MULTIDISCIPLINARY JOURNAL OF LAW, EDUCATION AND HUMANITIES (MJLEH)
The Multidisciplinary Journal of Law, Education, and Humanities (ISSN: 3043-6435; E-ISSN: 3043-6486) is a peer-reviewed academic publication dedicated to fostering innovative research and dialogue across interconnected fields. Recognizing the interwoven nature of legal studies, educational advancements, and the rich tapestry of humanistic disciplines, this journal provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to share insights, challenge paradigms, and contribute to the evolution of knowledge. Our mission is to bridge the gaps between disciplines, highlighting the relevance of interdisciplinary approaches to addressing contemporary challenges. The journal welcomes a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to legal reform, pedagogical innovation, cultural studies, ethics, linguistics, and social justice. MJLEH is a publication of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria.
INFORMED CONSENT IN THE AGE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: CHALLENGES IN NIGERIAN HEALTHCARE
Artificial Intelligence in healthcare no doubt enables more precise and enhanced diagnostics, enhanced treatment plans, and efficient resource management, and enhanced treatment outcomes. Informed consent is a fundamental principle that ensures patients understand the nature of their treatment, and associated risks; with the introduction of artificial intelligence in healthcare, informed consent extends to patients’ knowledge and understanding of the role of technology in their care. However, the complexity of artificial intelligence algorithms makes the informed consent process difficult, as patients encounter difficulty in understanding how these technologies influence their treatment decisions. This article examines the intersection of informed consent and the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare within the Nigerian context; explores the challenges posed by artificial intelligence in obtaining informed consent and underscores the importance of adapting informed consent processes to meet the challenges posed by emerging technologies in healthcare. This paper explores the challenges in navigating the informed consent systems in the age of artificial intelligence technology, particularly with the limited technological literacy, and regulatory gaps; and highlights the need for clear and specific legal framework that regulate informed consent to reflect the current trend of the use of artificial intelligence technology in healthcare, and as such address the legal and ethical challenges of informed consent in the era of Artificial intelligence in Nigeria. The article makes recommendations to ensure equitable practices in obtaining informed consent in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
INTERCULTURAL PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM IN NIGERIA
One of the most serious challenges facing contemporary Nigeria is religious extremism. Conceptually, religious extremism is the use of force or threat of force to enforce compliance with one’s religious creed. It is motivated by the belief that one’s religion is the only true religion. Thus, since the unbelievers are considered infidels, ignorant, or sinful, the religious extremist sees it as his or her duty to help them save their souls by compelling them to accept the true faith. This religious position is not new or restricted to any particular religion. Christianity and Islam, the world’s most populous religions, have had their fair share of the menace. However, Islamic extremism has assumed alarming proportions in Nigeria. The unwholesome activity of these extremists is provoking reciprocal radicalization of Christians and threatening to plunge the entire country into a Christian Islamic conflict. Deploying the library research approach and the analytic method for data collection and interpretation respectively, the study uses the theoretical framework of intercultural philosophy to interrogate the philosophical foundations of religious extremism in Nigeria. The paper finds that the problem of religious extremism in Nigeria is rooted in three fundamental mistakes, namely, misinterpretation of the concept of God, poor understanding of the nature of divine revelation and the adoption of an inappropriate criterion for determining true religion. Based on these findings, the paper argues that God is a mystery of who no religion, no matter how sublime can claim an absolute knowledge. If God has revealed himself to a particular religion, it remains possible that he has also revealed himself to others. This possibility of multiple religious revelations undermines any claim of absolute knowledge of God and the attendant extremism that goes with it. Also, the fact that man is made in the image of God suggests that the measure of every true religion should be its respect for human life. Concluding that any faith that advocates the killing of human beings is antithetical to true religion, the paper recommends promoting intercultural philosophy’s principles of dialogue and respect as a way of pursuing and establishing peaceful coexistence among people of different religions in Nigeria.
AFRICAN TRADITIONAL VALUES AND SOCIAL ETHICS IN COMBATING TERRORISM AND VIOLENT CRIMES IN NIGERIA
This empirical study examines the relevance and applicability of African traditional values and social ethics as complementary frameworks for combating terrorism and violent crimes in Nigeria. Drawing on mixed-methods research that integrates structured interviews with 420 community leaders, traditional rulers, security practitioners, and civil society actors across six geopolitical zones, alongside an analysis of secondary data from Nigeria's National Bureau of Statistics, the Global Terrorism Index, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) the study assesses how indigenous value systems, including Ubuntu philosophy, communal solidarity (Omoluabi), restorative justice mechanisms, and ancestral prohibitions on violence, function as preventive and rehabilitative resources against political violence and crime. Findings reveal that communities with robust traditional governance structures and practising active indigenous social ethics demonstrate statistically significantly lower rates of violent crime recruitment (p < .05) and enhanced community-based early warning mechanisms. The study further identifies the erosion of traditional value systems by globalisation, urbanisation, and political marginalisation as a critical vulnerability that extremist organisations exploit for radicalisation. The article recommends the institutionalisation of hybrid security governance frameworks that systematically integrate African traditional ethics with formal law enforcement, policy reform in community policing, and investment in indigenous knowledge preservation. The findings contribute to localisation debates in counter-terrorism and criminology, with significant policy implications for Sub-Saharan Africa.
SCALAR MEANING AND EVALUATIVE INTENSITY IN EMOTIONAL ENGAGEMENT: A STUDY OF INTEREST, PASSION, AND OBSESSION
Emotional experience is frequently encoded in language through lexical items that express varying degrees of psychological involvement. This study investigates scalar meaning and evaluative intensity within the lexical field of emotional engagement, focusing on the expressions interest, passion, and obsession. Drawing on insights from Lexical Semantics and the theoretical principles of Scalar Semantics, the study explores how these lexical items function as gradable expressions representing increasing levels of emotional attachment. The analysis also considers the role of semantic prosody in shaping the evaluative interpretations associated with each term. Using qualitative semantic analysis, the study examines the conceptual relationships, evaluative meanings, and typical contextual associations of the three lexical items. The findings suggest that interest, passion, and obsession form a structured semantic continuum representing progressive degrees of emotional intensity. While interest denotes mild curiosity or engagement and is generally interpreted as neutral, passion reflects a stronger and positively valued emotional commitment. In contrast, obsession represents an extreme level of emotional attachment that often carries negative evaluative implications due to its association with excessive or compulsive behaviour. The study demonstrates that emotional lexical items are not isolated semantic units but are organized within graded structures that encode both conceptual intensity and social evaluation. By highlighting the interaction between scalar meaning and evaluative interpretation, this research contributes to ongoing discussions in lexical semantic theory concerning the representation of affective meaning in language. The study further underscores the importance of examining emotional vocabulary through scalar and evaluative frameworks in order to better understand how speakers linguistically conceptualize varying degrees of emotional engagement.
Nweke, Lucy Chinwe, Ph.D; Ofoegbu, Cyril Okechukwu, Ph.D
MASQUERADE, THE VISIBLE SPIRIT IN IGBO SPIRITUAL UNIVERSE: A SYMBOL OF CULTURE AND SPIRITUALITY
In many African cultures, spirituality is deeply connected with daily life, tradition, and identity. It is a physical representations of the spirits of ancestors through the adornment of the masks. One of the most prominent and visually striking expressions of this spiritual presence in the Igbo culture is the masquerade, an art form and cultural practice that represents the crossway of the physical and the spiritual worlds. Masquerades are not mere performances, but rituals that reveal, mediate, and engage the invisible spirits that are believed to influence the lives of the living. These masquerades are considered embodiment of the spirits of ancestors, gods, or supernatural forces, and they often appear during important cultural, religious, and social events. Masquerade is an exclusive secret society performed only by initiated men and involve the use of colourful costumes and unique spiritual language meant to invoke the ancestral spirits of the dead.
Orah Takuso M. (PhD); Rev Dr R. C. Arazu. (PhD)
FAMILY RELATIONSHIP AND FINANCIAL STRESS AS PREDICTORS OF SUICIDAL IDEATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
This study examined family relationship and financial stress as predictors of suicidal ideation among undergraduate students of a Nigeria University. A total of 300 students aged 16-25 years (M = 20.70, SD = 2.00) were selected from different departments in the university. Data were collected using the Suicidal Ideation Scale, the Index of Family Relations, and a Financial Stress Scale. A predictive survey research design was adopted and data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. The results indicated that family relationship significantly predicted suicidal ideation (β = −.502, p < .05), suggesting that poor family relationships were associated with higher suicidal ideation. Financial stress also significantly predicted suicidal ideation (β = .632, p < .05), indicating that students experiencing greater financial strain reported higher suicidal thoughts. These findings highlight the importance of psychosocial factors in understanding suicidal ideation among university students. The study recommends that university counselling services and mental health professionals incorporate family-based and financial-stress interventions in suicide prevention strategies among undergraduates.
Anyaorah, G. C., PhD; Okpala, M.O. PhD; Obi, U.C.; Nnaemeka, I. J., PhD
THE LAW-MAKING FUNCTION OF THE NIGERIAN LEGISLATURE: THE STRIDES AND THE STRIVES
The lawmaking function of the Nigerian legislature comprises the constitutional and moral foundation upon which democratic governance consists. Despite its centrality to nation-building, yet the legislative institution in Nigeria has always dangled between significant democratic strides and persistent structural failures. This paper interrogates the historical evolution, constitutional mandate, normative ideals, and contemporary practices of the Nigerian legislature to understand the gap between legislative promise and performance. Drawing on historical analysis, constitutional interpretation, and philosophical frameworks which includes Aristotle’s concept of moral legislation, Rawlsian public reason, and Sen’s capabilities approach, this work evaluates both the achievements and limitations of the legislature since the return to constitutional rule in 1999. The paper showcases key legislative milestones such as the EFCC Act, ICPC Act, Fiscal Responsibility Act, Public Procurement Act, Freedom of Information Act, and the Electoral Act 2022, demonstrating how these laws have reshaped Nigeria’s governance architecture. This work however, exposes deep-rooted challenges like corruption, prebendalism, budget padding, partisan capture, and weakened oversight mechanisms that undermine the legislature’s normative role as guardian of the common good. Through comparative insights from Brazil, South Africa, and some European democracies, the study demonstrates that legislative corruption is neither inevitable nor uniquely Nigerian; it is a product of institutional design, political culture, and ethical environment. The paper then concludes by observing that rebuilding the Nigerian legislature requires a synthesis of institutional reforms, ethical renewal, and civic empowerment. Only by reclaiming its moral purpose can the legislature fulfill its constitutional mandate as the custodian of democratic legitimacy and the embodiment of the people’s sovereignty.
AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE COMPULSORY TREATMENT AND CARE FOR GUNSHOT VICTIMS IN NIGERIA
Many gunshot victims in Nigeria have been reported to have lost their lives after being denied medicare because of their inability to provide police report or inability to pay the initial treatment deposit. The Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 was enacted to remedy this situation. The Act mandates hospitals and medical facilities to provide immediate medical treatment to victims of gunshot injuries, regardless of the absence of a police report or initial treatment deposit; this is to ensure that gunshot victims receive prompt medical attention, regardless of their financiaal or legal status. The National Health Act 2014 also makes it an offence for health care providers, health care workers, or health establishment to refuse a person emergency treatment. The Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act, 2017 was enacted to specifically protect the rights of gunshot victims in Nigeria. Despite the provisions of the National Health Act 2014 and the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act 2017, most health care facilities and health care practitioners still insist that the requirement of police report and initial treatment deposit are met as pre-condition for treatment of gunshot victims. The Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act 2017 focuses on upholding the sanctity of life by preserving the lives of gunshot victims and removing the obstacles that prevent access to quick medical attention; the rights of gunshot victims and volunteers or helpers of gunshot victims; obligations of hospitals; obligations of the police and penalties for violations under the Act. Despite the beautiful provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act 2017, which specifically provides for the treatment and care of gunshot victims in Nigeria, hospitals and medical practitioners still make police report or payment of hospital bills a pre-condition for treatment. This article examines some of the impediments and challenges facing the implementation of the existing law. This research attempts to find out why the practice persist, despite the relevant enactments. This research identified some of the impediments and challenges to the implentation of the existing laws on the compulsory treatment and care for gunshot victims in Nigeria and explores the way forward to ensure compliance and implementation of the existing laws.
POLYSEMY AND MEANING EXTENSION IN NIGERIAN ENGLISH
Polysemy and meaning extension are vital processes in the evolution of New Englishes, especially in multilingual and postcolonial contexts where English adapts to reflect local realities. Nigerian English (NigE), one of the most vibrant African varieties of English, demonstrates semantic innovations that go beyond the norms of Standard British or American English. This study investigates how polysemy—the coexistence of multiple related senses in a word—and meaning extension operates in Nigerian English. Drawing on data from Nigerian newspapers, social media discourse, and spoken interactions, the study identifies and categorizes words that have acquired extended meanings in everyday Nigerian usage.The analysis reveals that Nigerian English employs polysemy across four major domains: cultural extensions (e.g., chop meaning “eat” or “embezzle”), pragmatic extensions (e.g., sorry used to express empathy; go-slow for “traffic jam”), institutional extensions (e.g., defend meaning “to present a thesis”), and metaphorical extensions (e.g., scatter meaning “destroy” or “excite”). These findings underscore that semantic extensions in Nigerian English are not random deviations but systematic adaptations that arise from the need to encode cultural practices, accommodate indigenous linguistic influences, and enhance communicative efficiency. The study adopts a descriptive approach in analyzing the data. It concludes that polysemy and meaning extension enrich the expressive capacity of Nigerian English, affirm its sociolinguistic legitimacy, and highlight the creativity of Nigerian speakers in localizing a global language.
MORPHOSEMANTICS ANALYSIS OF IHEMBOSI PERSONAL NAMES
Personal names in Igbo society function as linguistic texts that encode history, belief, identity, worldview, and social experience. This study investigates the morphosemantics of twenty personal names from Ihembosi, a town in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. Emphasis is placed on names that share common root morphemes, as well as circumstantial names derived from specific life events. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, data were collected from twenty respondents aged 40 years and above who are indigenous residents of Ihembosi. Through morphosemantic analysis—combining morphological decomposition and semantic interpretation—the study identifies the dominant morphological processes in the selected names, including compounding, derivation, and semantic extension. The findings reveal that Ihembosi names reflect themes of divine reverence, resilience, lineage pride, kinship, wealth, bravery, gratitude, and survival. Circumstantial names encode lived histories and serve as oral archives of family experiences. The study concludes that personal names in Ihembosi possess rich morphological structures and deep cultural meanings, reinforcing the interconnectedness of language and identity in Igbo society. It recommends the documentation of indigenous naming practices to preserve linguistic heritage.
SEMANTIC ANALYSIS OF AREA NAMES IN NNEWI METROPOLIS
This research examines the semantic analysis of area names in Nnewi Metropolis. It aims to identify the semantic meanings of these area names as understood by Nnewi native speakers, as well as the intended meanings within the framework of referential semantics. The data were obtained from interviews with native speakers from the four major villages in Nnewi: Umudim, Otolo, Uruagu, and Nnewichi. The theoretical framework adopted for the study is the referential theory of meaning. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the area names. Twenty participants who are natives of Nnewi Metropolis and who have spent the greater part of their lives in Nnewi were interviewed to represent the research population. The results of the study show that area names in Nnewi Metropolis characteristically derive most of their names from an eponymous ancestor (ancestral links) rather than from directional features. It can be concluded that the historical narratives behind some of these area names helped the researcher determine their accurate morphological and syntactic structures as found within Nnewi Metropolis.
A LEXICO-SEMANTICS ANALYSIS OF NEOLOGISM IN SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATION
This study explores the lexico-semantic features of neologisms used in social media communication. It examines how new words are formed, adapted, and assigned meanings within the dynamic linguistic environment of digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok. The study investigates the morphological processes—such as blending, clipping, compounding, and affixation—that contribute to the creation of social media neologisms. It also analyzes the semantic changes these new expressions undergo, including broadening, narrowing, amelioration, and metaphorical extension. The theoretical framework adopted in this study is the Language Change Theory as posited by Labov (1994). It also adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, drawing data from recent posts and online interactions between 2020 and 2025. Findings reveal that social media has become a powerful linguistic space where creativity, identity, and culture intersect to produce novel lexical items that reflect modern communication trends. The study concludes that neologisms on social media not only enrich the English lexicon but also mirror sociocultural evolution and technological advancement in contemporary discourse.
MONETIZING DEMOCRACY: THE ENTRENCHMENT OF VOTE BUYING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR ELECTORAL INTEGRITY IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC
This study examines how the increasing use of money in Nigerian politics has weakened democracy, with a focus on the problem of vote buying in the Fourth Republic. Vote buying refers to the exchange of money, food, or gifts for votes during elections, and it has become a serious threat to free and fair elections in Nigeria. The study relies on reports from election observers, newspaper publications, and scholarly articles to understand how and why vote buying has become widespread. The research shows that poverty, hunger, unemployment, and low political awareness are major reasons why many citizens accept money or gifts during elections. Politicians exploit people’s economic hardships to buy votes instead of winning through good ideas and credible plans. Weak law enforcement, lack of punishment for offenders, and mistrust in electoral institutions have also allowed the practice to persist. As a result, elections often fail to reflect the true will of the people and instead reveal the influence of money and political manipulation. Further findings show that vote buying has damaged Nigeria’s political system by promoting corrupt leaders, weakening democratic values, and reducing citizens’ confidence in the electoral process. It discourages honest participation, undermines accountability, and turns politics into a business venture rather than a platform for public service. To address the problem, the study recommends stronger enforcement of electoral laws, public education on the dangers of vote buying, and economic empowerment programmes to reduce poverty and dependence. It also calls for transparent campaign financing and greater civic responsibility among citizens.
USER SATISFACTION WITH ACADEMIC LIBRARY FACILITIES AND TRANSFORMATIVE EDUCATION SUPPORT: THE CASE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BAMENDA, CAMEROON
The academic library is designed to satisfy the needs of its users. User satisfaction can be enhanced through the provision of adequate facilities and the library’s support for transformative education. This study was guided by the following objectives: (1) to ascertain the extent to which library users at the University of Bamenda are satisfied with the library facilities; (2) to determine the extent to which library users at the University of Bamenda are satisfied with the library’s transformative education support; and (3) to identify ways in which the library facilities and transformative education support for users at the University of Bamenda can be improved. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was employed, targeting lecturers and students of the University of Bamenda who frequently use the library. A total of 220 participants were selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations, with the results processed using SPSS version 25.0. Qualitative responses were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that respondents were satisfied with the library facilities, with an overall mean score of 3.14 and a standard deviation of 0.732. Similarly, respondents were satisfied with the library’s transformative education support, with an overall mean score of 3.21 and a standard deviation of 0.653. Respondents suggested the need for infrastructural upgrades and better environmental management to improve library facilities. They also emphasized staff assistance, community engagement, and inter-school competitive programs as vital strategies for fostering a transformative learning culture. These suggestions reflect users’ recognition of the library’s pivotal role in shaping innovative, research oriented, and socially engaged graduates through improved resources, technology, and educational support systems.
Bongnda Winifred Benedict Beriliy epse MENYONG (Ph.D)
EFFECTS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) ON SOCIOPRAGMATIC COMPETENCE AMONG STUDENTS IN SELECTED UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA
The development of sociopragmatic competence in the English language has long been recognized as a crucial component of communicative competence especially in a second language environment such as Nigeria. Several studies have examined the role of technology in improving grammatical and lexical competence, yet few have explored its effect on sociopragmatic skills. Given Nigeria’s multilingual environment and its reliance on English as the lingua franca and official language, understanding how Artificial intelligence influences the learner’s social use of language is essential. The study, therefore, examines how AI-mediated learning platforms affect students’ ability to interpret and apply sociopragmatic norms in English communication. The population for the study comprises undergraduate students of English and Literary studies from three universities: Imo State University, Owerri, Madonna University, Okija and Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam. A sample of 60 students was purposively selected and six English language lecturers were interviewed. Three research instruments were used for data collection, Sociopragmatic competence questionnaire (SCQ), AI Interaction Task (AIT) and semi-structured interviews. Dell Hyme’s theory of communicative competence and Leech’s Sociopragmatic theory form the theoretical bases of the work and guide for the analysis of data. Findings show that AI unlike the traditional method significantly helps students to develop confidence and pragmatic intuition, hence, their improvement on discourse management skills and contextual sensitivity. However, there are some urgent concerns; AI responses though grammatically correct yet often lack the cultural nuances of the language under study. This implies that AI responses do not always align with the English sociocultural expectations. Moreover, AI language tools most often fail to interpret pragmatic elements like irony, metaphor, sarcasm, idioms and other cultural-bound words, and this can lead to misunderstanding, miscommunication in intercultural interactions. The study, therefore, recommends a balance between AI and Sociopragmatics since an overreliance on AI can affect the students’ sociopragmatic awareness, particularly in interpreting and producing contextually appropriate utterances.
TRADUCTION DES TERMES ET REFERENCES CULTURELLES IGBOS DANS TRAFFICKED D’AKACHI THEODORA EZEIGBO: UNE APPROCHE SKOPIQUE ET INTERPRETATIVE
Cette étude examine la traduction des termes et proverbes igbo dans le roman Trafficked d’Akachi Théodora Ezeigbo, à la lumière de la théorie du Skopos, de la théorie interprétative du sens et des techniques de domestication et d’étrangéisation. Elle met en évidence le rôle du traducteur en tant que médiateur culturel, chargé de préserver l’identité du texte source tout en l’adaptant à la culture de réception. L’analyse démontre que la traduction des éléments culturels igbo vers le français exige un équilibre entre fidélité au sens et adaptation fonctionnelle, afin d’assurer la lisibilité et la réception du texte auprès du lectorat francophone.
Ubajaka, Onyinye Domitila; Onuko, Theodora
COSCHARIS ULTRA MODERN RICE PROCESSING MILL IN THE FOOD ECONOMY OF ANAMBRA STATE, 2014-2024
The Establishment of the Coscharis Ultra-Modern Rice Processing Mill fundamentally altered the agricultural trajectory of Anambra State Nigeria from 2014 up to date. Prior to this, private sector investments; Anambra State was not considered a significant Rice producing region. Anambra State was heavily dependent on Imported rice and a backwardness in modernized cultivation and processing infrastructure. Utilizing a mixed method research design. The study analyses qualitative data from interviews with employees and consumers alongside quantitative data from government publications, statistical records, and industry webinars. Findings reveal that the integration of advanced innovative farming techniques, mechanized processing and an outgrower scheme has catalysed a remarkable shift, positioning Anambra as a major contributor to national rice production. Metrics would include enhanced food security through substantial import substitution, the generation of significant livelihood opportunities, and stimulated local economic growth. The mill’s success demonstrates a potent model for regional agricultural transformation, bridging historical productivity gaps and positioning the state as an emerging hub for agro-industrialized rice farm. Recommendations include fostering sustained public-private partnerships, scaling investments in irrigation infrastructure, and strengthening extension services for smallholder farmers.
Dr. Innocent-Franklyn Ezeonwuka; Dr. Daniel Chukwuma Nzereogu; Agubueze Onyekachi Cosmas
‘CHI/CHUKWU’ NAMES AMONG THE IGBO OF SOUTHEAST NIGERIA: A SOCIO-ONOMASTIC APPROACH
Naming across cultures is an indication of the prevalent belief systems, orientations, mindsets, world views of a people. Through names, a people’s social identity is revealed, and their accepted way of life is laid bare. This study aims at discovering what the preponderance of ‘Chi/Chukwu’ names among the Igbo suggests about their history, culture, social and religious life. 636 (six hundred and thirty-six) Chi/Chukwu name derivatives selected from the class lists of 100 – 400 levels students of the Department of English Language and Literature, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, who are predominantly of Igbo origin and other randomly selected names from Igbo speaking local sources form the data for the research. The research design is descriptive, qualitative and quantitative design, and anchors on socio-onomastics as the theoretical framework. It concludes that the names are an indication of the attachment, dependence and reliance of the people on supernatural beings to control and coordinate every area of their lives, and as such a mark of their commitment to the worship of these beings.
TRANSLATION AS A CATALYST FOR TECHNOSCIENTIFIC, SECURITY AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN 21ST CENTURY NIGERIA
In the 21st century, translation has emerged as a pivotal tool in shaping the trajectory of technoscientific advancement, national security strategies, and socio-economic development-particularly in multilingual and multicultural nations like Nigeria. “Harnessing multilingualism and translation can help Nigeria promote national unity, effective communication, and socio-economic growth”.(Akindele, 2019). As globalization deepens, the demand for accurate and culturally sensitive translation in fields such as medicine, engineering, ICT, and security intelligence has increased significantly. This study appraises the role of translation in facilitating knowledge transfer, policy implementation, and international collaboration in Nigeria. It highlights how the absence or inadequacy of quality translation in the technoscientific and security sectors may hinder innovation, foster miscommunication, and escalate conflicts. Furthermore, it explores the socio-economic implications of translation, including its capacity to boost education, commerce, and inclusive governance through effective language meditation. Drawing on case studies, literature review, and theoretical reflections, this paper argues that translation is not merely a linguistic act but a strategic enabler of national development. It concludes with recommendations for strengthening translation frameworks to optimize Nigeria's participation in the global knowledge economy.
IWUNZE EMEKA INNOCENT; ADINDU MARY CHINTURU
CRITICAL AFROISM (CA): A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Critical Afroism (CA) is a conceptual framework that centers on African and Afro-diasporic identities, histories, and worldviews through a critical and decolonial lens. As a new analytical tool of study, it adopts Afrocentric epistemologies, diaspora studies, Black feminist thought, and postcolonial critique to interrogate colonial legacies, cultural misrepresentation, and systemic inequities within literature, media, and broader sociocultural discourses. CA emphasizes the need for a grounded, historically aware, and critically engaged Afrocentricity that affirms Black agency and reclaims narrative authority. It further criticizes Afropolitanism or Afro-pessimism as a conflicting paradigm with misrepresentation of African or Afrodiasporic realities. This paper highlights the significant postulation, theoretical influences and praxis of Critical Afroism. This theory is conceptualized as a dynamic and transformative approach for interrogating African realities as well as Black diasporic productions. It contributes to the politics of knowledge production in African and diasporic scholarship.
HISTORICAL PEACE ACCORDS ABANDONED: LESSONS FROM THE NIGERIAN AND RWANDAN CONFLICTS
This paper explores the long-term political, social, and security implications of abandoning historical peace agreements, using the Aburi Accord (1967, Nigeria) and the Arusha Accords (1993, Rwanda) as case studies. Both agreements, initially intended to prevent conflict and foster inclusive governance, were ultimately disregarded or only partially implemented, with catastrophic consequences. The study adopts a comparative qualitative methodology, drawing on archival sources, scholarly analyses, and interviews with experts and stakeholders to assess how the collapse of these accords contributed to civil war, genocide, and enduring instability. In the Nigerian context, the failure of the Aburi Accord accelerated the descent into the Biafran War, costing over a million lives and entrenching regional distrust. Similarly, the derailment of the Arusha Accords played a significant role in the lead-up to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, undermining a fragile power-sharing arrangement between the Hutu-dominated government and the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF). By analyzing the political dynamics, elite interests, and international responses surrounding both agreements, this paper argues that the failure to honor peace accords not only erodes public trust but also sets a precedent for impunity and political violence. The study concludes by drawing lessons for contemporary peace processes, emphasizing the need for sustained international oversight, inclusive negotiations, and mechanisms that ensure accountability and adherence to agreed frameworks. These findings are pertinent for policymakers, conflict resolution practitioners, and scholars concerned with post-conflict transitions and durable peacebuilding.
THE IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT ON HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
This study explores the impact of educational management on higher education institutions in Southeast Nigeria. Using an exploratory qualitative approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 31 participants comprising vice-chancellors, registrars, deans, and directors of academic planning from 19 universities, 5 polytechnics and 7 colleges of education in the above stated region. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings provide rich insights into the role of educational management in shaping the academic, administrative, and infrastructural development of higher education institutions in Southeast Nigeria. The study reveals that effective educational management has a positive impact on the quality of education, staff morale, and student satisfaction. However, it also highlights the challenges faced by higher education institutions in the region, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate human resources. The study identifies key themes that influence the effectiveness of educational management in higher education institutions, including leadership style, strategic planning, human resource management, and stakeholder engagement. The findings have implications for policymakers, educational managers, and stakeholders seeking to improve the quality and relevance of higher education in Southeast Nigeria.
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS AND SUSTAINABLE BRAND MESSAGING: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIAN MILLENNIALS AND GEN Z
This study investigates how social media influencers (SMIs) shape sustainable brand messaging among Nigerian Millennials and Gen Z consumers. Based on Source Credibility Theory and the Match-Up Hypothesis, the study explores how consumer trust and purchase intentions are influenced by influencer credibility, authenticity, and influencer-brand fit. A cross-sectional survey design was utilized, using online questionnaires sent to 400 digitally active Nigerian youths. Using Structural Equation Modelling, data analysis showed that the efficacy of sustainable brand message is considerably improved by influencer credibility and influencer-brand congruence, which then affects purchase intentions. Credible influencers also affect purchasing decisions on their own, hence highlighting the critical role of trust in sustainability marketing. The research underlines the importance of brands collaborating strategically with authentic, value-aligned influencers to promote consumer engagement and loyalty. Results provide useful ideas for companies trying to convey sustainability credibly in Nigeria's digital environment and contribute to influencer marketing theory in developing countries.
A PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF CHURCH POSTERS IN AWKA METROPOLIS, ANAMBRA STATE
In our social construct, language is used to present and represent. As a social tool, it fundamentally fulfills the communicative needs of human beings. It is deployed in disseminating as well as creation of information by writers. This study explores the language of communication in some selected church activity posters to uncover the intended and unintended meanings in the poster’s themes, focusing particularly on the illocutionary act force and perlocutionary effects as well as the instances of non-observance of maxims which are strategy in conveying their intentions to the general public. Qualitative method of data analysis is employed. Seventeen data were purposively collected and sampled for analysis. The theoretical framework of H.P Grice’s Implicature and J.L. Austin’s Speech Act theories are deployed for analysis. The study revealed that the illocutionary force of asserting is frequently employed in most of the selected posters and the intent of the advert producers is also, particularly, to get new memberships for their church’s expansion and expansion of the kingdom of God. It also showed that the violation of quantity and quality maxims are instances of maxims non-observation forms manifested in the texts which are strategies to get the readers curious and further persuaded to attend their church program.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC RELEVANCE OF THE CYBERCRIMES PROHIBITION AND PREVENTION ACT 2015
The rapid evolution of technology has brought about numerous benefits, but also poses significant challenges, particularly in the realm of cyber security. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act of Nigeria which was enacted in 2015 had the principal aim of combating the escalating threat of cybercrime in Nigeria. This article examines the socio-economic relevance of the legislation in the 21st century. It also engages the provisions of the Act, its implementation, and enforcement as well as highlighting the strengths and weaknesses in the legislation. This article further explores the impact of cybercrime on Nigeria’s economy, society, and political landscape, including increased investor confidence, enhanced security, and improved trust in digital transactions. The findings stressed the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the evolving nature of cyber criminality which involves the creation of public awareness, the need for effective implementation, enhancing confidence of the investors as well as enhancing international cooperation. In conclusion, this research emphasized the importance of a balanced approach that considered the economic and social implications of cybercrime, whilst protecting human rights as well as ensuring digital inclusion.
Ejike Francis Okaphor; O S Ngwuta; Nkiruka Edith Okaphor
THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN MARKETING EDUCATION: EVIDENCE FROM UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-EAST NIGERIA
This study investigates the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) tools on students’ academic performance and learning experiences in marketing education within South-East Nigerian universities. Amid the global shift towards digital learning, AI technologies such as chatbots, intelligent tutoring systems, and recommendation engines are increasingly integrated into higher education. Using a structured online questionnaire administered to 386 undergraduate marketing students, the study explored socio-demographic profiles, frequency of AI tool usage, perceptions of effectiveness, and academic outcomes. Statistical analyses—including Pearson correlation, regression, and t-tests— revealed strong, positive relationships between AI tool usage and academic performance, with students reporting improved learning outcomes, engagement, and satisfaction. Notably, students who frequently used AI tools significantly outperformed those who rarely did. Furthermore, AI was perceived as more effective than traditional learning methods in enhancing comprehension and project completion. The findings underscore the transformative potential of AI in fostering personalised, efficient, and interactive learning environments. They also highlight the importance of digital infrastructure and pedagogical integration in maximising the benefits of AI in education. The study recommends increased institutional support for AI adoption and the development of AI-inclusive curricula to enhance learning in marketing and other business disciplines.
GRAMMATICALITY AND CODE-SWITCHING IN THE IGBO LANGUAGE: CODE-SWITCHING IN IGBO-ENGLISH, IGBO-GERMAN AND IGBO-ENGLISH-GERMAN
Language defines humans because of our essential social connectedness, properly captured by Martin Heidegger (1967) in the idea of “Being-with-others” (Mitsein) in his famous book “Sein und Zeit” (translated in English as “Being and Time” ). Human beings are also capable of acquiring many languages. The more the cultures they interact with, the more languages they are likely to learn and also achieve competence and fluency in. Language users who are bilingual or multilingual tend to switch codes, especially in their informal speeches and writings. Many scholars have studied and written on code-switching or code-mixing as a linguistic or sociolinguistic phenomenon. The approach of these scholars, in contradistinction from ours, is the classification of code-mixed elements as words, phrases, and sentences (intra- and extra-sentential code-switching). Our approach is to examine the grammaticality of the English and German elements in the code-mixed sentences. Our research has revealed that Igbo code-switchers often use grammatically incorrect English or German sentences in their code-switching conversations.
Prof. Christian Anieke; Dr. Adaoma Igwedibia
Public Enlightenment in FRSC Operations in Nigeria: Prospects and Challenges
Public enlightenment is the function of the public education office of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Nigeria, which is one of the twelve critical and top management offices of the corps. Through the activities and programs of the public enlightenment as usually carried out by the corps; FRSC, the drivers particularly the commercial drivers, other motoring members of the public as well as the road users are sensitized, enlightened, educated and are made aware of the road safety measures and practices and how best to use the roads to avoid road traffic crashes and its attendant loss of lives and properties. Using various platforms, such as leaflets, handbills, fliers, seminars, workshops, driver’s improvement courses just to name but a few, the motorists and other members of the motoring public are constantly being educated on the dangers or menace of over speeding, over loading, drunk driving, one way driving, wrongful overtaking, driving under the influence of drugs and the likes. The drivers are also educated through these mediums on road traffic signs, signals and markings which are regulatory (mandatory or prohibitive), informative and warning in nature. Such information like the need to procure a genuine and valid driver’s license from a recognized road safety driving schools and the consequences of not having a driver’s license are equally taught using any of these fora. The essence of all these is to ensure a safe motoring environment and to mitigate or prevent road traffic-related crashes on the Nigerian roads. Using descriptive and historical methodology, the paper therefore explores the prospects of public enlightenment in FRSC operations in Nigeria as well as the challenges confronting the corps public education office in actualizing its mandate. Apart from the literature materials consulted, oral interviews were conducted to capture the theme of the study. The paper also highlights some measures that would address these observed challenges in a bid to create a safe motoring environment and reduce road traffic crashes/carnage in Nigeria.
Chidiobi, Okechukwu Christian; Ibekwe, Juliet Chinenyenwa
ENHANCING GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION THROUGH PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES: A STUDY OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ONDO WEST, NIGERIA
Geography examines the spatial distribution of physical, social, and economic phenomena. However, its abstract concepts and extensive curriculum often hinder effective pedagogy, leading to declining student enrolment. This study investigates the impact of practical experiences—such as fieldwork, GIS applications, models, and excursions—on students’ conceptual understanding of Geography. It also assesses the adequacy of instructional materials and the challenges faced in implementation. Using a survey design, 200 students from 10 secondary schools (both public and private) in Ondo West LGA, Nigeria, were sampled through validated questionnaires and oral interviews. Data analysis employed simple percentages. Findings reveal insufficient exposure to practical methods, despite 95% of students affirming their value. Key constraints include inadequate funding, obsolete or unavailable materials (81%), limited instructional time, and teacher reluctance. The study recommends integrating practical sessions into the curriculum, increasing funding, providing teacher training, and supplying adequate resources to transform Geography education.
OMOSUYI OLUWAYEMISI BUKOLA (PhD); AKINFISOYE EMMANUEL OLUWADUNSIN
THE ROLE OF LEGAL TRANSLATION IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF CROSS-BORDER COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS UNDER THE AFRICAN CONTINENTAL FREE TRADE AREA (AFCFTA): A NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE
The enforcement of cross-border commercial contracts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) fundamentally depends on the clarity and fidelity of legal translation, yet this essential facet remains underexplored. Inaccurate translations can distort contractual terms, undermine enforceability, and elevate the risk of disputes, particularly within multilingual environments such as Nigeria. Recognizing that language barriers can hinder effective communication and stakeholder alignment, Fanjanirina (2024) highlights the critical role of inclusive language policies in promoting trade integration under the AfCFTA framework. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, consisting of doctrinal analysis of AfCFTA legal texts, case studies illustrating the repercussions of translation errors in contract enforcement, and semi-structured interviews with Nigerian legal practitioners and translators. It aims to (a) identify specific translation challenges that impair the enforceability of commercial contracts,(b) evaluate how these challenges manifest in legal disputes, and (c) propose a structured framework for certified legal translation protocols tailored to Nigeria’s context. The findings are expected to demonstrate how accurate, culturally attuned legal translation strengthens contract clarity, legal certainty, and investor confidence-and thereby supports Nigeria’s deeper integration into intra-African trade. This paper contributes to commercial law scholarship by illuminating translation not merely as a technical step, but as a foundational element influencing legal outcomes under continental trade regimes.
UKAOMA COMFORT OBIAGERI; IWUNZE EMEKA INNOCENT