This dissertation argues that Gyekye, in his idea of communitarianism, has a contribution to make towards the understanding of the socio-political structures of multicultural communities in Africa. Gyekye's construct of metanationality, in relation to his communitarian ethics, addresses the socio-political and cultural problems confronting multicultural communities, with particular reference to Nigeria. In an attempt to achieve his idea of a "metanational state", Gyekye claims that: (1) "personhood" is partially defined by a communal structure; (2) equal moral attention should be given both to individual interests and community interests; (3) it is necessary to integrate the "ethic of responsibility" with "rights"; (4) members of the nation-state should be considered equal; (5) in order to achieve nationhood in a multicultural community, it is essential to move beyond "ethnicity" and (6) in an attempt to form a national culture, attention should be drawn to "the elegant" aspects of cultures of various ethno-cultural communities. / Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology / M.A. (Philosophy)

The quantitative study focuses on the perceptions of Nigerian adolescent students to HIV/AIDS and their attitudes to prevention methods. From the literature reviewed it was ascertained that adolescent students do have positive and optimistic perceptions of HIV/AIDS, and also adequate knowledge, but this has not translated into positive attitudes to prevention methods. The literature also indicated that peer group pressure, parental control and the mass media are some variables that probably influence adolescents’ sexual behaviour. This researcher developed the ‘Adolescent Students’ Perception of HIV/AIDS and Attitude to Prevention Methods Questionnaire’ to solicit information from the adolescent students. The results were coded and duly analysed. The results from the empirical study indicated that Nigerian adolescent students have positive perceptions regarding HIV/AIDS, as well as positive attitudes to prevention methods. Recommendations were made for curriculum experts, educators and parents based on current research methods. / Psychology of Education / Thesis (D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

The aim of this study is to examine conflict and how it impinges on development. Conflict is an inevitable element of human existence since creation and has always affected human activities and endeavors in several ways. Understanding the dimensions of human conflict therefore provides blueprints on how to manage and resolve conflicts. This makes this study timely. In this research, some relevant related to conflict management approaches were examined. The research adopted a case study approach using the Jos Plateau conflict in the Plateau State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Data was collected and analyzed using a mixed research methods approach. The findings show several causes of this conflict among which are differences in religious beliefs among the people of the area, socio-economic causes, political tensions and land disputes. The consequences of the conflict identified are: it retards development in the area, creates fear and feelings of insecurity, destruction of property and loss of human lives. This study also examined how the conflict impinges on people-cantered development. In terms of how the conflict can be mitigated, respondents think education, creation of employment opportunities, the administration of justice and the practice of tolerance values is going to promote a spirit of coexistence and eventually result in a more peaceful and stable environment.

La présente thèse porte à la fois sur le contexte sociologique de la traduction et la formation en traduction au Nigéria. La formation des traducteurs et interprètes en tant que branche de la traductologie appliquée, selon la cartographie de Holmes, est un champ de recherche très important qui ne cesse de susciter l’intérêt des traductologues et pédagogues un peu partout dans le monde, et ce, depuis le début des années 1990. Or il existe très peu d’études récentes traitant de ce sujet en ce qui concerne le Nigéria. Par ailleurs, selon nombreux auteurs (voir Durieux, 2005; Kelly, 2005; Kiraly, 2005 et Fiola, 2003a, par exemple), la connaissance et la prise en compte des besoins du marché s’avèrent essentielles dans la mise en œuvre d’un programme de formation des traducteurs et interprètes professionnels qui se veut efficace. Pour le Nigéria, on observe une inadéquation entre les programmes de formation en traduction et en interprétation offerts à l’heure actuelle ou dans un passé récent et le marché du travail. Partant de cette prémisse, notre thèse, qui prend la forme d’une recherche descriptive à enjeu pragmatique (Van der Maren, 2004), a pour objectif d’examiner le problème afin d’y proposer des solutions possibles. Elle s’inscrit également dans la logique d’une recherche-action, car son but ultime est l’amélioration de la pratique des professions jumelles de traduction et interprétation, notamment au Nigéria et par ricochet, en Afrique. Pour ce faire, la présente étude a été menée en adoptant une méthodologie de recherche à deux volets : une enquête fondée sur des entrevues semi-dirigées et une étude comparative des programmes de formation. Ainsi, nous avons interrogé les représentants de vingt-trois organisations, qui sont considérées au départ comme étant des usagers (employeurs) réels ou potentiels sur le marché nigérian de la traduction et de l’interprétation, afin de cerner leurs besoins et déterminer comment ceux-ci sont comblés, le cas échéant. Ensuite, dix-neuf programmes de deuxième cycle en traduction et en interprétation ont été étudiés de manière analytique et comparative, dans le but de dégager leurs caractéristiques. Il s’agit de deux programmes offerts en France, deux au Canada, deux au Cameroun, deux au Ghana et onze au Nigéria. D’une part, les résultats de l’analyse des besoins du marché que nous avons réalisée montrent qu’il existe réellement des besoins en traduction et en interprétation au Nigéria, mais que ces besoins sont loin d’être suffisamment comblés. D’autre part, à la lumière de l’analyse comparative des programmes de formation en traduction et en interprétation effectuée, il ressort que le Nigéria aurait intérêt à revoir les programmes existants et à en créer des nouveaux, tout en prenant en considération les besoins du marché présents et futurs. Finalement, nous avons proposé des stratégies pour l’optimisation de la formation des traducteurs et interprètes professionnels au Nigéria, dont un cadre de référence utilisable pour les nouveaux programmes recommandés. / This thesis covers both the sociological context of translation and the training of translators in Nigeria. Translator and interpreters training as a branch of applied translation studies, according to Holmes’ map, is a very important field of research that has been attracting the interest of researchers and teachers in the field from almost everywhere in the world, since the early 1990s. However, very few recent studies are available on this subject in Nigeria. Furthermore, according to many researchers (see Durieux, 2005; Kelly, 2005; Kiraly, 2005 and Fiola, 2003a, for example), the knowledge and consideration of market needs are essential in implementing an effective training program for professional translators and interpreters. In the case of Nigeria, there is a noticeable mismatch between past or existing translator and interpreter training programs and the labour market. Against this background, our thesis, which takes the form of a descriptive research with pragmatic implications (Van der Maren, 2004), aims to analyze the problem in order to propose possible solutions. It also falls within the scope of action research as its ultimate goal is to improve the practice of the twin professions of translation and interpretation, particularly in Nigeria and by extension, in Africa. To this end, this study was conducted using a two-pronged research methodology: an enquiry based on semi-structured interviews and a comparative study of training programs. Thus, we interrogated representatives of twenty-three organizations, which from the onset, were considered as actual or potential users (employers) in the Nigerian translation and interpretation market, with the aim of identifying their needs, and determining how those needs, if any, are being met. In addition, nineteen graduate programs in translation and interpretation were studied in an analytical and comparative manner with a view to identifying their content. They are: two programs offered in France, two in Canada, two in Cameroon, two in Ghana and eleven in Nigeria. On the one hand, the results of our market needs analysis reveal that translation and interpretation needs actually exist in Nigeria, but that these needs are far from being sufficiently met. On the other hand, in the light of the comparative analysis of translation and interpretation training programs that we conducted, it is clear that the existing programs in Nigeria would need to be reviewed, while new ones have to be put in place, taking into consideration current and future market needs. Finally, we proposed strategies towards optimizing professional translator and interpreter training in Nigeria, including a reference framework that can be used for the new programs being recommended.

This study attempts to understand prostitution from their definition of the situation. It differs in its method from other studies on prostitution in that the investigation was based on the prostitutes' own perspectives as interpreted by the researcher using the interpretative epistemological tradition. A comparative analysis of prostitution in two economically stable African Countries, namely Nigeria and Botswana was made. This study investigated society's perception of prostitutes and how it impacts upon their empowerment and emancipation as vulnerable members of the society and their participation in prevention and control of sexually transmitted infection including HIV/AIDS. Also the role of governments and individuals in creating and sustaining prostitution, an extensive insight to the modus operandi of prostitution and suggestions on how best to address prostitution in society, were discussed. A triangulated methodology of three hundred and twenty five sexworkers (325) that includes a quantitative study of two hundred and five sex workers complimented with a qualitative study of one hundred and twenty sex workers participating in focus group discussion and case studies informed the study. The findings of the research suggest that in the prostitutes' own definition of the situation; prostitutes contribute to the maintenance of societal equilibrium, the society creates and sustains prostitution. Economic need rather than lack of morals creates prostitutes and their situation of vulnerability as women is being reinforced by their status as prostitutes. Violence from partners that includes the police and the inability to reprimand their clients, are some hazards of prostitution and these result in their mobility and creates a challenge in adequately addressing the issue of prostitution in society, including their limited participation in the control of STDs. Respondents in Botswana had a very good knowledge of STI's /HIV/AIDS and had no difficulties in going to hospital in the event of any STD's as compared with Nigerian respondents. The Nigerian respondents' indulged in self-medication with antibiotics and traditional herbs mixed in local gin before and after a sexual act, rather than go to hospitals. The research findings should assist the government and international community's policies and programmes aimed at addressing prostitution and STDs/HIV/AIDS. / Sociology / D.Litt. et Phil.(Sociology)

This study sought to explore the views of healthcare workers regarding paediatric anti-retroviral therapy (ART) adherence in Nigeria. An exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was used to identify and describe healthcare workers’ views in Kano and Lagos, Nigeria. Three focus group discussions were held. The transcribed data was analysed using the framework approach of data analysis. Healthcare providers perceived poverty, illiteracy, stigma and discrimination, inappropriate care approaches, and parental dynamics as factors influencing ART adherence. Recommendations for enhancing paediatric ART adherence levels in Nigeria included: mainstreaming adherence counselling in paediatric ART and adopting a comprehensive family centred care approach were identified as measures for improving paediatric ART adherence. Other measures included free ART services, quality improvement in paediatric ART services, parental empowerment and stigma and discrimination reduction programmes. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Due to inadequate financial resources and lack of managerial skills, in this case study the local level of governance does not have appropriate mechanisms to manage their resources adequately. It is observed that the Nigerian government cannot provide all basic amenities for the people at the grass-root level of development. Following the above scenario, rural communities do not have access to basic amenities such as electricity and pipe borne water. In Nigeria, little research has been done with regard to sustainable development in rural electrification. This study is based on the impact of community and individual participation in a rural electrification project, and shows how sustainable development plays a leading role. The study is based on a rural electrification project initiated and facilitated in 1996, and was completed in 2000 by the Ipari-Efugo Otukpa community members in Benue State in the North Central part of Nigeria. In spite of prevailing poverty in rural areas, Ipari-Efugo community members were able to be responsible for their own development without government intervention. The research includes literature studies of rural electrification projects and demonstrates how participation and sustainable development can lead to a successful community project. Irrespective of obstacles such as poverty and lack of economic empowerment, Ipari- Efugo community members are resilient and were able to provide electricity. Access to electricity can serve as a prerequisite for economic development and growth. The benefits accruable from the use of electricity outweigh the costs of providing the amenity to the community. Participation through sustainable development remains the core instrument responsible for the completion of the electricity project in Ipari-Efugo. This study encourages rural communities to take responsibility for their own development. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: As gevolg van onvoldoende finansiële middele en 'n gebrek aan bestuursvaardighede, in die gevallestudie beskik die plaaslike regering nie oor die toepaslike meganismes om hulle hulpbronne na behore te bestuur nie. Boonop blyk dit dat nasionale regerings nie alle basiese geriewe aan diegene op voetsoolvlak kan voorsien nie. Die genoemde scenario impliseer dus dat landelike gemeenskappe nie toegang het tot basiese geriewe soos elektrisiteit en kraanwater nie. In Nigerië word weinig navorsing gedoen op die gebied van volhoubare ontwikkeling in landelike elektrisiteitsvoorsiening. Hierdie studie is gebaseer op die impak van gemeenskaps- en individuele deelname aan 'n landelike elektrisiteitsvoorsieningsprojek, en toon hoe volhoubare ontwikkeling 'n toonaangewende rol hierin speel. Die studie spruit uit 'n landelike elektrifiseringsprojek wat in 2000 deur die gemeenskap van Ipari-Efugo Otukpa in die staat Benue in die noordelik-sentrale deel van Nigerië aangevoer en gefasiliteer is. Ondanks die heersende armoede in landelike gebiede, het lede van die Ipari-Efugo gemeenskap sonder die tussenkoms van die regering verantwoordelikheid vir hulle eie ontwikkeling aanvaar. Die navorsing sluit literatuurstudies van landelike elektrisiteitsvoorsieningsprojekte in, en demonstreer hoe deelname en volhoubare ontwikkeling tot 'n suksesvolle gemeenskapsprojek kan aanleiding gee. Ongeag struikelblokke soos armoede en 'n gebrek aan ekonomiese bemagtiging, was die lede van die Ipari-Efugo gemeenskap vasberade en kon hulle uiteindelik elektrisiteit aan die gemeenskap verskaf. Toegang tot elektrisiteit kan as 'n voorvereiste vir ekonomiese ontwikkeling en groei dien. Die voordele verbonde aan elektrisiteitsverbruik oortref uiteindelik by verre die koste verbonde aan die voorsiening van hierdie gerief aan die gemeenskap. Deelname by wyse van volhoubare ontwikkeling bly die sleutelinstrument vir die voltooiing van die elektrisiteitsprojek in Ipari-Efugo. Hierdie studie moedig landelike gemeenskappe aan om verantwoordelikheid vir hulle eie ontwikkeling te aanvaar.

The problem of this research concerned the perceived effect of management education on the indigenization of selected multinational corporations in Nigeria. The related purposes of the investigation were to analyze data from the respondents in multinational corporations, higher educational institutions and government parastatals to identify the differences and similarities that existed between the perceptions of general managers, managing directors, management educators, government officials, and final-year business administration students. Four areas addressed in the inquiry were to: identify the management training objectives for Nigerian higher education institutions, determine the perceived effect of management education on the indigenization of selected Nigerian multinational corporations, ascertain the increased number of Nigerians who assumed management positions between 1973 and 1984, and examine the perceived effect of management education on the job performance of the management education graduates.

This study examined the effects and expectations of external economic dependence on foreign investment policy outputs with particular reference to the Nigerian experience between 1954 and 1980. Three basic kinds of external economic dependence were studied: foreign investment, the penetration of the Nigerian economy by foreign capital through the agency of the multinational corporations (MNCs); foreign trade, a measure of the Nigerian economy's participation in the world market; and foreign aid (loans and grants), a measure of Nigeria's reliance on financial assistance from governments and international financial inst itutions. For the most part, the level of Nigeria's economic dependence was very high. However, economic dependency is not translated into changes in foreign investment policy in favor of the foreign investors in Nigeria as is predicted by the dependency paradigm. The Nigerian case casts doubt on the dependency paradigm as a framework for fully explaining factors that may determine foreign direct investment policy changes that occur in a less developed Third World country. In other words, the dependency paradigm has a limited explanatory power; there is a factor independent of the economic factor operating out of the control of global capitalism (the center of the center in alliance with the center of the periphery); and that factor is the political process in Nigeria. The web of the Nigerian political process involves the various aspects of its internal functioning such as the manner in which needs, interests and demands are conveyed from the individuals and groups in the country to those performing state duties. Thus, Nigerian policy makers were more influenced by those elements than pure economic considerations treated in isolation.

The problem of the study was the inadequate education of handicapped students in Nigeria. The primary purpose of the study was to develop a construct based on the United States models and research on special education, and to compare educational provisions for Nigerian students with the available educational opportunity for handicapped students. In order to achieve the stated objectives of the study, two methodological approaches were utilized: (1) Likert scale for opinion questionnaires, and (2) personal interviews. Both of these instruments included demographic information about the participants. The questionnaire was categorized into three areas (differences between educational opportunities for non-handicapped and handicapped students, formal learning opportunities for handicapped Nigerian students, and factors for being attentive or not being attentive to special education). The interview instrument focused on special education constraints, responsibility for special education provision, and improvement in education for the handicapped. Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were reached. 1. Handicapped Nigerian students do not have equal educational opportunities, as compared to non-handicapped students. Therefore, equal instructional opportunities should be provided for handicapped and non-handicapped students. 2. The federal and state governments of Nigeria should be financially responsible for special education. Therefore, the administration of special education must be taken over from private organizations. 3. Lack of funds, personnel and specialists, equipment, and adequate facilities hinders education for the handicapped in Nigeria. In order to improve education for the handicapped, therefore, the following provisions should be made: (1) build more schools, (2) train more specialists, (3) make funds available for special education, (4) provide more facilities and equipment, (5) intensify efforts in early detection of handicaps in children, and (6) educate parents on the importance of special education.