GOMBE JOURNAL OF ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT (GJAM)

PUSH-PULL MOTIVATION AND ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY, ANYIGBA, THE MODERATING ROLE OF PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Udeh Fabulous Omaiye, Jafaru Sule Garba — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Push-pull motivations represent two distinctive forces propelling individuals towards entrepreneurial pursuits. This study investigates push-pull motivation factors and entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba: The Moderating Role of Personal Characteristics. The specific objectives was to; investigate the impact of push motivation factors on entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students; examine the impact of pull motivation factors and entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students and to examine the moderating role of personal characteristics of push and pull motivations on the entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students. The target population consisted of 16,750 undergraduate students. The sample size is 390. The nature of data used in the study was primary data. Data obtained from the primary source was used through questionnaire to acquire information from the respondents. The study used descriptive and multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that; combination of motivational factors; pull and pull and personal characteristics, influence entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students. In conclusion the dynamics of push and pull factors are what extensively influence the entrepreneurial intention among undergraduate students. The push factors, such as dissatisfaction with traditional employment opportunities or personal traits like risk-taking propensity, drive people towards entrepreneurship. On the other hand, pull factors include perceived opportunities in the market or role models that attract aspiring entrepreneurs towards venturing. The study recommended that, institutions should consider designing educational programs that meet both push and pull motivations by including the practical aspects of entrepreneurship and by creating a non-threatening environment in which the students can explore their entrepreneurial ideas.

HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY IN EDO STATE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

Arimie Chukwuyem Joel , Ruwan Shadrach David — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Human Capital development occupies a salient position in determining organization’s value creation and profitability. Organization faces the challenge of harnessing employee skill set for organizational growth and development. This paper intends to examine the influence of human capital development on employee productivity in Edo State Civil Service Commission. The method utilized in this study was the qualitative research. The data for the investigation adopted the cross-sectional survey with descriptive approach by interviewing five management staff of the Edo State Civil Service Commission. More so, secondary sources of data collection and the human capital theory were utilized as the framework of analysis. The research has shown that there is a correlation between human capital development and productivity. It was discovered that planned human capital development policies through trainings and workshops are imperative in achieving high level of morale and organizational stability. It therefore concluded that human capital development is a pre-requisite for organizational growth and development as projected by the human capital theory. The findings of the study further revealed the challenge of inadequate funding in fostering human capital development in the Commission, as the release of the fund does not match with the planned training schedule. Based on the challenges raised in the paper, this study recommends the continuous explicit and identification of training needs and well-structured training programme for the improvement of employee skill capacity.

PSYCHOGRAPHIC PROFILING AND INCREASED SALES EFFICIENCY: A STUDY OF SELECTED SMEs IN ILORIN METROPOLIS

Omolabi Issa, Peleowo Toheeb Kunle — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Psychographic profiling is becoming more and more important, but little is known about how its variables value perception, personality traits, and social class. Hence, this study examined psychographic profiling and increased sales efficiency in some selected SMEs in Ilorin metropolis with specific objectives to (i) examine the relationship between psychographic profiling and patronage loyalty and; (ii) determine the influence of value perceptions on pricing strategy. A survey research design with a population of 1,628 registered SMEs owners was used with stratified and simple random techniques and a sample size of 321 obtained through the Taro Yamane formula. Hypotheses were tested through multiple regressions. The findings show that psychographic profiling has a significant relationship on patronage loyalty with an R-square value of 53.3%, value perception have significant influence on pricing strategy with R-square value of 50.2% The study concluded that psychographic profiling plays a critical role in fostering patronage loyalty and value perception significantly influence pricing strategies within SMEs. It therefore recommended that SMEs should prioritize the integration of psychographic profiling into their marketing strategies and continuously assess customer value perceptions through surveys and feedback mechanisms. Also, SMEs should conduct thorough market research to understand the demographics of their target audience better.

ETHICAL DILEMMA IN NIGERIAN PUBLIC SERVICE: A THEORETICAL EXPOSITION

Igbesi Emeke Francis, Edwin Ihechituru Edwin, Okoh Joel Ogechukwu — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Ethical dilemma provides a circumstance that requires a choice between competing ideologies in a given, usually undesirable or confusing situation among public servants. Therefore, the focus of this study is to examine ethical dilemma in Nigerian public service: A theoretical exposition. Methodologically, the study used secondary sources of information like textbooks, journals, government documents etc. and analyzed issues through the use of content analysis. This paper also adopts Utilitarianism theory to analyse ethical dilemma in Nigerian Public Service. Therefore, through holistic discussion, the study found out that irrespective of the penal actions and punishment in the public service, yet, public misconduct is still growing in geometric progression. The study among others recommends that there should be zero tolerance of corruption and other vices in all sectors of the economy for efficient and effective public service delivery in Nigeria.

DETERMINANTS OF ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOUR AMONG ACADEMIC STAFF IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Saka Taofiq Alao — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The advancement of education and research in Nigerian institutions is significantly aided by the dedication of academic staff, whose efficiency is essential to the success and growth of these institutions. Academic staff members frequently go above and beyond the call of duty and exhibit Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) that benefits the organization beyond the minimum job expectations. However, the lack of recognition and appreciation for this diligent work impacts their motivation and willingness to engage in such behaviour, potentially hindering overall institutional performance. This study investigates the determinants of organizational citizenship behaviour among academic staff in public universities in Kwara State and evaluates the mediating role of work autonomy in enhancing employee efficiency. The research design employed for this study is a survey method and the population comprised 2,246 academic staff in public universities in Kwara State. Data were collected via homogeneous purposive sampling from 303 academic staff using a structured questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The validity and reliability of the measurement and the structural model were confirmed. The findings reveal that there is a significant positive relationship between organizational citizenship behaviour and employee efficiency (p < 0.000) and work autonomy partially mediates the relationship between organizational citizenship behaviour and employee efficiency (β = 0.358, p < 0.001). However, this study concludes that organizational citizenship behaviour significantly contributes to employee efficiency and work autonomy plays a mediating role in strengthening this relationship among academic staff in public universities in Kwara State. Therefore, this study recommended that the government should establish formal recognition and incentive programs to appreciate and reward academic staff for their exceptional contributions to institutional goals beyond their job responsibilities.

ELECTORAL VIOLENCE AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Igbesi Emeke Francis, Obasi Chinonye Henrietta, Akunne Philomena Eleje — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Nigeria's electoral system and process has been characterized by irregularities, rigging, destruction of lives and properties of opposing groups, and other demonstration of characters that ridicule cardinal objective of democracy, all in a bid to influence outcome of elections for personal gains. This paper examines electoral violence and national development in Nigeria. The paper adopted the descriptive analytical approach. This study found out that electoral violence is seen as a strategy for employment during elections and the use of weapons during elections have an aftermath effect on the national development. The researchers made some recommendations. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has to take conscious and strategic actions against electoral violence in Nigeria, appropriate security network and intelligence should be organized to monitor electoral activities of the country to mitigate incidences of violence. The Independent National Electoral Commission should conduct free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria while the political parties and their candidates should ensure strict compliance with electoral regulations of the country.

EXTENDING THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR: AN ANALYSIS OF REFORMATION AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT OF INMATES IN GOMBE STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES, GOMBE

Usman Bappi, Shehu Rabiah Na-Allah, Bilkisu Abubakar Mahdi — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study was designed to analyze the moderating effect of perceived support on the relationship between antecedents of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and intention for self-employment among inmates in Nigerian Correctional Centers in Gombe state. It has been observed that some of the inmates do not utilize some entrepreneurial skills training to expose them to means of becoming self-reliant and in turn, lieu them to recommit crime leading to their reinstatement in jails. The target population of the study was (982), inmates (Gombe Central Correctional Center, 2023), who are serving their jail terms in Gombe Central Correctional Center, out of the inmates (274) were selected using Krejie. 257 questionnaires were successfully filled and returned. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency counts and percentages), mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed various vocational skills in which inmates engage themselves in the Gombe Correctional Centre while most of the inmates engaged more in Welding, Tailoring, and carpentry. The vocational skills acquired by inmates had a great and positive impact on their reformation and self-employment. The study, therefore, recommends that: there is a need for the Nigeria Correctional Service authorities to introduce more vocational skills acquisition programs in Gombe Central Correctional Centre; Collaborative provision should be made between the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) and other agencies as well as other Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) centers towards the promotion of rehabilitation of prison inmates through vocational skills acquisition programme.

EFFECT OF HIERARCHICAL CULTURE ON EMPLOYEES’ COMMITMENT AMONG NON-ACADEMIC STAFF OF UNIVERSITIES IN EKITI STATE

Awolaja Ayodeji Muyideen, Olasehinde Sunday Adeniyi, Enitilo Olalekan — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study explored the effect of hierarchical culture on employee commitment among non-academic staff in four universities in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The research aimed to identify how participatory decision-making, organizational culture, and hierarchical culture influence employee commitment. The gap pointed out that majority of work done is majorly on culture while few or none were on hierarchical culture. A sample of 367 respondents was selected from a population of 4,488 non-academic staff across four (4) Universities using proportionate sampling techniques. The study employed a structured questionnaire as the primary research instrument, which was validated for content and reliability. The research employed descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis to analyze the data. The findings revealed a positive relationship between hierarchical culture and employee commitment. Specifically, a well-structured and controlled work environment where formal procedures govern operations significantly enhanced job security, predictability, and employee loyalty. The study also indicated that a 1% increase in hierarchical culture could result in a 0.45% improvement in employee commitment. The study recommended that Universities re-evaluate their hierarchical culture to foster better relationships between management and staff. Enhancing mentoring, leadership coordination, and employee involvement in decision-making will improve employee commitment and reduce staff turnover.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA

Abata Matthew Adeolu, Idowu Khadijah Adeola, Olusesi Hakeem Olalekan — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the performance of Nigeria's industrial sector; purchasing power parity theory was annexed, using the techniques of time series method. The study makes use of (annual) time series datasets on the value added in industrial output (a performance metric for the industrial sector), the exchange rates between Naira and dollars and Naira and pounds sterling, foreign exchange supply and the rate of inflation for the 28 years (1996 - 2023). The study empirical analysis revealed that exchange rate between Naira and Dollar exerted significant and favourable effect on industrial output (0.3% and p-value 0.0211). This suggests that an increase in Naira units relative to US dollar units (i.e. appreciation) has every possibility to enhance the performance of the industrial sector. However, fluctuation in exchange rate between Naira and Pound Sterling was found to have adverse effect on industrial performance (-0.049 and p-value 0.0178). This suggests that a decrease in the Naira's value relative to the Pound Sterling may be detrimental to industrial sector performance, such that shortage of foreign exchange supply in Pound Sterling many adversely affect external purchasing power for the procurement of foreign inputs of production. foreign exchange supply in US Dollar appears to have favourably significant effect on the output performance of industrial sector (0.3246 and p-value 0.000). Policymakers should address the excesses of foreign currency traders in order to lessen Naira/Dollar exchange rate uncertainty.

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FEDERAL CHARACTER PRINCIPLE ON EMPLOYMENT IN NIGERIAN SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS (NSCDC) HEADQUARTERS ABUJA

Mary Oyine Inalegwu, Becky Aliegba, Yusuf Dauda Odonye — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the constitutional provisions and the recognized importance of the Federal Character Principle, there have been concerns regarding its effective implementation in various sectors especially regarding employment. This study therefore assesses the implementation of Federal Character Principle on Employment in Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Headquarters Abuja 2019 to 2023. The study adopted representative bureaucracy theory and the social identity theory as its theoretical framework but the representative bureaucracy theory was seen to be more relevant to this study. The methodology was documentary which gave room for the review of past employment records from 2019 - 2023 to see the level of quota system and representation. The findings revealed that the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja did not strictly adhere to the Federal Character Principle and the quota system in its employment practices during the period under review (2019-2023). Also, while efforts were made to ensure representation from all states, there were notable disparities and deviations from the expected ranges of representation. It is recommended that the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Headquarters should ensure strict adherence to the quota system in its employment practices by conducting periodic audits and reviews of recruitment data to identify deviations from the expected state quotas. Also, to ensure that the representation index accurately reflects the implementation of the federal character principle, the NSCDC Headquarters should regularly review and update the representation index calculations based on the latest population data and demographic shifts in each state through the establishment of a target range for the representation index that aligns with the federal character principle guidelines.

LEADERSHIP STYLE AND EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE - A STUDY OF ACADEMIC STAFF OF AUCHI POLYTECHNIC, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Musah Omokhudu Mustapha, Egbunu Audu Dangana, Buddy Abdulai Mustapha — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In many organizations, inconsistent or inappropriate leadership styles have been observed to contribute to high employee turnover, poor engagement, and diminished performance outcomes. The main objective of the study was to examine the effect of leadership style and employee’s performance A study of Academic Staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study comprises of 978 academic staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, Nigeria. The study adopted Simple random sampling was employed and Krejcie and Morgan table for sample size determination was used giving a sample size of 274. The method of data analysis was Multiple Regression Analysis with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22. The study found that there is a positive and significant relationship between autocratic leadership style and employees’ performance of academic staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State with a t-statistics value of t=29.480 and p-value of 0.000, it was also found that democratic leadership style has a positive and significant relationship with employees’ performance of academic staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State with a t-statistics value of t =13.518 and p-value of 0.000 and that liaises faire leadership style has a positive and significant relationship with employees’ performance of academic staff of Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State with a t-statistics value of t=24.820 and p-value of 0.000. It was recommended among others that organizations should use the autocratic style in situations where quick, decisive action is required, such as during crises or when clear, unambiguous instructions are necessary to ensure the successful completion of a tasks. Organization should create a work environment that promotes teamwork and collaboration. By doing so, staff members are more likely to feel valued and motivated, which can lead to improved performance. To maximize the benefits of laissez-faire leadership, it is important that organizations provide their staff with the necessary resources and support systems. This includes access to training, tools, and information that enable them to perform their tasks efficiently and independently.

FINANCIAL LITERACY AND RISK ATTITUDES OF SELECTED SME OPERATORS IN LAGOS STATE

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper is aimed at examining the impact of financial literacy on risk attitudes (in terms of how much SME operators are willing to take up risks to ensure continued existence and sustainability of their businesses when they possess financial capability) of SME managers/ operators in Lagos state. SMEs contribution to economic sustainability cannot be overemphasized. A vital instrument to the sustainability and profitability of the small and medium scale business is financial literacy. Financial literacy is believed to be a good predictor of financial performance because of its role in helping entrepreneurs make responsible business decisions as they attempt to increase and improve their financial well-being, and it also has an indirect influence via associations with access to finance and financial risk attitude. The population for this study consisted of the total number of registered SMEs recorded in Lagos State as at 2023 at 11,643. The sample size was determined using the Taro Yamane’s (1967) formula. Thus, single-stage cluster and convenience sampling techniques were employed in the questionnaire distribution and data collection processes. Descriptive survey design was adopted in the study. Findings from the study show that though financial knowledge, financial planning, and financial experience attract/influence risk attitudes among SMEs in Nigeria, they have no significant joint effect on entrepreneurial risk attitudes. However, expanding individual’s financial knowledge and experience in financial instruments attracts reasonable entrepreneurial risk attitudes which in turn create confidence, trust and competence of both the SME operators and business partners.

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GOOD CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT (CRM) AND ORGANISATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY, ANYIGBA, KOGI STATE, NIGERIA

Omaufedo Benard, Johnson Juwon Orugun, Omaufedo Innocent — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the impact of effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM) practices on organizational performance among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. The problem addressed is the limited understanding of how CRM dimensions, particularly customer satisfaction and loyalty, affect the performance of SMEs in a competitive business environment. The primary objective of the study is to explore the relationship between customer satisfaction, customer loyalty, and organizational performance. The survey research methodology was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires distributed to a sample of 241 respondents from various SMEs. Data analysis included multiple regression and ANOVA tests to evaluate the relationships among the variables. The findings reveal that both customer satisfaction and customer loyalty have a significant positive effect on organizational performance, indicating that effective CRM strategies can enhance profitability and competitive advantage. Based on these findings, it is recommended that SMEs enhance customer satisfaction programmes and develop loyalty incentives to strengthen customer relationships and improve overall performance.

FOOD SECURITY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Sapel Frank Funkeye, Akumka Joseph Yabayanze — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Climate change has become one of the dreadful realities of the 21^st century and it has made scientists to raise the need to drop global temperatures further by 0.5 °C which will make a significant difference in some regions of the world, particularly developing countries that are faced with the greater threat of climate change. Nigeria is highly vulnerable to the harmful effects of climate change because its landmass of 923,768 sq. km, cut across diverse climatic regions and this has affected its food production activities due to the deforestation problem, desertification, soil degradation, erosion, flooding, general habitat loss, depletion of natural resources etc. And food security can never be achieved when there is no conducive environment and favourable climate conditions for food production. This paper therefore attempts to examine the extent to which continuous climate change has affected food production and how institutional frameworks have addressed or address the current situation in ensuring food security in Nigeria. The research employed qualitative method on a content analysis. The paper frames its arguments in the human security paradigm. Major findings show that environmental degradation, desertification caused by climate change has greatly retarded agricultural production in Africa and in relation to Nigeria; climate change has increased food insecurity in Nigeria. The paper recommends that government should be proactive in tackling the menace of climate change towards food security, there should be reduction of emission of greenhouse gases by stopping deforestation, the use of high yield and disease tolerant crops, and also crops adaptable to high level weather conditions, farmers should be advised to cultivate on time before raining seasons with a view to increasing food production and invest in order to mitigate food insecurity.

INFLATION AND STANDARD OF LIVING IN NIGERIA

Tubotamuno Boma, Oladosu Isaac Olubiyi — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The standard of living of Nigeria's citizens has been deeply affected by inflation, which has been a persistent challenge. Hence, this study empirically determined the effect of inflation on standard of living in Nigeria from 1985 to 2023. The consumer price index and commodity price index were employed as proxies of inflation in the study. Conversely, the control variable was interest rate, while standard of living was measured by Gross Domestic Product Per Capita. The study primarily utilized annual time series data, which were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports. The analytic techniques employed were the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) approach of unit root test, the Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) bounds co-integration test, and the ARDL approach. The ARDL model estimation result indicated that the consumer price index and commodity price index have a negative and significant effect on Gross Domestic Product Per Capita in both the short-term and the long-term. Conversely, the interest rate has a non-significant negative effect on GDP Per Capita in both the short-term and the long-term. The study's conclusion was that inflation substantially diminishes the standard of living in Nigeria. This study recommended that government should implement a comprehensive price stabilization policy to control inflationary pressures generated by the consumer price index, among other things. This can be accomplished by implementing targeted fiscal measures, such as supply chain logistics improvements to reduce transportation costs or subsidies for essential commodities (e.g., food and energy).

THE IMPACT OF SELECTED MATRICES ON INFLUENCER MARKETING EFFECTIVENESS IN NIGERIA

Oguche Wisdom Enejo, Agbo Patrick Ojabo, Okoko Ali Simon — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the impact of selected matrices on influencer marketing effectiveness in Nigeria. Using a sample size of 310 respondents, the research applies multiple regression analysis to assess the relationship between specific influencer marketing metrics. The study employs a mixed-methods approach to assess the effectiveness, risks, and best practices of influencer marketing. The results indicate that engagement rates, conversion rates, and ROI are strong predictors of influencer marketing effectiveness. The regression analysis reveals that engagement rate, conversion rate, and ROI are significant predictors of influencer marketing effectiveness, accounting for 71% of the variance in campaign success, while audience reach and content quality also positively contribute to effectiveness. Additionally, risks such as influencer fraud, fake followers, and poor brand alignment were identified as significant challenges that can negatively impact campaign outcomes. The study also found that micro-influencers outperform macro- and mega-influencers in driving engagement due to their higher relatability and follower trust. Based on the findings, recommendations for brands include focusing on key metrices, mitigating risks through proper influencer selection, and leveraging micro-influencers to enhance engagement and ROI.

AGRICULTURAL POLICY REFORMS ON RURAL POVERTY ALLEVIATION AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN GASHUA, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abubakar Manu Yerima, Mohammed Umar Kitabu, Amehojo Daniel — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the impact of agricultural policy reforms on socio-economic conditions and sustainable agricultural practices in Gashua, Yobe State, Nigeria. Specifically, it investigates the extent to which agricultural reforms, including the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) and the National Agricultural Policy (NAP), have contributed to rural poverty alleviation, economic growth, and sustainability in the region. The study utilizes thematic content analysis of agricultural policy documents, empirical data from previous studies, and local case studies to assess the effectiveness of these reforms. Findings indicate that while some farmers in Gashua have experienced marginal improvements in income and productivity, the overall impact of these reforms has been limited. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to credit, and environmental challenges—particularly desertification and erratic rainfall—have undermined the potential benefits of these policies. The study also identifies a lack of investment in climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure as a key barrier to sustainable agricultural practices in the region. Despite the introduction of targeted programs, including fertilizer subsidies and improved seed varieties, the distribution of benefits has been uneven, leaving many smallholder farmers excluded from the gains. The research highlights the need for context-specific strategies, including improved rural infrastructure, enhanced financial inclusion, and the adoption of climate adaptation measures, to ensure more equitable and sustainable outcomes. The study concludes that while agricultural policy reforms hold potential, their success is contingent on addressing local challenges and improving implementation processes to achieve long-term sustainable development in Gashua.

TRADE OPENNESS AND UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN NIGERIA

Lasisi Olapade Kehinde, Nkoro Emeka — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the effect of trade openness on unemployment rate in Nigeria, covering a period of thirty-eight years i.e. from 1985 to 2022. Absolute cost advantage theory guided the study. Time series data taken from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) came under use in the study. The techniques of data analysis utilised were the Error Correction Model, the Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) method, and the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) statistic. The main conclusions of the study are that, both in the long and short terms, trade openness substantially and negatively influences unemployment rate in Nigeria. Similarly, both in the long and short terms, FDI has a negative and notable impact on unemployment rate. Still, the rate of unemployment in both the short and long terms is much favourably influenced by the exchange rate. This outcome implies that trade openness creates job possibilities, hence lowering the unemployment rate in Nigeria. Therefore, the research comes to the conclusion that unemployment in Nigeria is substantially influenced by trade openness. Among other things, the research suggested that the government of Nigeria institute calculated economic strategies aimed at luring private investment from outside the country. This would increase the overall amount of investment in the country and perhaps lead to the creation of more employment. Finally, in order to create more job possibilities, the government should look into new marketing areas that attract investors from other countries.

DEMOCRACY, LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

Matawal Adamu Bitrus — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The nexus between leadership and governance in Nigeria is an area that requires focus of which several scholars have reflected and are still reflecting on. Nigeria has experienced challenges of different kind since the return of the country to civil rule almost two decades ago. The most prominent of these challenges are tied to weak and poor leadership orchestrated first by the pitfalls in the democratic process as well as the corrupt tendencies found in the political class. Presently, challenges such as electoral fraud, insecurity and resource management have truncated effective governance and national development. Corruption and poor leadership style have exposed the weakness and lack of political will of leaders to deliver dividends of democracy to the people. There can be no meaningful development without transformational leadership that will influence outcomes at all levels. One of the findings in this study is that bad leadership has created political instability and retarded socio-economic and political development. Nigeria needs nationalist leaders that have the capacity to provide public welfare not bigots that promote personal aggrandizement. Despite the electoral reforms such as e-voting that were meant to promote transparency, fairness and accountability, the electoral body has failed in the area of objectivity thus soiling its integrity and independence. In this study, the researcher utilized KIIs, Content analysis and personal observation as a method of the study. The study concludes that with transformational leadership, people do not necessarily need to protest since the welfare of the people would be taken care of. The paper recommends that there is the urgent need for a paradigm shift from transactional leadership style to transformative leadership that will address the basic needs of Nigerians.

BACKWARD INTEGRATION POLICY AND ITS EFFECTS ON DANGOTE CEMENT INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF OBAJANA CEMENT INDUSTRY IN KOGI STATE BETWEEN 2015 AND 2020

Usman Jibrin, Aliu Monday — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined backward integration policy and its effects on Dangote Cement industry, focusing on the Obajana Cement Industry in Kogi State, Nigeria between 2015 and 2020. The study specifically sought to evaluate the extent Dangote Cement Industry has implemented the backward integration policy for the production of raw materials such as limestone, determine the impact of the implementation of backward integration policy on the growth and development of the cement industry, investigate the wider economic benefits of backward integration policy and identify the challenges and limitations of backward integration policy in promoting industrial development in Dangote Cement Industry. The study adopted descriptive statistics of simple percentage, mean analysis and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to analyze the data. The study revealed the extent Dangote Cement Industry has implemented the backward integration policy for the production of raw materials included the construction of a cement plant, investment in transportation infrastructure, partnership with local communities and training and development of local employees. Also it revealed that the implementation of the backward integration policy impacted on the growth and development of the Dangote Cement Industry. It was found that the wider economic benefits of the backward integration policy in Dangote Cement Industry in Kogi State included; increased export revenue, increased government revenue, technology transfer, improved infrastructure, improved energy security, economic diversification and local content development and social responsibility. It was also discovered that the challenges and limitations of backward integration policy in promoting industrial development in Dangote Cement Industry included high capital expenditure, lack of local expertise, infrastructural deficits, inadequate regulatory framework, dependence on external suppliers and environmental and social impact. It recommended that the government should prioritise the development of local expertise in areas such as engineering, mining, and logistics.

OVERVIEW OF SOCIAL MEDIA INTERACTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL HUMAN RESOURCE PRACTICES

Joel Fyinbu Solomon, Varzoa Luma, Abdulkadir Abubakar Jamari — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

As social beings, individuals and groups are dedicated to creating and participating in “Social Networks for relevant information dissemination. Individuals and groups have learnt to fulfill this natural necessity using platforms like Telegram, Facebook, WhatsApp and others. This paper examines the impact and challenges of social media interaction in human resource management. The researchers employ descriptive approach in exploring social media interaction in human resource management. Social media has replaced traditional media and communication in many instances of human organization. It created ultimate recognitions for conventional way of networking, branding, and management of organizational information dissemination. The paper recommends that there should be adequate awareness on privacy issues, employee’s data protection and monitoring practices; and proper handling of legal issues.

RISK IDENTIFICATION PROCESSES AND HEALTH SAFETY CULTURE: EVIDENCE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH WORKERS IN LAGOS STATE OWNED HEALTHCARE FACILITIES

Raheem Akanni Okewale, Sunday Stephen Ajemunigbohun , Victoria Opeyemi Hunga — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study explored the nexus between risk identification processes and health safety culture among public health workers in Lagos State-owned healthcare facilities. It examines how effectively identifying risks can contribute to a safer work environment and enhance the overall health safety culture within these institutions. The study adopted a structured questionnaire, with data collected from 179 respondents. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design cum double sampling comprised of purposive and convenience. The research utilised both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather evidence from healthcare professionals, highlighting the common risks encountered in their work and the strategies employed to mitigate them. The data analytical techniques employed were descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the study revealed a rank order analyses for both risk identification processes and health safety culture; while showcased a positive but low nexus between risk identification processes and health safety culture among public health workers in Lagos State owned healthcare facilities. The individual relationship portrayed between risk identification processes and health safety culture was negatively correlated and statistically insignificant (β=-.113’ p=.465). The study suggested that robust risk identification processes are crucial in fostering a proactive health safety culture, reducing workplace hazards, and improving patient care. The study underscores the importance of continuous training, resource allocation, and management commitment in sustaining a culture of safety in public healthcare facilities