RHEMA UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

In Igbo culture, the intricate web of institutions, social relations, beliefs, values, and practices have historically shaped and perpetuated asymmetrical relationships, particularly concerning the precarious position of women. This paper explores the complex dynamics of women and girls in all forms of kinship ties both consanquineal and affinal relationships that leave them dependent, precarious and predisposed to exploitation and enslavement in Igbo society. The analytical framework of Asymmetrical dependency was applied to demonstrate how Igbo culture deeply rooted in patriarchy position women and girls as subordinate to men through domination by their parents, brothers, husbands and in-laws. Intersectionality approach also was used to explain the intersecting realities of systemic inequality that promote female subjugation and enslavement. Ethnography; a qualitative method of social research was employed and data were collected through participant observation, unstructured interview and secondary sources. Institutions play a pivotal role in reinforcing these asymmetrical relationships. Beliefs and values are equally instrumental in upholding and entrenching this gender hierarchy. The institution of marriage, for instance, often places women in positions of economic dependency on their husbands. Moreover, the persistence of harmful cultural norms, such as forced marriages and widowhood rites, perpetuates women's subjugation and vulnerability. Gender-based violence remains prevalent, often normalized within the confines of family privacy. Women are frequently excluded from decision-making processes, both in the household and the wider community, diminishing their agency. To address these issues and promote gender equity in Igbo culture, the study engaged with these complex dynamics at multiple levels. Policy initiatives that challenge deeply ingrained cultural norms are a formidable aspect of the resistance against asymmetrical relationships. The study recommended that collective resistance against entrenched norms holds the future for a more equitable and inclusive space for women and girls within Igbo culture.

Quality assurance (QA) in higher education is a vital mechanism for maintaining academic standards, ensuring institutional accountability, and promoting continuous improvement in teaching and learning. This study examined the quality assurance mechanisms used to promote quality education in universities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Specifically, it assessed existing QA practices, identified challenges hindering effective implementation, and proposed strategies for strengthening quality systems. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, involving 200 respondents (80 academic staff and 120 students) drawn from Niger Delta University, Bayelsa Medical University, and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.84) and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test statistics at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that inadequate funding, shortage of qualified academic staff, poor infrastructural facilities, and weak internal monitoring systems were major constraints to effective QA implementation in Bayelsa State universities. However, strategies such as regular curriculum review, continuous staff training, integration of ICT tools, establishment of functional QA units, and collaboration with professional bodies were identified as effective measures for improving educational quality. The t-test results showed no significant difference between the perceptions of academic staff and students regarding the challenges and strategies related to QA implementation, indicating consensus on key issues. The study concluded that sustainable quality assurance in Bayelsa State universities depends on improved funding, capacity building, ICT integration, and institutional commitment to continuous improvement. It was recommended that the government and university management strengthen QA units, enhance funding mechanisms, promote digital monitoring systems, and institutionalize stakeholder collaboration to ensure global competitiveness and educational excellence.

The study investigated the effect of government expenditure on unemployment rate in Nigeria for the period 1986 to 2024. The dependent variable is unemployment rate and the independent variables include capital expenditure, recurrent expenditure and credit to the private sector. Data were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) statistical bulletin and analyzed using the Error Correction Model (ECM). The estimated short run result revealed that capital expenditure has a negative and significant effect on unemployment rate while recurrent expenditure and credit to private sector have positive effects on unemployment rate. However, only credit to private sector significantly increased unemployment rate. The speed of adjustment for correcting disequilibrium from the previous year to equilibrium in current year is 28.53 percent as shown by the coefficient of ECM. The study concluded that while capital expenditure is a strong tool for reducing unemployment, recurrent expenditure remains ineffective, and private sector credit though theoretically a driver of growth may worsen unemployment when misallocated or poorly regulated. It is recommended that government should prioritize productive capital investments in infrastructure, recurrent expenditure should be restructured to fund capacity-building programs, training and credit facilities should be directed toward productive sectors.

The research examined how classroom facilities influence the educational success of undergraduates in universities located in Bayelsa State. The paper employed a descriptive survey design. The population consists of 400-level students within the Faculty of Education at Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State. The purposive sampling was used to select 416 participants, comprising of 267 males and 149 females. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire titled “Impact of Classroom Facilities on Undergraduate Students’ Academic Performance in Universities Questionnaire (ICFUSAPUQ).” The instrument underwent validation by two specialists in the Faculty of Education, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State. Reliability was assessed using the Cronbach Alpha technique, yielding a coefficient of 0.73. Data analysis involved the use of arithmetic mean to address the research questions, while the t-test was employed for hypothesis testing. Findings revealed that seating facilities, such as chairs and desks, are both sufficient and in good working condition in undergraduate classrooms across universities in Bayelsa State. Consequently, the research suggested that, university managements in the state should sustain regular maintenance of classroom seating facilities to ensure continuous comfort and support for undergraduate learning.

Cassava (Manihot spp.) is a very important and ubiquitous staple crop that plays a vital role in the food security of rural Nigeria. The youths in Anambra State are not willing to take cassava production as a means of livelihood because it is considered a non-profitable enterprise. This study estimated the gross margin of cassava farming in Anambra State as a second-best approach to determine the profit level of the enterprise. The specific objectives were to determine the expected input and output values of an average cassava farmer and apply Simulation technique to estimate the expected minimum, maximum and average gross margin of a typical cassava farmer in the state. Knowledge of the profitability of cassava production will assist the youths and prospective entrepreneurs in ranking cassava production properly among other candidate enterprises (for selection) for undertaking as a means of livelihood. The study used secondary cross-sectional data. The survey design was a multistage stratified sampling design. From the 21 LGAs of the state, 8 LGAs were selected for further sampling. The sample size of 543 was apportioned to the selected LGAs in proportionality to their sizes. In each of the selected LGA, systematic sampling was used to select the desired number of farmers from the sampling frame which was constructed by updating the listing of all VCDP beneficiary farmers in the LGA. The cassava producers in the sample were 244 farmers located in 7 LGAs. The data was collated and managed with Microsoft excel spread sheet and statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). This study estimated the gross margin (GM) as total revenue (TR) minus total variable costs (TVC) that is GM = TR – TVC. Total revenue was calculated as the value of cassava sold plus the value of cassava consumed at home or given out as gifts. The variable costs in this study included values of: cassava cuttings, fertilizers applied, agrochemicals applied and aggregated labour. The cost of packaging and transportation were imputed because they were not captured in survey. The prices used were current market prices obtained during the survey. After 2000 iterations the resultant expected gross margin was estimated at N 1,976,559.78 only with an average of the expected gross margins at N1,715,734.49; Simulation of the gross margin enabled important decisions namely; despite the fluctuations in yield and prices, the expected gross margin showed that the variable cost was fully covered in the cropping enterprise; since the average expected gross margin was N1,715,734.49, it indicated that the cassava production enterprise was profitable in Anambra state; the estimation of the expected minimum and the maximum values of the gross margin enabled visual presentation of the distribution; and enabled comparison of any amount with the classes of the distribution of the expected gross margin. Cassava production in the State was constrained by: advanced age of the farmers; the limited number of extension visits; very exorbitant cost of fertilizers, agrochemicals and labor; and nonavailability of farming loans. The study recommended that government should formulate policies that will attract youths into cassava farming and increase extension to farmer ratio, to improve the number of extension visits to cassava farmers in Anambra State.

This paper examines morphological patterns of selected feminine gender words in the English language with the view to identify the morphological processes involved in the formation of feminine gender nouns in English, examine the role of derivational suffixation (such as -ess, -ine, -a, -ina, -trix) in marking feminine gender, analyze alternative processes of forming feminine gender without the suffix -ess, including suppletion, compounding, and syntactic marking. The study was anchored on gender neutrality theory. The population for this study comprises English words that denote female referents or are marked as feminine in contemporary English. The study found that derivational suffixation has historically been a central strategy in the formation of feminine gender nouns. Suffixes such as -ess, -ine, -a, -ina, and -trix were widely used to derive feminine counterparts from masculine based nouns. hero → heroine and executor → executrix illustrate how bound morphemes attach to a lexical root to encode the semantic feature [+female]. The paper also confirms that suppletion plays a significant role in feminine formation. Word pairs such as those formed through completely different lexical roots demonstrate that gender distinction in English is often lexical rather than morphologically predictable. Such forms must be learned individually, emphasizing the irregular nature of gender marking in the language.

Achieving optimum property values through urban slum clearance is the research topic, taking Mango Estate in Elelenwo, Port Harcourt as the case study. The study aimed at maximizing profit on real estate investment especially residential housing with good location and better environmental standards.  The researchers utilized both primary and secondary methods of data collection with structured questionnaire distributed to four categories of respondents which include Landlords, tenants, Town planners and Estate Surveyors and valuers. Current journal publications, published books, and other relevant materials were also consulted.  The retrieved questionnaire were collated and analyzed using the tabulated method, percentages and chi-square  to test the hypothesis therein.  One of the key findings is that after the area has been cleared of slum property values is now increasing and the place is well secured and concluded that the area is attracting more developments and investors.

This study investigated the level of adherence to academic integrity principles in research and publishing among students and lecturers in universities in Bayelsa State, as well as the influence of academic integrity on research quality and excellence. A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving a sample of 350 respondents, comprising 220 students and 130 lecturers. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test. Findings revealed that both students and lecturers generally perceived a high level of adherence to academic integrity within their institutions, although lecturers reported significantly higher mean ratings than students. Furthermore, both groups agreed that academic integrity positively influences the credibility, originality, and quality of research outputs. T-test analyses showed statistically significant differences in perceptions between students and lecturers on both the level of adherence and the influence of academic integrity on research quality (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, the study recommends enhanced academic integrity education, stricter enforcement of policies, and increased institutional efforts to promote a culture of ethical research. The study concludes that fostering academic integrity is essential for improving the overall quality and reputation of research outputs in higher education institutions in Bayelsa State.

This study examined gendered participation in indigenous dispute resolution mechanisms in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, focusing on how men and women experience and engage differently in traditional conflict resolution processes. The study was anchored on Social Role Theory (Eagly, 1987), which posits that societal expectations and culturally prescribed roles shape individuals’ behaviors and opportunities, including participation in decision-making and dispute management. Recognizing that cultural norms and socio-cultural expectations influence gendered engagement, the study adopted a qualitative research approach, employing in-depth interviews with purposively selected key informants, including male and female elders, community leaders, and individuals previously involved in customary dispute resolution. Secondary sources, including scholarly articles, books, and institutional reports, were also used to provide historical and contextual insights. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis, identifying themes related to gender roles, participation levels, decision-making influence, and perceptions of fairness and effectiveness. Findings revealed that men dominate formal decision-making processes, while women contribute through informal roles such as advising, mediating, and maintaining community cohesion. Socio-cultural factors, including patriarchal norms, family hierarchy, and societal expectations, significantly shape these participation patterns. The study concluded that gender disparities persist, limiting fully inclusive and effective conflict resolution. Consequently, it recommends gender-inclusive awareness programs, institutionalization of women’s roles in traditional councils, integration of modern governance principles with cultural practices, and community mentorship initiatives to enhance equitable participation, strengthen legitimacy, and sustain indigenous dispute resolution systems in Emohua communities.

This study examines the predictive validity of intrinsic effects of stress on senior secondary school students’ academic achievement in Biology in Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted the correlational research design. A sample of 936 respondents comprising 288 and 648 Biology teachers and students respectively were selected from 72 public senior secondary schools across six (6) randomly selected Local Government Areas in Rivers State. A 20-item self-structured instrument titled “Predictive Validity of Intrinsic Effects of Stress Questionnaire” (PVIESQ) and 50-item “Biology Achievement Test” (BAT) with reliability coefficients of 0.852 and 0.837 respectively necessitated their use for collecting data analyzed using regression analysis. The study revealed p-values of .000*, .011*, and .041* which indicated that the predictors of stress like depression, emotional insecurity and mental health disorder respectively significantly contributed to determine senior secondary school students’ achievement in Biology in Rivers State. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should ensure that school administrators and supervisors regularly monitor teachers’ compliance to professionalism in teaching, guiding and giving students age-compliant tasks that would enhance their school interest rather that burdening them with tasks that could depress, traumatize and affect their academic achievement in Biology.

This study examines the benefits and challenges of implementing technical and vocational education programmes in Rivers State. Technical and vocational education equips learners with practical skills, entrepreneurial abilities, and knowledge that support employability, self-reliance, and economic growth. Despite its importance, implementation challenges often undermine expected outcomes, creating a gap between training and labour market demands. A descriptive survey design was used to investigate teachers’ and students’ perceptions across four Government Technical Colleges and seven Government Craft Development Centres. A sample of 532 respondents was selected using proportional stratified random sampling, and data were collected through a validated questionnaire, interviews, and documentary review. Mean scores and percentages were used to answer the research questions, while z-test and t-test statistics tested the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings showed that respondents agreed that TVE provides essential benefits, including functional education for self-reliance, preparation for adulthood, economic development, creativity, risk management, and skill acquisition. These align with national and international views on TVE as a tool for youth empowerment and industrial development. However, the study also revealed several challenges, notably inadequate funding, lack of equipment and materials, insufficient qualified manpower, negative societal perception, and low student interest. These obstacles restrict programme effectiveness and hinder students’ ability to acquire relevant practical skills. Hypothesis testing indicated no significant differences in perceptions between students of technical and vocational institutions, and between teachers across the two school types. The uniformity of responses suggests that the benefits and challenges are systemic across institutions. These insights underline the need for targeted interventions to strengthen programme delivery, improve facilities, enhance public perception, and support students in acquiring employable skills.