The politics of revenue allocation and resource control in Nigeria: implications for federal stability

No doubt, one of the perennial problems which has not only defied all past attempts at permanent solution, but has also evoked high emotions on the part of all concerned is the issue of equitable revenue allocation in Nigeria. Thus, the thrust of this paper is an in-depth analysis of the politics of revenue allocation cum resource control. The paper takes a cursory look at virtually all previous attempts at arriving at equitable formula. The paper however, infers that in a deeply plural and divided society like Nigeria a polity that ‘robs Peter to pay Paul’ may eventually be both counter-productive and dysfunctional. The clarion call however is a federal system with fiscal policy that can imbue in the citizenry sense of justice, equity and fairness visà-vis revenue allocation. To do otherwise according to the findings of this paper is to jeopardize all efforts at national cohesion and integration

The Form and Character of Circulating Governing Elite in Nigeria: Past and Present

This paper is basically an application of the famous elite perspective to the Nigerian government and politics to test whether it is a theory that can be confirmed or infirmed. The observable phenomenon which is similar to virtually all regions and climes of the world is the emergence of very few people circulating in the political space over time. From pre-colonial, to colonial and post-colonial Nigerian state, a number of elites from diverse sectors of the society – the military, politicians, civil society, business tycoons, religious leaders and traditional elites kept circulating in the political firmament of Nigeria. The paper is a confirmation of the elite theory paradigm or construct to the understanding of Nigerian government and politics. The paper however noted that if nothing changes the required leap from a developing status of Nigeria as a country to developed one may take time after all more so that the country needs new thinking and perspectives to be able to adapt to modern technological era. The paper infers that there is an imperatival need to opening up of the political space to accommodate vibrant youths and new set of elites that can drive the polity to a greater height with new innovative thinking

Students’ Perception of Rape and Sexual Violence and Methods of Prevention in Tertiary Institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria

This study examined students’ perception of rape and sexual violence and methods of prevention in tertiary institutions in Lagos State. It was a cross-sectional study carried out among one thousand, two hundred and eleven (1,211) female undergraduates selected from two tertiary institutions in Lagos State. The sample size for the study was one hundred and twenty-one (121) representing 10% of the population. Inferential statistics was used for analysis. The results revealed that majority of the students are aware of the different types of rape but did not consider forced sexual intercourse between spouses as rape. The students have a good knowledge of rape and sexual violence. The students perceive that rape can have detrimental effects on the victims’ mental, physical and reproductive health. Avoiding late nights, dressing decently, increasing the presence of security officers at strategic places on campus and the likes were identified ways of preventing rape in tertiary institutions. Among the recommendations proffered are that students should review their dressing styles to conform to the morals of the society to prevent the occurrence of rape

Cost implications analysis of grid supplied electricity and solar source of electricity in Nigeria

Energy is a key component in the overall growth of every nation. Insufficient energy delivery hinders political growth, restricts social growth, limits economic growth, and negatively affects the standard of living of citizens, both in urban and rural areas. Sufficient energy delivery increases food production, improves the standards of living of citizens, improves healthcare and enhancements in other human services, enhances industrial output, provides effective and efficient transportation not forgetting adequate shelter to the citizens of the nation. Currently, there is a significant level of deficiency in Nigeria’s energy sector. This study seeks to address this issue by analysing cost implications of conventional energy source and solar energy source. This study brings to focus the payback period of a solar powered home and the return on investment that might accrue during this time to the residential homeowners. Furthermore, the best cost-effective load sharing option for residential owners considering two energy sources is also obtained