AFRICAN SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL

This study investigates the impact of poor infrastructural facilities on the quality of Business Education in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Guided by three research questions and hypotheses, an ex post facto (causal-comparative) research design was adopted. The population comprised 18,740 lecturers and students of Business Education in Nigerian tertiary institutions, from which a sample of 392 respondents (72 lecturers and 320 students) was selected using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.82, and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between infrastructural facilities and the quality of Business Education: ICT facilities (r = 0.652, p < 0.05), electricity supply (r = 0.573, p < 0.05), and physical learning facilities (r = 0.601, p < 0.05). Regression results indicated that these variables jointly accounted for 53.6% of the variance (R² = 0.536) in Business Education quality, with ICT exerting the strongest influence (β = 0.412). The study concluded that inadequate infrastructural facilities significantly hinder teaching effectiveness, research productivity, and skill acquisition in Business Education. It recommended increased funding, stronger public–private partnerships, stable power supply, and the prioritization of ICT integration and facility maintenance to improve Business Education quality in Nigeria.

This study investigates how supporters of Nyesom Wike and Siminalayi Fubara employ stylistic and discourse strategies to construct political stances on social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok. Using a stylo-discourse approach combined with Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Roman Jakobson’s Communication Function Theory, the study examines lexical choices, pronouns, modality, metaphors, and discourse markers to uncover underlying ideological positions, identity construction, and persuasive strategies. Findings reveal that supporters use evaluative language to legitimize their preferred candidate, pronoun polarization to signal in-group and out-group alignment, and high-modality and metaphorical intensification to dramatize political conflict and mobilize audiences. These strategies demonstrate that social media is a performative arena of ideological contestation. The study recommends that political actors and campaign strategists engage social media mindfully, employing persuasive yet ethical discourse to shape public perception responsibly.

This research investigated the impact of staff training on teachers’ productivity in public secondary schools (PSS) in Bayelsa State. Guided by three research questions and corresponding hypotheses, the study used a survey design deemed suitable for this context. Out of 4,015 teachers across the state, 401 (10%) were randomly selected for the study. Data were gathered using a twelve-item, researcher-designed questionnaire on staff training and teacher productivity. Content validity was ensured through expert review, and reliability testing showed a coefficient of 0.80. Data analysis involved calculating the mean, standard deviation, and performing an independent t-test. The main findings indicate that staff training has a significant impact on teachers’ performance. The study recommends the effective use of various training methods—on-the-job, on- and-off-the-job, and off-the-job—to enhance productivity in PSS in Bayelsa State.

This study examined the perceptions of academic and nonacademic staff on the role, effectiveness, and involvement in quality control mechanisms in university administration. Using a sample of 120 staff members (70 academic and 50 nonacademics), the study employed descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test to analyze differences in responses. Findings revealed that both staff groups recognized the significant role and effectiveness of quality control mechanisms in enhancing university operations. However, a significant difference was found in staff involvement, with academic staff reporting greater participation than nonacademic staff. The study concludes that while quality control mechanisms are valued, there is a need to increase inclusive participation across all staff categories. Recommendations include enhancing nonacademic staff engagement, strengthening communication, continuous evaluation, and capacity building to foster a sustainable quality culture in the university.

This study examines the impact of artisanal refining on environmental security in Rivers State. The population of the study was 196,780 households in Rivers State. A sample size of 384 was determined from this population using Krejcie and Morgan sampling technique. Questionnaire and interview were used in data collection and the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistic, the mean and standard deviation. The result revealed that artisanal refining affect environmental security in Rivers State. Hence the study concludes that artisanal refining is responsible for environmental security degradation in Rivers State. Therefore, the study recommended that Government should encourage oil companies to take responsibility by establishing environmental impacts and invest in community development programs for rapid response teams to address health emergencies related to pollution. They should develop disaster preparedness plans for communities affected by pollution from illegal refining. Invest in research to develop innovative solutions for pollution control and health improvement. Government and oil companies should establish local emergency response units specifically trained to handle explosions and fires from artisanal refineries, ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to respond quickly and effectively to ensure environmental security in Rivers State.

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is transforming job landscapes across the globe, with particular implications for developing regions such as Africa. AI presents both opportunities and challenges for Africa’s labour markets, with significant risks of job displacement in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. While AI-driven automation threatens to exacerbate unemployment and inequality, Africa’s ability to respond is hampered by weak political education systems, which leave citizens ill-equipped to engage with governance or advocate for policies that mitigate these disruptions. This article explores the intersection of functional political education and AI-induced job displacement, arguing that empowering citizens with digital literacy, policy awareness, and participatory governance skills is critical for an inclusive AI transition. The study therefore, highlights key challenges, including skills gaps, informal labour vulnerabilities, gender disparities, and foreign tech dominance, while examining case studies from South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. It proposes policy solutions such as reskilling programmes, labour protections, and localized AI innovation to ensure equitable adaptation. One of the findings of the research revealed that 60% of Africa’s workforce are highly vulnerable to AI-driven automation, risking mass unemployment. Ultimately, the article underscores that functional political education is not just a civic necessity but a strategic imperative for Africa to navigate AI’s disruptive impact and demand accountable, inclusive policies. By prioritizing political literacy and inclusive policymaking, Africa can mitigate the negative impacts of AI-driven automation and harness its opportunities. On this basis, the research concludes that functional political education can empower Africans to address AI-driven job displacement by fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and advocacy.

This study explores the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing administrative efficiency in secondary schools. In an era of increasing educational demands and resource constraints, school administrators face growing pressure to streamline operations and improve management outcomes. The research investigates the types of ICT tools used in school administration, the impact of their application on administrative effectiveness, and the challenges hindering their adoption. Using an exploratory research design and a qualitative approach based on relevant literature review, the study identifies tools such as school management systems, financial software, digital communication platforms, and biometric systems as central to improving data management, communication, and decision-making processes. However, issues such as poor infrastructure, limited digital literacy, inadequate funding, and weak policy enforcement were identified as major barriers to ICT integration. The study shows that while ICT holds substantial potential for transforming school administration, its successful implementation requires targeted investment, staff training, and robust policy support. The study recommends a strategic approach to ICT adoption that includes infrastructural upgrades, continuous professional development, and stakeholder sensitization to maximize administrative efficiency in secondary schools.