| 1 |
Author(s):
Francis Odey Ntamu, Canice Erunke, Ruth Caleb Luka.
Page No : 1-27
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Evaluating the Impact of Recent Educational Reforms on Teaching Quality and Learning Outcomes in Basic Schools in Kwara State.
Abstract
This study provides a systematic, document-based assessment of recent educational reforms in Kwara State, Nigeria, within the wider national Universal Basic Education (UBE) framework. Despite rising enrolment and substantial government investment, Nigeria continues to face a learning crisis, with many pupils failing to master foundational literacy and numeracy. Kwara is widely portrayed as a reforming state, implementing a cluster of interventions including SUBEB-led infrastructure expansion, teacher recruitment and professional development, curriculum implementation, participation in the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, and the technology-enabled structured pedagogy initiative, KwaraLEARN. Yet, rigorous evidence of how these reforms influence classroom practice and learning outcomes remains limited. Using a qualitative, desk-based research design, the study systematically reviewed national and state policies, programme documents, administrative data, and empirical studies published from 2015 onward. A structured data extraction and thematic analytic framework was applied to examine reform design, implementation pathways, and documented outcomes. Findings show that while Kwara has expanded infrastructure, increased teacher training, improved curriculum delivery mechanisms, and widened school feeding coverage, evidence of sustained changes in teaching quality and learning outcomes is still fragmented. School feeding studies consistently report gains in enrolment and attendance, and structured pedagogy initiatives indicate improvements in lesson organisation and teacher preparedness, but independent, classroom-based evidence remains scarce. State-level learning data are limited, aggregated, and insufficient to establish clear trends or attribute improvements to reforms. The study concludes that Kwara has developed a comprehensive reform bundle aligned with national priorities, but the causal chain from reforms to instructional practice and improved learning remains only partially evidenced. The findings highlight the need for stronger assessment systems, routine classroom observation, disaggregated equity-focused data, and deeper integration of teacher agency and school-level support into reform design. These insights offer practical implications for policymakers, SUBEB, and development partners committed to improving foundational learning in Kwara State.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Usen E. Inyang.
Page No : 28-38
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Navigating Unemployment: An Exploratory Study of Nigerian Graduates’ Decision to Pursue Entrepreneurship or Postgraduate Education.
Abstract
Purpose: Graduate unemployment in Nigeria has intensified in recent years, compelling many university graduates to adopt alternative survival strategies, particularly postgraduate education and entrepreneurship. This study aimed to explore how unemployed graduates navigate these pathways and to examine the motivations, social pressures, and structural barriers influencing their decisions.
Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative exploratory research design. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 60 participants from the University of Cross River State, comprising 30 postgraduate students and 30 graduate entrepreneurs. Participants were selected through purposive screening based on their career trajectories. The interviews were thematically analyzed to identify recurring patterns and meanings in participants’ experiences.
Findings: The findings revealed that enrolment in postgraduate education was largely a reactive strategy driven by limited employment opportunities, strong societal expectations, and the desire to preserve social status and dignity, rather than intrinsic academic motivation. Entrepreneurship was similarly pursued primarily out of economic necessity, although a smaller group perceived it as a flexible and empowering alternative to unstable formal employment. Key constraints across both pathways included limited access to start-up capital, inadequate entrepreneurial training, weak institutional support structures, and persistent stigma associated with informal economic activities. Government interventions such as the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and N-Power provided short-term exposure and relief but lacked continuity and sustainable impact.
Implications for Theory and Practice: The study extends existing theories of graduate employability and survival entrepreneurship by highlighting how structural unemployment shapes “reactive” educational and entrepreneurial choices. Practically, the findings underscore the need for structural reforms that strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems, improve access to funding and training, enhance career counseling services, and redesign postgraduate curricula to better align higher education with labour market demands.
Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by providing qualitative, context-specific insights into Nigerian graduates’ lived experiences of unemployment and adaptive decision-making. By comparing postgraduate education and entrepreneurship as parallel survival strategies, it offers a deep understanding of how structural constraints, social norms, and policy gaps intersect to shape graduate transitions in developing economies.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Shamwil Abdul-Karim, Kassim Alabani.
Page No : 39-67
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Climate Finance and Inclusive Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of climate finance on inclusive growth in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on income inequality, poverty, and employment. Using panel data for 23 countries from 2000 to 2022 and applying second-generation panel estimators that account for cross-sectional dependence and heterogeneity, the analysis finds that climate finance has weak and statistically insignificant effects on the inclusive growth indicators. The results suggest that climate finance, in its current form, has not translated into broad-based social and economic inclusion in the region. Instead, inclusive growth dynamics are largely shaped by institutional quality, demographic pressure, and common regional trends. These findings highlight the importance of complementary institutional and social policies to enhance the inclusiveness of climate-related financial flows in sub-Saharan Africa.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Meyanga Tongo Yves, Tchouamo Isaac Roger, Mfossa Mbouombouo Daniel, Telep Pierre Aristide, Lumande Kazali Joseph.
Page No : 68-100
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Economic Evaluation of Campo Ma’an National Park, Southern Cameroon: An Estimate of the Expected Benefits from the Conservation or Exploitation of Natural Forest Resources.
Abstract
How is it that, despite its rich and unique biodiversity, Campo Ma'an National Park contributes so little to economic development and its integrity is severely threatened by poaching, land encroachment, and other forms of encroachment? This situation has led to a reflection on whether to maintain the Park's current status or convert it to a protected area. Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) provides a theoretical framework and relevant, objective tools for enabling the choice between exploiting and conserving natural resources through the calculation of Total Economic Value (TEV). TEV represents the range of economic benefits that a conserved natural asset can provide to the human community
The annual economic value (TEVa) of the park for the conservation scenario was estimated at USD 77,712,710, while the TEVa of the park favorable to exploitation was calculated at USD 77,105,472. The relative advantage of TEVa for conservation over exploitation can be explained by the low contribution of tourism to the local and regional economy, the low financial contribution to conservation, and the conflictual relationships between stakeholders.
The study revealed that local communities (97%) are more interested in the park for its economic benefits and show less interest in conservation, believing that their activities cause less damage to the environment than those of other stakeholders. Furthermore, 93.37% of the populations are in favor of converting the Park for development, only if social or community projects are implemented, such as the creation of a communal forest, the construction of a dam, a port, a road, etc.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Nicholas Bamegne Nambie, Belinda Ameh Obobi.
Page No : 101-125
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Analysis of Non-Tariff Barriers, and Financial Services Liberalization, on Economic Growth under African Continental Free Trade Area in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of non-tariff barriers and financial services liberalization on economic growth under the African Continental Free Trade Area in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2010 to 2025. Employing dynamic panel data analysis using two-step System generalized method of moments and moderation models, the study addresses endogeneity, persistence, and unobserved heterogeneity across countries. Results indicate that both non-tariff barriers and financial services liberalization significantly enhance growth, and their positive effects are strengthened under African Continental Free Trade Area participation, consistent with endogenous growth theory, which emphasizes investment, knowledge spillovers, and productivity gains as drivers of long-term growth. The moderation analysis further show that African Continental Free Trade Area reinforces the growth benefits of trade and financial reforms, while high inflation can constrain these effects. The findings imply that policymakers should harmonize non-tariff barriers, deepen financial reforms, maintain macroeconomic stability, and strengthen institutional quality to maximize the growth potential of continental integration. Future research should explore sector-specific effects, digital financial services, sustainability interactions, and micro-level heterogeneity to refine policy interventions. Overall, the study provides evidence that African Continental Free Trade Area, combined with sound domestic reforms, can serve as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Obiageri Felicitas Onwuegbule, Chuks Evans Odunna, Uchechukwu Christogonus Egwenike, Chinenye Hope Nnodi.
Page No : 126-142
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High-Performance Work Practices and Job Involvement of Local Government Service Workers in Imo State.
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between High Performance Work Practices and Job Involvement of Local Government workers in Imo State, Nigeria. A mix of cross-sectional and correlation research designs was adopted. Accessible population is two thousand, six hundred and ten (2610) employees of six local government councils randomly selected. The sample size for this study was 347 (three hundred and forty-seven) employees, which was determined mathematically using Taro Yamane’s formula. The simple random technique was applied. Two hundred and sixty-eight (268) copies of the questionnaire were retrieved and analyzed. Structural Equation Modeling, aided by Analysis of Moment Structure version 22.0, was the statistical tool used to test the hypothesis. The findings revealed that the dimensions of high-performance work practices in terms of; internal career opportunities and result-oriented appraisal significantly associate with job involvement. Also, that psychological capital significantly moderates the relationship between the predictor and criterion variables. It was then concluded that the implementation of high-performance work practices enhances the performances of employees as they get more involved at work. Thus, it was recommended that local government administrators and Policy makers should strive towards the adoption of high-performance work practices, such as internal career opportunities by making use of the local Government workers in revenue collection contracts not outsourcing it, as these will elicit a high level of job involvement of the Local Government workers in Imo State, Nigeria.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Christopher Josephine Usman.
Page No : 143-155
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Interplay Between Workforce Diversity, Management, and Employee Performance: A Theoretical Perspective.
Abstract
Workplace diversity is a vital component of any business, and efficient management of different employees is critical to corporate success, innovation, and long-term profitability. Little is being done to encourage diversity and inclusion, especially among minority groups, which means that businesses, workers, and societies are missing out on enormous opportunities. Thus, this study investigates the theoretical relationship between workforce diversity, management, and employee performance. This is informed by the Social Identity Theory (SIT), which contends that humans derive a sense of belonging from their social circle, which shapes workplace attitudes and interactions. The study used rigorous conceptual analysis, literature synthesis, and logical argumentation to develop theories from 60 publications selected from over 120 papers searched in databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and others. The findings of this theoretical perspective show that, while diversity provides a wide range of abilities and perspectives, it is the purposeful management of these inequalities that drives performance, productivity, and organizational commitment. Organizational leaders and managers must therefore go beyond mere participation and instead cultivate an inclusive culture in which varied perspectives are actively exploited to enhance innovation and success. Diversity must be a strategic priority for leaders, not just a human resources professional initiative.
Keywords: Diversity, Workforce Diversity, Management, and Employee Performance
| 8 |
Author(s):
Edozie Confidence Chukwuedozie.
Page No : 156-169
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Impact of Financial Inclusion Technologies on Poverty Reduction in Nigeria (2013Q1 – 2024Q4).
Abstract
This study examined the impact of financial inclusion technologies on poverty reduction in Nigeria covering the period 2013Q1 to 2024Q4. Data for the study were extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin, 2024. The expo-facto research design was adopted in the study. The multiple linear regression with the application of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique was adopted as the method of data analysis. The major findings of the study reveal that Point on Sales (POS) contributes positively and significantly to poverty reduction in Nigeria, Automated Teller Machines (ATM) contributes positively and significantly to poverty reduction in Nigeria, Web Pay (WP) contributes negatively and significantly to poverty reduction in Nigeria and Mobile Pay (MP) contributes negatively and significantly to poverty reduction in Nigeria. The study therefore recommends that there should a simplification of the user interface and payment processes to accommodate individuals with limited technical knowledge and the monetary authorities should launch nationwide financial and digital literacy programs to educate users on how to safely and effectively use Mobile Pay systems for transactions and savings.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Edozie Confidence Chukwuedozie.
Page No : 170-181
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External Debt Sustainability and Economic Growth in Nigeria (1986–2024).
Abstract
External debt sustainability is a critical issue for developing countries, particularly those with emerging economies like Nigeria, as it directly influences economic stability, growth, and development. This study examined the impact of external debt sustainability on economic growth in Nigeria covering the period 1986-2024. Data for the study were extracted from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin. Data for the study was analyzed with the linear regression of the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique and the Granger causality analysis. The major findings of the study are that There exists a negative and insignificant relationship between external debt sustainability and economic growth in Nigeria ( = -0.000206, p-value = 0.4955 > 0.05) and there is a bi-directional causality relationship between external debt sustainability and economic growth in Nigeria (p-value = 0.0005 < 0.05 and 0.0071 < 0.05). The study concludes that external debt plays a crucial role in an economy. The optimal utilization of external debt by the government would avoid debt overhang and crowding out of investments which will boost economic growth. The study therefore recommends that the government should ensure economic and political stability in order to enjoy the benefits of external debt and make the debt burden minimal. This can be achieved through overhauling the security and political system for the better and government should acquire external debt largely for economic reasons rather than social or political reasons. This would increase the productivity of the nation.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Winny Oboko (Ph.D.), Olanrewaju Balogun.
Page No : 182-201
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The Influence of Digital Marketing Strategies on Customer Engagement in Social Media Advertising: Evidence from UK Consumers.
Abstract
This study explores how digital marketing strategies influence customer engagement within social media advertising, with particular attention to consumers in the United Kingdom. As digital platforms increasingly shape the way organisations communicate with their audiences, understanding the mechanisms that drive engagement has become more important. Drawing on customer engagement theory and contemporary digital marketing literature, the study examines how strategic content and communication approaches affect the way consumers interact with brand-related messages online. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected through a structured questionnaire distributed to social media users. In total, 46 valid responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression techniques. The results indicate a statistically significant relationship between digital marketing strategies and customer engagement. In particular, the findings suggest that well-designed digital strategies can meaningfully influence behaviours such as liking, sharing, commenting, and other forms of interaction with online advertisements. These findings underscore the value of creating content that is not only informative but also interactive and tailored to user preferences. Rather than viewing engagement as a passive outcome, the study highlights its dependence on how effectively organisations design and deliver their digital communications. The research contributes to ongoing academic discussions by offering empirical insight into the role of digital marketing strategies in shaping engagement within social media environments.
From a practical standpoint, the study suggests that organisations should place greater emphasis on content quality, interactive communication, and data-driven personalisation. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the relatively small sample size and the use of convenience sampling. Future research could build on this work by incorporating additional variables, such as trust and brand loyalty, as well as examining differences across platforms and cultural contexts.
