AFRICAN SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL

This study examined the perceptions of academic and nonacademic staff on the role, effectiveness, and involvement in quality control mechanisms in university administration. Using a sample of 120 staff members (70 academic and 50 nonacademics), the study employed descriptive statistics and independent samples t-test to analyze differences in responses. Findings revealed that both staff groups recognized the significant role and effectiveness of quality control mechanisms in enhancing university operations. However, a significant difference was found in staff involvement, with academic staff reporting greater participation than nonacademic staff. The study concludes that while quality control mechanisms are valued, there is a need to increase inclusive participation across all staff categories. Recommendations include enhancing nonacademic staff engagement, strengthening communication, continuous evaluation, and capacity building to foster a sustainable quality culture in the university.

This study examines the impact of artisanal refining on environmental security in Rivers State. The population of the study was 196,780 households in Rivers State. A sample size of 384 was determined from this population using Krejcie and Morgan sampling technique. Questionnaire and interview were used in data collection and the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistic, the mean and standard deviation. The result revealed that artisanal refining affect environmental security in Rivers State. Hence the study concludes that artisanal refining is responsible for environmental security degradation in Rivers State. Therefore, the study recommended that Government should encourage oil companies to take responsibility by establishing environmental impacts and invest in community development programs for rapid response teams to address health emergencies related to pollution. They should develop disaster preparedness plans for communities affected by pollution from illegal refining. Invest in research to develop innovative solutions for pollution control and health improvement. Government and oil companies should establish local emergency response units specifically trained to handle explosions and fires from artisanal refineries, ensuring they have the necessary tools and resources to respond quickly and effectively to ensure environmental security in Rivers State.

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is transforming job landscapes across the globe, with particular implications for developing regions such as Africa. AI presents both opportunities and challenges for Africa’s labour markets, with significant risks of job displacement in key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services. While AI-driven automation threatens to exacerbate unemployment and inequality, Africa’s ability to respond is hampered by weak political education systems, which leave citizens ill-equipped to engage with governance or advocate for policies that mitigate these disruptions. This article explores the intersection of functional political education and AI-induced job displacement, arguing that empowering citizens with digital literacy, policy awareness, and participatory governance skills is critical for an inclusive AI transition. The study therefore, highlights key challenges, including skills gaps, informal labour vulnerabilities, gender disparities, and foreign tech dominance, while examining case studies from South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya. It proposes policy solutions such as reskilling programmes, labour protections, and localized AI innovation to ensure equitable adaptation. One of the findings of the research revealed that 60% of Africa’s workforce are highly vulnerable to AI-driven automation, risking mass unemployment. Ultimately, the article underscores that functional political education is not just a civic necessity but a strategic imperative for Africa to navigate AI’s disruptive impact and demand accountable, inclusive policies. By prioritizing political literacy and inclusive policymaking, Africa can mitigate the negative impacts of AI-driven automation and harness its opportunities. On this basis, the research concludes that functional political education can empower Africans to address AI-driven job displacement by fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and advocacy.