INT’L JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, MANAGEMENT SCIENCES AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
International Journal of Education, Management Sciences and Professional Studies is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research and scholarly articles in education, management, and professional development. It aims to foster interdisciplinary insights and practical innovations across academic and professional fields.
Institute of Education, Management and Professional Studies
COMMUNITY-BASED VIGILANTISM AND GRASSROOTS SECURITY: ASSESSING INFORMAL SECURITY STRUCTURES IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
Vigilante groups have become central actors in grassroots security provision across Nigeria, particularly in regions where limited state capacity and rising insecurity create governance vacuums. This study examines the structure, effectiveness, and governance of community-based vigilantism in Enugu State, drawing on a mixed-methods design that integrates household surveys (N = 408) with twelve key informant interviews involving vigilante leaders, traditional authorities, market representatives, and police officers. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted using SPSS, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. Findings indicate that vigilante groups play a critical role in crime prevention through night patrols, intelligence gathering, and rapid community response, with effectiveness perceived highest in rural areas where formal policing is weakest. Community trust in vigilante actors was moderately high and strongly correlated with perceived operational performance, though concerns about human rights violations and political interference persist. Collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force was found to be informal, inconsistent, and hindered by legal ambiguities and limited training. Operational challenges—including inadequate equipment, insufficient funding, and exposure to high-risk situations—further constrain effectiveness. The study concludes that while vigilante groups are indispensable to local security architecture, their long-term legitimacy and contribution to safety depend on structured regulation, standardized training, improved oversight, and formalized collaboration with state security institutions. Policy recommendations include establishing a comprehensive legal framework, enhancing material support, integrating vigilantes into community policing initiatives, and strengthening community-based accountability mechanisms. The study contributes to contemporary debates on hybrid security systems and offers empirical insights relevant for security sector reform in Nigeria and comparable contexts.
Community-based security; Vigilantism; Hybrid security governance; Informal policing; Nigeria Police Force; Security pluralism; Human rights; Enugu State
Copyright (c) 2026 INT’L JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, MANAGEMENT SCIENCES AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS IN IMO STATE SCHOOLS
This paper examines strategies for managing organizational conflicts in Imo State secondary schools, Nigeria. The paper defines organization, conflicts, organizational conflicts, views school as an organization. It discusses conflicts from traditional, behavioral, and integrationist perspective, identifying organizational conflicts as a major challenge hindering effective administration and academic performance. Causes and effects of conflicts are examined, and strategies for managing conflicts (avoidance, smoothing, compromise, collaboration) are proposed. The paper suggests, that school heads/ managers as administrators of schools should have adequate knowledge to handle conflicts causes and choose appropriate strategies. A proactive approach to conflict management is recommended, emphasizing school management understands of suitable strategies for conflict situations.
Organization, conflicts, schools, organizational conflicts, and schools as an organization.
EFFECTS OF COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION ON SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT’S LEARNING OUTCOMES IN CHEMISTRY IN EKITI STATE
The study analysed the effects of Computer Assisted Instruction on Senior Secondary Schools performance in Chemistry in Ekiti State. A quasi- experimental design was used for the study. The population for this study comprised of all public senior secondary school students offering chemistry in Ekiti State. The sample for this study was 20 Chemistry students. 1 instrument were used for the study which student’s performance in chemistry towards Chemistry. The formulated hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics and t-test. The findings of the study revealed there is significant difference in the performance mean scores of students in experimental and control groups after treatment. There is no significant difference in the post-test mean scores of male and female students in the experimental group. There is no significant difference in the pre-test mean scores of students in experimental and control groups. Hence, based on the findings, appropriate recommendations were made.
APPLICATION OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCHOOL FUNDS: A PATHWAY TO ACHIEVING EDUCATIONAL GOALS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN NIGERIA
The paper examined application of professional ethics in the management of school funds: A pathway to achieving educational goals in secondary schools in Nigeria. Ethics is basically concerned with rightness and goodness that are cultivated to attain predetermined goals. Ethics shapes the life of all individuals in the society which enables the individual to understand why certain actions deserve blame and others praise. Therefore, professional ethics are conducts that are exhibited while carrying out professional duties. The application of professional ethics lead to an effective management. The study reviewed the concept of effective accountability, discipline, confidentiality and effective record keeping as professional ethics in the management of school funds for effective realization of educational goals. From the discussions of this paper, it was revealed and concluded that the application of professional ethics ensures the achievement of secondary education goals for optimum national development. The paper went a step end to suggest that administrators of secondary schools should often cultivate the spirit of accountability in the management of school funds for effective realization of the goals of education.
Professional Ethics, Fund, Accountability, Discipline, Confidentiality, Record Keeping.
HARNESSING VIRTUAL LABORATORIES FOR EFFECTIVE CHEMISTRY TEACHING IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: ISSUES AND PROSPECTS
Practical laboratory activities are fundamental to effective chemistry education; however, many Nigerian secondary schools face persistent challenges related to inadequate laboratory facilities, high costs of consumables, safety concerns, and limited instructional time. These constraints have contributed to students’ persistent underachievement in chemistry, particularly in practical examinations. This position paper critically examines the challenges and prospects of integrating virtual laboratories into chemistry teaching in Nigerian secondary schools. Drawing on empirical studies, national examination reports, and policy documents, the paper identifies key barriers to adoption, including weak ICT infrastructure, insufficient teacher digital competence, high initial implementation costs, curriculum misalignment, and unequal access to digital resources. Despite these challenges, virtual laboratories present significant opportunities for improving student engagement, enhancing conceptual understanding, promoting safe and cost-effective experimentation, and expanding access to practical learning experiences. The paper argues that virtual laboratories should be adopted as complementary instructional media rather than substitutes for physical laboratories. Strategic recommendations are proposed, including targeted government investment, systematic teacher professional development, curriculum integration, public–private partnerships, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. The paper concludes that the thoughtful integration of virtual laboratories can help bridge existing gaps in chemistry education and support more equitable and effective science learning across Nigerian secondary schools.
Virtual Laboratories, Chemistry, Students, Practical, Secondary Schools, Instructional Media, ICT Integration, Nigeria
EFFECTIVENESS OF ICT-DRIVEN GRADING SYSTEMS AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS COMPLIANCE AMONG LECTURERS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN RIVERS STATE.
This study examines the effectiveness of ICT-driven grading systems and professional ethics compliance among lecturers in public universities in Rivers State, Nigeria. As Nigerian higher education increasingly adopts digital assessment tools, concerns persist regarding their impact on grading accuracy, transparency, and ethical standards. The study adopted a descriptive survey design involving lecturers from three public universities University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including Pearson correlation and regression analysis. The findings indicate that ICT-driven grading systems significantly enhance efficiency, accountability, and fairness while fostering stronger adherence to professional ethics such as impartiality, confidentiality, and integrity in assessment. Key challenges include limited technical training, inconsistent institutional policies, and infrastructural constraints. The study provides empirical evidence to support policy development, capacity building, and the ethical integration of ICT in educational evaluation.
ICT-driven grading, digital assessment, lecturers’ professional ethics, public universities, Rivers State.
IMPROVING BASES OF JOB SATISFACTION AMONG EMPLOYEES OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS THROUGH EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP: NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROSPECT.
Bases of job satisfaction among employees of tertiary institutions are improved through effective leadership. The paper examined various bases of job satisfaction among employees as physiological or physical, employee relations, economic, effective communication or employee voice, psychological and the social bases. In improving the various bases of job satisfaction, the paper stated the strategies adopted by effective leaders which include assigned tasks should be based on areas of specialization, informal structures should be encouraged, reward for hard work and development opportunities, pay, working conditions, job security among others. The paper suggested among others that those who emerge as leaders of tertiary institutions should be visionary, creative, flexible, motivational and participative in order to secure the commitment their subordinates; private tertiary institutions should key into adopting effective leadership for the improvement of employee job satisfaction in their domains, salaries and other fringe benefits should be improved or reviewed upward and paid at the appropriate time by the government and institutional leadership for improved commitment of employees in the goals of tertiary institutions.
Improving, Bases, Job, Satisfaction, Among, Employees, Tertiary, Institutions, Through and Effective leadership.
SUPERVISORS’ ETHICAL CONDUCT AND POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS’ RESEARCH COMPLETION RATE IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN RIVERS STATE
This study examined the relationship between supervisors’ ethical conduct and postgraduate students’ research completion rates in Public Universities in Rivers State. Specifically, it focused on supervisors’ adherence to fairness, transparency, and accountability as key determinants of students’ academic progress. Guided by two research questions and two null hypotheses, the study adopted a correlational research design to establish the nature and extent of the relationship. The population consisted of 11,656 respondents, including 3,356 lecturers and 8,300 postgraduate students from the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. Using Taro Yamane’s formula, a sample of 387 respondents (111 lecturers and 276 postgraduate students) was proportionately drawn. Data were collected through two validated instruments, Supervisors’ Ethical Conduct Questionnaire (SECQ) and Postgraduate Students’ Research Completion Rate Questionnaire (PSRCRPUQ), with reliability coefficients of 0.80 and 0.81, confirming strong internal consistency. Data analysis involved Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, while hypotheses were tested using t-transformation at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between supervisors’ adherence to fairness, transparency and accountability and postgraduate students’ research completion rates. It was recommended that universities implement comprehensive ethics training programs emphasizing fairness, transparency and accountability to promote ethical supervision practices and improve postgraduate research completion rates in Rivers State.
Supervisors’ Ethical Conduct, Fairness, Transparency, Accountability, Research Completion
BALANCING AUTHORITY AND MENTORSHIP: AN ETHICAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUPERVISOR-SUPERVISEE RELATIONSHIP IN ACADEMIC SETTINGS
This article provided a comprehensive exploration of the ethical dimensions of the supervisor-supervisee relationship in academic settings. It deived into the literature on authority and mentorship, identifies core ethical principles, and proposes a detailed framework for navigating the complexities of these relationships. The article discusses potential breaches of ethical principles, outlines codes of conduct for both supervisors and supervisees, addresses challenges in these relationships, and offers recommendations for effective management. The benefits of this framework for all stakeholders—supervisors, supervisees, and institutionsare thoroughly examined. By providing a robust ethical framework, this article aims to enhance the quality and integrity of academic supervision, fostering a supportive and productive environment for all involved.
Authority, Breaches, Code of Conduct, Ethics, Supervisor, Supervisee,
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH SECTOR IN RIVERS STATE
This study investigated how conflict management techniques, specifically communication and negotiation influence organizational performance in public health institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria. A correlational research design was used, and 386 health workers were sampled through stratified random sampling across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire, with 320 questionnaires retrieved an analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient at a 0.05 significance level. The findings revealed a very strong and significant relationship between communication and teamwork (r = 0.998; p < 0.05), as well as a moderate and significant relationship between communication and organizational efficiency (r = 0.529; p < 0.05). The study also found a very strong and significant relationship between negotiation and teamwork (r = 0.954; p < 0.05), alongside a moderate but significant relationship between negotiation and organizational efficiency (r = 0.585; p < 0.05). The study concludes that conflict management techniques are critical to strengthening collaboration, improving service delivery, and enhancing operational outcomes in the public health sector. It recommends strengthening communication systems, institutionalizing negotiation training, promoting participatory decision-making.
Conflict Management Techniques, Organizational Performance, Public Health Sector
CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD TO EFFECTIVE UTILIZATION OF FISCAL RESOURCES IN EDUCATION
The paper discussed the challenges and way forward to effective utilization of fiscal resources in education sector. Fiscal resources are all forms of financial resources that are available for the running of education. With the realization that fiscal resources are very vital in education and are not enough to accomplish all goals, it is necessary that the resources available are efficiently managed for optimum achievements of educational goals and objectives. The paper identified some challenges to effective utilization among others include, lack of detailed budget plan, lack of skilled and qualified manpower, insufficient fiscal resources and lack of administrative skills. The paper concludes that the important of fiscal resources in education cannot be overemphasized therefore, there should be proper managements of funds for effective utilization in the accomplishment of educational goals. Possible suggestions made includes appropriate employment of skilled staff, training and re-training of staffs and discovering more sources of funds.
Fiscal Resources, Effective Utilization, Educational Management.
CAPACITY BUILDING AND PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN STRENGTHENING EDUCATIONAL SUPERVISION PRACTICES
This study investigates the role of capacity building and professional ethics in strengthening educational supervision practices in Nigerian public secondary schools. The study adopts a descriptive survey design involving 190 respondents selected through a multistage sampling technique across Lagos State’s education districts. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire titled Capacity Building, Professional Ethics, and Educational Supervision Practices Questionnaire (CBPESPQ) and analyzed with SPSS version 23.0 using Pearson correlation and multiple regression. Findings revealed a strong positive relationship between capacity building and supervision practices (r = 0.682, p < 0.05), as well as between professional ethics and supervision practices (r = 0.713, p < 0.05). Jointly, both variables accounted for 63% of the variance in supervision effectiveness (R² = 0.63, p < 0.05). The results align with Human Capital Theory (Becker, 1964), which emphasizes investment in human development, and Transformational Leadership Theory (Bass, 1985), which highlights the role of ethical and visionary leadership in organizational growth. The study concludes that integrating capacity building and professional ethics enhances supervisory competence, teacher performance, and institutional accountability. It recommends systematic training and ethical reinforcement to sustain high-quality supervision in Nigeria's educational sector.
Capacity Building, Professional Ethics, Educational Supervision, Teacher Performance
EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF MUSIC-BASED INSTRUCTION ON STUDENTS’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS SOCIAL STUDIES
Music has long been recognized as a powerful pedagogical tool capable of enhancing students’ emotional engagement and fostering a positive attitude towards learning. Its rhythmic and expressive qualities can transform classroom experiences. Despite its established relevance across educational contexts, few empirical studies have investigated the effect of music-based instruction on students’ attitudes towards Social Studies—a subject central to national development and citizenship education. Hence, this study aims to fill that gap by investigating how the use of music-based instruction as a teaching method influences students’ attitudes towards Social Studies. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted, involving 188 junior secondary school students studying Social Studies. The experimental group was taught using a music-based instructional method, while the control group received instruction through the conventional lecture method. Data were collected using the Attitudinal Scale Questionnaire for Social Studies Students (ASQSSS), which was validated by experts in educational research and Social Studies pedagogy. The instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.75. Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed a significant difference in the attitudes of students taught using music-based instruction compared to those taught using the conventional lecture method, in favour of the music group [F(1,185) = 43.49; p < 0.05]. However, no significant difference was found between the attitudes of male and female students exposed to the music-based instruction [F(1,95) = 1.33; p > 0.05]. The study concludes that music-based instruction can be effectively employed to enhance students’ attitudes towards Social Studies.
Music-based Instruction, Attitude, Junior Secondary school, Social studies
IMPACT OF INFRASTRUCTURAL FINANCE ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA 2015-2020
This research study investigates the impact of Infrastructural Finance on Economic Growth and Development of Nigeria from 2000-2020. The objectives of the study include the following; to evaluate infrastructural financing strategies and its effect on the growth and development of Nigeria’s economy, examine if there is a relationship between infrastructural financing and economic growth in Nigeria. The data for the study were extracted from CBN statistical bulletins. The multiple regression analysis was employed in this study. The results of the multiple regression analysis show that there is no significant contribution of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in achieving economic growth and development in Nigeria, and that government capital expenditure has a significant effect on economic growth and development in Nigeria. The result of the study also revealed that public-private initiative has not brought about any significant funding and maintenance of infrastructure in Nigeria. Based on the findings, we recommended that for PPP to work in the provision of infrastructure in Nigeria, there is need for enabling laws to be domesticated in each state of the federation for uniformity of administration and purpose, a robust transparent evaluation mechanism should be provided to ensure a smooth running of PPP programme. Furthermore, partisanship and nepotism must be avoided by our political leaders, especially when it comes to infrastructural financing.
Infrastructural, Finance, Economic, Growth, Development
Copyright (c) 2025 INT’L JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, MANAGEMENT SCIENCES AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
CO-OPERATIVE LEARNING STRATEGY AND SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN ECONOMICS IN OBIO/AKPOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA
The study centered on Co-operative Learning Strategy and Senior Secondary School Students’ Performance in Economics in Obio/Akpor Local Government. Two objectives, two research questions and two null hypotheses guided this study. The work utilized randomized pre-test and posttest quasi- experimental design to obtain data. The population consist of 6,134 senior secondary two Economics students in 20 public senior secondary schools. Three schools were selected using purposive sampling while three intact classes were randomly selected through randomized sampling technique. All the students in the intact classes formed the sample size 302. Evaluation instrument tagged EPTBTEA were utilized to obtain data. Test-retest technique was utilized to establish a reliability coefficient of 0.75 through PPMC. Mean and standard deviations were used to evaluate data from respondents, while ANCOVA was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results exposed that students taught with jigsaw 1 performed better than those not given the treatment. When gender was exposed to the treatment also revealed that male student performed better than their female counterpart. In light of the findings the study recommends that Instructors must receive on the use of cooperative learning strategies particularly jigsaw 1 in teaching concepts in Economics.
Cooperative Learning Strategy, Economics, Secondary School, Student’s Performance
Copyright (c) 2025 INT’L JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, MANAGEMENT SCIENCES AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
TEACHING AND LEARNING SWIMMING WITHOUT WATER: A CASE OF NIGERIAN NEW CURRICULUM REFORM
The recent overhaul of Nigeria's national curriculum for basic and senior secondary education implemented in the 2025/2026 academic year aims to modernize education by streamlining subjects and mandating practical, high-demand skills such as Solar PV Installation and Digital Technologies. This paper, written from the perspective of Instructional Technology argues that the ambition of the reform is fundamentally undermined by a catastrophic misalignment between design and capacity, conceptualized as Teaching and Learning Swimming without Water. Utilizing the ADDIE model, the analysis identifies a critical failure in the Analysis phase, which ignored severe, quantifiable systemic deficits: an inadequate national teacher-pupil ratio of more than (1:35) and a pervasive lack of specialized infrastructure and equipment. This capacity gap forces instructional delivery to default to theoretical learning, negating the practical skill objectives. To bridge this divide, the paper proposes strategic remediation through Instructional Technology, including the deployment of Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) and simulation software to substitute for absent physical laboratories, and the use of technology-aided structured pedagogy for scalable teacher professional development. Ultimate success hinges on adopting a phased, data-driven implementation model that respects real-world capacity constraints.
Teaching, Learning, Swimming Without Water, Curriculum Reform, Nigerian Education
PRINCIPALS’ FINANCIAL RECORD KEEPING PRACTICES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL IN BAYELSA STATE
The study was designed to investigate the principals’ financial record keeping practices for administration of secondary school in Bayelsa State. One specific purpose, research question and hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Three thousand, nine hundred and fifty (3950) staff of secondary schools in Bayelsa State; comprising of one hundred and eighty-eight (188) principals and three thousand seven hundred and sixty-two (3762) teachers in the one hundred and eighty- eight (188) government owned secondary schools in Bayelsa State constituted the target population. The simple random sampling technique through balloting with replacement was used to select five (5) education zones out of the nine (9) education zones in the state. The result yielded a reliability index of 0.6347. Data were collected with the help of three research assistants. Mean () score and Standard Deviation (SD) were used to answer the research questions while t-test of difference was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that the tcalculated value of 2.94 is greater than the t-critical value of 1.960 (2.94>1.96). This result implies that the hypothesis is rejected. The alternative hypothesis is therefore uphold; implying that there is a significant difference in the mean ratings of respondents in urban and rural areas on principals’ financial record keeping practices for administration of secondary schools in Bayelsa State.
Administration, Bayelsa State, Financial Record Keeping, Principals, Secondary Schools
Copyright (c) 2025 Journals INT’L JOURNAL OF EDUCATION, MANAGEMENT SCIENCES AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES AND ORGANISATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR FIRM PERFORMANCE.
This study examined dynamic capabilities and organisational environment and its implications for firm performance. The objective of the study is to investigate whether dynamic capabilities of firm can gain overall performance. Given the rapidly changes of the business environment, that ranges from technological advancement, competitive pressure, regulatory changes, and economic fluctuations that makes the environment unstable. The study significantly provides business operators with an insight on how to continuously monitor its environment, seize opportunities, and configuring their internal resources to gain competitive advantage. The study examined the concept of dynamic capabilities, its dimensions, organisational environment, and dynamic capabilities and the implications for firm performance. It also discussed some of the early approaches deployed by organizations in tackling the overwhelming challenges of the business environment such as the SWOT analysis, Porters five forces of firms competitiveness and Barney’s resource-based view and discovered that these models in tackling the challenges may be old but not obsolete. The study concluded that dynamic capabilities of firm’s influences performance and are the appropriate framework for addressing the dynamism in the organisational environment, hence, firms should learn how to develop their dynamic capabilities as well as their operational capabilities to gain competitive advantage in the future.
Dynamic capabilities, Organisational environment, Firm, Performance, Rapid changes.
SOCIAL STUDIES IMPLEMENTATION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES IN THE 21ST CENTURY
This paper examines the role of Social Studies implementation in driving National Development Processes (NDP), in the 21st century. NDP encompasses a multifaceted approach, integrating economic growth, social welfare and human capital development to achieve sustainable progress. The paper highlights the significance of Social Studies in fostering informed citizenship, promoting cultural awareness, and developing critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. It discusses the challenges hindering effective Social Studies implementation, including inadequate resources, poor teacher training, and insufficient policy support. Best practices for implementation are also explored, emphasizing innovative approaches, community engagement and stakeholder collaboration. The paper underscores the importance of Social Studies in addressing pressing national concerns, such as sustainable development, global citizenship, and poverty reduction. By cultivating critical thinking, cultural awareness, and civic engagement, Social Studies can empower citizens to contribute to national development. The paper concludes that that Social Studies is crucial for achieving national development goals and recommends making it a core subject across all educational levels. Policymakers are urged to enact supportive policies, ensure effective implementation, and monitor progress. By prioritizing Social Studies, Nigeria can equip citizens with the knowledge, skills and values necessary for sustainable national development that is inclusive.
National Development processes, social studies implementation, 21st century, Government, Nigeria
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN THE EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION OF UNIVERSITIES
This paper explored conflict management strategies essential for the effective administration of universities. Over the years, universities have faced persistent crises involving conflicts between academic staff and administrators, students and lecturers, students and university authorities, as well as non-academic staff and management. These conflicts have fostered distrust, hostility, and inefficiency, undermining smooth institutional operation. The paper emphasized that effective conflict management depends on understanding and addressing the needs and interests of all parties involved, ensuring mutual satisfaction with outcomes. It highlighted the various types and causes of conflicts in university settings, noting that unresolved disputes often hinder progress and disrupt academic activities. Furthermore, the study identified different strategies for managing such conflicts, emphasizing the need for proactive, flexible, and context-based approaches. The paper concluded that conflict management is vital to achieving educational goals and maintaining industrial harmony. It was therefore suggested among others that; university administrators should identify the actual causes and nature of the conflict among the staff before implementing management strategies. Relying on a single approach is discouraged; instead, administrators should apply a combination of strategies suited to each situation. Ultimately, effective conflict resolution fosters cooperation, enhances productivity, and strengthens the overall administration of higher education institutions.
Conflict Management, Effective Administration, Institutional Harmony, Organizational Effectiveness, University Administration.
Supervisors’ Ethical Conduct, Fairness, Transparency, Accountability, Research Completion.
PROFESSIONAL ETHICS IN THE FUNDING OF SECONDARY EDUCATION: A STRATEGY FOR EFFECTIVE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION IN PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS, RIVERS STATE
This study explores professional ethics in the funding of the education sector as a solution for effective secondary school administration in Port Harcourt Metropolis. It highlights how ethical considerations in the allocation and management of educational funds influence administrative efficiency and overall school performance. The study recognizes that while funding remains a critical determinant of educational success, the manner in which these funds are sourced, allocated, and utilized is equally important. Issues such as mismanagement of funds, political interference, poor accountability, and lack of transparency often undermine the objectives of educational financing. These ethical lapses result in inadequate infrastructure, poor teacher motivation, and widening inequalities among schools. Conversely, when funding practices are guided by professional ethics characterized by integrity, accountability, transparency, and fairness, secondary school administration becomes more effective. The study concludes that professional ethics should be central to all aspects of educational funding to ensure that financial resources achieve their intended developmental impact. It therefore recommends that the Rivers State Government, educational administrators, and other stakeholders adopt ethical frameworks in financial decision-making, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and promote accountability in the use of educational funds.
Professional Ethics, Educational Funding, Accountability, Secondary School Administration, Port Harcourt Metropolis
FOSTERING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION THROUGH PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND ETHICAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE PORT HARCOURT METROPOLIS
This paper explores the connection between professional conduct, ethical management practices, and the promotion of inclusive education in schools within the Port Harcourt Metropolis. Inclusive education seeks to provide equitable learning opportunities for all learners, regardless of ability, socio-economic background, or cultural difference. The study argues that professional and ethical behavior among teachers and administrators serves as the foundation for effective inclusion. Drawing an insight from educational management and ethics literature, the paper highlights how teacher professionalism, ethical decision-making, and transparent school governance aids in enhancing students’ participation, well-being, and academic achievement. It concludes that sustained professional development and value-driven leadership are essential to strengthening inclusive education in Port Harcourt schools.
Inclusive Education, Professional conduct, Ethical management, Teacher ethics, educational management, Port Harcourt Metropolis
PRINCIPALS’ BUDGET PREPARATION PRACTICES FOR ADMINISTRATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL IN BAYELSA STATE
This study investigated principals’ budget preparation practices for administration of secondary schools in Bayelsa State. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Three thousand, nine hundred and fifty (3950) staff of secondary schools in Bayelsa State; comprising of one hundred and eighty-eight (188) principals and three thousand seven hundred and sixty-two (3762) teachers in the one hundred and eighty- eight (188) government owned secondary schools in Bayelsa State constituted the target population. The simple random sampling technique through balloting with replacement was used to select five (5) education zones out of the nine (9) education zones in the state. The result yielded a reliability index of 0.8537. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire. The data was collected with the help of three research assistants. The mean score and standard deviation were used to answer the research question while the t-test was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Hence, seven hundred and Ninety (790) respondents constituted the sample size. The result of the data analysis showed that based on the result in table 1, the t-calculated value of 2.94 is greater than the t-critical value of 1.960 (2.94>1.96). This result implies that the H0 is rejected. The alternative hypothesis is therefore upheld; implying that there is a significant difference in the mean ratings of respondents in urban and rural areas on principals’ budget preparation practices for administration of secondary schools in Bayelsa State. It was recommended that principals should not prepare nidgets singlehandedly but should involve their subordinate in budget making.
Bayelsa State, Budget Preparation, Principals, Secondary Schools, Urbna-Rural Differences.
PROMOTING ETHICAL COMPLIANCE FOR IMPROVED VISIBILITY OF LECTURERS’ RESEARCH OUTPUTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN RIVERS STATE
The study focused on the promotion of ethical compliance for improved visibility of lecturers’ research outputs in public Universities in Rivers State. Three research questions were answered and three hypotheses tested in the study. The design engaged in the study was descriptive survey. The population of the study was a total of 2,784 academic staff of the three public Universities in Rivers State while 351 staff consisting of 214 males and 137 females were sampled using stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used for data gathering was a 15-item questionnaire named “Promoting Ethical Compliance for Improved Visibility of Lecturers Research Outputs Questionnaire” (PECIVLROQ) and the instrument was face and content validated by three experts in Educational Management at University of Port Harcourt while the reliability was estimated as 0.89 using Cronbach Alpha statistics. Out of the 351 copies of questionnaire administered, 342 copies from 209 males and 133 females which represented 97.4% were retrieved and used for analysis. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were tested using z-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings from the study showed that the lecturers were mostly aware that they must cite all the sources they used in their research and this followed by the fact that they possessed a good understanding of the concept of plagiarism. The most strongly agreed-upon implications or direct consequences of unethical practices were rejection of research publication and the risk that a lecturer’s publication will be withdrawn. The most prominent factors hindering ethical compliance were the pressure to publish as a requisite for career advancement and insufficient training of lecturers on ethical issues. The study recommended that the publish or perish phenomenon in universities should be replaced with a performance-based promotion system which will limit unethical practices among lecturers.
Ethical Compliance, Visibility, Research Output, Lecturers, Universities
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR HIGHER INSTITUTIONS THROUGH ETHICAL AND VALUES EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
This paper explores the strategies and challenges of integrating ethics and values education into the management and administration of higher education institutions in Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study is made up of all the academic staff and Degree learners of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education (AIFUE) which stood at 3640. This study adopted the purposive sampling technique in selecting 360 respondents comprising of 80 Lecturers and 280 final year Degree Learners to whom the researcher-made questionnaire was administered. The instrument titled: Strategies of Managing Higher Education through Ethical and Values Education for Re-engineering Sustainability (SMHEEVERS) is 4 point likert structured rating scale which was validated for content and face validity by 3 experts. The questionnaire which recorded a reliability coefficient of 0.86 was administered face to face to the 360 respondents by a researcher assistant who also retrieved same. The data collected were analysed with mean and standard deviation and the null hypotheses were tested using the z-test statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The research concluded that Policy Reforms and Ethical Governance, Leadership by Example, Curriculum Development and Integration of Ethics, Stakeholder Engagement and Value Re-orientation Campaigns are the management strategies while Corruption and Examination Malpractice, leadership deficits and poor governance, Erosion of Moral Standards among Students and Staff and Curriculum Limitations forms the Challenges of managing in Higher Education through Ethical and Values Education for Re-engineering sustainability and recommended that effective management of higher education must extend beyond the delivery of academic knowledge to the intentional inculcation of ethical values in students, staff, and institutional frameworks and more.
Management strategies, Ethics and Values Education.
MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA, INTRANET/INTERNET IN THE NIGERIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM
The integration of social media platforms and intranet/internet systems into educational environments has transformed how students, teachers, and administrators interact, share information, and conduct academic activities. In Nigeria, the management of these tools presents unique opportunities and challenges due to infrastructural limitations, policy gaps, socio-economic inequalities, and varying levels of digital literacy. Properly managed, social media can enhance student engagement, foster collaborative learning, and create interactive educational communities, while intranet and internet infrastructures can improve institutional communication, administrative efficiency, and access to e-learning resources. Conversely, mismanagement can result in distractions, cyber insecurity, data privacy breaches, digital divides, and reputational risks for institutions. Drawing on national policies such as the National Policy on ICT in Education and the National Digital Learning Policy, alongside empirical evidence from Nigerian and global scholarship, this paper analyses the strategic management of social media and intranet/internet in Nigerian education. The paper highlights governance frameworks, capacity building, pedagogical design, and technical infrastructure as critical pillars for sustainable implementation. Recommendations include developing institutional social media policies, phased intranet deployment, promoting digital literacy, and aligning institutional practices with national ICT frameworks.
Social media, intranet, internet, ICT in education, Nigeria, digital learning, governance, educational management, policy, digital literacy.
INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES IN PATTERN CONSTRUCTION OF APPAREL DESIGN AMONG FASHION DESIGNERS IN RIVERS STATE.
The study examines innovative strategies in pattern construction of apparel designs among fashion designers Rivers State. “Three Research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study used a descriptive research design. The population comprised of 102 registered male and female fashion designers. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 14 male and 14 female fashion designers from five communities in Omoku. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire item developed by the researcher based on the research questions. The instrument was validated by three experts, Cronbach Alpha reliability technique was used to determine the reliability index. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test to test the null hypothesis at 0.05 level of significant. There is no significant difference in the mean responses of male and female fashion designers on innovative strategies in pattern construction of apparels ideas among fashion designers.” Findings reveals uses of CAD as enhances efficiency, Pattern creation, pattern grading, it improves virtual prototyping, automation and integration, digitizing existing pattern, automation and integration, and digitizing existing pattern. types of AI are CLO 3D, Tukacad. Adaobe illustrator, patternmaker, pad system, optiTex Ltd, inkscape, gerber Acc mark, and Bro-wear, lectra, seamly2D, the importance of using digital pattern simulation are: It saves both time and resources, promote Impact Garment Fit and Grading, Maintain Creative Control, and Reduce Waste, improve Workflow Efficiency, and as well ensures consistency in design across all sizes. The study concludes thatComputer Aided Design, Artificial Intelligence and digital pattern simulation are the innovative strategies in pattern construction. The study recommends Fashion designers should avail themselves to acquire skills in using computer aided design to construct patterns used for apparel design, in other to increase their efficiency in garment making processes.
Apparel, Construction, Design, Fashion Designers, Innovation.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT AND THE ETHICAL CLIMATE AT WORK IN OIL SERVICING COMPANIES IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.
This study examined the connection between employee engagement and the ethical climate at work in oil servicing companies located in Rivers State, Nigeria. The oil servicing industry is known for its high operational risks and ethical dilemmas, and growing concerns about declining employee commitment, satisfaction, and willingness to go beyond formal job roles made the study necessary. To ensure equitable representation, a correlational research design was used, and data were gathered from 350 employees selected from various oil servicing companies using stratified random sampling. The ethical climate of the workplace and the aspects of employee engagement—emotional commitment, job satisfaction, and organizational citizenship behavior—were assessed using a structured questionnaire. This study examined the connection between employee engagement and the ethical climate at work in oil servicing companies located in Rivers State, Nigeria. The oil servicing industry is known for its high operational risks and ethical dilemmas, and growing concerns about declining employee commitment, satisfaction, and willingness to go beyond formal job roles made the study necessary. To ensure equitable representation, a correlational research design was used, and data were gathered from 350 employees selected from various oil servicing companies using stratified random sampling. The ethical climate of the workplace and the aspects of employee engagement—emotional commitment, job satisfaction, and organizational citizenship behavior—were assessed using a structured questionnaire. According to the study's findings, maintaining employee engagement can be achieved strategically by fostering a strong ethical climate. It suggests enhancing moral guidelines, open communication, and acknowledging moral behavior in oil service companies.
Workplace Ethical Climate, Employee Engagement, Emotional Commitment, Job Satisfaction, Organizational Citizenship Behavior, Oil Servicing Firms.
GENDER INEQUALITY IN ACCESS TO EDUCATION IN RURAL COMMUNITIES OF ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA
Gender inequality in education remains a pressing issue in many developing regions, including rural communities in Enugu State, Nigeria. While enrollment data suggests that more girls attend school than boys, retention and completion rates for girls are significantly lower. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating survey data, structured interviews, and secondary data analysis to examine gender disparities in school enrollment, retention, and dropout rates. Additionally, the study assesses the economic impact on education and the state of school infrastructure in rural communities. Statistical analysis using SPSS and qualitative thematic analysis reveals that financial constraints, early marriage, household responsibilities, and inadequate school infrastructure disproportionately affect girls. Findings suggest that targeted interventions such as economic support, gender-sensitive policies, and infrastructural improvements can promote gender equity in education.
Gender inequality, education access, rural communities, Enugu State, Nigeria, enrollment rates, dropout rates, school infrastructure