Abstract
The Nigerian government's recent decision to ban degree certificates from universities i... more Abstract The Nigerian government's recent decision to ban degree certificates from universities in Benin and Togo has sparked widespread debate, raising concerns about its implications for the labor market, education system, and youth empowerment. This paper examines the policy's potential impact on workforce stability and employment, focusing on its alignment with the principles of the Social Contract Theory, which posits that governments are responsible for protecting citizens' welfare. The invalidation of these foreign degrees not only threatens the livelihoods of affected graduates but also exacerbates the unemployment crisis and undermines educational pursuits. This study argues that instead of devaluing foreign qualifications, the Nigerian government should adopt a more supportive stance by establishing regulatory frameworks to ensure quality education abroad, fostering partnerships with foreign institutions, and developing strategies for youth empowerment. Drawing lessons from successful global models, the paper advocates for structured career pathways, degree validation processes, and investment in youth-focused programs to strengthen the nation's workforce and build trust in government policies. By reconsidering this policy, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to education and youth development, essential pillars for national growth and stability. Keywords: Nigerian government, Benin and Togo degree ban, Social Contract Theory, workforce stability, youth empowerment, education policy, foreign degree recognition, unemployment crisis, youth development, regulatory frameworks, national growth.
This study examines the impact of social media on the mental health of youths, particularly focus... more This study examines the impact of social media on the mental health of youths, particularly focusing on students at Bestower International University, Seme Kpodji, Republic of Benin, with additional attention to Nigerian students. The research addresses four main questions: (1) What are the prevalent patterns of social media usage among students? (2) What is the current mental health status of these students? (3) Is there a statistically significant correlation between social media usage patterns and mental health outcomes among Nigerian students? (4) What potential moderating or mediating factors exist in the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes? Utilizing snowball sampling, the study delves into the social cognitive theory, uses and gratification theory, and technological determinism theory to frame its investigation. The findings highlight a pervasive trend of frequent social media usage among students, emphasizing its significant influence on their mental health. Consequently, the study advocates for targeted interventions, such as mental health support services and initiatives promoting positive online environments. Recommendations stemming from the study include initiatives to promote digital well-being, enhance existing support services, and foster positive online 1 environments conducive to mental health. Addressing these issues is crucial for safeguarding the mental well-being of youths in an increasingly digital world.
This paper is an analysis of the role of media political punditry in the build-up to Nigeria's Fe... more This paper is an analysis of the role of media political punditry in the build-up to Nigeria's February 25, 2023 Presidential Election. The objective of the study was to examine how political pundits and their commentaries significantly shape public opinion and influence the overall political discourse during the election campaigns. Various types of pundits across the media were examined, and challenges confronting the pundits/media in political communication were also examined. The study employs a qualitative content analysis approach to investigate roles of pundits in the media coverage. The choice of media platforms, including major Nigerian newspapers, television stations, online news platforms, and social media, was guided by the use of purposive sampling technique, to analyse the media with contents relevance to the study as at the period. This is to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the election campaign. The paper draws upon three theories that capture the concepts and thoughts explored in this study. They are Agenda Setting Theory, Framing Theory, and Social Cognitive Theory. These theories provide a framework for understanding the role of media political punditry and its impact on shaping public opinion and influencing the political discourse during the election. The findings of this study indicate that media political punditry has a significant impact on shaping public opinion and influencing the political discourse within Nigeria. The analysis demonstrates that the voices of political pundits carry considerable weight in swaying public sentiments, shaping voters' perceptions, and potentially influencing voting decisions. The study also found that challenges such as political interference, media economics and hegemonic tendencies undermine the role pundits/media. It is recommended that media organizations prioritize unbiased and balanced coverage of political events, including the activities of political pundits. Furthermore, the paper suggests the importance of conducting evaluative studies after the election to obtain definitive conclusions on the level of success of political communication. These recommendations aim to ensure a fair and informed electoral process.
Abstract
The Nigerian government's recent decision to ban degree certificates from universities i... more Abstract The Nigerian government's recent decision to ban degree certificates from universities in Benin and Togo has sparked widespread debate, raising concerns about its implications for the labor market, education system, and youth empowerment. This paper examines the policy's potential impact on workforce stability and employment, focusing on its alignment with the principles of the Social Contract Theory, which posits that governments are responsible for protecting citizens' welfare. The invalidation of these foreign degrees not only threatens the livelihoods of affected graduates but also exacerbates the unemployment crisis and undermines educational pursuits. This study argues that instead of devaluing foreign qualifications, the Nigerian government should adopt a more supportive stance by establishing regulatory frameworks to ensure quality education abroad, fostering partnerships with foreign institutions, and developing strategies for youth empowerment. Drawing lessons from successful global models, the paper advocates for structured career pathways, degree validation processes, and investment in youth-focused programs to strengthen the nation's workforce and build trust in government policies. By reconsidering this policy, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to education and youth development, essential pillars for national growth and stability. Keywords: Nigerian government, Benin and Togo degree ban, Social Contract Theory, workforce stability, youth empowerment, education policy, foreign degree recognition, unemployment crisis, youth development, regulatory frameworks, national growth.
This study examines the impact of social media on the mental health of youths, particularly focus... more This study examines the impact of social media on the mental health of youths, particularly focusing on students at Bestower International University, Seme Kpodji, Republic of Benin, with additional attention to Nigerian students. The research addresses four main questions: (1) What are the prevalent patterns of social media usage among students? (2) What is the current mental health status of these students? (3) Is there a statistically significant correlation between social media usage patterns and mental health outcomes among Nigerian students? (4) What potential moderating or mediating factors exist in the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes? Utilizing snowball sampling, the study delves into the social cognitive theory, uses and gratification theory, and technological determinism theory to frame its investigation. The findings highlight a pervasive trend of frequent social media usage among students, emphasizing its significant influence on their mental health. Consequently, the study advocates for targeted interventions, such as mental health support services and initiatives promoting positive online environments. Recommendations stemming from the study include initiatives to promote digital well-being, enhance existing support services, and foster positive online 1 environments conducive to mental health. Addressing these issues is crucial for safeguarding the mental well-being of youths in an increasingly digital world.
This paper is an analysis of the role of media political punditry in the build-up to Nigeria's Fe... more This paper is an analysis of the role of media political punditry in the build-up to Nigeria's February 25, 2023 Presidential Election. The objective of the study was to examine how political pundits and their commentaries significantly shape public opinion and influence the overall political discourse during the election campaigns. Various types of pundits across the media were examined, and challenges confronting the pundits/media in political communication were also examined. The study employs a qualitative content analysis approach to investigate roles of pundits in the media coverage. The choice of media platforms, including major Nigerian newspapers, television stations, online news platforms, and social media, was guided by the use of purposive sampling technique, to analyse the media with contents relevance to the study as at the period. This is to ensure a comprehensive analysis of the election campaign. The paper draws upon three theories that capture the concepts and thoughts explored in this study. They are Agenda Setting Theory, Framing Theory, and Social Cognitive Theory. These theories provide a framework for understanding the role of media political punditry and its impact on shaping public opinion and influencing the political discourse during the election. The findings of this study indicate that media political punditry has a significant impact on shaping public opinion and influencing the political discourse within Nigeria. The analysis demonstrates that the voices of political pundits carry considerable weight in swaying public sentiments, shaping voters' perceptions, and potentially influencing voting decisions. The study also found that challenges such as political interference, media economics and hegemonic tendencies undermine the role pundits/media. It is recommended that media organizations prioritize unbiased and balanced coverage of political events, including the activities of political pundits. Furthermore, the paper suggests the importance of conducting evaluative studies after the election to obtain definitive conclusions on the level of success of political communication. These recommendations aim to ensure a fair and informed electoral process.
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Papers by Innocent Ezeugonwa
The Nigerian government's recent decision to ban degree certificates from universities in Benin and Togo has sparked widespread debate, raising concerns about its implications for the labor market, education system, and youth empowerment. This paper examines the policy's potential impact on workforce stability and employment, focusing on its alignment with the principles of the Social Contract Theory, which posits that governments are responsible for protecting citizens' welfare. The invalidation of these foreign degrees not only threatens the livelihoods of affected graduates but also exacerbates the unemployment crisis and undermines educational pursuits. This study argues that instead of devaluing foreign qualifications, the Nigerian government should adopt a more supportive stance by establishing regulatory frameworks to ensure quality education abroad, fostering partnerships with foreign institutions, and developing strategies for youth empowerment. Drawing lessons from successful global models, the paper advocates for structured career pathways, degree validation processes, and investment in youth-focused programs to strengthen the nation's workforce and build trust in government policies. By reconsidering this policy, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to education and youth development, essential pillars for national growth and stability.
Keywords: Nigerian government, Benin and Togo degree ban, Social Contract Theory, workforce stability, youth empowerment, education policy, foreign degree recognition, unemployment crisis, youth development, regulatory frameworks, national growth.
The Nigerian government's recent decision to ban degree certificates from universities in Benin and Togo has sparked widespread debate, raising concerns about its implications for the labor market, education system, and youth empowerment. This paper examines the policy's potential impact on workforce stability and employment, focusing on its alignment with the principles of the Social Contract Theory, which posits that governments are responsible for protecting citizens' welfare. The invalidation of these foreign degrees not only threatens the livelihoods of affected graduates but also exacerbates the unemployment crisis and undermines educational pursuits. This study argues that instead of devaluing foreign qualifications, the Nigerian government should adopt a more supportive stance by establishing regulatory frameworks to ensure quality education abroad, fostering partnerships with foreign institutions, and developing strategies for youth empowerment. Drawing lessons from successful global models, the paper advocates for structured career pathways, degree validation processes, and investment in youth-focused programs to strengthen the nation's workforce and build trust in government policies. By reconsidering this policy, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to education and youth development, essential pillars for national growth and stability.
Keywords: Nigerian government, Benin and Togo degree ban, Social Contract Theory, workforce stability, youth empowerment, education policy, foreign degree recognition, unemployment crisis, youth development, regulatory frameworks, national growth.