ESUT JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

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

2025-05-25T19:45:44+00:00

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

2025-05-25T19:45:44+00:00

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

2025-06-01T14:13:52+00:00

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

2025-06-01T14:14:46+00:00

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

2025-07-07T07:52:41+00:00

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

2025-07-14T10:26:08+00:00

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

2025-08-13T09:42:39+00:00

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

2025-09-01T12:13:42+00:00

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

2025-08-13T09:44:32+00:00

Populism, Politics, Chinese Megaprojects and Misinformation in Africa

2025-08-25T17:53:06+00:00

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

2025-09-11T08:19:34+00:00

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

2025-09-11T08:20:34+00:00

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

2025-09-11T08:21:33+00:00

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.

Paediatric HIV/AIDS and Awareness of Victims’ Plight in Enugu Metropolis, Enugu State, Nigeria

2025-10-26T18:40:46+00:00

Paediatric HIV/AIDS remains a critical public health and social concern in sub-Saharan Africa, with children facing unique challenges due to stigma, neglect, and limited access to healthcare. This study examined awareness of the plight of children living with HIV/AIDS (CLWHA) in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria, adopting a medical sociology perspective. Using a survey design, 613 respondents were selected through multi-stage cluster sampling, complemented by 10 in-depth interviews with healthcare personnel. Data were analyzed using frequency tables, percentages, and chi-square tests at a 0.05 significance level. Results indicate that awareness of CLWHA challenges is generally low, with peer-group stigma, neglect, and inaccessibility of antiretroviral therapy as primary issues. Respondents highlighted public enlightenment, creation of more HIV/AIDS care centers, free medical treatment, and counseling as essential interventions. The study recommends establishing a government agency to oversee CLWHA welfare, strengthening community sensitization, and improving access to antiretroviral drugs to enhance child wellbeing and social inclusion.

Impact Assessment of Oron Inland Waterways Transport System on the Growth and Development of Oron Coastal Community and Environs

2025-10-26T18:42:27+00:00

The paper examines the impact of Oron inland waterways transport system on the growth and development of Oron coastal community and environs. It evaluates eight objectives that mirrored the research problem and adopts cross-sectional survey design to examine the population of study. It uses multi-stage sampling techniques that involved stratified and random sampling techniques to select the sample. Out of a population of 1,873, Taro Yamane formula was used to determine the sample size of 363. In order to analyze the data gathered, descriptive statistics was used. The study adopted simple random sampling technique due to its ease of use and accuracy of representation. From interviews, literature review, media reports and critical stakeholders’ opinions, the study examines the economic impact of the Oron inland waterways transport system and notes that it enhances the efficiency of local businesses by reducing transportation costs, and it facilitates increased trade and creates employment opportunities. The study identifies the challenges facing Oron inland waterways transport system and finds that they could be tackled through coordinated efforts of government agencies, transport operators, local communities, and businesses in order to enhance safety measures, improve infrastructure, and strengthen security protocols. Consequently, the study recommends, among others, that equitable resource allocation to Oron waterways transport system is necessary in light of its significance in enhancing connectivity towards promoting trade and commerce, job creation, and trade cost reduction.

Employee Resourcing Strategies and Performance of Listed Food Manufacturing Firms in Lagos, Nigeria.

2025-10-26T18:43:38+00:00

This study examined employee resourcing strategies (ERS) and performance of listed food manufacturing firms in Lagos, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the effect of workforce planning strategies and evaluated the effect of recruitment strategies on performance of listed food manufacturing firms in Lagos, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Purposive sampling method was employed to select six (6) Listed food manufacturing firms in Lagos Nigeria, based on market capitalization and operational longevity, yielding a total population of 15,418. A combined sample of 375 employees and 384 customers was drawn. Data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaires. Simple linear regression was used to assess the effect of workforce planning strategies and recruitment strategies on performance of the listed food manufacturing firms in Lagos, Nigeria. The analysis also confirmed that workplace flexibility strategies robustly enhance firm performance (R2 = 0.991, p = 0.000), and that employee retention strategies have a strong, positive, and statistically significant effect on performance, explaining 59.1% of the variation (R2 = 0.590, p = 0.000). The study concluded that workplace flexibility further highlights its importance, showing that adaptive work arrangements are a vital component of a firm’s success. Finally, the strong positive effect of employee retention strategies emphasizes the need for firms to invest in keeping their skilled workforce, as this directly contributes to improved performance outcomes. It is recommended that firms should continuously invest in, and refine their employee resourcing strategies by leveraging technology, adopting merit-based hiring, and aligning workforce needs with operational objectives to enhance competitive advantage, customer loyalty, and organizational efficiency.

INFLUENCE OF LAGER BEER BILLBOARD ADVERTISING ON ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS LAGER BEER CONSUMPTION IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

2025-10-26T18:44:45+00:00

In spite of the regulation of alcohol advertising, distribution and consumption, billboard advertising of lager beer brands has become pervasive in South-East, Nigeria. This study examined Influence of Lager Beer Billboard Advertising on Attitude and Behaviour towards Lager Beer Consumption in South East Nigeria. The Explanatory Mixed Method Design was adopted for the study. The population of study was (24, 221, 021.) people. A sample size of six hundred (600.) was drawn from the population. Questionnaire was used to generate quantitative data. Major findings showed that 99% of the respondents were aware that different brands of lager beer exist and could identify them. Flowing from the above, 25.7% of the respondents have high knowledge of different brands of lager beer was influenced by exposure to lager beer billboard advertising’, while, the knowledge of the majority (41.1%) was influenced to a moderate extent. The results indicated a very high exposure to lager beer billboards in South-East Nigeria. Based on these findings, the researchers recommended among others, that; owing to the harmful effects of alcohol and the high rate of its consumption among the audience, the researcher recommends a ban on lager beer and other alcoholic substances advertising. Definitely, this will not stop the consumption of alcohol, but, it can limit the rate at which people are introduced to alcohol. Warning signs on lager beer billboards should be bold and occupy a prominent position for it to command attention. This is because while the majority of the respondents acknowledged their attention to the graphics, message, slogans and icons/celebrities, a significant number of them failed to pay attention to the warnings by the Federal Ministry of Health. Since lager beer consumption is rated +18, it's suggested that the location of lager beer billboards should be prohibited in areas predominantly occupied by children and adolescents under the age of 18. The findings show that the use of celebrities and high quality graphics received more attention on lager beer billboards than the text/message. Hence, pictures of celebrities accompanied with the brand, should play a prominent role in billboard advertising, especially, as research has shown that people may patronize a product based on the celebrity that endorsed it.

Public Relations Practice in Nigeria’s Corruption-Ridden Environment

2025-10-26T18:46:09+00:00

This article discussed public relations practice in Nigeria’s corruption-ridden environment: challenges and prospects, and specifically identified the functions and objectives of public relations, highlighted the extent corruption has characterized the socio-economic and political environment of Nigeria, and discussed some of the challenges facing public relations practice in Nigeria and pointed out how the challenges could be overcome. The theoretical framework of this article was anchored on the excellent theory which resulted from a study about the best practice in public relation. In the article, write-ups from available relevant literature were considered and used to analyse public relations practice in Nigeria’s corruption-filled environment, and discuss the challenges and prospects of public relations practice. In the conclusion, it was noted that truly, corruption is evident in the Nigerian socio-economic and political environment and it posses challenges to the practice of public relations. Nevertheless, ways to overcome the challenges were pointed out and all concerned were encouraged to follow the steps as public relations practice in Nigeria has great prospect to flourish.

Energy, Industrial Development and Economic Growth in Nigeria

2025-10-26T19:01:17+00:00

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy is characterized by underutilized industrial potential and a chronic energy deficit, which together impede sustainable economic growth. Industrial output contributing less than 15 per cent of GDP and electricity access at 55 per cent of the population in 2022 (World Bank), the industrial sector struggles to perform optimally. Energy consumption, a key input for industrial production, grew at an average annual rate of 5.2 per cent from 1990 – 2023, yet it remains insufficient to meet the consumption. The motivation lies in addressing this energy–industrial growth disconnects to achieve economic diversification and development. The research is to investigate the impact of energy and industrialization on the Nigeria economy and analysis the bidirectional relationships between energy, industrial development and economic growth. The research covered the period between 1990 – 2023, which encompassing over three decades of economic, industrial, and energy sector transformation. The study uses the method of regression analysis with ordinary least squares (OLS) econometric techniques and a time series secondary data from 1990-2023 to examine the impact of Energy and Industrial development on economic growth. The data was first examined for unit roots using the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test. A co- integration regression was then used to examine the long run relationship among the variables. The result shows that, industrial Investment and Foreign Direct Investment were statistical significance but Energy Consumption Utilization and Industrial Output failed in the apriori expectations but were statistically significance at 5 per cent level. The study recommendations that, government should expand energy access to increase investment in renewable energy to bridge the energy deficits; introduce incentives for industries to adopt energy efficient technology, promote industrial hup to foster productivity and resource sharing. Lastly, encourage non-oil industrial activities for sustainable economic growth and diversification.