Kwara State University Journals
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ASSESSING NIGERIA’S LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN THE ARTISANAL AND SMALL-SCALE MINING SECTOR
Get PDFDespite a robust legal framework, Nigeria\u27s abundant solid minerals sector is plagued by massive environmental degradation and catastrophic pollution, challenging the efficacy of the regime in regulating the informal Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) sector. This, this paper critically assesses whether Nigeria\u27s existing legal framework for environmental protection in the solid minerals sector is truly proactive, examining both its theoretical design and its practical implementation. The study employs a doctrinal and comparative approach, critically analysing key statutory provisions, and institutional mechanisms, while drawing insights from the decentralised and progressive ASM governance model of Ethiopia. The findings indicate that, while the legal framework contains laudable, proactive provisions on paper, it is rendered largely reactive in practice. This failure stems from systemic implementation gaps, institutional inertia, vague regulatory language, and the poor formalisation of the ASM sector dominated by unlicensed, illegal miners. Furthermore, the non-justiciability of constitutional environmental rights weakens citizens\u27 ability to seek redress. To achieve meaningful, preventative environmental protection, Nigeria must urgently transition from its current reactive approach to a proactive, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable legal regime. The paper therefore advocates for: constitutional reform to make environmental rights justiciable; regulatory revision to eliminate ambiguous enforcement language; the adoption of a decentralized formalisation strategy inspired by the Ethiopian model; and enhanced, multisectoral stakeholder collaboration for effective oversight
FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: ADDRESSING IMPLEMENTATION CHALLENGES IN THE ISPS CODE TO ADVANCE SDG 8
Get PDFThe International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, adopted under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization, represents a critical framework for safeguarding maritime facilities and operations from security threats. Beyond its security mandate, the effective operationalisation of the ISPS Code holds significant potential for advancing Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This paper critically examines the extent to which Nigeria has operationalised the ISPS Code and identifies persistent implementation gaps undermining its efficacy. Drawing on legal analysis, policy review, and empirical findings from relevant maritime stakeholders, the study interrogates structural, institutional, and capacity-related challenges, including inadequate funding, limited technical expertise, weak enforcement mechanisms, and inter-agency coordination deficits. The analysis further explores the socio-economic implications of these shortcomings for the maritime workforce and broader economic productivity. The paper argues that closing these implementation gaps is imperative not only for enhancing maritime security but also for creating a safe, enabling, and productive work environment within the maritime sector. In conclusion, it offers policy recommendations for strengthening regulatory frameworks, capacity building, and stakeholder collaboration to align Nigeria’s ISPS Code implementation with the objectives of SDG 8
Philosophy of Ìbọ̀lọ́ -Yorùbá of South-West Nigeria on Women-related Proverbs
Get PDFOral traditions of any society are like mirror to see their interpersonal relationships and their daily activities. Proverbs in Yorùbá nation cannot be over-emphasised in every aspect of their lives. The aim of this work is to analyse some selected women-related proverbs in the bids to actualize the philosophy of Yorùbá people on the position of Ìbọ̀lọ́ women in the Yorùbá nation from a pragmatic perspective. The cultural influence on Yorùbá women is very great. Women are mysterious, naturally and vastly different from men in appearance, characters and behaviour. They are everywhere seen physically in dreams, at work, at play, at workshop, at home, on the farms and marketplaces; yet, as conspicuous as they are, people’s views about them differ from place to place, especially culturally (Ilésanmí 2013). All these are represented in the Yorùbá proverbs related to female or womanhood. This is because, the daily activities and societal relationships of people give birth to proverbs. As a native speaker of Yorùbá language, we used some data from our knowledge of Yorùbá proverbs, personal observations, consultations and interactions with elders and some published texts on Yorùbá proverbs. The theoretical framework adopted is the Sociological theory of literature. The findings of the research show that, women in Yorùbá societies are of great importance and can never be over-emphasized in all human endeavours as there are multitudes of proverbs on them as a mirror to see the nature of womanhood
BORN AGAIN, EQUAL AGAIN: PENTECOSTAL THEOLOGY, LEGAL PLURALISM, AND RECONCEPTUALISING WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN AFRICA
Get PDFChristianity in Africa is often criticized for supporting patriarchal norms, especially within Pentecostal traditions, which are seen as incompatible with gender equality. This view ignores both the diversity and evolving nature of Pentecostal theology in Nigeria. This paper challenges the idea that Christianity is always oppressive to women by exploring how Pentecostal teachings on rebirth, personal transformation, and equality before God can work alongside human rights ideals. It also considers Nigeria’s context of legal pluralism, where customary, religious, and state laws overlap, sometimes protecting but often limiting women’s rights. Using a doctrinal approach that combines legal analysis with feminist theology, the study examines how these multiple legal systems interact with Pentecostal beliefs to shape women’s status. Findings show that Pentecostalism, when critically reinterpreted, contains egalitarian elements that align with both constitutional and human rights principles. The paper suggests that Pentecostal leaders embrace inclusive interpretations of scripture, policymakers collaborate with faith communities to harmonize laws, and advocacy groups use both legal and theological tools to advance gender justice within this plural legal landscape
THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN PROMOTING PHILANTHROPY IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICES, IMPACT, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS
Get PDFThis study critically examines the role of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in fostering philanthropic activities within Nigeria\u27s socio-economic landscape. Drawing upon both theoretical frameworks and empirical findings, the research explores the scope, mechanisms, and effectiveness of philanthropic interventions facilitated by IFIs, with particular attention to zakat (obligatory almsgiving), waqf (endowments), and sadaqah (voluntary charity). Utilizing a mixed-methods approach—including structured interviews, surveys, and content analysis of financial disclosures—the study evaluates the extent of institutional involvement in sectors such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and community development. The findings reveal that while Islamic financial institutions play a significant and multifaceted role in philanthropy, their efforts are constrained by regulatory ambiguities, limited public engagement, and insufficient institutional coordination. This paper offers strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening the operational frameworks, regulatory support, and public awareness initiatives necessary to enhance the social impact of Islamic financial institutions. The study contributes to global discourses on ethical finance and faith-based philanthropy, with particular relevance to policymakers, scholars, and development practitioners in emerging Islamic finance markets
Analyzing the effects of ICT infrastructure adoption on agricultural output in Nigeria: An error correction model approach
Get PDFThis study examined the effect of adoption of ICT infrastructure on agricultural output in Nigeria. Annual data on fixed telephone subscriptions, mobile phone subscriptions, internet usage, ICT goods import and some essential production variables spanning from 1994 to 2023 were used for the study. The unit root test of stationarity of each variable was obtained using the Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) while the existence of long - run and short-run relationship among the variables was established using the Engle and Granger 2-step approach. Based on the ADF results, all the variables were integrated of order one, I(1) and the error term of the long-run regression was stationary at level. Then, we implemented error correction model(ECM) to examine the short-run relationship between agricultural output and the ICT variables under consideration. The overall estimated result showed a significant long-run relationship between agricultural output and mobile phone subscriptions, internet usage, ICT goods import, and short-run significant relationship with only ICT goods import and mobile phone subscriptions. Fixed telephone did not have significant influence on agricultural output both in the short-term and long-term. The study suggests implementation of policies that will improve the existing level of ICT facilities for enhancement of more agricultural output
Evaluation of rhizobia inoculants and fungicides in the management of fusarium wilt disease of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) walp)
Get PDFABSTRACT
The antifungal potential of Rhizobia inoculant (Ri) and its compatibility with fungicides in controlling Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum (FO) in cowpea was investigated. Fifty cowpea nodules were collected from fields in Kano and Ibadan, isolation, authentication and identification of Rhizobia were carried out. Antagonistic potential of best two strains (R2 and R3) were tested in-vitro on FO with USDA 2677 (R1) as reference. Fungicides and Rhizobium compatibilities were carried out on seeds dressed with the four fungicides. Seeds were thereafter coated with R1, R2 and R3 and rhizobium strains. Seven local strains (Ibadan1, 2 and 16, Kano18, 19, 42 and 49) were identified as Bradyrhizobia spp. In terms of number of nodules, Ibadan 16 (9) and Kano 19 (7) performed better, compared with Reference Rhizobium (11). Ibadan16, Kano19 and R3 significantly inhibited mycelia growth of FO. The TMD (6.33E +08), IMC (6.25E+08) enhanced growth than MC (4.30E+08) while CM (0.00) inhibited growth of all Rhizobium strains, with control having highest (3.89E+10) CFU/mL. Thiamethoxam + metalaxyl-M + Difenoconazole and Imidacloprid + Metalaxyl + Cabendazim were compatible with Ibadan 16 and Kano 19. Indigenous Rhizobium competed well with exotic strains (USDA 2677) and are recommended for use in cowpea inoculant production.
Amylase production by solid-state fermentation of corn (Zea mays) stem using fusarium and mucor
Get PDFThe study aimed at producing amylase from corn stem using Mucor and Fusarium in solid-state fermentation. The fungi used in this study was isolated from the rhizosphere of the corn plant. A solid-state technique was adopted for the fermentation process using spore suspension as inoculum. Various fermentation parameters, such as incubation days, addition of salt supplement, substrate concentration, mycelia suspension and temperature were optimized during fermentation with these organisms. Results show that both organisms produced the highest amount of amylase on day 3 at 28 ± 2°C. Mucor has the highest amylase activity of 12.54 μmol/mg/min when 25g of substrate was used while Fusarium has the highest amylase activity of 13.86 μmol/mg/min when 5g of substrate was used. The optimum temperature for amylase production was observed to be 40°C at pH 8.12 for Mucor, while Fusarium exhibited optimum activity at 20°C and pH 8.34. The study concluded that corn stems are a viable substrate for amylase production using rhizosphere-derived organisms under solid-state fermentation.
APPRAISAL OF WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENTS IN NIGERIA: THE INADEQUACY OF THE EXTANT LAWS
Get PDFAllegations of Sexual harassments in public offices in Nigeria is recently taking a disturbing dimension, with highly placed public officials being indicted to the extent of demanding sexual gratification from their colleagues in return for lucrative assignments, recognition or viable posting among other reasons. Various laws were enacted to address various offences in Nigeria inclusive of sexual harassments. However, there is no single comprehensive national legislation that addresses workplace sexual harassment in Nigeria. There is as well, plethora of court decisions sanctioning the acts of workplace sexual harassment in Nigeria, but those decisions cannot be comprehensive and exhaustive as the enabling laws were also not comprehensive or exhaustive. This paper appraised various provisions of the laws of sexual harassment in Nigeria side by side with the recent allegations of sexual harassments in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as it particularly affects the integrity of the Public Service of the Federation.. This paper observed that the laws seeking to punish the acts of sexual harassment in Nigeria are inadequate, and it is accordingly recommended that a single national comprehensive legislation should be enacted to address the disquieting development of sexual harassment in Nigeria public offices. This paper seeks to address the question, why should the Senate insists on passing the Sexual Offences Bill into law in 2020 against the lecturers in the tertiary educational institutions in the country while there is a skeleton in their cupboard? This paper adopts the use of doctrinal method of research.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN LEGAL EDUCATION: PERCEPTIONS OF EASE OF USE AND USEFULNESS OF CHATGPT AMONG UNDERGRADUATE LAW STUDENTS OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
Get PDFThe use of Artificial Intelligence Chatbot, Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) has gained popularity among students. This study used a descriptive survey design as the research was interested in both the idea and attitudes of respondents to explore the perceptions of ease of use and usefulness of the ChatGPT among undergraduate Law students of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in their academic activities. The global integration of AI into various sectors, including education and law profession has shown it’s potential to transform the professional practices, and also raises concerns about job displacement and the overall impact on human interactions. The study employs the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to evaluate the students’ perceptions, focusing on the variables of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. A total of 1,799 Law students constitute the population of the study, while simple random sampling technique was adopted to obtain sample size. Data was collected through both printout and online Google form questionnaire to obtain data from the respondents. Also research questions were answered using descriptive statistics (Mean and Standard Deviation-SD) using a decision mean value of 2.50. The results showed that the majority of the students (74.45%) are aware of ChatGPT, even though, its level of usage varies significantly among them. However, the perceived ease of use of ChatGPT among the students was a generally positive. Furthermore, the students perceived ChatGTP usefulness as moderately in their academic tasks. This suggests its potential for broader application into both legal education and other academic fields.