Fountain University Journal of Arts and Humanities
DISCOURSE AND PERSUASIVE STRATEGIES IN PRESIDENT TINUBU’S 2025 INDEPENCE DAY SPEECH ON NIGERIA’S 65TH ANNIVERSARY
Independence Day speeches are a form of political discourse that symbolize a country’s sovereignty and national identity. While previous linguistic studies have explored various aspects of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s speeches, including rhetorical strategies, ideologies, and linguistic politeness, there is a gap in research on discourse and persuasive strategies in his Independence Day speech. Therefore, this study addresses this gap by examining President Tinubu’s 2025 Independence Day Speech, marking Nigeria’s 65th Anniversary, focusing on how discourse and persuasive strategies shape audience engagement and influence. Adopting Norman Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), complemented by Teun van Dijk’s socio-cognitive theory and Ruth Wodak’s discourse-historical approach, this study descriptively analyzes the speech sourced from Premium Times’ website. The analysis reveals six dominant strategies: deontic/epistemic modality, inclusive language, deictic, metaphorical framing, evidentility, and constructive sequencing. These strategies collectively enhance the speech’s linguistic and persuasive power, enabling Tinubu to convey certainty, foster unity, bridge gaps between government and citizens, and frame challenges as collective opportunities for growth. The findings underscore the potency of rhetorical choices in political discourse, offering insights into the interplay of language, power, and ideology in shaping national narratives.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fountain University Journal of Arts and Humanities
Colonialism, Land Commercialisation and its Implications for Access and Usage: A study in Historical Sociology
<table class="MsoTable15Plain2" style="width: 7.25in; margin-left: -31.5pt; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-themetint: 128; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-bottom-themetint: 128; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" border="1" width="1044" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <td style="width: 405.0pt; border-top: solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-themetint: 128; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-bottom-themetint: 128; border-right: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="810"> This article examines the changing land tenure systems and housing development in Ibadan from the precolonial to the postcolonial period. It aims to shed light on the historical transformations that have occurred in land ownership and administrations, as well as the consequences for housing development. The paper draws insight from Demsetz’s evolutionary theory of property rights which explains the process of transition of communal land tenure to modern property rights system where titling is the main feature of land ownership. With the aid of multiple-sourced data such as review of seminar works, archival documents and in-depth interviews (with selected traditional masons, known as oloomo in local parlance) the authors present a reconstruction of the process of transformation of land tenure systems and housing development in Ibadan. The paper found that transformation of land ownership systems from community ownership to modern property right has been a convoluted journey, shaped by historical, political, and socio-economic factors. Given the importance of land to housing, the paper recommends that there is a need to strike a balance between private property rights and communal land management. This may entail recognizing the importance of traditional land tenure practices while also establishing clear legal frameworks that protect individual ownership rights and promote sustainable housing development. Hence, as our society continues to grapple with land issues, it is imperative to prioritize equitable access, tenure security, and the incorporation of traditional practices in order to foster a more just and access for all.
Digital Stylistics and Identity Construction: A Stylistic Analysis of Micro‑Narratives On X (Twitter) In Nigerian Digital Discourse
<table class="MsoTable15Plain2" style="width: 7.25in; margin-left: -31.5pt; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-themetint: 128; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-bottom-themetint: 128; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" border="1" width="1044" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <td style="width: 405.0pt; border-top: solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-themetint: 128; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-bottom-themetint: 128; border-right: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="810"> This study examines how stylistic strategies shape identity construction and emotional expression in Nigerian micro-narratives on X (Twitter), foregrounding the interplay between language, culture, and digital communication. Given social media’s role embedded in everyday interaction and self-presentation in Nigeria, this study investigates how linguistic and multimodal resources operate within character-limited narrative forms (Igboanusi, 2002; Adegbija, 2004). Adeola (2020), Adegbija (2004), Igboanusi, (2002), among other scholars posit that social media users utilise the creative expressiveness found in styles to criticise governance, facilitate social movements and construct inter-generational identities but have not specifically examined micronarratives on X in Nigerian digital discourse; the gap that this study aims to address. Using a qualitative, multimodal stylistic approach, this article analyses one hundred purposively sampled Nigerian micro-narratives, focusing on lexical choice, figurative language, punctuation, narrative perspective, code-mixing, emojis and hashtags. Findings show that identity is enacted through deliberate lexical selection, code-mixing involving Nigerian Pidgin and indigenous languages, and the deployment of multimodal symbols, which allow complex meaning-making despite brevity constraints (Elugbe & Omamor, 1991; Banjo, 1996). On the other hand, emotional expression is stylised through metaphor, hyperbole, orthographic deviation, prosodic elongation, and visual cues like emojis, which index both collective and individual affective stances in culturally situated ways (Page, 2012; Zappavigna, 2018). The study argues that stylistic resources are creatively exploited by users to negotiate social identities, alignments, and emotional experiences in digital spaces. It concludes that digital discourse offers fertile ground for extending the scope of stylistics beyond traditional literary texts.
THE INFLUENCE OF JIHAD ON THE PLEBISCITE OF NORTHERN CAMEROONS, 1945-1961
<table class="MsoTable15Plain2" style="width: 7.25in; margin-left: -31.5pt; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-themetint: 128; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-bottom-themetint: 128; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" border="1" width="1044" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <td style="width: 405.0pt; border-top: solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: text1; mso-border-top-themetint: 128; border-left: none; border-bottom: solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: text1; mso-border-bottom-themetint: 128; border-right: none; mso-border-top-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #7F7F7F .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;" valign="top" width="810"> This article examines the Influence of Jihad during the plebiscite, which was sponsored by the United Nations, under the British mandate for the part of the Northern section of the former British-Cameroons, otherwise known as the former United Nations trust territory. It was once a catalogue of slaves for the Fulani and the Kanuri rulers of the trust territory, perhaps, except for the Kanuri Empire of the Dikwa emirate. Similarly, it was a German Protectorate; later transformed into a League of Nations mandate; furthermore, hitherto metamorphosed, turned out to be a United Nations trust territory, before it was finally unified with Northern Nigeria and part of the Federation of Nigeria in 1961. This paper finds that the influence of 19th-century Jihad had a very serious repercussion on the unification process, without which it would have been rather difficult in a region where most of the people remained non-Muslims. Undoubtedly, before the plebiscite, almost all the rulers of the territory accepted Islam and continued to spread their new faith, the result of which forced the minority ethnic extraction to escape the jihad for fear of being involved in the jihad, or both, thereby restricting themselves to the mountain-top. This research relies on both primary and secondary resources; the primary sources include documents, files, annual reports, archival materials, and interviews. While the secondary sources are books, chapters in books, thesis /dissertations, Articles, conference papers, and internet materials.
Keywords: Jihad, Unification, Northern Cameroons, Nigeria, United Nations.
Intra-Religious Relations and Social Media–Driven Conflicts among Selected Islamic Groups and Christian Denominations in Osun State, Nigeria
Nigerians attach so much importance to religion. In the light of the secular status of the country, there is so much emotional and spiritual attachment to faith adherence. Religion is highly inflammable with lots of destructive tendencies. Divergence in doctrinal and theological leanings is getting stronger by the day among same faith adherents and people from other faiths. It is a commonplace knowledge in social media recently for faithful of same religions to openly criticize certain doctrines and practices therein. This is not as much as doing it to other religions. Despite the avalanche of studies on religion, literature has been oblivious of intra and inter group religious conflict. Apart from personal injuries suffered in the criticism, it is as well capable of disturbing social harmony and peace currently being enjoyed in religious atmosphere in the country. It robbed on the integrity of famous preachers. This study was anchored on conflict theory of Simmel. The research design was exploratory. Qualitative data were purposely generated from print and electronic media (social and traditional). This was backed up by Key informant interviews (KIIs) and In-depth interviews (IDIs) generated through both Islamic and Christian preachers and worshippers in Osogbo, Iwo and Ikirun in Osun State. Fame seeking, misinterpretation and ignorance of the scripture were some of the reasons deduced. The study recommends the establishment of informal interdenominational regulatory system. Private ownership and commercialization of worship centres be discouraged. On the other hand, government should respect the secularity of Nigeria as enshrined in the constitution.
Deletion, Coalescence and Denasalization in Yoruba Personal Names: A Lexical Phonology Analysis
Yoruba personal names have long been discussed in linguistic literature. The majority of these works focus on the sociolinguistic and pragmatic essence of Yoruba personal names, with little attention paid to the interaction of sounds when they appear together in words or across morphemes. This study examines the processes of deletion, coalescence, and denasalization in Yoruba personal names. The study's objectives are to (i) investigate Yoruba personal naming practice, (ii) identify factors or methods for selecting personal names in Yoruba, (iii) investigate the interaction of morphology and phonology in Yoruba personal name's; and (iv) analyse the morphophonemic alternation in Yoruba personal names. Data were gathered from previous works on Yoruba Personal Names (YPNs), structured oral interview and participant observation. Lexical Phonology (LP) was used as the theoretical tool. LP uses a set of underlying representations of morphemes and convert them to their surface forms by passing through a series of phonological rules. Findings from the study reveal that both phonology and morphology connect in the formation of personal names in Yoruba language. The result of the study shows that vowel deletion, denasalization, and coalescence are prominent morphophonemic processes in the creation of YPNs. In conclusion, it was observed that morphophonemic processes play a crucial role in the derivation of personal names in Yoruba language as it helps second language learners to understand the intricacies of sounds joined together to form words in the language.
Yoruba Personal Names, Deletion, Coalescence, Denasalization, Morphophonology
التناص مع القرآن الكريم في شعر يعقوب بَابَا المُوبَوِيُّ: دراسة لنماذج مختارةٌ
المستخلص: تهدف المقالة إلى كشف الغطاء عن دور التناص وإبراز قدرة الشاعر الْمُوبَوِيّ في استلهام النص القرآن الكريم باعتباره نصاً غائباً واستحضاره في هذا العمل الإبداعي المسمى بالتناص، بغية إلقاء الضوء عن مدى تفاعل الشاعر الْمُوبَوِيّ في استخدام معاني القرآن وألفاظه، واستعمالهما لخدمة غرضه الشعري، واستفادته من النصوص القرآنية الغائبة بما فيها من الآيات القرآنية وغيرها من النصوص. وتتمثل أهمية المقالة في إخراج ما يمتاز به نتاج الشاعر الُموبَوِيّ من استلهام النصوص القرآنية الغائبة، اجتراراً، وامتصاصاً أو تحويراً، عند إظهار مدى أخذ الشاعر من النصوص الأخرى. وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن النص المدروس يمثل تراكمية النصوص. فما أنماط التناص الواردة في نتاج الشاعر؟ وكيف أسهمت النصوص الغائبة في تشكيل النص الحاضر؟ وما دوره في نقل الرسالة إلى المتلقي؟ وقد نهجت المقالة المنهج الوصفي لإنجاز هذه الدراسة. الكلمات المفتاحية: التناص ، القرآن، الشعر.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LOCAL TROUBLES: NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA
Local Government represents the magnificent edifice upon which state and central tiers of administration are built upon. It proximity to local dwellers makes it the most important level of government readily available to the indigenes in their respective localities . The study examined the deluge of local troubles afflicting local governance across regions in Nigeria in an overview manner. The study is premised on the Localist theory Framework, adopted a Library approach, drawing data from secondary sources. It identifies key challenges facing local governments, including leadership deficit, low revenue base, corruption, autonomous crises, neglect of border communities, and lack of initiatives. The study recommends intentional governance and allied measures to address these challenges, emphasizing their importance in resolving local troubles. By highlighting these issues, the study provides valuable insights into the complexities of local governance in Nigeria, underscoring the need for effective leadership, accountability, and strategic initiatives to drive development and improve the lives of citizens. The findings and recommendations of this study have significant implications for policy and practice, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding of local governance challenges and the importance of context-specific solutions. The study's focus on intentional governance offers a promising approach to addressing the entrenched challenges facing local governments in Nigeria. Overall, the study contributes to the ongoing discourse on local governance and development in Nigeria.
TEACHERS' PERCEPTION OF THE USE OF AI TOOLS IN THE TEACHING OF YORUBA GRAMMAR IN SAGAMU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OGUN STATE
ABSTRACT This study investigated teachers' perceptions of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) tools in teaching Yoruba grammar within secondary schools in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. As digital technologies increasingly permeate educational settings, understanding educators' attitudes toward AI-assisted language instruction becomes crucial, particularly for indigenous African languages like Yoruba that face challenges in digital representation and pedagogical innovation. The research employed a descriptive survey design, sampling 120 Yoruba language teachers across public and private secondary schools in Sagamu LGA. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews exploring teachers' awareness of AI tools, their perceived benefits and challenges, attitudes toward technology integration, and willingness to adopt AI-enhanced instructional methods for grammar teaching. Findings revealed that while teachers acknowledged potential benefits of AI tools—including personalized learning experiences, immediate feedback mechanisms, and enhanced student engagement—significant barriers existed, including limited access to technology infrastructure, inadequate training in digital pedagogical approaches, and concerns about cultural appropriateness of AI systems for Yoruba language instruction. The study concludes that successful integration of AI tools in Yoruba grammar teaching requires comprehensive professional development programs, improved technological infrastructure, and development of culturally responsive AI applications that preserve the linguistic and cultural integrity of Yoruba language education. Recommendations are provided for educational policymakers, school administrators, and technology developers to support effective AI adoption in indigenous language pedagogy.
A Stylistic Analysis of the Metaphor of ‘Night’ In Wole Soyinka’s Night
ABSTRACT This study presents a stylistic analysis of the metaphor of ‘night’ in Wole Soyinka’s poem Night, exploring its linguistic and literary significance. Adopting a stylistic approach, the paper examines how Soyinka employs the metaphor of night to convey complex themes of mystery, transcendence, and the interplay between light and darkness. Through a close reading of the poem, the study investigates the poet’s use of diction, imagery, and syntactic structures to construct a multifaceted representation of night as both a physical and metaphysical entity. The analysis reveals that night, in Soyinka’s poetic vision, functions as a symbol of both creative inspiration and existential uncertainty, reflecting the poet’s engagement with African cosmology and philosophical thought. Furthermore, the paper discusses the implications of this metaphor for a broader understanding of Soyinka’s poetic style, highlighting his intricate use of language to evoke deep emotional and intellectual responses. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on Soyinka’s poetry and demonstrate the richness of metaphor as a stylistic device in African literature.
Discursive Analysis of the Use of Cohesive Devices in the Written and Spoken Texts of Selected Secondary School Students in Oyo State
ABSTRACT Cohesion, the semantic and grammatical interconnectedness of text, plays a fundamental role in effective communication. While previous studies have examined cohesion and its types in students’ academic writing, limited attention has been given to the contextual appropriateness of cohesive devices in their texts. This study therefore investigates common cohesive devices in the written and spoken texts of secondary school students, with a focus on their contextual appropriateness and discourse relevance. Halliday and Hasan’s cohesion model served as the study’s framework. A survey research design was adopted, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were drawn from students’ essays and debates. Sixty students from different schools in a peri-urban area (Iseyin) in Oyo State produced 400-word essays and delivered debate presentations on the same topic, which were audio-recorded and later transcribed. Analysis followed Halliday and Hasan’s classification of cohesion. Lexical ties emerged as the most prominent cohesive strategy in both written and spoken texts. However, students relied heavily on lexical repetition while underusing other lexical strategies such as synonyms and collocation. Substitution was absent in written texts but appeared in the oral texts, which exhibited a wider range of cohesive devices including ellipsis, reference, conjunctions, and lexical cohesion. Although some students demonstrated effective use of cohesion, others struggled, particularly with referential devices, ambiguous pronouns, and excessive transitional markers. Three discourse functions of cohesion were identified: transitory extension (achieved through additive conjunctions), topicalisation (via lexical ties, deixis, and parallelism), and thematic shift (through adversative conjunctions and rhetorical questions). Overall, English as a Second Language learners showed stronger use of cohesive devices in written communication than in spoken communication.
Grammar, Language, Learning, Roles, Teaching
FACTORS INHIBITING THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF FRENCH IN NIGERIA: THE CROSS CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE
French language has been in existence as far back as the 6th Century. It is ancient as the world itself. The language is foreign, widely accepted and spoken by native speakers and foreigners all over the globe. French is a beautiful language, well loved by all races. There is no continent in the world where its speakers cannot be found, therefore, the importance of French language as a medium of communication cannot be over emphasized. Based on this, globalization has turned the entire world into a global village through scientific and technological innovations which are capable of enhancing the teaching and learning of French. Besides, African culture is dynamic, ever-changing and ready to accommodate foreign cultures. Previous studies on challenges and opportunities of globalization and African culture have been carried out extensively but with little attention paid to their impacts on the teaching and learning of French as a second official language in Nigeria. This paper is therefore designed to examine their relevance on French language with a view to determining future prospects on Nigerian youths. The study adopts cultural hybridity as a theoretical framework that helps to understand the functional nature of globalization and African culture. It also adopts close reading techniques as a methodology which gives us the opportunity to examine critically the essence of cross-cultural interactions in global world. This presentation examines the concept of globalization and African culture. It discusses the importance of French language. It analyses the positive and negative impact of globalization on African culture in teaching and learning of French as a second official language in Nigeria. Finally, it states the factors militating against the growth of French in Nigeria and the practical solution to its growth. The paper concludes that the importance of French cannot be over emphasised given the large number of speakers globally and also considering its growing impacts on education, culture & civilization & science & technology.
Spirituality and Governance: The Interplay between Religious Leaders and Governance
This study is an examination of the multifaceted relationship between spirituality and governance with a focus on how spiritual values and religious leadership can shape political decision processes. The paper tries to look at the roles of religious scholars and leaders in influencing government policies, political systems, and societal values, with a view to determining the degree to which religiosity can stimulate the emergence of robust governance. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study analyzes how religious leaders can leverage on their influence to impact spiritual development, social justice and enrich governance and decision-making. It also highlights the effective means of fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate political system by analyzing the intersection of faith and policy. It is discovered from this study that religion and politics, as presently practiced by political gladiators, are inconsistent with the principle of good governance and social justice in Islam.
Governance, Politics, Religious scholars, Social justice, Spirituality.
L’ANALYSE PRAGMATIQUE DE LA DÉCADENCE MORALE Ȧ TRAVERS‘’SOAPY’’ DE AZEEZ FASHOLA (NAIRA MARLEY)
La musique, en tant que phénomène mondial, existe dans toutes les sociétés, bien que son contenu et sa forme varient d’une société à l’autre. Objectivement, les paroles et l'interprétation de la musique révèlent l'attitude individuelle et communautaire d’un peuple. La musique est la vie, car l’homme ne peut s’en passer dans son quotidien ; elle est utilisée pour éduquer, divertir, informer, motiver, etc. Ainsi, la musique, en tant qu’ une invention socioculturelle, crée un sentiment d’émotion, de force et d’accomplissement spirituel. La musique occidentale, par exemple, puise ses racines dans la tradition de l’Occident, tout comme la musique africaine est enracinée dans la tradition de l’Afrique. Néanmoins, ses fonctions à travers le monde sont universelles. Cette étude examine l’influence de la musique et de ses paroles sur le développement moral et de la personnalité des auditeurs et du public. Elle explore les conséquences des paroles extravagantes et dégradantes sur le public, ainsi que leur contribution au désordre et au chaos parmi les jeunes. La moralité s’affaiblit jour après jour dans la société et les normes sont de plus en plus envahies et violées, notamment par les jeunes. L’anomie est devenue la norme et la société est confrontée à un déclin axiologique. En utilisant la théorie des actes de langage et la pragmatique, cette étude analyse les paroles de la chanson intitulée «soapy » du chanteur et auteur-compositeur nigérian en pleine ascension, Azeez Fashola (plus connu sous le nom de Naira Marley). Cette étude examine les conséquences morales de telles paroles sur les auditeurs ainsi que leurs effets globaux sur la société. Les résultats montrent que les paroles sélectionnées affectent fortement — et négativement — le développement moral et personnel des auditeurs et contribuent également à l’agitation au sein de la société. Par conséquent, l’étude propose des moyens de prévenir ou de contrôler les effets négatifs de telles paroles dégradantes sur les individus et la société dans son ensemble.
Infusing Indigenous Artistic Practices into Cultural and Creative Arts Curriculum for Environmental and Socio-Economic Sustainability in Nigeria
This paper examines the integration of indigenous artistic practices into Nigeria’s Cultural and Creative Arts (CCA) curriculum as a pathway to environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Drawing on curriculum theory, indigenous knowledge systems, and cultural sustainability frameworks, the study synthesizes Nigerian and international scholarship to explore the relevance of weaving, pottery, beadwork, dyeing, carving, and performance arts in contemporary education. The analysis identifies pedagogical approaches such as experiential learning, activity-based instruction, and community–school partnerships that can foster environmental stewardship, entrepreneurial skills, and cultural preservation. It also highlights systemic challenges, including limited teacher capacity, policy gaps, and inadequate funding. Recommendations include strengthening teacher training on indigenous arts pedagogy, embedding sustainability objectives in curriculum design, and fostering collaborations between the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), artists, and local communities. The paper argues that a culturally responsive, sustainability-oriented CCA curriculum can equip learners with skills for environmental care, economic self-reliance, and cultural identity maintenance.
Beyond Quoting the Ancients: Integrating Critical Baḥth into Naql-Based Research in Islamic Studies
Islamic Studies has long been characterized by a deep reverence for naql—the faithful transmission of Qurʾānic teachings, Prophetic traditions, and classical scholarly opinions. While this commitment to preservation safeguards the integrity of revelation, it often results in research that privileges compilation and citation over analytical discovery. This study, titled “Beyond Quoting the Ancients: Integrating Critical Baḥth into Naql-Based Research,” investigates how the dominance of naql in Islamic scholarship has shaped research practices and limited methodological innovation within Nigerian universities. Using a mixed-method research design, the study combined quantitative surveys, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis of undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations in the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan. The data were analyzed thematically and statistically to identify trends in students’ understanding and application of naql and baḥth, as well as the implications for employability and academic relevance. Findings reveal that over two-thirds of research projects are naql-based, with minimal integration of analytical or empirical tools. While naql remains essential for preserving authenticity, its dominance constrains intellectual creativity and limits the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. The paper draws on classical Islamic epistemology and modern research theory to propose a balanced framework that integrates baḥth—critical investigation—into naql-based methodologies. It argues that embedding hypothesis-driven inquiry, interdisciplinary perspectives, and digital humanities tools can revitalize Islamic Studies research without compromising its textual and spiritual foundations. By reuniting transmission with investigation, Islamic scholarship can reclaim the spirit of ijtihād and position itself as both authentic and relevant in addressing contemporary intellectual and societal challenges.
Unit and Mod Choices in 2022 Popular Slogans in Nigeria: A Systemic Functional Analysis
This work explored SFG features (the structural and interpersonal features) of popular Nigerian language (slang) in 2022. The broad aim was to discover the predominant ideas and moods utilized by way of the stylistic and communicative patterns which determine the slang usage in the Nigerian language. Recent and widely circulated slang words were purposively selected from Tribune Online and Channels Television. SFG categories of unit and mood were employed to analyze the slangs so as to reveal their structural forms and functional roles. The results show that all the four units of analysis (word, phrase, clause, and sentence) were identified with the sentence structures predominating and declarative, imperative, and exclamatory mood types being the most frequent ones. Instances of interrogatives were less, pointing to a style that favoured assertive and performative expressions over dialogic ones. The research finds that Nigerian slang depends on brevity, directness, and performativity for the slangs to become not only recognizable catchphrases that instil identity, co-operation, and common cultural experience but also to be used repeatedly.
Unit, Mood, Slogans, Systemic, Functional
Poverty Alleviation Among Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Countries: The Role of Crowd-Humanitarian Fund
Poverty remains a central theme in academic discourse, particularly in countries with limited economic viability. It is also one of the major issues identified to be strongly linked with global wealth inequality. Among OIC countries, poverty underscores a major socio-economic phenomenon that policy makers and scholars continue to grapple with. This is as a result of its multidimensional nature and its possible consequences on the less-privileged in particular and humanity in general. More than that, its associated effects are expected to vary spatially across socio-economic groups within and among countries of the world. This paper therefore investigates poverty from various standpoints, particularly as related to members of OIC countries. It further highlights various types of crowdfunding as instrument to tackle socio-economic issues. The study also interrogates how crowd-humanitarian funds can be adopted as a unique global strategy and mechanism to address poverty. The study adopts a qualitative research strategy with a strong reliance on secondary data. Scholarly works, reports and related academic literature are employed to fulfil its objectives The paper posits that crowd-humanitarian funds, if harnessed, can significantly reduce poverty among the less-privileged citizens in Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries. Achieving these outcomes holistically requires the full support of the state alongside other key actors in the economy. OIC governments must invest in educational initiatives to raise awareness about the potentials of crowdfunding for poverty alleviation. Policymakers should also design strategies and frameworks that mobilize both human and material resources toward this objective. Without such institutional backing, large socio-economic gaps could persist, leading to instability and unpredictable consequences between and among nations.
Poverty, crowdfunding, less-privileged, OIC countries, humanitarian fund
Exploring The Uses of Arabic Language in Nigeria Broadcast Media:Prospects and Challenges.
Abstract: This study investigates the impact and challenges of the Arabic language in Nigeria broadcast media in southwestern Nigeria. This language is historically linked to Islamic scholarship and religious practices from the time immemorial in this part of the country. It continues to hold cultural and religious significance, particularly among Muslim communities. However, its role in broadcast media is not usually heartened due to competition with dominant languages like English and Yoruba. This research examines the presence of Arabic language in various media platforms, including radio, television, social media, and religious broadcasts, also analyzing its influence on religious discourse, education, and cultural preservation. The study also explores the tenacity of the language as a world-rated language of communication, but with the limited media professionals that possessed the required proficiency in Arabic in this region. Descriptive and Analytical method would be implored in giving needed analysis in justifying the available facts. Findings reveal that while Arabic remains a key medium for religious and educational purposes, its broader integration into broadcast media is hindered by linguistic, sociocultural, and technological barriers. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of language use in the region’s media landscape and offers recommendations for enhancing Arabic's role in broadcast media communication in southwestern Nigeria, for its capability to be used as a medium to reach out to people for dissemination of information. Keywords: Exploring, Arabic language, Broadcast media, Prospects, Challenges.
Exploring, Arabic language, Broadcast media, Prospects, Challenges.
Influence of the Qur’anic Reading Competition on Arrabiyyah and Islamiyyah Schools in Nigeria.
Abstract Influence of Qur’an teachings on Arabiyyah and Islamiyyah schools in Nigeria cannot be over-emphasized, especially on the salvation to humanity. Qur’an contains all knowledge, guidance, facts, reality and rays of light which link to absolute belief and faith. It is the only divine Book ever revealed that thoroughly perfects the affairs of mankind for the betterment of his life. The Qur’an which is the last and final message of Islam is harmonious with all other fields of knowledge starting from the idea of origin of the universe to the creation of man and to the end of the universe. Allah has bestowed His servants to the full memorization of the Qur’an regardless of being of Semitic origin, and endowed Nigeria with reciters and memorizers of the Qur’an, even before reaching the age of puberty. Others write down the Qur’an out of their memory which they were only taught in local and domicile schools. This paper aimed at emphasizing the influence of the Qur’anic teaching and as well recitation competitions to the Muslims in Nigeria in order to give suggestions for a better future, and also most especially to encourage the Arabiyyah and Islamiyyah schools in Nigeria to develop more interest in Qur’anic recitation competitions with science of Tajweed which should also be included in their curriculum and syllabus. Qualitative research method was adopted with the use of archival materials sourced from primary and secondary sources. Keywords: Arabiyyah, Islamiyyah Schools, Qur’an Recitation, Competition, Nigeria.
Arabiyyah, Islamiyyah Schools, Qur’an Recitation,
Gender Reversal in Contemporary Novel: A feminist Study of Lola Shoneyin's The Secret Lives of Baba Segis's Wives
Lola Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives explores the complexities of polygamy in a patriarchal Nigerian society, subverts conventional gender norms by presenting female characters who challenge male authority and assert agency within the confines of a traditionally male-dominated household. Therefore, this study investigates the theme of gender reversal in contemporary African fiction through a feminist analysis of Lola Shoneyin’s The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. It employs feminist literary theory to examine how Shoneyin reconstructs the dynamics of power, sexuality, and identity among women in a polygamous setting. The study foregrounds how the wives, particularly Bolanle, negotiate personal autonomy and resist socio-cultural expectations, thereby destabilizing patriarchal structures from within. Through close textual analysis, the work highlights the novel’s critique of gendered oppression and its advocacy for female empowerment. Therefore, this study positions The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives as a significant contribution to contemporary African feminist literature, where gender roles are not only questioned but actively redefined.
New National Policy on Language in Nigeria: Implications for Language Planning and Language Acquisition
This paper examines the evolution and implications of Nigeria’s National Language Policy, with a focus on the 2022 policy approved under the Buhari administration. It traces the definition of language from traditional perspectives to contemporary sociolinguistic frameworks, highlighting its role in communication, identity, and education. The development of Nigeria’s language policy, rooted in the National Policy on Education (NPE) since 1977, is analysed alongside its implementation challenges, including inadequate resources, poor teacher training, and inconsistent enforcement. The 2022 policy, emphasizing mother tongue instruction through primary education, is evaluated for its prospects and challenges, such as linguistic diversity and parental preferences for English. Implications for language planning and acquisition are discussed, emphasizing the need for robust implementation strategies to enhance multilingual education and cultural preservation. Recommendations include increased funding, teacher capacity building, and development of indigenous language resources.
New National Policy, language planning, language acquisition, Nigeria, Policy on language
An Appraisal of the Contributions and Challenges of Islāmic Institutions in Curbing Crime among Muslim Youth in Lagos State, Nigeria
The phenomenon of youth crime challenges societal development, prompting various institutions to keep addressing it. In Lagos Stat, Nigeria, Islamic institutions have been tackling youth crime among Muslims. However, their efforts and challenges have not received thorough academic examination. Based on the concepts of Maqasidu-s-Shari'ah, Tazkiyyah, and Amr bil Ma'ruf wa Nahy anil Munkar, this paper appraised the contributions and challenges of Islamic institutions in curbing crime among Muslim youth in Lagos State. The study adopted a qualitative research methodology. A content analysis was used to analyse the data sourced from semi-structured interviews with key informants including Islamic clerics/scholars and administrators in Lagos State, and relevant literature/documents. The study found that Islamic institutions' contributions in combating crimes among Muslim youth in Lagos State are experiencing a dichotomy. On the one hand, these institutions have proven to have the potential to substantially reduce the problem of youth crime among Muslims through avenues such as Islamic moral education, welfare programmes, and sensitisation against involvement in criminal activities. On the other hand, this potential is affected by challenges such as the non-application of Shari'ah, the poor attitude of government towards Islamic education, and Islamophobia tendencies. The study recommended and concluded that, among other things, there is a serious need for a persistent promotion of Islamic education and the commonalities between Christianity ad Islam, in the areas of moral values and criminal justice, so as to allow Islamic institutions robustly and efficiently contribute to the development of Lagos State by fighting youth crime among Muslims.
Crime, Institutions, Lagos, Muslim, Youth
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF FRENCH LANGUAGE AT TASUED: A BLESSING OR A CURSE
There is no gainsaying in the fact that the world is gradually becoming a global village by leveraging the use of information and communication technology (ICT), machine translation (MT) or also artificial intelligence (AI) in the teaching and learning of French as a foreign language (FFL). French language learning has been in existence for almost two decades at the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) as language facilitators have been making use of one e-learning platform or the other to foster the teaching of this target language. In this presentation, the researchers evaluate the effectiveness in the incorporation of AI in the teaching and learning of French whether it enhances the academic performance of the learners or it constitutes an impediment towards the growth and development in the acquisition of the target language. Gemini AI chatbot which is a subset of artificial intelligence will be used as methodology to examine the accuracy of some English expressions into French both written and oral expressions. Selinker’s interlanguage theory will aid the interpretation of the results emanating from the machine translation to verify whether it will be beneficial to learners or prevent them from attaining proficiency in the target language. Efforts will be made to proffer some recommendations towards the pragmatic usage of the new technology in a French classroom settings.
Ṣukūk as a Catalyst for Green Infrastructure Financing in Nigeria
The escalating challenges associated with urbanisation, climate change, and environmental degradation necessitate the urgent implementation of sustainable development solutions in developing economies, particularly Nigeria. Green infrastructure, encompassing both natural and engineered systems that mitigate environmental challenges and enhance urban resilience, remains severely underfunded, with existing financing mechanisms proving inadequate to meet Nigeria’s sustainability needs. Despite its recognised potential, the financial constraints associated with green infrastructure development continue to impede its widespread adoption. This study examines the role of Ṣukūk (Islamic bonds) as a catalyst for green infrastructure financing in Nigeria, evaluating the extent to which Ṣukūk can bridge funding deficits and accelerate the transition towards sustainable urban development. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, employing a comprehensive review of relevant literature, policy analysis, and case studies of successful Ṣukūk issuances in other jurisdictions. The findings indicate that, although Nigeria has demonstrated an increasing interest in Islamic finance, Ṣukūk remain an underutilised mechanism for financing green infrastructure. The study identifies critical barriers to the adoption of Ṣukūk for green infrastructure financing, including limited awareness, regulatory constraints, and market inefficiencies. However, it also highlights emerging opportunities, such as increasing demand for sustainable investments and the alignment of Ṣukūk principles with both Islamic ethical finance and environmental sustainability. The study concludes that Ṣukūk presents a viable Sharī‘ah-compliant financing mechanism capable of bridging Nigeria’s green infrastructure funding gap, advancing environmental sustainability, and attracting ethical investments. To facilitate the adoption of Ṣukūk for green infrastructure financing in Nigeria, the study recommends strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing regulatory support for Green Ṣukūk issuance, and fostering public-private partnerships to attract sustainable investment.
The Perennial Conflicts and the Agonies of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Southern Part of Borno State, Nigeria
Borno State is regarded as the hotbed of Boko Haram activities in Nigeria since 1999; all mechanisms deployed by the government to achieve peaceful co-existence proved abortive. This is causing untold hardship for the inhabitants within the conflict areas. With the efforts being put in place by the federal government and state governments to alleviate the suffering of the affected people, the reality on the ground has shown that a large number of the victims are still languishing in IDP camps. In southern Borno, IDP camps are mainly located in three (3) Local Government Areas: Damboa, Gwoza, and Biu. Most of the victims who are lucky enough to recount their ordeals are presently in these three LGAs. Biu and its environs will be fully examined to analyse the agonies of IDPs in the conflict zones within southern Borno. The study focuses on the issues influencing the perennial attacks and the agonies of internally displaced persons in IDP camps. Despite the efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces to put an end to this ugly trend, the pushback by the terrorists in the affected Local Government Areas in southern Borno is still visible. This is causing untold hardship for the victims. The research method used for this study is qualitative and relies on both primary and secondary sources. The primary source utilized is oral interviews, while the secondary sources are written documents.
Ìṣẹ̀lẹ̀ Ajẹmọ́-Àwùjọ Òde-Òní nínú Ewì JF Ọdúnjọ
Àṣamọ̀ Ohun tí iṣẹ́ yìí dá lé ni Ìṣẹ̀lẹ̀ Ajẹmọ́-Àwùjọ Òde-Òní nínú Ewì Joseph Fọláhàn Ọdúnjọ . Àwọn onímọ̀ tí wọ́n ti ṣe iṣẹ́ lórí ìṣẹ̀lẹ̀ àwùjọ nínú ewì kò tíì ṣe àyẹ̀wò ìjẹyọ rẹ̀ nínú ewì Joseph Fọláhàn Ọdúnjọ. Nínú ewì Ọdúnjọ, a wò ó bí ó ṣé ń ewì rẹ̀ lé oríṣìíríṣìí ìṣẹ̀lẹ̀ àwùjọ. Ọgbọ́n ìwádìí tí a lò fún iṣẹ́ ìwádìí yìí ni ìlànà ìfọ̀rọ̀-wáni-lẹ́nu-wò tí a ṣe pẹ̀lú awọn onímọ̀ tí wọ́n ti ṣe iṣẹ́ lórí iṣẹ́-ọnà Ọdúnjọ rí. Yàtọ̀ sí èyí, a tún ka onírúurú ìwé tí ó ti kọ bí i Aláwìíyé apá kìn-ín-ní títí kẹfà pàápàá jù lọ ìwé ewì rẹ̀ Àkójọpọ̀ Ewì Aládùn. Ìwádìí yìí fi ìdí rẹ̀ múlẹ̀ pé, bí àwọn akéwì-akọ̀wé bá túnbọ̀ gbájúmọ́ ìṣẹ̀lẹ̀ àwùjọ nínú iṣẹ́-ọnà pàápàá jù lọ nínú ewì, àwùjọ yóò ní ìdàgbàsókè tí ó péye ní gbogbo abala tí àwùjọ pín sí. Kókó-Ọ̀rọ̀: Lítíréṣọ̀, Ewì, Joseph Fọláhàn Ọdúnjọ, Àwùjọ, Yorùbá.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF FRANCOPHONE ORATURE TO THE EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIAN YOUTHS
It has been revealed that the bulk of overall challenges confronting human race today vary between worsening human rights violations, socio-cultural environmental problems, child abuse, terrorism, mental disorders, drug addiction, juvenile delinquency, youth disorientation and crisis of cultural identity. These challenges are direct repercussions of the insufficient acknowledgement of culture in national policies. It is remarkable to observe that oral tradition remains an authentic origin of African history and it is dependable evidence and societal guidance of African norms and values. It is the single approach of giving important and dependable records for a genuine understanding of ancient population and with the current status of oral tradition in stocking historical sources, we are now preoccupied with how to make it acceptable to the Nigerian youths both at home and in the diaspora. The main focus now is to get involved in the types of arts and politics that can liberate Nigerian youths to be able to create its own roles. The paper is based on cultural criticism. A theory that emphasizes the principle that individual human subjectivity develops in a reciprocal relationship with its traditional environment while we are compelled within the boundaries designed for us by our culture, thus we may strive within the limits set for us or change them. We employed interpretive design method of literary analysis. A library based method coupled with the use of communication and information technology. This interpretive design method studies social life which takes into cognizance human action. The study examines the idea of oral literature, analyses the social importance to Nigerian students, it brings to the fore another cultural emergence and cultural consciousness. The paper concludes that francophone oral literature should not be relegated to the background because of its relevance to world thought. Keywords: Francophone orature, Nigerian youths, literature, cultural criticism.
GLOBALIZATION AND AFRICAN CULTURE IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF FRENCH AS A SECOND OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IN NIGERIA.
Abstract French language has been in existence as far back as the 6th Century. It is ancient as the world itself. The language is foreign, widely accepted and spoken by native speakers and foreigners all over the globe. French is a beautiful language, well loved by all races. There is no continent in the world where its speakers cannot be found, therefore, the importance of French language as a medium of communication cannot be over emphasized. Based on this, globalization has turned the entire world into a global village through scientific and technological innovation which is capable of enhancing the teaching and learning of French. Besides, African culture is dynamic, ever-changing and ready to accommodate foreign culture. Previous studies on challenges and opportunities of globalization and African culture have been carried out extensively but with little attention paid to their impacts on the teaching and learning French as a second official language in Nigeria. This paper is therefore designed to examine their relevance on French language with a view to determining future prospects on Nigerian youths. The study adopts cultural hybridity as a theoretical framework that helps to understand the functional nature of globalization and African culture. It also adopts close reading techniques as a methodology which gives us the opportunity to examine critically the essence of cross-cultural interactions in global world. This presentation examines the concept of globalization and African culture. It discusses the importance of French language. It analyses the positive and negative impact of globalization on African culture in teaching and learning of French as a second official language in Nigeria. Finally, it states the factors militating against the growth of French in Nigeria and the practical solution to its growth. The paper concludes that the importance of French cannot be over emphasised given the large number of speakers globally and also considering its growing impacts on education, culture & civilization & science & technology. Keywords: Globalization, culture, learning, teaching, language and civilization.
Abstract The focus of this research is to examine the thought and belief of Yorùbá about Olódùmarè. This paper examines the thought and belief of Yorùbá about Olódùmarè. Previous scholars have worked tremendously on Yorùbás’ belief, but very few focused on Oríkì Olódùmarè to depict Yorùbá world-view on the characteristics of Olódùmarè. This study adopted critical analysis to fill the gaps created by the previous researchers. This paper surveyed Ọláńrewájú Adépọ̀jù’s poems as one of the popular poets in Yorùbá whose works reveal the conception of Yorùbá about God. In this study, exposition of Yorùbá thoughts and conception about Olódùmarè would project how the thought of Yorùbá about God is established through chanting of Oríkì Olódùmarè and several names given to Him in Yorùbá cosmology. The major findings of this study are that there seems to be five dominant thematic preoccupations in Olanrewaju Adepoju’s Oríkì in respect to Olódùmarè. Portrayal of Olodumare in Olanrewaju Adepoju’s poetry further describes him as a competent holder and repertoire of Yorùbá philosophical thoughts and belief. More importantly, his inclination is in tandem with what the proponents of authorial intention for analysis of literary works. Their framework entails God’s portrayal as Creator, Originator, Omnipotent, Benevolent and Immortal as intended in the chanting of Olódùmarè’s Oríkì by Olanrewaju Adepoju. The five themes as seen in Oríkì Olódùmarè of Olanrewaju Adepoju’s poetry shows that Yorùbá people see God as Supernatural, Superimposed grandeur being and Supreme whose impact though not seen is felt in every nook and cranny of both physical and spiritual lives of people and other creatures. Keywords: Olódùmarè, Divinities, Supernatural, Grandeur, and Omnipotent-Omniscience
Olódùmarè, àw?n òrì?à, ??mí-àìrí, Alágbára, ?ba-Àìkú-Àì?á