Afe Babalola University Based Journals
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Assessing the Determinants of Financial Performance of Commercial Banks in Selected Sub-Saharan African Countries, 2001-2023
Full text linkThis study investigates the determinants of financial performance of commercial banks in selected Sub-Saharan African countries, specifically Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, and South Africa, from 2001 to 2023. The banking sector plays a crucial role in economic growth, yet its profitability remains low despite various reforms. Key variables include the bank’s internal factors on financial performance: management efficiency, capital strength, asset quality, liquidity management, market share, banking sector development, GDP growth, inflation rate, interest rate spread, and real exchange rate. This research aims to identify and compare the internal (bank-specific), industry-level, and macroeconomic factors influencing bank profitability. Utilising a quantitative approach, the study employs a dynamic panel data methodology, specifically the Generalised Method of Moments (GMM), to analsze data from 20 selected banks across the four countries. The findings provide insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by banks in the region, contributing to the existing literature on bank profitability and offering practical implications for policymakers and banking stakeholders. The study recommends that commercial banks should incorporate fintech adoption and digital banking metrics to assess their impact on bank profitability and operational efficiency in Sub-Saharan Africa. There is a need for a comparative analysis across different banking regulatory environments that could provide deeper insights into how policy reforms influence financial performance in the region
Ethnicity and Political Behaviour During Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Election
Full text linkEthnicity has historically played a significant role in shaping political behaviour around the world, influencing government structures, political systems, and political mobilisation. This has encouraged the engagement of ethnic politics, especially during elections. The 2023 Nigerian presidential election further demonstrated the influence of ethnicity in Nigeria’s politics. Ethnic sentiment in political behaviour has been influential in furthering ethnic politics, ethnic violence, and ethnic loyalty to the detriment of national unity and development. This study examined the ongoing influence of ethnicity on political behaviour, using the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria as a case study. The study adopted social identity theory and Instrumentalism theory. This research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys. This study employed multi-sampling techniques, which included clustered, purposive and accidental sampling techniques. The research found that ethnicity has a notable influence on the political behaviour of citizens, especially in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. However, the influence is based on factors like ethnic-driven campaigns, ethnic loyalty and interest, which illuminated the dynamic nature of ethnicity as both a unifying and divisive force in Nigeria’s political system. The paper concluded that ethnicity remains a double-edged sword, mobilising tribal loyalties while fuelling violence through the employment of ethnic favouritism and exclusion. The study recommends that Nigeria’s government should enforce legal frameworks to penalise political actors who promote ethnic-based campaigns.
 
Exploring the Relationship Between Effective Communication and Employee Participation at NIMASA
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This study examined the relationship between effective communication and employee participation within the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The background highlighted the significance of communication in fostering a participatory workplace culture, thereby addressing the problem of insufficient employee engagement in public organisations. The research was framed within the context of Social Exchange Theory and Organisational Communication Theory, which underscored the importance of clear communication and its impact on employee involvement. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilised secondary data, interviews, and focus group discussions to gather rich insights from employees across various departments at NIMASA. The findings revealed that clear and open communication channels significantly enhanced employee engagement, job satisfaction, and overall organisational performance. Employees reported feeling more valued and involved when communication was effective, which led to a greater willingness to participate in decision-making processes. The study concluded that effective communication is essential in promoting employee participation and fostering a participatory workplace culture. By addressing barriers to communication, such as unclear messaging and insufficient feedback mechanisms, NIMASA could cultivate an environment that encourages transparency and inclusivity. These findings emphasised the necessity of prioritising communication strategies to enhance employee participation, contributing to the overall success of NIMASA and the broader maritime industry. The research provided actionable recommendations for improving communication and enhancing employee participation, which could serve as a foundation for future studies in similar contexts.
 
Migration Governance and Border Security in Northeast Nigeria
Full text linkMigration governance and border security are critical aspects of national security. Migration is a dynamic feature of population distribution and has the potential to jeopardize national security if not well-managed. Nigeria's security is threatened by transnational organized crimes, including irregular migration and the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) due to the nature of the country's boundary contingency. There is a dearth of a multi-layered approach that includes surveillance technology, personnel, and infrastructure to handle border security challenges in Nigeria. This study analyzes the relationship between migration governance and border security in Nigeria. The study adopted Everett Lee’s theory of migration, while relying on documentary method for data collection and were analysed qualitatively. The study argued that irregular migration sustained by an expansive border, a lack of manpower, and corruption undermined border security in Northeast Nigeria. Weak enforcement of trans-border agreements, limited cooperation between Nigerian security forces and law enforcement officers in neighboring states, and poor border security funding accounted for the rise in the proliferation of SALW in Northeast Nigeria. To regulate irregular migration into the Northeast, Nigerian government should provide adequate manpower, training, incentives, and equipment for the grooming of efficient and uncompromising border security agencies
Multi-Level Intrusion Detection System in Cloud Computing
Full text linkAn intrusion detection system (IDS) is essential for protecting private data, maintaining system integrity, and ensuring network security. This research focused on the development of a multi-level IDS using cloud computing technologies to enhance network security and employs a multi-layered strategy for intrusion detection, encompassing different levels for the scrutiny of network traffic, system behavior, and potential security risks. Cloud computing infrastructure forms the basis for deploying and expanding the IDS effectively. Anomaly-based intrusion detection systems have poor precision and recall, especially for unidentified attack types and this is seen as a research gap. Alternative Fuzzy C-Means Clustering (AFCM) was utilized in this work to group the training data into homogenous training subsets, train various Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) using those subsets, and then aggregate the results. The neural network was trained using the KDD Cup ‘99 dataset and was tested using real-time internet traffic. The SYN flood, ICMP flood, and Normal activity were used as test cases for the attack and normal activity, the results show that the SYN has a 98.9% true positive rate and 1.1% false negative rate of the 10000number of connections, ICMP has 99.9% true positive rate and 0.1% false negative rate of the 10000 number of connections and the normal activity has 88.09% true positive rate and 11.74% false negative rate of the 10000 number of connections. This is an improvement over other common anomaly-based intrusion detection systems
Assessment of Water use Trends, Usage Frequency, and Heavy Metals Contamination in Elemi and Ogbese Rivers in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State
Full text linkHeavy metal levels in Elemi and Ogbese Rivers surpass WHO standards, endangering community health. Limited awareness, linked to education gaps, increases exposure risks. Urgent action is needed to improve water safety and public health awareness. Hence, this study investigated water usage trends and heavy metal contamination in Elemi and Ogbese Rivers in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Data on demographic characteristics were collected through a guided questionnaire administered to 150 adults each, aged 18-55, from the two communities. Metals (Hg, Cr, Pb, Zn, Co, Cd) analyses in the water samples were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy AAS. Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS 29 with significance at p<0.05. The study revealed significant differences in educational levels and employment status between the two communities, with Elemi having higher frequencies than Ogbese in both parameters. The frequency of water usage showed that Ogbese consumed a higher daily water intake (12%) than Elemi (6%), a marker for a potentially increased susceptibility to contaminant contact through frequent water use. Education and occupation significantly influenced water usage in both rivers, while gender significantly influenced water usage in the Ogbese River only. There was higher awareness of heavy metal pollution in Elemi (36.0%) compared to Ogbese (10.0%). However, awareness of heavy metal pollution and effluent discharge is significantly correlated to education. Mean metal concentrations in Ogbese River and Elemi River were higher than the WHO recommended values, indicating a possible health hazard for communities that rely on these rivers. Low community awareness of heavy metal contamination poses significant public health risks, as river concentrations exceed WHO standards. Educational disparities affect awareness and water usage behaviours, emphasising the need for targeted interventions. Regulatory measures are necessary to control effluent discharge into rivers, Ongoing environmental monitoring is crucial for sustained protection. Community engagement remains key to safeguarding public health and ecosystem
Investigating the Bioactive Compounds in Leaves’ Extracts of Gossypium barbadense Species using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Full text linkGossypium barbadense leaves have been used traditionally in the treatment of several ailments such as asthma, pyrexia and yellow fever, with no much scientific scrutiny of its acclaimed efficacy. This study investigated the bioactive components of hybrid and traditional Gossypium barbadense leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Extraction of samples were carried out by maceration using 95% ethanol. Bioactive compounds were determined using agilent technology; high-performance liquid chromatography. HPLC analysis revealed presence of bioactive compounds in the hybrid leaf, such as: eugenol 1.522 mg/g. camphor 0.128 mg/g, alpha-tumerone 0.095 mg/g, epicatechin 0.118 mg/g, alpha-pinene 0.105 mg/g. bioactive compounds in the tradition leaf include: ellagic acid 1.531 mg/g, Zeaxanthine 0.927 mg/g, P-coumaric acid 0.409 mg/g, catechin 0.279 mg/g. This study revealed that leaves of hybrid and traditional Gossypium barbadense have different bioactive compounds. Quercetin and epicatechin were bioactive compound they have in common and the traditional plant is richer in bioactive compounds. Difference in the compositions of the plant species is influenced by genetic modification of the hybrid specie. Hybrid specie is much useful for production of textile materials, traditional species with more bioactive compounds is considered for treatment of diseases
Cryptocurrency, Terrorism Financing, and the Dark Web: An Exploratory Study of the Role of Anonymous Transactions in Supporting Terrorist Activities
Full text linkThe expansion of cryptocurrency has reshaped financial systems by enabling decentralised transactions and new digital applications. However, its pseudonymity and global reach have also enabled ransomware, darknet trading, money laundering, and terrorism financing, creating challenges for regulators seeking to protect financial integrity. This study examines the intersection of cryptocurrency, cybercrime, and governance. It identifies techniques exploited by criminals, evaluates forensic and regulatory countermeasures, and considers the governance dilemmas posed by these developments. A qualitative, desk-based approach was adopted, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, institutional policy reports (FATF, IMF, Europol), and industry analyses (Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs). Thematic content analysis was used to trace patterns of illicit cryptocurrency use, enforcement actions, and regulatory innovations. The findings reveal that blockchain forensics and coordinated policy efforts have strengthened oversight. Yet criminals increasingly use privacy coins, decentralised finance protocols, mixers, and cross-chain laundering to bypass detection. Enforcement remains inconsistent, hindered by fragmented regulation and gaps in cross-border cooperation. Cryptocurrency-enabled crime and terrorism financing remain adaptive threats that test financial stability and governance frameworks. Stronger international coordination, harmonised regulation, and advanced forensic tools are essential to reduce risks. The study recommends deepening cross-border collaboration, investing in blockchain analytics, and adopting flexible governance models that balance innovation with accountability
Conflict, Economic Development and Peacebuilding in the African Context
Full text linkThe intricate nexus between conflict, economic development, and peace presents a defining challenge for the African continent. While often analysed through simplistic lenses of resource scarcity or ethnic rivalry, this paper argues that the relationship is a self-reinforcing cycle driven by historical legacies, institutional frailties, and the political economy of violence. Drawing on contemporary case studies and theoretical frameworks, it posits that colonial-era policies established patterns of regional inequality and weak state structures, which post-independence governments often exacerbated through resource dependency and systemic corruption. This has created environments where conflicts fueled by economic marginalisation stifle the investment, human capital, and stability necessary for development, thereby perpetuating conditions for further violence. Moving beyond diagnostic analysis, this paper explores the imperative of transformative peacebuilding. It concludes that sustainable peace is contingent upon moving beyond mere conflict resolution to actively fostering distributive justice, accountable governance, and resilient, diversified economies that address the root causes of instability
Knowledge and Associated Factors Influencing Insecticide-Treated Net Usage among Pregnant Women in Selected Health Facilities in Ekiti State
Full text linkMalaria is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria inclusive. This study assessed knowledge of Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) as well as socio-demographic factors associated with ITN utilisation among 1,285 pregnant women of childbearing age, who attended antenatal care, pooled from selected health facilities across the 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti. Data were analysed descriptively using frequency counts and percentages, while the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression were employed at the bivariate and multivariate stages, respectively. Findings revealed that awareness and overall usage of ITNs were high. Education was a strong and very significant predictor of ITN use (p < 0.05 for all groups). Specifically, respondents who had primary school education were 81% less likely to use ITNs (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.78–0.45), secondary education were less likely (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.45–0.22), and tertiary education were even less likely (OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.50–0.25). The study concludes that Universal ITN coverage and utilisation will not be achieved through distribution campaigns alone but through focused, context-specific interventions that interact with the psychological, cultural, and economic forces controlling women's health behaviour