THEME:
UNLOCKING SUB-SAHARA AFRICAN POTENTIALS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN THE 21st CENTURY.
DATE: JULY 10TH – 11TH, 2014.
VENUE:
M.L. AUDU AUDITORIUM, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BAUCHI, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA.
PROCEEDINGS (Vol. 2 No. 4):
A SURVEY OF THE ADEQUACY OF FACILITIES FOR TEACHING PHYSICS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN BAUCHI STATE.
Ali Florence
Staff School, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the adequacy of facilities for teaching physics in Secondary schools in Bauchi Metropolis of Bauchi State. Four research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The descriptive/survey research design method was used and the instruments for data collection were questionnaires, observation and checklist. The population for the study was all the Secondary Schools in Bauchi Metropolis from which a sample of ten was chosen purposively based on stratification according to ownership. The study achieved 98% rate. The responses from the schools were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and mean. The findings indicated that in terms of teachers, lessons and practical, the schools were ready for the teaching of physics. In relation to the facilities for the teaching of physics, findings showed among others, that 60% of the Secondary Schools in Bauchi Metropolis had more than half of the facilities. The available facilities were put to effective use and the teachers generally agreed that these had positive impact on the performance of their students in school certificate examinations. Among others, it was recommended that the schools lacking the facilities required for the teaching of physics should take it as their priority to procure these facilities.
Keyword: Teaching facilities, Physics, Secondary Schools, Bauchi State, Students Performance
ADDRESSING THE HOTELS FACILITY AND SERVICE NEEDS OF PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES WITHIN BAUCHI METROPOLIS OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA.
Esther O. Adebitan and Job Yusuf
Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi.
ABSTRACT
The hospitality industry, by virtue of its legal and operational ethics, is open to and caters for all persons including persons living with disabilities (PLWD). Providing for PLWD however is challenging. This is because specialized facilities and services are required to meet the peculiar needs of this group of persons. The aim of this study was to investigate into the hospitality industry’s preparedness in terms of meeting the facilities and services needs of PLWD that may patronize its establishments. Specific objectives of the study included to find out if hotels within Bauchi metropolis have policies in place regarding the welfare of PLWD, to take inventory of the facility and services available PLWD in the hotel establishments; and to establish the adequacy or otherwise of the facilities and services. The study population was all the 37 registered hotels within the metropolis classified as either International, National, Urban, Sub-urban, Rural, or Unclassified. The study sample was made up of the 20 hotels that fall into the international, national and urban classified hotels within the metropolis. These were coded for ethical reasons.A structured questionnaire containing ten questions was used to elicit information from 5 respondents each from the hotels and who are heads of departments in the hotels. Study findings reveal that hotel establishments within Bauchi metropolis do not have policies, facilities or services provision in place to meet the needs of PLWD, and that the few facilities available are inadequate. The study recommends enlightenment and adequate training for hotel proprietors and staff on the need for inclusion of the facilities and services special needs of PLWD in their policies in order to not only encourage PLWD feel welcome in the hotels but also harness resources that will accrue from providing such facilities and services for the overall development of the hospitality industry and the nation at large.
Keywords: Disability, Hotel, PLWD, Policy, Facility
CHALLENGING THE CHALLENGES OF BROADCAST REGULATIONS IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMMISSION (NBC)
1 BELLO MADAKI BELI AND 2 ASHIRU TUKUR INUWA
1 Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, P.M.B. 0231, Bauchi.
2 Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University Kano.
ABSTRACT
This study examines the extent to which NBC regulates broadcasting in Nigeria and challenges the Commission encountered in regulating broadcasting in the country. The study also tries to proper solutions to challenges of enforcement NBC faces. Located within the Normative Media Theory, the study used survey method using questionnaires and in-depth interviews to generate its data. The data generated were analyzed using conversational analysis method. Findings of the study show that the NBC has a comprehensive system and legal backings capable of regulating broadcasting in Nigeria. However, it faces a lot of challenges ranging from political interference, corruption, underfunding, dependency, etc. The study finds a lot of solutions to the challenges raised by the study. The recommendations made include financing, training, objectivity, re-defining and re-designing NBC’s mandate, and public involvement in monitoring broadcast stations.
KEYWORDS: Broadcast, Regulation, Enforcement, challenges.
CULTURE AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: GOVERNANCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY
MURTALA MOHAMMED ALAMAI1, INUWA ABDU IBRAHIM2
1 Hospitality and Tourism Management Department, The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
2 Department of Public Administration, The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
ABSTRACT
The research evaluated the negative realities in Nigeria, as a result of governments’ failure being a regulatory, enforcement and development agent, which has opened Pandora’s Box as it were. Morality and traditions are out and a new free thinking concept is fundamentally taking over. The paper examines the failure of government through neglect of education and culture, which has negatively affected youth development and indeed development in general. Therefore, focus is on the action and in actions of governments in Nigeria, using secondary sources of data. In conclusion, the research asserts good governance as the way out of the present deteriorating realities, into a better and sustained culturally relevant youth development in the 21th century Nigeria.
Keywords: Government, Information Technology, Nigeria Culture and Education Youth Development.
EDUCATION AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR EFFECTIVE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: WHICH WAY NIGERIA
TIJANI SULEMAN AND OLATUNJI. ISAAC, IMOAGENE
Department Of Humanities & Social Sciences, Auchi Polytechnic, Auchi Edo State
ABSTRACT
Education has various definitions. Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes, interest, abilities, competence and the cultural norms of a society by people, and to transmit this life to the coming generations so as to enhance perpetual development of the society. The Nigerian policy on education had gone through many stages to the extent that, policy incoherence had negatively affected the success of the policies. There had been significant decline in the standard of education. All the stake holders have contributed variously to this decline. Education, rather than being used as an instrument for effective national development in Nigeria had become a tool for destruction. With the evolving curricula, reform and development by the emerging private schools, education would in the very near future become an instrument for effective national development in Nigeria. In order to be able to effectively achieve this, this paper has recommended that government should endeavor to reactivate the scholarship scheme in order to enable student to have access to education. Secondly, government policy on education should be such that will help produced graduate that are competent and qualified to fit in to giant developmental stride of the nation. Private school should also strive to acquire the necessary facilities that will technologically advance the knowledge of student for development.
Keywords: Educational Policy, Development, Skill, Crisis, Reform
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
ARDO MAJI ALIYU
School of Education, College of Education Azare, Bauchi State
ABSTRACT
The paper examined meaning of research, definition of educational research, types of educational research and classification. It also touches on the significance of educational research, problems, conclusion and recommendations were drawn which form part of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) should be made right from the primary school to university in that it brings rapid development by expanding our economy, improves teaching and learning and makes our economy stable.
Keywords: Educational research, Development, classification, significance, problems
ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: SURVIVAL STRATEGIES AMONG RURAL WOMEN IN THE NIGER DELTA.
IGOLI TIMIPA AND NWAEBOH IFEANYI A (PHD)
Liberty Centre For Human Rights And Sustainable Development
ABSTRACT
This conference paper looked at environmental degradation and sustainable development in Nigeria: survival strategies among rural women in the Niger Delta. It noted that since the discovery of oil in the 1950’s the people of the Niger Delta has been suffering litanies of untold hardship as a result of the activities of oil prospectors, explorers and producers. The activities of oil companies situated in the Niger Delta region has caused a lot of damages to the area especially fishing and farming which is the major economic activity of the people. Thus this conference paper attempted a critical assessment of the effects of oil production on environment, and consequently, its impact on agricultural communities. It also looked at strategies employed by rural women for survival and well being, whether the economy is subsistence, monetized or a mixture of both, because the rural women need livelihood skills that can enable them have the basic necessities of life. The paper noted that the informal sector of the economy which is agriculturally-based has been environmentally degraded as a result of oil exploration and exploitation and recommended among other things for an environmental impact assessment in the Niger Delta before execution of industrial projects.
KEY WORDS: Environmental Degradation, Sustainable Development, Rural Women, Survival Strategies, Niger Delta.
FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS AS ENSHRINED UNDER CHAPTER IV OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (AS AMENDED) AND ITS REALIZATION WHETHER A MIGHT OR A MIRAGE
UMAR IBRAHIM WUNTI ESQ AND USMAN BAPPAH DARAZO ESQ.
General Studies Department Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi.
ABSTRACT
Fundamental human rights are constitutionally guaranteed rights to citizens of states by their governments. Everyone has a right to life, dignity, security, proper development etc. This is more true of democratic states where the government has a constitutional obligation to protect these rights. This paper looks at the fundamental rights of citizens in Nigeria as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended), case law regarding fundamental rights, procedure for enforcement of the rights as well as the limitations and challenges associated with full enjoyment of the rights. It concludes by proffering certain solutions to these problems and makes necessary recommendations.
Keyword: Human Right Chapter 4 of 199, Chapter iv Constitution Federal Republic of Nigeria, Realization
HUMAN POPULATION AND THE EARTH’S CARRYING CAPACITY: EMERGING CHALLENGES
1 SUNDAY O. AMOS, 2 KADALA B. SOLOMON
1 Ecobank Mubi , 2 Department of Urban and Regional Planning
Federal Polytechnic, Mubi.
ABSTRACT
Approaches to challenges being faced as a result of the global increase in human population must of a necessity be universal in nature. The carrying capacity of the earth which is being overstretched today may lead to damage of the ecosystem and great implications for the inhabitants of the earth. This review therefore focused on the population increase and the carrying capacity of the earth. The paper also discusses on the issue of minimum and maximum carrying capacity and the resultant effects of both. The causes of population growth and the resultant effect and the current challenges being faced in combating population explosion globally was all reviewed. This is due to the fact that a challenge in one region has direct or indirect impact in others. Therefore, Better training for farmers; improving awareness on family planning; improved educational opportunities; Promote sustainable development and resource management, were all proposed as a way forward.
Keyword: Human, Population, Carrying Capacity
LANGUAGE AND SOCIETY: THE INDISPENSABILITY OF LANGUAGE IN SOCIAL CONFLICT PREVENTION, MANAGEMENT AND RESOLUTION
1 IBRAHIM ABDULHAMID SABO, 2 SADIYA TANKO H
1 Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, 2 Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic Bauchi
ABSTRACT
The paper ‘Language and Society: the indispensability of Language in Social Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution’ looks at the concepts of language and society and their relationship. The discussion covered culture which happens to be at the centre of the discourse. The relationship between language and culture was established unveiling the fact that culture affects the language spoken within the immediate society. However, we discovered in the study that language is personal and based on social behaviour and thus society has been classified into groups based on certain social variables such as age, sex, class, race, religion etc. The paper took a look at conflicts and what factors are usually give rise to conflicts and it finally examined certain linguistic parameters that could either abate or hinder aggrieved parties from going to war and suggested measures of linguistically preventing, managing and resolving conflicts.
Keyword: Language Society, Social Conflict Prevention, Conflict Management and Resolutions.
MEDIA REGULATIONS IN NIGERIA: THE ROADBLOCKS TO FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
1 BELLO MADAKI BELI AND 2ASHIRU TUKUR INUWA
1 Department Of Mass Communication Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
2 Department Of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the mass media laws in Nigeria that are aimed at regulating the media operations in the country. Mass media were observed to be regulated in almost everywhere in the world for reasons other than politics, security and religion. Through reviewing some literature relevant to the study, it was found right from the inception that the press was put under some derogatory roadblocks preventing it from enjoying absolute freedom. The press in Nigeria was not left behind in enacting and promulgating different laws regulating its operations.
Key Words: Regulation, Mass Media, Freedom, Press, Absolute
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE: POWERS, CORRUPTION AND IMAGE BEFORE THE PUBLIC
MOHAMMED ISAH SHEHU
General Studies Department, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi- Nigeria
ABSTRACT
The Nigeria police Force is very strategic to the domestic peace, stability, law and order in Nigeria and its roles cannot be over emphasized. Like any other police machinery the world over, it has numerous challenges and is specifically having bad image before Nigerian society and is often accused of corruption, excessive use of force and atrocities on innocent citizens, inaction, politicization of functions, corruption and general ineptitudeness. This study looked into the Nigeria Police Force, its establishment, qualifications and background, powers and image before the Nigerians. The study found that most Nigerians view the Nigeria Police with contempt, suspicion and hatred. Many others also see the Nigeria Police as one of the most corrupt institutions and feel unsafe in the hands of police whenever anything occurs or goes wrong, the laws and regulations guiding the police service are mostly obsolete, Nigeria Police work in the most unsafe and uncomfortable atmosphere characterized by excessive politics, corruption, dilapidated structures and logistics and poor welfare and other necessary services. The study made recommendations as: enactment of good and competitive welfare packages, reviews of laws and acts on the police service, restoration of the past discipline and dignity to the service, fishing out all the bad elements from the service and curbing corruption that has devastated the entire service.
KeyWords: Image, Police, Public and Security.
NIGERIA’S FOREIGN POLICY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY DURING OBASANJO’S DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATION.
IGOLI TIMIPA AND NWAEBOH IFEANYI A (PHD)
Liberty Centre For Human Rights And Sustainable Development
ABSTRACT
This conference paper examined the effects of Nigeria’s foreign policy on her sustainable development by focusing on economic diplomacy during Obasanjo’s democratic administration. It noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy was hardly utilized as a tool of economic development until the economic austerities of the 1980s after the oil boom. The paper observed attendant economic benefits that manifested in Nigeria due to the utilization of economic diplomacy during Obasanjo’s democratic dispensation.These benefits included the cancellation of Nigeria’s external debt and attraction of Foreign Direct Investments. The paper recommended that economic impact assessment be carried out by experts before Nigeria embarks on foreign policy adventure. It also recommended that successive administrations after Obasanjo should make economic diplomacy a permanent feature of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Key Words: Nigeria, Foreign Policy, Sustainable Development, Diplomacy, Economic Diplomacy.
NIGERIA’S SEARCH FOR AND ADOPTION OF A VIABLE DEMOCRACY: AN OVERVIEW OF PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEMS
MOHAMMED ISAH SHEHU
General Studies Department, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi- Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Upon granting and receipt of independence, most African and other colonial states adopted democracies in line with the practices of their former colonial masters. Nigeria as one of such has been crunching the inherited West-Minster Parliamentary and Presidential democracies. The former was abandoned with the collapse of the first republic while the latter has been in operation since October, 1979 except for the years of military rule. Both the two have however failed to give Nigerians what they commonly refer to as dividends of democracy despite the high expectations, commitment and resources put by Nigerian state and citizens. This study examined the efficacy of the two systems and their operationalisation in the Nigerian context. The study used secondary sources to gather data for the study and found that: both presidential and parliamentary democracies are American and Western styles and an imposition on Nigeria and as such have not over the time given Nigerians what they expect out of democracy, the systems are respectively too expensive and complex for Nigeria to operate, part of the failure of the two systems lie in their foreign and imposed nature and Nigerians’ lack of will and determination to get the best out of the two. The study made recommendations that include evolving an indigenous system using the suitable parts of the two systems, provision of qualitative and extensive civic education to all Nigerians at their respective levels, ensuring good governance on the part of the leaders adoption of politics of plurality to ensure inclusion of all and popular participation in decisions making.
Key Words: Adoption, Democracy, Presidential and Parliamentary Systems.
POVERTY AND URBAN GOVERNANCE: A REVIEW OF THE FUNCTIONAL ANALISIS OF POVERTY
1 Tanko, B. S., 2Kadala B. S., and 3Eli, S.
Department of Urban and Regional Planning Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State – Nigeria
ABSTRACT
Poverty, like any other social phenomenon, can be analyzed in terms of the causes which initiate and perpetuate it, but once it exists, it can also be studied in terms of the consequences or functions which follow. This paper tries to describe important functions (or dysfunctions) of the poor, enough to support the argument that the idea of the poverty and the stigmas with which some poor people are thus labeled may persist in part because they are useful in a variety of ways to the people who are not poor. It is a functionalist perspective analyzing how poverty benefits the social system as a whole. The notion of functions (or dysfunctions) was perceived out of observable adaptive consequences from the indigent struggle to meet the economic requirements of everyday survival, providing newer treatment to the traditional concept of poverty. This analysis does not imply that poverty, undeservingness, and stigma will or should persist; whether it will persist is going to be determined by what happens to poverty in general. It further suggests how poverty can be alleviated both sociologically and physically.
Keywords: Undeserving, Unworthy, Poverty, Stereotype, Stigma, Economic, Social, Benefit(s),
REALIZATION OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RIGHTS UNDER THE HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
MAHMUD MUSA
ABSTRACT
Realization of social and economic rights is an inherent right which every man required.
It is ideal for man to enjoy freedom, in the society, equal working standard, equal remuneration, education, good health care, respect to humanity, equal standard of living, right to organize, form and join trade unions right to participate in cultural activities and right of security. First generation of human rights relate to civil and political rights, second generation relate to economic, social and cultural life. While the third generation talks about solidarity. Human rights issue have become so imperative to the international, regional and national politics for past years. Looking at the United Nation Universal declaration on human rights of 1948 which 1966 international covenant on civil and political rights and international convent on economic social and cultural right were carved out which have become coalesce or their coalition, has made every sovereign state to implement the stability of their human rights.Nigeria being a signatory to African charter on human and people’s right of 1982 Article has made us to recognize and understand our fundamental human rights notwithstanding all are not being implemented and considered.
ROLE OF ARTS AND CRAFTS IN PROMOTING CULTURAL TOURISM FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
AUDU ALY FADA
Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, The Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
ABSTRACT
Art and craft production can boost cultural tourism in the pursuit of economic development. Naraguta Leatherworks in Plateau State is one of the companies in the creative industries in Nigeria that have great potentials but which is not receiving adequate attention to compete for international best practices.. This study explores the contribution of art and craft works as an attraction and promotional tool for cultural tourism development. It also attempts to bring together factors which impede or assist the development of the local craft sector within the local tourism industry. The sixty-member staff of the Naraguta Leatherworks formed the population of study. A structured closed ended questionnaire supported with interview and documentary records provided the primary sources of data. Mean distribution and standard deviation of responses were calculated to provide basis for discussion and deductions. It was found out that arts and crafts are desired by travelers and tourists and so could contribute reasonably to tourism and economic growth. Public-Private Partnership is recommended for addressing the challenges faced by the art and raft industry with a view to reaping the benefits thereof. .
KEYWORDS: Arts and crafts, Cultural tourism, Tourism promotion, Development
SPORTS MANAGEMENT RESEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURAL PLANNING, PROVISION AND MAINTENANCE: A COAST EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO SAFETY IN NIGERIA SPORTS INDUSTRY.
FREDRICK AJARI OJO AMD CHICHO HABILA DINNIGWA
Department of General Studies, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi State.
ABSTRACT
This paper addresses issues relating to sports management and sustainable development of infrastructure, planning, and maintenance. The issues of equipment and facility management have been looked into from multifarious points of view, as there are many stakeholders to this very important aspect of sports industry. With these it was emphatically stated that management of infrastructure should not be restricted to a certain person or group of people alone. The reason being that timely report and intervention of all and sundry towards damaged infrastructure could save the entire sports organization from untold embarrassment or even litigation. Nevertheless, this is not to undermine the importance of professional grounds men in the overall management of sports infrastructure. However, this does not preclude these professional, from specializing in a given area in the wide field. The sports administrator being the overall boss must ensure that this important area is given the priority it deserves in the general scheme of his operation. Sometimes, all it takes to run a successful sports programme is the aesthetic value of the immediate surroundings of our sports arena. Sports management research although, it is a very costly aspect of investment, is needed by all sports organization since we know that sports is an important tool for unity and development, sports organization and institutions should as a matter of priority encourage people to carry out researches bordering on the different aspects of sports development. A nation that does not want to incorporate investments on how their country is faring in sports is bound to operate below expectations of the world standard.
Keyword: Sport Management, Infrastructural Planning, Maintenance, Cost Effective, Safety
STATISTICAL ASSESSMENT OF STAKEHOLDERS OPINION OF UNIVERSAL BASIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME FOR ATTAINMENT OF MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS ON EDUCATION IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA
*HAMISU IDI
*Department of Mathematics and Statistics Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to assess the Universal Basic Education programme for the attainment of Millennium Development Goals on education in Bauchi. The population of the study comprises of all teachers of primary and junior secondary schools in Bauchi state. A sample of 150 teachers and heads of teachers was taken and selected through a simple random sampling technique. The instrument used for data collection was structured questionnaire and the result was analyzed using Statistical Mean (Likert scale). The result shows that there was no enough class room, library and laboratory available to cater for enrolment need of UBE programme. It was also found that teachers were not adequately available for the success of UBE programme. The research recommended that government should intensify effort in constructing classrooms, laboratory, library and recruit more qualified teachers in the schools to enable pupils achieve permanent literacy and ability to communicate effectively, so as to attain the Millennium Development Goals on education.
TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN NIGERIA
CHOCHO HABILA DINNIGWA, MR. FREDERICK AJARI OJO
Department Of General. Studies School Of General. Studies Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Bauchi State,
ABSTRACT
The importance of technological research to sustain sports development in Nigerian cannot be over emphasized. Looking at sports and modern technology, one has to flash back to industrial revolution which has produced greater quantity and quality of athletes within and outside the world in comparism with the past athletes. The paper therefore tries to explain the importance of technological research in sustaining sports development in Nigeria. In the paper, concepts as technology, research and sustainable sport development were explained with a critical over view of the technological improvements on sports and finally conclusion and recommendations were made that government at all levels should plan policies on sports that are real and practical, provide adequate infrastructures in all sporting centres, adequate use of scientific facilities and equipment in training sports personnel and athletes, attention should be given to the area research developments, research committee should be set to advise government on sport policies, allocation and use of funds, professional and experienced sports personnel should head all sporting activities in the country without bringing politics in sporting affairs.
Keyword: Technology, Sport, Research, Sustainable Development
THE PLACE OF WOMEN IN NIGERIAN DEMOCRACY
OKPE GABRIEL
Department of General Studies Federal Polytechnic Bauchi
ABSTRACT
Women empowerment involves a whole lot of processes intended at integrating women into the orbit of the society by enhancing their well being and giving them equal opportunity to contribute to nation building. The need for government to initiate programs aimed at empowering women becomes imperative in view of the magnitude of problems that women have to confront in their daily lives, the gender imbalance that exist in all areas of national life and the worrisome social inequality between women and men sustained over the years by the forces of patriarchy and deep-rooted cultural practices against women in the society. The commitment of the government to improving the wellbeing of Nigerian women has been demonstrated through the introduction of numerous policies and programs that promote the cause of women. Besides showing how government programs have brought about relative improvement in the socio-economic condition and status of women, this work identifies gaps and challenges that still exist.
Keyword: Women, democracy, society, equality, gender, government policies
THE ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN PROMOTING CHILD RIGHTS IN NIGERIA
BELLO IBRAHIM HALILU
Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, P.M.B 0231, Bauchi;
ABSTRACT
As leaders of tomorrow, children are supposed to be raised in an atmosphere of peace, happiness, love and understanding. It is in the spirit of this, that the United Nations charter of 1959 provides the inalienable rights of a child to live in societies, in the spirit of peace, freedom, equality and solidarity. Some of these rights include: legal protection before and after birth; protection from all forms of physical harm or mental violence, injury or social abuse; right to proper education and essential services, to mention but a few. In Nigeria, however, a lot of children are denied these rights which in turn have negative consequences on both the child and the socio-political development of the society. The paper identifies factors that hinder smooth implementation of the child rights inter alia poverty, cultural practices, illiteracy of parents/guardians and lack of political will to implement provisions, policies and charters as proclaimed under UN, regional or national declarations. This paper therefore suggests that through agenda setting and social responsibility function, information and enlightenment, the media can advocate and promote these rights. This is by sensitizing parents, policy makers and all stakeholders on the dangers of denying the child rights on the socio-political development of the country.
Key words: advocacy, charter, right, enlightenment and freedom