College of Leadership and Development Studies
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Item LAWS OF WAR AND MILITARY ENGAGEMENTS: A STUDY OF INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) FULANI, Oluwakemi Morola; Covenant University DissertationThis 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,Item IMPORT DEPENDENCY AND FOOD SECURITY IN NIGERIA (2015-2024)(Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) ALADE, James Opeoluwa; Covenant University DissertationThis 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.Item SOFT POWER AND FOREIGN POLICY OUTCOMES: A STUDY OF NIGERIA- CHINA RELATIONS (2019-2024)(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) ISAAC, Grace Ugochi; Covenant University DissertationNigeria’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.Item 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 DissertationClimate 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 partnersItem DEPICTION OF PAIN AND LOSS IN SELECTED POEMS OF STELLA NYANZI AND IJEOMA UMEBINYUO(Covenant University Ota, 2025-09) LOKO, Olufunmilayo Janet; Covenant University DissertationThis research investigates depictions of pain and loss in select poems of two contemporary women writer’s, Stella Nyanzi and Ijeoma Umebinyuo. Applying reader-response and psychoanalytic theories, this qualitative study employs close textual analysis to investigate the poetic techniques, imagery, and symbolism employed to portray these experiences. The findings show that both poets question conventional narratives about African women’s lives, resulting in nuanced poetics of vulnerability and resistance. The study’s most significant contribution is its theoretical finding which is poetry has the unique ability to circumvent the unconscious obstacle to communicating trauma that is common in traditional psychoanalysis. Through its symbolic use of aesthetic languages, poetry allows for the safe expression of raw truths, facilitating a journey of catharsis and healing. This research contributes to trauma scholarship by deepening our understanding of evolving narratives of pain and loss in 21st century contemporary African women’s poetryItem ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AS PREDICTORS OF BURNOUT AMONG OGUN STATE ROAD SAFETY PERSONNEL: MEDIATING ROLE OF EMOTIONAL SELF-REGULATION(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) AGEMA, Hembafan Rita; Covenant University DissertationThis study explored the predictive role of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on burnout among Ogun State Road Safety personnel. It further examined the mediating role of emotional self-regulation. Grounded in Maslach’s Burnout Theory, Gross’s Process Model of Emotion Regulation, and Developmental Trauma Theory, the study employed correlational design. A total of 249 personnel (67.1% male; aged 20–58 years, M = 37.17, SD = 7.96) were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using three validated instruments: The Adverse Childhood Experiences International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire–Short Form (ERQ-S), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). Descriptive statistics showed that 27.7% of participants reported low burnout, 61.0% moderate burnout, and 17.3% high burnout. Simple linear regression revealed that ACEs significantly predicted burnout, B = 2.65, p < .001, R² = .091, highlighting that higher exposure to childhood adversity was linked with increased symptoms of burnout. Although, mediation analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 4) showed that emotional self-regulation did not significantly mediate the effect of ACEs on burnout, indirect effect = 0.13, 95% CI [–0.10, 0.40], as the confidence interval included zero. However, emotional self-regulation significantly predicted burnout, B = –0.43, p < .001, ACEs did not significantly predict emotional self-regulation, B = –0.31, p =. 238.These findings underscore the independent influence of ACEs and emotional self-regulation on burnout. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Federal Road Safety Corps implement targeted mental health awareness initiatives to help personnel recognise and manage burnout, particularly among those with higher exposure to adverse childhood experiences.Item PREDICTIVE ROLE OF DYADIC EMPATHY ON CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES AMONG PEOPLE IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) SOGBESAN, Olufemi Ifunanya; Covenant University DissertationRomantic relationships form the foundation of the family system, and poor management of conflict can lead to distrust, dissatisfaction, and even the dissolution of these relationships. This study investigated the predictive role of dyadic empathy on conflict resolution strategies among Generation Z and Millennials in romantic relationships in Lagos State, Nigeria. Recognising that relationship dynamics evolve across generations, this research aimed to understand how dyadic empathy predicts the use of constructive or destructive conflict resolution strategies, and how generation affects this relationship. Drawing on established theories such as Empathy-Altruism Theory, Dual Concern Theory, and Life Course Theory, the study explored links between dyadic empathy, conflict resolution, and generational influences. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples to measure dyadic empathy and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument to assess constructive and destructive conflict resolution strategies. Using stratified sampling, the study surveyed 800 individuals in romantic relationships (56.75% female, 43.25% male), comprising 400 Gen Z and 400 Millennials, with most participants dating (70.3%) and some married (29.7%). Findings from simple linear regression analyses showed that dyadic empathy did not significantly predict either constructive (F(1,798) = .015, p = .903) or destructive (F(1,798) = .016, p = .901) conflict resolution methods. Additionally, results from moderated regression analyses indicated that generation did not significantly moderate the relationships between dyadic empathy and either conflict resolution strategy. The study offers valuable insights for relationship education, counselling, and public health initiatives by highlighting the complexity of conflict management and providing guidance for targeted strategies to improve relationship well-being in this specific urban Nigerian contextItem EFFECTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS ON CARDIOVASCULAR REACTIVITY AND RECOVERY FROM ACUTE STRESS AMONG COVENANT UNIVERSITY STUDENTS(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) AKHIBI, Peace Toluwani; Covenant University DissertationCardiovascular reactivity (CVR) and recovery are physiological responses that reflect the body’s adaptation to stress. While these responses are typically adaptive, exaggerated or blunted cardiovascular reactions to acute stress have been linked to adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study investigated the effects of acute stress on CVR and recovery among Covenant University students and examined the moderating roles of emotional regulation and physical activity. Sixty undergraduate students (42 female and 18 male) from Covenant University participated in an experimental study involving exposure to an acute stressor (serial subtraction task), during which systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate (PR) were measured across baseline, stress exposure, and recovery. Emotional dysregulation was assessed using the Brief Emotion Dysregulation Scale, while physical activity levels were self-reported. Results from paired samples t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant increases in SBP, DBP, and PR during stress and significant reductions during recovery, confirming the physiological impact of acute stress. Moderation analyses revealed that emotional regulation, specifically the lability dimension, significantly moderated PR recovery, suggesting that emotional instability can impair autonomic recovery. Meanwhile, physical activity significantly moderated SBP reactivity, with more active individuals showing higher blood pressure responses to stress. However, neither emotional regulation nor physical activity significantly moderated cardiovascular recovery for SBP or DBP. These findings show that psychological and lifestyle factors can influence how the cardiovascular system responds to stress, but their effects are parameter-specific. The study emphasises the need for integrated interventions to improve cardiovascular resilience in Covenant University students within Nigeria.Item CHINUA ACHEBE’S IKEMEFUNA: A POETICS OF THE NIGERIAN SOCIO-CULTURAL NARRATIVE(2021) Ayinuola, Fortress Isaiah; Onwuka, Edwin; Uba, ImmanuelThis paper attempted a reconstruction of the Achebe’s prosaic rendition of Ikemefuna’s experience in Things Fall Apart into another form – the poetic form. Thus, we present a spaciotemporal exploration of Ikemefuna of the Igbo cultural setting transformed metaphorically into the Nigerian youth setting. The poetics of Nigerian Ikemefuna is that of mutual suspicion, fear of regional, religious and ethnic domination, aggravated by the hopelessness of a battered national psyche with prodigals in power. The narrative of Ikemefuna is a metaphor for the battered Nigerian youths, scape-goaticism and the Nigerian socio-cultural contradictions. Through the use of literary devices like imagery, metaphor, symbols and juxtaposition we poetized the narrative of Umuofia/Ikemefuna and Nigeria/youths. We adopted Vladimir Propp’s concept of fabula and syuzhet, where the manipulation of the fabula by the author/poet creates syuzhet, variations of fabula. We examined the role of de-familiarization, Barthes view on variations which resulted in the death of the author/poet and Oscar Wilde’s opinion that the critic is he who can translate into another manner or a new material his impression of beautiful things. The syuzhetal defamiliarization technique enabled us to reconstruct Achebe’s prosaic Ikemefuna into a poetic variant – the poem: Ikemefuna. This mode of generating a new meaning in another literary form has not only enhanced poetic innovation, criticism and craft; it has enhanced readers/writers ability to critically and creatively articulate Nigerian diverse socio-cultural experiences.Item EXPLORATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND MILITANCY IN SELECTED NOVELS OF CHRISTIE WATSON AND CHIMEKA GARRICK(Covenant University Ota, 2025-08) Omesu, Modupeoluwa; Covenant University DissertationThis study critically explores the intersection of environmental degradation and militancy in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, as represented in Christie Watson‘s Tiny Sunbirds Far Away and Chimeka Garrick‘s Tomorrow Died Yesterday. The Niger Delta, though richly endowed with natural resources, has suffered years of ecological devastation and human suffering due to oil exploration and governmental neglect. Drawing on eco-critical theory, the study examines how these two literary texts represent the lived realities of pollution, poverty, and political alienation, and how these conditions give rise to various forms of resistance including militancy. The research highlights how literature is a mode of protest, capable of amplifying the voices of marginalised communities and exposing the complexities behind youth militancy not merely as criminality, but a reaction to systemic violence, economic exclusion, and environmental collapse. Through the characters‘ struggles, the novels reflect the despair, resilience, and resistance that shape life in the region. By foregrounding local voices and socio-ecological trauma, this work contributes to eco-critical and postcolonial scholarship while calling attention to the urgent need for justice both environmental and human. It affirms literature's capacity not only to document injustice but to humanise it, to bear witness, and to agitate for change.