Department of Political Science and International Relations

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Start date: 2025

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 57
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    Youth Empowerment and Sustainable Development: An Assessment of the 'One Youth-Two Skills' Scheme in Anambra State, Nigeria
    (Janna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Volume 7, 2025) Ezebuilo, Paul Chibuike; Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Obiora, Charles Arinze; Ofuonye, Joseph Ndubuisi
    Background: Youth empowern1ent and development can be achieved through adequate training and empowerment. Perhaps governments implement different programmes to empower their young generation with this in mind. Objective: This study investigates the effect of the 'One Youth-Two Skills' scheme on youth empowern1ent and sustainable development in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methodology: The study adopted a quantitative research design. A purposive random sampling technique was used to select the targeted respondents. Data was sourced through questionnaire copies and participant observation and presented and analysed using inferential statistics, such as frequency tables, mean, and chi-square, to test the hypotheses. Results: The study found that the 'One Youth-Two Skills' scheme has significantly influenced youth empowerment and sustainable development. An effective transfom1ationalleadership style with clearly set goals and good management has helped achieve this. However, insufficient funds, unequal distribution of materials and allocations, and poor monitoring and supervision, among other challenges, are affecting the 'One Youth-Two Skills' youth empowerment and sustainable development in Anambra State. Conclusion: To ensure a strong youth orientation towards economic empowennent and growth, a serious partnership is needed to ensure inclusive policies that invest in youth training. Unique Contribution: This study contributes to the existing literature on the best practices and modalities for ensuring effective youth empowerment and sustainable development in Anambra, Nigeria. Key Recommendations: To attain the aim of empowem1ent, an increase in funds/grants, equitable allocation of resources and materials, more partnerships, collaboration, proper monitoring, and mentorship are needed.
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    Unpacking the Political Economy of Member States' Withdrawal from ECOWAS: The Cases of Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Niger Republic
    (2025) Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Essien, Nick Pe ter; Ezebuilo, Paul Chibuike
    The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional organisation that has worked since its inception to maintain member states' unification and improved relationships with other regional and Western nations to ensure political and socio-economic development. Despite all efforts, ECOWAS faces numerous challenges, such as an undemocratic government, insecurity, a lack of member cooperation, and, most recently, the exit of its trio-member nations. The study explores the political and socio-economic consequences of ECOWAS member nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger's exit, and the effect on regional integration and cooperation. Rational Choice theory was adopted as a theoretical framework suitable for the underpinnings of this study. A qualitative research method, i.e., content analysis, was adopted to analyse the collated data. The study used secondary sources of data collection, e.g., textbooks, journals, conference proceedings, and internet sources, which were thematically discussed. The study finds that the trio-member nations that withdrew their membership are not parasitic and dependent on ECOWAS but have contributed to the continuous well-being of the organisation towards promoting and ensuring the regional integration, cooperation, growth, and development at large. The study concluded that the ECOWAS political and socio-economic system has been seriously affected, including the organisational image and recognition in Africa and globally. The study recommends that policymakers and international organisations such as ECOWAS, AU, EU, etc., should ensure inclusivity of all member nations, which would bring a sense of value and belonging that will keep them committed and loyal to their organizations, to avoid any member nation rising to disobey the principles of this organisation with the mindset of exit.
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    Soft Power Strategies and Reshaping of Global Affairs: A Comparative Analysis of China and Nigeria in the 21st Century
    (Nnamdi Azikiwe Journal of Poli1tical Science, 2025) Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Isaac, Grace Ugochi
    Tills study does a comparative analysis of the soft power strategies of China and Nigeria, highlighting their unique resources, approaches, and challenges in the 21"1 century. It explores how China leverages initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, media influence, and cultural diplomacy to assert global influence, while Nigeria struggles to capitalize on its rich cultural heritage. Drawing on reports, literature, and 12 qualitative interviews as primary data, the paper analyses how economic, social, and political factors shape each country's soft power. A key finding reveals that China's centralized coordination enhances its soft power impact, whereas Nigeria's fragmented institutions hinder its effectiveness
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    Reassessing the Role of Culture in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Nigerian Narrative
    (PERSPEKTIF, 2026) Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Isaac, Grace Ugochi
    Nigeria's extensive cultural diversity, spanning over 250 ethnic groups, and its expanding creative economy hold significant potential for advancing sustainable development However, the underutilization of cultural assets in national development strategies represents a persistent challenge. This study investigates how culture contributes to sustainability in Nigeria and evaluates the extent to which government policies, particularly the 1988 National Cultural Policy, align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study analyses policy documents, government reports, and academic literature using thematic and content analyses, guided by the Cultural Heritage and Creativity Framework Findings reveal that culture has been deployed in sustainability efforts through arts, music, media campaigns, and creative industries to promote civic education, peace-building, and environmental awareness. Despite this progress, weak policy implementation, funding limitations, and exclusion of cultural stakeholders constrain impact The study concludes that systematic integration of cultural heritage and creativity into development planning, education, and SDG monitoring is crucial to strengthening Nigeria's sustainability agenda and providing a replicable model for other African states.
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    Technological Integration and Educational Administration: Addressing the Contemporary Societal needs in West Africa
    (African Journal of Advances in Engineering and Technology Vol. 1, 2025) Chukwudi, Celestina Ekene
    The West African region faces a low technological resource with its growing youth population, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to educational resources. This study investigates how mobile apps, data management systems, and e-learning platforms can enhance decision-making in educational settings and streamline administrative processes. The study also examines how these technological developments could assist in bridging the divide between rural and urban populations. Despite its potential, several challenges include cultural resistance to change, inequalities in digital competency, and a lack of funding. This study employs a qualitative methodology and is analysed using descriptive and content analysis. For the underpinning of the study, diffusion of innovation theory is well applied, which shows the use and importance of modern technology in our African society. Findings demonstrate how technology impacts educational systems in West Africa and equip the next generation with the skills they need. The report concludes with helpful recommendations for anyone who might be interested in maximising the benefits of incorporating technology into school administration. Previous studies have shown interest in education and development, while this study closes the gap by delving into technology in education administration as a major key in developing education in West Africa. The study provides policymakers with information for making better policies concerning technology and educational administration in West Africa.
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    International Criminal Court (ICC) and Global Peace
    (African Journal of Law and Justice System Vol. 4,, 2025) Osimen, Goddy Uwa; Dele-Dada, Moyosoluwa; Nfam, Odeigah Theresa; Oladipo, Temidayo David; Ehibor, Oremire Judith; Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene
    The ICC is commonly seen as a judicial body with the authority to address matters related to international crime. Its purpose is to ensure that those responsible for international crimes are held accountable and to deter future violations. However, the persistence of atrocities similar to those the ICC targets causes significant disruption to global peace and undermines the international justice system. Therefore, this study aims to explore the ICC’s role in maintaining world peace and justice in the 21st century. It employs a qualitative approach and relies on secondary data. The findings reveal, among others, that while the ICC plays a significant role in maintaining peace and justice, the manner in which the relationship between peace and justice is perceived will significantly influence whether or not the Court has been able to maintain world peace and justice. If the notion of peace versus justice leans towards the Court’s ability to foster peace, it may be negligible. However, if the alternative peace via justice position is adopted, the ICC may be seen to have positively contributed to peace. The study, however, concludes that despite facing challenges in maintaining peace and justice in recent times, there are better days ahead for the ICC if only it can address these challenges through diverse approaches while also considering its mandate to uphold global peace and justice.
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    Ethical Leadership and Artificial Intelligence Governance: Comparative Perspectives and Implications for Africa’s Development
    (Journal of Law & Policy Review, 2025) Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Obadiah, Daniel Pastor; Okafor, Celestine Ogechukwu; Isaac, Grace Ugochi
    The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both transformative opportunities and significant ethical challenges for leadership and governance in Africa. This study examined ethical leadership and governance in the AI era, employing a comparative approach with a focus on Africa's development trajectory. Employing a documentary research design and secondary sources of data, thematic analysis was employed as the analytical technique. Thematic Analysis is among the most widely used qualitative data analysis techniques, providing a framework for data analysis based on the identification, analysis, and interpretation of patterns of meaning present in datasets. The analysis demonstrates that while AI has enormous potential to enhance public service delivery, governance effectiveness, and socioeconomic transformation, its use in African contexts is constrained by weak regulatory capability, fragmented governance frameworks, and insufficient ethical monitoring. A comparative analysis of global AI governance models reveals that institutional arrangements and leadership ideals are crucial in determining whether AI systems exacerbate inequality, bias, and democratic weaknesses or promote accountability, inclusivity, and public trust. The study recommended that African governments should invest in moral AI research and build regulatory sandboxes for controlled experimentation and policy development. Interdisciplinary advisory boards, including ethicists, technologists, and community representatives, should be institutionalised to guide AI governance.
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    EDUCATION AS A SOFT POWER STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: AN INSIGHT INTO CHINA-NIGERIA COLLABORATION
    (ALVAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, 2026) Chukwudi, Celestine Ekene; Isaac, Grace Ugochi
    The low level of youth development in Nigeria has necessitated the Chinese intervention through educational partnerships that cover vocational training and collaboration on research and innovation. This study investigates Nigeria-China relations through the lens of education as a soft power strategy employed by China and its impact on Nigerian youth development. It aims to assess the influence of these educational partnerships, highlighting their benefits and challenges. The study is grounded in Soft Power Theory and Positive Youth Development Theory. Thematic and content analyses were applied to examine China‘s educational diplomacy in Nigeria. Findings reveal that these partnerships positively influence youth development by enhancing access to skills, knowledge, and cross-cultural engagement. A notable example is the agreement between Ignatius Ajuru University and Chengdu University, which opened pathways to Chinese education for Nigerian students. The study concludes that education remains a vital tool for evolving development goals. It recommends that the Nigerian government establish a regulatory body to oversee such partnerships and adopt clear policies to safeguard the interests of Nigerian youth, ensuring that collaborations yield sustainable benefits without exploitation.
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    The 2023 Presidential Elections in Nigeria: Voting Patterns, Controversies and Recommendations
    (Editura Academica Brancusi, 2025) Bello, Wasiu Olaide; Gberevbie, Daniel E.; Ogbemudia, Peter Michael; Chukwudi, Celestina Ekene; Ojo, Samuel Oluwasegun; Ezebuilo, Paul Chibuike
    Democracy is largely dependent on elections. Democracy might become less valuable and appealing without regular polls. Nevertheless, several factors, including technological anomalies, same-faith tickets, the aftermath of the End SARS pandemic, and the marginalisation of ethnic minorities, influenced the recently concluded 2023presidential and national assembly elections. These factors also gave rise to several political prophecies and ecclesiastical innuendos, ethnic tension, a heightened level of ethnic politics, mutual suspicions among Nigerians, and mistrust of the political process. This paper's primary focus is on examining the numerous nuances that impacted the results of the 2023 presidential and national assembly elections. In addition to other reliable secondary sources such as books, journals, magazines, national dailies, and articles, the paper used a content analysis approach. When suitable, statistical data can also serve as empirical evidence. Our findings indicate that the winner-take-all scenario, fiscal centralization, and financial incentives tied to political positions are the primary reasons why most of the observed complexities are detrimental to free, fair, credible, and transparent elections in Nigeria. The report suggests that the impartial Electoral Commission (INEC) carry out a public and impartial assessment of its success in organizing credible and fair general elections in 2023 and expedite the development of a strong electoral process through technological advancements.