Volume 1 All Issue 2025 by UKR Publisher
UKR Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (UKRJAHSS), 2025
Indigenous language preservation amongst younger generations remains critical in South-East Niger... more Indigenous language preservation amongst younger generations remains critical in South-East Nigeria where Igbo faces declining usage. This study assesses the effectiveness of radio in revitalising the Igbo language amongst youths in Enugu. Using survey research design, 384 respondents comprising 150 radio personnel and 234 youths aged 18-35 were examined across major Enugu-based radio stations. Data collection utilised structured questionnaires and interviews, analysed using frequency distribution, percentages, mean scores and chi-square testing. Anchored on Uses and Gratifications Theory, findings revealed that radio programming reaches only 28% of target youth audiences (Mean=2.41, SD=1.02), with limited content appeal (Mean=2.38, SD=0.94) and inadequate youth-focused programming strategies (Mean=2.52, SD=1.08). Youth listenership for Igbo programmes averaged 15 minutes daily compared to 127 minutes for English content. Statistical testing (χ²=156.34, df=4, p<0.001) confirmed that current radio approaches significantly fail to effectively engage youths in Igbo language revitalisation. However, 67% of respondents expressed willingness to engage with modernised Igbo radio content integrating music, social media and contemporary formats. The study recommends modernised programming formats, strategic scheduling during youth-accessible hours, digital platform integration and collaborative partnerships with youth influencers to enhance radio's effectiveness in Igbo language revitalisation amongst Enugu youths.
UKR Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (UKRJAHSS), 2025
Radio drama and storytelling represent vital conduits for cultural transmission and language pres... more Radio drama and storytelling represent vital conduits for cultural transmission and language preservation in indigenous communities. This study investigates the appeal of Igbo radio drama and storytelling among audiences in Enugu Metropolis, South-East Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research examined 384 audience members and 40 broadcasting personnel across five major radio stations. Data collection employed structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, analysed through descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and thematic analysis. Anchored on Uses and Gratifications Theory, findings revealed that cultural authenticity emerged as the strongest appeal factor (Mean=4.52, SD=0.68), followed by entertainment value (Mean=4.38, SD=0.72), educational benefits (Mean=4.29, SD=0.79), and emotional connection (Mean=4.41, SD=0.71). However, significant demographic disparities exist, with older audiences (56+ years) demonstrating substantially higher appeal ratings (87.3%) compared to youth aged 18-25 years (23.1%). Quality of production (Mean=3.82, SD=0.91) and scheduling patterns emerged as critical constraints, with only 18% of indigenous drama broadcast during prime-time hours. Statistical analysis confirmed that cultural content authenticity (χ²=142.38, p<0.001) and production quality (χ²=98.47, p<0.001) significantly influence audience appeal. The study recommends enhanced investment in production quality, strategic scheduling reforms, youth-oriented content development, partnerships with cultural organisations, and capacity building for indigenous language dramatists to strengthen the appeal and sustainability of Igbo radio drama.
UKR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (UKRJAVS), 2026
This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water from nine fish farms... more This study assessed the physicochemical and microbiological quality of water from nine fish farms across three local government areas (Makurdi, Tarka, Gboko) in Benue Northwest Senatorial District (Zone B). Water samples were analyzed for colour, temperature, pH, turbidity, conductivity, total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), total solids, acidity, alkalinity, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate, dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), trace metals (Fe, Cr, Pb, etc.) and microbial indicators (total plate count, coliforms, fecal coliforms). Results showed colour, turbidity, TSS, nitrate, phosphate, COD, BOD, and DO frequently exceeded JOSTUM standards, while iron, chromium, and lead surpassed trace‑metal limits. All samples were cloudy with high microbial loads and tested positive for coliforms and fecal coliforms. The findings indicate nutrient over‑enrichment, organic and inorganic pollution, and severe microbial contamination, rendering the water unsuitable for sustainable aquaculture. To improve fish health and productivity, the study recommends integrated water‑quality monitoring, nutrient and runoff control, aeration and effluent treatment, heavy‑metal remediation, biosecurity measures, microbial control, and regular farmer training with policy support.
UKR Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (UKRJAVS), 2025
Veterinary medicines may be used appropriately or inappropriately in animal health care. Misuse o... more Veterinary medicines may be used appropriately or inappropriately in animal health care. Misuse of these drugs represents a major challenge in modern veterinary practice, resulting in medication-related problems, treatment failures, and increasing risks to animal, human, and environmental health, as well as higher drug expenditures. These challenges arise from administering drugs to cases not requiring treatment, prescribing or dispensing unsafe products, and improper drug use by animal owners. Irrational drug use remains a major concern in many developing nations, including Ethiopia, where veterinary drug prescriptions are commonly based on tentative diagnosis in clinics. Limited availability of veterinary pharmaceuticals, weak regulatory enforcement, and poor access to drug information also drive misuse. Studies from Ethiopia have documented illegal drug vendors operating under poor conditions and a high incidence of irrational drug use and its contributing factors. The most alarming consequence of misuse is antimicrobial resistance, a serious threat to both human and animal health. Evidence shows that antimicrobial resistance generated from animal sources significantly contributes to the wider AMR problem, in combination with human and environmental factors. Continued irrational circulation of veterinary pharmaceuticals poses future threats to global human, animal, and environmental health. Accordingly, the World Health Organization has adopted a multisectoral One Health strategy to address irrational drug use and antimicrobial resistance, although implementation emerged late. Another critical public health issue is drug residue in food animals. High levels of antimicrobial residues in meat, milk, eggs, and organs are strongly linked to misuse of veterinary medicines. These consequences also bring economic burdens through increased treatment costs, livestock mortality, reduced productivity, and loss of income for vulnerable farmers. Therefore, minimizing irrational veterinary drug use and its repercussions requires strengthened regulatory oversight and promotion of rational drug utilization.
UKR Journal of Education and Literature (UKRJEL), 2026
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a transformative paradigm shift in Indian edu... more The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a transformative paradigm shift in Indian education, emphasizing holistic development through the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) with contemporary multidisciplinary learning approaches. This paper examines the conceptual framework of holistic education as envisioned in NEP 2020, analysing how traditional Indian pedagogical wisdom is being systematically integrated into modern curricula to foster comprehensive student development. The study explores the philosophical underpinnings of IKS, including ancient texts, indigenous practices, and cultural heritage, and their relevance in addressing 21st-century educational challenges. Through critical analysis of NEP 2020 provisions, this paper investigates the implementation strategies for multidisciplinary learning that bridge disciplinary boundaries while preserving the essence of Indian intellectual traditions. The research highlights key challenges in operationalizing holistic education, including curriculum design, teacher preparedness, assessment reforms, and institutional restructuring. Findings suggest that successful integration of IKS requires systemic changes in pedagogical approaches, infrastructure development, and stakeholder engagement. The paper concludes that NEP 2020's vision of holistic education through IKS integration offers a unique opportunity to create culturally rooted yet globally competitive educational ecosystem that nurtures well-rounded individuals equipped with both traditional wisdom and contemporary competencies.
UKR Journal of Economics, Business and Management (UKRJEBM), 2026
Small-scale enterprises provide employment and development. The aim of this study seeks to assess... more Small-scale enterprises provide employment and development. The aim of this study seeks to assess the socio-economic impact of small-scale enterprises on residence of Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa state. The objectives of this study seeks to find the type of small scale enterprises found in the study area, to examine the adequacy of small-scale enterprises in the area, examine the factors affecting and examine the impact on the environment. Relevant literature was reviewed for this study. Closed ended questionnaires were administered to 100 entrepreneurs and those working in small scale enterprises of the selected types which include pure water, tailoring, bakery, furniture making and block enterprises in which interviews were conducted with a view of obtaining additional information. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of frequencies and tables. Findings from the studies revealed that small- scale enterprises help in boosting socio-economic growth, hence, help in reducing unemployment rate, poverty etc. The activities of small-scale enterprises also have some negative impact on the environment and the residence of Numan. The study therefore recommends that, there should be an increase in the technological and equipment-based enterprises, the use of modern machineries should be adopted so also Government should continue to provide direct subsidies to small-scale enterprises operators which will help them in accessing raw materials, granting of tax moratorium etc.
UKR Journal of Economics, Business and Management (UKRJEBM), 2026
Small-scale enterprises provide employment and development. The aim of this study seeks to assess... more Small-scale enterprises provide employment and development. The aim of this study seeks to assess the socio-economic impact of small-scale enterprises on residence of Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa state. The objectives of this study seeks to find the type of small scale enterprises found in the study area, to examine the adequacy of small-scale enterprises in the area, examine the factors affecting and examine the impact on the environment. Relevant literature was reviewed for this study. Closed ended questionnaires were administered to 100 entrepreneurs and those working in small scale enterprises of the selected types which include pure water, tailoring, bakery, furniture making and block enterprises in which interviews were conducted with a view of obtaining additional information. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of frequencies and tables. Findings from the studies revealed that small- scale enterprises help in boosting socio-economic growth, hence, help in reducing unemployment rate, poverty etc. The activities of small-scale enterprises also have some negative impact on the environment and the residence of Numan. The study therefore recommends that, there should be an increase in the technological and equipment-based enterprises, the use of modern machineries should be adopted so also Government should continue to provide direct subsidies to small-scale enterprises operators which will help them in accessing raw materials, granting of tax moratorium etc.
UKR Journal of Economics, Business and Management (UKRJEBM), 2025
This Objective of this research is to analyse the effect of health, education, and social protect... more This Objective of this research is to analyse the effect of health, education, and social protection function expenditure on poverty levels in regencies/cities in Bengkulu Province. The study uses panel data sourced from the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bureau of Statistics, with a panel data regression approach. The selection of the estimation model shows that the random effects model is the most appropriate model. Partial estimation results show that health function expenditure has a negative and significant effect on poverty levels, while education function expenditure has a positive and significant effect. Meanwhile, social protection expenditure does not have a significant effect on poverty. Simultaneously, all three spending variables have a significant effect on poverty levels. These findings indicate that health function expenditure has been effective in reducing poverty in Bengkulu Province. Conversely, the positive effect of education function expenditure indicates the existence of inefficiencies or inaccuracies in the allocation of the education budget in the short term in terms of poverty reduction. The insignificance of social protection expenditure indicates the need to improve program design and aid distribution mechanisms. Based on these results, this study recommends increasing the allocation and effectiveness of health function expenditure, sharpening the targets of education function expenditure to improve human resource quality, and strengthening social protection programs oriented towards long-term poverty mitigation in Bengkulu Province.
UKR Journal of Education and Literature (UKRJEL), 2026
The study conducted a bibliometric analysis to map out the research landscape concerning the use ... more The study conducted a bibliometric analysis to map out the research landscape concerning the use of digital tools to support English Foreign Language (EFL) learners and teachers. The primary aim of the research was to identify various aspects of the research field from the analysis of the given set of data. To this end, 350 journal articles published between 2020 and 2026 and indexed in the Scopus database were subjected to systematic analysis. The articles were examined to ascertain the dominant themes of the research, identify the most influential authors and countries, recognize the collaboration patterns, and find the most cited publications in the area. Bibliometric data were processed with the help of VOSviewer, which made it possible to visualize the co-occurrence of keywords, co-authorship at the author and country levels, citation networks, and temporal research trends through network and overlay maps. The findings show that studies for digital instruments in a foreign language learning (EFL) setting have been thematic areas which mostly are educational technology, digital literacy, and technology-enhanced language learning-focused. The research on the co-occurrence of keywords makes it clear that the main role of technology-driven approaches is to solve pedagogical needs and learning challenges in EFL contexts. Analysis of the co-authorship at the author and country levels shows that the production of scholarly works is influenced by a small number of authors of major impact, as well as by the research networks concentrated regionally that, therefore, point to the uneven global participation of the field despite its expansion. Besides, citation analysis serves as an instrument to single out the pivotal group of publications that have been most frequently referred to and, thus, constitute the intellectual foundation of the research on digital tools in EFL education and the subsequent scholarly works. Overall, the results demonstrate that studies on digital tools in EFL education have grown at a very fast pace over the last few years, and this growth has been accompanied by the diversification of themes and by the increasing sophistication of the methodologies used. Nevertheless, the findings also reveal that there is a call for more extensive global cooperation and more significant consideration of those educational environments that are less represented. This research is essential and useful source for literature. It shows how digital tools are studied in the EFL field and how this research has changed and developed itself over time. The study also gives clear information for researchers, teacher, and decision makers are interested in technology-supported language learning.
UKR Journal of Education and Literature (UKRJEL), 2025
This article examines Teaching History in Higher Institutions of learning in the Republic of Sout... more This article examines Teaching History in Higher Institutions of learning in the Republic of South Sudan that has obtained its Independence on 9 July, 2011 from the Sudan. The objective is to investigate the already existed curriculum in the old Sudan .And why courses related to South Sudan history were less than other foreign courses like Arabic courses and even European courses. The author is trying to analyze the negative trends of the past curriculum before the achievement of the Independence of South Sudan from the North Sudan the methods used is description and explanation or mixed approaches.
History as a discipline is traditionally centered on peoples, culture countries and regions, but everything has a history that can be described and studied Teaching history implies knowledge, knowledge is truth. The truth is everywhere the same. Therefore, education should be everywhere the same The findings have indicated that ignorance of history ,you would allow yourselves to be governed by the unknown past. So if you are ignorant of science, you will never believe in hidden forces working onwards to a happier future .It concludes that history is a single discipline practiced in many professions, in many ways and through many means.
History as a discipline is traditionally centered on peoples, culture countries and regions, but everything has a history that can be described and studied Teaching history implies knowledge, knowledge is truth. The truth is everywhere the same. Therefore, education should be everywhere the same The findings have indicated that ignorance of history ,you would allow yourselves to be governed by the unknown past. So if you are ignorant of science, you will never believe in hidden forces working onwards to a happier future .It concludes that history is a single discipline practiced in many professions, in many ways and through many means.
UKR Journal of Medicine and Medical Research (UKRJMMR), 2025
Proactive use of healthcare facilities is one of the healthy habits that public health workers ar... more Proactive use of healthcare facilities is one of the healthy habits that public health workers are supposed to model as frontline providers. This study focused on the utilization of primary healthcare services among public health workers in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. Literature was reviewed under conceptual framework, theoretical framework and empirical review. This study adopted the cross-sectional research design with a population consisting of all primary health care workers in Port Harcourt in Rivers State. A sample size of 400 was selected using a systematic sampling procedure. Data was collected with a questionnaire and analyzed with percentage, mean and paired sample t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study showed that: majority 315(80.6%) had ever used primary health center for personal health needs, 284(72.6%) had on‑site PHC clinic as the first choice to visit when they are ill, and 315(80.6%) knew exactly where to go when there is need for care at PHC facility. More of the respondents (42.7%) often used the PHC for follow‑up on a chronic condition (e.g., hypertension), 160(40.9%) rarely visited the PHC for acute illnesses (e.g., fever, malaria), and 163(41.7%) rarely attended a routine check‑up or screening at the PHC. The perception of service quality by public health workers in Port Harcourt Metropolis was positive (2.77±0.92). It was concluded that, the utilization of primary healthcare services among public health workers in Port Harcourt metropolis was high. It was recommended among others that the government should monitor the cost at which the healthcare services are delivered by setting up a special monitoring team who will promptly visits the health facilities to elicit response from users on the cost of services; this will reduce the rate of exploitation by the workers.
UKR Journal of Medicine and Medical Research (UKRJMMR), 2025
Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria infection because their immune response is suppres... more Pregnant women are more susceptible to malaria infection because their immune response is suppressed by human chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) and prolactin levels which are increased during pregnancy. The purpose of this study is to examine the compliance to intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) of malaria among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Nembe local government area. The descriptive study design was adopted with a population which consisted of 398 pregnant women. The sample size was 239 which was selected using the multi-stage sampling procedure. A structured questionnaire with reliability coefficient of 0.834 was used for data collection. Analysis was done with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 using percentage, mean and chi-square at 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that more 105 (47.50%) of the respondents had average level of knowledge of sulphadoxine-pyremethamine, about three quarter 164 (74.20%) had low level of compliance with intermittent preventive treatment of malaria. Not knowing the right time for first visit to ANC was a major factor influencing compliance to IPT with a mean value of 3.57±0.49, followed by fear of reaction with a mean value of 3.31±0.46, taking medication during pregnancy causes problem had 2.88±0.59. There was no statistically significant association between level of knowledge and compliance to IPT ( = 0.4.83, df = 2, p>0.05). The study concluded that compliance to IPT among study population was poor and recommends that a more extensive campaign should be used to sensitize the pregnant women on the benefits of IPT to help increase uptake and ensure improved outcomes.
UKR Journal of Medicine and Medical Research (UKRJMMR), 2025
This study investigated the practices and outcomes of herbalist-provided maternity care in Nakase... more This study investigated the practices and outcomes of herbalist-provided maternity care in Nakaseke Town Council, Uganda. It was guided by two research questions that explored the circumstances under which traditional birth attendants (TBAs) administer local herbal medicines and the outcomes associated with their use. A qualitative research design was adopted to capture the cultural beliefs, lived experiences, and contextual realities surrounding herbal maternity care. Twelve (12) TBAs actively providing herbal remedies during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum periods were purposively selected. Data were collected through in-depth interviews using semi-structured guides and analysed thematically. Findings revealed that TBAs administer herbs based on maternal condition and stage of maternity, often to ease labour, strengthen the womb, and promote postnatal recovery. Herbal baths and oral preparations were found to enhance lactation, relieve pain, and provide spiritual protection. However, adverse outcomes such as excessive bleeding, miscarriage, and retained placenta were also acknowledged, mainly resulting from overuse or late referral to health facilities. Despite these risks, TBAs expressed strong cultural and emotional attachment to their practice, viewing it as both a spiritual duty and a source of community respect. The study concluded that while herbal medicines form an integral part of culturally grounded maternity care, their unregulated use poses potential health dangers. It recommended strengthening collaboration between TBAs and formal healthcare systems through training, supervision, and the establishment of clear safety guidelines to harmonise traditional practices with biomedical standards.
UKR Journal of Medicine and Medical Research (UKRJMMR), 2025
Poor oral hygiene during pregnancy can lead to prenatal oral conditions which may have adverse co... more Poor oral hygiene during pregnancy can lead to prenatal oral conditions which may have adverse consequences for the child. This study investigated the socio-demographic determinants of attitude towards oral hygiene among pregnant women in Rivers East Senatorial District, Rivers State. A descriptive correlational design was adopted with a population which consisted of one hundred and seven thousand nine, hundred and thirty-eight antenatal mothers (107, 938) mothers in Rivers East Senatorial District. A sample size of 880 was selected using a multistage sampling procedure. self-structured questionnaire titled “Attitude towards Oral Health Questionnaire (AtOHQ)” with a reliability index of 0.79. Data was analyzed using mean, standard deviation and Pearson Correlation 0.05 significance level with the aid of Statistical Product Service Solution version 27.0. The finding of the study showed that the attitude of pregnant women towards oral hygiene was positive (2.96±0.93). Positive attitude was more among those aged 40-49 years (X ̅ = 2.98±0.92), those tertiary education (X ̅ = 3.05±0.86), Christians (X ̅ = 3.01±0.92), and 1-3 children (X ̅ = 2.97±0.92). Statistically significant relationship was found between attitude towards oral hygiene and education (n = 821, r = 0.25, p = 0.00), religious affiliation (n = 821, r = 0.37, p = 0.00), and parity (n = 821, r = 0.15, p = 0.00). It is concluded that the socio-demographic determinants of both attitude and practices of oral hygiene among pregnant women in Rivers East Senatorial District were: age of women, educational status, religious affiliation and parity. Generally, the practice of oral hygiene was good. Thus, the study recommended that, the Government and health workers should re-emphasize on the seriousness and dangers associated with poor oral health to influence the attitude of the women towards oral hygiene.
UKR Journal of Economics, Business and Management (UKRJEBM), 2025
This study evaluated the relationship between fiscal policy maneuvers and economic growth in Nige... more This study evaluated the relationship between fiscal policy maneuvers and economic growth in Nigeria from 1986 to 2022. Secondary data was sourced from the central bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin. Gross domestic product served as proxy for economic growth while federal government capital expenditure, federal government recurrent expenditure, federal government domestic debt, federal government foreign debt and federal government tax revenue proxy fiscal policy. The study employs unit root test and ARDL method to co-integrate, long run form and bound test, ARDL error correction regression, Granger Causality tests, the results revealed the stationarity of the model in level and 1st dif. the ARDL short run test showed a significant but negative relationship between government domestic debt and economic growth while government recurrent expenditure displayed to be positively significant with economic growth, long run form and bound test result showed the existence of co-integration, error correction regressions coefficient as well as the significant probability revealed the adjustment of the variable towards long run equilibrium to be -0.068548. We concluded that fiscal policy will propel economic growth and recommended that the concerned authority should set a moderate taxation, increase in its recurrent expenditure, effectively and efficiently channel the proceeds from domestic and foreign debts into capital projects as capital expenditure by majorly establishing domestic manufacturing industries which will create employments, increase productions and lead to economic growth in the long run in Nigeria.
UKR Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (UKRJAHSS), 2026
This paper examines the psychological and social effects of public disgrace in Nathaniel Hawthorn... more This paper examines the psychological and social effects of public disgrace in Nathaniel Hawthorne's “The Scarlet Letter" and modern society. Through a qualitative literary analysis, it explores how shame and isolation impact the novel's main characters, applying Erikson's psychosocial development theory, Goffman's stigma theory, and Foucault's discipline and punishment theory. The current study investigates shame's dual role as a destructive force and transformative factor in human relationships, drawing parallels between Puritan-era shaming practices and contemporary digital shaming. By combining historical literary analysis with modern social issues, this research offers new insights in the influence shame on human conduct, cultural norms, and personal self-perception across different social periods and cultural settings. The findings reveal the enduring relevance of Hawthorne's work in understanding the complexities of public humiliation and its lasting effects on individuals and society. Future studies could expand the exploration cross-cultural variations in the experience and expression of shame across historical and digital contexts.
UKR Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (UKRJAHSS), 2025
This study examines the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) as an instrument of sustainable peac... more This study examines the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) as an instrument of sustainable peacebuilding in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. The main aim is to evaluate the programme’s achievements, contradictions, and long-term prospects. The specific objectives are to examine PAP’s contributions to peace, rehabilitation, and socio-economic reintegration; to identify governance challenges and structural limitations; and to explore policy options for transforming the programme into a more inclusive, development-oriented framework. The study is anchored on Human Needs Theory as articulated by John Burton (1979, 1990), which holds that unmet basic needs such as security, recognition, and participation drive recurrent conflict and that sustainable peace requires addressing those needs. Using a descriptive research design, the study draws on secondary data from government reports, academic literature, policy papers, international organization publications, and credible media sources. Thematic content analysis was employed to identify patterns related to disarmament outcomes, reintegration, governance, and structural constraints. Findings show that PAP succeeded in reducing large-scale militancy and restoring stability, but its long-term impact is weakened by weak governance, elite capture, reliance on stipends, and persistent environmental and economic deficits. The study concludes that PAP must evolve from short-term pacification to development-led peacebuilding. Recommended actions are integration of PAP into a unified regional development framework, prioritizing entrepreneurship and access to microcredit for reintegrated youths, and instituting transparent beneficiary management with independent audits and participatory monitoring.
UKR Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (UKRJAHSS), 2025
In recent years, platforms like Twitter (now X), Facebook, and WhatsApp have reshaped civic engag... more In recent years, platforms like Twitter (now X), Facebook, and WhatsApp have reshaped civic engagement by enabling real-time communication, agenda-setting, and increased citizen participation in governance. It is on this premise that this study investigated the impact of social media on public policy formulation and implementation in Nigeria, focusing on its opportunities and challenges for participatory governance. Adopting the Agenda Setting Theory, originally developed by McCombs and Shaw (1972), the study employed a qualitative research design, relying on secondary sources such as scholarly literature, government reports, and digital media content. Data were analysed thematically to uncover patterns in the use of social media for policy influence. Findings revealed that social media has become a crucial space for civic activism, policy feedback, and digital accountability. It has facilitated movements such as #EndSARS, improved transparency in budget tracking, and enhanced government-citizen communication during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the study also identified critical challenges including misinformation, online manipulation, limited digital access, and heavy-handed regulatory responses, all of which hinder the full integration of social media into the policy process. The study concluded that while social media holds significant potential to democratize public policymaking in Nigeria, its impact remains constrained by structural, technological, and political barriers. The study made recommendations that: media literacy education should be scaled up nationwide; inclusive digital infrastructure should be prioritized; regulatory frameworks must balance control with digital rights; and public agencies should institutionalize social media as a formal feedback and engagement tool for policy development.
UKR Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (UKRJAHSS), 2026
This study examines Nigeria’s geoeconomic statecraft within the context of a multipolar world, fo... more This study examines Nigeria’s geoeconomic statecraft within the context of a multipolar world, focusing on the tension between strategic autonomy and structural dependency in its external economic relations. The objectives are to analyse how Nigeria’s external engagements reflect the dynamics of autonomy or dependency; examine the institutional and policy frameworks guiding its geoeconomic strategy; and assess the implications of its current posture for long-term development, foreign policy independence, and regional leadership. Guided by the Theory of Geoeconomics popularized by Edward N. Luttwak (1990), the study explores how economic instruments have replaced military power as tools of statecraft in shaping national influence. The study employs a qualitative research design, relying entirely on secondary data from government publications, academic literature, policy documents, and international reports. Data are analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns in Nigeria’s external economic behaviour and institutional responses to global economic shifts. Findings reveal that Nigeria’s external economic relations are characterised by a persistent tension between strategic ambition and structural dependency. While policy frameworks such as the NIRP, ERGP, and National Development Plan articulate aspirations for economic sovereignty, weak institutional capacity and macroeconomic instability continue to constrain progress. The study further finds that Nigeria’s dependence on oil exports, external borrowing, and import reliance undermines its long-term development, foreign policy independence, and regional leadership. The study concludes that Nigeria’s geoeconomic ambition remains constrained by structural vulnerabilities and institutional inefficiencies. Achieving genuine strategic autonomy requires sustained diversification, institutional strengthening, and coherent alignment between foreign economic policy and domestic resilience. It recommends that government deepen industrial diversification, reform institutional frameworks for efficiency and transparency, and recalibrate foreign economic partnerships to promote balanced and sustainable growth.
UKR Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (UKRJMS), 2026
This study examined Commercial Banks and Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Im... more This study examined Commercial Banks and Performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Imo State, Nigeria. The aim was to evaluate how commercial bank financing has influenced small-scale entrepreneurial development in Imo State using statistical analysis. The study used quantitative, ex post facto research design relying on secondary data. Data were sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin, World Bank Data Base and the owner of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The study had commercial banks total loans and advances granted to SMEs in Imo State as independent variable while SME Contribution to Imo State GDP (%), SME Employment Generation (%) and SME Firm Survival Rate (%) were used as dependent variables. Descriptive Statistics, Pearson Correlation Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis were used as data analysis methods. Descriptive analysis revealed that while bank lending to SMEs grew in absolute terms from ₦45.2 billion in 2014 to ₦70.2 billion in 2023, it remained less than 0.3% of total private-sector credit, highlighting a marginal share. Correlation and regression results confirmed that bank financing has a strong positive effect on SME contribution to GDP and a moderate effect on employment, but a weak and statistically insignificant effect on firm survival. This implies that while financing enhances SME growth and job creation, sustainability depends on broader factors such as infrastructure, inflation, and managerial skills. The study therefore concludes that financing is necessary but not sufficient for sustainable SME development, which requires a combination of credit access, supportive policies, and institutional capacity-building. The study recommend that Commercial banks should increase the share of credit allocated to SMEs and design flexible loan products tailored to their needs, while government should strengthen intervention funds and credit guarantee schemes to reduce bank risks.