Department of Political Science and International Relations

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Start date: 2024

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    INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND NIGERIA-UK RELATIONS: A STUDY OF POST-BREXIT PERIOD
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) HAMBOLU, Favour Oluwatosin; Covenant University Dissertation
    International migration has become an increasingly prominent feature of Nigeria-UK relations, rooted in colonial history and shaped by contemporary global developments. A key turning point in this relationship was the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (Brexit), which led to major changes in the country’s immigration system. These reforms have redefined the pathways for migrants from countries like Nigeria. This study therefore, examines how post-Brexit immigration policies have influenced migration trends and experiences among Nigerian migrants in the UK, the socioeconomic implications of these migration patterns on Nigeria, and the diplomatic engagements between both countries. The study also explores the role of Nigerian migrant networks in facilitating integration and mitigating policy-induced challenges. The study is anchored on the Push-Pull Theory, which explains how unfavourable conditions in Nigeria and better prospects in the UK drive migration and Transnationalism Theory, which emphasises how migrants sustain connections across borders and impact both their countries of origin and host. The study employed a case study research design. Data were obtained from both primary (semi-structured interviews) and secondary sources (official documents, reports, and scholarly literature). Thematic analysis, aided by NVivo software, was used to organise and interpret the data. The findings revealed that post-Brexit immigration reforms have created a mixed landscape of opportunities and challenges for Nigerian migrants. Policies like the Graduate Route visa have expanded post-study work opportunities, while stricter visa rules, work permit limitations, increased border control, and points-based systems have imposed legal, financial, and emotional burdens on Nigerian migrants. These policies have intensified brain drain in Nigeria, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and education, while reinforcing economic interdependence through remittances. The study also finds out that migration is increasingly instrumental in shaping Nigeria–UK diplomatic relations, as evidenced by frameworks like the Migration Partnership Agreement and bilateral migration summits. Nigerian migrant networks were identified as essential support structures, providing legal assistance, emotional support, and policy advocacy that enhance migrant resilience and integration. The study recommends that the Nigerian government should invest in critical sectors to curb push factors, negotiate migration agreements favouring mutual development, and engage diaspora communities more effectively for skills transfer. The UK should adopt more inclusive and development-sensitive migration frameworks. By addressing both domestic and international dimensions of migration, Nigeria and the UK can establish a more balanced and mutually beneficial migration relationship. The study concludes that migration is no longer a peripheral issue but a central factor shaping diplomacy, development, and identity in the post-Brexit era.
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    ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES BY NON-MILITARY ACTORS AND NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) PETER, Mark Jatau; Covenant University Dissertation
    Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have emerged as a defining feature of guerrilla warfare, increasingly weaponised by non-military actors (NMAs) across Nigeria’s conflict landscape. While considerable scholarly attention has focused on Northeastern Nigeria, the deployment of IEDs by criminal and secessionist groups in Southeast (SE) Nigeria remains under-examined despite its growing strategic, humanitarian and political implications. This study explores the use of IEDs by NMAs in SE Nigeria, focusing on their operational patterns, proliferation networks and implications for national security. Drawing on asymmetric warfare theory and the human security paradigm, the research adopts a qualitative, exploratory design to interrogate the evolving tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) of IED use, the challenges facing Nigeria’s Counter-IED (CIED) architecture and the regional vulnerabilities exacerbated by porous borders. Findings reveal that NMAs exploit transnational IED precursor supply chains, digital platforms, border insecurity and local ingenuity to sustain low-cost, high-impact explosive violence. This violence disrupts military operations at strategic, operational, and tactical levels, while also devastating civilian lives and infrastructure, eroding economic activities and precipitating forced displacement and trauma. The study also highlights the fragmented coordination among security agencies, weak indigenous defence innovation and limited community intelligence networks as significant gaps in Nigeria’s CIED strategy. This research makes a unique contribution by shifting analytical focus to the SE, identifying the convergence between historical marginalisation, tactical adaptation by NMAs and institutional inertia. Policy recommendations include the development of an indigenous CIED doctrine, enhanced interagency collaboration, strengthened border governance and community-based early warning systems. These findings contribute to scholarly and policy discourses on terrorism, national security and hybrid warfare in underexplored landscapes of the Global South, with broader implications for counterterrorism approaches in similarly affected regions. The study concluded that with the elimination of IEDs as a means of guerrilla warfare, innocent lives would be saved and properties preserved in Nigeria.
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    INFLUENCE OF HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM (HRIS) IN ENHANCING EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE IN UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UBA)
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) YAHAYA-JOE, Christine Mairo; Covenant University Dissertation
    The current development of new technologies in the Nigerian Banking industry, the Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) have become one of the key instruments in the improvement of the work of the human resource department. Although the use of HRIS is getting more popular, the gap in knowledge regarding the impact of its functionalities concerning employee experience. This study examines how HRIS affect the experience of the employees in United Bank for Africa (UBA). In order to determine the extent of the impacts of these HRIS functionalities on critical employee-level experience dimensions, the study aims at offering evidence-based findings that will help make HR strategic decisions in the banking sector. The research design is quantitative survey research where descriptive research design is used. The structured questionnaires were used to collect the data among UBA employees in various departments in Abuja, Nigeria. The results indicate that the HRIS functions have important implications on the employee experiences, it showed that employees perceive HRIS as a tool that not only simplifies administrative task but also fosters transparency, communication and trust within the organisation. This study suggests that financial institutions such as UBA need to be more employee-focused in implementing HRIS, improve system user training and embrace HR analytics when it comes to further improvement. Such measures are capable of enhancing employee participation and retention as well as organisational performance.
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    Effect of Inflation Rates on The Financial Performance and Sustainability of Public Healthcare Companies in Nigeria
    (Journal of Policy and Development Studies Vol. 18 Issue 2, 2025-03-30) Ofuonye, Joseph Ndubuisi; Emeka-Nwokeji N. A.; Ezebuilo Paul Chibuike
    This study investigates how inflation affects public healthcare companies’ financial performance and sustainability in Nigeria and suggests measures to make them more resilient in an inflationary climate. A quantitative research design was adopted. Data for the corporate performance were extracted from the annual accounts of the sampled firms. In contrast, the data for independent variables were extracted from the Central Bank of Nigerian Statistical Bulletin from 2012 to 2022. The Cost-push inflation theory was adopted. The Pearson Moment of correlation and regression analysis coefficient was employed to test the hypotheses. The result revealed specifically that the inflation rate has an adverse insignificant effect on financial performance. In contrast, the exchange rate and money supply have negative and positive statistical significance on healthcare firms' economic performance in Nigeria. However, the overall result showed that macroeconomics significantly affects the financial performance of public healthcare firms in Nigeria, indicating that inflation rate conditions substantially decrease and increase the effect on the performance of firms in Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study concluded that the inflation rate was not significant and therefore recommended that the government ensure that inflation has a pleasing effect on the public healthcare organisation’s operations and outcomes, as preventing inflation positively affects individuals, agencies and the country’s financial system. The findings of this study will enlighten policymakers, healthcare providers, and stakeholders about the sector’s specific issues and offer evidence-based recommendations to alleviate the detrimental impacts of inflation.
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    Pervasive Violence in Contemporary Sub-Saharan Africa, Impediments to Peace-Building and Socioeconomic Development
    (Covenant University Journal of Politics & International Affairs, Vol. 13 No. 1, 2025-09) Chukwudi Ekene Celestina; Olawunmi, Kunle; Ezebuilo 3Paul Chibuike
    This study explores the pervasive violence and its impact on peacebuilding and economic development. A qualitative method of data collection is adopted. Content and descriptive analysis are used to analyse the data collected. Conflict theory was chosen for the underpinnings of the study. Findings have shown that attempts to tackle these issues encounter notable obstacles such as corruption such as where Nigerian elites are alleged to be behind most violent activities for selfish interests, lack of political will, and weak institutional capacities such as the failure of the judiciary to stand firm as the hope of the people by ensuring justice and openly undermining the rule of law. Complex power dynamics, mistrust among parties, and entrenched interests benefiting from instability frequently make peacebuilding projects difficult to implement. Conclusively, the challenges that emanate from pervasive violence in Sub-Saharan Africa highlight the pressing necessity for all-encompassing approaches that give peacebuilding equal weight with socioeconomic advancement. All stakeholders should promote efforts toward grassroots, national and international peacebuilding. Rules on violence must be clear, and sanctions should be applied to defaulters. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights for policymakers in making policies that will enhance unity, peacebuilding efforts and promotion of socio-economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa
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    Independent National Electoral Commission and Administration of the 2021 Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State, Nigeria
    (Journal of Policy and Development Studies (JPDS) Vol. 18 Issue 1, 2025-03-10) Odogwu Mmaduka Obinna; Obiora Charles Arinze; Ezebuilo Paul Chibuike
    This study evaluates INEC's involvement in Anambra State's 2021 gubernatorial election administration. Liberal Democratic Theory was suitably embraced and used to provide in-depth knowledge of the research. The study utilised descriptive survey research design. The study population was centered in Anambra state. Thus, Slovin’s sample size determination was used to obtain 400 respondents. A proportional stratified random sampling technique was used. Primary data collections were based on a structured questionnaire and interview using a 5-point Likert scale. In contrast, the secondary method was based on textbooks, journals, newspapers, INEC reports, and online materials. Logical Data Framework (LDF) was employed to analyse the variables and indicators. All the data collected were presented in frequency distribution table and was analysed quantitatively using simple percentage, weighted Mean (X) and Chi-square (X²) test analysis. The study revealed that institutional weakness, insecurity, and poor logistics, among others, were the factors that affected and challenged INEC’s performance in administering the 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra State. The INEC administration of the 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra State was not satisfactory, as the institution still fell short of delivering a controversy-free and fair election in the state as a result of not taking care and control of their institutional deficiencies that keep reoccurring in every election. Based on the findings, this study recommends that there is a need for restructuring INEC as an electoral institution; the institution should always ensure the provision of adequate logistics and security during elections, among other measures, to improve their performance in the future election administration in Nigeria
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    Impacts of Pre-Retirement Training on the Welfare Condition of Retirees in Selected Federal Teaching Hospitals in South-Western Nigeria
    (Pak. j. life soc. Sci. 22(2) (2024), 2024) BELLO Moruf Ayodele; IGBOKWE Philomena Ify; SHIYANBADE BolanleWaliu; Ezebuilo Paul Chibuike
    This program focuses on the well-being of aspiring Nigerian public service retirees whose lives have been positively influenced by the training that the Federal Government has introduced. This research addressed the impacts of pre-retirement training on the welfare condition of retirees and the intending retirees of selected Federal Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria. Human Capital Theory was adopted as the theoretical framework of analysis. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Primary and secondary data sources were utilised to gather the required information for the study. The population of the study was based on 1,684 respondents. The study adopted a quantitative method of data analysis using a frequency distribution table, straightforward percentages, and chi-square. This study finds out the need to start pre-retirement training early. Therefore, retirement from active civil service is an absolute necessity for all public officers whether they are ready or not, i.e., it is a period that every employee must undoubtedly pass through. The potential retirees' apathy was frequently caused by government inconsistencies in the program's organisation; therefore, the government must take retirees' motivation and encouragement very carefully. Retirees should constantly subject themselves to immediate consultation of a medical professional or counsellor when feeling depressed; they should be open to doing business in their area of interest that fits their lifestyle after retirement. This study unveils the benefits of pre-retirement training on retirees' welfare and aims at policies that would promote/support this training for health workers in Nigeria.
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    From Uncertainty to Strategic Failure: U.S. Military Interventions and the Complexity of Nation-Building in Afghanistan
    (Journal of Strategic Security 18, no. 2, 2025) Osimen Goddy U.; Newo Oluwamurewa
    The American occupation of Afghanistan from 2001-2021 is widely regarded as a strategic failure, particularly after the Taliban took over the government in 2021. This work seeks to observe the strategic flaws of the 20-year occupation from the perspective of nation-building within the state. Using the theoretical lens of strategic culture and borrowing from Huntington’s discourse on the clash of civilizations, this article notes that nation-building failure in Afghanistan can be attributed to the ideological differences between the West and the Middle East. Using a descriptive qualitative approach and secondary sources such as books and peer-reviewed articles, the study employs thematic analysis to identify key areas of strategic flaws. The findings highlight three major areas of concern: strategic miscalculation and mission creep, over-militarization and over-reliance on hard power, and the hasty withdrawal of troops in 2021 without creating sustainable nation-building structures in Afghanistan. These flaws culminated in the Taliban’s take-over weeks after the U.S. exit from Afghanistan. In line with these findings, the study recommends that future strategies should incorporate the local culture of the native population into nation-building efforts, and it should have well-defined goals and exit timelines in order to prevent strategic failure, as in the case of Afghanistan.
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    Morpho-Syntactic Analysis of Temporal Realities in Esan and English Languages
    (Forum for Linguistic Studies Volume 07 | Issue 05, 2025-05) Ehibor Oremire Judith; Osimen Goddy U.; Adesiyan Rebecca Uduakobong
    Temporal realities/expressions are crucial in human conversations, and are uniquely different. This study assesses temporal realities in English and Esan languages. It examines how tense and aspect are marked in both languages, uncovering different expressions. Esan language, an indigenous language within the Edo linguistic group in Nigeria, exhibits a different structural system of tense, aspect, and tonal variations from that of the English language. The different representations, usage, and flow of these elements may possibly impinge on usage which could result in limited exploration by Esan-English learners. Theoretical insights are drawn from Chomsky’s Principles and Parameters of the Universal Grammar. The descriptive method of analysis was used to analyse data drawn from English texts, and native speakers of the Esan language. Findings revealed that temporal realities in both languages vary in representation and usage. Identifying the differences would enable effective usage and avoidance of morphosyntactic errors. With the insights the study provides, it recommends teaching strategies including useful resources that would aid correct usage of the Esan and English tense, aspect, and tones. This should be adequately handled to enable improved learning and effective usage, as well as avoid challenging morphosyntactic analysis in tense, aspect and tonal variations. The study concludes that the understanding of varying temporal realities of both languages would enhance effective usage and curb unnecessary generalisations.
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    ECOWAS Integration Policy and the Dynamics of Trans-border Mobility in West Africa
    (Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Volume 7, Number 2, 2025-06) Osimen Goddy U.; Ochoga Edwin Ochoga; Ehibor Oremire Judith
    Background: This study critically evaluates the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) integration policy and its impact on trans-border mobility. The policy assumes that individuals migrate from stagnant to rapidly growing areas, from low-income to high-income regions, and from uncertain to secure employment opportunities. Objective: This research aims to investigate the implications of ECOWAS's neo-liberal-oriented policy, which is shaped by the dynamic forces of globalisation and encourages cross-border mobility among member state citizens. Methods: The paper used a qualitative research method, and the data were sourced from secondary sources. The gathered data were thematically analysed and presented in prose format. Results: The study finds that the assumption underlying ECOWAS's integration policy overlooks the complex social, political, and economic effects of trans-border mobility, which challenge traditional notions of comparative advantage and trade theories that underpin ECOWAS's integrative approach. Conclusion: ECOWAS's integration policy and trans-border mobility have moved from stagnant to rapidly increasing places, from low-income to high-income areas, and from sporadic employment prospects to areas where employment is more certain or guaranteed by contract. Key Contribution to Knowledge: This study provides new insights into the implications of ECOWAS's integration policy on trans-border mobility and its effects on West African communities, highlighting the need to reconsider traditional notions of comparative advantage and trade theories in the context of regional integration. Recommendations: The study recommends that policymakers and stakeholders consider the complex social, political, and economic effects of trans-border mobility when designing and implementing regional integration policies, and that further research be conducted to explore the implications of ECOWAS's integration policy on West African communities.