This paper presents a carefully developed critical edition of “Ewo Gboka” (“Money is Strong”), a notable Nupe oral composition attributed to Alhaji Hamza Sonfada Bida. While African oral texts have often been approached mainly from anthropological and sociological perspectives, this study shifts attention to the internal artistic qualities of the composition. Using a Formalist lens, the paper explores its structural, phonological, and poetic features. Drawing on the ideas of Jakobson (1960) and Shklovsky (1965), the analysis shows that “Ewo Gboka” functions not only as a song, but also as poetry, philosophical reflection, and socio-economic commentary. Through tonal patterning, repetition, gradual variation, and metaphorical expression, the composition demonstrates a refined indigenous formal system comparable to written poetic traditions. The paper also contributes to the preservation of Nupe oral literature through annotated transcription and critical explanation.

This study investigates digital media trends among graphic designers in Benin City, Nigeria, drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Theory to explain patterns of technology adoption. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach involving questionnaires administered to 450 participants and interviews with 25 key informants. Findings revealed a high level of digital media adoption among graphic designers, with 89.3% used professional software and 84.6% relying on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram for communication. The study concludes that while digital media enhances graphic design practice, its full potential depends on improved infrastructure and capacity development. The study therefore recommends increased investment in digital infrastructure, affordable software access, and continuous professional training to strengthen digital media utilization among graphic designers.

Insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in Northern Nigeria, is increasingly experienced not only as a physical reality but also as a mediated construct shaped by mass media narratives. This study examines newspaper framing of insecurity and its influence on public perception and fear among residents of Bida, Niger State. Grounded in Framing Theory and Cultivation Theory, the study adopts a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, integrating survey data from 378 respondents with content analysis of 25 purposively selected online news articles. Survey results indicate high newspaper exposure significantly shapes cognitive perception of insecurity (χ²(9, N = 378) = 52.31, p < .001). However, regression analysis shows that perception does not significantly predict fear (R² = 0.002, p = 0.393), suggesting that emotional responses are contextually mediated. The study concludes that while media framing strongly constructs perceptions of insecurity, fear responses are moderated by lived experience and environmental familiarity. It contributes empirical evidence from a semi-urban Northern Nigerian context, advancing understanding of how mediated insecurity narratives influence public interpretation and emotional resilience.

This study examined electoral violence and democratic consolidation in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, with particular emphasis on the post-election crises that have characterized the country's democratic experience since 1999. Specifically, the study investigated the causes of electoral violence, assessed its implications for democratic consolidation, and evaluated the effectiveness of electoral reforms and conflict management mechanisms in mitigating post-election crises. A qualitative research design was adopted, relying exclusively on secondary data obtained from peer-reviewed journal articles, books, election reports, policy documents, newspaper publications, and reports of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organizations, and international development agencies. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that weak electoral institutions, political elite manipulation, poverty, unemployment, ethnic and religious divisions, and ineffective security management constitute the major drivers of electoral violence in Nigeria. The study further established that electoral violence undermines democratic consolidation by eroding public confidence in democratic institutions, discouraging political participation, weakening electoral credibility, and fostering political instability. Although recent electoral reforms, including the introduction of electronic voter accreditation and the electronic transmission of election results, have enhanced electoral transparency, their effectiveness has been constrained by implementation challenges, political interference, and institutional weaknesses. The study concludes that sustainable democratic consolidation in Nigeria depends on credible elections, strong and independent electoral institutions, impartial security agencies, adherence to the rule of law, and inclusive governance. It recommends strengthening the autonomy of electoral institutions, prosecuting electoral offenders, promoting youth empowerment and civic education, enhancing voter education programmes, and implementing sustained democratic and governance reforms. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on electoral violence and democratic governance by highlighting the institutional reforms necessary for promoting peaceful elections and democratic stability in Nigeria.

In today’s dynamic and highly competitive market, product innovation has emerged as a vital strategic mechanism for driving firm performance, competitive advantage, and long-term sustainability. This study examinesthe effect of product innovation on the profitability of business organizations, with a specific focus on selected pure water (sachet water) manufacturing companies in Bida Metropolis, Nigeria. Anchored on Schumpeter’s Innovation Theory, the ResourceBased View (RBV), and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, the conceptual framework evaluates how key dimensions of product innovation—such as advanced water treatment technologies, tamper-proof and branded packaging, product diversification, regulatory compliance (e.g., NAFDAC certification), and innovative distribution channels—impact core financial and operational profitability metrics. Synthesizing extant literature and empirical evidence, the study demonstrates a significant positive relationship between product innovation and firm profitability, driven by improved resource utilization, cost efficiency, increased sales volume, and heightened customer trust. However, the findings also highlight critical operational bottlenecks confronting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the sector, notably severe financial constraints, high technology adoption costs, weak research and development (R&D) structures, and limited managerial capacity in strategic innovation. The study concludes that continuous product innovation is not merely an operational choice, but an essential strategic capability required for firm survival and profit growth in saturated markets. To overcome key barriers, the study recommends that SME management allocate dedicated financial resources for R&D and technology upgrades, undertake continuous capacity building in innovation management, and embed innovation-driven key performance indicators (KPIs) into financial performance systems. Furthermore, it advocates for targeted government interventions—such as accessible low-interest micro-loans and supportive policy frameworks—to foster sustainable growth across the pure water industry and similar manufacturing sub-sectors.

The impact of employee job satisfaction on organizational performance has been a focal point of research in recent years. This study investigates how various aspects of job satisfaction, including intrinsic and extrinsic factors, influence both individual and organizational outcomes. The review emphasizes the relevance of Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory and Social Exchange Theory in understanding how satisfaction in the workplace translates into improved productivity, innovation, and overall organizational performance. Job satisfaction leads to higher employee engagement, reduced turnover rates, and a positive work culture, which in turn boosts organizational success. Empirical studies from 2023 and 2024 support these claims, showing that organizations with satisfied employees experience improved performance across various dimensions, including productivity, innovation, and employee retention. The review also identifies recent trends, such as the growing importance of work-life balance and leadership styles in influencing job satisfaction. These trends point to a shift in how organizations manage employee well-being to enhance performance. The findings suggest that organizations must invest in both intrinsic and extrinsic factors to maximize the benefits of job satisfaction. Future research should continue to explore the evolving nature of job satisfaction, especially in the context of remote work and digital transformation. By aligning employee needs with organizational goals, companies can ensure long-term success and competitive advantage.

Tangibility is a critical determinant of firm performance because fixed assets enhance collateral value, support borrowing capacity, and influence operational scalability, particularly in capital-intensive sectors such as banking. This study investigated the effect of a firm's tangibility on the financial performance of Access Bank Nigeria Plc from 2013 to 2025 to assess the effect of tangibility on financial performance, measured by Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Total Assets. The study employed time-series data involving 13 annual observations. Tangibility was measured by the ratio of non-current assets to total assets utilizing an ex-post facto research design. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and diagnostic tests were conducted to ensure result robustness. The results indicated that the impact of firm tangibility on the financial performance of Access Bank Nigeria Plc is minimal and statistically insignificant. This suggests that the bank’s investment in fixed assets does not lead to increased returns. It is recommended that the bank focuses on maximizing intangible resources, advancing technological skills, and boosting operational effectiveness instead of increasing investments in fixed physical assets.

This study examines the relationship between compensation management and the financial performance of Access Bank Nigeria Plc over the period 2013–2025. The study adopts an ex post facto research design using secondary data derived from the bank’s audited annual reports. Financial performance is proxied by Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Total Assets, while compensation management is measured using retirement benefit obligations. The empirical analysis employs descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression techniques. Findings reveal a positive and statistically significant relationship between retirement benefits and both ROA and ROE, indicating that improved compensation structures enhance profitability and shareholder value creation. However, the effect of retirement benefits on total assets is positive but statistically insignificant, suggesting limited influence on firm expansion. The study concludes that while compensation management significantly enhances financial performance, its effect on asset growth is weak. It is recommended that banks strengthen their compensation frameworks to enhance employee commitment and long-term financial performance.

Escalating global energy crisis coupled with pressing environmental concerns has accelerated the transition towards sustainable, eco-friendly and economically viable energy sources. This study evaluated the potentials of sweet potato peels, a widely available agricultural residue as a substrate for biogas generation using a laboratory scale batch anaerobic digester under mesophillic conditions. Prior to digestion, the substrate was pre-treated and co-digested with cow dung at a 1:2 ratio over a 25-day retention period, to enhance microbial activity and process stability. Biogas yield, pH and temperature were recorded daily to assess digester performance. To improve the biogas quality, the raw biogas was up graded through sequential treatment using an iron sponge for H2S removal and water scrubbing for CO2 removal. Gas production commenced within 48 hours, indicating quick substrate degradability. Comparative biogas analysis before and after purification revealed a substantial enrichment in methane content from 57.21 % to 84.32%, CO2 and H2S were significantly reduced from 30.2% to 1.9% and from 1,93ppm to 0.04ppm respectively. These findings demonstrate that pretreated sweet potato peels co-digested with cow dung can deliver high quality biogas within a relatively short retention time, supporting their viability as a sustainable energy feedstock. The purification process effectively removed noncombustible and toxic constituents, thereby enhancing its quality. Trace contaminants including carbon monoxide (0.03 ppm), nitrogen oxides (NO = 1.36 ppm, NO₂ = 0.82 ppm, NOx = 2.18 ppm), and volatile organic compounds (8.55 ppm), were present at minimal concentrations that can be useful for domestic use. The slight elevated oxygen level detected was attributed to sampling contamination and did not compromise the methane concentration. Collectively the results confirmed that sweet potato peels are viable substrate for biogas production and upgrading the biogas further increase the methane content to level suitable for domestic and small-scale applications. These findings suggest that sweet potato peels can serve as a sustainable waste to energy resource for decentralized biogas systems for rural energy security, sustainability and waste management

The benefits of probiotic beverages they serve as micro-biomes for normal metabolic activity. This study investigated the mineral composition, microbial and sensory properties of carbonated probiotic hibiscus soda beverages produced using ginger bug as a natural source of carbonation. Standard procedures were used to prepare the hibiscus extract, activate the ginger bug, and ferment the beverage. The resulting samples were analyzed for mineral composition (calcium, iron, and potassium) and subjected to sensory evaluation by a trained panel. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Calcium levels ranged from 14.23-17.27 mg/100 g, iron from 0.38-0.45 mg/100 g, and potassium from 29.09–30.84 mg/100 g, with significant differences (P < 0.05) among samples. These values confirm the nutritional relevance of the beverage, particularly in supporting bone health, oxygen transport, and electrolyte balance. Sensory evaluation indicated high consumer acceptability on a nine-point hedonic scale, with mean scores for color (7.50-8.00), taste (7.20-7.85), flavor (6.75-7.60), mouth feel (7.35-7.55), appearance (7.55–8.00), and overall acceptability (7.05-7.80). Statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed among samples, the microbial result range from 1.0 x 103 to 1.4 and 1.0 x 103 to 1.1 x 103 respectively, indicating consistent quality and palatability. The carbonated probiotic hibiscus soda produced with ginger bug demonstrated both nutritional and sensory appeal, offering a functional alternative to conventional carbonated soft drinks. The findings suggest that the beverage holds promise for consumer marketability, health promotion, and the functional beverage industry.

Air-conditioning units in tropical regions create indoor environments which serve as breeding grounds for microbial pathogens that increase chances of disease spread in healthcare settings. This study compared microbial contamination in AC units from health and non-health facilities in Calabar, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was adopted and a sample size of 115 AC units (67 health, 48 non-health) was used. Swabs from filters, coils, and pans were cultured on selective media. Isolates were identified biochemically and morphologically. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests (P<0.05). Result shows that contamination affected 40% (46/115) of units, with 41.8% in health vs. 37.5% in non-health facilities (P=0.60). Bacteria predominated (39 isolates) were Staphylococcus aureus (43.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella spp. (23.1% each), Legionella spp. (7.7%) and Bacillus spp. (2.6%). While the fungi (7 isolates) included, Aspergillus flavus (57.1%) and Penicillium spp. (42.9%). Co-contamination occurred in 5.2%. Health facilities showed higher bacterial loads, but differences were non-significant (P>0.05). The study concludes that AC units in Calabar harbor pathogenic microbes, with health facilities at marginally higher risk. Thus, routine maintenance is crucial to prevent bioaerosol-related infections in tropical settings.

This study looked at the morphological characteristics and physiological behaviour of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedling to five different concentrations of 3.00g, 5.00g, 7.00g, 8.00g and 10.00g per 2kg of soil and control in a randomized complete blocks design made up of ten replicates. Seeds were sown in a plastic pot and left for ten days to germinate before they were transplanted to polythene bags. Varying concentrations of NPK fertilizer (3.00g, 5.00g, 7.00g, 8.00g, and 10.00g per 2kg of soil) were applied. Number of leaflets, leaflets with lesions, and number of dead leaves were counted for twenty days after NPK fertilizer application. The findings revealed that higher concentration (8.00g and 10.00g) had unusual growth while 5.00g and 7.00g concentrations had more leaflets than the control. Moreover, increase in NPK fertilizer concentration resulted in the rise of leaves with lesions and dead leaflets. 10.00g had the highest number of leaves with lesions and increase in leaflets death. This result revealed that 5.00g and 7.00g per 2kg of soil is ideal for proper plant growth. Meanwhile, undue concentration leads to tissue destruction and physiological strain. An ideal NPK fertilizer application and carrying out soil test to ascertain nutritional composition is recommended.

Science anxiety is a critical impediment to effective learning and engagement in science education, particularly within the domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This phenomenon encompasses heightened fear, negative emotional arousal, and avoidance behaviors associated with science-related tasks and environments. This study investigates the socio-economic and contextual determinants that exacerbate science anxiety among secondary school students in Nigeria. Utilizing a cross-sectional research design, data were collected from a sample of 500 students through validated survey instruments, including the Abbreviated Science Anxiety Scale, to measure anxiety levels alongside demographic variables such as age, gender, socio-economic status, urban or rural context, and educational level. The control-value theory of achievement emotions provided the theoretical lens, indicating how perceptions of control and value in academic settings influence emotional responses. Descriptive analyses revealed a mean science anxiety score of 74.02, with significant variations across groups: lower socio-economic status, rural residency, female gender, and junior secondary education were associated with elevated anxiety. Inferential statistics, including ANOVA, t-tests, and multiple regression, confirmed these factors as robust predictors, with low socio-economic status emerging as the strongest contributor. Implications underscore the need for equitable educational policies, while recommendations advocate for targeted interventions like resource enhancement in underserved areas and anxiety mitigation training for educators.

Traffic congestion and ineffective public transportation management remain major challenges in urban centres in Nigeria, particularly in Minna metropolis, Niger State. This study developed a web-based Advanced Public Transportation System (APTS) aimed at improving transportation management and reducing commuter waiting time through the application of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The study adopted a survey research methodology involving vehicle departure time surveys conducted across selected transport routes in Minna for seven consecutive days. Data collected were analyzed to determine vehicle movement patterns, commuter demand, and scheduling requirements. The system was developed using HTML5, CSS3, PHP, and MySQL database technologies. Findings revealed that the developed system can effectively automate trip scheduling, provide real-time travel information, reduce commuter waiting time, and improve transport service management. The study concluded that the implementation of web-based APTS can significantly enhance urban transportation efficiency in Minna metropolis.

This study investigates the adoption of supply chain management (SCM) practices in Nigerian construction firms, with a focus on Abuja. The research identifies key practices and challenges faced by construction stakeholders in the region. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which predominantly consisted of closed-ended questions, and responses were measured on a five-point Likert scale. The findings reveal that the most commonly adopted SCM practices in the sector are focused on enhancing efficiency, particularly through the reduction of waste (MIS = 4.18), time (MIS = 4.10), and costs, alongside the sharing of knowledge and skills (MIS = 4.06). However, challenges such as the inability to integrate internal processes (MIS = 4.42) and resistance to change (MIS = 4.38) remain significant barriers to effective SCM implementation. The study highlights that while practices like waste reduction and knowledge sharing are widely adopted, key areas such as supplier relationships (MIS = 3.62), transparency (MIS = 3.68), and the adoption of new technologies (MIS = 2.63) are underdeveloped. The research underscores the need for a more integrated approach to SCM, with a focus on fostering long-term partnerships and embracing technological advancements. Based on these findings, the study recommends improving collaboration, investing in technological solutions, implementing robust change management strategies, providing ongoing training, and strengthening supplier development to enhance SCM practices and overall efficiency in the Nigerian construction industry.

This study evaluated the factors contributing to building maintenance challenges in secondary schools within Bida, Niger State. The research was necessitated by the visible state of structural and cosmetic disrepair of educational infrastructure in the region, which poses a threat to both functional integrity and the safety of occupants. To achieve the study objectives, a cross-sectional survey design was adopted, targeting principals, vice-principals, and technical staff across selected public and private secondary schools. A structured questionnaires was administered, with 80% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Mean Score index. The findings revealed that the most critical factors mitigating against effective maintenance are inadequate funding for spare parts and materials (Mean: 4.63), poor organisational structures (Mean: 4.63), and the influence of political factors leading to wrong technical decisions by non-experts (Mean: 4.53). Furthermore, the study established that 62.5% of respondents lacked formal maintenance orientation, leading to a predominantly reactive maintenance culture. The results concluded that current maintenance management practices in secondary schools in Bida are insufficient to protect the life cycle of school buildings. It was therefore recommended that the government and school management should establish dedicated maintenance intervention funds, professionalise the maintenance departments by involving built-environment experts, and implement mandatory preventive maintenance schedules to forestall rapid deterioration of facilities.

The stability of building foundations is threatened by soil erosion that occurs in areas where the terrain is prone to erosion by water and wind. This paper examines the effect of erosion on building structures below ground level in Bida Local Government, Niger State, Nigeria. The study employed a mixed-method approach using structured questionnaires and field observation checklists as instruments of data collection, with a total of 120 buildings sampled across three erosion-prone areas in Bida Local Government. Through field surveys, soil analysis, and interviews with stakeholders, the study determined the magnitude of subsurface damage resulting from erosion and its socio-economic impact on local residents. The results show that buildings in the erosion-prone areas are characterized by high subsidence and structural instability, with repair costs on the increase. The paper recommends that better drainage systems, soil stabilization methods, and erosion-resistant materials be adopted in construction to reduce future damage. These measures are crucial for maintaining building structural integrity and the safety of residents in Bida Local Government.