Afe Babalola University Based Journals
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Restructuring Religious Education for Development Sustainability in the 21st Century Nigeria
Get PDFThe importance of education to national development and growth especially in Nigeria cannot be overlooked. It plays vital roles in the resources essential for societal growth and it should be noted that these resources include human resources as individuals are responsible for nation building. Education comprises basic knowledge and skills required for sustainable living. These knowledge and skills constitute moral values and codes which are learnt through religious education. Hence, religious education remains vital and relevant particularly in the 21st century Nigeria. In the 21st century, religious education in Nigeria continues to experience problems ranging from the implementation of irrational educational policies by the constituted authorities particularly against educational system, poor funding, mismanagement and misappropriation, political instability, bad governance, just to mention a few. It is not a dispute that these lingering issues have indented the place of religious education and its values in the educational system which has been debased. Nevertheless, acquiring quality education should be measured on global standards, such that the acquired knowledge could match up with the global scale. Therefore, it is crucial to revisit and reconstruct religious education particularly to conform to the 21st century Nigerian society. This is to attain a stable and life - long relevance within the Nigerian educational system. It is a qualitative discourse and it engages primary and secondary sources of data information, it adopts the functional theory which spells out the functions of religious education to the national development particularly in the 21st century as well as the theory of relevance which reflects the relevance of religious education as tool to instill morals and mould individuals into good and patriotic citizens. It includes discussions on the challenges militating against religious education in the 21st century. The relevance of religious education at this era, and recommended suggestable strategies to sustain its relevance further into the future.
 
Awareness and Usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Promoting Music Broadcast on Radio in Warri, Nigeria
No full textThis paper investigates the level of awareness and usage of artificial intelligence (AI) for promoting music broadcast on radio stations in Warri, Nigeria. The study was prompted by the paradigm shift that is brought about by the advent of artificial intelligence. Despite the advantages inherent in technology most radio stations appear to lack knowledge of the component meant for the broadcast of music. Thus, the study establishes the extent to which the radio station in Warri, Nigeria has become AI compliant in relaying music. To determine the AI awareness level and extent of usage in music promotion on radio stations, the researcher conducted interview sessions using four (4) radio stations, forty-one (41) on Air Personalities (OAP). A Self Respondent Interview Research Instrument was administered via email contact. The study was guided by three (3) research questions. Data were analyzed with the aid of percentage calculation measure to decide the level of awareness and usage of the AI tools connected to music broadcast on radio. The study found that respondents show low level of awareness of significant AI tools and thus could not deploy AI technologies for broadcast of music. The study concludes that it is important to create high level of awareness in the use of AI tools for promotion of music broadcast on radio. The study recommends that OAP should acquire the knowledge of AI tools related to promotion of music on radio stations. The proprietors of radio stations should provide training on the use of AI technologies to enable them become AI compliant in radio broadcasting
Metaphoric Representations of Spirituality in Ebenezer Obey’s Music
Get PDFThis paper investigates the synergy that exists between metaphor and spirituality within the Yoruba cosmology as exemplified in the music of Ebenezer Obey. The study underscores the authenticating role metaphor plays in the concretisation of Yoruba beliefs in the existence of a supernatural world. The existing variations of independent studies on both concepts attest to the rich cognitive influence both ideologies evoke within the academia. However, most of the extant studies carried out on these concepts have mainly honed their distinctive strengths. The corpus of research on metaphor relates its relevance mainly to the academic sphere where it acts as diagnostic tool for the analysis of literary terms and by extension to specified human experiences and restricts its versatile application to the significant influence metaphor has on spirituality, thus, de-emphasising the strengthening potency the connection between both ideologies can have on the social and economic lives of people. This notion of irreconcilable difference has resulted in undermining the veritable possibility of an alignment between metaphor and spirituality. This is against the backdrop of paucity of scholarship on this creative hybridisation. This study, therefore, foregrounds the essence of this metaphorical appropriation on the Yoruba ability to re-interpret their disillusioned post-independence realities. Conceptual metaphor theory is deployed as a tool by which underlying metaphor of spirituality is pointed out in the selected music texts of Ebenezer Obey
Impacts of Alexandria Catechetical School’s Sacred-Secular Education and its Implications for Theological Institutions in Nigeria
Get PDFThis article explores how the Alexandria Catechetical School educational system which combined sacred and secular learning can be applied in theological institutions in Nigeria. The study adopts a qualitative research approach, utilizing historical analysis and literature review to explore the historical context and educational practices of the Alexandria Catechetical School. Major findings from the study reveal that such holistic approach to education did not only enrich the theological understanding of students but also equipped them with practical and contextualized skills for engaging with the secular world. The study also highlights how theological institutions in Nigeria can apply similar system such as interdisciplinary training, contextualization and community engagement, spiritual and moral values, discipleship through godly leadership by example and development of entrepreneurship skills in order to produce all-round competent manpower to address current challenges confronting the Nigerian church and society. The study recommends that theological institutions in Nigeria should consider incorporating elements of the Alexandria Catechetical School's educational system to better prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. These include integrating more secular subjects into the curriculum, providing practical training opportunities, and fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. With holistic approach to education, theological institutions in Nigeria will not only be better in equipping their students to engage with the complexities of the contemporary world, but will also attract public relevance while remaining rooted in their sacred missions
Issues and Prospects in Continuing Education for Skills Development of Automobile Technicians in Nigeria
Get PDFThe automobile technicians are catalytic to the industrial revolution, employment generation, human capital development, and economic growth in the automotive industry in Nigeria. There is, however, a lack of competencies among them that has generated concerns in the community of practice. The study explored challenges of skills development among automobile technicians and examined the prospects of continuing education to enhance their skills development in the automotive industry. The study adopted a qualitative research method and reviewed journals, books, news reports, and official publications to discuss the key concepts of continuing education, skills development, and mainstreaming of automobile technicians in the informal sector to the national policy framework to transform the automotive industry for human capital development and economic growth in Nigeria. The absence of continuing education in the occupational practices of automobile technicians has created skills development crises in the automotive industry and is evidenced by a shortage of skilled labour, aging demographics, the prevalence of quackery, lack of requisite work knowledge, non-availability of sustainable continuing education programmes, lack of opportunities for continuing professional development, sectoral policy disconnect with human capital development practice in the industry, and funding. The implementation of continuing education programmes for the skills development of automobile technicians can create opportunities to enhance improved competencies, transform human capital development, and engender value creation and exceptional service delivery in the automotive industry through the transformative work environment and delivery of collaborative skills development programmes. The government should mainstream and implement grassroots policies for inclusive collaboratives to certify automobile technicians through continuing educational development programmes in the automotive industry.  
Naming Africans: On the Epistemic Value of Names, Oyeronke Oyewumi and Hewan Girma (eds.) Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 2023. 237 pages. $129.99
Get PDFMy name is Olúwábùnmi Tèmítọ́pẹ́ which means “God has given (this child) to me, I am grateful.” Both of my names were given to me by my mother, who had me through a Caesarean Section (CS). So, my first name came from her experience during pregnancy and my second name was her way of showing gratitude for surviving her near-death childbirth experience. She told me she was grateful that she regained consciousness almost four (4) weeks after my birth. Like me, all my siblings had names that marked important, memorable events in our parents’ lives. Our names tell our parents’ stories, stories about circumstances surrounding our births, rather than our stories as may be found in many brief personal oríkì (praise names) among the Ọ̀yọ́-Yorùbá. For many of us whose parents are from Ondo and Ekiti States of Nigeria, we do not have brief personal oríkì as noted by Ladele, et. al. and quoted by Oyewumi, p.21, but parents still gave very specific Àmútọ̀runwá[2] names “whose chief distinction is that they are based on the observed biological facts attending the birth of that child”[3] which is a common phenomenon in Yorùbá culture. African names reveal a lot about the bearer’s background and carry “a wealth of historical information.” Caesarean sections or Caesarean deliveries are surgical procedures by which babies are born through incisions in their mothers’ abdomen and uterus. Even though the technique dates to 1480 CE, it has since then evolved and has been improved on to reduce mother and child mortality rate. Still, in the early 80s at the time of my birth, the Caesarean technique was still very risky and many things could and do go wrong. In my mother’s case, things went wrong with the procedure. Because of that, she was unconscious from the procedure for almost a month. There are very few Àmútọ̀runwá (brought from ọ̀run (invisible realm)) names among the Yorùbá. They are Táyé, Kẹhinde, Ìdòwú, Àlàbá, Okẹ́, Ìgè, Àìná, Òjó, and a few others. These names have not changed. Some of them are gender neural while others are gender specific. For example, Táyé and Kẹhìndé are gender neutral names for twins regardless of their genders. En caul births are called Okẹ́ and breech babies are called Ìgè regardless of their genders. Àìná and Òjó are examples of gender specific names. Àìná is a female child born with nuchal cords while Òjó is a male child born with the same condition
THE NATIONAL GENDER POLICY'S AFFIRMATIVE ACTION: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE CHALLENGES TO WOMEN REPRESENTATION IN CABINET POSITIONS IN NIGERIA
Get PDFAffirmative action for women is an outcome of global advocacy for gender mainstreaming in politics and decision-making processes. Through the instrumentality of some gender-friendly treaties, to which many countries—including Nigeria—are signatories, countries are encouraged to allot women a certain percentage in political appointments. Thus, women's visibility in modern state politics is increasingly becoming a yardstick to measure levels of democratization and sustainability of democracy. Countries across the globe, including the most conservative, are making both minor and radical changes to address gender issues. This explains why the Nigerian Government came up with its National Gender Policy (NGP) in 2006. This Policy advocated for 35% affirmative action to women in all political appointment positions in consonance with global efforts to address women's marginalization and discrimination, as captured in the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and the 1995 Beijing Declaration. However, women are still being marginalized in Nigerian politics due to the age-long patriarchal notion that women are not meant for public affairs, thereby making the domestication of gendered affirmative action policy in a patriarchal society like Nigeria problematic. Methodically, this study is both qualitative (using discourse analysis) and quantitative (analyzing numerical data on women in cabinet positions across the federating units). From the perspectives of political liberalism and feminist legal theory, this study critiques the concept of affirmative action vis-a-vis women's representation in cabinet positions in Nigeria. The study findings reveal that the Constitutional barrier has been the major stumbling block to the implementation of Nigeria's Affirmative Action since 2006. The study concludes that unless Affirmative Action is enshrined in the Constitution, its implementation will be at the mercy of the disposition of the government in power. Thus, this study recommends Constitutional reforms to accommodate crucial gender decisions made by the government such as Affirmative Action to facilitate its implementation
Urine Proteomics in Schistosoma haematobium-induced Bladder Cancer
No full textSchistosomiasis, or Bilharziasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma parasites, which significantly impacts public health, particularly in Africa. Schistosoma haematobium, the primary species responsible for urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), is associated with severe chronic conditions, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the bladder. This review explores the pathogenesis of UGS and its link to bladder cancer, highlighting the molecular mechanisms involved. The chronic inflammation caused by S. haematobium eggs leads to tissue damage, fibrosis, and granuloma formation, creating a pre-cancerous environment. Notably, the role of the p53 pathway in UGS-associated bladder cancer is emphasized, with mutations in the TP53 gene and overexpression of p53 contributing to genetic instability and malignant transformation. Additionally, the review discusses the presence of oestrogen-like metabolites in the urine of UGS patients, which are suspected to be involved in carcinogenesis through an oestrogen-DNA adduct-mediated pathway. Mass spectrometric analysis of urine samples from UGS patients revealed specific metabolites, including 8-oxodG, a marker of oxidative DNA damage, which could serve as potential biomarkers for early detection and progression of bladder cancer. The urine proteome profiling also identified distinct molecular pathways activated in UGS-related bladder cancer, including Th2-type immune responses, oxidative stress, and inflammation. These findings underscore the need for further research into the host-parasite interactions and the development of diagnostic biomarkers for schistosome-induced carcinogenesis. Understanding these mechanisms could enhance treatment strategies and improve prevention efforts for UGS-related bladder cancer, particularly in endemic regions where the disease burden remains high
Russian-Ukraine War and its Impact on the European Economy
No full textThis study examines the impact of the Russian-Ukraine war on the economy of Europe, concentrating on trade disruptions, energy security, foreign direct investment (FDI) flows, and the socioeconomic ramifications of the war[1]induced refugee crisis. This study employs the descriptive research design, qualitative research method and a secondary source of data collection. The research uncovers the problems and possibilities coming from the war, as well as the larger implications for economic growth, development, and stability in the area. The results reveal severe interruptions to commercial links between European nations, especially Russia, and Ukraine, with key sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture facing considerable disruptions. Energy security emerges as a significant worry, spurring attempts to diversify energy sources and lessen dependence on Russian supply. Meanwhile, the war has resulted in a drop in FDI inflows to Russia and Ukraine, aggravating economic concerns in both nations and hurting their growth prospects. Furthermore, the research shows the burden on social welfare systems in European nations hosting migrants, since the inflow of refugees exerts great demands on resources and capabilities. Investments in housing, health care, education, and social welfare are vital for satisfying the different needs of displaced people and facilitating their long-term integration into society. However, issues connected to social cohesiveness, community connections, and political dynamics within host nations also occur. The study recommends diplomatic resolution of the dispute through peaceful discussions, involving European Union (EU) member states- Russia, Ukraine, and other parties. This could involve neutral mediation, de-escalating initiatives, and confidence-building measures
Regional Power Dynamics and Security Approaches: A Comparative Study of SADC and ECOWAS
Get PDFThis study examines regional power dynamics and security approaches within two prominent African regional organisations: ECOWAS– Economic Community of West African States and the SADC– Southern African Development Community. Since Africa remains insecure due to internal conflicts, and terrorism, regional organisations have a vital role in stability. ECOWAS and SADC are particularly marked by their specific security mechanisms; however, they are located in different political, social and economic environments and thus perform differently in terms of management and resolution of conflict. Using the theoretical framework of power theory and the adoption of case study research design and content analysis, the research critically explores regional power dynamics and security approaches within SADC and ECOWAS. The findings reveal that while ECOWAS’s interventionist policies enable swift action, they sometimes face issues of sustainability and regional buy-in. In contrast, SADC’s consensus-driven approach promotes stability but can lead to prolonged conflict resolution processes. This study contributes to the broader discourse on regional security in Africa, highlighting the need for adaptable strategies that address both immediate threats and long-term stability in diverse geopolitical environments. The study concludes that while both SADC and ECOWAS employ different strategies in Western and Southern Africa, yet the approaches are similar in many ways. Consequently, the two organisations though having the common strategic object of creating stability at regional level have significantly different operating models defined by their respective historical, political and socio-economic circumstances. These differences define their security actions, the coordination of the states which are members of the union, and their performance in the handling of conflicts