Afe Babalola University Based Journals
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Comparative Evaluation of Flask and web2py for AI Microservices: An Empirical Benchmark on Model-Inference Workloads
Full text linkMicroservice-based deployments are increasingly used to serve AI models, but systematic empirical guidance on framework selection is limited. This paper presents a comparative evaluation of two Python frameworks (Flask 2.3.2 and web2py 2.24.1) for AI microservices through the implementation of a common AI Microservice Agent and controlled benchmarking. Experiments were run on Ubuntu 22.04 LTS with Python 3.10 on an Intel i7-12700 (16 GB RAM). The benchmark workload uses a logistic-regression inference task on a 10,000-row CSV dataset. It includes measurements of average latency (ms), throughput (requests/sec), peak memory (MB), CPU utilisation (%), and per-request computational time (ms). With under 100 concurrent clients, Flask achieved an average latency of 1.8 ms and a throughput of 556 req/s (peak memory ≈ usage 120 MB), while web2py recorded a latency of 4.2 ms and a throughput of 238 req/s (peak memory ≈ usage 280 MB). Results were stable across n = 10 repeated trials (95% CI reported in Section 4), and paired statistical tests confirm the observed performance differences (p < 0.01). We discuss trade-offs between rapid prototyping and production scalability, document reproducible setup details, and propose directions for expanding the benchmark to FastAPI, GPU workloads, and cloud-native orchestration
Integrated Spatiotemporal Assessment of Shallow Well Water Quality Using PCA-NSFWQI in Tunduma Town, Tanzania
No full textUnderstanding the seasonal controls and contamination pathways affecting shallow groundwater in rapidly urbanising environments remains a major scientific and public-health challenge in East Africa. This study applied an integrated multivariate approach particularly Principal Component Analysis (PCA) as well National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) to characterise the spatiotemporal dynamics of shallow well water quality in Tunduma Town, Tanzania, where groundwater serves as a primary domestic source but remains highly vulnerable to sanitation and land-use pressures. Monthly samples were collected from five shallow wells (WW1,WW2, WW3, WW5) between June 2022 and May 2023 and analysed for physicochemical and microbial parameters using standard APHA (2017) procedures. Results revealed strong seasonal contrasts, with microbial and nutrient contamination markedly elevated during the rainy season. Faecal coliforms reached 5 CFU/100 mL and total coliforms 18 CFU/100 mL in WW3, exceeding WHO and EAS limits of 0 CFU/100 mL. Phosphate concentrations rose above 2.5 mg/L in WW4 and WW5 dramatically surpassing the eutrophication threshold of 0.1 mg/L while nitrate levels similarly increased during peak rainfall months. In contrast, dry-season samples showed lower microbial loads and more stable physicochemical behaviour. PCA effectively separated contamination-dominated wet months from baseline dry months, identifying rainfall-driven runoff, pit latrine seepage, and inadequate sanitary protection as dominant pollution drivers. NSFWQI scores ranged from Excellent (18.6 to 23.4) in relatively protected wells (WW5) to Medium (57.0 to 65.4) in vulnerable wells (WW3). By integrating PCA with NSFWQI, the study provides a rigorous framework for diagnosing contamination sources, quantifying overall water quality, and informing groundwater safety planning. The findings emphasize the urgent need for enforced sanitary setback distances, improved well construction, and targeted seasonal monitoring to safeguard shallow groundwater resources in Tunduma and similar tropical urban environments, supporting progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6)
Socio-Historic Contexts of Sino-Nigerian Relations in Infrastructure Development in Nigeria
Full text linkThe emergence of Sino-Nigerian relations in the Nigerian economy, can be attributed to the Military Government that strategically brought the Chinese closer to Nigeria for economic transformation. This action is intended to fill the gap created by the isolation of the country by the United States and her Western allies as a result of political crisis in Nigeria especially in 1990’s. Consequently, despite the cooperation from China, through Sino-Nigerian partnership, there is uncertainty surrounding the level of relations between the two countries in terms of infrastructure development. This is due largely to the antecedent of the Chinese economic interactions in some countries in Africa where most of the benefits were more of advantages to China. The study assessed the context of transportation diplomacy between China and Nigeria, and also examined the enthusiasm behind the Sino-Nigerian partnership in transportation infrastructure modernization in Nigeria. The study engaged descriptive research design through qualitative approach, which relied on interviews and secondary data. The study concluded that Sino-Nigerian relations is laudable, the sustainability outcomes of the relationship remain a major concern because of historical antecedents of relationship termination between the two countries. The study also discovered that of a lack of transparency on the part of the Nigerian government, based on the fact that highly placed Nigerian officials from successive governments to the present governments have no first-hand knowledge of the terms and conditions of China-Nigeria relations, especially in railway-related matters. Although, the study identified that the Sino-Nigerian relationship has yielded infrastructural developments with special focus on railway projects, however, this has not translated into human development in terms of job creation and improved standard of living. The study, therefore, recommends that there is need deliberate policy safeguards, mutual trust, and lessons drawn from past experiences to ensure continuity, accountability, and sustainable development outcomes
Digital Diplomacy and Africa Geopolitics in the Digital Age
Full text linkAfrican states are increasingly adopting digital diplomacy to enhance their global visibility and influence; however, existing scholarship offers only fragmented accounts of these efforts and does not adequately explain how Africa’s digital engagement contributes to its geopolitical positioning. This study addresses this gap by examining how African states and regional institutions deploy digital tools to shape diplomatic identities, articulate emerging digital norms, and negotiate influence within the evolving global digital order. Drawing on a qualitative research design, the study analyses policy documents, African Union frameworks, national cybersecurity and digital governance strategies, official social-media communications, and reports from international organisations. Empirical evidence reveals that Africa’s digital diplomacy is becoming increasingly structured and purposeful. The African Union’s use of virtual diplomatic platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya’s development of a National Cybersecurity Strategy, and Nigeria’s expanded use of digital communication collectively demonstrate Africa’s efforts to project identity, assert digital sovereignty, and participate in global norm-setting. Findings further show that Africa faces significant challenges—including technological dependence, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and internet shutdowns—that constrain its digital influence. Nonetheless, emerging opportunities exist, particularly in the creative economy and in continental initiatives aimed at harmonising digital governance. The study concludes that Afro-digital diplomacy is evolving into a strategic tool through which African states seek to enhance geopolitical relevance, challenge longstanding marginalisation, and shape global digital governance. It recommends strengthening indigenous digital infrastructure, enhancing cybersecurity cooperation, improving regional policy harmonisation, and expanding Africa’s presence in global digital policy forums to consolidate gains and advance the continent’s digital sovereignty
Changing gender practices among the Tiv of Central Nigeria from pre-colonial to post-colonial period
Full text linkThis study investigates the transformation of gender practices among the Tiv of Central Nigeria from the pre-colonial to the post-colonial period. It arose from the contradiction between the Tiv’s historic gender complementarity and the deepening patriarchal control of modern times. The objectives were to examine pre-colonial gender balance, analyse the colonial disruption of traditional relations, explore post-colonial socio-moral transformations that re-inscribed patriarchy, and assess emerging forms of female agency shaping Tiv society’s gendered future. The Feminist Theory of Intersectionality provided the analytical framework, offering a lens to examine how gender, culture, economy, and religion intersect to shape women’s positions and experiences in Tiv over time. A qualitative historical-descriptive design was employed, drawing data from ethnographic records, colonial archives, oral traditions, and contemporary scholarship. Information was thematically analysed to identify continuities and changes in gender roles, power relations, and social organization. Findings reveal that pre-colonial Tiv society emphasised gender complementarity and communal welfare through institutions like Yamshe (Exchange Marriage). Colonial intrusion abolished these stabilising systems, introducing Kem (cash-based bride price), commodifying marriage and labour, and intensifying male dominance. Post-colonial developments, marked by moral regulation, religious influence, and economic inequality further entrenched patriarchy, especially in matters of sexuality and reproduction. Yet, Tiv women exhibit “bounded agency,” seen in cultural performance, education, and subtle defiance of restrictive norms. The study concludes that Tiv society remains in transition, balancing patriarchal continuity with emergent gender change. Culturally informed education and reform are recommended to promote a more inclusive gender orde
Modelling Total Dissolved Solids Effects on Electrical Conductivity and Biochemical Oxygen Demand in River Benue, Makurdi
Full text linkWater is ubiquitous substance that must not be polluted as it contributes substantially to sustainable development and continuous existence of human being, aquatic life and environment. This research has attempted to model and establish, as well as confirm, the relationship that exists between the electrical conductivity/biochemical oxygen demand of surface water from the River Benue in Makurdi, and the total dissolved solids in the same water over a period of nine months, a system lacking such site-specific models. These water quality parameters were obtained from laboratory and field tests. The relationships were modelled using a regression modelling tool in Microsoft Excel. The results revealed a strong correlation between electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids in the surface water sample, with high R² values ranging from 0.7 to 0.9. On the other hand, the relationship between the biochemical oxygen demand and total dissolved solids exhibited a weak relationship, with low R² values ranging from 0.02 to 0.5. This has shown that the surface water contains some level of salinity and organic pollutants. It is recommended that treatment be implemented to reduce or eliminate these pollutants by identifying and controlling the sources of organic pollution, thereby safeguarding the river's ecological health
Nigeria-Japan Economic Relations, 1999–2023
Full text linkThroughout modern international relations, partnerships between industrialized and developing countries often reflect deep structural imbalances in trade, investment, and cooperation. This pattern is evident in the economic relationship between Nigeria and Japan since the return of democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999. Despite stable diplomatic ties, official visits, and longstanding development assistance, economic interactions between the two countries have remained limited in scope and impact. This study examines the developments in the Nigeria-Japan economic relations between 1999 and 2023, with particular attention to trade, investment, and development aids. Employing a historical approach to data collation and interpretation; and subjecting them to analyses under the realist, liberalist, comparative cost advantage, and the dependency theories, the study identifies the factors that have contributed to the stagnant nature of the partnership. These include Japan’s cautious investment policy in sub-Saharan Africa and Nigeria’s internal economic and institutional challenges. Anchoring on the positions from dependency theory, the study argues that without significant adjustments on both sides, particularly in addressing structural limitations, the relationship will continue to fall short of its potential. It recommends greater policy clarity, economic reform, and mutual strategic alignment to enhance future cooperation
Compressibility and Settlement Analysis of Waste-Ceramic Dust Stabilized Sand-Clay Mixture
No full textClayey soils are widely encountered in engineering practice but are often characterized by high compressibility and excessive settlement, which pose serious challenges to foundation performance and long-term structural stability. This study investigates the compressibility and settlement behavior of sand–clay mixtures stabilized with waste ceramic dust (WCD) as a sustainable improvement technique. Natural clay was blended with 50% sand and varying WCD contents (5–20%), and laboratory compaction and one-dimensional consolidation tests were conducted to evaluate changes in density, void ratio, compression index (Cc), coefficient of compressibility (aᵥ), and settlement characteristics. The untreated clay recorded a maximum dry density (MDD) of 1.93 g/cm³ and exhibited the highest compressibility with a Cc value of 0.10 and settlement of 1.512 mm. Sand inclusion significantly improved soil structure, reducing Cc to 0.051 and settlement to 1.382 mm. Further stabilization with WCD produced progressive improvements, with the optimum performance observed at 10% WCD, where Cc reduced to 0.044, representing over 55% reduction in compressibility relative to natural clay. The coefficient of compressibility also reduced by up to 60% at low effective stress levels, indicating enhanced stiffness. Overall, WCD acted as an effective micro-filler and stabilizing agent, reducing void ratio and settlement. The study concludes that sand–WCD stabilization provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for mitigating compressibility and settlement problems in clayey soils
Russia-Ukraine war and Nigeria’s economy: Mainstreaming nuances of interdependence as integral part of economic development
Full text linkThis study examined the economic consequences of Russia-Ukraine war on Nigeria’s economy. Russia and Ukraine occupy central positions globally in the power play equation between the major resource-supplier nations and import-dependent ones. The study is anchored on the complex interdependence theory in order to unravel interrelations. It relied on the ex-post facto research design. Documentary method was employed in which case secondary data are sourced from books, journals, official documents, and online sources. Also, content analysis was applied in the study. Findings in the study are that: growth rates in critical sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services of the Nigerian economy have slowed down drastically as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war; Russia-Ukraine war has negatively impacted Nigeria’s oil production measured in (MBPD) from 2022 to 2024; and the wheat market in Nigeria has also been hit by increasing prices as a result of the war; Nigeria’s cumulative GDP growth rate has equally slowed down significantly since 2022. Recommendations are as follows; first, agriculture should be encouraged at all levels of government by prioritizing production rather than import; second, increased local participation in crude production and refining should be encouraged such as what Dangote refinery has come to represent, export of crude and import of refined products should be jettisoned; third, alternatives such as commercial production of cassava flour should be prioritized by government to discourage reliance on imported wheat; fourth, import dependent economies mostly manifest unfavourable GDP growth, hence government should embrace production in all sectors of the economy rather than consumptio
Democracy and Development Nexus: Assessing President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda and Welfare of Nigerians, 2023-2025
Full text linkNigeria’s experiment with democracy has always carried both longing and tension, a nation reaching for development with one hand while steadying its fragile democratic foundations with the other. This study revisits that delicate dance by examining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (2023-2025) as a contemporary lens into the democracy-development nexus. Grounded in a mixed-methods design and inspired by a pragmatic research philosophy, the study weaves modernization theory, the democratic-advantage thesis, Rudebeck’s vision of substantial democracy, and Dudley Seers’ human-centered development standards into a single analytical tapestry. Using empirical indicators from national and international datasets, complemented by qualitative insights from policy actors, civil society voices, and lived experiences of citizens, the study reveals an unfolding narrative of reform, sacrifice, and fragile possibility. The early reforms, notably subsidy removal and exchange-rate liberalisation created economic turbulence and widespread distress. Yet beneath the hardship lie subtle signs of rebalancing, institutional correction, and cautious recovery. The findings show that while technical reforms may stabilise macroeconomic foundations, they do not automatically translate into tangible welfare gains. Development under democracy must be more than a policy agenda; it must be a lived assurance, a people-centred promise. The Renewed Hope Agenda therefore stands at a crossroads: its legitimacy will depend not on boldness alone, but on whether democratic governance can turn sacrifice into shared progress, and policy ambition into human wellbein