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.