Gusau Journal of Sociology
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AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CAUSES, EFFECTS AND REMEDY FOR MALNUTRITION IN UNDER-FIVE CHILDREN IN BARKIN LADI LGA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFMalnutrition is identified as one of the utmost significant universal health problems, and it affects a large number of children in developing countries including Nigeria. This study investigated the public health implications of malnutrition in under-five children in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. The works of prominent authors were reviewed in line with the stated objectives. Data were collected both qualitatively and quantitatively using multistage cluster sampling technique to select the communities. Seven villages were randomly selected through balloting and clusters of 93 centers were selected from the seven villages. This study identified risk factors including poor hygiene, diet-related non-communicable diseases, and mortality to be significantly higher in children with malnutrition compared to normal children. The study also found that the educational and economic status of the parents correlated with the nutritional status of the children. The study recommends family planning education, improved provision of infrastructural facilities to rural communities, as well as economic empowerment and provision of security of lives and properties as remedies for the identified challenges
HIGHNESS OR ABUSIVENESS: EXPLORING ALCOHOL AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE DYNAMICS IN NIGERIA
Get PDFIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a pervasive social issue in Nigeria with a complex interplay of cultural, social, and individual factors contributing to its prevalence. One notable factor is the significant association between alcohol consumption and IPV, which poses a challenge to understanding and addressing this multifaceted problem. This study aimed to comprehensively examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and IPV in Nigeria, by seeking to interrogate the underlying mechanisms through theoretical frameworks and literature evidence. The study argues that alcohol consumption acts as a catalyst for IPV in Nigeria, influencing individual behaviours and interacting with societal norms. Deviance Disavowal Theory was adopted to offer a nuanced perspective on cultural dynamics at play. A systematic literature review was conducted integrating studies that explored the link between alcohol consumption and IPV in Nigeria. To ensure thorough coverage of relevant literature, different electronic sources, such as PubMed, Scopus, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar, and manual searches of references from selected studies were used. An examination of the literature revealed a relationship between alcohol consumption and IPV in Nigeria. Deviance Disavowal Theory highlights the cultural dynamics that permit alcohol as an excuse for deviant actions. This study underscores the urgency of adopting comprehensive intervention strategies that address not only individual behaviours, but also societal norms and cultural beliefs. Recommendations include targeted public health campaigns, legal reforms to strengthen enforcement against IPV, and the integration of alcohol abuse treatment into support programs
GENDER EQUALITY, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF NIGERIAN LIBRARIES
Get PDFSustainable national development refers to present developments that are supposed to be devoid of negative consequences for future generations. Equal access to information, equal opportunities for men and women, women empowerment and girl child education are the catalysts for attaining sustainable national development. This paper examined the imperative of gender equality, women empowerment and the role of libraries in promoting gender equality and women empowerment for sustainable development in Nigeria. The paper noted that if all women get equal chance and freedom to make positive contributions to the development of their respective communities, there will be economic growth and informed citizens. The paper recommends that the Nigerian government should provide enabling environment for women to excel and contribute to nation building. Libraries should be properly funded by both government and well-meaning Nigerians to enable them deliver effective services that will foster growth and national development.  
A THEORETICAL REVIEW OF ETHNIC IDENTITY AS IMPEDIMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Get PDFThis paper is a theoretical review of ethnic identity as an impediment to sustainable development in Nigeria. Ethnic identity has continued to create wide spread division among Nigerians, bringing about instability and insecurity to lives and property. The menace has impeded the efforts toward achieving sustainable development in Nigeria. The paper adopted the Social Identity Theory developed by Tajfel and Turner in 1979 as the theoretical framework. The methodology utilized in this paper is essentially documentary review of literature and statistical data analysis of ethnic identity as an impediment towards achieving sustainable development. The paper argues that with the return of democracy in 1999, the country reinforced the trend with series of violence which affect sustainable development. This created division, anxiety and fear among Nigerians resulting in ethnic killings, which hindered Nigeria’s match toward sustainable development. The trend has affected sustainable development as every state of the nation is bugged by ethnic identity crisis. The trend is compounded by the so-called federal character principle or quota system. The paper concludes that Nigeria cannot achieve sustainable development with the current problem of ethnic identities and recommends the abolition of the idea of identity construction that has led to ethnic identities and hindered the achievement of sustainable development. The paper also recommends that the national assembly should repeal the Act establishing the Federal Character Principle or Quota System in Nigeria
DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS INFLUENCING DIFFERENTIALS IN INFANT MORTALITY IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFInfant mortality is one of the most expressive indicators of development in all countries of the world. In Nigeria, the current rate of infant mortality indicates that the country is far from ending the problem of infant mortality. It has not only reflected on the health of an infant, but also, the societal wellbeing as a whole. Hitherto, available studies on infant mortality have not clearly indicated its level as to whether it is increasing or decreasing in Nasarawa State, let alone its differentials. The paper examines the demographic factors influencing differentials in infant mortality in Nasarawa State-Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was adopted to select respondents. Initially, for the study which involved six (6) namely Local Government Areas, electoral wards, main street, houses, household and individual/respondent. The methods of data collection utilized for the study was questionnaire. The questionnaires were analyzed quantitatively using tables, frequency, percentage, cross tabulation and Chi-square to establish and statistically test the level of significance in the relationship between two variables. Findings of the study established the differentials in infant mortality in urban and rural communities in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, but overall, it is still high. There were marked differentials found in the prevalence of infant mortality among socio-economic and demographic factors, such as maternal education, maternal occupation, sex of infant birth interval and gender. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends a renewed policy on maternal health education in Nasarawa State including free counselling on birth spacing, family planning, immunization, ante-natal and post-natal care for all women
ELECTION CAMPAIGNS AND VOTE-BUYING IN NIGERIA: MEDIA STUDY PERSPECTIVES
Get PDFThe study examined the dynamics of vote-buying and election campaigns in Nigeria within the media study perspectives. It focuses on the multifaceted dimensions of election campaigns, political campaign strategies and the phenomenon of vote buying. Despite Nigeria's 23 years of uninterrupted democratic rule since the Fourth Republic commenced in 1999, the persistence of vote buying poses significant challenges to the integrity and legitimacy of the electoral process. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach with secondary data to conduct an in-depth review of existing literature to reveal the elements embedded in election campaigns and vote buying practices. It explored the communication systems and mass media strategies deployed in vote buying transactions thereby revealing the socio-behavioral patterns of Nigerian voters. The study applies the agenda setting theory to explain how political agenda influences voters’ expectations and perceptions. It subsequently identified stimulus words and phrases deployed in election campaigns that enable vote buying practices thereby revealing the relationship between political campaigns and vote buying in Nigeria. It also identified poverty, unemployment and the absence of robust institutions as causes of vote buying. It establishes the understanding of agenda-setting theory to elucidate the complex dynamics between campaign communication and voter behavior, providing insights for future empirical studies and policy interventions aimed at safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. The study therefore recommends the need for policies that will mitigate the influence of inducements on the electoral process
IMPLICATIONS OF ‘NO WORK, NO PAY’ ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF ACADEMIC STAFF UNION OF UNIVERSITIES’ (ASUU) MEMBERS IN MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, UMUDIKE, NIGERIA
Get PDFThis study examined the conflict between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG), focusing on issues such as inadequate funding, poor salaries, and unfavorable working conditions. These disputes often arise from unmet promises or the government's failure to honor agreements with ASUU. In 2022, the FG took ASUU to court, resulting in the enforcement of the "no work, no pay" policy. The primary concerns fueling ASUU's strikes include insufficient funding of public universities, low lecturer salaries, non-compliance with signed agreements, and the imposition of the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS). The no work, no pay policy, has particularly impacted the productivity of ASUU members at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU). This study, guided by Mary Parker Follett’s conflict management theory, investigated the effects of the no work, no pay policy on ASUU members' productivity at MOUAU. A cross-sectional research design was used, with a sample of 320 academic staff members surveyed through closed-ended questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including tables, frequencies, and percentages. The findings reveal that the policy negatively affected productivity, causing demotivation and job dissatisfaction among academic staff. The study recommends that the government abandons the no work, no pay policy, pay outstanding salaries to ASUU members, and adhere to signed agreements, while emphasizing the importance of collective bargaining for national progress
CAMP ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL DISPLACEMENT AND WELL-BEING OF FEMALES IN SELECTED INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS’ (IDPS) CAMPS IN THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT) ABUJA
Get PDFThe frequency and intensity of violence in Northern Nigeria with its associated humanitarian crises have necessitated the establishment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the region. While these camps offer temporary shelters for displaced vulnerable groups, especially women and children, there are certain conditions in such camps like lack of social and basic facilities, unsafe buildings, lack of economic opportunities and security that may predispose them to further incidence of gender-based violence while seeking shelter and survival. Thus, the study examined the relationship between the social environment of IDPs camps and the well-being of female inmates in some selected IDPs camps located in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria. The study adopted a combination of quantitative and qualitative design methods. The simple random sampling technique was utilized to select eight hundred and fifty-two (852) females on whom copies of questionnaire were administered. Findings revealed that there are diverse manifestations of gender-based violence in the IDPs camps due to the poor camp environment such as no access to basic needs and facilities, insecurity, poor buildings, drug use etc.The study findings show that the camp environment conditions have significant effects on the experience of sexual and gender-based violence F (3,840) = 132.41, p <.05. This has implication for the social well-being of the females in the IDP camps. The study recommends that the government should provide proper incentives for a comfortable camp environment and proper management of the displaced persons’ social well-being
ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC PERCEPTION ON THE CAUSES OF ACTS OF TERRORISM IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Get PDFNowadays, terrorism is one of the biggest problems confronting the world. Terrorism and insecurity pose significant global concerns and Nigeria has been bedeviled by a number of security challenges, the most prominent being that of Boko Haram. Worldwide, terrorism continues to become more concentrated, with 57 countries reporting a terror attack in 2022, compared to 59 in 2021 and 74 in 2015 when terrorism reached its peak. Terrorism was most concentrated in the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa, where 65 per cent of attacks in the region took place in the ten countries in the region. In Nigeria, the impact of terrorism, however, witnessed a temporal decline; with total deaths falling by 23 per cent, decreasing from 497 in 2021 to 385 in 2022.This study assessed public perception on the causes of acts of terrorism in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. In Jos North, a combination of factors-economic, political and identity - has instigated violence over the years, producing segregation in the city mainly along ethnic lines. The sample for this study is made up of four hundred and twenty (420) respondents drawn from a total population of 917,000, using a combination of probability and non-probability sampling techniques. The study sample was determined using the sample size determination table by Krejcie and Morgan. The survey gathered responses from 403 out of 420, with a response rate of 96%. Data were analyzed through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29. The study was guided by the social structure and anomie theory. It was found from this study that respondents attributed the causes of acts of terrorism in the study area to political marginalization, injustice, poverty, unemployment, and negative religious teaching. The consequences of terrorism are significant and have wide-ranging impacts on the community by way of economic and social disruption. In light of the above findings, the study recommends the need to address political marginalization through inclusive governance, tackling injustice through fair legal systems, implementing policies to mitigate poverty, reduce unemployment and promote positive teachings to counteract negative influences. Additionally, there is the need to encourage community engagement and education, to mitigate the root causes of terrorism
THE IMPACT OF POVERTY ON MATERNAL MORBIDITY IN SHANGA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KEBBI STATE
Get PDFThis paper explored the impact of poverty on maternal morbidity, characterized by limited access to essential resources such as healthcare; sustained nutrition and education, which significantly exacerbate maternal morbidity in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State. In most of the lower income communities in developing countries, women often face barriers to accessing quality prenatal care, leading to delayed or inadequate medical attention during pregnancy. It is against this background that the paper examined the incidence of maternal morbidity in Shanga LGA. The Relative deprivation theory was adopted as the paper’s theoretical framework. Questionnaire and key informant interview were utilized as the primary instruments of data collection. Purposive sampling technique was used to select only women aged between 15 and 59 years who were included in the study. Data collected from the questionnaire were analysed descriptively using tables and percentages while data from KII were analysed descriptively. Findings from the study indicated that the prevalence of maternal morbidity was high in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The study also discovered that due to poverty, most women do not have transport to go to the hospital for antennal care as well as lack money to buy nutritious food and drugs in Shanga Local Government. The study recommends that Government should bring antenatal clinics closer to the communities and also empower women with loans and skill acquisition programmes to enable them cater for their needs, especially during pregnancy