Examining the Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Self-Efficacy of French Third Language Learners in Nigeria: A Mixed-Method Study

Self-efficacy is regarded in literature as a crucial element necessary for successful third language acquisition, yet many French third language learners in Nigeria struggle with low self-efficacy beliefs that limits their engagement and performance. This study examined the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) on self-efficacy of French third language learners in Federal universities in Southeast, Nigeria using a mixed-methods design. The quantitative aspect adopted a quasi-experimental design with pretest–posttest control group while the qualitative aspect adopted a phenomenological approach. Sixty participants with low to moderate self-efficacy were selected through a multi-stage sampling procedure and assigned equally to experimental and control groups. The CBT intervention was applied to the experimental group for eight weeks. Quantitative data were gathered using an adapted Foreign Language Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (FLSEQ) and analyzed with ANCOVA and Repeated Measures ANOVA. The qualitative data were obtained through session evaluation protocols and semi-structured interviews and were analyzed through Thematic Content Analysis. Quantitative findings showed that CBT did not significantly improve self-efficacy. However, qualitative findings pointed to meaningful increases in learners’ confidence and willingness to attempt French tasks. These findings suggest that though meaningful increase in learners’ self-efficacy may have occurred, they were not yet developed enough to yield significant statistical change. Further findings also revealed that participants maintained their improved self-efficacy at follow-up. Discussion was based on the findings, leading to the conclusion that CBT appears effective in promoting early changes in self-efficacy, but extended CBT interventions may be necessary to convert these initial changes into statistically significant results.&nbsp

Nature’s Drugs Repositories: Myxobacteria and Actinomycetes as sources of novel antiviral agents against respiratory viruses - Coronavirus, Respiratory Syncytial virus and Influenza virus

The respiratory viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the influenza viruses (IV) and the coronaviruses (CoVs) have contributed remarkably to the global mortality profile, with a member of the coronavirus family, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infecting over 8 million individuals globally. Emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has set the course for research into the discovery and development of antiviral agents against these respiratory viruses. Several sources of antiviral therapy ranging from synthetic compounds, biomolecules and natural agents from plants, animals and humans are currently being considered, explored and tested for effective and efficient health therapy. In this review, we call attention to the discovery, development and deployment of bioactive agents from microbial sources, especially those from the Myxobacteria (MXB) and Actinomycetes (ATC) families. MXB and ATC are classes of bacteria microorganisms that largely specialize in producing bioactive substances. An appreciable variety of bioactive compounds sourced from these interesting microbes have been licensed and shown to demonstrate some remarkable biological activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, tumors, among others. There are yet untapped bioactive metabolites that reside in these microbes that possess potential for antiviral activity against these respiratory viruses. Herein we discuss some of them with the aim to guide fellow researchers into novel routes for discovery and development of antiviral agents against these respiratory viruses

INFLUENCE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENT CHATBOTS ON BUSINESS EDUCATION STUDENTS’ LEARNING ENGAGEMENT AND MOTIVATION IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed the influence of artificial intelligence chatbots on Business Education students’ engagement and motivation. It was carried out using a population of 519 undergraduate Business Education students in public universities in the 2023/2024 session, Edo State. It utilized the descriptive survey research design. A sample size of 150 was selected from the population using a simple random technique.  The study utilized a questionnaire, which was validated by 3 experts in Business Education. Reliability of the instrument was determined by administering twenty (20) copies of the instrument to students of Business Education who were part of the population using the split-half method, and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the correlation coefficient, which yielded an r-value of 0.89. Data was analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and t-test. Findings revealed that chatbots adequately engaged Business Education students in learning as well as enhanced their motivation to learn in the period under review. It was recommended, among others, that authorities in Business Education should teach students how to balance the use of chatbots with effective human instruction to continue to maintain meaningful engagement and deeper motivatio

APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE POWERED TOOLS FOR PRINCIPALS’ MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ANAMBRA STATE

The study examined principals’ application of AI powered tools for secondary schools management inAnambra State. Two research questions guided the study and two hypotheses were tested at 0.05 levelof significance. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the studycomprised 267 principals of public secondary schools in Anambra State. The entire population wasused for the study because it was manageable. The instrument for data collection was a self-structuredquestionnaire which was validated by three experts. Test of reliability was done using CronbachAlpha which reported reliability coefficients of 0.86 and 0.88 for Clusters, 1 and 2 respectively withan overall reliability coefficient of 0.87. Mean and Standard deviation and t-test were used to analysedata for the study. Finding of the study revealed that principals applied QuickBooks AI tool in thefinancial management of secondary schools in Anambra State to a low extent. Finding also showedprincipals applied BambooHR AI tool for the management of human resources in secondary schoolsin Anambra State to a low extent. Finding also showed that principals with prior experience in usingAI tools reported significantly higher levels of application than those without such experience. Basedon these findings, the researchers conclude that principals apply AI-powered tools in secondary schoolmanagement to a low extent. It was therefore recommended that the Post Primary Schools ServiceCommission should organise regular training and capacity-building workshops for school principalson the effective use of AI-powered tools like QuickBooks and BambooHR

AI and Automation in South East Nigeria: Empirical Study on Their Impact on Economy, Governance, and Human Capital Development

This study investigated the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation in South EastNigeria, with particular emphasis on economic growth, governance efficiency and transparency, andhuman capital development. A descriptive survey design was adopted, guided by three researchquestions and one null hypothesis. Using multi-stage sampling techniques, 205 respondents wereselected from Ebonyi, Anambra, and Abia States. Purposive sampling was further employed to selectparticipants comprising ICT professionals, policymakers, lecturers, and entrepreneurs. Data werecollected using the AI and Automation for Nation Building Questionnaire (AA-NBQ) developed bythe researcher. The instrument was validated by experts, and its reliability was established usingCronbach’s alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.89. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation,and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that AI and automation play a crucial role inimproving governance in South East Nigeria by reducing inefficiencies, enhancing transparency, andsupporting data-driven reforms. Respondents also acknowledged that AI and automation contributepositively to human capital development, although their influence was found to be moderate.Regression analysis further indicated that AI and automation have a significant relationship withgovernance efficiency and transparency, but no significant relationship with economic growth orhuman capital development. Based on these findings, the study recommended the development of acoherent national AI policy framework, increased investment in digital literacy, and strongercollaboration between industry and academia to promote innovation, workforce preparedness, andsustainable national development in an increasingly AI-driven economy

Nigerian Writers as Social Critics: A Study of the Poetry of Niyi Osundare and Ezenwa-Ohaeto

There is a close symbiosis between literature and society. One can say that both of them are two sides of a coin. Writers derive their inspiration from the society and this explains the social realities that pervade the literary productions of writers from Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. Since Nigerian independence, Nigerian writers have explored social issues that bedeviled the society. Notable among them is bad leadership and experiences show that bad leadership is the bane of Nigerian society. This research reemphasizes/re-echoes the menace of bad leadership in Nigerian Society and how Nigerian writers have made efforts at “righting” this anomaly through its condemnation in their literary productions. This paper studied Songs of the Season by Niyi Osundare and Songs of a Traveler by Ezenwa-Ohaeto. The analysis revealed that these poets under study are committed writers who used their works for the betterment of Nigerian society. The paper is hinged on Georg Lukacs’ Reflection theory.  The basic assumption of this theory is that a text will reflect the society that has produced it and this is what the poets under study did in their collections of poetry. The paper concluded on the note that bad leadership affects every section of the society. Again, it shows that some political leaders in Nigeria are found wanting in this regard. The paper suggests that all hands should be on deck to reduce its occurrence or better still, promote actions that will lead to its annihilation from the Nigerian society

MIGRATION AND DIASPORIC DISILLUSIONMENT IN AMMA DARKO’S BEYOND THE HORIZONT

This study examined Migration and Diasporic Disillusionment in Amma Darko’s Beyond the Horizon experienced by African migrants as portrayed in Amma Darko’s Beyond the Horizon. Using a qualitative research design, the research investigates how the novel foregrounds the lived realities of migrants, particularly women whose journeys abroad are shaped by deception, abuse, and loss of identity. The analysis focuses on the protagonist, Mara, whose migration to Europe is orchestrated under false pretenses, resulting in her entrapment in a network of sexual exploitation. Findings reveal that migration in the text is not depicted as a path to empowerment, but as a disempowering experience embedded in patriarchal manipulation and systemic inequality. Mara’s struggles highlight the economic dependence, gendered violence, and social isolation faced by many African women in foreign environments. The novel also depicts a deep sense of cultural alienation, as Mara is unable to integrate into the host society or reclaim her cultural roots. Additionally, the narrative vividly illustrates the emotional and psychological breakdown of migrants when hope is replaced by exploitation and displacement. The study concludes that Beyond the Horizon functions as both a socio- political commentary and a cautionary tale about the hidden dangers of migration, particularly for vulnerable women. It recommends increased use of African literature in migration discourse, awareness campaigns in source communities, stronger legal protections against trafficking, and mental health support for returnees. The research affirms the power of literature to challenge dominant migration narratives and to bring visibility to the silenced voices of African women in the diaspora.&nbsp

LA LITTÉRATURE GRAPHIQUE DANS SA MULTIMODALITÉ : UN OUTIL POUR ATTEINDRE UN PUBLIQUE DIVERSIFIÉ

Literature in its entirety is bulky, dense with its archaic vocabulary and structures, and this led to complexity of texts.  These density and complexity of texts have made it difficult and tiring to teach students from diverse discipline whose attention span is low. So this study introduces graphic literature as a form of literature more suitable to reach diverse audience. Using the descriptive and sociohistoric approach, this study tends to bring out the challenges of teaching literature in diverse disciplines, give historical overview of graphic literature and its genres, and then present the graphic literature as a multimodal form to reaching a wider audience. This study tends to portray the graphic literature as a form of literature that enhances communication skills, foster critical engagement and promote cultural awareness using its multimodality and interdisciplinarity.  RESUMÉ La littérature dans son ensemble est volumineuse, dense avec son vocabulaire et ses structures archaïques, ce qui a conduit à la complexité des textes. Cette densité et cette complexité des textes ont rendu difficile et fatigant l\u27enseignement aux étudiants de diverses disciplines dont la capacité d\u27attention est faible. Donc ce travail présente la littérature graphique comme une forme de littérature plus adaptée pour atteindre un public diversifié. En utilisant l\u27approche descriptive et sociohistorique, cette étude tend à faire ressortir les défis de l\u27enseignement de la littérature dans diverses disciplines, à donner un aperçu historique de la littérature graphique et de ses genres, puis à présenter la littérature graphique comme une forme multimodale pour atteindre un public plus large. Cette étude tend à dépeindre la littérature graphique comme une forme de littérature qui améliore les compétences en communication, favorise l\u27engagement critique et favorise la sensibilisation culturelle en utilisant sa multimodalité et son interdisciplinarité.&nbsp

RATIO ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT DECISION-MAKING OF LIST DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA

This study evaluated the effect of ratio analysis on management decision making of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. In specific terms, the study assessed how current ratio, cash ratio, debt to equity ratio, and debt to asset ratio influenced return on investment. Ex post facto research design was adopted for the study which population was thirteen (13) listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. A total of eleven banks (11) was however purposively sampled. Secondary data were obtained from audited annual financial statements for the periods 2012 - 2024, were subjected further analysis using panel regression analysis technique for the test of the relevant hypotheses, after Hausman specification test. The findings revealed that: current ratio had a negative and significant effect on the management decision making of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria (b = -0.010939, p-value = 0.0000); cash ratio had a positive but insignificant effect on the management decision making of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria (b = 0.000280, p-value = 0.6625); debt to equity ratio had a negative and significant effect on the management decision making of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria (b = -0.000276, p-value = 0.0004); debt to asset ratio had a positive and significant effect on the management decision making of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria (b = 0.219299, p-value = 0.0000). It was concluded that ratio analysis significantly influences management decision making in deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study therefore recommended that bank managers in listed deposit money banks in Nigeria should maintain an optimal level of liquidity rather than holding excessive current assets, ensuring that available funds are actively deployed into profitable lending and investment opportunities to improve returns and strengthen decision outcomes

EVALUATING CREDIT RISK AND THE PERFORMANCE OF DEPOSIT MONEY BANKS LISTED ON NIGERIA EXCHANGE GROUP

This study evaluated the effect of credit risk on the performance of deposit money banks listed on the floor of Nigerian Exchange Group. Net asset per share was used as a proxy for the the dependent variable, performance while market quality ratio and assets quality ratio served as proxies to the independent variable, credit risk management. A sample of 12 deposit money banks were used for the period of eleven years spanning 2012 to 2022. The study employed ex-post facto and longitudinal research design. Data were collected from annual reports of the selected deposit money banks and five (5) specific objectives and hypotheses were subjected to some preliminary data tests like descriptive statistics. Pearson correlation analysis and Variance Inflation factor (VIF) were analyzed using panel regression analysis. Using a sample of 132 banks-year observations, the result revealed that management quality ratio has statistical significant effect on market performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. It was also discovered that asset quality ratio has negative and insignificant effect on market performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria which was statistically insignificant at 5% level of significance. It was therefore concludedthat banks engaging in risk projects can either lose or gain and that informed decisions need to be adhered to in such scenarios. Based on these findings, the study recommended that banks should fully concentrate on the loan assessment procedure, polices and quality of loans and liquidity management. Nigeria banking industry should inculcate a balance credit risk management culture to mitigate risks and shocks.