RE- BRANDING NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES FOR ENHANCING CUSTOMERS’ SATISFACTION AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF NIGERIAN CUSTOMERS

Aja E. Egele & Johnson U. Ozo

Marketing Programme,

Ebonyi State University

Email: ajaebekeegele@yahoo.com & johnsonubaka@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: The exodus of Nigerians to foreign universities as a result of negative perceived brand image associated to Nigerian Universities has become a source of worry because of its adverse effect on national development. This study is therefore, aimed at establishing re-branding Nigeria Universities, by its students/graduates, as a strategy for improving the contribution of Nigerian Universities to national development and customer satisfaction. The method adopted in the study is conceptual review from which it was deduced that the application of re-branding strategies by students/graduates to Nigerian Universities will improve the level of customer satisfaction from purchasing Nigerian Universities. It identified modification of brand purchase behavior as the critical factor for re-branding upon which learning theory, word-of-mouth, intellectual disposition, moral exhibition, unique achievements and good alumni ambassadorship serve as re-branding strategies. These re-branding strategies will automatically re-build the brand image of Nigerian Universities for the world to perceive Nigerian Universities as brand equity associated with high standard, moral value, cultism-free and disciplined-culture oriented. Hence, increased number of foreign students will be attracted, while the rate of our indigenes seeking to study abroad will drastically be reduced. This in the long-run will make Nigeria’s economy education tourism-sector driven, positioned to earn  foreign currency for the country, helping Nigeria’s currency to appreciate in value, positively impacting on Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, Gross National Product and Per Capita Income, as more employment opportunities will be created and more infrastructural facilities developed. The implication of this finding is that, both the Nigerian Universities Commission and all the Universities should use re-branding strategies as an instrument for re-building Nigerian Universities’ image

A PRAGMATIC OVERVIEW OF THE IMPACT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTIVITY IN NIGERIA

Abomaye-Nimenibo, Williams Aminadokiari Samuel

Department of Economics,

Obong University, Obong Ntak, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Email: wasanim2006@yayoo.com

Abstract: The study examined the impact of exchange rate on industrial productivity of Nigeria’s from 1980 to 2013. The empirical analysis revealed that there is a long-term relationship between the dependent and independent variables, showing positive autocorrelation. Exchange rate and government expenditure from the findings had a negative effect or impact on industrial productivity, whereas labour force and gross capital formation both had a positive effect on industrial productivity. The study revealed that the F-statistic (F_cal) is greater than the critical value at 5% level of significance, and so the null hypothesis (Ho) was rejected in favour of the alternate hypothesis that the variables are jointly statistically significant. To test for autocorrelation (AC), we make use of the Amended Durbin-Watson Statistic which result revealed that there is positive autocorrelation since dU > d < 4 – dU is equal to 1.8076 > 1.307127 < 2.1924.  The study further revealed that Exchange rate and government expenditure had a negative effect or impact on industrial productivity, whereas labour force and gross capital formation both had a positive effect on industrial productivity. Based on the findings the following recommendations are made to control exchange rate from fluctuating. Government should create incentive such as loan subsidy etc to small scale industries, thereby encouraging them to process domestic goods into processed goods for export. The government should encourage and promote export in order to maintain a surplus balance of trade. Effective fiscal and monetary policies should be put in place to bring about a realistic exchange rate for the naira. An appropriate environment and infrastructural facilities that will encourage industries to come in should be provided so that foreign investors will be attracted to invest in Nigeria thereby creating job opportunities. Finally, the government should influence the foreign exchange rate, through positive economic reforms that will reduce the adverse effect of unstable foreign exchange rate on the Nigerian economy.

POTENTIALS AND CHALLENGES OF CIVIL SOCIETY ACTIVISM IN AN INCREASINGLY GLOBALIZED WORLD

Maina Mackson Abga

Faulty of General Studies,

Federal University Dutse

Email: abgamainamackson@gmail.com 

Abstract: Civil society has come to be an essential element of contemporary global politics, taken either as a normative concept linked to the idea of democracy or as a descriptive concept that refers to the activism of global activities of NGOs, Social movements, and global advocacy networks. It is therefore very imperative to engage ourselves with the critically complex global civil society, especially in relation to the third world countries and specifically Nigeria as a major player in world politics and member of committee of nations, hence we should be able to analyze and asses the potentials and challenges of civil society activism in the context of our increasingly globalized world. We are tend to believe that global society holds the key to the future of progressive politics, thus, civil society is the way forward for solidarity, citizenship and democracy; however, the most important question we should acquaint ourselves with as per this discourse is, what substance does it portends for the notion of global civil society and what implications does it have with regard to the positives and negatives its emergence and growth hold, especially in contemporary world politics? Certainly, it is interesting to note that we have witnessed an upsurge of global civil society in the late twentieth century and that it has no doubt, played a significant role in recasting world politics; this is to say, global civil society certainly offers much potential for enhancing security, peace, solidarity, equality social, economic, democratic paradigm shift in our contemporary global relations.

AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE NIGERIAN DILEMMA IN THE WAR OF CURRENCY DEPRECIATION FROM 1986 TO 2014

Abomaye-Nimenibo W.A.S.

Department of Economics,

Faculty of Management & Social Sciences

Obong University, Obong Ntak, Akwa – Ibom State, Nigeria.

Email:  wasanim2006@yahoo.com               

Abstract: The research paper critically investigated the effect of currency depreciation on the Nigerian economy within the period 1986-2013, employing the Augmented Dickey-Fuller unit root test, the co-integration test which indicated a long-run relationship between the dependent and independent variables with a temporary disequilibrium among the variables in the short-run. The benchmark results indicated that exchange rates do play a vital role in determining the long-run effectiveness of economic growth in Nigeria. The results further stressed that exchange rate depreciation, if regulated by market forces i.e. the interplay of market mechanisms would improve the level of Gross Domestic Product in the country. The result also further stressed that the long-run effect of exchange rate depreciation on GDP is enhanced if accompanied by contractionary fiscal and monetary policies.

THE EVALUATION OF SOME TYPES OF JUSTICES AS MEANS OF RECONCILIATION AFTER VIOLENT CONFLICT

Ayuba Gimba Mavalla                              

Department of International Law and Diplomacy,

Political Science and Public Administration,

Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria

Email: mavallaa@babcock.edu.ng

Abstract

The need for justice after atrocities have been committed is the highest aspiration of the masses globally. Hence the need to evaluate of some types of justices as means of reconciliation after any violent conflict episode becomes imperative. The purpose of justice in post – conflict situations is to create sustainable peace. The method of prosecuting justice in the aftermath of mass atrocities is difficult and the process has to be carried out with much caution. Among the many methods and process to procure justice the paper support the Truth-Telling Commission has proved to be more beneficial and lasting. The paper is multi-disciplinary, which include Peace and Conflict Studies and theology. The sources will include:  internet, and library resources, personal observations.

PUBLIC SECTOR REFORMS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA. A CRITIQUE

Francis Nnaemeka Mbuba

Department of Public Administration

Anambra State University, Igbariam Campus

Email: fn.mbuba@yahoo.com
Abstract: Public Service Reforms in Nigeria and beyond are prosecuted, in the effort to improve management in governments by increasing efficiency, effectiveness, and the delivery of quality services to; the people. However experience has shown that the public service reform recommendations in Nigeria have not been properly implemented and therefore have negated both the spirit and the philosophy that motivated the reform efforts. As a result the public service in Nigeria is far from achieving the goals for which it has been established. This paper has therefore look closely at the public service reform efforts from the colonial period to the present day and identified the draw backs that have militated against their implementation. Through the scrutiny of the abundant literature on the public service reforms efforts in Nigeria, recommendations on the way forward have been made. Among others, it has been recommended that an independent institution should be established and empowered with the necessary legislation to handle the task of monitoring and ensuring that the recommendations to the government towards the achievement of the goals of the reforms are accomplished. The reforms from the inception to implementation should be democratic in order to be people-oriented and achievable

AN ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A SURVEY OF LITERATURE

Abubakar S. Garba & Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni

 
Department of Business Administration, Northwest University, Kano

Department of Economics, Bayero University, Kano

Email: ahmadutsauni@gmail.com; atsauni.eco@buk.edu.ng

Abstract: Entrepreneurship is overwhelmingly accepted by policy makers in both developed and developing countries as a veritable tool for job creation and growth. It is on this premise that entrepreneurs are supported and encouraged particularly in countries with poverty incidence, high unemployment and low growth. Although, entrepreneurial practice cuts across all countries, the nature, outputs and impact of the entrepreneurial activities vary. The determination of what type of entrepreneurship to be encouraged is very crucial in policy making as entrepreneurship could be productive or destructive. The paper explores relevant literature on entrepreneurship to analyse the behaviour and effects of its productive and destructive components on the growth of developing economies. Through synthesis of the literature, the paper compares the benefits or otherwise of productive and destructive entrepreneurial activities and examines the role of formal and informal institutions toward those activities. Therefore, the ability of any country to achieve and sustain growth is dependent on whether the benefits brought about by productive entrepreneurial activities outweigh the negative effects of non-productive entrepreneurial activities. However, in most developing economies where corrupt practices are prevalent, cost of doing business is increasing and institutions are weakened, destructive entrepreneurship is accentuated. Thus, destructive entrepreneurship is often attributable to developing economies. Rule of law is overly needed to impose necessary restrictions for destructive entrepreneurship a long side with improving infrastructure and reducing cost of doing business.

CONSTRAINTS TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Ahmad Muhammad Tsauni & Abdullahi Muhammad Adamu

Department of Economics,

Bayero University, Kano

Email: ahmadutsauni@gmail.com & amakutama@yahoo.com

Abstract: The paper investigates the constraints to industrial development in Kano – Nigeria. It starts by conceptualizing industry and industrialization as well as a brief on the various policies and incentives pursued toward attaining industrial development. With the aid of secondary data sources, basically survey findings extracted from some studies, the paper assesses the performance of the industrial sector in Nigeria generally Vis – a- Vis the plethora policies and incentives put in place from independence to date. It was observed that not much has been achieved as the major industrial indicators are not faring well. The poverty level, unemployment and rate of closure and distress of companies in Kano buttressed those findings. To that effect, a number of constraints to industrial development in the State have been identified ranging from infrastructural deficiencies, small home market and insecurity. In order to address these problems, the paper recommends among others that government policies should be fine-tuned to converge with economic progress and that government should have a strong commitment to the development of the sector.

AGRICULTURE, FOOD SECURITY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN MAKURDI, BENUE STATE, NIGERIA

Asamu Festus Femi¹ , Oloni, Elizabeth Funlayo² & Onojowho Akpeuwe Harvest

¹Department of Sociology, Landmark University, Nigeria.

²Department of Economics Landmark University, Nigeria.

Email: olonielizabeth@yahoo.com

Abstract: Agriculture from the unset has been the main source of Nigeria economy due to its fertile land as over 80% of its populace are involved in this sector. Due to the mismanagement of fund, a vast majority of people engages in subsistence agriculture without adequate capital to expand and increase production. The lack of storage and agro industries to processed as well as dilapidated road network causes food loss resulting to poor economy development and high rate of poverty. The study therefore examines the food security and it implication on national development in Makudi, Benin State, Nigeria. The researcher adopted the structural change theory. The first theory focused on the change in the method of production to boast economy development. Data was collected from a total of 100 respondents on their opinion using the primary source, only 92 were returned back. The survey instrument used was open and closed questionnaire. The sampling technique used was the stratified sample and simple random sample. The population was divided into strata based on age group, sex and income. A sample is them selected from the stratum by picking every tenth Number in random series. The study shows that 34 (36.96%) of the respondents between the age of (21-30) are youth who largely involved in food production. 47(51.09%) are females but with little motivation due to lack of mechanized tools and are self-supportive actively participate in feeding the populations. From the findings, it shows that these set of people are not encouraged due to poor funding of Agricultural sector. This results to underdevelopment in Makurdi. It shows that mechanized farming increases production, boast economy development by generating fund; it reduces the rate of food importation to the country. Finally, finding shows that the people are willing to adopt innovative technology to effect a change in the society on food production However, the following suggestions were made by the respondents that government should provide farmers with mechanized tools at subsidized price to increase productivity. Agro industries should be provided to increase federal funds, to reduce food waste, food stability, improve nutritional content of food, and reduce food price.

CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF MILITARISING ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

Okpanachi Odiji

Department of Political Science

College of Social and Management Sciences

Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo

Email: okpasspecial@yahoo.com,

Abstract: The Ekiti and Osun 2014 gubernatorial elections in Nigeria generated controversy despite being adjudged as free and fair. This is particularly due to the excessive deployment of armed security agents to man the polls. This paper attempts to unearth the raison d’êtres for this action as well as investigate its consequent implication(s).  Taking insights from the principles of democracy and elections and drawing inferences from observed trends during the two polls mentioned above, the discourse observes that while the need to secure the ballot might have principally motivated the State into this new practice, its repercussions such as the propensity to demoralise the police, daunt voters and overstretch the military among others are capable of truncating democracy as well as undermining the entire polity.