1,720,994 research outputs found
Where elders cry, the young laugh : Proverbs 3:31–35 and the examining of malpractice in Nigeria
Full text linkDATA AVAILABILITY : The author confirms that the data supporting the findings of
this study are available within the article.Special Collection: African Hermeneutics.This article examines Proverbs 3:31–35 in the exam malpractice crisis ravaging secondary
schools in Nigeria. Proverbs 3:31–35 has the central thesis of the call to avoid the company of
evildoers and the blessings of going on the right path. Scholars have approached the issue of
examination malpractice from an economic, social and psychological lens. In this study, the
Old Testament was used as the lens for tackling the situation. This is a qualitative study using
the rhetorical method. The data were obtained from the Bible, Bible commentaries, gazettes,
journal articles and other periodicals. Emerged themes include: (1) warning not to join bad
people; (2) consequences of the warning and (3) end point of one’s decision. Exam misconduct
reflects deeper societal concerns such as corruption, weak regulatory enforcement and the
temptation to succeed at any cost.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : Proverbs 3:31–35 has shown that the
increasing number of graduates who cannot defend their certificates and corruption is caused
by the blatant and obscene nature of exam malpractice in Nigeria. Old Testament and Practical
Theology were implicated in the study.http://www.ve.org.zaam2024Old Testament StudiesNon
Harmful Socio-Cultural Practices and Gendered Oppression in Northern Nigeria: A Phenomenological Study
Full text linkIn Northern Nigeria, deeply embedded socio-cultural and religious norms continue to marginalize girls and young women through systemic practices such as child marriage, sexual violence, limited access to reproductive health education, and economic dependency. Despite increasing awareness of gender inequality in the region, there remains a limited understanding of the lived experiences of affected individuals. This study explores how patriarchal values and harmful traditions shape the daily realities of girls and women in northeastern and northwestern Nigeria. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through in-depth oral interviews with 30 purposively selected participants aged 12–73. Thematic analysis using the Colaizzi method revealed four major themes: widespread sexual abuse, unsafe abortion practices, limited health literacy, and deepening economic dependence. These findings highlight how silence—driven by cultural taboos and institutional neglect—perpetuates gender-based harm. The study contributes to global gender discourse by foregrounding the voices of marginalized Muslim girls and women, offering culturally contextualized evidence to inform gender-sensitive policy and advocacy by governments, NGOs, and faith-based organizations
A prognostic analysis on the commercialization of religion and its impacts on students in Nigerian universities
Full text linkThe growth, vibrancy, and increased visibility of Christian fellowships in Nigerian universities have received less scholarly attention, notwithstanding the negative impacts they have on campus students. In this study, literature was extended to the exploitation of students by campus fellowships. Some of these campus fellowships have no mother church; they are being established by students (graduate and undergraduate) who manipulate religion for their selfish aims and objectives. Unlike earlier missionary Christianity, which placed more emphasis on post-death rewards, the new wave of Pentecostalism and charismatic Christianity in campus fellowships indicates that the reward pastors receive here on earth begins before the final one is received in the afterlife. This is a qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. An in-depth interview with thirteen (N=13) students was conducted, and content analysis was adopted. These 13 students are known to the author and they have participated actively, directly and indirectly, in campus fellowships. Purposive sampling was used to decide on the eligibility of the 13 students interviewed. The Marxists theory was utilized in this study. Findings reveal that campus fellowships exploit students' money, time, and material resources. It also increased the level of female sexual abuse on campus and the number of fellowship students who became overstay and external students. Recommendations are discussed
Beyond National Religiosity: The Pericope of 1 Kings 3:3-14 and Leadership Challenges in Nigeria
Full text linkLiterature on leadership in Nigeria from the perspective of 1 Kings 3 is hard to find. In the pericope, Solomon was the successor to David in leadership. Solomon kept to the promises and good plans of his predecessor. The pericope shows the roles of godfathers in political leadership. This narrative is of great importance to Nigeria’s leadership challenges in the political arena. This article examines 1 Kings 3:3-14 and its relevance to the leadership challenges in Nigeria. Nigeria is a country where leaders blackmail their predecessors and surround themselves with sycophants and godfathers. Over the years literature has focused on Nigeria’s leadership challenges from the political, sociological and psychological angles. This study provides a theological response to Nigeria’s leadership challenges.
 
Religiosity and environmental ethics in Nigeria: theissue of noise pollution
No full textAlthough progress has been made in examining noise pollution in Nigeria, literature has insufficiently focused on the contribution of Pentecostal churches to noise pollution in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to explore: 1) how Pentecostal churches contribute to noise pollution in Nigeria; 2) the adverse effects of this noise pollution on children; and adults and 3) impacts on the lived environment. Data was gathered from relevant academic literature. Oral interviews were conducted as part of a qualitative study using the narrative method. Key informant interviews were used to collect the data from twelve (N=12) purposively selected informants, which was analysed using content analysis. Churches have been at the forefront of every transformation and social change, but that seems to be untrue when it comes to tackling noise pollution. Nigeria, being a highly religious society, has so many Pentecostal churches on almost all the streets. The following variables emerged from the research:indoor services and outdoor services; Pentecostal churches are often located in illegal areas; revival programs and night vigils; irregular church programs; effects of noise pollution on children; and noise pollution on adults. Noise pollution by Pentecostal churches has had enormous negative impacts on Nigerians. Recommendations are discussed
Identity formation in Proverbs 22 and the Mkpuru Mmiri drug crisis in Igbo communities
Full text linkThis research is part of the
research project, ‘Psalms and
poetry’, directed by Prof. Dr
Dirk J. Human, Department
of Old Testament and
Hebrew Scriptures, Faculty of
Theology and Religion,
University of Pretoria.Although progress, no matter how small, has been made by scholars who examined different aspects of the Mkpuru Mmiri [methamphetamine or crystal meth] drug crisis in Nigerian Igbo communities, literature is yet to approach the study from the perspective of Proverbs 22 of the Old Testament. In this study, literature was extended to examining the Mkpuru Mmiri crisis from the lens of Proverbs 22. Today, many youths in Igbo communities are addicted to Mkpuru Mmiri, a stimulant drug. As part of the findings, it was discovered that the effects of Mkpuru Mmiri include paranoia, hallucinations, delinquency and other behaviours inimical to social well-being and even death. Addiction to Mkpuru Mmiri is seen in the increasing number of unstable young people on the streets of the various states in Igbo communities. The author of the book of Proverbs teaches how youths are to live responsible and happy lives. According to Proverbs, evil conduct will always result in divine vengeance and punishment during a person's earthly life. The themes include 'home and personal training (vv. 1-6)', 'consequences of one's actions (vv. 4-23)' and the 'reasons to avoid bad company (vv. 24-29)'.
CONTRIBUTION : Addiction to Mkpuru Mmiri has no recognised cure. This may be seen in the growing number of unruly young people on the streets of Nigeria's south-east states. Practical theology is one of the disciplines implicated.http://www.hts.org.zaam2023Old Testament Studie
Religiosity and other Socio-economic Variables affecting Education for Boys in Northern Nigeria
No full textAlthough progress has been made in examining education in northern Nigeria, literature has yet to focus on the reasons why male children are prevented from going to school in northern Nigeria. This study explores the reasons why Hausa and Fulani children are prevented from gaining formal education in northern Nigeria. The aim of this study was to explore: 1) factors that hinder attainment of formal education for children in northern Nigeria; and 2) the impacts of this discrimination on the children\u27s families, northern Nigeria, and Nigeria in general. This group of men who are educationally discriminated against is known as the almajiri. Under the almajiri system, parents send their children, mostly boys aged 4–12, to distant locations to acquire Qur\u27anic education. This is a qualitative study, with data gotten through key informant interviews with 11 children and youths, and relevant academic literature was used to substantiate the data collected. It was analysed using Colaizzi\u27s (1978) method of data analysis. The KII was conducted physically and over the phone. Emerged themes included: (1) fear of indoctrination; (2) economic benefits; (3) political benefits; (4) political benefits; (5) physical abuse; (6) sexual abuse; and (7) a high rate of illiteracy. Thus, it is concluded from the findings that children in northern Nigeria are deprived of formal education. Thus, policy advocacy and engagement with religious and traditional leaders by the government of northern states would help in addressing the problems. Policy implications and subsequent recommendations were discussed
Patronage and experiences of sexually abused Christian teenagers in “baby factories” in Nigeria
No full textThis study examines the experiences and challenges that Christian teenagers who have been enslaved in baby factories are going through. The interviews for the study were conducted from 2022–2023 in Nigeria. Delta, Port Harcourt, and Enugu were chosen as the study areas because of the various cases of baby factory businesses that have been discovered in these areas. The study consisted of 19 teenagers who served as informants. The informants were between ages 10 and 30. This qualitative study was conducted with a critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach. Findings reveal that the factors that led to increased patronage of baby factories include less stringent requirements at baby factories, barren couples, no monitoring after adoption of the child, Christian teenagers lured under the deception of better lifestyles, and poverty. Also, the findings show that, as part of the experiences and challenges of teenagers in baby factories, some are forced to have sex with the men,their child is forcefully taken away, the teenager looks unhealthy and malnourished, she is not allowed to attend formal education, and she is paid less when she gives birth to a girl child compared to when she gives birth to a boy child. Recommendations were discussed
Sexually transmitted wealth : Proverbs 2:16–22
Full text linkSpecial Collection: African Hermeneutics.A woman who engages in sex for money is referred to in Proverbs 2:16-22 as a forbidden woman or a prostitute. Anyone who engages in sex for wealth or advancement is shown as a loose and confused lady in the pericope. This describes the commercial sex workers in Nigeria's Edo State. In Edo State, some women and girls no doubt consider their bodies as the surest and easiest way of acquiring instant wealth, esteem and progress. This is seen in the number of brothels, motels, hotels and other prostitute homes and sanctuaries situated in different parts of the state. Some of these women who engage in sex for wealth do it for money, position, prestige and also jobs. As a sapiential-based intervention, this article argues that Proverbs 2:16-22 can offer stakeholders a unique approach to address the problems of an increasing spate of those who engage in sex for wealth, fame, and positions. A rhetoric-based pedagogy therapy is presented as an intervention in this looming crisis based on Proverbs 2:16-22. The rhetor in Proverbs 2:16-22 emphasised that sex under any guise apart from marriage only leads to unhappiness, curses and poverty. It classifies sex for wealth as an immoral way and distinguished it from the moral way, which is a tradition among writers of sapiential literature.
INTRADISCIPLINARY AND/OR INTERDISCIPLINARY IMPLICATIONS : The research focuses on the current sexual promiscuity prevalent in Edo State. It was discovered that some women and girls pursue sex work for money, position and power. There are increasing HIV cases, rapes and the use of these women for rituals by their customers. Disciplines implicated are Old Testament studies and practical theology.http://www.ve.org.zaam2023Old Testament Studie
Children Grow by Nature But Are Raised by Nurture: Parental Instruction in Proverbs 22:4–6 for Raising Children in Nigeria
No full textThis article uses the interpretation of Proverbs 22:4–6 as a lens through which to view traditional Nigerian attitudes about children and early childhood education. Proverbs 22:4–6 insists that children grow by nature but nurturing the child is the job of the parents. The pericope further insists that parents should train up their children by their words and the type of life they live. The aphorisms in the biblical text’s structure are important in analysing the deteriorating state of children’s upbringing in Nigeria. Contextualising the pericope reveals that Nigerian parents are no longer providing moral and spiritual values to their children. Parents have also left most if not all of the responsibility of training up children in the hands of teachers. This study argues that the challenges that Nigerian society is experiencing could be solved if parents start the process of taking up the responsibility of nurturing their children rather than leaving it in the hands of the children’s teachers and peers
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