University of Jos Journals
Not a member yet
274 research outputs found
Sort by
Youth Participation and Political Change: An Evaluation of the Socio-Economic Drivers of the #endbadgovernance Protests in Nigeria
No full textNigeria is on the verge of a significant crisis, fueled by a disproportionately unemployed youth population, alongside a skyrocketing cost of living that has made life increasingly unbearable for both those who are gainfully employed and those who are not. Regardless, the country's political leadership at the federal, state, and local levels has been accused of being disconnected from this reality, as exemplified by the deregulation in the petroleum sector and the devaluation of the national currency, which have exacerbated the country’s already existing hardships and thus triggered a youth protest under #endbadgovernance. Relying on primary sources, 150 questionnaires were administered to identified respondents, including youth, social activists, and government officials, using the purposive sampling method. The data collected was analysed using simple percentages and further complemented with material from secondary sources. While the study's findings reveal that the #endbadgovernance protest was fueled by Nigeria’s socio-economic conditions and is, therefore, a manifestation of resentment against poor governance, the study recommends increased youth engagement in the country’s political process
Autonomy, Unions, and Governance: The Nigerian University Experience
No full textThis article provides a critical analysis of university governance in Nigeria, examining the persistent tension between institutional autonomy, the advocacy of academic staff unions, and systemic political and economic pressures. Using a qualitative research design, this study draws on document and historical institutional analysis of formal agreements, university statutes, and policy documents to investigate this complex dynamic. The analysis is framed by a hybrid theoretical model integrating Stakeholder Theory and Principal-Agent Theory. It argues that the recurrent crises in Nigeria's university system stem from a fundamental misalignment of interests between the government (the principal), university administrations (the agents), and academic unions (key stakeholders). The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) emerges not merely as a trade union but as a significant force that has reshaped governance through collective bargaining, influencing the composition of governing councils, democratising leadership appointments, and establishing oversight committees. However, these gains are consistently undermined by challenges such as chronic underfunding, political interference, corruption, and brain drain, which disrupt the academic environment and fuel industrial unrest. The study finds that while staff unions use strikes to hold the government accountable, this adversarial approach perpetuates instability. The paper concludes by recommending an integrated governance model that enforces collective bargaining agreements, respects university autonomy, promotes democratic leadership, and reframes unions as collaborative partners rather than adversaries. By viewing the governance dilemma through this dual theoretical lens, the paper offers new insights for policymakers and contributes to the limited literature on the intersection of unionism and university governance in developing nations
AN ANALYSIS OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES AND INCOME GENERATION IN NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA: A STUDY OF RICE MILLING ENTERPRISES
No full textThe study examined the contribution of rice milling micro, small and medium scale enterprises to income generation in Nasarawa state Nigeria, using descriptive statistics and generalized linear models. The results revealed that four of the variables start-up capital (SuC), Quantity of Rice Produced (QRP), Quantity of Rice Sold (QRS) and Level of Education (LEDU) had positive impacts on income generation (INC) in the study area. It showed that an increase in SuC led to an increase in income generation by 0.397 per cent. An increase in QRP, QRS and LEDU led to an increase in income generation by 0.773, 0.296 and 0.015 per cent respectively. Expenses (EXPn) and Savings (SAV) had negative impacts on income generation. However, only SuC, QRP, QRS and EXPn had statistically significant impact on income generation. The study concluded that rice milling activities have significantly contributed to income generation in Nasarawa state, Nigeria. The study recommended that government should encourage the unemployed to engage in rice milling activities by making policies and introducing programmes to support rice milling activities. Provision of improved technology at affordable rates with extended repayment timelines or moratorium would encourage local rice millers. This would give locally produced rice an edge to compete in the global market thereby generating more income
LIVELIHOOD DECISION AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN MINING: THE VALUE-ACTION GAP IN THE ARTESINAL BARYTES MINING OF AZARA, NASARAWA STATE.
No full textAnthropogenic activities like mining are products of rational human decisions that are informed by socio-economic motives, belief and value systems of the concerned. This study examined livelihood decision and environmental degradation associated with mining in Azara. Existing researches show that although small-scale mining operations are fraught with adverse socio-economic and physical environmental impact, they are however regarded as both the last and first resort for the poor, landless, and unemployed who hope to break away from the yoke of poverty and social marginalization by partaking in it. Qualitative data were collected from the local miners as well as other mining takeholders within and outside the mines on issues like the nature of the operation, occupational justifications; hope and fears in the operations, and the way forward. 61.6% of the respondents engaged in mining activity as a result of unemployment, the need for daily income and the lack of well-paying jobs. 68%of the respondents believed that mining causes both environmental and socio-economic problems in the area. The results suggest that decisions about barytes mining are rational in nature, given the facts that barytes mining is a free for all affair that offers instant gratifications (in ready employment and cash) for willing hands, and that the miners are either unaware or oblivious of the environmental and health hazards of the operation. The need for environmental education/awareness on mining operation which should be intensified with proper legislation
THE CONTRIBUTION OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT TO NIGERIA’S MANUFACTURING OUTPUT: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION
No full texthe attraction of Foreign Direct Investment to a nation is a macroeconomic goal that is worth pursuing because of it impact on the economic growth and development to the recipient economy. Therefore, this paper seeks to investigate the contribution of FDI flows to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. FDI is seen as an external source of capital to domestic firms and it is expected to impact positively on productivity. The major objective of the paper is to determine whether the manufacturing sector in Nigeria has benefitted from FDI flows in terms of improving productivity from 1990 – 2009. The paper equally seeks to know whether political environment is a key factor in determining FDI flows to Nigeria. To achieve the first objective a simple regression was carried out to determine the impact of FDI on manufacturing output. For the second
objective the study employed a Cho-test to determine whether there has been a structural change in FDI flows to Nigeria as a result of transition from military to civilian rule. The paper found out that FDI has not impacted significantly on manufacturing output however; there has been a structural change in the flow of FDI between military and civilian regimes. The structural break occurred in 1999. Therefore the paper recommends that Nigeria should improve its infrastructural provision, sustain its democratic rule, reduce the cost of doing business and monitor the activities of international finance agencies/multinational cooperation in order to benefit from FDI flows
UNDERGRADUATE ENROLMENT AND ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES IN KADUNA STATE UNIVERSITY: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION
No full textThe study examined empirically the impact of undergraduate enrolment on the academic programmes in Kaduna State University. Secondary data of students’ enrolment and internally generated revenue of Kaduna State University from 2018 – 2023 sessions were obtained. The study employed both descriptive and inferential statistics in the analysis of the data collected. The descriptive result revealed the highest enrolment of students (35.47%) in 2019/2020 academic session of the 17,308 candidates that chose KASU as first choice. The ordinary least squares result revealed a positive relationship between the number of candidates that applied for admissions and students’ enrolment, and the number of students enrolled and programmes of studies. However, there was a negative relationship between school fees paid and students’ enrolment, and the number of students enrolled and internally generated revenue. There was a significant impact of the undergraduate enrolment on Academic programmes in Kaduna State University. Based on the findings therefore, the study recommended that there wis need to reduce the cost of students’ school fees in order to encourage more enrolments into undergraduate programmes in KASU so as to have contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria
IMPACT OF CONTRIBUTORY PENSION SCHEME ON THE WELFARE OF RETIREES IN NIGERIA
No full textThis study examined the impact of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) on the welfare of retirees in Nigeria, focusing on correctional services, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Works in Yola, Adamawa State. Guided by four research objectives and questions, the study sampled 332 respondents from a projected population of 1,991 retirees. A structured questionnaire using a 4-point Likert scale was administered, and hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistical tools. Findings revealed that the CPS has not significantly improved retirees' welfare. While pension payments helped cover children's school fees, they were insufficient for primary needs, healthcare, and reducing dependency. With an average mean score of 2.0, results indicated that the scheme failed to provide financial security. Chi-square analysis confirmed the null hypothesis, showing no significant positive impact of the CPS on retirees' welfare. The study recommended developing a pension scheme model for Nigeria rather than adopting foreign models. Additionally, timely pension fund disbursement, increased benefits to match inflation, and improved healthcare support for retirees are suggested to enhance the scheme’s effectiveness
LEGAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF CHILD LABOUR AMONG ROOTS AND GRAIN CROPS FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN THE FOREST SAVANAH TRANSITION ZONE, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
No full textDespite policies and laws against child labour in Nigeria, enforcement mostly focuses on large manufacturing companies and government agencies. The peasant agricultural sector is often overlooked because farms are fragmented and located in inaccessible rural locations or erroneously considered insignificant. This study investigated the prevalence and determinants of child labour among roots and grain crop farming households in Enugu State. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey research design. 395 grains and roots crop peasant farmers were randomly selected from rural locations across Enugu State for the study. Data were analysed using tables, frequency counts, and percentages. Findings showed that children account for 60.62% of the workforce used in the root and grain crop farming activities of rural households. The practice was socially acceptable in the rural areas, and families see nothing wrong with the practice. 50.64% of the children combined schooling and farm work, with 51.91% performing all crop farming activities. Child labour was highest among females (52.69%) than male children (47.31%). It was found that shortage of adult labourers was a major factor propelling families to rely on children for farm work. This was because these families could not afford the high labour charges demanded by adults. Aside from the economic dimension, most families were ignorant of existing laws and policies against child labour. Based on these, it was concluded that legislation alone cannot stop child labour. This is because most parents see child labour as the only option left for them to earn a living or supplement family income. It is therefore recommended that a holistic redress of the development imbalance between the rural and urban areas in Nigeria, so as to keep the able-bodied men away from out migration. This pragmatic solution if implemented would limit child labour and advance human capital as well as reduce inter-generational poverty
Petroleum Industry Reforms and the Challenges of Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: A Political Economy Perspective
No full textThis study examines the paradox of oil wealth and persistent poverty in Nigeria through the lens of petroleum industry reforms and political economy analysis. Despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers, Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread poverty, underdevelopment, and inequality. The study adopts a qualitative research design, relying primarily on secondary data from scholarly publications, government reports, policy documents, and institutional reviews. It explores how governance failures, institutional weaknesses, and elite capture have undermined the capacity of petroleum industry reforms to alleviate poverty. Particular attention is given to the implementation and limitations of recent policy initiatives such as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021. The findings reveal that reforms in the oil sector have often been symbolic and inadequately enforced, leading to the continued marginalization of oil-producing communities and ineffective redistribution of oil revenues. The study concludes that without a fundamental restructuring of oil governance frameworks to promote transparency, equity, and inclusive development, poverty will remain a persistent challenge in Nigeria. Recommendations are offered to enhance the implementation of reforms and prioritize people-centered development in the allocation of petroleum revenues
Two Decades of ECOWAS: Assessing Regional Economic Integration and Security Efforts (2000–2024)
No full textThe Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has played a pivotal role in shaping regional integration, fostering economic growth, and addressing security challenges in West Africa since its inception. This paper critically examines the achievements and failures of ECOWAS in promoting regional economic development and ensuring security from 2000 to 2024. Key achievements include strides in trade liberalization through the implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and efforts to establish a common currency. Additionally, ECOWAS has demonstrated notable success in peacekeeping operations, such as in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Mali, leveraging its regional security architecture. However, the study highlights significant challenges, including limited progress in achieving deeper economic integration due to infrastructural deficits and weak governance. The recurring instability in member states, exacerbated by terrorism, coups, and cross-border crimes, has also tested ECOWAS's ability to maintain regional peace. Using secondary sources and expert interviews, this paper identifies gaps in institutional capacity, inconsistent political will, and inadequate funding as critical impediments. The findings underscore the need for a recalibration of ECOWAS’s strategies to enhance its effectiveness in addressing the dual mandates of economic and security governance, offering policy recommendations for a sustainable regional framework