JOURNAL OF SOCIAL & POLICY RESEARCH

This work examined semantic implications of morphological intraference among educated speakers of the English language in Port Harcourt. The aim was to identify the morphological intraference, determine the causes of the common types of morphological intraference and examine the semantic implication of the morphological intraference in Port Harcourt. The Interlanguage theory was adopted as the framework of the study while descriptive method was adopted as the design of the study. The study uses a sample size of 227 teachers in 20 selected private nursery and primary schools in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Rivers State. Stratified and simple sampling techniques were used for selection of the participants. Data were collected through observation and secondary sources. The study found that the educated Nigerians exhibits morphological intraference in English nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs, especially when dealing with difficult words. It also found that many types of morphological intraference are caused by overgeneralization, inadequate knowledge of grammar, hypercorrection, over-inclusion, mis-selection of morphemes, misanalysis, and in other cases coinage of new words. The study concluded that though morphological intraference distorts meaning to an extent, the errors can be decoded by listeners while the newly coined words are mostly acceptable among a community of users who share common linguistic environment. It was therefore recommended that there should be a collection of words that have elements of intraference as a data for teaching grammar in schools. Teachers should always adopt appropriate grammar teaching methods which will enhance knowledge of the English grammar among learners. 

Corruption and inequality are perennial challenges facing Nigeria’s development since independence of 1960. Efforts to eliminate the menace remain fruitless as it rather persists, undermining the nation’s socio-economic progress. This survey research examines the interconnectivity between corruption and inequality among the people of Nigeria, relatively to overall quality of life, income, poverty and human capital development. It adopts mixed- methods approach by engaging qualitative and quantitative data for analysis and rests majorly on Public Service Delivery Theory (PSDT) as its theoretical framework, so as to provide insights into the dynamics in corruption phenomenon, heightening inequality among majority of Nigerians. Purposive sampling technique aided the determination of four hundred (400) respondents on whom structured close-ended four-point scale Likert questionnaire were administered to generate data. The research utilised simple percentage (%) and chi-square to analyse data and test hypotheses established. It concludes that, corruption is quite antithetical to socio-economic development. It significantly affects the overall quality of life, causing stratification among humans and social groups, individually and collectively. Therefore, it recommends that to achieve the “ideal state”, there was need for those in government to adhere strictly with the provisions of the 1999 Constitutions as amended, and the judiciary to maintain ethical standards in the adjudication of justice on corruption cases, mindless of who is/are involved.

Child abuse remains a global concern with profound implications for children’s well-being and education. Despite international and national child-protection frameworks, abuse in various forms continues to undermine learning outcomes, particularly in developing countries. This study examined the prevalence and impact of child abuse on academic performance among secondary school students in Oyibo Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Adopting a descriptive survey design, data were collected from a stratified sample of students using structured questionnaires supplemented by short interview prompts. A total of 373 valid responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS. Results revealed that physical and emotional abuse were the most prevalent, followed by neglect, while sexual abuse, though less frequently reported, carried the most severe academic and psychological consequences. Across all categories, abuse was found to negatively affect school attendance, concentration, grades, and self-esteem. Gender and age variations also emerged, with girls more vulnerable to neglect and sexual harassment, and boys more commonly subjected to corporal punishment. Younger adolescents reported greater sensitivity to emotional maltreatment, while older students experienced higher levels of neglect and harassment. The study concludes that abuse significantly compromises educational attainment in Oyibo, reinforcing cycles of disadvantage. It recommends stronger enforcement of child protection laws, adoption of child-centered school policies, teacher training on non-violent discipline, and parental sensitization programs to safeguard children’s rights and promote academic success.

This study examined chronic anger and its impact on physical and mental health of pastors. It adopted three research objectives and applied the Frustration-Aggression Theory as its theoretical framework. Using a secondary data research approach, information was collected from scholarly journals, books, and empirical studies relevant to chronic anger, including its causes, characteristics, and consequences. The study employed thematic analysis to interpret the data and identify patterns in the effects of chronic anger. Findings revealed that chronic anger significantly affect physical health, contributing to elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and weakened immunity including intensified mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, cognitive impairments, and emotional instability. The study further identified contributing factors, such as psychological traits, biological predispositions, environmental stressors, and underlying mental health conditions. Research showed that the impact of chronic anger among pastors is multi-faceted, with physical and spiritual consequences. Recommendations were made to address this problem among pastors in Nigeria.

The crux of this paper is to x-ray and discuss areas of lapses in APCON regulations and procedures in Nigeria. Textbooks Journal material, seminal paper and other relevant material were looked into, as a result, the objectives of the study is to find out why APCON was established, to determine the function of APCON, to ascertain the impediment hindering APCON.  finding were made which include but not limited to, proliferation of advertising agencies that is unchecked by APCON, inadequate supervision of practitioners, the unchecked use of vulgar language, which is as a result of APCON not vetting such advertisement etc and as such this paper concludes that advertising practice in Nigeria has grown to a great height and it still growing. Despite the achievement recorded by advertising practice in Nigeria, it can still not be compared with advertising in the developed world. recommendation were made which include, monitoring of quacks and fishing them out, improvement of welfare packages to avoid proliferation, professionalism should be encourage etc.

This study examines the relationship between substance abuse, youth behavior, and social work interventions in urban communities of Rivers State. Substance abuse, particularly involving alcohol, tramadol, methamphetamine, and codeine, has been identified as a major contributor to delinquency, poor academic performance, aggression, and risky sexual behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Peer pressure, family instability, unemployment, and exposure to drug-prone neighborhoods further exacerbate youths’ vulnerability, highlighting the interactive influence of environmental and social factors on behavioral outcomes. Guided by Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes observational learning, imitation, and reinforcement, the study employed a qualitative approach using secondary sources such as scholarly articles, government reports, policy documents, and institutional publications. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis to identify patterns, themes, and conceptual linkages between substance use and behavioral problems. Findings revealed that substance abuse is reinforced through peer modeling and environmental exposure, while social work interventions including counseling, rehabilitation, community awareness campaigns, and family support mechanisms significantly reduce substance dependence and promote positive behavioral change. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening family engagement programs, enhancing access to counseling and rehabilitation services, implementing community-based awareness initiatives, and addressing socio-economic risk factors such as youth unemployment and lack of recreational opportunities

Corruption and misconduct within the Nigerian police force have been persistent challenges that erode public trust and hinder law enforcement effectiveness. This paper delves into the complexities surrounding corruption and misconduct within the Nigerian police force and presents strategies for rebuilding public trust and enhancing law enforcement effectiveness. The study examines the root causes of corruption and misconduct, ranging from institutional deficiencies to societal factors, and explores the ramifications of these issues on public trust in law enforcement. The paper also analyzes the various strategies employed in combating corruption and misconduct, such as institutional reforms, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and comprehensive training programs. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the role of technology and transparency in promoting accountability and rebuilding public trust. Ultimately, strengthening the police force will not only promote lawful efforts at ensuring that Nigerians and foreigners living in and around Nigeria are law abiding and are beneficiaries of a law and order society, but will facilitate community engagement in crisis prevention and management.

Kidnapping in its modern form in Nigeria has been traced to 2006 when the kidnapping expatriates in the oil producing Niger Delta started, and since then till now, the perpetrators have been modifying their means of operation as it has been manifesting in different forms and spaces. Between 2020 and 2022, the Fulani-Herdsmen/Farmers conflict in Nigeria has heightened and gotten complicated with kidnapping as one of its manifestations. In the Isuikwuato, Abia state, South East of Nigeria, kidnapping has crippled economic and social life in the local government and citizen’s move with fear of the unknown. This study therefore explored the relationship between the Fulani-Herdsmen/Farmers conflict and kidnapping, the impact of economic status on kidnapping and the effect of societal values on the kidnappers’ behavior. Using a descriptive survey, the study employed a multistage sampling method to draw 362 samples from the total population of Isuikwuato LGA. Primary data was collected with the use of questionnaire, and subjected to descriptive analysis using means and standard deviation to describe data around the objectives of study, while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used in testing the three research hypotheses. The study’s findings show a significant relationship between the Fulani-Herdsmen/Farmers conflict and kidnapping; a significant impact of economic status on kidnapping; and a significant relationship but negative effect of societal values on the kidnappers’ behavior. Therefore the study concludes that crime in general and kidnapping as we see it in Nigeria and Isuikwuato in particular, did not start and will not end with solving the Fulani-Herdsmen/Farmers conflict, but with a wholesome look at the socio-economic situation of the country.

Kidnapping in its modern form in Nigeria has been traced to 2006 when the kidnapping expatriates in the oil producing Niger Delta started, and since then till now, the perpetrators have been modifying their means of operation as it has been manifesting in different forms and spaces. Between 2020 and 2022, the Fulani-Herdsmen/Farmers conflict in Nigeria has heightened and gotten complicated with kidnapping as one of its manifestations. In the Isuikwuato, Abia state, South East of Nigeria, kidnapping has crippled economic and social life in the local government and citizen’s move with fear of the unknown. This study therefore explored the relationship between the Fulani-Herdsmen/Farmers conflict and kidnapping, the impact of economic status on kidnapping and the effect of societal values on the kidnappers’ behavior. Using a descriptive survey, the study employed a multistage sampling method to draw 362 samples from the total population of Isuikwuato LGA. Primary data was collected with the use of questionnaire, and subjected to descriptive analysis using means and standard deviation to describe data around the objectives of study, while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used in testing the three research hypotheses. The study’s findings show a significant relationship between the Fulani-Herdsmen/Farmers conflict and kidnapping; a significant impact of economic status on kidnapping; and a significant relationship but negative effect of societal values on the kidnappers’ behavior. Therefore the study concludes that crime in general and kidnapping as we see it in Nigeria and Isuikwuato in particular, did not start and will not end with solving the Fulani-Herdsmen/Farmers conflict, but with a wholesome look at the socio-economic situation of the country.