Department of Political Science and International Relations

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    LAWS OF WAR AND MILITARY ENGAGEMENTS: A STUDY OF INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) FULANI, Oluwakemi Morola; Covenant University Dissertation
    This study investigates the influence of the Laws of War on the Nigerian military’s conduct in internal security operations between 2015 and 2024. The research addresses the critical problem of balancing international legal obligations with the complex realities of asymmetric warfare, where non-state actors often disregard established humanitarian norms. The main objective is to understand how these laws affect military operations and legitimacy in such contexts. Grounded in Just War Theory and Legal Realism, the central argument is that while the Laws of War are essential for civilian protection and military legitimacy, their rigid application poses significant operational constraints for state forces in contemporary internal conflicts. Employing a qualitative methodology, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with military officials, government representatives, and civilians, providing multi-perspective insights into the practical application and impact of these laws. The study’s findings reveal that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) principles, particularly distinction and proportionality, significantly shape military tactics, often leading to operational delays and limitations in weapon use. Challenges identified include inadequate IHL training, psychological strain on personnel, political interference, and resource scarcity. Despite these constraints, compliance with IHL was found to enhance civilian safety and foster improved civil-military relations. It is therefore recommended that legislators should avoid harsh criticism of the military for alleged humanitarian law violations without grasping the complexities of asymmetric warfare. In conclusion, the study confirms that the Laws of War significantly influence the operational functions of the Nigerian military,
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    IMPORT DEPENDENCY AND FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA (2015-2024)
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) ALADE, James Opeoluwa; Covenant University Dissertation
    This study investigates Nigeria's escalating food security crisis, which stems from a heavy reliance on imported food despite the country's vast agricultural potential. Once agriculturally self-sufficient, Nigeria now grapples with challenges including internal conflicts, inflation, inadequate rural infrastructure, and external shocks like the Russia-Ukraine war. The objective is to identify the root causes of import dependency and its economic and social impacts while exploring viable policy interventions. Using a qualitative approach and guided by Dependency Theory, the research reviews relevant literature, government policies from 2015 to 2024, and socio-political dynamics influencing food access and affordability. Findings reveal that terrorism, farmer-herder conflicts, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent policy implementation have collectively reduced local food production and increased vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions. Inflation and currency depreciation further reduce purchasing power, pushing millions into hunger. Government interventions, such as the Anchor Borrowers' Programme and the Agricultural Promotion Policy, have had limited success due to poor enforcement, corruption, and lack of continuity. The study is significant for its potential to inform national policy, offering practical solutions to build agricultural resilience, promote local food production, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports. It recommends targeted investments in rural infrastructure, enhanced conflict resolution, financial support for farmers, and consistent, transparent policy implementation as essential strategies to ensure sustainable food security and economic stability.
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    SOFT POWER AND FOREIGN POLICY OUTCOMES: A STUDY OF NIGERIA- CHINA RELATIONS (2019-2024)
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) ISAAC, Grace Ugochi; Covenant University Dissertation
    Nigeria’s foreign policy engagement with China has grown significantly in recent years yet concerns persist about the long-term implications of China’s expanding soft power. While economic dependency, cultural assimilation, and asymmetrical partnerships have been raised as potential risks, there remains a lack of empirical research evaluating how China’s soft power influences Nigeria’s policy space, institutions, and public perception. This dissertation seeks to address this gap by assessing the effectiveness of China’s soft power in achieving foreign policy outcomes in Nigeria from 2019 to 2024. To situate this inquiry, the study began by reviewing key soft power concepts including cultural diplomacy, educational exchange, development assistance, media influence, and public diplomacy drawing on global case studies from countries such as Germany, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Denmark, and the United States. The Soft Power Theory expounded by Alexander Vuving was used as a framework to guide the analysis. Using a qualitative methodology, primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews with Nigerian stakeholders across academia, government, and civil society. These were complemented by secondary data from academic literature, policy documents, and institutional reports. Findings show that China’s soft power strategies such as Confucius Institutes, media partnerships, scholarships, and development aid have had mixed results. While they have increased China’s cultural and political visibility, local responses range from acceptance to scepticism, with concerns about equity, agency, and long-term alignment. Nigeria’s own cultural exports, though promising, remain under-leveraged. Recommendations include the need for balanced partnerships, transparent diplomacy, and proactive policy engagement by Nigeria. The study concluded that soft power is not value-neutral it must be negotiated to serve national interests.
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    CLIMATE CHANGE AND AFRICA’S FOOD SECURITY: A STUDY OF HERDERS AND FARMERS CONFLICT IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) AFORIJIKU, Oluwayemisi Esther; Covenant University Dissertation
    Climate change and environmental challenges have increasingly become critical stressors influencing socio-economic and security dynamics in Nigeria, particularly in agrarian communities, like Ondo State. The research is motivated by the growing concern over the increasing frequency and severity of conflicts between farmers and herders, which are exacerbated by climate-induced environmental pressures such as desertification, irregular rainfall, and depletion of natural resources. This study investigated the multifaceted relationship between climate change, farmer-herder conflict, agricultural productivity, food security, and policy responses in Ondo State, Nigeria. The study deepens understanding of how climate change worsens ecological degradation and inter-group conflicts, especially between herders and farmers in Ondo State. It highlighted the need to analyse these conflicts as distinct yet climate-sensitive phenomena. Besides, it provided actionable insights for policymakers, development agencies, and local communities. Also, the study contributed to conflict resolution, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience strategies in vulnerable regions. Using a qualitative research design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 14 participants comprising farmers, herders, government officials, and community leaders across conflict-prone areas in Ondo State. The study thematically analysed the transcripts, generating codes and categories which were synthesised into four major themes: climate-induced migration and conflict escalation, declining agricultural output and food insecurity, socioeconomic and livelihood disruption, and policy and peacebuilding interventions. Findings revealed that climate change has significantly contributed to the herder-farmer conflict by triggering migration and competition over scarce land and water resources. The conflict has led to widespread destruction of farmland, displacement of rural communities, reduced agricultural productivity, and heightened food insecurity. Besides, despite the presence of government initiatives such as the anti-open grazing law, climatesmart agricultural programs, and local security networks like the Amotekun Corps, weak enforcement, poor coordination, and limited community involvement continue to hinder progress. However, farmers reported declining yields due to drought and flooding, while herders face shrinking pasturelands, often pushing them to encroach on farmlands. These environmental pressures have escalated tensions, resulting in crop destruction, cattle theft, community displacement, and in some cases, loss of lives. The study also highlighted governance lapses, weak enforcement of anti-grazing laws, and a lack of sustainable adaptation measures as key enablers of the conflict. Therefore, the study concluded that addressing climate-induced farmer-herder conflict in Ondo State requires a multi-sectoral approach that combines environmental sustainability, social justice, and institutional accountability. The study recommended the establishment of designated grazing zones, enhanced security presence, community dialogue platforms, and greater support for farmers and herders from NGOs and development partners
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    INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND NIGERIA-UK RELATIONS: A STUDY OF POST-BREXIT PERIOD
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) HAMBOLU, Favour Oluwatosin; Covenant University Dissertation
    International migration has become an increasingly prominent feature of Nigeria-UK relations, rooted in colonial history and shaped by contemporary global developments. A key turning point in this relationship was the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (Brexit), which led to major changes in the country’s immigration system. These reforms have redefined the pathways for migrants from countries like Nigeria. This study therefore, examines how post-Brexit immigration policies have influenced migration trends and experiences among Nigerian migrants in the UK, the socioeconomic implications of these migration patterns on Nigeria, and the diplomatic engagements between both countries. The study also explores the role of Nigerian migrant networks in facilitating integration and mitigating policy-induced challenges. The study is anchored on the Push-Pull Theory, which explains how unfavourable conditions in Nigeria and better prospects in the UK drive migration and Transnationalism Theory, which emphasises how migrants sustain connections across borders and impact both their countries of origin and host. The study employed a case study research design. Data were obtained from both primary (semi-structured interviews) and secondary sources (official documents, reports, and scholarly literature). Thematic analysis, aided by NVivo software, was used to organise and interpret the data. The findings revealed that post-Brexit immigration reforms have created a mixed landscape of opportunities and challenges for Nigerian migrants. Policies like the Graduate Route visa have expanded post-study work opportunities, while stricter visa rules, work permit limitations, increased border control, and points-based systems have imposed legal, financial, and emotional burdens on Nigerian migrants. These policies have intensified brain drain in Nigeria, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and education, while reinforcing economic interdependence through remittances. The study also finds out that migration is increasingly instrumental in shaping Nigeria–UK diplomatic relations, as evidenced by frameworks like the Migration Partnership Agreement and bilateral migration summits. Nigerian migrant networks were identified as essential support structures, providing legal assistance, emotional support, and policy advocacy that enhance migrant resilience and integration. The study recommends that the Nigerian government should invest in critical sectors to curb push factors, negotiate migration agreements favouring mutual development, and engage diaspora communities more effectively for skills transfer. The UK should adopt more inclusive and development-sensitive migration frameworks. By addressing both domestic and international dimensions of migration, Nigeria and the UK can establish a more balanced and mutually beneficial migration relationship. The study concludes that migration is no longer a peripheral issue but a central factor shaping diplomacy, development, and identity in the post-Brexit era.
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    ASSESSMENT OF THE USE OF IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES BY NON-MILITARY ACTORS AND NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) PETER, Mark Jatau; Covenant University Dissertation
    Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have emerged as a defining feature of guerrilla warfare, increasingly weaponised by non-military actors (NMAs) across Nigeria’s conflict landscape. While considerable scholarly attention has focused on Northeastern Nigeria, the deployment of IEDs by criminal and secessionist groups in Southeast (SE) Nigeria remains under-examined despite its growing strategic, humanitarian and political implications. This study explores the use of IEDs by NMAs in SE Nigeria, focusing on their operational patterns, proliferation networks and implications for national security. Drawing on asymmetric warfare theory and the human security paradigm, the research adopts a qualitative, exploratory design to interrogate the evolving tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) of IED use, the challenges facing Nigeria’s Counter-IED (CIED) architecture and the regional vulnerabilities exacerbated by porous borders. Findings reveal that NMAs exploit transnational IED precursor supply chains, digital platforms, border insecurity and local ingenuity to sustain low-cost, high-impact explosive violence. This violence disrupts military operations at strategic, operational, and tactical levels, while also devastating civilian lives and infrastructure, eroding economic activities and precipitating forced displacement and trauma. The study also highlights the fragmented coordination among security agencies, weak indigenous defence innovation and limited community intelligence networks as significant gaps in Nigeria’s CIED strategy. This research makes a unique contribution by shifting analytical focus to the SE, identifying the convergence between historical marginalisation, tactical adaptation by NMAs and institutional inertia. Policy recommendations include the development of an indigenous CIED doctrine, enhanced interagency collaboration, strengthened border governance and community-based early warning systems. These findings contribute to scholarly and policy discourses on terrorism, national security and hybrid warfare in underexplored landscapes of the Global South, with broader implications for counterterrorism approaches in similarly affected regions. The study concluded that with the elimination of IEDs as a means of guerrilla warfare, innocent lives would be saved and properties preserved in Nigeria.
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    INFLUENCE OF HUMAN RESOURCE INFORMATION SYSTEM (HRIS) IN ENHANCING EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE IN UNITED BANK FOR AFRICA (UBA)
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) YAHAYA-JOE, Christine Mairo; Covenant University Dissertation
    The current development of new technologies in the Nigerian Banking industry, the Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) have become one of the key instruments in the improvement of the work of the human resource department. Although the use of HRIS is getting more popular, the gap in knowledge regarding the impact of its functionalities concerning employee experience. This study examines how HRIS affect the experience of the employees in United Bank for Africa (UBA). In order to determine the extent of the impacts of these HRIS functionalities on critical employee-level experience dimensions, the study aims at offering evidence-based findings that will help make HR strategic decisions in the banking sector. The research design is quantitative survey research where descriptive research design is used. The structured questionnaires were used to collect the data among UBA employees in various departments in Abuja, Nigeria. The results indicate that the HRIS functions have important implications on the employee experiences, it showed that employees perceive HRIS as a tool that not only simplifies administrative task but also fosters transparency, communication and trust within the organisation. This study suggests that financial institutions such as UBA need to be more employee-focused in implementing HRIS, improve system user training and embrace HR analytics when it comes to further improvement. Such measures are capable of enhancing employee participation and retention as well as organisational performance.
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    Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Political Corruption in Nigeria (2007 - 2015)
    (International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research Vol. 6 Issue 10, 2022-10) Osuchukwu, Nkechi Cynthia; Nwumeh, Uchenna Juliana; Okonkwo, Juliet Ogonna; Ezebuilo Paul Chibuike
    Corruption today is still a deadly disease in Nigeria, as it is responsible for the collapse of social, economic and political sectors in Nigerian, as many Nigerians are yet to be free from it. Prior to this problem, the study assesses Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Political Corruption in Nigeria from 2007 to 2015. The study adopted Structural-Functional theory as it was further developed by Gabriel Almond and Powell in 1966. Qualitative descriptive method of data analysis was adopted. Secondary sources of data collection were adopted. The study finds out that, corruption is multifaceted in Nigeria which has created a lot of negative impact and has hindered development process in the country. The study therefore, recommends amongst others that EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies should be empowered and granted absolute autonomy to handle cases relating to economic and political corruption i.e. EFCC should be given a free hand in the discharge of its duties by not interfering in its duties, there should also be comprehensive administrative reform and good governance, including public accountability, to guarantee that people are held accountable for their actions as a deterrent to corrupt activities, among other things.
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    Youth Restiveness and Sustainable Rural Development in Ukanafun L.G.A-Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, 2015 – 2020.
    (University of Nigeria Journal of Political Economy Volume 13, Number 2, 2023) Ezebuilo Paul Chibuike
    The youths in every community are strong force to reckon with towards achieving meaningful rural development, if only when their strengths are been controlled, harnessed and properly utilized. Therefore, this paper assesses the effects of Youth Restiveness on Sustainable Rural Development in Akwa Ibom State, with a focus on Ukanafun L.G.A. Social Strain and Frustration theory was adopted as the theoretical framework of analysis. This paper adopted descriptive survey research design. Primary and secondary sources of data collection were employed. This paper targeted the entire population of Ukanafun L.G.A. thus; purposive random sampling technique was applied while, 300 respondents were targeted as the sample size while 260 returned questionnaires were used for the data analysis. The data collected were presented on Logical Data Framework (LDF) and analyzed using quantitative method of statistical analysis of frequency table, mean and chi-square parametric test. The paper finds out that; bad governance/leadership, unemployment, poverty/hunger, peer group pressure/influence, marginalization etc. are the major causes of youth restiveness thus, leading to the serious escalation of various social vices such as kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, killing/assassination, dehumanization, issuing of life threatening letters; sexual harassment/rape; destruction/burning of private/public properties etc. in Ukanafun L.G.A., Akwa Ibom state. The paper recommended that; there is need for job creation, skill acquisition centers and youth empowerment programme; inclusion of positive peace education and building in education curriculum, making policy for youth enlightenment, counseling; granting of amnesty etc.
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    Causes and Implications of Religious Conflicts in Nigeria’s Political System
    (International Journal of Finance and Management in Practice, Vol. 5, No. 1, 2017-06) Uwadi, M. E.; Ezebuilo Paul Chibuike; Nwaonu, K. C
    The aim of this work is to identify the causes and implications of religious conflicts in Nigeria’s political system as well as proffer strategies to avoid future occurrence. This study adopts the survey research design. The population of the study comprises all Christians and Moslems living in Zaria, Kaduna State in Nigeria. Personal observations and questionnaire were the major means of data collection. Out of the 65 copies of questionnaire engaged in the study, only 56 copies were retrieved and used for the analysis. To achieve the aim of the study, two research hypotheses were formulated. While data collected for the study were presented on tables and responses taking the form of a five point likert scale, the hypotheses were tested using one way analysis of variance. Major findings of the study reveal that the causes of religious conflicts in Nigeria include failure to move with change, conflicting doctrines, methods of conversion, utterances of religious leaders, and clothing of political objectives with religion, among others. The implications of religious conflict as reveal by the study include creation of mistrust among federating units, low productivity, job insecurity, migration, over population. Based on the foregoing, it is proposed that the issue of religious conflicting doctrines should be addressed by religious bodies who should meet on regular bases. Also, government should respond quickly to curtail conflicts and should not ignore any act that might cause conflict