Journal of Contemporary Academic Research and Methodologies (JCARM)
The Journal of Contemporary Academic Research and Methodologies (JCARM) is a peer-reviewed, open-access international journal dedicated to the dissemination of high-quality research and innovative methodologies across diverse academic disciplines. Published by Ivory & Finch Publishers, JCARM provides a platform for scholars to share contemporary insights that bridge theory and practice.
Articles in this journal are published under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 License. This license allows others to share and adapt the work, provided the original work is properly cited. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication.
Developing a Green Method for the Production of Bioenergy from Organic Wastes
Background: Bio-ethanol is a renewable, clean-burning liquid fuel with minimal environmental impact compared to petroleum-based alternatives. It can be produced from various organic wastes using either chemical or biological methods. While ethene from fossil sources can be hydrated to form ethanol, fermentation of sugar-rich feedstocks remains a viable alternative. Purpose: This study aims to produce bio-ethanol from agricultural residues and organic wastes, specifically rice husk, biochar, Spirogyra, and seaweed using acid and base hydrolysis. Methods: Rice husks were sourced from Effium Rice Mill, Ohaukwu (Ebonyi State, Nigeria), with a portion converted into biochar via pyrolysis at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Aliki Ikwo Biotechnology Laboratory. Spirogyra and seaweed were collected from Okpuitumo Dam, Ikwo (Ebonyi State), thoroughly washed, oven-dried, pulverized, and sieved to uniform particle size (250 mm). Samples were characterized to determine lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignocellulose content. Pretreatment, hydrolysis, saccharification, and fermentation processes were conducted to evaluate ethanol yield. Results: Acid hydrolysis using 1 mol/dm³ hydrochloric acid yielded the highest ethanol output (59.53%) compared to 1 mol/dm³ sodium hydroxide. Among the substrates, seaweed and Spirogyra showed the highest bio-ethanol yields at 59.53% and 41.88%, respectively. Conclusion: Algal biomass, particularly seaweed and Spirogyra, represents a high-potential, underutilized resource for bio-ethanol production. Acid-mediated hydrolysis is especially effective and should be further explored for sustainable biofuel generation.
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Godfatherism, Money Politics, Vote Buying, and Dividends of Democracy in Nigeria: A Sociological Assessment
The consolidation of democracy in Nigeria has continued to face significant challenges associated with political patronage, financial influence in elections, and weak democratic institutions. Godfatherism, money politics, and vote buying have become prominent features of the Nigerian political landscape, raising concerns about the quality of democratic governance and the ability of citizens to enjoy the true dividends of democracy. This study provides a sociological assessment of the influence of godfatherism, money politics, and vote buying on democratic governance in Nigeria. A cross sectional survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 250 respondents through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to analyze the data. The findings reveal that political godfathers play a significant role in candidate selection and electoral outcomes. Money politics and vote buying were also found to influence voter behavior and undermine electoral integrity. The study concludes that these practices weaken democratic institutions, reduce political accountability, and limit the realization of democratic dividends for citizens. The study recommends electoral reforms, stronger enforcement of anti-corruption laws, political education for voters, and institutional strengthening of democratic processes.
EFFECT OF COMMUNITY STI AWARENESS PROGRAMS ON SYPHILIS SEROPREVALENCE IN MUBI, ADAMAWA STATE UNIVERSITY, MUBI. NIGERIA
Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a significant public health challenge globally, with syphilis caused by Treponema pallidum being a major bacterial STI. Community-based STI awareness programs aim to improve knowledge, promote safe sexual practices, and encourage early testing and treatment. Objective: To assess the effect of community STI awareness programs on syphilis seroprevalence among patients attending Federal Medical Center, Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 adult participants recruited using consecutive sampling. Data on socio-demographics and exposure to STI awareness programs were collected through structured questionnaires. Syphilis infection was determined using rapid diagnostic tests. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics and seroprevalence, while associations between exposure to awareness programs and infection rates were analyzed. Results: The overall syphilis seroprevalence was 12.0%. Prevalence was significantly lower among participants exposed to STI awareness programs (6.7%) compared to those unexposed (20.0%). The majority of participants were young adults aged 18–35 years, and males slightly outnumbered females (56% vs. 44%). Findings suggest that community STI awareness programs may reduce syphilis transmission by promoting behavioral change. Conclusion: Community-based STI awareness programs appear effective in reducing syphilis infection among hospital attendees in Mubi. However, incomplete coverage limits their impact, highlighting the need for expanded outreach and targeted interventions. Recommendations: Strengthen outreach, integrate screening with education, target high-risk groups, and utilize multimedia approaches to enhance program reach and effectiveness.
ICT Awareness and Its Influence on Technology Integration in Arabic Language Teaching: A Correlational Study of Joint-Administered and Self-Managed Madaris in Lagos State, Nigeria
In order to effectively teach languages in the twenty-first century, information and communication technology (ICT) integration has become essential. However, little is known about how teachers' knowledge of ICT affects its use in faith-based learning environments, especially in Madaris education in Nigeria. This study looked at how Arabic teachers use of ICT for teaching Arabic at joint-administered and self-managed Madaris in Lagos State, Nigeria, related to their awareness of ICT. A validated questionnaire was used to gather data from Arabic teachers using a correlational research design. Data was analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at the significance level of 0.05. The results showed a statistically significant positive correlation between instructors' ICT awareness and their degree of ICT use in Arabic language instruction. The study comes to the conclusion that teachers are more ready and capable of incorporating technology into Arabic instruction when they are more knowledgeable of ICT tools and pedagogical uses. To improve ICT integration in Madaris education, the report suggests focused awareness-driven professional development initiatives and policy support.
Effectiveness/ The Role of Surveillance in The Prevention of Infectious Diseases
Disease surveillance is the continuous examination of disease occurrences and health-related incidents to allow for timely disease control response. The early identification of disease outbreaks by an efficient and successful disease surveillance and notification system will enable intervention to reduce the morbidity and death that may arise from these infectious disease epidemics. The main components of descriptive epidemiology; time, place, and person can be used to characterize surveillance data gathered from multiple sources, including the community, clinic, and hospital. The advent of modern technology has opened new frontiers for epidemiology, with tools like machine learning, geographic Information Systems (GIS), and big data analytics transforming the field. These tools allow for real-time disease tracking and more accurate predictions, thereby facilitating timely intervention and mitigating potential health crises. The challenges to effective global surveillance and response to human disease outbreaks reflect deficiencies in health infrastructure, scientific methods and concepts of operations of infectious disease surveillance programs, human, technical, and financial resources, and international policies. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, bolstering health infrastructure, and encouraging global cooperation are the keys to the future.
Physicochemical Profiling and WQI of Ikorodu Boreholes: Nitrate-Iron Risks in Lagos Peri-Urban Aquifers
In Ikorodu, a fast-growing suburb of Lagos, Nigeria (6.63°N, 3.48°E, pop. >2.1 million), many families depend on backyard boreholes for drinking water—yet pollution from nearby factories, markets, and farms is putting that supply at risk. Our study looked closely at eight groundwater samples (A–H) from across a 5 km area in February 2026, testing 15 key qualities under steady lab conditions (27.43°C, 46.48% humidity), following standard methods: pH ranged from acidic 4.91 to 6.82, turbidity stayed low at 0.99–1.38 NTU, conductivity 0.8–1.4 mS/cm, TDS 632–924 mg/L, hardness 48–122 mg/L (with magnesium often dominant), iron 0.34–0.96 mg/L, nitrates up to 78.12 mg/L, and more. Stats showed clear differences between samples (ANOVA, p<0.01), a tight link between TDS and conductivity (r=0.98), and an average Water Quality Index of 68.4—mostly "poor to fair," with six samples over WHO safe limits for drinking, especially TDS, nitrates, and iron. For health, this matters: high nitrates in samples D–F could cause "blue baby syndrome" in infants, iron levels might upset stomachs or help bacteria grow, hard water and salts in B and C raise kidney stone or blood pressure worries, and low pH in E could leach more toxins. The brownish tint in most samples hints at iron particles that might spread diseases like cholera, common here. Likely from a mix of natural rocks and human waste, these waters need simple fixes like filters or treatment plants. Stronger checks by local agencies would protect families and support clean water goals.
Prevalence and Determinants of Cholera Outbreak and Personal Hygiene Among Adults.
Cholera remains a major public health concern affecting high risk population. During a cholera outbreak, it is essential to reduce transmission and minimize new infections. The miasma theory, host-agent-environment model and eco social theory were utilized for this study. This study analyzes the prevalence and determinants of cholera among adults in selected states in Nigeria from 2020 to 2024 utilizing Time series using least square regression to predict and forecast and correlation analysis to identify the relationship between suspected cases of cholera and Total death cases. Data was sourced from the Nigerian centre for disease control (NCDC) encompassing reported cholera cases and deaths from 2020 to 2024. The study employed a secondary and quantitative data to elucidate the relationship between cholera prevalence and personal hygiene. The results from forecasting shows that the severity of the disease has generally been reducing while correlation analysis shows there is strong positive relationship between total suspected cases and death cases in year 2020 with (r=0.87), year 2022 with (r=0.95), a weak positive correlation with (r=0.32) in 2023 and a very strong positive correlation with (r=0.98) in 2024. These results underscore the critical need for comprehensive public health interventions focusing on improving water quality, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) pratices. The study recommends the implementation of targeted educational programs to promote personal hygiene and advocates for continuous surveillance and data collection to monitor cholera trends and inform policy decisions. The results show that number of suspected cases and deaths over the years shows a corresponding decrease. This means that cholera infection can be contained in Nigeria.
This article is based on tense projection (TP) in Kana, a language spoken in the Khana, Gokana and Tai Local Government Area of River State in the South-South region of Nigeria. The article examines tense projection in Kana using the Government-Binding theory as its frame work. The data for the study were drawn from two sources: the primary source and the secondary source. In the primary source, some of the date were obtained from mature speakers of the language, while some were taken form my own intuition as a competent native speaker of the language. The secondary source of data is based on information collected from the library. Works of other scholars were consulted and used for this research. The study reveals that in Kana, tense behaves differently from those of other languages. Three tenses: the factitive, past and the definite future tense are distinguished in Kana. The factitive tense is either stative, locative and non-locative. There is no present tense marker in Kana. Present tense in Kana is expressed by the factative tense, mostly in its locative form. In Kana, tense projects to the T1 and maximally projects to the TP(Tense Projection). This work is useful for teachers and students of English and linguistics who are interested in the study of syntax, using a modern syntactic approach.
Effect of Nurse-Led Multimodal and Non-Pharmacological Pain Management Interventions on Postoperative Pain Outcomes in Secondary Health Facilities in Cross River State, Nigeria
Postoperative pain remains inadequately managed in many low-resource settings, contributing to delayed recovery and reduced patient satisfaction. Nurse-led multimodal and non-pharmacological pain management strategies have been proposed as effective, context-appropriate approaches to improving postoperative outcomes. This study examined the effect of nurse-led multimodal and non-pharmacological pain management interventions on postoperative pain outcomes in selected secondary health facilities in Cross River State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental, non-randomised pre-test and post-test control group design was adopted. The study involved registered nurses working in postoperative care units of selected secondary health facilities. A sample of 280 nurses was determined using Yamane’s formula and selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Reliability testing yielded a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.82. The intervention comprised nurse-led training and supervised implementation of multimodal and non-pharmacological pain management strategies over four weeks. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Findings showed a statistically significant improvement in postoperative pain outcomes following the intervention. Patients in the intervention group reported reduced pain intensity, improved functional recovery, and higher satisfaction with pain management compared with pre-intervention scores and the control group. Nurse-related outcomes, including pain assessment practices and utilisation of non-pharmacological interventions, also improved significantly. Nurse-led multimodal and non-pharmacological pain management interventions are effective in improving postoperative pain outcomes in secondary health facilities. Integrating structured nurse-led pain management programmes into routine postoperative care may enhance recovery and patient satisfaction, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
A Computational Study of Commutator-Driven Iterative Dynamics on the Heisenberg Group with Affine Growth Behavior
We present a computational investigation of a commutator-driven iterative dynamical system defined on the Heisenberg group. The scheme is constructed by repeatedly updating a group element through multiplication with its commutator relative to a fixed element, thereby inducing a nonlinear evolution governed by the underlying non-abelian structure. Using a minimal implementation in Python, we generate trajectories from prescribed initial conditions and examine their evolution over discrete iterations. Our numerical experiments reveal a consistent and robust linear growth pattern in the group norm of the iterates, characterized by an affine growth. This behavior persists across multiple initial configurations, indicating that the observed dynamics are not incidental but intrinsic to the commutator-driven update mechanism. Further analysis shows that the growth is primarily driven by accumulation in the central component of the Heisenberg group, reflecting the non-commutative coupling embedded in the group law. The results highlight a clear departure from classical contractive or fixed-point iterative schemes, instead demonstrating a deterministic growth regime arising from algebraic structure. The simplicity of the computational framework, combined with the clarity of the emergent linear law, makes this system a useful prototype for exploring nonlinear dynamics on non-abelian groups. These findings open pathways for extending commutator-based iterative methods to more general Lie groups and for investigating their potential applications in computational and theoretical physics.
Climate Variability and Changing Pattern of Nomadic Routes in Nigeria
This study examines the implications of the recent changes in the nomadic routes across Nigeria. A quasi-field survey design was used for investigation. Five states (Kwara, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states) that served as traditional transits and destinations of migrating herdsmen were purposely selected for the study. A Respondents Network Model (RNM) was used to locate 285 herders for semi structured questionnaire administration. Finding showed that majority of the herders were young (15-35 years), illiterate between the age of 15 and 35 years. Climate change, drought, and scarcity of water were the initial push factors while persistent resistance, hospitality fatigue, and urbanization led to the adoption of the current patterns of nomadic migration. The consequences of the creating new routes are frequent conflicts, security threat and violent clashes at new destinations. Statistically, there was a significant relationship (r ≥ 0.72; p-value = 0.001) between arrival of herders and frequency of conflicts at the host communities. This study recommends mitigation to cushion the effects of climate change at the source regions through provision of wells and boreholes for portable water as well as provision of grazing lands and ranches along major drainage basins to reduce incessant nomadic migration.
Cow Horn Ash as a Grain Protectant: A Comprehensive Review of Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Maize Weevil Management
Maize (Zea mays L.) is a staple food in sub-Saharan Africa but suffers major postharvest losses, mainly from the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais. Reliance on synthetic insecticides such as organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids, and fumigants has reduced pest damage but raised concerns about resistance, food safety, environmental contamination, and rising costs. These drawbacks have spurred interest in eco-friendly alternatives, including botanicals, mineral dusts, and animal by-products. Cow horn ash (CHA), derived from abattoir waste, has emerged as a promising option. Rich in calcium oxide and other minerals, it acts through abrasion, desiccation, alkaline toxicity, and reproductive suppression. Labouratory studies report over 80% adult mortality at higher dosages, reduced progeny emergence, and no negative effect on seed germination. Compared with diatomaceous earth, plant ashes, and botanicals, CHA is affordable, locally available, and safe, though its efficacy declines after 6–9 weeks and preparation lacks standardization. Beyond pest control, CHA reduces food insecurity, lowers pesticide reliance, and converts livestock waste into a valuable resource. Addressing research gaps in formulation, persistence, and field validation will be key to integrating CHA into sustainable postharvest pest management systems.
General Principles of the Four Geneva Conventions and Treatment of Prisoners of War: An Appraisal
The four Geneva Conventions of 1949 form the core of International Humanitarian Law, establishing standards for humane treatment during armed conflicts. Their general principles are built on distinction, proportionality, military necessity and humanity. Across all four conventions, the central aim of this work is to limit suffering in war by setting binding obligations on parties to a conflict, and that compliance is monitored by pretending power and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Compensation Management and Employee Retention in Private Secondary Schools in Nigeria
The Inability to maintain and retain talented employees has contributed to major setbacks confronting private organizations in recent years, especially in private secondary schools in Nigeria where workers terminate their employment contract from their job for better offers. This study therefore, examined the impact of compensation management on employee retention in private secondary schools in Ibadan, Oyo State. The study population was limited to private secondary schools in Egbeda Local Government area in Ibadan where ten (10) among the earlier established private secondary schools were selected and convenience sampling technique was used to select one hundred (100) respondents from the selected schools. A close-ended questionnaire was developed and used for the study. Standard multiple regression was used to analyze the hypotheses formulated for the study. The study therefore revealed that financial compensation has a significant impact on employee retention and non-financial compensation has a significant effect on employee retention. The study conclude that majority of the employers only provide financial compensation to their employees without focusing more on the aspect of non-financial compensation which is also observed to be an important aspect of workers psychological attachment. The study recommended that owners of private secondary schools should be reviewing their compensation plans regularly in order to retain their talented employees and to protect them from their industry competitors.
AI-Driven Strategies for Rebuilding Food Security in Post-Conflict Northern Nigeria: Opportunities, Challenges, and Policy Implications
Due to years of conflict that have uprooted communities, damaged agriculture, and disturbed markets, Northern Nigeria's food systems are in dire need of repair. These complicated issues cannot be resolved by traditional rehabilitation techniques alone. In order to reconstruct food security in post-conflict situations, this article investigates the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative instrument. AI can boost agricultural productivity, facilitate prompt decision-making, and increase the resilience of food systems by utilizing technologies like predictive modeling, climate monitoring, automated crop assessment, and data-driven supply-chain management. The study also takes into account the barriers to AI adoption, such as inadequate infrastructure, technological skill gaps, and governance issues, and highlights the significance of context-sensitive approaches. The results indicate that responsible and locally tailored AI strategies have the potential to speed up recovery, fortify early-warning systems, and develop sustainable food security solutions for Northern Nigeria following conflict.
Enhancing Data Transmission Reliability in MIMO-OFDM Systems With Intelligent Error Correction Codes.
Multiple Input Multiple Output-Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) systems have become a cornerstone of modern wireless communication, offering high data rates and superior spectral efficiency. Despite these advantages, MIMO-OFDM systems are prone to channel impairments such as fading, noise, and interference, which can significantly compromise the reliability of data transmission. This research addresses these challenges by integrating intelligent error correction codes into the MIMO-OFDM framework. Advanced machine learning techniques, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and Reinforcement Learning (RL), are employed to dynamically optimize encoding and decoding, enabling real-time adaptation to changing channel conditions. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed intelligent error-correction method yields substantial improvements in bit error rate (BER), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and overall system robustness compared to conventional approaches like Turbo Codes and Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes. Specifically, the integration of intelligent error correction codes reduced the BER from 0.08 to 0.073 bits and improved the SNR from 8.35 dB to 10.02 dB, resulting in a 20% increase in data transmission reliability. These findings highlight the potential of intelligent error correction frameworks as a promising solution for next-generation wireless systems, especially in environments characterized by high mobility and complex propagation conditions.
Grassroots Democracy as a School of Citizenship: Political Learning Through Participation
Alexis de Tocqueville said that local institutions are very important for freedom like primary schools are important for learning. When people take part in governance, such as attending public meetings and discussing budgets, they become better citizens and learn how to work with others in a democratic way. This is something that cannot be fully learned in a classroom. The question is, do India's Panchayati Raj institutions, which were established in 1992 to give people control over their local governments, really help people become better citizens and more involved in democracy. To answer this question, we looked at the ideas of Alexis de Tocqueville well as other thinkers like Putnam and Habermas. We also studied information from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, IMPRI and other sources, including the Scribd democracy compilation and the Politics for India analysis of gram sabha as direct democracy. We even looked at research from the All Research Journal and Sage Journals, well as observations from the SOU Democracy Project. We found that Panchayati Raj institutions can be very good at teaching people about democracy. Only if certain conditions are met. For example, people need to be able to discuss and debate issues in gram sabhas, not just be present. Women and marginalized groups need to be heard and have a say in what happens. Local governments need to have enough power and money to make decisions that really matter. If these conditions are not met, then participating in governance can actually make people less interested in democracy because they will see that their participation does not lead to any real change. We made two tables to help understand how this works and what conditions are necessary for Panchayati Raj institutions to really help people learn about democracy. The main point of this paper is that Panchayati Raj institutions have the potential to help people learn about democracy but only if they are done in a way that's genuine and inclusive. Panchayati Raj institutions can be a tool for building stronger, more democratic communities, but only if we make sure that everyone has a voice and that participation is meaningful.
Effect of Accounting Information System (AIS) Adoption on the Operational Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) In Nigeria's Service Sector
The business environment is increasingly characterized by intense competition, compelling organizations, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to adopt strategies that enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. This study examines the effect of Accounting Information System (AIS) adoption on the operational performance of SMEs in Nigeria’s service sector, using employee productivity as a proxy. Specifically, the study evaluates the effects of AIS quality and AIS efficiency on employee productivity. A survey research design was adopted, with primary data collected through structured questionnaires administered to 394 SME operators in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings are expected to provide empirical evidence on the relevance of AIS in improving operational performance among service-sector SMEs. The study contributes to existing literature by focusing on operational performance rather than financial performance and by examining the service sector, which has received limited scholarly attention. The study is anchored on Task-Technology Fit (TTF) Theory and Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, providing a theoretical basis for understanding the relationship between AIS adoption and organizational performance.
Optimizing Energy Efficiency in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Adaptive Routing Algorithms
Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are increasingly deployed in diverse applications such as environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial automation. However, the limited energy capacity of sensor nodes presents a significant challenge to the longevity and reliability of these networks. This paper focuses on optimizing energy efficiency in WSNs by implementing adaptive routing algorithms. By dynamically adjusting routing paths based on node energy levels, communication costs, and network topology changes, the proposed adaptive algorithms aim to balance energy consumption across the network and extend its operational lifetime. Simulation results demonstrate that the adaptive routing approach significantly reduces energy depletion, minimizes data transmission delays, and enhances overall network performance compared to traditional static routing methods. The findings highlight the potential of intelligent routing mechanisms in achieving sustainable and energy-efficient WSN operations.
Towards Building New Theory: Exploration of Social Isolation Among the Elderly In Kenya
The WHO has declared social isolation a global public health concern. Together with loneliness, it has been considered a serious issue of epidemic proportions in many countries. The elderly are far more susceptible to both loneliness and social isolation than other categories of the population. The purpose of this study is to build a theory based on the exploration of loneliness and social isolation among the elderly in Kenya. The specific objectives are to explore elderly persons’ general perception of their own state of loneliness and social isolation, to discuss the different ways by which the elderly become vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, and to generate a theory around the states of social isolation and loneliness among the elderly in Kenya. The method adopted for this research is grounded theory, and the sampling method is theoretical sampling. Analysis of the results is intertwined within the data collection process in an iterative and cyclical process that allows refining of codes, categories and finally, a core category around which the theory is built.
Social Justice and Special Persons: A Philosophical Enquiry
In the Nigerian socio-legal environment, this study examines social justice for unique persons philosophically. It explores how constitutional provisions, statutory frameworks, judicial interpretations, and societal structures promote or hinder inclusion in relation to normative goals of justice and the lived reality of people with disabilities. The study is based on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), which guarantees dignity, equality, and freedom from discrimination, and the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which protects disabled people. Nigeria's commitment to inclusion includes UNCRPD commitments. Legal and constitutional frameworks are weakly implemented due to structural disparities, limited enforcement, and cultural shame, according to the research. Accessibility impediments, insufficient compliance mechanisms, and underdeveloped disability jurisprudence impede judicial interventions, which are constitutionally entitled to enforce rights and issue binding injunctions. Special people are marginalised in education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, and communication due to systemic hurdles. The study ethically contrasts societal dignity with the exclusion of unique people from meaningful participation. It finds that social justice in Nigeria involves structural restructuring, cultural reorientation, and active participation in governance and decision-making, not just legal acknowledgement. The study concludes that justice must evolve from formal declaration to substantive realisation to secure equal participation and human dignity.
Beneath the Surface: The Undersea Cable Network of the Strait of Hormuz as a Critical Vulnerability in Global Information Infrastructure: A Geopolitical and Cybersecurity Analysis
The Strait of Hormuz has long been recognized as a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil supplies, with approximately 20% of the world's petroleum transiting its narrow waters. However, a parallel and arguably more consequential vulnerability has remained largely absent from scholarly and policy discourse: the concentration of undersea fibre-optic telecommunications cables traversing this same waterway. These cables carry approximately 95% of intercontinental internet traffic, underpinning global financial systems, cloud infrastructure, government communications, and digital commerce. This study conducts a critical analysis of the undersea cable infrastructure in the Gulf region, mapping the concentration of cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz and assessing the geopolitical, economic, and cybersecurity implications of this hidden vulnerability. Employing a qualitative analytical approach grounded in critical infrastructure studies, international relations theory, and geopolitical analysis, the paper examines the dual risks of intentional targeting and accidental disruption of these cables. It argues that the Strait of Hormuz constitutes not only an oil chokepoint but also a "data chokepoint", which is a concentration of information infrastructure whose disruption would have cascading consequences for global digital connectivity, financial stability, and international security. The study contributes to emerging scholarship on critical infrastructure protection, maritime security, and cyber-geopolitics by highlighting a vulnerability that has been systematically overlooked in favour of more visible energy security concerns. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for diversifying cable routes, enhancing physical protection mechanisms, and developing international frameworks for undersea infrastructure protection.
Provision and Utilization of Laboratory Facilities and Students’ Academic Achievement in Chemistry in Public Secondary Schools in Ogun State, Nigeria
Students’ academic achievement in chemistry in external examinations had shown a downward trend over the years. The poor achievement in chemistry had not been limited to provision of laboratory facilities alone but also the utilization of such facilities. This study investigated the contribution of provision and utilization of laboratory facilities to students’ academic achievement in chemistry in public secondary schools in Ogun State. Three research question were raised and two hypotheses formulated and tested at .05 level of significance. The study adopted a descriptive research design of survey type, involving 30 chemistry teachers and 300 chemistry students, selected through multi- stage sampling technique from a population of 102 chemistry teachers and 5,923 SS 2 chemistry students in 79 public secondary schools in Ogun-Central Senatorial District, Ogun State, Nigeria. Laboratory Facilities Provision Rating Scale (LFPRS), Laboratory Facilities Utilization Rating Scale (LFURS) and Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) with reliability coefficients of .82, .78 and .85 respectively were used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentage, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics of Multiple Linear Regression. Findings revealed that the level of provision and utilization of laboratory facilities and students’ academic achievement in chemistry were low. There was a significant joint contribution of provision and utilization of laboratory facilities to students’ academic achievement in chemistry (F (2, 27) = 43.767, p < .05). There was a significant relative influence of provision (β = .398, t = 2.629, p = .014, p < .05) and utilization (β = .526, t = 3.471, p = .002, p < .05) of laboratory facilities on students’ academic achievement in chemistry. Based on the findings, appropriate recommendations were made.
Metaphoric Language and Meaning-Making in Nigerian Political Meme: A Multimodal Discourse Analysis of “Glory”
This paper explored metaphoric language and meaning-making in Nigerian political memes through a multimodal discourse analysis of the metaphor “glory” in the context of the meme circulated during the Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. Anchored on Conceptual Metaphor Theory and Social Identity Theory, the research treated political memes as multimodal texts in which linguistic, visual, and religious semiotic resources interact to construct ideological meanings and exercise symbolic power. The analysis of the selected meme shows how “glory” traditionally associated with Christian notions of divine favour and destiny is recontextualized to frame electoral choice as a moral and spiritual risk. The meme illustrated how religious discourse is appropriated to legitimize political claims, regulate voter behaviour, and naturalize ideological authority within Nigeria’s highly religious sociopolitical space. The study revealed that Nigerian political memes function as powerful multimodal instruments that fuse religion and politics, transforming political participation into a site of moral accountability and ideological control. This paper contributes to sociolinguistics and discourse studies by demonstrating how digital political memes function as powerful tools of persuasion in Nigerian political discourse.
Curriculum Implementation and Youth Empowerment in Adamawa State: A Critical Appraisal of the Secondary School System
This research evaluates the execution of the secondary school curriculum in Nigeria and its effectiveness in fostering youth empowerment within Adamawa State. Based on Tyler’s Objective Model and Stenhouse’s Process Model, the study employs a descriptive survey approach that includes 374 students and 60 teachers selected from twelve public and private secondary schools across the state’s three senatorial districts. Information was gathered using assessment questionnaires for students and teachers, alongside focus group discussions, and analysed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that although the curriculum aligns well with its goals and content, its application tends to be predominantly theoretical, with minimal practical involvement. Instruction in skill-based subjects is inconsistently provided, and many schools lack adequate infrastructural facilities and specialised teachers, resulting in a low level of students’ attainment of self-employable entrepreneurial skills. In order to improve youth empowerment outcomes, the study proposes strengthening teacher training, improving infrastructure, and placing more focus on practical, context-sensitive learning. It concludes that poor implementation undercuts the curriculum's empowerment objectives.
Detection of Adenovirus and Rotavirus in Drinking Water Sources In Gulak, Madagali LGA, Adamawa State, Nigeria
Enteric viruses are important etiological agents of waterborne gastroenteritis, particularly in rural communities where access to treated drinking water is limited. This study assessed the occurrence of adenovirus and rotavirus in drinking water sources in Gulak, Madagali Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, Nigeria. A total of 200 drinking water samples were collected from commonly used sources, including wells (n = 80), boreholes (n = 70), and surface water sources (n = 50). The 200 samples analyzed, 64 (32.0%) tested positive for at least one of the target viruses. Adenovirus was detected in 26 (13.0%) samples, while rotavirus was detected in 22 (11.0%) samples. Co-detection of both viruses occurred in 16 (8.0%) samples. Wells showed the highest prevalence of viral contamination (42.5%), followed by surface water sources (32.0%), whereas boreholes recorded the lowest detection rate (20.0%). Viral contamination was observed across all water source types, indicating widespread environmental dissemination. The detection of adenovirus and rotavirus in drinking water sources in Gulak suggests a substantial public health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children under five years of age. These findings highlight the need for routine viral surveillance of rural drinking water, improved water source protection, and implementation of effective water treatment and sanitation interventions to reduce the burden of waterborne viral infections.
Capability and Uncertainty Analysis of Desktop SEM-Based Surface Roughness Measurement Using Backscattered Electron Split-Detector Imaging
Desktop scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are increasingly adopted in industrial environments due to their accessibility and rapid imaging capability; however, their potential for quantitative surface metrology remains insufficiently validated. This study investigates the capability of a desktop SEM for surface roughness measurement using backscattered electron (BSE) split-detector imaging, with emphasis on measurement accuracy, repeatability, and uncertainty. A structured experimental framework was implemented using certified roughness artefacts covering a wide range of surface textures. A physics-informed signal processing pipeline was developed to convert BSE intensity variations into surface gradients, followed by numerical reconstruction and extraction of standard roughness parameters (Ra, Rq). Measurement uncertainty was evaluated in accordance with the ISO Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), considering contributions from detector response, surface alignment, electron interaction effects, and signal processing. Results show that the desktop SEM provides reliable and consistent measurements within a defined operational range. In the mid-range roughness regime (Ra ≈ 0.5–2 µm), measurement deviations were below 6% relative to certified reference values, with good repeatability across repeated measurements. At lower roughness levels, increased variability was observed due to signal noise and interaction volume effects, while higher roughness surfaces exhibited deviations associated with non-linear signal response and shadowing effects. Uncertainty analysis identified calibration artefacts, detector asymmetry, and surface alignment as dominant contributors to the overall measurement uncertainty. The expanded uncertainty (k = 2) remained within acceptable limits for industrial screening applications within the identified operational range. The findings demonstrate that desktop SEM systems can be extended beyond qualitative imaging to provide quantitative, uncertainty-aware surface roughness measurements. While not a replacement for established metrology techniques, the approach offers a practical and flexible solution for preliminary inspection and process monitoring in modern manufacturing environments.
Multimodal Discourse Analysis of Language, Migration and Identity in Peter Obi’s “Japa Meme in Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Election
This study examined the “Japa” meme statement by Peter Obi during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election campaign, exploring how language, migration, and identity are constructed and communicated through multimodal discourse analysis. Drawing on Critical Multimodal theory (CMT), the research analyzes the linguistic, visual, and semiotic features of the meme. It investigated how these elements interact to convey meanings about youth aspirations, migration intentions, and socio-political attitudes towards national development. The study further explored public reception or perception by examining citizens’ responses, highlighting how Nigerian youth interpret and negotiate the meme’s message. Findings reveal that “Japa” functioned not merely as slang but as a symbolic expression of collective frustration, resistance and imagined futures among Nigerian youths. The term indexes social realities such as unemployment, governance failure and global mobility. The study concludes that ‘japa’ has evolved into a powerful socio-political lexeme that reflects shifting identities and the dynamic relationship between language, migration and power in Nigeria. The study contributes to sociolinguistics by demonstrating how memes function as both linguistic and cultural artefacts that mediate political engagement and identity construction in contemporary Nigeria.
Challenges Faced by Male Nurses of Clinical Practice in a Female Dominated Profession at Uduth, Sokoto.
Nursing remains a predominantly female-dominated profession globally, with male nurses representing a minority within the healthcare workforce. This study assessed the challenges faced by male nurses in clinical practice at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed involving 60 male nurses selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that male nurses experience multiple challenges, including sociocultural bias, workplace discrimination, and professional limitations. Many respondents indicated that cultural perceptions influence how male nurses are viewed, with some patients expressing discomfort receiving care from them. Institutional barriers such as unequal task allocation, limited leadership opportunities, and restricted clinical roles were also reported. Despite these challenges, a considerable number of respondents expressed job satisfaction and commitment to the profession. The study concludes that while male nurses face significant barriers, targeted interventions such as policy reforms, mentorship programs, and public awareness campaigns can improve gender inclusivity and enhance professional experiences.
A Review on Designing a Secure, Transparent and Decentralized Voting System Using Blockchain Technology
This work explores theoretical frameworks and empirical studies on the application of blockchain technology in developing secure, transparent, and decentralized voting systems. It delves into the opportunities, challenges, and knowledge gaps identified in the literature, focusing on studies published in the past five years (2019–2024). A systematic review of over 100 scholarly works was conducted, with 40% comprising recent publications. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for understanding the integration of blockchain technology in voting systems while highlighting areas requiring further exploration. It shows that block chain provides potential answers to questions surrounding security, accuracy and efficiency of Nigerian elections.