RETHINKING THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF AFRICA FROM A HUMANIST-MORAL ANGLE

The present paper is a work in normative ethnics and social philosophy. Many countries in Africa are faced with, at least one of these problems, to with, stagnation and crisis. The source of these problems is identified to be associated with the economic policy of unbridled capitalism based on the conven- tional economic wisdom of the western world. This approach places the rights of the individual above that of the society. It is noted that this approach runs contrary to the traditional African value system. Africans are naturally humanistic and usually owe allegiance both to their relations and to their society. Also, in the contemporary world laissez-taire libertarian economic models are difficult to bring about and more difficult to sustain. Government must play crucial roles to guide the economy with the pur- pose of creating a society that is fair and equitable to all. Enterprise should be encouraged but private concerns must not be allowed to dominate the society. As a matter of fact, it is not every aspect of the economy that can be or should be in private hands. Furthermore, the government ought to provide the guide for the systematic and even development of all parts of the country and every part of the econ- omy. The methodology adopted for this paper is the approach of critical analysis, conceptual clarifica- tion and reconstruction

Science And Technology In Development

This paper appreciates that science and technology are both important in the modern world, but points out that a situation where more emphasis is placed on the applied sciences or technological education over the pure sciences is unbecoming. This is because the pure sciences constitute the foundation of modern technology. It is, therefore, argued that it will be extremely difficult to make progress in technological and vocational education when the pure sciences are neglected. Secondly, and more importantly, science plays a central role in the modern culture of the world. The view is, therefore, posited that proper science education must be cultivated both for the advancement of human culture and for technology.     &nbsp

Anomalies of the Nigerian Federalism

The focus of this paper is to highlight the irregularities inherent in the Nigerian Federalism right from the time of its formation that have made it extremely difficult to function properly. Nigeria’s Federalism is a classic case of federalism from above. It was a direct British imposition. Unfortunately, some of the most outstanding political leaders involved in the independence struggle, representing their ethnic groups, were against it. Also the various ethnic groups in Nigeria represent different stages of culture and possess some deep rooted cultural differences as well as sentiments which make it an uphill task to perceive things from the same angle. In fact, there seems to be some kind of stiff competition among them. Resultantly, it will be natural to allow them or even encourage them to develop at their own pace and pattern. It is thus apposite that if the stability of Nigeria’s Federalism is desired, then certain drastic measures must be taken so as to restructure it. The methodology of this paper is a critical analysis and conceptual clarification of the trends of political events in Nigeria from the amalgamation in 1914 to the contemporary period

THE NEXUS BETWEEN LOGIC AND GENERAL STUDIES

Logic, a branch of philosophy, is essentially concerned with one’s ability to reason well. It provides structured rules and principles that act as guides for effective reasoning. As such the correctness or incorrectness of any kind of reasoning can easily be verified by subjecting them to logical techniques and methods. The paper conceptualises general studies as a set of prescribed courses available in a Nigerian tertiary institution, outside a student’s area of specialisation that must be registered for and passed, usually, in the first and second years of study. The essence is to ensure that students experience balanced, rounded education and to ensure that scholarship is made relevant to the pressing needs of the society. The paper locates the bond between logic and general studies based on the fact that logic permeates all the courses taught as General Studies and, indeed, all the courses taught in the university be it medicine, geography, architecture. In a knowledge-based environment, the need for effective communication is critical and inevitable. This means that both in the delivery of knowledge as well as its acquisition, care should be taken to avoid fallacious reasoning and deception by the slippery nature and use of words. It is for this reason that a rudimentary knowledge of logic is a prerequisite for every discipline. The paper adopts an analytical and comparative method. Philosophical analysis and reflection are applied in order to evaluate and highlight the importance of logic to other disciplines. Its comparative character helps to demonstrate why logic, and no any other discipline, is most suited to act as the foundation for all other disciplines. In all, the paper demonstrates that for effective teaching and learning to take place in other disciplines, logic is essential. It also underscores the strong nexus between logic and general studies. Finally, it shows how logic can help in enriching other disciplines.   &nbsp

Ethnic Elite Organisation and Political Transitions in Nigeria: Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Perspective

Abstract Nigeria has experienced various phases of political regime transitions. Though a lot of studies have been done on these transitions, there has been no systematic study of the roles of ethnic elite socio-political organizations in the transition processes. Where they were studied, organizations were subsumed into civil society and portrayed either as constituting an opposition to political repression or as agents of public accountability. Yet, such organizations are usually composed of ruling and opposition figures. It is against this backdrop the paper attempts to examine the role of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the Nigeria’s political transitions from 1985 to 2003.Key words: Ethnicity; Ethnic organization; Elitism; Political transition

Family Life and HIV/AIDS Education (FLHE) in Schools in Enugu State: Baseline Study of Reproductive Health Issues among In-School Adolescents in Enugu State

We studied the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and practices among junior secondary school grades 1 and 3 students Enugu State, preparatory to incorporating family life and HIV/AIDSeducation (FLHE) into the school curricula in the state. Results show that over 90% of the respondents were regularly involved in sexual activities. More than seventeen per cent (17.5%) indicated that they would definitely have sex in the next two years while 19.2% may have sex in the next two years. The students lacked proper knowledge of protection and knowledge scores on SRH issues was low especially among the urban dwellers (

Evaluation of the environmental noise levels in Abuja Municipality using mobile phones

Background: Noise remains a nuisance which impacts negatively on the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of man. It aggravates chronic illnesses like hypertension and other cardiopulmonary diseases. Unfortunately, increased activities from industrialization and technological transfers/drifts have tumultuously led to increased noise pollution in most of our fast growing cities today and hence the need for concerted efforts in monitoring and regulating our environmental noise.Objectives: To assess the equivalent noise level (Leq) in Abuja municipality and promote a simple method for regular assessment of Leq within our environment.Methods: This is a cross-sectional community based study of the environmental Leq of Abuja municipality conducted between January 2014 and January 2016. The city was divided into 12 segments including residential, business and market areas via the Abuja Geographic Information System. The major markets were captured separately on a different scale. Measurements were taken with the mobile phone softwares having validated this withExtech 407730 digital sound level meter, serial no Z310135 . Leq(A) were measured at different points and hours of the day and night. The average Leq(A) were classified according to localities and compared with WHO standard safety levels.Results: LeqD ranged 71-92dB(A); 42-79dB(A) and 69-90dB(A) in business/ parks, residential and market places respectively. The Night measurements were similar 18dB(A)-56dB(A) and the day-night Leq(A)=77.2dB(A) and 90.4dB(A) for residential and business zones.Conclusion: The night noise levels are satisfactory but the day and daynight levels are above the recommended tolerable values by WHO and therefore urgently call for awareness and legislative regulations