INDIVIDUALISM-COLLECTIVISM AS PREDICTOR OF ALTRUISM AND RECIPROCITY AMONG NURSES

 ^aOkonkwo E.A., ^bEze A.C., ^bOkoro C.M., ^bEchezona A.J.C. and ^bAzike I.N.

^a&bDepartment of Psychology

Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu,

E-mail: aejyke@yahoo.com                                

Abstract: This study investigated individualism-collectivism as predictor of altruism and reciprocity among nurses in Enugu metropolis. Seventy one (71) participants comprising 54 (76%) female and 17 (23.94%) male nurses between the ages of 19 to 40 (M = 29.34, SD =5.42) were sampled using purposive sampling technique. Singelis et al. (1995) Individualism-Collectivism Scale, Rushton (1981) Self–Report Altruism Scale and Eisenberger et al. (2004) Reciprocity Scale were administered for data collection. A correlational design was used. Multiple regression as statistical test revealed that individualism-collectivism neither jointly nor independently predicted altruism among the nurses at P > .05 level of significance. Also, individualism-collectivism neither jointly nor independently predicted reciprocity among the nurses at P > .05 level of significance.  It was concluded that other factors than individualism-collectivism might be responsible for altruism and reciprocity among this segment of nurses.

THE ROLE OF NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME IN HEALTH CARE DEMAND IN JOS CENTRAL NIGERIA 

Dickson Vonke and Baba Sunday

Department of Economics

University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

E-mails: sundaybab@yahoo.com, vonkemarcus@yahoo.com 

Abstract: Individuals with health insurance consume more health care commodity; one of the so many reasons is because the health care commodity now becomes cheaper for such individuals. Health insurance which influences health care price obviously affects health care demand. Nigeria is faced with low health status amidst poverty and these two can be very devastating. Cognizance of this, the government saw the need to increase health care access for the poor by reducing health care cost. National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was introduced in Nigeria by the government in order to increase health care access of Nigerians. NHIS however, targets public sector workers and/or those in formal sector. NHIS has only enrolled 3% of Nigerians under the formal sector health insurance program (Anyene, 2012). 70.8% of Nigerians live below the poverty line and cannot afford health care costs, meaning a chunk of Nigerians are left without any form of coverage, the funds disbursed by NHIS therefore focuses mainly on richer Nigerians thus, widening the rich/poor gap. This study assessed the role of NHIS in influencing health care demand in Jos, Nigeria. A random sampling technique was adopted in administering 200 questionnaires to NHIS participants in Jos metropolis. The information sourced via the questionnaires among others include: age group, NHIS status, commencement of contribution and its nature, comparison of health care level of demand before and after NHIS, NHIS cost reduction and direct price effect, NHIS cost reduction and moral hazard. This research is descriptive; techniques used include tables and chi-square statistics. Results from the study revealed that NHIS focuses on the employed; the scheme has not significantly increased health care demand and of course has no direct price effect on health care demand in Jos, Nigeria. It is recommended among others that funds diversion may explain why participants do not feel the scheme’s impact, thus, these funds require a serious checkmate, the informal sector comprising a chunk of the Nigerian poor have to be captured however, economic empowerment is vital to its success, a health care consumer protection agency is needed which will make NHIS more responsible, enrollment should not be made compulsory by organizations for now since the scheme is still finding its footing.

MICRO LENDING SCHEMES AND SUSTAINABLE WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN NIGERIA

Anure Joseph K.

Department of Academic Planning and Programmes 

Fidei Polytechnic Gboko Benue State

E-mail: kanure@yahoo.com Abstract: This paper examines Micro lending schemes and sustainable women empowerment in Nigeria. It argued that, the marginalization of women in Nigeria is a result of their low level of literacy, which men have over the years and time used women to achieved their political and economic ambitions leaving the women behind for child bearing and keeping of home and as such women are upon as second class citizen (Ekong 1991. Based on this women are considered representing the poorest section of the word population (Kaseer 1994, Rankin 2001, Izugbara 2004). Therefore, women empowerment, Mbaweve (1991) is a process where by women become able to organized themselves, to increase their own self reliance to acquire independent right to make choices and to control resources which will assist in challenging and eliminating their own subordination. It is also a dynamic process which will help them have access to political and economic power, where by they can jointly developed the nation with their men

ANALYZING THE BOUNDARY PARADIGM BETWEEN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 

¹Ishaku Hamidu and ²Musa Abubakar

^1&2Department of Political Science

Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria.

E-mail: shaksham002@yahoo.com, abukherleel@gmail.com

Abstract: Political Science as a discipline has multiple branches because it is related with many other disciplines within and even outside the social sciences. There are several concepts in Political Science that are often confused by the students of politics and other interested scholars. Concepts like state, democracy, power, authority, International Relations and International Politics etc are among the most confused. The lack of understanding their meanings, features, limitations and applications affects their proper usage in local and international politics by students and interested scholars of politics. This paper attempts to clarify the meaning of International Relations and International Politics, their natures, contents and similarities for proper comprehension by students and to assist them to choose and pursue their career without confusion. Such clarification will de-functionalize the already existing functionality in the two concept paradigm.

EX-SERVICE MEN AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA THE CASE OF THE FOURTH REPUBLIC

¹Ekiugbo, E.A. Akpoduado and ²Ekiugbo, O.C. Omena

^1&2Department of Political Science

Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria.

E-mail: ekdoemenaandneovo@yahoo.com, ekdoeneroandona@gmail.com  

Abstract: By May 29, 1999, Nigeria Fourth Republic was inaugurated. Before now, the military had scuttled three previous attempts at democratic governance. Military rule is universally regarded as an aberration hence democracy is not only an attractive option but a rational and inevitable one (Babangida Ibrahim, July 4, 1991). However, the predominance of ex-service men in governance, the commanding height of the economy and our traditional institutions in a democratic Nigeria strongly suggest military rule in disguise. It means the failure of the Nigeria political system to free its administration from the stranglehold of its armed forces. One effect of the above is the militarization of our political institutions, the society and the politicization of the Nigeria army. Traits of military regime replace basic democratic tenets. The paper adopts the content analysis methodology and concludes that until the dynamics of true democracy which requires commitment, constitutionalism, due process and good governance are entrenched to consolidate Nigeria democracy, the success of civilian rule in Nigeria is in doubt.

THE CHALLENGES OF ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN AFRICA:

THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE

¹Arinze Ngwube and ²Uche Nebo

¹General Studies Unit, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

²Student Affairs Unit, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

E-mail: arinze.ngwube@fuoye.edu.ng, uchechukwu.nebo@fuoye.edu.ng

Abstract: Previous  administration have laid plans, programmes, and visions to guarantee Nigeria’s economic development by altering the model of economic structure of production and consumption pattern, reduce dependence on oil, diversify the economic base, generate employment, create a globally competitive and stable economy. The economy has not been able to perform to its full potential particularly in the face of its rising population. The Nigerian economy has grossly underperformed relative to her enormous resource endowment and the achievements of her peers/other developing nations with similar characteristics. Nigeria has made modest progress in its transformation to democracy and a market economy, but there have also been serious setbacks; the political system still struggle with state coherence, improving government institutional efficiency, internal security, democratic representation and attitudes enforcement of the rule of law and economic reforms. Economically, Nigeria suffers from major shortcomings in all but two areas: economic growth due to large profits from crude oil and natural gas exports and the large and rapidly growing market for private mobile phone services. This paper examines the challenges of economic transformation in Nigeria and recommended solutions.

WOMEN EDUCATION AS IMPETUS FOR PEACE AND NATIONAL UNITY

Adamu M., Hamidu M.Y. and Ibrahim A.I.

Federal College of Education Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria.

E-mail: link2mohammed@gmail.com, hamidu2011@gmail.com, ibrahiminwa2013@gmail.com

Abstract: A state is a political entity that is in many cases made of more than one nationality group. This reality imposes the need to integrate the distinct ethnic groups to become a monolithic whole that shares a common identity and destiny. Essentially therefore, peace and national unity is achieved through the breakdown of ethnic barriers, the elimination of primordial ethnic loyalties, and the development of a sense of common identity. This paper looked at women education as an impetus for peace and national unity. It examined the contribution of women education to peace and national unity, why women in peace and national unity. It also highlighted some of the challenges facing women education in Nigeria. The paper recommend among others; the need for policy formulation of the National Unity and Peace Commission so as to ensure a strong focus interventions aimed at strengthening women’s participation and contribution in peace building and unity processes, the government should put in place a system of working with women councils and women NGOs  to disseminate the message of peace and unity to the community in a practical approach such as functional adult literacy and other integrated community development initiatives.

INFLUENCE OF MARITAL STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES ON DEPRESSION AMONG SINGLE PARENTS IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Mgbenkemdi, Ejike Hyacinth

Department of Psychology

Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria.

E-mail: iamejike@yahoo.co.uk

Abstract: This study investigated the influence of marital stress and coping strategies on depression among single parents in South-Eastern Nigeria. It comprised a cross-sectional survey of 13 single parents drawn from Enugu South in Enugu State, Nigeria. Application of 2×2 Analysis of Variance F-test as statistical test revealed no significant influence of marital stress on depression, F (1, 9) = 0.80 at P>0.05. In addition, coping strategies did not influence depression, P (1, 9) = 0.02 at P>0.05. It was concluded that marital stress and coping strategies were not determinants of depression among these sample of single parents.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY AND THE NIGERIA LEGAL SYSTEM: AN APPRAISAL 

Francis, N. Mbuba

Department of Public Administration

Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.

E-mail: fn.mbuba@yahoo.com

Abstract: The autonomy of Local Government in Nigeria has remained a subject of controversy since the pre-colonial times. This has made Local Governments to remain a pawn in the hands of politicians ever since. As such subsequent governments in Nigeria since the colonial times have toyed with the faith of the common people at the grass roots by the way they manipulate the structure, rules and the operations of this supposed third tier of government in Nigeria. The most manipulated aspect of the local government system is the rules that have guided the conduct of local government in Nigeria. This state of affairs has not allowed local government administration to thrive in the area of providing good governance to the people at local levels. This paper therefore seeks to examine the autonomy of local governments under the Nigerian legal system. In the face of the erosion of the autonomy of local governments in Nigeria by the 1999 constitution, local government seem to be lagging behind in carrying out the duties allotted to it by the constitution, statutes and other legal precedents. A critical look has been taken at the laws and customs guiding the conduct of local governments from the pre-colonial, colonial and post-independence Nigeria with a view to discovering the malady and it’s curative. The researcher has made use of the secondary source of research with due reference to the travails of the local governments, the paper has suggested that some of the provisions in the 1999 constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria should be amended to allay the fears of domination of local governments by the state governments and indeed stem the tide of political inactivity and underdevelopment at the grass roots.

THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA

¹Olawepo, G.T. and ²Joseph, A.I.

¹Department of Business Administration, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State.

²Department of Economics, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State.

E-mail: tejuolawepo@yahoo.com, toy4kuns@yahoo.com

Abstract: Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has become a major tool for gaining competitive advantage in the corporate world and as such it has become integrated into the operations of most high performing organizations in every economy. This paper examined the impact of ICT on economic development in Nigeria. Time series data for the period of 1970 to 2010 was employed. The study employs the use of Ordinary Least Square techniques in estimating the impact on economic growth. Result reveals that ICT has not only created an avenue for economic growth in the country but also stand as an important factor that determines economic growth in Nigeria. The paper therefore recommends that if the country must have to compete with other developed countries of the world, government should provide more funds for the development of ICT, diversification of the productive structure of the economy away from oil/natural resources to ICT in a bid to increase employment and technical know-how.