African Journal of Stability and Development (AJSD)

The “Brain Drain” vs. “Brain Gain” Debate: Impacts on Africa’s Development

2025-11-17T08:15:13+00:00

The migration of skilled professionals from African countries, often referred to as "brain drain," has had a profound impact on the continent's socio-economic development. This ongoing phenomenon has resulted in the loss of human capital, severely affecting critical sectors such as healthcare, education, technology, and infrastructural development. The mass exodus of skilled workers in Africa has created a gap that has disrupted these vital industries, thereby undermining efforts to drive progress and innovation. Conversely, the concept of “brain gain” presents an optimistic view, focusing on the contributions made by African professionals in the diaspora. These contributions– financial remittances, knowledge exchange, and the establishment of transnational networks– have been vital in fostering economic development and enhancing access to expertise in various fields. While these benefits are undeniable, they do not fully counterbalance the negative impacts of brain drain, which continues to hinder the potential growth of African nations. This paper explores the complex relationship between brain drain and brain gain within the context of Africa's socio-economic development. Drawing on the human capital theory, which emphasises the importance of skilled labour in driving economic and social progress, this work investigates the implications of skilled migration on the continent's growth. By examining case studies from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, this paper highlights the challenges faced by African nations in retaining their experienced professionals and the potential benefits of engaging with Africans in the diaspora. Through a comprehensive analysis of migration trends and policy approaches, this research advocates for the development of strategies that balance the retention of skilled labour with fostering global mobility. This paper seeks to provide practical recommendations that will allow African countries to maximise the positive impacts of skilled migration, while minimising the adverse effects of brain drain and thus ultimately promoting sustainable development across the continent.

Predictive Role of Personality Traits, Alcohol Use and Emotion Regulation on Dangerous Driving Behaviour among Commercial Drivers in Yenagoa, Nigeria

2025-11-17T08:34:56+00:00

Dangerous driving among commercial drivers has become more pronounced in contemporary times, as there tends to be an increase in road traffic accidents in Nigeria, according to available reports. The reasons for this increase are yet to be fully explored. Some psychosocial factors may be implicated in this recent occurrence. There is a gap in knowledge, as these psychosocial factors have not been studied enough. The study investigated the predictive role of personality traits, alcohol use, and emotion regulation on dangerous driving behaviour among commercial drivers in Yenagoa. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey. The sample size for the study was 300. Eysenck questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, Emotion Regulation questionnaire and Dula Dangerous Driving Index were used to assess personality traits, alcohol use, emotion regulation and dangerous driving, respectively, in this study. Multiple linear regression was used to test the hypothesis. Results showed that personality traits, alcohol use, and emotion regulation independently and jointly (R²= .314, F = [3, 296] = 45.08; p<.01) predicted dangerous driving behaviour among commercial drivers. It was concluded that personality traits, alcohol use, and emotion regulation significantly influence hazardous driving behaviour.

Community-Based Policing Strategies for Promoting Development and Stability in Kogi State

2025-11-17T08:07:36+00:00

Kogi State, like many regions in Nigeria, grapples with persistent insecurity, community mistrust, and underdevelopment. Armed robbery, kidnapping, communal clashes, and political violence continue to undermine grassroots peace efforts and economic progress. In response to these challenges, community-based policing has emerged as an alternative approach aimed at improving security outcomes by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and local stakeholders. This study explores the role of community policing in promoting development and stability across selected communities in Kogi State. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study utilised data from key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and official reports from community policing units and civil society organisations. The analysis focused on local perspectives, policing strategies, and collaborative frameworks involving vigilantes, neighbourhood watch groups, and traditional authorities. Findings reveal that effective community policing has led to increased public trust in security agencies, improved information flow, and more proactive responses to crime. The involvement of local actors, particularly through neighbourhood security groups and multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms, has enhanced social cohesion and contributed to a decline in petty crimes and communal disputes. However, persistent challenges such as inadequate funding, poor training, and political interference continue to limit the impact. The study concludes that community-based policing, when properly structured and supported, can significantly contribute to grassroots stability, promote participatory governance, and foster long-term local development. It recommends strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing community-police relations, and ensuring inclusive security planning at the local government level.

Paul Kagame’s Nation-Building Policies and Their Impact on Post-Conflict Rwanda: An Assessment of Achievements, Challenges, and Future Prospects

2025-12-12T15:46:26+00:00

Rwanda’s post-conflict recovery following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi has become one of Africa’s most studied examples of nation-building. Central to this trajectory is the leadership of President Paul Kagame, whose policies have sought to reconcile a divided society, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen governance institutions. Through initiatives such as Vision 2020 and Vision 2050, investment in education and healthcare, and the promotion of “Rwandanness” as a unifying identity, Rwanda has achieved impressive gains in stability, human development, and international recognition. Community-based reconciliation mechanisms and robust state reforms further reinforced social cohesion and institutional capacity. However, these achievements remain challenged by critics who highlight the trade-offs between stability and democratic freedoms, pointing to restricted political pluralism, media censorship, and the centralisation of power. Persistent socio-economic inequalities and the suppression of ethnic discourse also raise concerns about the inclusiveness and sustainability of Rwanda’s model. This paper assesses Kagame’s nation-building policies, examining achievements, challenges, and prospects. It argues that Rwanda’s experience offers valuable lessons for post-conflict governance in Africa but underscores the need for greater democratic participation, equity, and institutional resilience to ensure long-term sustainability.

Jápa, Jánù, Jápadà: Dynamics of Migration Discourse in Adekunle Gold’s Music- “Ire”

2025-12-16T15:49:59+00:00

Migration is a common phenomenon in human experience, which has manifested in a new concept called Jápa in Nigeria. Jápa, as a concept, has received scholarly attention in academic discourses in recent years, but earlier studies from sociology, health, education, economics, language, religious and cultural studies have focused more on its causes and effects on Nigerian economic development; however, scanty attention has been paid to its dynamics among Nigerians, especially from a musicology perspective. This study, therefore, examined Jápa, Jánù, and Jápadà as migration dynamics using Adekunle Gold’s music- “Ire” to discuss the resultant effect of emigrants’ aspiration, failed quest, and reasons for the emigrants to retreat in their attempt at forceful ambitions. The study adopted a qualitative method to gather data using Adekunle Gold’s music track “Ire” through purposive sampling technique. The data (music content) were content analysed. The phenomenon of Jápa has taken different dimensions in which the aspiration of an emigrant may result in loss of identity, loss of worth, loss of freedom, loss of life, and deportation after a huge investment has been made to pursue the abortive ambition. Adekunle Gold’s music track, “Ire”, is therefore an encouragement and motivation to the emigrants to look inward and retreat if the aspiration is not achieved to avoid colossal loss in the end. It is recommended that artistes should do more in enlightening the citizenry on the need to “water one’s ground” and make it greener instead of seeking a greener pasture somewhere else, where there are uncertainty and bait for voluntary slavery.

Evaluating Public Perception and Awareness of Internet Fraud among Residents in Nigeria

2025-12-12T15:46:18+00:00

As Nigeria deepens its engagement with the digital economy, internet fraud has emerged as a pervasive and socially complex challenge. What began in the 1990s with rudimentary email scams known as “419 fraud” has evolved into highly sophisticated schemes involving phishing, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and Business Email Compromise (BEC). Despite extensive interventions by state agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Unit, and collaborations with international bodies like INTERPOL and the FBI, internet fraud continues to thrive, particularly among Nigerian youths. This study evaluates public perception and awareness of internet fraud within Nigeria, focusing on how socio-economic hardship, youth unemployment, cultural narratives, and media portrayals shape societal attitudes towards cybercrime. Using a mixed-method approach anchored in survey data and qualitative content analysis, the study explores the paradox of widespread condemnation of cybercrime alongside pockets of social acceptance and even glorification, especially among disenfranchised youths. Prominent cases, such as the arrests of Ramon Abbas (Hushpuppi), Obinwanne Okeke (Invictus Obi), and the rise of “Yahoo Academies,” underscore the extent to which cybercrime is embedded in socio-cultural and economic systems. Public figures convicted of internet fraud are often simultaneously vilified and idolised, reflecting complex perceptions of success, justice, and opportunity in a society plagued by poverty and systemic corruption. Findings such as a 2019 NOIPolls survey indicating that 32% of youths knew someone involved in cybercrime further reveal normalisation tendencies among vulnerable demographics. The research identified several critical drivers behind the public perception of internet fraud, including structural unemployment, poor digital literacy, ineffective law enforcement, peer pressure, and media glamourisation. Furthermore, it highlighted key demographic variations in public opinion, based on age, education, gender, and region. The paper argues that existing legal and punitive responses must be supplemented by culturally informed public education, youth empowerment initiatives, ethical media regulation, and rehabilitative strategies. Only through a holistic understanding of the socio-economic and psychological dimensions of internet fraud can Nigeria develop effective policies that shift public perception and fortify digital integrity in its emerging economy.

Digital Communication Technologies and Their Economic Implications for Nigeria’s Electronics Manufacturing Industry

2025-12-06T18:08:30+00:00

The nexus between Nigeria's burgeoning digital economy and its nascent electronics manufacturing sector represents a critical frontier for national economic diversification. Driven by a rapidly expanding ICT sector that contributed 9.88% to the nominal GDP in Q4 2021 and a projected digital economy revenue of $18.30 billion by 2026, Nigeria presents a compelling, albeit challenging, landscape for tech-driven industrial growth. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how digital communication technologies, specifically the rollout of 5G, the adoption of IoT and AI, and the proliferation of e-commerce, are reshaping the electronics manufacturing value chain. The analysis reveals a dual-faceted relationship. On one hand, these technologies offer significant opportunities to enhance operational efficiency, streamline supply chains, and expand market access. The potential for AI to optimise production, IoT to provide real-time logistics visibility, and e-commerce to connect local manufacturers with a vast consumer base is undeniable. On the other hand, the industry is confronted by deep-seated barriers, including a persistent digital infrastructure deficit, a severe skills gap, and a complex, often inconsistent, regulatory environment. The coexistence of 2G, 4G and 5G networks fragments the consumer market and complicates product design and strategy. A high dependency on imported inputs also raises costs and reduces competitiveness. Drawing from a detailed examination of these dynamics, the report synthesises its findings into a set of strategic recommendations. A multi-stakeholder approach is essential, with the government focusing on regulatory harmonisation and public-private partnerships, manufacturers investing in a phased approach to technology adoption and workforce upskilling, and a broader ecosystem promoting collaboration and targeted investment. By addressing these foundational challenges, Nigeria can transition from being a passive consumer of electronics to a competitive producer, thereby achieving its long-term vision of a digital-first industrial economy.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Radio Drama in Promoting Women’s Empowerment in Niger State

2025-12-16T15:50:45+00:00

This study evaluated the effectiveness of radio drama as a strategic communication tool for promoting women’s empowerment in Niger State, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods descriptive research design, data were collected from 300 women across Niger, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), and Nasarawa State. Quantitative data were complemented by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study was anchored in the Entertainment-Education strategy and Social Learning Theory, which underscore the capacity of storytelling to inform and transform societal norms. Findings revealed that over 78% of respondents listened to radio drama at least occasionally, with a significant majority describing the content as relevant to their lived experiences. Participants reported increased self-confidence, engagement in family decision-making, and a heightened awareness of women's rights and agency. However, the study also identified limitations, including limited feedback mechanisms, cultural resistance in some rural areas, and the absence of clear pathways for translating awareness into concrete action. The study concluded that while radio drama is a potent tool for raising consciousness and challenging patriarchal norms, its impact is mediated by socio-cultural and infrastructural factors. It recommended that programme developers localise content linguistically and culturally, incorporate listener feedback, and strengthen partnerships with community leaders and support organisations. Ultimately, the strategic use of radio drama can contribute significantly to gender equality when embedded in a holistic, participatory development communication framework.

Cryptocurrency, Terrorism Financing, and the Dark Web: An Exploratory Study of the Role of Anonymous Transactions in Supporting Terrorist Activities

2025-12-12T15:46:10+00:00

The expansion of cryptocurrency has reshaped financial systems by enabling decentralised transactions and new digital applications. However, its pseudonymity and global reach have also enabled ransomware, darknet trading, money laundering, and terrorism financing, creating challenges for regulators seeking to protect financial integrity. This study examines the intersection of cryptocurrency, cybercrime, and governance. It identifies techniques exploited by criminals, evaluates forensic and regulatory countermeasures, and considers the governance dilemmas posed by these developments. A qualitative, desk-based approach was adopted, drawing on peer-reviewed literature, institutional policy reports (FATF, IMF, Europol), and industry analyses (Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs). Thematic content analysis was used to trace patterns of illicit cryptocurrency use, enforcement actions, and regulatory innovations. The findings reveal that blockchain forensics and coordinated policy efforts have strengthened oversight. Yet criminals increasingly use privacy coins, decentralised finance protocols, mixers, and cross-chain laundering to bypass detection. Enforcement remains inconsistent, hindered by fragmented regulation and gaps in cross-border cooperation. Cryptocurrency-enabled crime and terrorism financing remain adaptive threats that test financial stability and governance frameworks. Stronger international coordination, harmonised regulation, and advanced forensic tools are essential to reduce risks. The study recommends deepening cross-border collaboration, investing in blockchain analytics, and adopting flexible governance models that balance innovation with accountability.

Climate-Induced Migration and the Challenges of Food Insecurity in Nigeria

2025-12-09T12:06:36+00:00

This study aims to examine climate-induced migration and the challenges of food insecurity in Nigeria. It also seeks to analyse further how climate-induced migration leads to food insecurity. Climate change has severe impacts on human survival and natural habitats, causing loss of soil fertility, habitat destruction, and natural disasters such as wildfires, cyclones, landslides, flooding, rising sea levels, and earthquakes. One negative effect of climate change is migration, which occurs as people flee extreme weather conditions. The main point of this paper is that climate-induced migration does not always result in food insecurity. However, this relationship is influenced by conflicts between farmers and pastoralists and by the limited capacity of the government to implement effective policies and programmes to resolve ongoing disputes between migrants and host communities. Persistent clashes between pastoralists and local communities continue to threaten food production in Nigeria, driven by recurring herdsmen attacks, kidnappings, and the victimisation of farmers. This study used a qualitative approach, relying on existing literature and datasets. It employs the Environmental Scarcity Theory and Securitisation Theory as its theoretical framework. The conclusion is that while food insecurity can be a consequence of climate-induced migration, this link is intensified by conflicts between pastoralists and farmers and the Nigerian government’s failure to address these disputes through effective policies that prevent resource conflicts between host communities and pastoralists.