ESUT JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Impact of Climate Change and Environmental Conditions on Economic Development in Nigeria

Chimaobi V Okolo, Chukwuma Paul Adilieje, Kenneth Anayo Okpala — Sun, 25 May 2025 19:43:52 +0000

This study investigated the impact of climate change and environmental conditions on economic development in Nigeria. The main objective of the study is to analyze the impact of climate change and environmental conditions on economic development in Nigeria. The research objectives, questions, and hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study utilized primary sources and the researchers administered questionnaires to 100 respondents. The study applied Linear Regression statistics to analyze the data. The findings showed a moderate relationship between GHG emissions and economic development. Also, the results indicated that deforestation negatively impacted on the economic development in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommends that mitigation strategies should be strengthened for GHG emissions, focusing on reducing sector-specific vulnerabilities. Also, there’s need to develop and enforce sustainable forest management practices to balance economic and environmental needs.

Improved Port Hinterland Connectivity/Freight Forwarding Practice

Gabriel M. Eto, Nse B Okon, Friday M Ufia — Sun, 25 May 2025 19:45:25 +0000

The aims to improve port hinterland connectivity and freight forwarding practice in Nigeria in order to boost the country’s Logistics Performance Index. Among others, the objectives were to evaluate the existing infrastructure, transportation networks, and logistics services connecting ports to inland destinations in Nigeria; investigate current freight forwarding practice in Nigeria by exploring how they contribute to or hinder efficient logistics operations and overall performance in the supply chain; identify and analyze the key challenges hindering effective port-hinterland connectivity in Nigeria; analyze the economic implications of improved port-hinterland connectivity and freight forwarding practices on Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and economic development and propose strategic recommendations to stakeholders (government, private sector, logistics providers) for enhancing port-hinterland connectivity and freight forwarding operations in Nigeria. The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine the sample size of 431 and 422 responded with 97.91% response rate. Observation and structured questionnaire was used for the collection of data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was coded and analyzed using the 4-point Likert Scale. Accordingly, among others, the study recommends that Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be encouraged to finance and develop logistics infrastructure and services in Nigeria and a review and update of the regulatory framework governing logistics and transportation in Nigeria is necessary to enhance port hinterland connectivity.

Quest for State Police in Nigeria

Mohammed Habib Nu'uman — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:13:52 +0000

Since the return to civil rule in 1999, after a long interregnum of military rule, the call for the devolution of powers to the lower levels has become more strident. While the more extremist agitators have called into question the very existence of the Nigerian federation, demanding that it be dismantled, others have been more tempered, urging that a confederal arrangement should be put in place, whittling down the powers of the government at the centre. However, even among those not disposed to either of these two positions, there appears to be some support for the view that the Nigeria Police require some radical reform, including the creation of State Police to be fully under the charge of state governors. This paper explores the debate for the creation of state police, arguing that the call is but symptomatic of the poverty of leadership in the Nigerian state

Strategies for Coping with Suicidal Ideation as Expressed by Polytechnic Students in Oyo State

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 14:14:46 +0000

This study examined strategies for coping with suicidal ideation as expressed by polytechnic students in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study employed the descriptive survey design. A sample of 450 students was randomly selected and administered questionnaires across various faculties. However, only 443 responses were properly retrieved and analysed for this study. A research instrument, titled: "Strategies for Coping with Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SCSIQ)", was used to collect data from the respondents. The content validity of the instrument was done by five experts from the Department of Counselling and Human Development Studies at the University of Ibadan and the reliability was established using test re-test reliability method, which yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.79. The data collected were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that polytechnic students cope with suicidal ideation by seeking support from friends when feel overwhelmed, seeking professional counselling services when in distress, and engaging in physical activities (e.g., sports, exercise) to improve their mood. Findings also indicated that there were no significant differences in the strategies for coping with suicidal ideation as expressed by polytechnic students in Oyo State based on age and religion. However, there were significant differences in the strategies for coping with suicidal ideation as expressed by polytechnic students in Oyo State based on gender and place of residence. It was therefore, recommended that students struggling with suicidal ideation should seek help from friends for support, access professional counselling services, engage in physical exercises and relaxation techniques, and set achievable goals to mitigate academic frustration and cope more effectively. Guidance counsellors, social workers, academic advisors, and mental health professionals should provide support services, including mental health counselling, academic advising, social skills training, and guidance, without hesitation to students struggling with suicidal ideation in school.

Understanding Customers’ Complaints in the Banking Sector

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:52:40 +0000

The global banking sector plays a crucial role in economic development, evolving from traditional institutions to tech-driven platforms across diverse regions. Customer service, especially in addressing complaints, is central to banks' competitiveness worldwide. Online complaint mechanisms, or e-complaints, allow customers to publicly express dissatisfaction. This study reviewed the dimensions of banking customer complaints, particularly those stemming from customer errors. This review revealed that customer complaints in banking reflect client dissatisfaction and serve as vital feedback for service improvement. With increasing digitalization, complaints often arise not only from banking errors but also from customer mistakes. Attribution Theory explains how individuals assign causes to events, attributing them to internal factors (like personal actions) or external ones (like others' actions or systems). In banking, this theory helps interpret customer complaints, especially those caused by user errors. Recognizing whether customers blame themselves or the bank influences how complaints should be handled. Distinguishing valid complaints from those caused by customer errors is crucial for improving service quality and customer satisfaction. Valid complaints highlight flaws in products or services, while errors often stem from misunderstandings or misuse. Addressing both types appropriately through empathy or customer education, can enhance trust and loyalty. Psychological factors like cognitive bias, overconfidence, stress, and emotions also influence customer behavior and errors. Addressing these issues requires banks to enhance transparency, educate users, and adopt technology-driven solutions. Effective complaint management builds trust, ensures compliance, and fosters customer loyalty, turning negative experiences into opportunities for growth and innovation in a competitive financial landscape. Employee involvement further ensures these policies are effective, fostering a culture of excellence and trust. By improving communication, education, and empathy, banks can reduce error-based complaints, enhance customer understanding, and strengthen long-term satisfaction and loyalty.

Evaluating the Impact of Road Infrastructure on Motor Insurance Claims

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:26:08 +0000

This study investigated the intricate relationship between road infrastructure conditions and motor insurance claim patterns, drawing empirical evidence from Lagos State, Nigeria. The research aimed to determine the significant relationship between specific road infrastructure deficiencies and the frequency of motor insurance claims, and to evaluate the impact of road infrastructure quality on the severity and cost of these claims in Nigeria. The findings reveal a significant association between road infrastructure deficiencies and higher frequencies of motor insurance claims. The model explained approximately 39.7% of the variation in claim frequency, with potholes, signage, drainage, and intersections being statistically significant predictors. Furthermore, road infrastructure quality significantly impacts the severity and cost of motor insurance claims. The model accounted for 34.8% of the variation in claim severity, with potholes, signage, drainage, intersections, and traffic calming measures all being significant predictors. Notably, improved drainage systems were strongly associated with a reduction in claim severity and cost. The study concludes that poor road infrastructure exacerbates accident incidence and escalates the financial magnitude of insurance claims in Nigeria. These results align with Cramér’s Risk Theory, suggesting that environmental factors significantly alter the risk profile of motor insurance portfolios. The implications for the Nigerian insurance sector are substantial, highlighting the need for integrating spatial risk factors into underwriting models to enhance pricing precision and capital adequacy. The study advocates for urgent and targeted investment in road infrastructure improvements, such as better drainage systems, traffic signage, road lighting, and traffic calming features, to reduce both the frequency and cost of motor insurance claims and foster sustainable road safety progress in Nigeria.

Capital Adequacy and the Financial Performance of Insurance Companies

Olajide Solomon Fadun, Moses Tunde Oyerinde, Sunday Adekunle Aduloju — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:42:39 +0000

The study examined capital adequacy on the financial performance of insurance firms, with a specific focus on the Nigerian insurance sector. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design, usinga 15-year (2007 – 2021) time series secondary data. The sample consisted of nine insurance companies using purposive sampling to ensure a cross-representation of different tiers within the industry. This study explored key variables: capital adequacy and insurers' performance. Capital adequacy (CA) is measured using shareholders’ funds, and insurance companies' performance is measured using the return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE), claims ratio (CR), profitability ratio (PR), and turnover ratio (TR).Shareholders’ funds were calculated as the sum of issued share capital, retained earnings, and reserves as reported in the companies' financial statements. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression to unveil the relationship between capital adequacy and the financial performance of insurance companies. The findings revealed a positive significant correlation between capital bases and financial performance, indicating that companies with strongcapital basewill generate higher premium income, leading to increased profitability. This implies that insurance companies with adequate capital reserves are better positioned to achieve improved returns and increased premium income to settle claims promptly.

JOB STRESS AND PERFORMANCE OF BANKERS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Ebenezer Olufemi Akindoyin, Tolulope Olufunmilayo Oladiji — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Employees are the most valuable asset of any organisation as they may profoundly affect the company's reputation and influence productivity and profitability. Employees often assume the principal responsibility for the majority of critical tasks, customer happiness, and the quality of products and events. The study investigated job stress and performance of bankers in Lagos, Nigeria. The paper was anchored onto goal-setting theory, using accidental sampling technique with the use of questionnaire to get information from 255 participants. Hypotheses were tested using inferential statistics. Findings indicated that stress influences employee performance R2= .453 value indicate that job stress accounts for 45.3% of the variance of employee’s performance among the commercial banks staff in Lagos State. At F(1,253)= 209.208, p= .000, which is less than .05. Gender had no significant influence on employee’s performance of the participants at t= 259, df= 253 and p=.796. Lastly, the interaction of job stress and gender also had no significant influence on the employees’ performance. Consequently, it is advisable for commercial banks in Lagos to employ additional capable workers to alleviate the stress encountered by bankers. Gender diversity also ought to be promoted within the banking sector.

Evaluating the Impact of Road Infrastructure on Motor Insurance Claims

Adenrele Wasiu Dawodu — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 09:44:32 +0000

Populism, Politics, Chinese Megaprojects and Misinformation in Africa

Emmanuel Zwanbin — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:53:06 +0000

The connection between populism, politics, Chinese megaprojects and businesses are crucial discourses in Africa-China relations. The rising political tension during elections and the use of anti-Chinese rhetoric impedes the future of Africa-China relations. Hence, the need for pragmatic public diplomacy to address the encroaching influence of anti-Chinese populism on the African continent. The paper contends that anti-Chinese populism is a political currency and opportunistic tool for power acquisition, rather than a political culture in Africa. The study views populism as the consequent of cross social injustice, marginalization and lack economic opportunities and vulnerability of the indigent in Africa. The paper analysed anti-Chinese rhetoric on debt trap, corruption, and economic distress as well Chinese public diplomacy in Zambia and Kenya. It employed qualitative case study approach which reviewed and analysed books, journal articles and webpages. The paper call for attention on the rising anti-Chinese rhetoric and to rethink how populism, domestic politics, and Chinese megaprojects and businesses across Africa are interconnected intrinsically for better public policy formulation. It recommends and calls for pragmatic public engagement through increased Africa-China advocacy.

Extra Curriculum Activity Participation and Employability Prospects of Undergraduates

Sanni Adewale Babajide, Raji Ismail Adesina, Tella Adeniran Rahmon — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:19:34 +0000

Graduate employability continues to pose a major challenge within Nigerian higher education, with many university graduates lacking the competencies demanded by contemporary labour markets. This study investigates the employability prospects of undergraduates at the University of Ibadan and the influence of their participation in extracurricular activities. Employing a descriptive survey of the correlational design, data were gathered from 612 undergraduates through a structured questionnaire. Results revealed that students rated their employability skills relatively low, particularly in the areas of critical thinking, professional communication, and digital presence. Conversely, high levels of participation were reported in extracurricular activities such as sports, student clubs, and campus politics, though engagement in entrepreneurship was limited. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between extracurricular participation and employability prospects (r = .466, p < .001). Further analysis using simple linear regression showed that extracurricular participation significantly predicted employability prospects, (F(1;610) = 168.76, p < .001, Adj. R² = .215). The study concludes that structured extracurricular engagement contributes meaningfully to students’ perceived employability and recommends institutional integration of employability skills training and digital competence development within and beyond the curriculum.

The Adoption of Fintech Solutions by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ilorin

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:20:34 +0000

This study examined the adoption of Financial Technology (FinTech) solutions by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ilorin, Nigeria, and its impact on financial management and business performance. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of mobile payment systems and evaluated the impact of digital lending platforms on the financial management and performance of SMEs in Ilorin, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using purposive sampling to select 350 SMEs across various sectors in Ilorin metropolis, yielding a population of 8,450 SME operators. A sample of 382 SME owners/managers was drawn using Cochran's formula. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using simple linear regression. The analysis confirmed that mobile payment systems significantly enhance financial management efficiency (R² = 0.724, p = 0.000), while digital lending platforms demonstrate a strong positive effect on business performance, explaining 68.2% of the variation (R² = 0.682, p = 0.000). The study concluded that FinTech adoption is a critical driver of SME success, with mobile payment systems improving transaction efficiency and cash flow management, while digital lending platforms enhance access to capital and growth opportunities. The findings emphasize the transformative potential of financial technology in empowering SMEs to overcome traditional banking barriers and achieve sustainable growth. It is recommended that SMEs should accelerate FinTech adoption through strategic partnerships, digital literacy programs, and integration of multiple FinTech solutions to maximize competitive advantage and operational efficiency.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Temple C. Nwambuko — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 08:21:33 +0000

This study investigates the adoption, perceived benefits, and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resource management (HRM) practices within Nigerian organizations. Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from a sample of 400 HR professionals across public and private sectors through a structured questionnaire. The analysis revealed that AI adoption in HRM is at a moderate level, with larger and private organizations demonstrating higher utilization compared to smaller and public sector institutions. Respondents strongly agreed that AI enhances efficiency, accuracy, and fairness in HR decision-making and recruitment, with mean scores above 3.5 on a five-point scale. However, perceptions of AI’s role in improving employee engagement and satisfaction were less favourable, reflecting its limited influence on human-centric HR functions. The findings further identified significant barriers to effective AI integration, particularly high costs, lack of technical expertise, data privacy and security concerns, algorithmic bias, and insufficient legal and ethical frameworks. Overall, the study concludes that while AI presents substantial opportunities for transforming HRM in Nigeria, its potential can only be maximised through targeted investments, regulatory safeguards, and strategic alignment of technology with human values.