Individual Essays: Individual Research Projects(IRP)

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://repository.sternhost.com/handle/123456789/214

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 294

SECRET CULTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IMPLICATIONS FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) Egure, P. S.
The phenomenon of secret cults in our higher institutions of learning now poses a major threat to the security of Nigeria. In the past, the higher institutions of learning were a safe haven for academic pursuit and research. In those days, academic freedom and movements in our campuses were uninhibited. But today, the situation has drastically changed whereby law abiding students as well as members of staff of such institutions can no longer freely move about in the campuses without being subjected to harassment, molestation and intimidation. In some cases, innocent students have not only been injured or maimed but had been killed by members of the secret cults. Consequently, students in most higher institutions now live in fear of their lives. They now find it difficult to concentrate on their studies and their freedom of movement is now limited. Every one of us who are parents have apprehension that our children and wards could be victims of such attacks by members of the secret cults. It is against the foregoing background that I have predicated my individual essay on the above problem with a view to proffering possible solutions bearing in mind that I am privileged to know much about the phenomenon in my official capacity.
MANPOWER PROJECTION, MOTIVATION AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY 1994-2000 AD
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) YERI, JOHN EWEREKUMOH
The effectiveness of an army, as an offensive and defensive force, does not necessarily consist of the number of troops nor essentially of the superior weapons in its arsenal. Rather, it is determined by the level of discipline, morale and efficiency of its forces. If number was the decisive factor, Wellington would not have won the battle of Waterloo. Again, if number and superiority of weapons were the decisive factors, the State of Israel would never have come into being in 1948. Nigeria has a large army in Africa and she spends a high proportion of her total recurrent expenditure to maintain her forces. Like any other organisation in the world, the Nigerian Army is faced with many problems such as discipline, morale and efficiency, which became very prominent immediately after the civil war. Training, promotions, increases in pay, the provision of decent accommodation and provision of modern weapons are certainly some of the requirement for a well motivated force. This project is an attempt at discussing some of the relevant issues which would enable the Nigerian Army (NA) overhaul itself and in order to remain suited for future challenges. In doing so, the project began with an historical perspective of the Nigerian Army, and the different stages it passed through till its present organisation. The reason for this movement from historical to present is that there seems to be an urgent need to recognise certain factors which are not hitherto being given due recognition, emphasis and weight that they deserve. The project also discusses recruitment policy, training and development of Main Occupational Specialty (MOS) skills in the NA. These are aimed at developing the officers and men. But hardly would these variables remain relevant without requisite qualifications to back them up. Skilled and unskilled tradesmen, retired officers and discharged soldiers are in-corporated in the discussion. The project also identifies manpower wastage rate in the NA and in the larger Nigeria society. At no time is surplus manpower a disadvantage to any nation. Indeed, manpower is always an asset to any nation. The attrition rate is high in the NA. Emancipation or egalitarianism of women are slogans that have dominated the headlines for many years running. (Females are now being recruited into the NA. The project took a look at the parameter for the recruitment of such female soldiers. Bearing in mind, the importance of the linkage between motivation and productivity, the project also looked at this aspect. It is believed that there are a lot of potentials available in the NA and the necessary incentives ought to be at the proper places for maximum performance of the army. Such incentives are discussed under the headings of remuneration, housing scheme, leadership quality, rewards, training and in fact ideology, to mention but a few. The importance of these incentives cannot be over-emphasised if the best performance is expected of both officers and soldiers of NA. Based on the overall appraisal of the arguments in the preceding paragraphs, a conclusion was drawn and recommendations made to improve areas which In the author's view require further Improvement.
FACTORS OF GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY AND CULTURE IN NIGERIA'S RELATIONS WITH HER NEIGHBOURS
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) PREWARE, G. B.
Nigeria's geographical location brings with it strengths and weaknesses which derive from its size, population, ethnic spread, its natural resource endowment and the level of development they help to sustain. However, these strengths, ironically„ embody weaknesses as well. Un-controlled growth in population, ethnic tensions, under-development of the human and natural resource base would cripple rather than strengthen a country. It is therefore not surprising that these strengths and weaknesses have excited among Nigerians and their neighbours a mix of expectations, success, limitations and even failures in Nigeria's responses to the challenge posed by the twin factors of geography and neighbours. This essay identifies and examines these strengths and weaknesses. It will establish their relevance to the national interest and how they are or may be exploited to achieve or hinder. the country's broad foreign policy objectives, especially as they relate to our immediate neighbours. for the avoidance of any ambiguity, immediate neighbours, in the context of this essay means the sovereign states of Benin, Niger, Chad, Cameroun and Equitorial Guinea. The descriptive terms "neighbour", neighbouring, or the more specific "contiguous", are used, in the essay, interchangeably to describe the same states. Similarly, the word "responses" is used to denote the initiatives or coherent strategies employed by Nigeria to achieve specific domestic and foreign policy goals in her interaction with her neighbours. The problem therefore consists in identifying these responses, examining their relevance to specific problems posed by the reality of our neighbours and establishing whether these responses reflect a judicious exploitation of our strengths. The scope of the study is limited principally, to the immutable facts of geography and history as they impact on relations-between Nigeria and her neighbours. It recognises the relevance of theoretical concepts but it is more concerned with the practicalities of every-day interaction between the countries as sovereign states and their populations as dynamic components of international relations. It draws largely from the practical experience of the author who, as a career diplomat, has had the privilege of observing closely, the challenges and responses of Nigerian foreign policy int he West African sub-region. Through its seven Chapters, the study progresses from an examination of some available and relevant literature, to identify factors that enhance or inhibit positive relations between the target countries, Nigeria's responses to specific challenges and finally, to proffer specific recommendations. Recommendations are made for the formulation and implementation of policies that enhance our country's ability to interact more positively and profitably with her neighbours. Recommendations are made, among others, for qualitative development of our vast human resources, stimulation of the national economy through a sustained development of the productive sector and the consolidation of the instruments of dialogue and cooperation with our neighbours. Hopefully, the essay will contribute to available knowledge and excite more enquiry on the subject. It should make useful reading for diplomats - especially the younger generation of Nigerian diplomats.
FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) OYFDEJI, J. 0.
These days, Nigerians are bewildered by the failure of many Local Governments to carry out their essential functions. Some of them have not been able to pay salaries of primary school teachers for months, cities are very unclean owing to mountains of refuse left uncleared, many services have been taken over or are being run by State Governments, hardly can one find good or potable water in the villages, agriculture is hardly given any priority while many roads are yet to be opened up, etc. This is the general trend all over. From the foregoing, it is obvious that some things are wrong somewhere. Afterall, there were hopes and belief that the teeming masses in the grassroots would witness a new era through the fruits of the new system of Local Government introduced about 18 years ago. What then could be accountable for the noticeable lapses or for the shirking of responsibilities entrusted to the Local Governments? Why have they dashed people's hopes through non performance? Have the Local Governments been over-stretched? What are the sources of their funding? Are they inadequate, misapplied or even misappropriated resulting in non-delivery of social services? Is lack of effective performance due to untrained, under-utilized or inadequate manpower? Has the introduction of party-politics hampered development? What is the level of probity and accountability in the Local Government set-up? Have State Governments been cogs in the wheels of Local Governments? Answers to the above questions and to others unlisted will be attempted in the write-up to determine why Local Governments have not performed as expected. In doing this, Chapter One, the Introduciton, will deal with the history of the third-tier of government from its inception as local administration to its present stage of local government. A few books and writings on local government will be reviewed in Chapter Two. Chapter Three will examine the 1976 "Reforms", bringing out the innovations and viewing the performances of the local governments against the responsibilities assigned them under the Constitution while Chapter Four will list out the complaints of members of the public against the local governments and why they have not been able to perform as envisaged. The last Chapter will draw Conclusions and make recommendations for improved development or increased performance capacity of the Local Governments. In approaching the subject, I have collected information from books, journals and newspapers. I have also based some of my findings on answers to questionnaires designed and distributed by me to members of the public, particularly members of SEC 16 for their views on the performances of local governments and to, at least, two Local Governments in fifteen States of the Federation. I also interviewed officers of some Local Governments. It may be pertinent to mention that I had the opportunity, at different times, of heading two Local Governments, first as Sole Administrator and then as Chairman. My observations and experiences on the job have been of tremendous assistance in my approach.
INDUSTRIAL GROWTH OF NIGERIA: INVESTMENT PATTERN
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) Obiodu, Kevin E.
Industrialisation is the only means to sustainable national prosperity in the world of today. This is because it creates employment, produces goods that replace imports and creates products that are exported to earn foreign exchange. Nigeria's estwhile colonised colleagues have become far more prosperous because they saved and invested in industry while through infrastructural, fiscal and monetary incentives attracting foreigners to invest in their countries. Nigeria failed to prosper industrially like its counterparts because of inharent weakness in its political system, low saving propensity of its people and poor work attitude of its labour force. Particularly, almost all the income it earned from its natural endowment of crude oil had been consumed on the importation and provision of social goods, while no serious efforts were made at developing, manufacturing and exporting goods for hard currencies. This was noted to be becaused of low entrepreneural training and low work experience of the Nigerian engineers. It is, therefore, recommended that Nigeria orders its priorities aright, invest substantial part of its crude-oil-earned foreign exchange loans and aids. Finally, Nigeria should emphasise better practical and entrepreneurship training of its engineers through "Entrepreneurship Engineering" programme that enables the engineer employ himself and create jobs and exports soon after graduation
SOCIO-POLITICAL STABILITY: A PREREQUISITE FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) Ombo, Victor K.
This project is an attempt at laying the building blocks to understanding the dynamics of a beloved country and seek to address some possible solutions. The selection of this topic was motivated by a sense of deep concern at the state of the nation and the factors inherent in her psyche that militate against her developmental efforts. The problem in the economic sphere is undergirded by Nigeria still operating the structures inherited from her colonial masters 34 years after the attainment of independence. This import dependent industrial sector resulting in no organic linkage between the various segments of the economy is a huge drain of resources which constitute a lot of difficulties for development. Furthermore, her monocultural revenue base, the lack of any meaningful local research and development effort and a lax in socio-cultural moral values resulting into endemic corruption are some of the factors that exacerbate the situation. The study is even more relevant against the present backdrop of socio-political turmoil, economic decline, mass poverty, unemployment and misery. The socio-political upheavals reflect the plural nature of the Nigerian society has not been sublimated as in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia into a veritable tool for development. Despite her enormous human and natural resources she is yet to attain a take-off to self-sustained growth. Also, the frequent change of government, for example, in 1993 alone, there were three Heads-of State. This encourages unnecessary policy shifts and poisons the investment climate. The theoretical framework that underline the study is based on the system theory. References were made to library books, journals, magazines and newspapers. The methodology used is historical, descriptive, analytical and deductive. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that Nigeria should build the mediating structures and evolve the mediating culture that the democratic values of tolerance, participation and accommodation instill, which is the foundation of stability. Secondly, the incessant military intervention in politics stifles the political evolution of the nation and the military would require political education to de-link them from politics. Above all, Nigeria should evolve and adopt an economic managements style that will ensure the diversification of the revenue base and achieve the appropriate intersectoral linkages for the smooth growth of the economy by utilising the oil wealth to lay a durable foundation by bringing to fruition the Ajaokuta Steel project, the petrochemical, gas and aluminum projects among several.
THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN THE AIR BEETLE AIRCRAFT PROJECT: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) Udh-Imeh, I. T.
THE NIGERIAN AIR FORCE PARTICIPATION IN THE AIR BEETLE AIRCRAFT PROJECT: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS This study is designed to examine, analyse and assess the Air Beetle Project, with particular emphasis on the NAF/Government participation in it. The Study has been conducted to help shed light on some of the problems and prospects of the project with a view to making appropriate recommendations for the NAF/Government effective participation. This effort, therefore, is aimed at contributing towards the NAF/Government being fully involved and committed in a laudable programme which can lead to aerospace revolution and air power accomplishment for Nigeria. The study seeks to determine the progress, the achievement of the project and the level of the NAF/Government involvement so far. This project being new in Nigeria, with all its complexity in technology and structure, has opened up challenges towards the development of aircraft industry locally in Nigeria; it is therefore necessary to explore how best the technology can be acquired and the challenges accomplished by Nigerians in Nigeria. This is because Nigeria is a developing country with no technological base; a country with a mono-cultural and dwindling economy and slow industrial development. All possible sources were utilised for the purpose of this study and it has been possible to become conversant with the problems of aircraft construction, development and production in a developing country like Nigeria. For this essay, most of the materials used were from the HQ NAF, AIEP, NAF R&D Unit in AIEP, NAF Training Command Units in Kaduna, FCAA, Federal Civil Aviation College of Technology, Zaria, official documents and publications and books relevant to the topic. However, during this research, it was impossible to acquire certain information and data concerning the Air Beetle Project. For this reason, a few comments on certain aspects of the topic could not be supported with data. The theoretical framework for this study was based on the principle of the NAF and the nation taking advantage of this opportunity and deriving maximum benefit from the programme in future. This is because the programme has a lot of inherent advantages and tremendous prospects of meeting any competition in the market and making a commercial success. Therefore, the methodological approaches used in this essay are basically descriptive, historical and analytical. Chapter One covers the preamble and goes on to describe the conceptualisation and lapses in the programme. It ends in giving the significance, definitions of terms and methodology used in the essay. Chapter two describes the developmental phases of the project and goes on to examine the level of the NAF/Government involvement. Chapter three looks at policy evolution and the effects on participation in the project. Chapter Four advocates the way forward for the NAF/Government in the programme. It takes a cursory look at military aviation and the aerospace development in some selected countries so as to provide basis for proposing the way forward for Nigeria. It then analyses the examples of the selected countries and proposes for the development of human, material and financial resources towards the programmes. Mindful of the restrictions of the privatisation and commercialisation policy on government and its agencies, chapter five sets out to suggest strategies for NAF/Government participation in the programme. This chapter spells out the various steps and procedure to follow. The concluding chapter, having argued out the crucial nature and the relevance of the programme to aerospace revolution and air power accomplishment in Nigeria, goes on to make appropriate recommendations for possible implementation by the Federal Government of Nigeria
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) IHYUMAN, Thomas V. Don
Dynamism is the hallmark of mankind and this is manifested in man's constant search for the improvement of himself and his lot; a constant change that leads to the development of nations and the world. Since this development of nations is a desired goal, it must be achieved through the pursuit and implementation of deliberate policies. This study attempts a critical look at what I consider to be a vital area of our development strategy. Development cannot be possible without relevant education and, as the National Policy on Education (1981) aptly puts it, an education system is only as good as its teachers. Having accepted this, the study looks at a strategic group of our teachers being trained to educate our children to fit into the desired development plans of our country. The study traces our development efforts from the colonial days to present times, looks at the type of education offered to sustain such development and sees why the need arose for the new policy of education which is designed to put the right people in the right places so that we can develop in the correct modern context of technology. The general conclusion of this study is that from what we have been able to see of teacher eduction at the level in focus, it will be difficult (if not impossible) for us to achieve our desired goals of national development. From this general conclusion, specific conclusions have been arrived at and recommendations proffered to lead us in the right direction. It should be realised that this study is not exhaustive and only points out a general trend that is quite disturbing which is that teacher education generally needs urgent and sustained attention.
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF PUBLIC SECTOR PROJECTS MANAGEMENT IN PLATEAU STATE.
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) Janfa, Susan R.
Effective management of scarce resources for development has remained a great challenge to developing countries; Nigeria being an example. This manifests in part, in the large number of half completed and abandoned projects littered all over the federation in which scarce funds have been sunk. In realisation of this problem, the issue of project management has been of international concern. Projects are the "building blocks for development;" project failures are therefore, counter development. This essay comprises a case study of four projects undertaken in Plateau State and a survey of sixty-seven other projects in the State. The flexible framework of Integrated Project Planning and Management Cycle (IPPMC) provides an opportunity to analyse the four projects to determine (i) the planning and implementation functions performed by the management; (ii) how effectively and well they were performed; (iii) identify factors which inhibited or contributed to projects success and (iv) offer some recommendations which can assist with future projects management. This study shows that there is gross inadequacy in project organisational arrangements and project management capabilities. Furthermore, lack of clear and integrated objectives, and government's lack of absorptive capacity for financing and managing projects inhibit success. The incessant change in leadership and therefore policies and priorities is the bane of a large number of projects. A catalogue of failed projects across the Federation should reveal colossal losses and wastage of the nation's wealth. Nigeria must make conscious effort at better management of projects for development.
THE NIGERIAN ARMY IN INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) OLUTUMO, EMMANUEL FUNSHO
Since its establishment, the Nigerian Army has been involved in its constitutional secondary role of assisting the civil authorities to quell unrest. This she does by conducting Internal Security Operations. The first of such involvement was in the Tiv riots of 1962/64. Since then, the Nigerian Army has been involved in Internal Security (IS) Operations on eight other occasions. These range from such political crisis as the Western Region post election disturbances of 1964-65 through students unrest like the "Ali Must Go" disturbances of 1978 to the various religious disturbances of which the Maitatsine riots in Kano in 1980 is a classical example Internal crisis manifestation has assumed an alarming dimension and sophistication which is a source of concern to the security operatives in general and the Army in particular. High level planning, organisation, and tactics as well as the use of arms and explosives are now being employed by rioters. These call for a content review of methods, and relevant laws on the part of the Army in order to be more effective in dealing with future internal operations. Secondly, the availability and use of modern information technologies have literarily brought into our homes events happening around the globe via televisions or satellite Transmissions. The implication is that any internal security operations irrespective of locations can be relayed live into our homes. This automatically calls for more cautions on the part of the Military in general and the Army in particular in internal security operations. The problem of Nigeria's security has for long aroused a lot of interest and concern among Nigerians, professionals and intellectuals. This has resulted in several publications. It is however of interest to note that none of the publications available at the Institute's library has addressed the problem adequately particularly as it affects the Nigerian Army and its operations. Although Alhaji Ahmadu Sheidu of SEC 9 wrote an interesting essay on "The Roles of the Police and the Army in Handling Disturbances in Nigeria", he addressed issues raised purely from the Police point of view and his write up on the Army is superficial and limited. It is against this background that this study has attempted to evaluate the roles of the Nigerian Army In internal security operations with the sole aim of being able to cope with the new dimensions being introduced into riots in Nigeria. The study has benefited from the few available literature and the experience of the author as a commander, staff officer and instructor in training institutions. The Study also benefited from the experience of some serving and retired officers both from the Army and Police Force.
DEMOCRATISATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL: STRATEGIES FOR NIGERIA'S BID FOR A PERMANENT SEAT
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) AKUNWAFOR, G.S.
The United Nations was created in 1945 during the final days of World War II "to maintain international peace and security... to develop friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination and... to achieve international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character". The Charter established six principal organs namely: a Security Council, a General Assembly, a Trusteeship Council, an Economic and Social Council, an international Court of Justice and a Secretariat. Of these, the Security Council, presently composed of five permanent members and ten non permanent members, is the most important and strategic. The five permanent members are the Republic of China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. As the victorious Allied Powers, they were determined in entrenching themselves as the undisputed leaders of the new order by attributing special responsibilities and privileges to themselves in the Charter. The exercise of the veto power is a case in point. As a result, they have continued to control and dominate post war events. Following the growth in membership of the United Nations from fifty one in 1945 to one hundred and eighty-four in 1993, these privileges have come under serious criticism on the grounds that they are undemocratic and anachronistic. They even violate, in essence, the fundamental principle of sovereign equality of States enshrined in Article 2 of the Charter. The call for the democratisation of the UN and, in particular, the Security Council is to make it more representative thereby enhancing its effectiveness, moral authority, legitimacy and credibility. The enlargement of the Council wiil also reflect the realities of the new glohal and reaional power configuration. This is characterised by the rise of two economic giants - Germany and Japan -and the emergence of such regional powers in Africa, Asia and-Latin America as Nigeria, India and Brazil respectively. Nigeria is among the leading countries calling for a more equitable distribution of the Council's membership because the five permanent members will never invite others to join them. It is also interested in occupying the African seat in the Council when this becomes available. Combined forces of history, geo-politics and economics have imposed unique responsibilities on Nigeria, which make this objective a foreign policy imperative. Her vast human and material resources potential, her contributions to the attainment of the principles and purposes of the organisation, her leadership role in Africa qualify her for this position. This study examines the rationale for Nigeria's bid for a seat at the Council and the advantages of such membership. It also examines the envisaged obstacles, both endogenous and exogenous to and strategies for the attainment of this objective which it considers good foreign policy. It also throws some light on Nigeria's state of preparedness to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world, with the re-emergence of a democratic non-racial South Africa. It is basically concerned with Nigeria's practice of multilateral diplomacy; the perception of its increasing role within the international system as the most important black nation and its responsibility to make the blackman's voice heard on issues affecting all mankind. The methodology is an admix of the critical and analytical approaches. It also includes a review of existing literature on the subject, interviews and discussions with individuals in the field of Nigerian foreign policy.
CURTAILING THE MENACE OF SECRET CULTS AND SOCIETIES IN NIGERIAN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) FOLARIN, Susan Aderonke
It is with dismay and great concern that Nigerians have watched the growing prevalence and the menace of secret cults and societies in our tertiary institutions. The academic communities started feeling the presence of these societies from the mid 1970s. Among others were, Pirates, Bucaneers, Yahoo and the very latest down south, Confraternity (bird). The clandestine characters and activities of the societies have continued to change and expand since their first appearances. It is pertinent to state at this juncture that the situation has reached a stage of menace to the communities i.e. campuses and environs where they are operating. Their activities have posed threats to lives and property as well as to discipline in the institutions. There had been violence and casualties as a result of their operations. Innocent students who are non-members are feeling endangered and are calling for protection. For example in a publication, the African Guardian, February 19, 1994, a student's passionate call for rescue from cult, terrorism was reported. It must however be mentioned that there are some institutions which have been able to either supports of prevent the secret societies from operating on their campuses. The implications of this on admission process in tertiary institutions would be dealt with in the course of this work. As this is a contemporary and very topical issue, I believe that researches are still going on as to why this is happening and how the menace can be curtailed. There is a lot of literature on VIOLENCE, STUDENTS UNREST, INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT etc. but the writers have given little or no attention to this particular area of study. The study conducted a survey, identifying some of the institutions in which the secret cults and societies are operating. Interviews were conducted with both students and management of identified/selected institutions and results were analysed. The study also consulted relevant books on sociology, ethics, fraternities and management. The analysis of our findings determined recommendations which the study hopes would be of benefit to Nigeria's higher education system or, in any case, trigger off more researches along the line of this study.
SANITATION PROBLEMS IN NIGERIA: SOME SUGGESTED POLICY OPTIONS
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) AYILLA, JOHN I
This study attempts to discuss the sanitation problems of this country. This is necessitated by the poor sanitary conditions of our environment all over the country as it affects the health status of our people. The area looked into cover housing, water supply and refuse disposal as they affect sanitation. The concern is because these areas are responsible for the primary environmental health problems of the country. In the area of housing, the consequences of inadequacy of houses and poor facilities among other reasons has been noted to be responsible for overcrowding resulting in degrading the environment. Also insufficient ventilation and poor excreta disposal, provide suitable conditions for communicable diseases to flourish. As for water supply, the inadequacy in both quality and quantity results in poor hygienic habits. Provision of adequate water supply has been identified to be cost intensive. The inability of Government to provide enough funding suggests a need for consumers to pay proper charges for water supply. With respect to refuse disposal, it was noted that the generation of refuse has by far surpassed the disposal efforts. The Local Government charged with this responsibility is found to be incapable of financing this sector. A way out of this predicament is the need for provision of adequate houses with suitable facilities, partial commercialization of water supply while refuse disposal is fully commercialised. Also the re-introduction of sanitary inspectors to re-enforce the existing FEPA environmental Laws while active programme of aawareness of clean environment should be embarked upon.
PRIMARY HEALTH CARE IN KANO STATE: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PROBLEMS
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) Sanda, Mohammed
An international conference was convened in 1978 in Alma Ata in the former Soviet Union to discuss health and how to achieve it within the shortest possible time, Health as defined by the WHO is "a state of complete physical, mental and psychological well-being". This was possible to attain and at Alma Ata the year 2000 was set as a target date. A theme was agreed upon: "Health for All by the Year 2000." To achieve this laudable objective a means had to be found. Providing basic health needs to the world population was found to be the most practical way of achieving the goal. Primary Health care was conceived as the vehicle to achieve "Health for All by the Year 2000." The contributions of Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti at the conference had an influence on the outcome of the Alma Ata meeting and this probably explains why the Nigerian National Health Policy made Primary Health care a centre-piece. Health care delivery is a concurrent issue in the Nigerian Constitution. Primary Health care is to be the responsibility of the local governments with inputs from the state and federal governments. With financial and technical input by foreign donor organisations namely the UNICEF, WHO, Fathfinder and such other organisations, the federal government embarked on the programme and the local governments were the recipients and ultimately the implementers. The Primary Health care programmes were developed gradually e.g EPI, ORT, CCD, family Health, and HIEC to mention but a few. Kano State through years of experience in implementating the programmes was able to develop some local programmes e.g ILAMI. This essay is intended to define Primary Health care as a concept and means of achieving "Health for All by the Year 2000" and to take a look at what has been achieved in Kano. It also intends to take a cursory look at the problems the state faced or is still facing in implementing the programme with a view to putting forward suggestions/recommendations for solving the problems. The materials for this write up are intended to come from the authors experience as a Zonal Director, Executive Secretary, Health Services Management Board, Director General, Kano State Ministry of Health and Head of Department of surgery of the premier hospital of the state with an average out-patients turn over of 3,500 per day. I intend to draw from the huge experience of the staff of the Kano State Ministry of Health. particularly the most able Director, PHC department and the field staff who directly translate the intentions of the PHC policy into practice. The Federal Ministry of Health and foreign donor agencies have very useful data and I intend to search their archives and libraries in an effort to bring to light the achievements and problems as experienced by Kano State. It is hoped that the suggestion to be put forward will help the policy makers and implementers of PHC to overcome the identified problems. It is intended to be yet another contribution towards attaining the so much cherished "Health for All by the year 2000".
THE MEDIA AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT — AN APPRAISAL OF THE ROLE OF THE MEDIA IN RAISING NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND PROMOTING NATIONAL UNITY.
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) ANYAKORA, GEORGE
There has been in our country, glaring misunderstanding existing between the media and the practitioners on one hand; the government and the society at large on the other hand. This is more often than not, as a result of the out-puts of the media while fulfilling their traditional role of informing, educating and entertaining. It is not even surprising that sometimes, the practitioners disagree among themselves on their own out-puts through different media of mass communications, with each side analysing media content on a given situation based on own perspective and concept. These trends have culminated in the incessant arrests, detention and prosecution of the practitioners. The trends have also resulted in the closures and proscriptions of some media, seizure of publications, civil and criminal litigations. The choice of this subject therefore, is to examine and articulate media role in promoting oneness in our plural and secular society and complimenting the efforts of the governments at all levels in their development consciousness. The five-chapter essay will in the first Chapter define and categorise different media of mass communication in the past, and present day Nigeria; actors in the process of mass communication and organisations in the media. The second Chapter will deal with the evolution of the Nigerian media, development problems and prospects, laws on the establishment of the media, ownership structure and laws guiding media practice. Chapter Three will discuss the media and National Development using Nigeria as a case study. In the Chapter, deliberate attempts would be made to state in context, what the media have or have not achieved. It will put in focus the impact of the Nigerian media on the citizenry. Strategy for media usage to achieve national unity and cohesion will be discussed in Chapter Four. Definitely, the expectations of the masses would be examined as well as ways and means of resolving the present conflict of confidence existing among the actors in communication process. The essay will finally in Chapter Five offer some suggestions and recommendations for lasting and enduring amity between the governor, the governed and the media. It is hoped that at the end of this discourse, the reader will find it not only useful but would have been exposed to the available role of the media in the Nigerian polity. The essay will constitute partly, recollections from experiences while the rest will embody data collections from text books, lecture texts, seminars and symposia papers, newspapers, magazines and other periodicals.
ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS MARKETING IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY: POLICIES AND STRATEGIES FOR NIGERIA
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) Jani, Ibrahim A.
The international petroleum industry in the last decade can best be described as,volatile and unstable. For countries like Nigeria that are dependent on oil (a non-renewable energy source) this portends grave economic and social consequences if the trend continues. Increase in the purchasing power as well as the substantial population explosion coupled with the growth of the domestic economy has resulted in high consumption of petroleum products. Local consumption of the crude oil equivalent has become significant when compared to the country's OPEC production quota - a disturbing development when viewed against a backdrop of government pricing policy. Great emphasis has been placed on the upstream end of the industry considering its revenue implications for the country. Marketing of petroleum products was therefore left largely to ad-hoc planning with a. central focus of meeting domestic demand. Consequently the inter-play between supply, demand and distribution has resulted in accute shortages of petroleum products - ironical for a major petroleum exporting country. This study will seek to initiate policies and strategies governing petroleum products marketing with a view to assigning developmental roles to the oil marketing companies. Reduction in consumption by optimising product mix and conditional substitution of alternative energy sources will form part of the framework. The focus of the study will be on review of production, pricing and distribution policies of NNPC, the marketing companies, the Petroleum Inspectorate and the consumers of petroleum products. Petroleum products for the purpose of this study will be limited to those whose consumption is substantial and for which there are infrastructural facilities (available or proposed) to produce locally. Literature on the subject are restrictive to pronouncements and proposals made in various memoranda and submissions of major players in the industry. Research methodology will involve obtaining these materials, as well as interviewing experts who are experienced and knowledgeable in the subject with a view to developing an acceptable and reasonably practical policy and strategy model.
THE GROWTH AND DECLINE OF NIGERIA IRON-STEEL COMPANIES:A CASE STUDY OF DELTA STEEL COMPANY
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30)
The development of iron and steel industry in Nigeria has been gripped in a crisis that has challenged its effective functioning. Consequently, there has been gloom and growth retardation in the industry. This has naturally, led to public outcries and criticisms, signifying the fact that all was not well in this important public sector industry. Knowing fully well the importance of the industry in the context of national development, Government should not watch the industry degenerate further. It is therefore certainly not in the national interest to allow the malaise in the industry to continue. There is the need for an appraisal of the objectives setting up the industry and it is from this perspective that this study has approached the iron and steel development in Nigeria. Chapter One deals with the introduction, the objectives of iron and steel development in Nigeria and the shortcomings in the national steel policy. Chapter two covers the historical background, the profile of steel companies, raw material base for the domestic steel industry and the applications of steel. Chapter Three describes the growth, size of market, operations, appraisal of the production output of Jos Steel Rolling Company, the decline/constrain factors affecting the production outputs of the public sector iron and steel companies. Chapter Four presents a case study of the Delta Steel Company, its background history, corporate objectives, installed capacity, main facilities, production review, achievements of DSC and problems. Chapter Five will treat the summary, conclusion and the recommendations. discovered in the industry
THE ROLE OF NIGERIA POLICE FORCE IN NATIONAL ELECTIONS 1964 - 1993.
(National Institute, 1994-11-30) ABUBAKAR, ABDULMUMINI
One major problem that has affected Nigeria since independence is political instability arising from frequent changes of governments in the country. This has made it difficult for the country to evolve a sound democratic culture which could facilitate conducting free and fair elections at the end of each government's tenure of office. The stiff competition for elective offices between political parties centre around power and privilege. No wonder many politicians in Nigeria take elections as a do or die affair in which they introduce various dishonest practices in order to win. Viewed against this background, the role of the Nigeria Police, as the agency established by law to ensure law and order, as well as protect life and property in society extends into national elections, more so than any other agency or institution. This role implies that the Police- must ensure that law and order are maintained during electioneering campaigns, and during the voting periods. It also implies that the Police must provide security for the distribution of election materials to polling booths and collating centres, as well as escort of personnel carrying results from one centre to another. The object of this paper is to examine the performance of the Nigeria Police Force during the national elections of 1964 - 1992/93. Particular attention is devoted to the successes and failures achieved by the Force, and those factors that enhanced or hindered effective and efficient performance of the Force during elections. Information for the essay was obtained from Police Force Headquarters, Lagos, existing publications, conference papers, newspapers and magazine articles from the libraries of the Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, and elsewhere. The author also relied substantially on his personal experience and observations spanning over thirty two years in policing in Nigeria.
NIGERIAN DEFENCE POLICY IN A WORLD WITH ONE SUPER POWER: WHAT OPTIONS TO FOLLOW
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30)
Nigeria's defence policy is seldom a subject of national debate by civilians. Apart from few academicians, mostly associated with specific government institutions National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (N.I.P.S.S.) Kuru, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (N.I.I.A.) Lagos, National Institute for Social and Economic Research (N.I.S.E.R) Ibadan, Command and Staff College (C.S.C.) Jaji, scholars have generally avoided discussing Nigeria's defence policy. The debate has largely been left to senior and top ranking military officers in Nigeria. The reasons for this neglect of a very important aspect of our national life are not necessary at this point. The debate on Nigeria's defence policy has always been in piecemeal concentrating on issues of procurement and armament, the size of defence budget, the armed forces structure, etc. Little attention has been given to the strategic doctrines inplicit in Nigeria's defence policy, which serves as the servant of Nigeria's foreign policy. This project will attempt to examine the foundations and the bias implicit in Nigeria's defence policy between 1960 and 1989. This was the period of the cold war and it is believed that the cold war between the super powers was a variable in Nigeria's defence planning. The project will continue by analysing some of the threats Nigeria perceived during the era of the cold war. The project will also highlight issues surrounding the cold war, the demise of the U.S.S.R. and Eastern Europe, the emergence of the U.S. as the only super power and its likely consequences. It is hoped that most of the external threats Nigeria perceived during the era of the cold war no longer exist, thereby creating an opportunity for a review of our defence policy. The project will try some recommendations for a credible defence policy for Nigeria in the post cold war era.
ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA: SELECTED CASE STUDIES
(The National Institute, 1994-11-30) Ebhaleme, Peter O.
Fundamental Human Rights as enshrined in a nation's States Constitution, whether written or non-written is an inalienable right. This convention has been codified in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights which all nation's States ascribe to. In Nigeria, the Fundamental Human Rights as protected under Chapter IV of the 1979 Constitution are examples of express constitutional rights. In the administration of justice in the Armed Forces, the legal position of a soldier can best be described as an enigma. The dual status of a soldier makes him first and foremost as a citizen bound by the laws of the land and secondly by the doctrine of "Compact" subject to military law; and cannot appeal to Civil Courts to rescue him from his compact. The Nigerian Armed Forces which has metamorphosed from a modest combat force with recruit intake pegged at the "First School Leaving Certificate" and sometimes illiterates, into a combat ready force with recruit intake enhanced to the General Certificate of Education level and above. It is estimated that there are more than three thousand Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO's) in the Armed Forces who are graduates of various universities either sponsored by the Services or self sponsored. These crop of articulate soldiers are very conscious of their rights as distinct from their predecessors who invariably could not read and write. It is, therefore, the task of the Military Commander to strike a balance between maintaining the finesse of military discipline and upholding the soldiers rights within the confines of the law in the administration of justice. The purpose of this study is to critically examine the administration of justice as practiced in the Nigerian Armed Forces. The study examines in some descriptive detail the background of the Nigerian Armed Forces with a view to tracing the source of its laws and legitimacy. The supremacy of the 1979 Constitution as amended by Decree 1 of 1984, will be discussed with specific reference to fundamental human rights. The judicial apparatus for maintaining discipline such as summary trials and Military Trials will be extensively discussed. The Military Courts (Special Powers) Decree No. 23 of 1984, as amended will be examined with the attendant "Ouster Clauses". The study will focus on selected case studies with a view to examining the administration of justice as practiced in the Nigerian Armed Forces. The methodology adopted for this work is all-embracing comprehensive research into military law, books (local and foreign), interviews and discussions with colleagues and Justice Department of the Ministry of Defence.

Browse

Browsing Individual Essays: Individual Research Projects(IRP) by Issue Date