether such individuals are truly called by God. Reports of immoral behavior, such as adultery, fornication, or involvement with familiar spirits, undermine the credibility of divine healing. θεραπεύω means “to heal,” “to cure,” or “to restore to health.” This study is motivated by the need to undertake an exegesis of θεραπεύω to extract healing principles from the ministry of Jesus and its application in the Christ Apostolic Church. Employing the historical-exegetical method of biblical research, the text of John 9:1–12 was examined alongside qualitative data collected through structured interviews analyzed descriptively. Findings reveal that Christ Apostolic Church upholds, to a significant extent, the principles of healing reflected in the Gospel of John. Nonetheless, the study recommends continuous improvement in aligning healing practices with biblical standards.
Keywords: θεραπεύω (therapeuo), Health, Miracle, Salvation, Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C
Impact of TETFUND Intervention on Academic Staff Training and Development of Selected Universities in North Central Nigeria
No full textOver the years, the educational sector has suffered criminal neglect due culminating to a myriad of challenges like lack of qualified manpower among others. This study examined the impact of TETFUND intervention enhanced staff training and development in north central Nigeria University. The study adopted a combination of ex-post facto and survey research designs, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and observation, while secondary data were drawn from textbooks, journal publications, university records, and TETFund reports. The study population comprised 2,397 academic staff from Benue State University, Makurdi; Nasarawa State University, Keffi; and the University of Jos. A sample size of 352 respondents was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula, and proportional sampling was employed to allocate the sample across the universities. Data were analyzed using descriptive and tabular methods, with results presented textually. Findings revealed that TETFund interventions positively impacted academic staff training and development, particularly through sponsorship for international and local conferences, institutional-based research, Ph.D. programmes, book publications, and scholarly manuscript publications.it was recommended that should strengthens its monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainability of interventions across beneficiary universities, in order to enhance equity in the allocation of resources to bridge disparities in staff development opportunities. Training opportunities should be expanded beyond Ph.D. sponsorship and conferences to include emerging areas such as digital pedagogy, leadership, and specialized professional certifications.
Keywords: TETfund intervention, Staff Training, Staff Development, North Central Universitie
Interactional Sociolinguistics: A Comparative Analysis of Contextual Miscommunication in British / American and Nigerian Institutional Discourse
No full textThis paper examines the vital role context plays in Interactional Sociolinguistics (IS) especially as it relates to cross-cultural miscommunications exemplified in British/American and Nigerian data. This study, therefore, critically investigates the intricate dynamics of how context shapes interactional communication, highlighting how cross-cultural differences, linguistic norms and societal expectations and contextualization cues often lead to semantic misrepresentation, misunderstandings and miscommunications. Drawing on empirical data from complex and linguistically diverse cultural background, the study demonstrates how Gumperz IS and contextualization theories can lighten-up the complex interplay between language, culture and context in cross-cultural sociolinguistic interactions. The study drew from purposively selected structured interviews involving electricians, bricklayers, teacher/pupils exchange and Head of Department/staff conversations, which were subjected to discourse analysis. The data reflect work environment across different regions, including USA, UK and Nigeria. The findings reveal that language is consequential in sociocultural context in which communication takes place, and also brings to the fore that effective cross-cultural communication requires not only linguistic competence but also a deep understanding of the cultural nuances and contextual factors that shape interactional dynamics. This paper also contributes to the unburdening of age-long perception that pragmatic context alone rather than cross-cultural differences often lead to miscommunication and distortion of intended meaning in interactional communication in an increasingly globalized world.
Keywords: Interactional Sociolinguistics, Cross-Cultural Miscommunication, Contextualization Cues, Context, Cultural Differences
Symbology, Identity, and Show: Critical Analysis of Costume and Make-Up used in Modern-Day Nigerian Theatre Production
No full textThe paper examines the role that costume in modern theatre in Nigeria plays as a signifier of identity, heritage, mood and narrative within a play. By use of qualitative, semiotic and case-study perspectives, it parallels the three principal processes, Saro the Musical, Kurunmi, and university theatre festivals, to interpolate how designers and directors deploy visual symbology in performance. The most important findings suggest that costume and make-up are not merely used to distinguish two or more characters, and so much more, they work to negotiate issues of class, ethnicity, gender, and urban/rural identity, and to situate indigenous aesthetics within contemporary design sensibilities. The paper also suggests a cost and materials issues faced by designers and that more documentation and training of designers need to be offered to develop creativity. These emphases on the visual aspects of theatre help to establish the paper within the Nigerian literature on performance, as well as to provide the recommendations on how to approach the need to fill the gap between design creativity and cultural integrity in the process.
Keywords: Nigerian theatre, costume design, make‑up, visual semiotics, cultural identity, performance aesthetics
Socio-Economic Status, Determinant of Access to Quality Education and Economic Growth in Nigeria
No full textIn Nigeria, socioeconomic disparities often lead to unequal access to education thereby limiting the potential for upward mobility and contribution to persistent poverty. A survey research design was employed in this work as it’s a design type that affords the researcher the ability to study a very large population in order to discover varied characteristics. Population comprised staff of Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria. A sample of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents was used in the conduct of this work. Through purposive random sampling technique, academic and non-academic staff was selected from various departments across the institution. A self-designed instrument titled, “SESANDAQEENGNQ” Socio-Economic Status and Determinant of Access to Quality Education for Economic Growth in Nigeria Questionnaire was used to gather data needed in the study. This instrumentwasdividedintothreesub-scalesof20itemsinall.Contentandconstructvaliditywasdetermined by two experts in the department of Educational Foundations, Delta State University. Cronbach alpha reliability was used to determine how reliable items in the scale are with r-value of .863, internal consistency was met. Frequency and percentage analysis was used to analyse bio-data of respondents while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used for items and hypotheses was testedat0.05levelofsignificance. The study revealed access to educational resources, teacher quality and availability of school facilities and infrastructures determines Quality Education needed for Economic Growth in Nigeria. It then concluded that SES determines the quality of living standard in Nigeria which ultimately impact economic growth. The study recommended that Government should allocate more funds for public education in order to be accessible to all.
Keywords: Socio-Economic Status, Quality Education, Economic Growth, Teacher Quality, Standar
Interrogating the Crisis of Prison Congestion in Nigeria
No full textThis paper explores the persistent issue of prison overcrowding in Nigeria. While incarceration is intended globally as a final option for penalizing offenders, in the Nigerian context, it is frequently applied as the initial course of action. The change in nomenclature from "Prisons" to "Correctional Centers" has not significantly altered their punitive orientation, as many facilities continue to prioritize punishment over genuine rehabilitation. As of the fourth quarter of 2024, nearly 70% of inmates in Nigerian correctional facilities are still awaiting trial. This high percentage reflects systemic inefficiencies, largely stemming from the inaction and negligence of key actors in the criminal justice system, particularly government institutions. Each component of the justice system shares in the responsibility. The police often detain suspects without conducting prompt or adequate investigations. Delays by prosecuting bodies, including the Ministries of Justice, in filing charges, issuing legal opinions, and pursuing prosecutions, further exacerbate the problem. Additionally, poor handling of case files contributes to the prolonged detention of suspects. Within the judiciary, challenges such as excessive case backlogs, repeated adjournments, and the lack of enforcement of bail or provisions for speedy trials under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 are also significant contributors. Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Correctional Service are yet to fully implement non-custodial measures or enforce strategic actions aimed at reducing overcrowding. Provisions outlined in Section 1.2 (4–12) of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act of 2019 remain largely unimplemented. This theoretical study seeks to re-engage and stimulate the commitment of stakeholders towards addressing the ongoing failures within Nigeria’s correctional and judicial systems.
Keywords: Congestion, Correctional, Crises, Inmates, Prison, Reform
Public Policy Implications of Immunity Practice in U.S.A and Nigeria Jurisdictions
No full textThe principle of immunity serves to ensure that individuals occupying high-level public offices—particularly within the executive branch—can carry out their responsibilities without being encumbered by legal distractions. It is a legal shield that grants temporary protection from criminal or civil proceedings for certain officeholders, recognizing the sensitive nature of their positions. This study examines the concept and implementation of immunity within both the Nigerian and American legal systems, assessing its broader implications on governance and public policy. The analysis explores relevant legal provisions, constitutional articles, and statutory frameworks in both countries, drawing attention to their similarities and notable distinctions, particularly concerning which officials are covered and the scope of their protection. In the United States, presidential immunity is rooted in the recognition that the President, due to the global and national significance of executive decisions, could easily become the target of numerous lawsuits. Legal proceedings against the President, if permitted during their term, could lead to significant distractions from the duties of office. Thus, immunity is intended to allow the President to fulfill official functions without being burdened by ongoing litigation or the threat of personal liability, especially in civil matters arising from official acts. In contrast, Nigeria’s constitutional immunity—enshrined in Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended)—grants broader protection. It bars any legal action, civil or criminal, against the President, Vice President, Governors, and Deputy Governors for the duration of their tenure. This form of immunity is more expansive and applies regardless of the context of the alleged misconduct, effectively insulating the covered officials from prosecution or civil suits during their time in office. This paper adopts a doctrinal method to analyze how immunity affects governance, legal accountability, and public interest in both systems. It evaluates the practical implications of these legal protections and considers the tension between executive immunity and the rule of law within democratic societies.
Keywords: Article, Immunity clause, Nigeria, Public Policy, USA 
Assessment of Prevalence of Impaired Blood Glucose among Staff of University of Maiduguri
No full textThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of impaired blood glucose among staff at the University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, to identify potential public health concerns within an occupational setting. Utilizing an ex-post-facto cross-sectional design, the research involved 200 randomly selected staff members who underwent biomedical measurements—including fasting blood glucose, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and blood pressure—alongside demographic and behavioral data collection through questionnaires. The findings revealed a mean age of 42.3 years, with a gender distribution of 74% males and 26% females. The prevalence of impaired blood glucose was found to be significant; however, statistical analysis indicated no significant difference between genders (χ²=0.316, p=0.574), suggesting that both male and female staff are equally susceptible to early glucose metabolism disturbances. Most participants fell within the normal BMI range, but a considerable proportion were overweight or obese, correlating with increased risk factors for impaired glucose regulation. The results underscore the impact of sedentary lifestyles, occupational stress, and dietary habits prevalent in academic environments. Based on these findings, the study recommends routine screening programs, promotion of healthy lifestyle practices, and targeted health education campaigns to facilitate early detection and prevention of diabetes and related non-communicable diseases among university staff. Addressing these risk factors is essential for improving individual health outcomes and maintaining institutional productivity.
Keywords: Impaired Blood Glucose, University Staff Health, Non-Communicable Diseases, Occupational Risk Factors and Diabetes Prevention
The Role of Social Work in Promoting Occupational Health and Safety Awareness among Sawmill Workers in Benin City
No full textGlobally and in Africa, including Nigeria, sawmill workers continue to operate under dangerous conditions that expose them to injuries, respiratory complications, and musculoskeletal disorders. Such risks are often linked to unsafe environments, poor adherence to safety standards, and inadequate protective gear, making it urgent to strengthen training, enforcement, and social work programmes aimed at building safety consciousness. This research examines how social work efforts influence occupational health and safety awareness among sawmill workers in Benin City, considering the socio-cultural norms that shape their behaviours, attitudes, and sense of risk. Drawing on Social Cognitive Theory, which emphasises the influence of peer and supervisor role modelling on behaviour, and Organisational Behavioural Theory, which attributes safety failures to weak awareness, ineffective leadership, and unsupportive workplace cultures, the study argues that purposeful social work involvement, training, and institutional support can foster safer routines. Using a descriptive design, data were gathered from 480 sawmill workers selected through purposive, cluster, and quota sampling methods, with a reliable and validated questionnaire and ethical safeguards in place. Results show that most of these workers are young men with minimal formal education who generally follow safety rules, yet lingering hazards remain. Although social work efforts have improved compliance and knowledge, they have had little effect on deeper safety culture or reporting habits, pointing to the need for ongoing education, tighter enforcement, and institutional backing. Consequently, the study recommends regular training, stronger social work engagement, consistent provision of PPE, better monitoring and compliance systems, and greater organisational support to maintain safe working conditions.
Keywords: Occupational, Awareness, Health, Hazards, Sawmill workers, Social Work Intervention