In regard to national development (ND), this review article (which is basically a perspective approach) presents retroactive and forward-looking perspectives on university education in Nigeria. In the past, particularly during the 1970s, the Nigerian university (NU) sector was among the most outstanding in Africa as well as globally. The best institutions drew students from around Africa, who flocked to Nigeria to study. The NU structure evidently contained four essential components for an international and effective university system, viz., world-class instructors, world-class students, a conducive learning environment, and global competitiveness. The NU structure, nevertheless, has undergone some neglect over the past thirty years and lost its distinctive identity, which raises questions about its function and applicability at the current stage of ND. Hence, some retrospective and forward-looking observations on university education in Nigeria in connection to ND are conveyed in this perspective article uses basically published articles and other relevant literature, as well as other sources and data from available literature. Hitherto, there is an urgent need for reinforcement of the university system in order to give it the desired and comparable international quality and functionality needed to meet the demands of current issues and the near future. However, this article conveys an intense belief and conviction that the NU system is still important for both the political and socioeconomic development (growth) of the nation. The article concludes by recommending the way forward in this regard.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital marketing, the influence of social media on consumer behavior has become a focal point of scholarly inquiry. This study delves into the intricate dynamics between social media interaction and the quality of relationships in the context of s-commerce, examining how these interactions impact customer loyalty and purchase intentions. It is imperative to note that while the study does explore the mediating role, it is not the primary focus. The core objective revolves around understanding the nuanced relationships between social media interaction and relationship quality. This clarification ensures a precise delineation of the research scope and objectives. Furthermore, it is worth emphasizing that while the study delves into customer loyalty, this aspect is not explicitly reflected in the title. However, the examination of loyalty remains an integral component of the research, providing a holistic view of customer behavior in the digital marketplace. By addressing the interplay between social media engagement and relationship quality, this study aims to provide valuable insights for businesses navigating the complexities of s-commerce. Through this research, we seek to illuminate the pivotal role of social media interactions in shaping customer-company relationships, thus offering actionable insights for practitioners and enriching the academic discourse in the field of digital marketing.
Teachers are instrumental in advancing the cognitive and motor skills of children with autism. Despite their importance, the incorporation of both educators and robotic aids in the educational frameworks of specialized schools and centers is infrequent. Extensive research has been conducted to evaluate the impact of robotic assistance on the learning outcomes for children with autism. This study investigates the effects of the Furhat robot on the educational experiences of autistic children in schools, analyzing its utility both with and without the presence of teachers. Interviews with educators were carried out to gauge the effectiveness of implementing Furhat robots in these settings. Data collected from sessions with autistic children were analyzed using ANOVA tests, offering insights into the Furhat Social Robot’s potential as a significant tool for fostering engagement and interaction. The findings highlight the robot’s effectiveness in enhancing social interaction and engagement, thereby contributing to the ongoing discussion on how social robots can improve the developmental progress and well-being of children with autism. Moreover, this paper underlines the innovative aspects of our proposed model and its wider implications. By presenting specific quantitative outcomes, our aim is to extend the reach of our findings to a broader audience. Ultimately, this research delineates significant contributions to the understanding of social robots, such as Furhat, in improving the overall well-being and developmental trajectories of children with autism.
The subject of traditional institutions cannot be undermined in the project of sustainable leadership and good governance in Nigeria given the locus and crucial role of the institution in the past and modern Nigeria. It is incontrovertible that traditional and aboriginal values are held highly with reverence and respect in virtually all parts of Nigeria. To discountenance their relevance will be too costly in any leadership-cum-governance discourse. Towns, villages and cities were duly recognized and protected as the harbingers of culture, mores, norms and values. The contemporary government structure in Nigeria duly recognizes the importance of traditional institutions by having a Commission for Local Government (LG) and Chieftaincy Affairs at all State levels. Moreover, 5% of allocations to LGs go statutorily to the tradition institution in the State. Hitherto, the recklessness and abuse of the native authority system of local government administration in the 1950s–60s had led to the moderation and reforms of the system, which has continued to affect traditional institutions to date. To this end, the paper argues that traditional institutions hold so much values and cohesive practices as well as socially integrative potentials for nation-building so much that the State can leverage on them for sustainable leadership and overall good governance. The methodology adopted for collecting data for this study is descriptive research method, which relies on primary direct observation (eye-witness) account and relevant secondary materials such as texts, journal articles, official documents and internet materials. The data collected were analyzed and presented using thematic analysis and tables. National and international data already analyzed were found essential to drive home the argument of this study. The outcome of the paper provides useful information on how traditional institutions serve as a veritable platform for sustainable leadership and good governance in Nigeria. The paper concluded that traditional institutions, with its rich culture, values and practices, possess sufficient merits to propel the country towards sustainable leadership that would concomitantly induce economic, technological and political growth in Nigeria.
Rapidly changing business environments and fierce competition are making it increasingly difficult for modern companies to maintain competitive advantage and accomplish business longevity. This study can fill the research gap in mission research and longevity research, and provides implications on what form and content of mission should be selected when determining the direction of a company’s corporate strategy. Although a company’s mission is a communication tool that represents the company’s strategic priorities and unique values, it has rarely been considered an important factor in business longevity. This study conducts a content analysis of the mission statements of 43 companies in the Henokiens Association to clarify the linkage between a company’s mission and business longevity and the configurations of long-lived firms’ missions. Our results show most long-lived firms have clear missions and perceptions of familism expansion. The firms’ past, present, and future additions to their concern for products, business growth, unique philosophy, and stakeholders are highlighted in their mission statements. Therefore, the main theoretical contribution of focusing on the corporate mission as a factor of business longevity in this study is not only a new approach to the longevity factor, but also the discovery of new values of the mission in strategic management research. The practical contribution of this study is that it reveals that companies seeking long-term competitive advantage in the market need to design, possess, and share a high-quality mission from a long-term perspective and instill the ideology of extended familyism. It can also provide hints about strategic priorities for small, family-run businesses facing threats to their survival.
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