INT’L JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CONTEMPORARY STUDIES
The International Journal of Humanities, Economic Development and Contemporary Studies is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes interdisciplinary research on global issues in the humanities, economics, and modern societal trends. It aims to foster critical dialogue and innovation across academic and professional fields.
Institute of Education, Management and Professional Studies
THE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT IN PROMOTING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUITY IN NIGERIAN SCHOOLS
Social justice and equity are central aims of schooling but remain elusive in many contexts of Nigerian education. This paper examines how educational management especially school and district leadership can promote social justice and reduce discrimination, favoritism, and marginalization in Nigerian schools. Drawing on international evidence about leadership for social justice and Nigerian studies of inequity, corruption and teacher favoritism, the paper (1) defines key concepts; (2) reviews empirical and policy literature; (3) analyses leadership practices that mitigate exclusionary behaviors and structural bias; (4) highlights Nigerian-specific challenges and illustrative findings; and (5) offers practical, evidence-informed recommendations for school leaders, policy makers and supervisors. Throughout, the emphasis is on leadership actions (policy-setting, resource management, personnel practices, accountability, community engagement and professional development) that change structures, incentives and culture so that equity becomes a routine outcome rather than an occasional aspiration.
Education, Social Justice, Equity, Educational Leadership, School Management, Nigeria, Discrimination, Favoritism, Marginalization, Nepotism, Discrimination, Resource Capture, Nigerian Schools.
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MORAL EDUCATION AND THE ROLE OF FAMILIES IN SHAPING VALUES FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Moral education is a cornerstone for establishing the ethical foundations that underpin individual behavior, societal values, and ultimately, sustainable national development. This paper explores the critical role families play as primary agents of socialization in the instillation of moral values, arguing that the nurturing environment provided by families is essential for shaping responsible citizenship and fostering civic responsibility. Through a comprehensive review of key theoretical frameworks including Kohlberg’s stages of moral development, Gilligan’s ethics of care, and constructivist approaches the study illustrates how familial interactions serve as the initial and most influential context for value formation. By synthesizing insights from both classical and contemporary literature, the paper demonstrates that the values nurtured within the home extend well beyond personal character development; they contribute significantly to collective behaviors that underpin long-term social, economic, and environmental sustainability. In exploring the multifaceted impact of moral education, the discussion delves into how responsible ethical practices derived from strong familial foundations can promote social harmony, support economic growth, and encourage community engagement. Additionally, the paper critically examines the challenges encountered in the domain of moral education, including cultural variations, socio-economic disparities, and evolving family structures. It further proposes strategic policy interventions and educational reforms designed to bolster family-based value learning. These initiatives aim to integrate moral education more seamlessly into national development strategies, thereby ensuring that ethical citizenship remains at the forefront of societal progress.
Moral Education, Ethical Values and Role of Families.
TEXTUALITY AND IDEOLOGY IN INTELLECTUAL HISTORY: A CRITICAL STUDY OF HAYDEN WHITE’S SEMIOLOGICAL APPROACH IN “THE CONTEXT IN THE TEXT”
This study explores Hayden White’s seminal essay, “The Context in the Text: Method and Ideology in Intellectual History”, and critically evaluates its methodological propositions within contemporary intellectual historiography. The aim is to understand how White reorients historical interpretation through a semiological framework. Using theoretical and empirical tools, this research unpacks the implications of White’s thought for historical writing and intellectual inquiry. Grounded in post-structuralist and critical theory, this work draws particularly from the works of Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, Paul Ricoeur, Linda Hutcheon, as well as Frank Ankersmit and Dominick LaCapra, who both engaged with and challenged White’s narrative theory of history. Key findings demonstrate White’s enduring relevance in historiographical debates. The research pivots around six core points: the shift from empiricism to semiotics in historical method, the role of language and narrative in historical discourse, ideology as an inherent component of intellectual history, the tension between objectivity and rhetorical construction, White’s reinterpretation of historical evidence as textual production, and recent scholarly debates on White’s legacy in post-truth and digital historiography. White's proposition challenges traditional empiricist assumptions and instead situates historical interpretation within the frameworks of semiology and literary analysis. By treating texts as self-contextualizing systems, White invites a deeper understanding of history as a rhetorical and ideological construction. The paper further illustrates how White’s propositions can be applied to text,literature inclusive. By so doing, the paper enriches scholarship.
Semiology. Narrativity, Textualism, Ideological Critique, Self-referentiality
ETHICS OF HIGHER EDUCATION MANAGEMENT IN THE FACE OF DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
The ethics of higher education management in the digital age is increasingly shaped by the persistent digital divide, which threatens equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. The digital divide is not merely about access to technology but extends to inequalities in digital literacy, quality of use, and opportunities for empowerment. This paper explores the ethical implications of the digital divide in higher education, particularly in relation to sustainable development. It provides a conceptual overview of the digital divide, discusses its multiple levels, and analyzes its ethical and managerial implications. Furthermore, it examines how the digital divide influences sustainability goals, particularly access to quality education, research capacity, and global competitiveness. Finally, the paper suggests practical strategies for higher education management, including infrastructure expansion, digital literacy promotion, inclusive policy-making, ethical ICT governance, and alignment with sustainability goals. The discussion emphasizes that bridging the digital divide is not only a technological imperative but also a moral obligation for higher education leaders committed to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Higher education management, ethics, digital divide, sustainability, equity, inclusivity, ICT.
GOVERNMENT BUDGETARY EFFICIENCY AND UNEMPLOYMENT: A WEST APPROACH –NIGERIA.
This study examined the impact of Government Budgetary efficiency on Unemployment in Nigeria. The study examined three specific objectives; the aim is to establish the effect government budgetary outcome has on unemployment in the Nigerian over the period of 2000 to 2023 by applying the Error Correction Model Approach. The findings showed that if all other factors stay constant, and government budgetary efficiency increases at a rate of one unit per year, it will cause unemployment to decrease. This suggests that the influence of government budgetary efficiency has a reducing effect on unemployment and this effect is statistically significant. This implies that unguided spending of government causes unemployment in Nigeria. Also government capital has the capacity to decrease unemployment in Nigeria. while government recurrent expenditures has a significant impact on unemployment as increase in recurrent expenditure causes reduction in unemployment in Nigeria and Inflation rate has no significant influence on unemployment rate in Nigeria as shown by the none significant t-stat values and probability values. The study concludes that the level of government budgetary efficiency may have a significant effect on unemployment in Nigeria and recommends that government should formulate and monitor her fiscal policy to check the channels of increase government spending to find out why the huge spending has not transmitted into a viable economic performance in terms of price stability and growth that guarantees employment creation.
Budgetary efficiency, unemployment, capital and recurrent expenditure, economic growth Inflation.
REVAMPING VALUE EDUCATION AND DIGITAL INNOVATION IN LANGUAGE EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY AND SECURITY IN NIGERIA
The paper is on revamping value education and digital innovation in language education for sustainable democracy and security. Since language is every human’s property, it can be used as a source of maintaining peace and security. Every thought or action starts with language. Language education is a system of communication employed by human being in the expression of thoughts, feelings, ideas and intensions. Insecurity, developments and good governance are all intensions that are conceived in the mind, using words in any language for instructions, direction or commands to carry out the intentions. In realization of this fact the Nigerian constitution regards security as a fundamental objective of state policy. It is also observable that the Government should adopt some measures which include political, economic, military, civil, diplomacy, dialogue and other intelligent tactic to safeguard the security of the nation. In all, language education provides the skills, information, education, debate forum, knowledge, sensitization and creativity to develop new approaches that are necessary for sustainable security and national development.
Revamping, Value education, Language Education, digital innovation, Sustainable democracy, Security
GENDER AND SUSTAINABLE PEACE-BUILDING IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
One major challenge in contemporary society has been how to achieve sustainable peace for national development. Conflict resolution and peace-building efforts have tended largely to be either gender-neutral or resort to simplistic stereotyping of women, alongside children, as victims, home makers, weak and vulnerable groups, while men are seen as foot soldiers for aggression, violence and conflict. This contrasting characterization of femininity and masculinity along the binary opposites of peace and aggression respectively tends to undermine the realization of the full potentials in the agency of both genders in peace processes and conflict resolution. A truly gendered approach to peace-building, therefore, requires a comprehensive analysis of the variety of roles which men and women play in relation to peace and conflict resolution processes. This paper, therefore, critically reexamines existing gender gaps in peace-building initiatives and processes in contemporary society. The reflective qualitative research method with content analysis of secondary data was deployed. The paper argues that sustainable peace-building requires a more gender inclusive framework in conflict resolution processes and peace initiatives.
Gender, Conflict resolution, Peace-building, National development
THE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN FOSTERING SUSTAINABILITY IN RIVERS STATE SCHOOLS
Sustainability in education goes beyond environmental preservation to encompass social, economic, and institutional practices that ensure long-term quality learning outcomes. In Rivers State, Nigeria, schools face challenges such as inadequate resources, poor infrastructure, climate change impacts, and socio-economic inequalities, all of which demand visionary and adaptive leadership. This opinion paper examines the role of educational leadership in fostering sustainability within Rivers State schools. It argues that effective educational leaders, principals, administrators, and policy makers, are pivotal in embedding sustainable practices into school governance, curriculum delivery, and community engagement. By promoting inclusive policies, integrating sustainability concepts into teaching, and managing resources responsibly, leaders can create resilient educational systems capable of withstanding environmental, economic, and social disruptions. The paper also emphasizes the importance of capacity building for school leaders in areas such as strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and sustainable innovation. Furthermore, it highlights the role of partnerships with local communities, non-governmental organizations, and private sectors in advancing sustainable education goals. The discussion concludes that fostering sustainability in schools requires not only leadership commitment but also systemic policy support and a culture of shared responsibility. By doing so, Rivers State can develop a generation of learners equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
Educational leadership, sustainability, school governance, Rivers State, inclusive policies
INVESTIGATING HOW GEOGRAPHY EDUCATION CAN FOSTER ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING SKILLS IN STUDENTS, PARTICULARLY IN THE CONTEXT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL ISSUES
Geography education plays a vital role in shaping students’ capacity to confront pressing environmental and social challenges through ethical reasoning and responsible decision-making. By examining spatial interconnections, human-environment dynamics, and sustainability concerns, geography encourages learners to reflect on the moral dimensions of real-world issues. Ethical decision-making in this context involves evaluating competing interests, anticipating long-term consequences, and considering justice, equity, and sustainability. This paper investigates how geography education can cultivate these ethical skills, particularly in addressing environmental social issues such as climate change, land degradation, waste management, urban sprawl, and resource exploitation. Drawing on insights from environmental education, geography pedagogy, and ethical theory, the study highlights how geographical inquiry fosters empathy, critical thinking, value-based judgment, and civic responsibility. Ultimately, geography emerges not only as a tool for understanding the world but also as a discipline that equips learners with the ethical competencies necessary for building sustainable futures.
eography education, ethical decision-making, environmental social issues, sustainability, environmental ethics
THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF NKIRU NZEGWU AND WANGARI MAATHAI: TOWARD AFRICAN PHILOSOPHY AND DEVELOPMENT
From the 6lh century when Eurocentric philosophy commenced in the ancient city of Athens in Greece, the world has been blessed by the contributions of eminent philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Kant, Locke and Aquinas. Others arc Descartes, Bacon, Augustine, Rousseau, Dewey, Hobbes, Nietzsche, Pestallozi and so on. In Africa, we have had fantastic contributions from elites like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Obafemi Awolowo of Nigeria, Milton Obote of Uganda, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana and Julius Nyerere of Tanzania. Recently, we have had people like of Mary Field Belanky, Jane Rowland Martin, Carol Gilligan, Nel Noddings and Kieran Egan making their inputs globally. Their works were very philosophical, rich in content and demonstrated life realities, contributing to knowledge in the process. Also, to a great extent, they provided some kind of solutions to intellectual, social, economic, ethical and health problems nationally, continentally and universally. It is obvious however that most of the mentioned philosophers were not Africans neither were the African female philosophers represented despite the successes recorded, hence the need for a study of this magnitude. Philosophy in Africa has continued to evolve despite myriads of problems in the continent which must not be left alone to the African male philosophers or people from other climes to handle. Likewise, it is important to recognize the contributions of African female philosophers especially in recent years toward African development. This study thus, discusses the seemingly unrecognized roles of African female philosophers such as Nkiru Nzegwu and Wangari Maathai, their philosophies and relevance to philosophy and development in general.
Philosophy, African Female Philosophers Nkiru Nzegwu and Wangari Maathai and African Development.
IMPACT OF INCOME INEQUALITY ON THE TRANSMISSION MECHANISM OF MONETARY POLICY
This study explores how disparities in income influence the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission in Nigeria. Monetary policy is a central instrument in stabilizing the economy, implemented via channels such as interest rates, credit access, exchange rates, and asset prices. However, growing income inequality has raised concerns about whether these transmission mechanisms operate uniformly across different income groups. Utilizing data from 2010 to 2025, the study investigates how income disparity affects the channels through which monetary policy is transmitted. The findings reveal that income inequality can significantly mute the effectiveness of these mechanisms, particularly the credit and interest rate channels, as poorer households are more credit-constrained. The study recommends inclusive financial systems, targeted credit policies, and income redistribution strategies to enhance monetary policy efficiency and foster equitable economic development.
Income inequality, monetary policy, transmission mechanism, interest rate channel, credit constraint.
CORRUPTION IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION: ETHICAL CHALLENGES AND MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS IN PUBLIC EDUCATION
Corruption in school administration manifesting as procurement fraud, payroll padding and ghost workers, diversion of capitation grants, bribery in postings and admissions, teacher absenteeism, and examination malpractice undermines the core public value of education. This paper synthesizes comparative evidence to show how unethical practices distort resource allocation (leakages, inefficiencies, inequities) and erode trust in leadership, with downstream effects on instructional quality, teacher morale, and community support. Drawing on established scholarship on corruption in education and trust in schools, as well as programmatic evidence from information-for-accountability and audit reforms, the paper outlines an ethical decision-making framework and a practical control architecture for ministries, districts, and school leaders. Recommended measures include transparent procurement and budgeting, routine expenditure tracking (PETS), e-procurement, conflict-of-interest and gift rules, teacher attendance monitoring with credible incentives, social accountability (school scorecards and public posting of funds), internal and external audits, whistleblowing protections, integrity training, and leadership practices that build relational trust. The conclusion argues that integrity systems and trust-building must advance together: without trust, controls breed compliance minimalism; without controls, trust decays under the weight of opportunism.
corruption; school administration; public education; resource management; trust in leadership; procurement; absenteeism; accountability; ethics; integrity systems
DETERMINANTS OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABOH MBAISE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE.
The study investigated the determinants of examination malpractice in public secondary schools in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The research design used in the study was the survey research design. The population of the study consisted of all the public secondary school students in the local government area (2,830) while the sample for the study consisted of four hundred and eighty-two (482) drawn through cluster sampling procedure. Self-structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection and the research questions were answered using mean. Results of findings revealed that Moral laxity, lack of facilities and undue pressure from parent were determinants of examination malpractice among students from the area. Based on these findings, it was recommended that Government and communities should collaboratively provide facilities for schools to ensure that teaching and learning is not only interesting but effective.
Determinants, Examination malpractice, Public secondary schools, Aboh Mbaise
RESOURCE AVAILABILITY AND THEIR UTILIZATION AS A CORRELATE OF STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN IKEDURU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IMO STATE, NIGERIA
The study is focused on resources availability and their utilization in students’ academic performance in public senior secondary schools in Ikeduru Local Government Area, Imo State, Nigeria. The design of the study was correlational research. It examined how the variables of resources’ availability (laboratory use and library use) and their utilization influence students’ academic Achievement in public senior secondary schools ascertained. Two (2) research questions were raised and two (2) hypotheses were postulated to guide the study. The population (1,052) consisted of all SS I-III teachers and the sample was 205 participants. A researcher-developed instrument entitled, “Resources’ Availability and Utilization in Students’ Academic Achievement Questionnaire (RAUSAAQ)” was used to generate data. Percentages and frequency counts were used to answer all the 2 research questions while the hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) statistical tool at 0.05 level of significant. The result revealed that a significant relationship exists between the variables of resources’ availability (laboratory use & library use) and students’ academic Achievement in public senior secondary schools in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State. It was therefore, concluded that a significant relationship exists between the sub-variables of resources availability (library us&, laboratory use) in public senior secondary schools in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State. It was based on these findings that it was recommended among others that Government should continuously fund science and language laboratories and libraries for effective use as solid foundation towards the nation’s attainment of quality scientific and linguistic requirements of the 21st Century.
Resources Availability, Resources Utilization, Students’ Academic Achievement
THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE WEST AFRICAN SCHOOL CERTIFICATE MATHEMATICS EXAMINATION IN OSHIMILI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF DELTA STATE.
This study investigated the performance of secondary students in the West African School Certificate (WASC) Mathematics Examination in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State. The casual-comparative design was adopted, and a random sampling technique was used to select 2245 students from seven public secondary schools. Data was obtained from past West African Examination Council results (2006-2010) and analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation, and Students' t-test. A structured questionnaire was also administered to 35 Mathematics teachers and 35 senior secondary students to identify reasons for the trend of performance. The study found that the general performance of secondary school students in the WASC Mathematics Examination between 2006 and 2010 was poor (less than 50%). Both male and female students performed poorly in the examination. The study recommends that Mathematics Laboratories should be provided and properly equipped, and the use of Instructional Resources, including Information Technology gadgets, should be encouraged. Teachers should be trained, aided, and encouraged to use these resources to improve student performance in Mathematics. The findings of this study highlight the need for improved teaching methods and resources to enhance student performance in Mathematics. By implementing these recommendations, educators and policymakers can work together to improve student outcomes in Mathematics and ultimately, the overall academic performance of secondary school students in the region.
Academic Performance, WASC, WAEC, Public Secondary Schools, Students, Mathematics Examinations.
PERCEIVED CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTING TEACHING STAFF WELFARE POLICIES IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN CALABAR METROPOLIS, CROSS RIVER STATE: MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Welfare service serves as a lubricate for optimum performance of employees in an organization. However, public secondary, especially in Calabar metropolis, faced uncertainties about whether staff welfare provisions were adequate and effectively contributing to effective teaching among teachers. The study investigated perceived challenges in implementing teaching staff welfare policies in public secondary schools in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State: Mitigation Strategies. Two research questions were addressed. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study comprised all 750 teachers in 18 public secondary schools in Calabar Metropolis. The study employed a proportionate stratified random sampling technique to ensure fair representation of teachers across the 18 public secondary schools in Calabar Metropolis. From the total population of 750 teachers, a 50% sample size was adopted, yielding 375 respondents. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Perceived Challenges in the Implementation of Staff Welfare Policies Questionnaire (PCISWPQ).” The questionnaire consisted of three sections. Section “A” address the respondent’s demographic information (such as gender, rank, and years of service. Section “B” contain Items relating to the perceived challenges in the implementation of welfare policies (6 items). Section “C” contain items on the effect on teaching staff effectiveness (6 items). All items in Sections B and C were designed on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from Strongly Agree (1) to Strongly Disagree (4). The questionnaire was subjected to face and content validation by three experts: two in Educational Administration and Planning, and one in Measurement and Evaluation at the University of Calabar. The reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, which yielded a coefficient of 0.82. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that teachers generally perceive the implementation of welfare policies as inadequate, with key challenges including delays in salary payment, insufficient health welfare support, irregular retraining opportunities, lack of housing incentives, and delayed or inconsistent promotion processes. These issues, indicate systemic weaknesses in welfare administration that cut across schools in the metropolis. The implication of these findings is that persistent welfare-related challenges undermine teachers’ morale, reduce job satisfaction, and negatively affect their professional effectiveness, thereby threatening the attainment of educational goals. It was recommended that the Cross River State Government should prioritize the prompt and regular payment of teachers’ salaries to reduce their financial stress, enhance motivation, and ensure greater commitment to duty
Welfare, Policies Implementation, Teaching Staff, Challenges, Mitigation Strategies
ARTS EDUCATION ADVANCEMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA
The Arts education has consistently been proclaimed as the bedrock to economic development due to its focus on skills training, (self) employment avenues and economic impacts on Gross Domestic Product of economics. No serious minded economic policy formulators and administrators at modern times can afford to undermine education, art education, internal economic structure (micro economy), the arts and the need for diversification. This paper is therefore designed to review literature on economy and the arts, analyse the importance of arts, education and economy, the role of arts education on economic development in Africa. It posited that arts and social science are very important aspects of our education and should not be treated otherwise but should be given premium like other subjects in the curriculum of schools. Conclusively, the paper is of the view, Africa possesses enormous human resources, talented and artistic man power; what the continent needs is viable and consistent educational programmes and the strengthening of the arts both the institutional and its practice.
Arts, Arts education, Development and Economy
STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTING UNDUE POLITICAL INFLUENCE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EDUCATION IN NIGERIA
Any policy on education that has no effect or poorly implement is no policy. The position paper therefore, focused on strategies for preventing undue political influence in the management of education in Nigeria with the view of improving the quality of the nation’s education system at all tiers. Considering the importance of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG-4) to global educational development, political involvement in education becomes a topical issue especially in developing countries like Nigeria. SDG-4 is concerned with where global education should be in 2030 in terms of quality. Six (6) strategies were examined namely establishing independent education bodies, promoting transparency and accountability, strengthening community involvement, fostering professionalism, implementing a national education policy, and electoral reforms to bring education experts in the position authority, the presidency. The paper also highlighted concepts of politics and education; National Policy on Education, effects of politics on educational policies, scope of politics in education, political and social constraints in educational planning, philosophy and goals of education in Nigeria, and funding education in Nigeria. The paper concluded that although, political interference in every sector of the economy is inevitable, undue political influence on the management of Nigerian Education System has been counter-productive, hence the prevalence of undue political interference could be reduced to the barest minimum if those who have a passion to serve the masses and genuine development of the nation’s economy are given enabling environment to emerge as leaders in the polity. It was therefore, suggested that electoral reform, a single strategy that would make other strategies identified in the paper enforceable; enshrine that Nigerian political parties should give their presidential tickets to candidates who specialize in education, and compel them to be faithful to their programmes of action when they assume office as this would end the prevalence of successive Governments paying lip-service to Educational Management in Nigeria.
Strategies, Political, Undue, Preventing Undue Political Influence, Management of Education in Nigeria
INDUCTION, ORIENTATION AND PLACEMENT OF STAFF IN RELATION TO EDUCATION
The effectiveness of educational institutions is significantly influenced by the quality of their staff. This study explores the critical role of induction, orientation, and placement of staff in enhancing educational outcomes. It examines how structured induction programs, comprehensive orientation, and strategic staff placement contribute to teacher effectiveness, job satisfaction, and institutional performance. The findings highlight best practices and challenges in implementing these processes, providing insights for educational administrators and policymakers to improve staff development and educational quality.
Staff Induction, Orientation, Staff Placement, Educational Effectiveness
A PHILOSOPHICAL APPRAISAL OF DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND THE ETHICS OF PUNISHMENT IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS
This paper presents a philosophical appraisal of discipline policies and the ethics of punishment in Nigerian secondary schools. Drawing on ethical theories and educational philosophy, it critically examines the underlying values, justifications, and consequences of disciplinary practices, particularly corporal punishment. The study explores how such practices reflect broader societal norms and interrogates their alignment with principles of human dignity, justice, and child rights. It also highlights the tension between maintaining school order and fostering a nurturing, respectful learning environment. Using a multidisciplinary lens, the paper evaluates the moral implications of punishment in education and proposes alternative approaches that are ethically sound and pedagogically effective. The findings suggest an urgent need for reforming school discipline policies to ensure they are guided by restorative justice, empathy, and respect for the rights of learners.
Discipline policies, ethics of punishment, Nigerian education, secondary schools, corporal punishment and educational philosophy.
A REVIEW OF THE RIGHT TO LIBERTY – AS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT AND LINCHPIN OF DEMOCRATIC SOCIETIES
The right to liberty is a fundamental human right, legally recognized by constitutions, declarations, and international treaties, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act (ACHPR), International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), as well as implied references in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Liberty is one of the most essential guiding principles of democratic societies – which is centered on the rights, autonomy, and agency of the free and independent man, to practice or participate in legitimate endeavors, without unjustified or prohibitory interventions by state authorities, especially through arrests, detentions, or other forms of confinement. Consequently, violations of the right to liberty are centered on unjustified interferences, with the rights and fundamental freedoms of the individual through detentions or incarcerations that are not qualified on the basis of legitimate objectives. Thus, authoritarian or corrupt regimes can suppress political opinion, activism, civil or economic rights through the force of military or law enforcement agencies that act contrary to constitutional or statutorily defined procedures, and contrary to human rights law – to use imprisonment or enforced disappearance as a means of confining or neutralizing targets/victims. Hence, verifying the essentiality of a guaranteed right to liberty, as the catalyst for a sustainable culture of democracy, and the exercise of individual autonomy, freewill, and wherewithal for associational and development-oriented activities, as well as activisms.
Liberty, Rights, Political, Democratic, Economic, Prison
JOB SECURITY AND WORK VALUE AS CORRELATES JOB COMMITMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA
The study examined work related factors and job commitment of secondary school teachers in Southwest, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study investigated the relationship between job security, work value and job commitment of secondary school teachers. The population of the study consisted 76,611 comprising all the secondary school teachers and 2,718 principals in Southwest, Nigeria. The sample comprised 1,200 respondents, that is, 240 Head of Departments (HODs) and 960 teachers from 60 secondary schools in Southwest, Nigeria using multistage sampling procedure. The instruments for data collection were “Job Security and Work Value Questionnaire (JSWVQ) and Teachers Job Commitment Questionnaire (TJCQ). Face and content validity was ensured by experts in the Department Educational Management, Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti while the reliability was ascertained using the test-retest method and reliability co-efficient of 0.85 and 0.90 were obtained for JSWVQ and TJCQ respectively. Data obtained for the study was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Frequency count and percentage score were used to answer the two research questions. Inferential statistics were used to test the hypotheses. Hypotheses 1and 2 were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. All hypotheses formulated were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that there was significant relationship between work related factors and job commitment of secondary school teachers in Southwest, Nigeria. The study also showed that there was significant relationship between job security and job commitment of secondary school teachers in Southwest, Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that the use of job security and work value are essential factors that could make teachers to be more committed to their jobs. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that school principals and government should ensure teachers’ job security should not be used as threat to the teachers and there is adequate provision of pension and gratuity for teachers in other for them to work optimally. Also, school administrators should make work value in secondary schools of great importance for teachers to so that teachers could be more committed to their jobs.
Job Security, Work Value, Job Commitment, Teachers, Secondary Schools
THE ROLE OF FRENCH LANGUAGE EDUCATION AS A KEY FACTOR FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR LITERACY IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
Language education remains central to sustainable development and literacy in the 21st century. This paper examines the role of French language education as a strategic driver of national development, particularly in multilingual and multicultural contexts such as Africa. French, as an international and regional lingua franca, facilitates cross-border trade, diplomacy, education, and cultural exchange. The study highlights the relevance of French for enhancing literacy through bilingual education models, improving educational outcomes, and aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education. Furthermore, the paper underscores the economic and cultural advantages of French in fostering cooperation within the Francophonie community. Despite challenges such as resource constraints, competition with English, and balancing local language equity, the findings suggest that strengthening French language education can significantly contribute to sustainable national development. Policy recommendations include prioritizing bilingual models, investing in teacher training, and leveraging international partnerships to support literacy and long-term growth.
French Language Education; Literacy; Sustainable Development; 21st Century Education; Multilingualism; National Development; Francophonie; Bilingual Education; SDGs; Africa
THE PHILOSOPHY OF UBUNTU AND ITS APPLICATION IN SCHOOL MANAGEMENT AND STAFF RELATIONS: EXAMINING HOW AFRICAN COMMUNAL VALUES CAN ENHANCE HARMONY AND COOPERATION IN SCHOOLS
The philosophy of Ubuntu, rooted in African communal values, emphasizes interdependence, dignity, compassion, and collective responsibility. This seminar paper examines its application in school management and staff relations, highlighting how Ubuntu can enhance harmony, cooperation, and inclusivity within educational institutions. Drawing on African indigenous wisdom, Ubuntu-inspired leadership challenges hierarchical and authoritarian systems by promoting shared decision-making, restorative dialogue, and communal resource sharing. The study argues that Ubuntu offers a culturally grounded and contextually relevant framework for improving school governance, strengthening collegiality among staff, and fostering equitable learning environments. While acknowledging challenges such as structural rigidity and risks of conformity, the paper concludes that Ubuntu remains a vital resource for building harmonious, democratic, and resilient schools in Africa and beyond.
Ubuntu; African philosophy; school management; staff relations; communal values; cooperation; educational leadership; harmony; inclusivity; collective responsibility.
EVALUATION FEEDBACK AND TEACHER EFFECTIVENESS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA.
The study examined the relationship between evaluation feedback and teacher effectiveness in public secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The descriptive survey research design was adopted in the study. The population of the study consisted of all public secondary school principals and teachers in Ekiti State. The sample for the study consisted of 540 teachers and 27 principals selected from 27 public secondary schools in Ekiti State. The sample was selected using multistage sampling procedure. Data for the study were collected using two self-designed instruments tagged “Evaluation Feedback Questionnaire” (EFQ) and “Teacher Effectiveness Questionnaire” (TEQ). The instruments were validated by experts in Educational Management and in Tests and Measurement. The reliability of the instruments was done using test re-test method. The scores from both administration were analysed using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation statistics which yielded reliability coefficient value of 0.87 for EFQ and 0.79 for TEQ. The data collected through the instruments were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypothesis was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the study revealed that there was no significant relationship between evaluation feedback and teacher effectiveness. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that evaluation feedback do not significantly impact teacher effectiveness in public secondary schools in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that school principals should always give feedback of evaluation to teachers.
Evaluation, Feedback, Teacher, Effectiveness, Secondary School
ROLES OF EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES ONSTUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN RIVERS STATE
This paper examines the roles of educational leadership strategies to students’ academic achievement in Rivers State. Educational leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction and effectiveness of academic institutions. As schools strive to improve academic achievement, effective leadership becomes essential in implementing strategies that enhance learning outcomes. This study explores the roles of educational leadership in developing and executing strategies aimed at boosting academic performance. This study highlights that leadership practices directly influencing teaching and learning are more effective in enhancing student achievement compared to other forms of leadership. The paper recommended among others that educational leaders should prioritize instructional leadership by focusing on improving teaching practices, providing ongoing professional development, and using data to guide instructional decisions.
Leadership, Educational, Strategies, Academic, Achievement.
INVESTIGATING THE IMPORTANCE OF ETHICS AND CODE OF CONDUCT FOR STUDENTS IN EDUCATIONAL ART MUSEUM AND MUSIC THEATRE SETTINGS: A CASE-STUDY OF FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) OMOKU, RIVERS STATE
This study investigating the importance of ethics and code of conduct for students in art museum and music theatre settings, focusing on the department of Fine and Applied Arts and Music at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Omoku, Nigeria. Using a survey approach, we collected data from 100 students and analyzed the results using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. Our empirical findings reveal that students strongly disapprove of unethical behaviors such as late reporting, absenteeism, and removing museum or theatre facilities without permission, and many more. The results highlight the need for clear guidelines and orientation to promote responsible art professional practice and adherence to museum and music theatre ethics.
Learning attitude, Visual and Cultural Arts, Artist, Museum, Theatre, Professional Practice, Ethics and Code of Conduct
LEADERSHIP PATHWAYS: A YOUTH GUIDE TO BEHAVIOURAL EXCELLENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE EFFECTIVENESS
This paper explores youth leadership pathways through behavioral excellence, mentorship, and administrative effectiveness. It highlights the significance of cultivating emotional intelligence, ethical responsibility, and administrative competence among young people to prepare them for transformative leadership. Drawing from contemporary literature and leadership theories, the study Youth leadership has increasingly become a critical issue in contemporary societies where young people are positioned as the driving force of social, political, and economic transformation. This paper examines the role of youth leadership in promoting behavioral excellence and administrative effectiveness within educational and organizational contexts. Drawing from contemporary scholarship and leadership theories, the study highlights how emotional intelligence, ethical behavior, mentorship, and administrative capacity shape the effectiveness of youth leaders. The research adopts a conceptual and literature-based approach, synthesizing current studies that emphasize leadership competencies, mentorship models, and administrative practices required for effective youth leadership development. Findings reveal that leadership effectiveness among youths is highly dependent on the cultivation of behavioral integrity, structured mentorship, and capacity-building strategies that empower young leaders to address the challenges of governance, organizational management, and social responsibility. The paper concludes by presenting recommendations that underscore the need for inclusive policies, mentorship programs, and institutional reforms to promote effective youth leadership. These recommendations are critical for educators, policymakers, and development stakeholders seeking to enhance youth leadership competencies in the 21st century. Themphasizes structured mentorship, experiential learning, and policy support as critical drivers of youth leadership development. The paper concludes with recommendations on institutionalizing mentorship, embedding leadership in curricula, and leveraging digital technologies to strengthen youth participation in governance and social changes.
Youth leadership, behavioral excellence, administrative effectiveness, mentorship, leadership developmen
MANAGING EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN A DYSFUNCTIONAL ECONOMY
This paper examines managing educational system in a dysfunctional economy. Nigeria's educational system is a critical pillar for national development, shaping the workforce and societal leaders of tomorrow. The task at hand involves rethinking and realigning educational policies, curricula, and infrastructure to ensure that they are in sync with contemporary economic realities. This includes fostering skills that are pertinent to the 21st-century job market; such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship. The paper recommended among others that government should expand vocational and technical education programs to provide students with practical skills and industry certifications that enhance employability.
Managing, Educational, System, Nigeria, Era, Economy.
QUALITY WEBSITE DESIGN AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY OF MONEY DEPOSIT BANKS IN IMO STATE
This paper explores the relationship between quality website design and customer loyalty of money deposit banks in Imo State, Nigeria. It examines how quality website design and its dimensions (website usability, website aesthetics, information quality) relates to customer loyalty. Descriptive survey design was employed to obtain quantitative data from money deposit banks in Imo State, population more than 750,000 customers of money deposit bank that utilize digital banking services and a sample size of 400 was also used. Multistage sampling technique was employed in the study. Five major banks were first selected purposively based on customer base and website usage. Stratified random sampling was then employed in selecting customers who had visited the banks' websites once in the past 6 months. The result shows that all three dimensions of website design usability, aesthetics, and information quality positively correlate with customer loyalty. The study concludes that website quality design plays an important role in influencing customer loyalty in money deposit banks within Imo State, Nigeria. All three dimensions of website design usability, aesthetics, and information quality positively correlate with customer loyalty and recommended that Banks' first priority should be ease of use, responsiveness, logical information flow, and convenient access to essential functions such as account information and customer support.