CONVERGENCE JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Convergence: Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation (ISSN: 1595-9007) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary research addressing global challenges. It publishes original studies, reviews, case studies, and short communications across fields such as physical sciences, engineering, life sciences, social sciences, humanities, and innovation. By integrating diverse perspectives, the journal promotes... More
Innovative Academia Hub International (IAHI)
Digital Communication Norms and Academic Writing Practices among Students of Benue State Polytechnic: A Qualitative Discourse-Analytic Study
This study investigates the influence of digital communication norms on academic writing practices among tertiary students in Nigerian polytechnics, particularly Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, using a qualitative discourse-analytic approach. Against the backdrop of increasing engagement with digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and X, the study examines how features associated with digitally mediated communication intersect with formal academic writing conventions. Grounded in sociocultural theory, dialogism, and academic literacies, the research conceptualizes students’ writing as a site of interaction between multiple literacy practices and discursive influences. Data were collected from twenty-four National Diploma (ND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) students at Benue State Polytechnic through forty-eight academic essays, semi-structured interviews, and classroom observation notes. The data were analyzed using thematic discourse analysis and interpretive discourse-analytic procedures. Findings reveal that digital communication norms are systematically embedded in students’ academic writing at lexical, structural, and discourse levels. Recurrent features include lexical abbreviations, orthographic reduction, conversational tone, emotive punctuation, code-mixing, fragmented paragraphing, and weak textual cohesion. These features reflect processes of mediated literacy transfer, interdiscursive hybridity, and writer identity negotiation rather than mere linguistic incompetence. The study further demonstrates that students often draw unconsciously on digitally acquired communicative resources, resulting in tensions between informal digital practices and formal academic expectations. While higher-level students showed greater control over academic conventions, traces of digital influence persisted across all levels. The study concludes that digital communication is reshaping academic literacy practices in significant ways and argues for instructional approaches that move beyond deficit-oriented correction toward the development of metalinguistic awareness and context-sensitive writing competence. The research contributes to scholarship on digital literacy and academic writing by providing contextually grounded findings from the Nigerian polytechnic environment.
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Moisture-Dependent Granular Flow, Stratification, and Stone–Grain Segregation Dynamics in Vibratory Gravity Rice De-Stoning Systems
Moisture-dependent granular segregation remains a critical limitation in vibratory gravity rice de-stoning systems, where stones and grains exhibit overlapping size distributions but differ in density, morphology, and surface properties. Although granular segregation under gravity and vibration has been widely studied, most existing investigations focus on dry or idealized particle systems, providing limited insight into realistic agricultural materials where moisture-induced cohesion plays a dominant role. Unlike previous studies focused on dry or idealized particles, this work provides experimentally validated evidence of nonlinear moisture–vibration–gravity coupling in realistic agricultural granular systems. This study experimentally investigates the coupled effects of moisture content, vibration kinematics, and gravity on granular flow, stratification, and stone–grain segregation in a vibratory gravity rice de-stoner using FARO-44 and NERICA-11 rice varieties. Experiments were conducted at moisture contents of 10–14% (wet basis), shaker angles of 12–15°, and varying pulley diameters using a factorial experimental design combined with analysis of variance and response surface methodology. Results show that stone recovery efficiency decreases monotonically with increasing moisture content due to capillary-induced cohesion, which suppresses kinetic sieving and density-driven percolation. Shaker angle emerged as the dominant mechanical control parameter, with 15° providing optimal stratification through a balance of gravitational transport and vibration-induced lift, while pulley diameter contributed primarily through interaction effects by stabilizing vibratory energy transmission. Quadratic response surface models exhibited strong predictive capability (R² > 0.90), confirming the nonlinear nature of moisture–vibration–gravity interactions. Multi-objective optimization identified an optimal operating condition of 144 mm pulley diameter, 15° shaker angle, and 10% moisture content for FARO-44 rice, achieving approximately 84% cleaning efficiency, 57 kg h⁻¹ throughput, and 690 kg per 12 h capacity with a desirability index of 0.991. The findings provide a physics-based interpretation of moisture-controlled granular segregation and offer a statistically validated operational framework for improving separation efficiency in vibratory gravity de-stoning systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 CONVERGENCE JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Analysis of Farmers’ Perceived Effects of Climate Change on Rice Production in Benue State, Nigeria
Climate change is a major threat to food security in Sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture is predominantly rain-fed and highly vulnerable to climatic variability. Rice, a staple food in Nigeria, is particularly affected by changing rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and other environmental stresses. This study assessed rice farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its effects on rice production in Benue State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 200 farmers across three agroecological zones. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics and an ordered logistic regression model. Results showed that most respondents were within the economically active age group (41–60 years), male (72%), and had some formal education (82%). Farmers generally perceived climate change as a major constraint to rice production, reporting challenges such as poor germination, erratic rainfall, declining yields, pest outbreaks, and post-harvest losses. Mean scores across nine perception indicators exceeded 1.5 on a three-point scale, highlighting widespread recognition of climate risks. Regression analysis revealed a positive and statistically significant relationship between the perception index and rice yield category (β = 0.042; OR = 1.043; 95% CI: 1.025–1.061; p < .001; Pseudo R² = 0.312), suggesting that greater awareness of climate change was associated with improved yield outcomes. The study concludes that strengthening farmers’ adaptive capacity is crucial for sustaining rice production in Benue State. It recommends enhanced extension services, adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, and improved access to information to build resilience against climate risks.
Copyright (c) 2025 CONVERGENCE JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
The Role of Printing Technology in Promoting a Sustainable Economy in Benue State, Nigeria
This study investigated the role of printing technology in promoting a sustainable economy in Benue State, Nigeria, with emphasis on technological awareness, adoption patterns, economic contributions, and sectoral challenges. Anchored on global and national discourses on digital transformation and sustainability, the study employed a descriptive survey design involving 200 purposively selected printing practitioners across Makurdi, Gboko, Otukpo, and Ugbokolo. Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.82) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square inferential tests. Findings revealed high levels of awareness and adoption of digital and large-format printing technologies, while environmentally sustainable options and advanced innovations, such as computer-to-plate systems and 3D printing, exhibited lower adoption levels. Respondents reported that printing technology significantly contributes to sustainable economic development through employment generation, support for small and medium enterprises, educational resource production, branding, and enhanced market competitiveness. Major constraints identified included high equipment costs, unstable power supply, limited access to technical training, and low awareness of eco-friendly printing solutions. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between technology adoption and perceived economic sustainability (χ²(4, N = 200) = 18.42, p = .001). The study concludes that printing technology is a vital driver of economic and social sustainability in Benue State but remains constrained by infrastructural and financial challenges. It recommends targeted financial support, capacity-building programs, and stronger policy interventions to foster modernization and encourage sustainable printing practices. The findings offer empirical insights relevant to policymakers, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders seeking to advance sustainable economic growth in emerging economies.
Effect of Soil on the Physicochemical Properties and Bacterial Load of Palm Wine in Benue South Senatorial District
Palm wine is a culturally significant traditional beverage in Nigeria, yet its quality varies widely across regions due to environmental and handling factors. This study investigated the influence of soil physicochemical properties on the physicochemical characteristics, microbial load, and sensory quality of palm wine produced in six communities: Otukpa A, Otukpa B, Ugbokolo A, Ugbokolo B, Owukpa A, and Owukpa B, within the Benue South Senatorial District. Composite soil samples and freshly tapped palm wine were collected and analyzed using standardized methods for nutrient composition, microbial enumeration, and sensory evaluation. Soil analysis revealed considerable spatial variation, with loamy sandy soils in Owukpa and Otukpa exhibiting higher organic matter, nitrogen, and potassium levels compared to the nutrient-poor loam soils of Ugbokolo B. These soil differences significantly influenced palm wine quality. Palm wine from Owukpa B, which had the most balanced soil nutrient profile, recorded the highest sweetness, superior aroma, lower viscosity, and the lowest microbial load. Conversely, Ugbokolo B exhibited reduced sweetness, higher off-odor scores, and mildly elevated microbial counts, corresponding to its depleted soil nutrient status. Microbial analysis identified common fermenting organisms, including Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, and Serratia species, with variations across locations reflecting differences in both soil pH and tapping hygiene. Overall, the findings demonstrate a clear soil–sap–wine continuum, establishing that soil nutrient balance plays a crucial role in palm wine’s sensory quality and microbial stability. The study highlights the need for soil fertility management and improved tapping practices to enhance palm wine quality and safety in rural communities.
Cross-Efficiency Assessment of Primary Health Care in Benue State, Nigeria, using Data Envelopment Analysis
Health is the most important component of life. The entire globe strives for health outcomes that are effective, efficient, high-quality, and equitable, to enhance economic growth. The goal of this paper is to assess the performance of the primary healthcare (PHC) centres in order to effectively distinguish good performers in Benue State, Nigeria. Data collection was from 15 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) through the primary and secondary methods. Two input variables (number of beds and medical and non-medical staff) and 3 output variables (outpatients, inpatients, antenatal, deliveries, and quality of care) data obtained from the Benue State Primary Healthcare Board and the various PHCs form the variables and the sources of our data. The pair evaluation model and the Maverick index models were adopted. To evaluate the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) linear programming formulation, an R program was coded. The result of the aggressive and benevolent pair evaluation ranges between 0.2522 to 0.9335, and 0.2944 to 1.0000, respectively. Okpaflo and Ojapo PHCs are fully efficient and are the top performers in the aggressive and benevolent models, respectively. The Maverick index aided in detecting false efficiency. It is recommended that Policymakers, the Primary Healthcare Board, must accord a high level of importance to a rigorous form of PHC system performance evaluation. There is a clear need to build monitoring of efficiency into the information systems of each state's PHCs. Future research will be required in the private and mission hospitals that are nonhomogeneous.
Assessment of Green Entrepreneurship Initiatives for Sustainable Business Practices in the Manufacturing Sector in North Central Nigeria: A Conceptual Review.
Sustainable industrial development has become an urgent priority for emerging economies facing environmental degradation, resource constraints, and climate-related vulnerabilities. In Nigeria, the manufacturing sector remains central to economic diversification efforts but is simultaneously limited by high energy intensity, waste generation, and inefficient production systems. This conceptual review synthesizes peer‐reviewed literature, government documents, policy frameworks, and credible grey sources to examine the emergence and trajectory of green entrepreneurship within the manufacturing sector of North Central Nigeria. Using a narrative review methodology, the study analyzes 86 carefully selected sources published between 2016 and 2025, guided by explicit inclusion criteria, multi-database searches, and triangulation procedures to ensure credibility. The findings reveal that green entrepreneurship in the region is expanding through initiatives in solar energy integration, agro-industrial waste valorisation, climate-responsive agricultural processing, and emerging minerals-to-manufacturing value chains. However, these developments remain uneven across states, constrained by institutional fragmentation, weak policy implementation, limited technical capacity, inadequate green financing, and infrastructural deficits. The analysis highlights a hybrid ecosystem in which top-down government directives coexist with bottom-up private-sector adaptation, but lack the coordinated frameworks required for long-term sustainability. The review contributes to the literature by providing a region-specific, comparative synthesis and by demonstrating how theoretical perspectives such as the resource-based view, ecological orientation theory, and institutional theory explain the enabling conditions and barriers shaping sustainable manufacturing in the region. It concludes that enhancing policy coherence, expanding green finance, strengthening technical capabilities, and developing coordinated green industrial clusters are essential for accelerating Nigeria’s transition toward environmentally responsible manufacturing.
Effect of Business Credit Availability on SMEs Growth of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in North Central, Nigeria.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a central role in national development, yet their growth in developing economies remains constrained by limited access to credit. This study investigates the effects of business credit availability measured through information asymmetry, bank density, and credit rationing on SME growth in North Central Nigeria. Drawing on Financial Intermediation Theory, a cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and data were collected from SMEs across six states using a multi-stage sampling technique. A total of 843 questionnaires were administered, of which the valid responses met the minimum threshold for structural equation analysis. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to evaluate both the measurement and structural models. Results showed that all three dimensions of credit availability significantly influence SME growth, with bank density exhibiting the strongest positive effect (β = 0.290, p < 0.001), followed by credit rationing (β = 0.253, p < 0.001) and information asymmetry (β = 0.141, p = 0.005). The model explained 37.4% of the variance in SME growth, indicating moderate predictive power. The findings underscore the importance of financial infrastructure, inclusive banking networks, and improved credit allocation mechanisms in fostering SME performance. The study concludes that addressing structural bottlenecks in credit markets is essential for unlocking the growth potential of SMEs in the region and recommends policies that expand bank presence, reform lending practices, enhance credit information systems, and support fintech-enabled financing. These insights contribute to ongoing discourse on SME financing and offer actionable implications for policymakers, financial institutions, and development agencies seeking to strengthen the SME ecosystem in Nigeria.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Enhanced Costume Design in Nigerian Theatre: A New Era of Creativity
This study investigates the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into costume design within Nigerian theatre, focusing on its implications for creativity, efficiency, and cultural authenticity. Using a mixed-methods design, the research combined interviews with costume designers, directors, and producers with a quantitative survey of 200 theatre audience members who experienced AI-enhanced productions. Quantitative findings revealed that audiences rated visual appeal (M = 4.02, SD = 0.72) and production efficiency (M = 4.01, SD = 0.70) highly, while expressing moderate concerns about cultural authenticity (M = 3.60, SD = 0.79) and perceived artificiality (M = 2.91, SD = 0.90). Acceptance of AI-enhanced costumes was generally positive (M = 3.92, SD = 0.75), with strong support for AI-literacy training (M = 4.46, SD = 0.57) and continued artisan participation (M = 4.24, SD = 0.63). Qualitative insights corroborated these findings, emphasizing AI’s potential to expand creative possibilities while preserving cultural identity through hybrid human–machine collaboration. The study concludes that AI, when applied thoughtfully, can serve as a creative partner rather than a replacement for human artistry in Nigerian theatre. It recommends targeted training programs and ethical design frameworks to foster a culturally grounded integration of AI technologies into the performing arts.
Local Government Autonomy and Grassroots Development in Nigeria: A Critical Analysis of Benue State
This study examines the enduring challenges of local government autonomy and grassroots development in Nigeria, using Benue State as a case study. Anchored on the principles of federalism and structural-functionalism, the research adopts a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative data from 320 respondents with qualitative evidence from key informant interviews and official financial records. The study assessed three dimensions of autonomy: fiscal, administrative, and political, and their combined influence on local government performance. Empirical analysis revealed that fiscal autonomy exerts the strongest influence on development (β = 0.48, p < 0.01), followed by administrative (β = 0.37, p < 0.05) and political autonomy (β = 0.29, p < 0.05), jointly explaining 68% (R² = 0.68) of the variance in grassroots development outcomes. Findings showed that state-level interference, particularly through the State Joint Local Government Account (SJLGA) and caretaker committee appointments, significantly undermines fiscal independence and democratic accountability. The study concludes that genuine local government autonomy remains largely theoretical in Nigeria, constrained by constitutional ambiguities and political dominance. It recommends constitutional reforms to guarantee direct federal allocations, enhance administrative discretion, and institutionalize democratic elections at the local level. True decentralization, the study argues, is indispensable for promoting inclusive governance, accountability, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s federal system
Development Administration and National Development in Nigeria (1960–2025): Challenges, Comparative Insights, and Policy Pathways
This study critically examines the trajectory of development administration in Nigeria from independence in 1960 to 2025, evaluating its effectiveness in achieving sustainable national development. Anchored in systems theory, the research adopts a qualitative, documentary analysis of 86 verified secondary sources, including national development plans, institutional reports, and peer-reviewed studies. Findings reveal a persistent mismatch between policy formulation and developmental outcomes, driven by weak institutional capacity, bureaucratic politicization, corruption, fiscal volatility, and inadequate feedback mechanisms. Despite numerous reform initiatives such as the Udoji Commission, the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), implementation has remained inconsistent due to policy discontinuity and leadership turnover. Nigeria’s modest improvement in the Human Development Index (HDI) from 0.465 in 2003 to 0.548 in 2022 underscores this systemic inefficiency. Comparative insights from Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, and South Korea demonstrate that institutional coherence, merit-based bureaucracy, and results-driven governance are essential for developmental success. The study concludes that Nigeria’s development administration must transition from policy proliferation to process optimization through civil service reform, performance-based budgeting, digital transformation, and institutionalized feedback systems. These measures are critical for achieving inclusive and sustainable national development.
Assessing Local Government Financial Autonomy and Its Implications for Inter-Governmental Relations in Nigeria.
The 2024 Supreme Court ruling granting full financial autonomy to Nigeria’s 774 local government areas represents a transformative milestone in the evolution of inter-governmental relations within the country’s federal system. This study interrogates the fiscal, political, and administrative implications of the reform, situating it within the theoretical frameworks of fiscal and cooperative federalism. Adopting a qualitative documentary and content analysis approach, the paper synthesizes data from constitutional provisions, judicial pronouncements, institutional reports, and scholarly literature to evaluate the emerging fiscal and power dynamics across the three tiers of government. Findings reveal that the autonomy reform has substantially redefined Nigeria’s federal architecture: direct fund transfers from the Federation Account have improved fiscal discipline, reduced fund diversion by state intermediaries, and increased internally generated revenue by more than 100% in several local councils. Politically, the enforcement of democratically elected councils has elevated local legitimacy, with elected councils now operating in 88% of states compared to 38% before the ruling. Administratively, local governments have demonstrated greater discretion in policy formulation and capital project execution, leading to notable gains in service delivery, including a 50% improvement in rural road rehabilitation and a 35% increase in education infrastructure. However, challenges persist in financial management capacity, audit compliance, and accountability mechanisms. The study concludes that while financial autonomy has strengthened grassroots governance and initiated a shift from repressive to cooperative inter-governmental relations, its sustainability hinges on institutional capacity building, transparent fiscal oversight, and continuous judicial enforcement. The research contributes to the discourse on federalism and governance reform in emerging democracies by offering evidence-based insights into how judicial and fiscal interventions can recalibrate power and efficiency in multilevel governance systems.
Assessing the Impact of Innovation and Creativity in Fine and Applied Arts on Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development in Nigeria
Innovation and creativity have become critical engines of global competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development in the twenty-first century. This study examined the role of innovation and creativity in Fine and Applied Arts as pathways to entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria, using Benue State as a case study. A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 240 respondents comprising Fine and Applied Arts lecturers, students, and professional artists selected through a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire titled Fine and Applied Arts Innovation and Entrepreneurship Questionnaire (FAAIEQ) and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between Fine and Applied Arts skills and entrepreneurship development (r = 0.716, p < 0.01), and regression analysis showed that innovation and entrepreneurship jointly accounted for 65.9% of the variance in sustainable development outcomes (R² = 0.659). The results demonstrate that creative and innovative art practices significantly enhance self-reliance, job creation, and poverty reduction, aligning with Schumpeter’s Innovation Theory and the UNCTAD Creative Economy Model. The study concludes that Fine and Applied Arts serve as both cultural and economic capital capable of driving inclusive growth and sustainability. It recommends curriculum reform, digital integration, establishment of creative hubs, and policy support to reposition Fine and Applied Arts as a strategic driver of entrepreneurship and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Fine and Applied Arts as Catalysts for Entrepreneurship Development and Poverty Eradication in Benue State, Nigeria.
This study investigated the role of Fine and Applied Arts as a catalyst for entrepreneurship development and poverty eradication in Benue State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions and two corresponding hypotheses. A correlational research design was adopted to examine the relationships among Fine and Applied Arts skills, entrepreneurship development, and poverty eradication. The population consisted of 220 Fine and Applied Arts teachers across 197 public secondary schools in the state, all of whom participated in the study. Three validated instruments the Fine and Applied Arts Skills Questionnaire (FAASQ), Entrepreneurship Development Questionnaire (EDQ), and Poverty Eradication Questionnaire (PEQ) were used for data collection. Reliability coefficients, established using Cronbach’s alpha, ranged from 0.86 to 0.91, indicating high internal consistency. Data were analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and simple linear regression at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a moderately strong positive relationship between Fine and Applied Arts and entrepreneurship development (r = .571, p < .05) and a very strong positive relationship between Fine and Applied Arts and poverty eradication (r = .852, p < .05). Regression analyses showed that Fine and Applied Arts accounted for 32.5% of the variance in entrepreneurship development and 72.6% of the variance in poverty eradication. These results demonstrate that Fine and Applied Arts education significantly contributes to self-employment, economic empowerment, and social mobility in Benue State. The study concludes that Fine and Applied Arts are not merely cultural or aesthetic pursuits but strategic instruments for sustainable development. By equipping individuals with practical skills, creativity, and entrepreneurial competencies, the Fine and Applied Arts can effectively address unemployment and poverty challenges. It is recommended that policymakers, educators, and development agencies strengthen arts education programs, integrate entrepreneurship training into art curricula, and establish creative hubs to harness the economic potential of the creative sector in Benue State and Nigeria at large.
Social Media and The Management of Community Relations in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
This research was conducted to explore the relationship between social media and community relations management within Nigerian tertiary institutions. Based on the Stakeholder Management Theory and supported by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, the study analyzed existing secondary materials through thematic and synthesis discourse analysis to determine the relationship between social media and community relations management in the context of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The results indicated that Nigerian tertiary institutions actively participate in community relations efforts, utilizing social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram to enhance engagement with stakeholders, obtain feedback, and foster better understanding. As a result, the use of social media has had a positive effect on community relations by encouraging two-way communication, building trust, and preventing conflicts. However, obstacles like inadequate funding, a lack of social media expertise, and restricted internet access prevent the effective use of social media. The study concluded that despite these obstacles, social media holds significant promise for enhancing transparency, fostering mutual respect, and building trust between institutions and their surrounding communities if it is utilized effectively. The study suggested providing capacity-building for public relations professionals, ensuring adequate funding for social media initiatives, and strategically allocating resources to overcome challenges for improved effectiveness.
Quantitative Analysis of Rainfall Variability and Extreme Events in Benue State Using Long-Term Climate Records
Rainfall variability and extreme events present major challenges to food security and infrastructure in Benue State, Nigeria, where agriculture is predominantly rain-fed. This study analyzed rainfall variability using 1980–2020 records and applied the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Mann–Kendall trend test, Sen’s slope estimator, and Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution. Results showed that moderate to severe droughts occurred in about 21% of study years, with 1983, 1992, 2004, and 2011 identified as prolonged drought years. The Mann–Kendall test indicated a significant decreasing trend in annual rainfall at –8.3 mm per decade (p < 0.05), while Sen’s slope confirmed consistent declines in early-season rainfall. In contrast, GEV analysis revealed a 12–15% increase in the probability of extreme rainfall events exceeding 100 mm/day, particularly during the August–September peak, contributing to recurrent flooding in the Makurdi floodplain. Spatial assessment showed greater rainfall variability in the southern zones compared to the north. These findings highlight the dual risks of increasing agricultural drought and intensifying flood hazards. The study underscores the need for integrated adaptation measures, including climate-informed agricultural calendars, flood-control infrastructure, and improved early warning systems. By providing robust quantitative evidence, the research supports informed decision-making for climate risk management and sustainable development in Benue State and comparable regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
Generalized Extreme Value distribution (GEV),
Reframing Community Relations in the Digital Age: Public Perceptions of Social Media Use in Tertiary Institutions in North Central Nigeria
This study explores the role of social media in community relations management within selected tertiary institutions in North Central Nigeria, emphasizing public perceptions of its effectiveness. Guided by dialogic communication and public sphere theories, the study employed a cross-sectional survey of 500 respondents drawn from federal universities, state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, findings reveal that social media platforms, particularly Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter, are perceived as vital tools for fostering engagement, enhancing transparency, and strengthening trust between institutions and their stakeholders. Regression analysis further shows that social media utilization significantly predicts positive community relations outcomes (β = .62, p < .001), underscoring its strategic value. However, challenges such as misinformation, inadequate digital literacy, and limited internet infrastructure constrain its full potential. The study concludes that social media, when strategically integrated, can reframe institutional communication into a more participatory and accountable process. Recommendations include developing institutional policies, enhancing digital literacy, investing in ICT infrastructure, and adopting dialogic engagement strategies. This research contributes to ongoing debates on digital communication and offers actionable insights for tertiary institutions seeking to optimize social media in community relations
Economic Trees as Nature-Based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Urbanism: Insights from Benue State, Nigeria
African cities are at the frontline of climate change, facing rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, flooding, and worsening environmental quality. In Nigeria, rapid urban expansion frequently outpaces infrastructure provision, exacerbating climate vulnerabilities and deepening social inequalities. This paper advances the argument that economic tree species cultivated for both ecological services and economic value offer a cost-effective, culturally embedded form of nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate-resilient urbanism. Drawing on insights from Benue State, Nigeria, the study synthesizes empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives to demonstrate how trees such as mango (Mangifera indica), cashew (Anacardium occidentale), moringa (Moringa oleifera), neem (Azadirachta indica), and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) contribute to urban adaptation. The findings highlight that economic trees simultaneously mitigate urban heat islands, sequester carbon, regulate stormwater, and enhance biodiversity while providing food, medicine, raw materials, and income opportunities. Their multifunctionality situates them at the intersection of ecological modernization, resilience theory, and sustainable urbanism, offering a practical model for integrating green infrastructure into rapidly urbanizing contexts. However, weak policy frameworks, inadequate maintenance, and competing land-use priorities currently undermine their potential. The paper argues for embedding economic trees into urban planning frameworks, supported by community participation, livelihood-oriented incentives, and species-appropriate technical guidelines. By foregrounding a Global South perspective, the study contributes to global debates on NbS and sustainable urbanism, demonstrating that resilience can be pursued not only through imported models but also through locally grounded ecological practices that are socially equitable and economically viable.
Factors Shaping Housing Affordability in Secondary Nigerian Cities: A Theoretical Exploration of Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.
Housing affordability remains a pressing challenge in Nigeria, particularly in secondary cities where weak institutions, fragile economies, and rapid urbanization converge to limit access to adequate shelter. This paper examines the factors shaping housing affordability in Makurdi, Benue State, using a theoretical approach that integrates Urban Land Economics, Neoclassical Housing Market Theory, and the Political Economy of Housing. Drawing on national and city-level literature, the study conceptualizes affordability not merely as a financial ratio but as a multidimensional construct influenced by income dynamics, land tenure systems, construction material inflation, population growth, infrastructure deficits, financial exclusion, and security-related displacement. The findings reveal that affordability crises in Makurdi are driven less by household-level demand constraints than by structural barriers in land administration, housing finance, and governance. The analysis further demonstrates that conventional cost-to-income metrics obscure hidden affordability burdens associated with transport, services, and security, underscoring the need for residual-income and sustainability-aware frameworks. Theoretically, the study highlights the limitations of single-framework analyses and calls for integrated approaches that blend economic, socio-spatial, and political perspectives. Policy implications include reforms in land governance, construction cost regulation, mortgage innovation, infrastructure provision, and security-sensitive housing strategies. By situating Makurdi within broader affordability debates, the paper advances the understanding of housing challenges in secondary Nigerian cities and contributes to re-centering them in both scholarly and policy discourse.
Assessment of Materials Management Strategies Used by Indigenous Contractors on Construction Projects in Abuja
Materials management in all ramifications cannot be overlooked, as wastage is a well-known issue plaguing the construction industry. Indigenous contractors hoping to compete with expatriates for construction projects are still facing the problem of wastage due to the absence of or low materials management strategies put in place. In view of this, the study assessed materials management strategies used by indigenous contractors on construction projects in Abuja. Data was gathered through a self-administered questionnaire, which was also acquired using a stratified random sampling technique of construction companies in Abuja. Two Hundred and Thirty-Nine (239) valid questionnaires were administered, out of which One Hundred and Eighty-Five (185), signifying 77.7% were sufficiently filled and returned. The data collected were further analyzed using the coefficient of standard deviation for causes of materials wastage and materials management strategies used by indigenous contractors. Multiple regression analysis was used for the effect of materials management on cost, time, and quality of construction projects. The findings pointed out that low usage of modern construction techniques and practices is the main cause of materials wastage, ICT-based technology to manage materials on fast-track systems from design phase to construction phase is obviously the method some indigenous contractors are using to manage materials on their projects and, inadequate materials management on construction sites is responsible for cost overruns. The findings provide succinct knowledge for indigenous contractors to make management decisions in their respective organizations for the engagement of modern construction estimating software, artificial intelligence (AI), and ICT procedures in curbing waste and managing construction materials.
Effects of Dramatization, Discussion, and Inquiry Teaching Methods on the Academic Performance and Retention of Basic 8 Students in Social Studies in Benue State, Nigeria.
This study examined the comparative effects of dramatization, discussion, and inquiry teaching methods on the academic performance and retention of Basic 8 students in Social Studies in Benue State, Nigeria. The area of study was the Vandeikya and Katsina-Ala Education Zones of Benue State. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. The study design employed a pre-test, post-test, non-equivalent group quasi-experimental design. The population comprised 56,080 Basic 8 students (30,544 males and 25,536 females) from 201 UBE schools. The sample of the study consisted of 5,608 Basic 8 students drawn via a multistage sampling technique. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used for testing of hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed a significant effect of dramatization over discussion and inquiry method on academic performance of Basic 8 students. It also revealed that there is a significant effect of teaching method on students’ retention in Social Studies. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Social Studies curriculum planners and school management should emphasize the use of the dramatization method in the teaching and learning of Social Studies to enhance students’ performance and retention.
Evaluation of Health and Safety Management on Building Construction Sites in Benue State
Worried by the frequent occurrence of accidents in building sites in Benue State, the researchers conducted an evaluation of health and safety management on building construction sites in Benue State. The study was guided by three research questions and hypotheses. The study adopted the survey research design. The population of the study comprises 600 site managers, supervisors, artisans and labourers. A sample of 120 site workers was selected using multiple stage sampling techniques. The research instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled: Health and Safety Management on Building Construction Sites Questionnaire. The instrument was validated by two Building Technology Lecturers in the Department of Vocational and Technical Education and one expert in Educational Research and Measurement, all in the Faculty of Education, Benue State University, Makurdi. Upon successful validation, the instrument was trial tested in order to determine the reliability. Split half reliability method time was used and when compared the halves were found to be same indicating that the instrument was reliable and ready to use. The researcher personally moves from one building site to another in Gboko, Makurdi and Otukpo to administer the questionnaire to the respondents. Mean and standard deviation were used for answering the research questions and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance, where F-calculated or F-critical was less than 0.05, the hypothesis was rejected otherwise it was not rejected. The finding revealed that major accidents occurring on building construction site in Benue State are workers falling from height, followed by one been struck by an object and the least of them is someone having contact with electricity. It was found that the causes of accidents on building construction sites in Benue State are; excessive working hours resulting in mental fatigue, horseplay by workers, Unsafe act or non-compliance behaviour, inadequate maintenance of tools and equipment, communication issues and drugs and alcohol among others. The finding also shows that health and safety measures are which could be taken are health and safety training, strict monitoring and enforcement of safety regulation, effective communication system on site, regular and frequent breaks for rest, use of personal protective equipment. Protected edges, safe access and secure edge protection and use of appropriate scaffolding with good edge protection should be made available on the building construction site to reduce falling from height. It was recommended among others that construction companies should increase the quality and quantity of health and safety supervisors since poor supervision is the main reason which is responsible for the accident occurrence and that each construction company should develop and implement their own health and safety policy.
Conflict Management Practices and Their Impact on Performance in Marketing and Accounting Organizations in Benue State
This study focused on the effect of conflict management practice and the performance of marketing and accounting organizations in Benue State. Survey Research Design was used. The target population for this study was 838. The sample size of 396 was selected from the target population. All data were analyzed using a frequency distribution table, descriptive statistics, Ordinary Linear Regression, and Ordered Probit Regression. The relative adjusted R-square of 52% shows that the model fits the data well. The ANOVA result in Table 4b reports a significant F statistic (F= 314.616; p= 0.01), indicating that using the model is better than guessing the mean. The coefficient (P= 0.884; p= 0.01) in Table 4c shows a positive relationship between variables. From the result of the Ordered Probit Regression, the coefficient of determination (PR) is 80.405 and adjusted (Pr) 0.000, which implies that 100% of the changes experienced in market share were explained by the conflict factors in the model, and the Pr ratio of 80.405 was significant at 1%. It could be observed in the table that the communication gap (coefficient - 0.365; p< 0.05), a low financial motivator (coefficient -0.384; p< 0.05), ethnicity (coefficient= - 0.127; p> 0.05), and lack of tolerance among employees (coefficient -0.349; p= 0.05) were negatively related. Findings showed that performance (market share) was possibly predicted by conflict variables (communication gap, low financial motivator, the activities of cultism, ethnicity, lack of tolerance among employees) and that communication gap, low financial motivator, and lack of tolerance among employees has a significant influence on the competitiveness of marketing organizations in Benue State. It was concluded that the management of conflict in the marketing organizations in Benue State was effective. It was recommended that the management of the marketing organizations in Benue State should sustain their effective conflict management approach or find more cost-benefit approaches to improve the performance of their organizations.
Impact of Consumer Protection Laws on the Production, Pricing, and Promotion of Food and Pharmaceutical Products in Benue State, Nigeria
This study examines the impact of consumer protection laws on the production, pricing, and promotion of food and pharmaceutical products in Benue State, Nigeria. It evaluates the enforcement of the NAFDAC Act, Price Control Act, and Food, Drug, and Related Products Advertisement Regulations (2019) and their effectiveness in shaping market practices. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 103 indigenous food and pharmaceutical distributors and marketers, and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimation technique was employed to test the hypotheses. The findings reveal a weak but statistically significant relationship between NAFDAC Act enforcement and production outcomes (R = 0.482, p < 0.05, R² = 0.232), suggesting that while the law influences quality control, other market factors play a greater role in determining production standards. The Price Control Act exhibited a moderate correlation with pricing (R = 0.615, p < 0.005, R² = 0.378), but outdated penalties and inconsistent enforcement limit its effectiveness. The strongest correlation was observed between Advertisement Regulations (2019) and marketing practices (R = 0.662, p < 0.005, R² = 0.438), reflecting improvements in advertising compliance but highlighting challenges in regulating digital promotions. The study underscores gaps in enforcement mechanisms, particularly in consumer awareness, compliance monitoring, and regulatory penalties. While consumer protection laws exist, inconsistent implementation and weak regulatory oversight hinder their full effectiveness. To address these challenges, the study recommends revising outdated legislation, introducing AI-driven price monitoring, enhancing digital regulatory oversight, and strengthening inter-agency collaboration. Additionally, public education campaigns and stricter penalties for violations are necessary to ensure fair market practices. Overall, consumer protection laws play a critical role in ensuring ethical business practices, fair pricing, and product safety, but regulatory loopholes and enforcement weaknesses must be addressed to enhance consumer safety and market stability.
EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP ON SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING COMPETENCIES IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS
This study aims to determine the effect of entrepreneurship on social media marketing competencies in Makurdi Metropolis. Efficient and skillful work practices are essential and there is the need for wide utilization of social media marketing entrepreneurial development in Makurdi metropolis necessitated this study which sought to determine how competent practicing entrepreneurs are good in Makurdi metropolis. A survey research design was adopted using purposive sampling technique. The population consisted of 201 entrepreneurs in Makurdi metropolis. A validated 22 item on a 5-point rating scale questionnaire was used for data collection. Mean and standard deviation were used in the analysis of data. The study revealed statistically that Results show that the overall scores for AICPSM positively correlated significantly with SMMC scores (r(175) = 0.776; P < 0.001). Similarly, the scores of ASCNNSM (r(175) = 0.796; P < 0.001), and AMCSSM (r(175) = 0.785; P < 0.001) also positively and significantly correlated with SMMC scores and that entrepreneurs in Makurdi metropolis rated themselves as incompetent in utilizing social media marketing communication. The therefore draws the following conclusions; that if entrepreneurs can utilize social media marketing competencies, they will record greater success in their businesses by boosting brand awareness and customer loyalty which will lead to higher sales turnover. Therefore, it was recommended among others that successful digital entrepreneurs should provide mentorship to beginning and prospective entrepreneurs to equip them with competencies needed for successful social media marketing.
Risky-Riding Behaviors of Commercial Motorcycle Riders in Benue State, Nigeria
Commercial motorcycle riders’ involvement in road traffic accidents has increasingly become a public health concern. The study aimed at unveiling the prevalence, causes and socio-demographic characteristics of the commercial motorcyclists capable of influencing motorcycle related accidents. The study population was 38,128 commercial motorcycle riders in Benue State involving six (6) Local Government Areas of the State. The study utilized a descriptive survey design and 412 commercial motorcycle riders (CMRs) as respondents were recruited. A self-constructed and validated questionnaire tagged - Commercial Motorcyclists’ Behavioral Indexes Questionnaire (CMBIQ) was utilized for data collection. The cluster sampling technique was adopted using a multi-stage approach. Descriptive statistics, Student independent t-test and ANOVA statistical tools were used for data analysis. Significant influence was declared when p-value was <0.05. Key findings of the study were: Prevalence of motorcycle related road traffic accidents (RTAs) among CMRs in Benue State was 75.2% and the commonest cause (category) of the accidents was 37.1% due to individual human error. CMRs below the age of 30 years (<20 years - x̅ = 3.51, σ = 0.56, p<0.05; 20 - 29 years - x̅ = 2.61, σ = 0.86, p<0.05), no formal education (x̅ = 3.69, σ = 0.47, p<0.05) and only Primary education (x̅ = 2.97, σ = 0.78, p<0.05) as the highest level of educational attainment, daily income of less than ₦7,000 (< ₦4,000 - x̅ = 3.24, σ = 0.72, p<0.05; ₦4,000 - ₦7,000 - x̅ = 2.81, σ = 0.88, p<0.05) and CMRs without alternative employment (x̅ = 3.22, σ = 0.73, p<0.05) were observed to have significant influence on RTAs in Benue State. None (0%) of the 412 (100%) CMRs studied, received any formal counselling geared towards RTAs prevention. In conclusion, socio-demographic characteristics of CMRs studied had high influence on RTAs and CMRs were not exposed to accident-prevention targeted counselling. An active public health policy ensuring persona-socio counselling might be a panacea in reducing the scourge. Being the first study in Benue State to unveil the prevalence of RTAs among CMRs and the necessity for persona-socio counseling for prevention reveals its novelty.