Print’s scientific contributions

This paper examines the contemporary relevance of dependency theory in understanding global inequalities and guiding development policy. Dependency theory, which emerged in the 1950s as a critique of classical economic frameworks, challenged dominant paradigms by highlighting the exploitative structural relationships between the Global North and South. While the theory's influence has waned amidst critiques and changing global dynamics, recent scholarship and policy debates signal a revival of interest in its insights. Drawing on the historical context of its emergence and its foundational tenets, this paper argues that dependency theory provides a robust framework for analysing modern economic challenges, including global inequality, underdevelopment, and the developmental strategies of emerging economies. Through a structured analysis, the paper addresses critiques of the theory, explores its adaptability to contemporary contexts, and emphasises its utility in shaping equitable and sustainable development policies. The findings underscore the enduring relevance of dependency theory in addressing the complexities of global economic interdependence.

This paper explores the gaps in Nigerian Constitutions and adherence with constitutionalism as contained in the various Constitutions, with special emphasis on the 1999 Constitution. The paper also explores other factors responsible for failure of constitutions and in achieving constitutionalism in Nigeria. The study uses qualitative method to collect data from primary and secondary sources-Nigerian Constitutions, and other sources, including journals, historical materials, books, public and other relevant documents. Rationalist Choice Theory is used in developing the theoretical framework for the study. It also uses qualitative method to analyse the data collected. The study found that no constitution is perfect, and several gaps and issues apart from those of Nigerian politicians and factor, elites and judicial officers, to be responsible for the severally identified constitutional gaps which hinder constitutionalism in Nigeria. Corruption and other self-interests result in orchestration and widening of such gaps in order to achieve personal interests. The study is unique in uncovering issues in both schemed and erroneous gaps in the Nigerian constitutions. It expands the body literature on the Nigerian constitution and constitutionalism, which Nigeria lacks, especially at this critical time of searching for a viable Constitution visa -vis manipulations of the Constitution by various interests in Nigeria, and highlights the imperfections of the Nigerian Constitutions. The paper recommends extensive citizenship education and socialization, strict enforcement of constitutional laws, and constitutional provisions should be made clear and devoid of ambiguities.

This paper explores the controversies and estrangement in the Middle Belt of Nigeria which has for long in Nigeria's history been embroiled in controversy, violence and estrangement. The study used the qualitative (non-statistical) method of data collection and analysis; collected and used data from secondary sources (journal articles, books, public records, archive materials) and historical documentation method for the purpose of its analysis. The Middle Belt is embroiled in both wide and deep controversy in the process of pursuing its estrangement, dissidence and resentment to the larger North; it would be most difficult for the Middle Belt to achieve such because of incoherence and multiplicity of the groups, lack of popular, comprehensive and sustainable future plan and the inherent intra-ethnic acrimonies. There is paucity of studies on the inherent controversy in the Middle Belt's pursuit of separate identity and geography from the general and Northern Nigeria. This paper addresses the critical issues of use of peace and violence in the struggle, manipulation by the elites and notable events and periods in the estrangement and controversy. The paper recommends provision of adequate social services and amenities in the region, regulating the activities of ethno-religious and regional groups, strict control of small arms among the civil society.

The onset of the industrial revolution marked a significant era of globalization, leading to a more interconnected international order. While globalization has advanced communication technology, it has also posed challenges that transcend national boundaries. Nigeria, despite ranking 109th globally and 11th in Africa for technology usage, faces vulnerabilities, as evidenced by its low rank of 123rd out of 169 countries in the 2021 Globalization Index. This indicates limited access to global opportunities and heightened susceptibility to external threats like terrorism. The research explores the feasibility of Nigeria achieving the 2030 UN's SDGs by examining the impact of globalization on its national development index. By using an exploratory design, the study conducted an online survey generated 460 responses from members of Niger Delta communities, analysed through ANOVA and Regression models. The findings reveal a significant correlation between globalization and national development in Nigeria. This conclude that globalization can enhance sustainable development by leveraging access to technology, finance, and markets, thereby driving economic growth. The study recommends that ministry of finance should develop policies leveraging globalization for technology transfer, finance access, and market expansion, while promoting sustainable practices. It also suggests government implementing targeted interventions to address challenges like poverty, inequality, and maternal mortality, focusing on areas with the greatest need. Finally, private and public sector companies should strengthening collaboration with international partners to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building for achieving the SDGs, highlighting the need for continued efforts despite overall progress.

In conflict areas of Northern Nigeria, schools are targeted by conflicting parties for political, military, ideological, ethnic, religious or criminal reasons. In situations of violent conflict, government forces and armed non-state groups such as Boko Haram converts schools to bases, barracks, weapons stores, detention facilities and camps for refugees and internally displaced persons. As a result, school premises become theatres of military operations instead of learning centres thereby disrupting access to education. Since 2013, incidence of attacks on school environment have grown exponentially across Nigeria. Schools, teachers and students have been targeted for killings, kidnapping and abduction, rape, and other forms of danger. In May, 2014, there was the kidnapping of nearly 300 girls from their school in Chibok. Since then, Nigeria had witnessed several attacks on schools, thereby increasingly turning the school environment to an unsafe place for learning and habitation. The Chibok abduction necessitated the launch of safe school initiative in 2014 through an initial investment from Global Business Coalition for Education, which has mobilized more than $30 million for the protection of schools in Northeast, through UNDP hosted multi-donor trust fund. This study therefore examined the administrative structure and implementation approach of the safe school initiative, with a view to make it more efficient for an improved safety in school environment across Nigeria. The study adopted qualitative research approach with the use of secondary sources of data and content analysis. Also, the study is anchored on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as theoretical basis of analysis. The study noted the deficiencies in the administrative structure and implementation components of the initiative and prescribes a reform of structure, roles, operational strategies as well as the realignment of its relationship with relevant government ministries to ensure sustainability of the scheme for improved safety for teachers and students in the school environments.

Just like KarlMarx divided every society into two, the elite and the masses; worldwide, every nation or state comprises the leaders and the followers. Thus, any country whose avowed interest is growth, development, peace and progress requires visionary leaderships, since no nation can grow beyond the vision and capacity of its leadership. But, for Nigeria, leadership failure is the major problem confronting her. This paper examined Plato's political philosophy as panacea to leadership failure in Nigeria. It made use of secondary source in gathering data and content analysis as a method. The paper revealed that many of Nigeria's leaders did not acquire sound education as prescribed by Plato's philosophy, which led to a situation that blurred their perception of issues of governance. It argued that Nigerian leaders lack sterling leadership qualities and the magnitude of knowledge and experience required to steer the ship of leadership. It also revealed that round pegs are always put in square holes in the spectrum of leadership in country. The paper concluded that if education, training and specialization are given a considerable attention in government planning, policy formulation and implementation following Plato's philosophy, it will serves as panacea to leadership failure in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that the government should take full control of education as espoused by Plato with a view to impressing leadership training and qualities in the would-be leaders, and formulate and implement appropriate policies to enhance leadership recruitment. Also, the culture of ensuring that political and administrative appointments should be based on merit should be instituted, specialised knowledge and competence should equally be considered in giving appointments to people so as to enhance the performance of leadership in governance.