TRANSNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ARTS, HUMANITIES AND SCIENCES
Transnational Journal of Arts, Humanities and Sciences (TJAHS) is a quarterly publication by Word Astra Publishers. It is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing scholarly research and critical inquiry across the arts, humanities, and sciences. The journal provides a vibrant platform for interdisciplinary and transnational debates on culture, language, literature, history, philosophy, religion, media, social thought, and scientific perspectives that illuminate human experience and contemporary global challenges.
Career Choice in Secondary Schools and its Effects on Job Security in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
This study examines career choice in secondary schools and its effects on job security in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The research was guided by Donald Super's Theory of Career Development (1957) and Holland's Theory of Vocational Personalities and Work Environments (1959). Three objectives and corresponding research questions were formulated to direct the study. A total of 300 Senior Secondary Three (SS3) students were randomly selected from three secondary schools in Abak Local Government Area. Data were collected through structured questionnaires designed using a Likert scale to capture respondents' opinions clearly and objectively. Out of the 300 questionnaires administered, 287 were correctly filled and returned, representing a high response rate. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentage methods, while the chi-square (χ²) statistical tool was employed to test the three hypotheses formulated. Findings revealed a significant relationship between career choice and job security among secondary school students in Akwa Ibom State. Based on the results, the study recommended that guidance and counseling units should be strengthened in schools to help students make informed career decisions. It also emphasized the need for parents to play supportive rather than prescriptive roles and for government to create job opportunities and structured platforms that assist young people in choosing careers that promote professional stability and contribute to societal development.
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Governance, Regulatory Challenges, and Pension Fund Mismanagement in Nigeria's Contributory Pension Scheme: Implications for Retirees' Welfare
This study investigates the challenges undermining the effective implementation of Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and assesses their impact on the welfare of retirees. The research focuses on two key objectives: (1) to examine how poor governance and regulatory issues affect the proper functioning of the CPS and (2) to evaluate the influence of pension fund mismanagement and weak accountability practices on retirees' trust in the system. The study draws on both qualitative and quantitative data, employing surveys, focus group discussions, and documentary analysis to explore the relationship between employers' failure to remit contributions, corruption in pension administration, and the financial security of pensioners. The findings reveal that weak governance structures, insufficient regulatory frameworks, and corruption within pension management have significantly delayed pension payments, reduced retirees’ confidence in the system, and exacerbated their financial instability. The study emphasises the urgent need for robust regulatory oversight, transparency, and accountability to restore trust and enhance the financial security of retirees. Furthermore, it calls for comprehensive reforms in pension administration to ensure timely pension disbursements and the sustainable management of pension funds, ultimately improving retirees' welfare and ensuring the long-term success of the CPS in Nigeria.
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The Relevance of Drum Language via Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Indigenous African Society
Drum language in African society is a sophisticated form of indigenous communication that transcends mere musical expression, serving as a vital medium for conveying messages, preserving history, and reinforcing cultural identity. Indigenous drums have historically been used for diverse purposes, including political announcements, religious initiation ceremonies, emergency alerts, and ancestral praise. This work examines the significance of drum-language communication in indigenous Akwa Ibom society, focusing on how the tonal patterns of drum language imitate the pitch and rhythm of spoken African languages, particularly in tonal linguistic communities such as Akwa Ibom. The study evaluates specialised forms of drum communication embedded within royal courts, secret societies, spiritual rituals, and historical recitations systems that require mastery and deep cultural knowledge for accurate interpretation. With the rise of digital technology, big data, and artificial intelligence, innovative tools have emerged for preserving and analysing these indigenous communication systems through conventional coding structures in which pre-arranged signals represent specific messages. The paper argues that the effectiveness of drum language lies in the highly tonal nature of African languages; consequently, artificial intelligence–based sound analysis can decode drum signals, while big data archiving enables the storage and retrieval of extensive rhythmic patterns and cultural contexts. This technological integration not only supports the safeguarding of Africa’s intangible cultural heritage but also revitalises indigenous knowledge systems, making them more accessible for education, research, and cultural continuity. The study adopts an empirical approach through engagement with existing texts and relevant scholarly journals. It concludes that the intelligibility of drum-based messages is often enhanced by rhythmic patterns that closely mirror spoken utterances, thereby improving comprehension among listeners.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Dialectics of Trauma in Girl-Child Trafficking in Chris Abani’s Becoming Abigail and Chika Unigwe’s On Black Sisters’ Street
This work presents a comparative feminist analysis of Chris Abani’s Becoming Abigail (2006) and Chika Unigwe’s On Black Sisters' Street (2009), arguing that their distinct narrative strategies constitute complementary and necessary modes of critiquing the transnational trafficking of African girls. It posits that Abani’s fragmented, lyrical novella performs a poetics of interior collapse, immersing the reader in the disintegrating psyche of a single victim to frame exploitation as the culmination of intimate, familial betrayals. In contrast, Unigwe’s polyphonic novel constructs a sociology of collective endurance, mapping the deliberate economic and transnational architecture of the trade to portray trafficking as a systemic, capitalist machinery. Through a sustained examination of narrative form, bodily agency, and systems of power, this study demonstrates that a dialectical reading of these texts, one focused on psychological fragmentation and the other on socio-economic chorus, provides a more holistic literary understanding than either can offer alone. The comparison reveals the crisis as both a profound, soul-destroying personal trauma and a calculated function of global patriarchal capital, advocating for a critical approach that holds the interior and the systemic in constitutive tension.
A Legal Analysis of Employee Reinstatement in Nigeria's Private Sector
This article critically examined the concept and practice of reinstatement in Nigeria’s private sector, focusing on its legal foundations, judicial interpretations, comparative perspectives, and practical challenges. It analysed how Nigerian courts, particularly the National Industrial Court (NICN), have treated reinstatement as a remedy for wrongful termination in contract-based employment, governed by the principle of freedom of contract. Using a doctrinal approach, the article reviewed various statutes, case law, and scholarly opinions to assess the evolving balance between contractual freedom and employee protection. Findings showed that reinstatement, though historically rare in the private sector, is gaining judicial acceptance through cases like Mix & Bake Ltd v NUFBTE and Aloysius v Diamond Bank Plc, which emphasised fairness and international labour standards. Grounds for reinstatement include wrongful dismissal, breach of statutory rights, discrimination, and oppressive employer conduct. Yet, challenges persist, such as loss of trust, corporate restructuring, prolonged litigation, and employer non-compliance. Comparative insights from the UK, South Africa, and Ghana revealed that effective reinstatement depends on strong legal backing and institutional independence. The study concluded that Nigeria’s jurisprudence is evolving but constrained by weak legislation, urging reforms to strengthen reinstatement as a fair and enforceable remedy.
Historical Analysis of Piracy in Oro Nation Waterways
This study examines a holistic historical analysis of piracy in Oro Nation waterways, from the pre-colonial period to the contemporary era. In studying the evolution of piracy in the Oro Nation, this research uncovers the complexity and interplay of political, economic, and social issues, which accounted for the unabated persistence of this maritime and coastal security threat. The study emphasizes how piracy has adapted in response to shifting historical contexts, including colonialism, the pursuit of independence, and current security challenges. The research adopts a qualitative historical method weaved through an examination of primary and secondary sources. This study reveals the historical patterns of piracy in Oro Nation's waterways and recommends effective measures such as policies, community engagement, international cooperation, and continuous monitoring to address it.
Workplace Pressure in Turbulent Times: Psychological Implications for Employee Mental Health and Organisational Performance
The contemporary workplace is increasingly defined by relentless demands and high-pressure environments, creating conditions in which employees often feel overwhelmed and restless. This paper provides a conceptual analysis of the psychological dimensions of workplace pressure, with particular attention to its implications for employee mental health and organisational performance. Drawing on established psychological theories and empirical literature, it synthesises evidence on the major sources of workplace stress, including excessive workload, role ambiguity, toxic organisational cultures, and the erosion of work–life balance. The review highlights how these pressures contribute to chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, and reduced job satisfaction, while also examining coping mechanisms that range from adaptive strategies such as mindfulness and organisational interventions to maladaptive responses that intensify mental health challenges. In addition, it identifies deficiencies in existing organisational support systems and underscores the importance of cultivating a supportive workplace culture. By integrating theoretical insights with comparative evidence from Nigeria and Europe, the paper offers actionable recommendations to guide employers, policymakers, and mental health professionals in addressing the workplace mental health crisis, ultimately promoting both employee well-being and organisational sustainability
Comparative Analysis (Nigeria and Europe), Workplace Culture
Unemployment, Youth Vulnerability, and the Escalation of Armed Banditry in NigerRepublic
Armed banditry has emerged as one of the most pressing security challenges in the Republic of Niger, threatening peace, stability, and socio-economic development. This article examines the nexus between unemployment, youth vulnerability, and the escalation of armed banditry, situating the analysis within frustration–aggression and resource access theories. Drawing on a historical–descriptive design and secondary data from international reports, academic studies, and policy briefs, the study finds that persistent unemployment and poverty leave young people highly susceptible to recruitment into bandit groups. Armed banditry is sustained by promises of quick financial rewards, peer influence, and cross-border criminal networks, creating a vicious cycle in which unemployment fuels insecurity and insecurity deepens economic deprivation. The study further highlights the limitations of militarised responses, which often provide only temporary relief while failing to address structural drivers. It concludes that reducing youth unemployment through job creation, vocational training, and reintegration initiatives must be recognised as a strategic security measure. By embedding socio-economic interventions into security policy, the Republic of Niger can weaken recruitment pipelines, mitigate armed banditry, and foster sustainable peace.
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Nigerian Journalism: Global, African, and Local Perspectives
Journalism in Nigeria, as in many democracies, is confronted with ethical dilemmas that test the balance between professional ideals and systemic pressures. This research explores how Nigerian journalists navigate these dilemmas within global, African, and national contexts, drawing on a qualitative literature review and the framework of Social Responsibility Theory. Findings reveal that while universal principles of accuracy, independence, and accountability remain benchmarks, journalists operate under structural constraints such as political ownership, censorship, poor remuneration, and safety threats. Specific Nigerian challenges (such as the persistence of “brown envelope” journalism, regulatory clampdowns like the suspension of AIT, and the dilemmas of digital reporting during #EndSARS) are situated within broader global concerns over misinformation and African realities of repression and economic precarity. The study contributes by synthesising these three levels of analysis into a comparative framework and proposing context-specific reforms: strengthening journalist unions, institutionalising fact-checking, improving working conditions, and advocating legal protections. It concludes that sustainable ethical practice in Nigeria requires addressing structural vulnerabilities while adapting global best practices to local realities.
The Influence of Cultural Practices on the Spread of HIV/AIDS and the Challenges to Its Effective Control in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Despite sustained efforts by national and international health organisations to reduce the high prevalence of HIV, Akwa Ibom State continues to record one of the highest rates in Nigeria. Cultural practices remain a highly significant yet often underestimated contributor to the persistence of the epidemic, alongside well-recognised biological and socioeconomic drivers. This study critically examines how specific societal norms, rituals, and cultural beliefs inadvertently facilitate the transmission of HIV and undermine effective prevention and control measures in Akwa Ibom State. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study draws on in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare professionals, community members, and traditional leaders. It identifies practices such as polygyny, ritualised non-marital sex, multiple concurrent sexual partnerships, poverty, levirate marriage and sexual cleansing, female genital mutilation, widow inheritance, traditional scarification and tattooing, as well as the pervasive male dominance in sexual decision-making. The findings underscore the urgent need for cultural sensitisation and context-specific interventions that respectfully engage with local traditions while promoting evidence-based public health practices.
Foreign Policy and Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria from 2019 – 2024
This study examines the relationship between Nigeria's foreign policy and socio-economic development between 2019 and 2024. Guided by the objectives of establishing whether a correlation exists between foreign policy and socio-economic development, and assessing the impact of the manner in which foreign policy resources and opportunities are applied, the study adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach. Drawing on the national interest, dependency, and game theories, it interrogates how Nigeria's foreign policy has been conceptualised, implemented, and reviewed during the period under study. The analysis demonstrates that while Nigeria possesses significant opportunities for leveraging foreign policy to advance income per capita, infrastructure, employment, education, and technological growth, weak institutional frameworks, inconsistent policy application, and leadership deficits have limited these outcomes. The findings emphasise the need for a recalibrated foreign policy anchored on economic diplomacy, stronger domestic bargaining power, and a deliberate orientation towards socio-economic transformation. The study concludes that only through a pragmatic and strategically applied foreign policy can Nigeria achieve sustainable development and greater influence in the international system.
Sectoral Allocation and Economic Wellbeing in Nigeria
This study examines the relationship between sectoral allocation and economic wellbeing in Nigeria, with a focus on identifying the most effective sectors for improving economic outcomes. The research employs a comprehensive framework, considering various sectors, including administrative services, economic services, social and community services, and transfer payments. The study used autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation techniques due to the mixed stationary condition of the annual time series data, which was sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin 2024. The findings of this study reveal that the sectoral allocation of government expenditure plays a crucial role in shaping economic wellbeing in Nigeria. Specifically, the results show that government spending on transfer payments, administrative services, and social and community services has a significant positive impact on economic wellbeing. In contrast, expenditures on economic services are found to have an insignificant negative relationship with economic wellbeing. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending. Corruption and misallocation of funds are identified as major challenges that undermine the effectiveness of sectoral allocations in improving economic wellbeing. Based on these findings, the study recommends that policymakers prioritise transparency and accountability in government spending. Establishing stronger monitoring and evaluation frameworks is suggested as a key strategy for ensuring that allocated funds reach their intended sectors and produce measurable welfare outcomes. The results of this study have important implications for policymakers seeking to optimise government expenditure and improve economic wellbeing in Nigeria.
The Dynamic Interaction Between Fiscal Deficit and Inflation in Nigeria
This study analysed the dynamic relationship between fiscal deficit and inflation in Nigeria from 1981 to 2024, with the aim of examining the link between these two macroeconomic variables. Economic indicators, including GDP growth, CPI inflation, fiscal deficit as a ratio of GDP, and exchange rate, were utilised in the analysis. Augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) and Phillips–Perron unit root tests were conducted to determine the order of integration of the variables. The results indicated that all variables were stationary at first difference, and the Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds test was applied to investigate the short-run and long-run relationships between the variables of interest. The findings revealed that, in the long run, there was a positive but statistically insignificant relationship between fiscal deficit and inflation in Nigeria. Based on these findings, it was recommended that policymakers adopt fiscal and monetary discipline and moderate deficit financing to avoid persistent inflationary pressures that could negatively affect the purchasing power of Nigerians.
The advent of information and communication technology has undoubtedly given rise to various innovative opportunities and platforms, such as social media, that enhance daily living. The influence of social media is prominent globally. However, social media functions as a double-edged sword, offering both reliable and fake news to its users. In contemporary society, fake news appears almost inevitable, driven by human curiosity in information consumption. It poses significant harm to users of platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and others. This situation cannot be left unchecked; appropriate measures must be instituted. This paper examines social media and fake news in Nigeria, highlighting associated challenges and potential solutions. The study is anchored on two theoretical frameworks: the Technological Determinism Theory and the Disruptive Technology Theory. The concepts of social media and fake news are reviewed. Methods for identifying fake news are explored, including machine learning, automated and human-in-the-loop approaches, task-based analysis, datasets, and source verification. The study also considers challenges in addressing fake news, such as inadequate technology, poorly coordinated efforts, and a lack of regulation. Proposed solutions include promoting critical thinking and implementing government regulation. The paper concludes that social media and fake news present both positive and negative impacts in modern society, necessitating a high level of media literacy among users. Based on this, the paper recommends, among other measures, that non-governmental organisations, civil society groups, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists should intensify social media-based sensitisation on fake news and educate users on how to independently verify the source and authenticity of news stories to cleanse platforms of misleading information.
Organisational Communication Climate And Employee Relations In Tertiary Institutions In Akwa Ibom State: A Study Of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic
This study examines the relationship between organisational communication climate and employee relations at Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the nature of the communication climate, its impact on employee relations, and strategies for improvement. Grounded in systems theory, social exchange theory, and human relations theory, the research adopted a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 236 staff members using structured questionnaires. Findings revealed mixed perceptions of the communication climate, with concerns over transparency and feedback mechanisms. Positive communication was linked to reduced conflicts and improved teamwork, while poor communication exacerbated misunderstandings. The study concludes that enhancing communication practices, such as institutionalising regular staff meetings, improving feedback systems, and adopting digital platforms, can strengthen employee relations. Recommendations include fostering transparent decision-making, formalising upward communication channels, and providing staff communication training.
The Nigerian Army and Challenges of Professionalism in Internal Security Operations, 1964-1999
The Nigerian Army evolved in the second half of the nineteenth century, when Great Britain sought to assert its power and influence along the littoral regions of the Nigerian coastline and to create an enabling environment for the growth and development of trade and commerce in the Nigerian interior. At independence, Nigeria inherited an army that retained the British traditions of conservatism, political aloofness, professionalism, and a high standard of regimentation. Employing chronological, descriptive, thematic, and analytical methods of historical investigation, this study examines the nexus between the Nigerian Army and professionalism in internal security operations. The involvement of the Nigerian Army in internal security operations has been marked by varying degrees of success and challenges. However, due to the vicissitudes of Nigeria’s political dynamics from the 1960s onwards, the Nigerian Army appears to have been negatively affected in its ethos, orientation, and general perception as a nationalist institution. The study reveals that professionalism in the army was compromised by several factors, including coups and military rule, issues related to equipment and maintenance, training and logistics, political interference and leadership, human rights abuses, and operational mandates. It was concluded that the Nigerian Army should continue to be engaged in internal security operations while emphasising the importance of professionalism, Rules of Engagement (ROE), Standing Operational Procedure (SOP), and Operational Control (OPCON) in such operations.
The Oil Palm Economy and Economic Changes in Uruan L.G.A. of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria (1900-1960)
The world economy from 1900 to 1960 was based on several cash crops (cotton, cocoa, coffee, and palm oil), but majorly the oil palm economy, which was termed the ‘legitimate trade’. The colonial economy flourished from proceeds from the trade in palm oil and other oil palm produce. Oil palm production had long been a traditional practice in the Uruan area. However, the early 20th century saw a surge in oil palm production in response to increasing demand for palm oil and palm kernels in both domestic and international markets. The oil palm economy in Uruan during this period was shaped by various factors, including colonial influences, technological advancements, and global market trends, which have not been captured by literature. Based on the aforementioned, this paper employs the historical methodology of narration and analysis and gleans information from oral and written sources for its presentation, showing that in spite of noted challenges such as indigenous land tenure practices, manual labour, stiff competition from rival communities, and fluctuating global prices, oil palm production created manifold employment opportunities for local farmers and labourers and also contributed to rural development. The export of palm oil and palm kernels also improved the living standard of local communities and generated considerable revenue, which enhanced the overall economic development of Uruan within the period under review.
Rice Production and Food Security in Ini L.G.A. of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria (1950 -1999)
This paper investigates rice production and food security in the Ini area of Akwa Ibom State between 1950 and 1999. Renowned as the “food basket” of the state, Ini is particularly recognised for its prominence in rice cultivation. Introduced as early as 1950, rice has been cultivated in the area for decades, supported by favourable agro-ecological conditions and extensive arable land. Given these advantages, one might expect that rice production in Ini would have significantly contributed to local and regional food security. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, this study utilises a historical research methodology based on both primary and secondary sources. Data were collected through interviews, archival materials, published and unpublished works, and relevant literature in economics and agriculture. The findings were analysed to reconstruct the historical trajectory of rice production and its implications for food security in Ini during the period under review. The study reveals that Ini possesses substantial potential for large-scale production of both upland and swamp rice, sufficient not only for local consumption but also for distribution to neighbouring communities. Such capacity could serve as a catalyst for regional food security and socio-economic integration. However, this potential remained largely unrealised due to a range of political, economic, social, and cultural constraints. It was concluded that with committed political will, strategic government intervention, and targeted support for rice farmers and stakeholders, Ini could fulfil the conditions necessary to be considered a food-secure region.
Education and the Development of the Nigerian Army, 1960- 1999
The hallmark of every professional military institution is training and education. From classical times to the present, every human society has designed and applied education to develop its military according to perceived threats and developmental needs. This paper examines the critical role of education in the development of the Nigerian Army. It discusses the historical context, as well as the current and future directions of military education. By evaluating the impact of educational initiatives on military professionalism, the study emphasises the urgent need to align education in the Nigerian Army with international transformations and standards in this era of digital technology and computerisation. It also advocates for substantial investment in nuclear research and technology. Such investments should not be viewed as wasteful, as spin-offs from military research and development often benefit civil society. The study highlights the necessity of a robust educational foundation to enhance the operational standards of the Nigerian Army.
Amid numerous armed conflicts today, militarisation is a priority for many countries, heightening the urgency of examining its impact on women, particularly those in the military. This article focuses on the comparative analysis of several aspects of women’s military service in the USSR and Great Britain during World War II to show how these states mobilised women to meet military needs in wartime while still maintaining gender hierarchies. The findings call for a substantial reevaluation of gender roles in military contexts and underscore the importance of inclusive and equitable policies for servicewomen in contemporary defence strategies.