LASU Journal of History and International Studies
Previously known as Nigerian Journal of History & International Studies with the maiden edition in 2002, LAJOHIS (LASU Journal of History and International Studies) is an international peer reviewed journal dedicated to the publication of well researched and original articles. The journal celebrates the often neglected connections between humanities, social sciences, international relations, political science and psychology. It is published annually (June/July) in both electronic and printed formats. The journal provides a high impact platform where discipline can unite, collaborate and engage with each other towards shared research and findings, reviews, case studies and educational goals. Our mission is to foster innovation and collaboration by publishing rigorously vetted, high quality research that contributes to the global community, with the existence of distinguished editorial board of leading experts, who come from all part of the globe. These experts provide a sense of commitment and transparency, integrity, prestige, ethical publishing and open access. LAJOHIS ensures the rapid dissemination of knowledge to researchers worldwide. We invite the submission of original manuscript that aligns with the scope and aim of our journal. All manuscripts must undergo a fair, double blind peer review process to maintain the highest academic standard. Authors must fill out the declaration agreement for original contribution and sole responsibility of the author vs. plagiarism and the hierarchy of authorship in case of multiple authors. Manuscripts currently under consideration by another journal or publisher should not be submitted.
Department of History and International Studies
Yorùbá Muslim Engagement with Contemporary Òòduà Nationalism in Nigeria
The resurgence of of Yoruba nationalism, particularly the Oodua secessionist project, raises complex questions of identity, political authority, and religious pluralism in Nigeria. This study examines Yoruba Muslim perceptions of the movement, showing how Islamic ethical principles, historical marginalisation, and engagement with Yoruba cultural identity shape responses. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews with Yoruba Muslim leaders and scholars in south-western Nigeria, data were analysed thematically within Social Identity Theory. Findings reveal that Yoruba Muslims assess the agitation through unity (wahdah), public welfare (al-masalih al mursalah), obididient to legitimate authority (ta'at al-imam), avoidance of disorder (fitnah), and the broader higher objectives of Islamic law (maqasid as-shari'ah). While recognising political grievances, Muslims are sceptical towards secession due to religious exclusion, prioritisation of ethnicity over Islamic universalism, potential social destabilisation, and syncretic Yoruba religious practices. The paper concludes that there is a need for inclusive reforms, respect for Muslim monotheistic practices, and non-violent advocacy by all Oodua agitators. The study contributes to the body of scholarship on Yoruba nationalism and Islamic practices by showing that Muslims' resistance to Oodua secessionist project is principled, ethically grounded, and faith-informed.
Copyright (c) 2026 LASU Journal of History and International Studies
Addressing Epistemic Injustice In African Feminism: Cultural Relativism In View
African gender reality has been greatly influenced by Western influence, and this creates a double challenge for African women. On one hand, the society sometimes ignores or undervalues what they know and experience. On the other, even feminist conversations can sometimes push ideas that do not fully fit African cultural realities. That being said, many African feminist scholars are pushing back by offering perspectives that are grounded in local contexts. This discussion examines the interconnection of gender, knowledge and justice in African settings, especially through the idea of epistemic injustice, which is basically the unfair treatment of women in relation to knowledge and understanding. Two key issues show up here: testimonial injustice, where African women are not taken seriously or believed; Second is hermeneutical injustice, where there simply are not enough shared ideas or language to properly explain their experiences. One possible way forward is cultural relativism. This means respecting and valuing indigenous knowledge systems instead of sidelining them. In the end, what is needed is a shift in how feminist thinking approaches knowledge, one that listens to African women and reflects their lived realities, rather than forcing them into borrowed frameworks.
Africa and the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Historical Analysis
This study examines Africa’s engagement with the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) from a historical and structural perspective, situating contemporary technological change within the longue durée of global industrial development and Africa’s constrained position within the longue durée of global industrial development. It interrogates the dual character of the 4IR as both an opportunity for leapfrogging into knowledge-based development and a mechanism that may reproduce techno-colonial relations through data extraction, digital dependency, and unequal global value chains (GVCs). The analysis shows that colonial legacies and post-independence policy limitations have restricted Africa’s industrial and technological sovereignty, shaping its enduring digital and economic vulnerabilities. The results indicate that Africa’s participation in the 4IR remains uneven owing to infrastructural deficits, limited research and development capacity, and low digital inclusion, despite sectoral advances in mobile money, fintech, and agricultural innovation. Regional initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Smart Africa are identified as key drivers of harmonizing digital policies, expanding intra-African trade, and strengthening collective bargaining in global digital governance. Using a qualitative historical-comparative method based on secondary sources, this study critically reinterprets existing literature on Africa’s technological evolution from pre-colonial systems to modern digital economies. The study concludes that achieving digital sovereignty, strengthening human capital, and embedding African epistemologies and sustainability principles are essential for equitable 4IR integration.
Fourth Industrial Revolution, Africa, Industrialization, Sustainability
US Security Assistance to Africa: Implications for Counter-Terrorism in the Sahel Region, 2017–2022
The escalation of jihadist violence across the Sahel between 2017 and 2022 raised urgent and unresolved questions about the effectiveness of external counter-terrorism strategies. Despite sustained military training, arms transfers, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building programmes implemented through mechanisms such as the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP), Foreign Military Financing (FMF), and the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), terrorist violence in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger intensified dramatically during the period under review. By 2022, the Sahel had emerged as the global epicentre of terrorism-related fatalities, surpassing the Middle East and South Asia, while the same years witnessed successive military coups in key US security partner states, raising profound questions about the relationship between external military assistance and democratic governance. This paper critically examines the implications of US security assistance for counter-terrorism in the Sahel. The study analyses the strategic frameworks underpinning US engagement, the operational architecture of its assistance programmes, and the political and security consequences of sustained external military support in fragile postcolonial states. The paper argues that US security assistance during the period under review functioned more as a tactical stabiliser than a transformative force: it strengthened specific operational capabilities of regional partners but failed to reverse insurgent expansion, prevent democratic backsliding, or address the structural drivers of violence rooted in governance failure, economic marginalisation, and state legitimacy deficits. The study concludes by arguing that sustainable counter-terrorism in the Sahel requires a strategic rebalancing toward governance reform, accountability mechanisms, and inclusive state-building processes alongside, rather than subordinate to, military capacity-building.
US Security Assistance, Counter-Terrorism, Sahel Region, AFRICOM, Securitization, Military Coups, Jihadist Insurgency
Nexus Between Good Governance and Social Security: Focus on Nigeria
Good governance and social security are two critical components of development in any society. Good governance involves the effective management of resources, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law while social security is a critical aspect of social protection that ensures that all citizens have access to basic services and a minimum standard of living.Nigeria has been experiencing significant challenges in terms of governance and social security, despite being a rich country with vast natural resources. The paper, thus, seeks to examine the nexus between good governance and social security in respect to Nigeria. The methodology relied on data from secondary sources. The theoretical framework is hinged on theory of social contract. The findings of the study reveals that the integration and adequate implementation of policies regarding social security is evidence of good governance. The study concludes by emphasizing the necessity of good governance in Nigeria, as this will transform the social security of the citizens. It recommends by that Nigerian government should prioritize transparency and accountability in the design and implementation of social security policies and programs to ensure that these initiatives are effective in reducing poverty and promoting social welfare.
good governance, government, social security, development, Nigeria
Religious Pluralism and Party Politics in Nigeria: The Invincible Hands of Disunity?
This paper examines religious pluralism and party politics against the influence of religion on political practice in Nigeria with specific reference to the country’s fourth republic. Given its religious pluralism, Nigeria presents an interesting case of the relationship between religious diversity and party politics. Nigeria is religiously pluralized, and this significantly contributes to setting the tone of party politics and political leadership, which in turn fires the embers of disunity. Consequently, the political environment in the country features fierce religious contestations that often result in a unity crisis. As a country entrapped in the vicissitudes of religious divide and party politics, it has been challenging to manage the divisions in Nigeria since the country’s return to democracy in 1999 for national integration. Pertinent questions are: Has religion and party politics fostered national unity in Nigeria? Are religious pluralism and party politics invincible hands of disunity? Is it impossible to disaggregate religion from party politics to overcome the variegated challenges of heterogeneity for national unity in Nigeria? Using the historical cum qualitative analysis method, the paper interrogates how religious diversity and party politics can be managed. The article also argues and demonstrates how religious pluralism and party politics often pave the way for separatist agitations and ethnoreligious disagreements that threaten the country’s corporate existence.
disunity, national integration, party politics, pluralism and religion
Re-examining the Hijrah as a Moral Code for Political Formation of State in Islam
The epoch-making migration of the nascent Muslim group under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah in the 6th century has not only been extensively discussed but well documented by Muslim historians and scholars of Islam to denote its significance in the evolutionary process of the Islamic faith. Many of these scholarly efforts are devoted to teach practical lessons of life to Muslims with little or no cognizance given to its place as a veritable template for State formation. Yathrib an obscured city in the southern part of hijaz emerged not just as a state of founders and settlers but the religiopolitical capital of Islam upon the entrance of the Prophet in 622 C:E. Madinah as the new name of the city became the launching pad for the expansion of the creed as it contends with earlier creeds and civilization in the adjoining Arabian/ Persian sub-continent. An examination of leadership vacuum, migration, tribal affiliation, warfare, superior balance of power and other factors which aided the formation of the state of Madinah as well as the dynamics of state building in the immediate period of formation is the core of this paper. The moral imperatives are also examined as precept for modern theories of state formation.
hijrah, migration, moral code, state formation, tribal affiliation
Hometown Association, Local Nationalism and Community Development in Ogbomoso, Southwestern Nigeria, 1922–1951
In Yorubaland, southwestern Nigeria, the emergence of hometown associations dates back to the pre-colonial period. The Yoruba people have a rich communal associational life with various social organizations, generally known as egbe. This egbe cuts across the Yoruba social, economic, and political affairs. In the colonial period, these associations became dominant actors in the colonial administration process in the 1930s. These associations emerged under various nomenclatures, such as town unions, progressive unions, descendant unions, and improvement unions. They are saddled with various responsibilities: upholding town identity, serving as local civil society, town representative, and actors in growth and development. The case of Ogbomoso is not different. Hometown association in Ogbomoso performed the abovementioned roles, especially in the colonial and post-colonial periods. Since 1922, when this organization appeared in Ogbomoso as a response to colonial economic policies, they have focused on providing substantial support for local nationalism and socioeconomic development. Within this premise, this article examines the activities of these associations between 1922 and 1951. The article focuses on these association activities, involvement in politics and contributions to development, especially during the colonial and post-colonial periods. The article adopts a historical reconstruction approach and relies on primary and secondary data sources.
hometown association, local nationalism, community development, Ogbomoso
The African Union and Security Challenges in the Sahel: Prospects for Multilateral Diplomacy
The paper sheds light on the widespread security challenges in the Sahel region of Africa. Such threats and insecurity have manifested in the form of terrorism, insurgency, environmental challenges, climate change, etc. These are asymmetric in nature, with the tendency for spilling into other regions of Africa. Responding to these insecurity challenges require multilateral agreements and concerted efforts at regional and continental levels. The paper affirms that such arrangements have implications for multilateral diplomacy as there is the need to manage the efforts of international partners and power blocs in the region. If such diplomacies are conducted appropriately, it could signal an era of positive security change in the Sahel region. It could also usher in a regime of development and economic prosperity. On the other hand, if efforts by the AU are not properly managed, it could portend a Sahel region dotted with unchecked interests by superpower brokers, a ‘cosmetic’ cessation of security challenges and a region riddled with poor economic development indices and other drivers of insecurity.
AU, Sahel, multilateral diplomacy, security
Climate Change and Water Ways in Nigeria: Its Effects on Internal Security in Nigeria, 2009 – 2021
Climate change is referred to as global phenomenon of climate transformation characterized by changes in the usual climate of the planet. This has caused influx of people from the desert areas to coastal areas in searching for better atmospheric condition. The mass movement of people towards the coastal areas has increased trans-border crime, farmer-herder crises, ethno-religious crises in many parts of Nigeria. The waterways have equally contributed to the movement of people from one location to another. The activities of illegal businessmen and other criminal elements along waterways are posing serious danger to the internal security of Nigeria. There is pressure on internal security of the country. This points to the weakness or inefficiency of the internal security arrangement of the country. While the activities of Islamic terrorist organizations since 2009 have increased the spate of criminality not only in the northern Nigeria but across the entire nation. Also, the criminality on our waterways is taking new dimension. The paper examines climate change and vulnerability of waterways in Nigeria since 2009. More importantly, efforts have been put in place by the successive governments in tackling the nefarious activities of different types of criminal elements within the stipulated period. The method adopted in the study is the use of secondary sources which comprise the use of written materials such as textbooks, journals, newspapers, magazines, internet and other relevant documents.
climate change, security, internal security and water ways.
Civilians’ Supportive Roles in the Efforts of the State Security Agencies in Combating Violent Conflicts in Nigeria
This paper was an analysis of roles expected of the civilian population in supporting state security agencies’ fight against violent conflict in Nigeria. The onus for the restoration of law and order is statutorily vested on the state security agencies, however, this does not relegate the efficacies of civilians’ support, as some civilians’ attitudes suggest. This study employed qualitative analysis of both primary and secondary data, that span a period of ten years—2011 to 2021. The paper relied on the theory of civil-military relations, which demonstrate symbiotic relationship between the public and security agencies. The paper summarized the civilian’s supportive role into three major conjunctive orders, described as the “EEE gauge”—that is, education, engagement and entrenchment. From the paper’s standpoint, through peace education, individuals’ would development non-destructive approach to conflict resolution. Engagement implies the provision of relevant physical, moral and intelligence support to security agencies during operations. By entrenchment, it is the responsibility of public office holders to create atmosphere of peace, through developmental thrives. It was therefore recommended that necessary basic social and economic support should be made available to the public, which will largely reduce the likelihood of conflictual factors in the society.
supportive role; state security agencies, violent conflict, the public
Nigeria’s Democracy in the Fourth Republic and Challenges of Development: A Critical Appraisal
This paper is about critical appraisal of the challenges of development in Nigeria since the return to democracy in 1999. During the military rule, Nigerians from many walks of life (civil society organizations, the media, academia, and other professionals) fought in their respective capacities for return of democracy. All of them hinged their reasons around democracy being the best form of government that could accelerate the economic development of the country. However, has Nigeria developed commensurate with the time and resources expended since 1999 and as envisioned by the Nigerian citizens? It is on this premise that the paper attempts to investigate the progress that Nigeria has made so far. Therefore, the paper takes a look at the ideals of liberal democracy to see if Nigeria is indeed toeing the line of ideal democracy or is practicing its own variant, an assessment is done on the issues in Nigeria’s democracy, and the question of development where attention is paid on whether Nigeria has made giant stride in addressing human capital development challenges in the country. The paper discovers that, Socio-economic development witnessed in the country since 1999 is below peoples’ expectations and therefore needs to be improved.
Nigeria, Fourth Republic, democracy, development
A Historical Exploration of the Peoples of the Southern Margins of the Nigeria–Bénin Border until European Partition
Until the partitioning of the Nigeria–Bénin border by the British and French colonial masters during the infamous Berlin Conference of 1884/85, the peoples that dwelled in the borderlands had maintained a shared history spanning centuries. Unfortunately, however, the demarcation of the Nigeria–Bénin border, like other parts of Africa, left an indelible imprint on the people since the colonial era. The paper engages in a historical exploration of the peoples of the Southern margins of the Nigeria–Bénin border up to the boundary demarcation. The paper historicises the origin and migration story of the sociocultural, economic, and political activities during the period. The article reveals that, like every society all over the world, the peoples of the Southern margins of the Nigeria–Bénin border had their share of wars and peaceful relations before they lost their sovereignty to the European colonialist. The paper concludes that, despite the vicissitude that accompanies the scramble and the partitioning of the peoples of the Southern margins of the Nigeria–Bénin border into separate colonial territories, they continued to maintain cordial relations. The paper utilises transnational community theory to analyse the subject; it equally employs primary and secondary sources, and also, proffers some recommendations.
Bénin, border, European, Nigeria, partition
Tutoring Teaching Strategy and Academic Outcome of Economics and History Students in Selected Colleges of Education in North Central Nigeria
Economics and history are subjects considered by many students as the most difficult in arts and social sciences. While economics remained a teaching subject in schools and colleges, history almost went into academic oblivion. The two subjects have a lot in common aside their perceived difficult nature. There is a course in history known as economic history while there is a course in economics known as History of Economic Thought. At NCE level, there is the combination of economics and history. The reintroduction of history subject into the basic education curriculum has however heightened calls for a renewed approach to the teaching of history. It is against this backdrop that this research work sets out to examine the impact of peer-group tutoring teaching strategy on the academic outcome of students of both history and economics in colleges of education. While the peer-tutoring remains a strategy, play-way method, project method, question and answer technique and field trip form the tactics. This research is expected to be an epoch making contribution to the field of teaching and learning in general as the peer-group tutoring teaching strategy could be adopted for other subjects besides history and economics
colleges, tutoring strategy, Northern Nigeria, history, economics
Boko Haram Insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East: Rethinking the Experiences of the Barracks Women
This article examines the experiences of the barracks women in the age of Boko Haram in Nigeria. It is an aspect of women’s history that has been overlooked in scholarly treatments due to military culture and “a closed community”. The Boko Haram insurgency has attracted global attention since the attack on the United Nations Headquarters in Abuja and the abduction of the Chibok Government Girls Secondary School. Consequently, Nigeria has become a “country of particular concern” due to terrorist activity. This article argues that the Boko Haram insurgency affected the barracks women. It brought physical and psychological trauma, economic and social disruptions, and the women’s protests in the barracks. Using qualitative data and an interdisciplinary approach to substantiate its claim, this article reveals that insurgency affected the lives and livelihoods of women in the barracks. It concludes that community and international collaboration would bring a peaceful resolution of the crisis.
Community and International collaboration
Emir Muhammadu Dikko in the Service of British Colonial Administration and Katsina City of Northern Nigeria, 1907–1944 AD
Following the British conquest of Northern Nigerian polities, there was the installation/appointment of indigenous traditional rulers in service of British colonial administration and their indigenous communities, of which Katsina Emirate, was not an exception. Therefore, this paper, using historical methodology that include primary and secondary sources, analyses the role of Emir Muhammadu Dikko (1907–1944 AD) as an outstanding figure in colonial services and his people. The paper posits that the Emir's 37 years of administration in Katsina Emirate brought transformation, which made him one of the most progressive Emirs in Northern Nigeria. To achieve this, he departmentalized the Native Authority into education, medical department, works, agriculture, veterinary, police, and prison. More so, he was the first to establish Native Treasury in the Northern Provinces and ensure adequate spread of Western education, especially with the establishment of Katsina College, which became a breeding ground for elites and politicians in Northern Nigeria. Other areas of development include and health care services, electricity, and water supply for the development of Katsina Emirate, which made Katsina city one of the urban centres of attraction, and one of the political hubs Northern Nigerian politics, with so many Katsina indigenes occupying sensitive positions during and after the British rule in Nigeria. Further to this, the Emir Dikko was the first Emir to visit England. The paper concludes that the outstanding performance of the Emir Dikko contributed in making Katsina the centre of education, civil service and hospitality.
Colonialism, Katsina Emirate, Emir Muhammadu Dikko.
Women's Involvement in Sahel Jihadist Insurgency: Exploring Motivations and Roles
The involvement of women in jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. This paper investigates the various motivations that drive women to participate in these insurgencies, ranging from ideological commitment, social status, pursuit of security, marital obligation, and a sense of belonging in the midst of prolonged conflict. It also examines the diverse roles women undertake within these movements, including domestic support, recruitment, intelligence gathering, and inciting men to join the fight. Understanding these motivations and roles is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent and counter women's involvement in jihadist activities, and for providing alternatives and empowerment opportunities for women in the region. The paper adopts the Feminist Security Theory as explanatory framework for the participation of women in jihadi organisations. Using a desktop review of secondary sources, it concludes that though women play diverse roles in jihadist organisations in the Sahel, they are more of supportive roles and less of combat.
Ensuring Painless Childbirth: World Health Organisation’s Safe Motherhood Initiative on Maternal Healthcare and Nigeria's Response,1987-1988
In 1987, the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched the Safe Motherhood Initiative to combat the global maternal mortality crisis, with a particular focus on developing countries. The initiative sought to make childbirth safer and less burdensome by enhancing access to healthcare services, promoting skilled birth attendance, and strengthening maternal health systems. Nigeria, with its alarmingly high maternal mortality rates, became a significant focus of these efforts. This article examines the state of maternal healthcare prior to the introduction of the Safe Motherhood Initiative and evaluates Nigeria's response during 1987-1988. It explores the policies adopted, the challenges faced, and the socio-cultural factors shaping maternal health outcomes. Using a qualitative approach, the study critically analyses primary and secondary data from government efforts, healthcare infrastructure, and international collaborations. The findings reveal that maternal healthcare services in Nigeria were severely underdeveloped and insufficient before the initiative. However, Nigeria's response to the program was largely passive, limiting its overall effectiveness and impact on the country's healthcare system. The study highlights both the achievements and limitations of Nigeria's engagement with the initiative and emphasises the importance of aligning national efforts with the broader global maternal health agenda.
Maternal Health, Nigeria, Safe Motherhood Initiative, Mortality
Towards a Cleaner and Healthier Nigerian Environment: An analysis of Bode Sowande’s Mammy Water’s Wedding and Femi Osofisan’s Many Colours Make the Thunder King
Drama is a veritable tool of criticizing unacceptable patterns of behaviours in the society. Playwrights, in every society, use their works to re-engineer the society and challenge deplorable behaviours, especially when they come from leaders and notable personalities in the society. Femi Osofisan’s Many Colours Make the Thunder King and Bode Sowande’s Manny Water’s Wedding exemplify such situation and characters. In these plays, the playwrights engage with one of the most critical challenges facing humanity today- climate change- a consequence of environmental abuse, degradation and neglect which has become a major threat to the survival of man on the planet. Foregrounded in ecocriticism and eco-literature, this study examines the attitudes of Sango, a Yoruba legend and King, in Femi Osofisan’s Many Colours Make the Thunder King, and Adagun-Odo and Akila in Bode Sowande’s Mammy Water’s Wedding to reveal the consequences of man’s actions on the environment. The study analyses the actions of these characters in relation to the natural elements such as trees and water as employed in the texts by the authors. Its findings are that power, human negligence, oversight, and advancement in technology and expansion for human habitation, are some of the reasons man abuses his environment. It advocates that humanity must intentionally strive for the preservation of the environment to avert the looming danger of self and communal destruction.
Drama, Ecocriticism, Environment, Climate Change, Humanity
THE Yoruba Community in Abidjan, 1942 – 2002
This paper historicizes the socio-economic activities of the Yoruba people in Abidjan It highlights factors that contributed to the origin, growth and expansion of trading activities by the Yoruba in Abidjan. Data for the study were sourced from primary and secondary sources. This includes in-depth oral interviews with elements of Yoruba respondents living in Abidjan, personal and private records of individuals as well as reports from newspapers and other relevant information from books and journals related to the study. The Yoruba Community in Abidjan is a very vibrant sociopolitical and economic group of people living in Abidjan. Majority of the Yoruba inhabitants in the town were mainly traders selling different kinds of manufactured products within and outside Abidjan. Notable among such goods sold by the Yoruba traders includes tailoring materials and other accessories, food stuff either in cooked or raw forms, artisans, Transportation services, Cloth selling as well as alcoholic beverages etc. The paper established that Abidjan is an active commercial centre thriving for investment and businesses activity in the region. The relative peace, political stability and maintenance of law and order contributed greatly to make the city a conducive business environment for the Yoruba people in Abidjan.
Abidjan, People, Traders, Socio-economic, Yoruba
Deducing Panentheism from Hegel’s God via Whitehead’s “Philosophy of Organism”
Critics have passed Hegel’s discussion of God and Its relationship with the world as pantheistic. Even when there have been attempts by Hegelians, in recent times, to defend Hegel against the charge of pantheism, such attempts have not only become futile but also assist in making Heidegger’s ontotheological critique of Hegel lucid. The present inquiry, then seeks to reconstruct Hegel’s God as a distinct personality from the Absolute Spirit. Such an effort is made intelligible when Hegel is revised from the prism of Whitehead’s ‘philosophy of organism.’ If this reconstruction effort is successful, Hegel’s God will become panentheistic and not pantheistic. More so, the revision will also excuse Hegel from the onto-theological warrant initiated against him by Heidegger.
God, Hegel, Heidegger, Process Metaphysics, Whitehead
The Unification Paradox: The 1914 Amalgamation and Nigeria's Contemporary Political and Socioeconomic Challenges
The 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria, which brought the Northern and Southern Protectorates together under British colonial rule, represents a significant paradox in the country’s history. Intended to streamline administration and consolidate control, this policy inadvertently deepened regional and ethnic divisions rather than fostering unity. The amalgamation created a centralized colonial governance architecture that, while strengthening British rule, intensified tensions among Nigeria’s diverse groups. These tensions have evolved into persistent political instability and socio-economic disparities that continue to beleaguer Nigeria today. Using a qualitative research method, this study interrogates the 1914 amalgamation, examining how the ‘forced marriage’ has shaped Nigeria's contemporary political landscape and socio-economic realities. By analyzing the enduring impacts of the amalgamation, the study highlights the complexities of colonial policies and their long-term consequences for governance and development in contemporary Nigeria.
Amalgamation, Colonial Rule, Ethnic Tensions, Political Instability, Nigeria
India-US Relations: Deepening Strategic Partnership Revisit for the 21st Century
India-US relations have been amicable since their inception, but it's important to acknowledge America's historical inclination to assert dominance over economically and politically developing countries, India included. However, in the post-Cold War era, India pursued a path of self-reliance, leading to increased engagement with the US across various areas. The two countries bolstered their mutual strategic partnership in multiple areas of cooperation, emphasizing development and achieving new milestones. As India's economic prowess grew, it strategically explored new pathways for growth between the two nations, aiming to set a global example of partnership in the 21st century. This paper seeks to delve into the evolving strategic partnership between the two countries since the post-Cold War era and its potential to pave the way for new areas of development in the 21st century. The heightened cooperation, particularly in security, energy, and economic-technical domains, has established various dimensions of the strategic partnership, warranting thorough examination.
Self-reliance, Strategic, Partnership, Cooperation, Dominance
History of Ethnicity and Race in African History: The Schools of Thought
This paper investigates the complex interplay between race, ethnicity, and history in the African context, challenging the prevailing narratives that attribute the formation of racial and ethnic identities solely to colonial interventions. By examining both indigenous and exogenous schools of thought, the paper argues that while European colonialism played a significant role in shaping racial and ethnic distinctions, these identities were not entirely imposed by external forces. The study draws on historical examples from Morocco, Zanzibar, and Rwanda to illustrate how indigenous cultures and social structures contributed to the construction of race and ethnicity long before colonial influence. Furthermore, the paper critiques the reductionist view that race and ethnicity in Africa are mere products of colonialism, emphasizing the importance of understanding the pre-colonial and indigenous dynamics that also shaped these identities. Through this analysis, the paper aims to offer a more nuanced understanding of the historical and cultural factors that have influenced the formation of race and ethnicity in Africa, providing insights that are crucial for contemporary discussions on identity and social justice.
Race, Ethnicity, Colonialism in Africa, Indigenous vs. Exogenous
The Kafala System: A System Theory Approach to Understanding Nigerian Migrant Workers’ Plight in the Gulf States
The Kafala system is an enduring theme in global migration scholarship. Initially conceived as a migrant labour governance instrument , Kafala’s operational mechanisms have evolved into control measures which heighten dependency, exploitation, and abuse. Within this existing order of disorderliness, using structuralism and decision-making theories, this study interrogates the plights of Nigerian migrant workers in the Gulf States. The study submitted that systemic issues embedded in the Kafala worsen the plights of Nigerian migrant workers, exacerbating their vulnerability and limitating their ability to seek redress. The findings of the study underline the urgent need to institute region-wide, comprehensive and systemic reform of Kafala to address its inadequacies.
Kafala System, Gulf States, Nigerian Migrant Workers, System Theory
Impact of Colonial Rule on Food Crops Production in Annang, Calabar Province, Nigeria, 1900-1960
This paper examines the impact of colonial rule on food crops production in Annang. The study interrogates how British rule subordinated Annang indigenous economy. The study adopts the historical method, relying extensively on secondary sources and primary information obtained from archival sources. The study reveals that Annang economy survived having been overshadowed by the economic policies created by the British. It shows that food crops production was disregarded in favour of cash crops production. The indigenous economy was undermined under the colonial dispensation. The paper concludes that until the emergence of the British rule in Annang, the people who were mainly peasant farmers were able to produce basic food crops to meet their needs. They did not experienced shortage of basic food items. All this changed with imposition of colonial in the area. The paper also examines the factors that caused the shortages of foodstuffs in Annang and the efforts made by the colonial authorities to solve them. It suggests that Nigeria government should learn from the Annang colonial experience.
Annang, food crops, production, colonial rule, Nigeria
Mythico-History in Yorùbá Culture: A Study of Origin of Odù Ifá Corpus
Ifá corpus is an anthology of aphorism maxims, oral poetry and riddles handed over from one generation to the other. It is a system of genealogical thought, belief ideology and philosophy of Yorùbá people. Several works on Ifá centre on its personal, thematic preoccupation, its roles in finding solution to day-today problems, and guidance and counseling and other areas; however, despite these extensive works, little attention has been given to mythico-historical consciousness in Ifá corpus; this work, therefore, fills the gap. It employs sociosemiotic theory of Saussure, a branch of semiotics adopted for interpreting each Odù (Corpus). The theory is chosen because of its foreign definition as the scientific study of signs that take the form of words, images, sounds, or objects. Data for this study are taken from relevant verses of Ifá textual materials and content analysed in order to make valid inference through interpreter of codes of the materials. Foundings of this study indicate that Ifa functions in the context of peoples sacred belief and thought, it aids in processing their history because it signifies the origin of system of thought that inculcates what was in existence, and transmits cultural values from generation to generation.
Ifá corpus, myth, historical preservation Yorùba
Debunking the Subterfuge: Africa was never will never be a Poor Continent
This work is a search for afro-optimism in recognition of the fact that the first human civilization occurred on the continent of Africa. It should be digested as an attempt to animate and interrogate Eurocentric accounts of Africa. The five horsemen of the apocalypse are the triangular slavery, colonialism, imperialism, flag-independence and debt peonage. Recently democratization has been added to ideological repertoire. This hiatus is provoking the extant narratives about Africanist scholars like Basil Davidson, Ali Mazuri, Maulana Karenga, Myers Mandami, Wamba-dia-Wamba, Mujuhid Nyahuma, Theophile Obenga, Cheikh Anta Diop and Zeleza. A radical departure from Eurocentric history of African appeared to challenge world history according to Eurocentric scholars. This work shows that Africa is not barren when evaluating the role of Africa in the advancement of human civilization. It uses both ancient Egypt and Ethiopia to show the great advancement that Africa had made to human civilization. The author shows that Egypt and Ethiopia, due to material conditions and geography, gave the world opportunity for the first human civilization. It argues that the Hellenic world owes a great deal to Egyptian civilization. The shows that negroid ancestors of Black Africa invented mathematics, astronomy, calendar, the sciences, arts, religion, agriculture, social organization, medicine, writing, technology and architecture. The work concludes that Africa was never, and is not and will never be a poor continent in human and material resources.
Africa, neocolonialism, imperialism, civilization, Afrocentrism
Climate Change and Africa’s Economic Development
Africa, in the 21st century and for decades to come, is faced with a formidable adversary, climate change. As the global temperature rises, Africa is faced with a non-tangible enemy that threatens its continental security, development and interests in the global arena. Will Africa be able to stand the tests of time against global warming? Can anything be done to mitigate or promote the adaptation to the inevitable? This article seeks to give a comprehensive review of what climate change is and its causes, pointing out its impacts on the economic development of African states. It also hopes to view some of the obstacles faced by Africa in the face of this great challenge and revisit certain recommendations that must be adopted to effectively combat the menace that is caused by climate change. The article portrays that the war against global warming is not to be fought by the governments and agencies alone, but also by the individuals living in both rural and urban areas. As a sore that has been allowed to fester and grow infected, climate change must be dealt with quickly and effectively before an entire limb or continent, in this case, is destroyed.
Africa, climate change, economic development
Analysis of the Nature and Patterns of Banditry in Northwest Nigeria
Banditry has become a major security issue in Nigeria. In the northwestern region the nucleus of the phenomenon of banditry in the country, devastating attacks by bandits on rural communities has taken many forms; such that a specific and concise categorization of the phenomenon has been rather elusive. This paper examines the nature and patterns of banditry in Nigeria with a view to gaining a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. The paper begins by examining the conceptual and historical contexts of the phenomenon. It then goes on to demonstrate how given the socio-economic and political character of banditry, the state is complicit in the construction and interpretation of the phenomenon. Finally, the paper argues that, to effectively address the phenomenon of banditry, a deliberate process of “social reengineering” which address the socio-economic and political factors that have spawned the phenomenon is crucial.