Lwati: A Journal of Contemporary Research

Distribution of angular momentum vectors of galaxies in the cluster group SDSS CGG 3498

Janak Ratna Malla — 2025-04-16

A study of the distribution of angular momentum vectors of 1,172 galaxies compiled from SDSS DR7 (Sloan Digital Sky Survey data release 7) as clusters of galaxies SDSS CGG 3498, has been carried out. The redshift-density map method technique is used to identify substructures in the group of clusters. We identified two substructures in the SDSS CGG 3498 on the basis of their compactness. Using inclination angle, positions and position angle of each galaxy, a conversion has been made to find polar angle and azimuthal angle of each galaxy with respect to the reference coordinate system. We made a hypothesis in such a way that any deviation from isotropic distribution is considered as a preference in the alignments. Three statistical tests: Chisquare, Auto-correlation and the Fourier are used to distinguish isotropy from anisotropy. Our aim is to identify preferred alignments in the frame work of three different galaxy evolution models: Hierarchy, Primordial vorticity and Pancake. It is found that the preferred alignments of galaxies are random with respect to the equatorial co-ordinate system in SDSS CGG 3498 as well as two of its substructures, supporting the Hierarchy model of galaxy formation.

Social alienation and education access for indigenous Batwa learners in southwestern Uganda

Denis Sekiwu — 2025-04-16

The study examines the impact of social alienation on Batwa learners' access to education in Uganda. Despite the implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE), Batwa children continue to face significant disparities due to colonial histories, social exclusion, and systemic inequalities. Drawing on Paulo Freire‟s critical pedagogy, the research underscores the role of education as a tool for liberation. The findings reveal that social differentiation, negative stereotypes, poverty, and language barriers severely limit educational opportunities for Batwa children. These socio-economic challenges, coupled with stigmatization, perpetuate educational inequities. The study concludes that addressing these challenges requires inclusive education policies, community engagement, and empowerment initiatives. Recommendations include strengthening partnerships, raising awareness to combat stereotypes, and advocating for economic empowerment and land rights to ensure equitable access to education for Batwa learners.

The effects of growing population in Nepal on environmental degradation

Shankar Bahadur Rawal — 2025-04-16

With a focus on local populations' views and the environmental issues exacerbated by growing population density, this study explores the intricate relationship between population increase and environmental degradation in Nepal. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the need to strike a balance between human demands and environmental protection, warning that unbridled population increase can result in resource depletion and ecological damage. The negative effects of fast urbanization combined with poor environmental management are clearly demonstrated by recent events in Nepal, such as the devastating flooding in Kathmandu. This project aims to investigate the ways in which Nepal's environmental problems are impacted by population shifts and to find long-term solutions to lessen these effects. The study employs a qualitative research approach and analyzes these dynamics using secondary data sources such as government papers, scholarly articles, and NGO publications. According to the findings, local people point to population expansion as a major cause of environmental problems such air pollution, water scarcity, deforestation, and poor waste management. In order to meet the dual concerns of population expansion and environmental sustainability, the research ends by promoting integrated measures, such as community-based resource management, sustainable urban design, educational programs, and strong policy frameworks.

The impact of delayed justice on the victim’s household in Zimbabwe

Tamuka Davira — 2025-04-16

Globally the issue of pre–trial detention placement is on the rise, and this has negative implications on the victim’s household members. Therefore, this study explores how delayed justice which leads to placement on prolonged pre-trial detention affects the victim’s family or household members. In unpacking and understanding the study, the Social Disorganization Theory was used to examine and explore how the delay affects a victim’s household. A qualitative research methodology was used to understand the experiences of family members or households who had their members in prolonged pre-trial detention. A sample of 26 research participants who were purposively selected for the study was used. The study findings highlighted that as a result of the victim’s placement on prolonged pre- trial detention, the victim’s household members suffers in various fronts such, social labelling, stigmatization, broken marriages and missed marriage opportunities, children’s educational outcomes are affected, household family members forced into debt, selling of property or family gadgets, family members suffering from depression and or suicidal thoughts, denied family achievements as well as relying on religion to bring solace during such hard times. The study findings highlight the need to address the issue of delayed justice using robust measures so as not to compromise people’s lives as well as not to lead people into losing their trust in the processes of justice and the judiciary.

Rural banditry in northern Nigeria and its implications on national security

Ismaila A. Danjuma — 2025-04-16

Basically, different kinds of violent conflicts have manifested in different parts of the world, including Nigeria. Indeed, over the years, the existence of non-state actors perpetrating conflicts in different parts of northern Nigeria has been a source of concern. Both the insurgents in the northeast, armed banditry terrorists and kidnappers in North West and North Central have certain things in common. Their activities are characterized by culture of unleashing violence on individuals and communities. This has been causing the death, maiming and kidnapping of individuals. The various armed groups that have been terrorizing people in the north and other parts of Nigeria are brutal in their behavior. Those who fall into their hands are usually maltreated and dehumanized. Thus, the spates of violent conflicts in the north have resulted to growing insecurity in the entire region. To this extent, insecurity has dominated life in both rural and urban centres of most affected communities. This has consequences on the socio-economic activities of individuals in the country. In this regard, farmers could not access their farms in some remote areas because of pervading insecurity. Also, the situation has been creating fear in the minds of travellers on the highways across Nigeria. Therefore, the argument is that all the insecurity problematic in the north is an offshoot of the insurgency of Boko Haram. Also, it can be stated that the various conflicts have resulted in creating deep division among people along religion and ethnic lines in Nigeria. It is against this backdrop that the paper examines rural banditry in northern Nigeria and its implications on national security.

Assessment of the nutritional status of the elderly in a municipality, Morang, Nepal

Asmita Gurung — 2025-04-16

Elderly is defined as the age 60 years or above. ‘Elderly’ is the crucial period of life where people is needs increase and this period is also the neglected period. By 2050 the world’s population of elderly people will be doubled. Malnutrition is also increasing among elderly day by day. The objective of this study is to assess the nutritional status of the elderly. A descriptive Cross sectional study based on the quantitative approach was used in this study. The structured interview schedule of the mini nutritional assessment tool and anthropometric measurement was used to collect data among 56 elders in the population using nonprobability purposive sampling method. The study was analyzed through SPSS version 24 using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage). The study revealed that most (89.3%) of the respondents were having normal nutritional status, 10.7% of respondents were at risk of malnutrition and the prevalence of malnutrition. Elderly are more vulnerable to developing malnutrition. Considerable numbers of elderly people were at risk of malnutrition. The study suggested providing extra care, diet enhancement, and regular follow ups, health education regarding nutritional and balancing diets.

Culture and education: Evaluating the alternative learning program for displaced communities in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria"

Zainab Musa Shallangwa — 2025-04-16

Education is increasingly recognized as a key factor in conflict prevention, resilience building, peace promotion, and sustainable development. In Borno State, Nigeria, which has faced prolonged crises caused by the Boko Haram insurgency—displacing over two million people—the education sector has gained significant attention from governmental and non-governmental humanitarian and development agencies. The combined efforts of these organizations have led to the emergence of alternative and collaborative education approaches aimed at addressing the growing number of out-of-school children due to the conflict. While these interventions have successfully ensured that displaced children are not left behind compared to their peers in other regions of Nigeria, there is limited evidence regarding the extent to which these approaches integrate the cultural context of the displaced population. This paper employs a qualitative research methodology to examine the role of culture within the "Creating Opportunities – Protective and Resilient Education in Northeast Nigeria" project, an alternative education program implemented by Plan International Nigeria in collaboration with the Borno State government. Data collection included interviews, observations, and analysis of curriculum and policy documents, with inductive data analysis methods. Findings reveal that, unlike many emergency projects that prioritize donor country cultures over those of beneficiaries and host communities, the "Creating Opportunities – Protective and Resilient Education in Northeast Nigeria" project places a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity. This is demonstrated through the recruitment of local teachers, the use of native languages for instruction, and the adaptation of textbooks to reflect learners’ cultural contexts. By actively promoting cultural sustainability in displacement, this project serves as an exemplary model of alternative education programs in conflict-affected and crisis- prone regions in Nigeria and beyond.

Social studies lecturers’ communication styles in colleges of education in Osun State, Nigeria

Abike Elizabeth Ata — 2025-04-16

The study ascertained the gender, age bracket, and years of teaching experience of Social Studies lecturers in Colleges of Education in Osun State, Nigeria. It also examined the most prominent lecturers’ communication styles in the study area. All these were with the main aim of examining Social Studies lecturers’ communication styles when educating pre-service teachers on skills acquisition in Colleges of Education in Osun State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The sample size consisted of 40 Social Studies lecturers and 160 pre-service teachers in Colleges of Education selected using multi-stage sampling procedures. A ’Social Studies Lecturers’ Communication Styles Checklist’’ (SSLCSC) was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using frequency, percentages, relative significant index (RSI), and ranks. The results revealed among others that 60.0% are males while 40.0% are females even as 35.0%, 52.55% and 12.5% of the lecturers are in the age brackets of less than 40 years, 40-50 years, and 51 years and above respectively. More so, inclusive communication style (RSI = 0.854) which is the first in rank is the most prominent Social Studies lecturers’ communication style in Colleges of Education in Osun State, Nigeria. In the conclusion, inclusive communication style was the most prominent communication style employed by the Social Studies lecturers in Colleges of Education in the study area.

Application of digital skills on the assessment of post graduate research skills acquisition in Cross River State Universities

Bernard Diwa Otu — 2025-04-16

This study set out to verify the make application of digital skills on the assessment of post graduate research skills acquisition in Universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. To achieve the thrust of the study, three hypotheses were formulated to guide it. The literature review was carried out accordingly. The Correlational research design was employed in the research. A sample of two hundred and fifty (250) students were randomly selected for the study. The selection was done through the stratified random and sampling technique. The Digital Skills and Research Skills Acquisition Questionnaire (DSRSAQ) were the main instruments used for data collection. The instrument was subjected to expert validation in measurement and evaluation. The reliability estimate of the instruments were established through the Cronbach Alpha reliability method. The reliability co-efficient ranges from 0.72 to 0.79. The Simple Linear Regression analysis was the statistical analysis technique adopted to test the hypotheses under study. The outcome of the findings show that, application of technical writing skills, information literacy skills and data analysis skills significantly relate with Post Graduate research skills acquisition in Universities in Cross River State, Nigeria.

Promoting entrepreneurship through a gender-influenced entrepreneurial mindset among tertiary students in North Central Nigeria

Ofoegbu Jude Uzodinma — 2025-04-16

This study investigated the impact of a gender-influenced entrepreneurial mindset on fostering entrepreneurship among tertiary students in North Central Nigeria. It explored how gender perceptions shape students' entrepreneurial intentions and abilities, while examining the differences in entrepreneurial attitudes between male and female students. A descriptive research design was employed, with two research questions and two hypotheses formulated to be tested at a significance level of 0.05. The sample comprised 500 respondents selected from a total population of Ten Thousand (10,000) tertiary students. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, with simple percentages employed to address the research questions and chi-square statistics used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level. The study's findings indicated no significant difference in the level of entrepreneurial mindset between male and female tertiary students in North Central Nigeria. Additionally, the hypothesis that gender does not significantly influence entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions among tertiary students in North Central Nigeria was rejected. The study concluded with a recommendation that tertiary institutions should implement programs that specifically address gender biases and promote female entrepreneurship through workshops, mentorship, and role modeling.

Information and communication technology (ICT) learning tools in transforming Basic Education Curriculum in Nigeria: the case study of the Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State.

Victoria Atah Abanyam — 2025-04-16

The study investigates Information and Communication Technology (ICT) learning tools in transforming Basic Education Curriculum in Nigeria: a Case Study of the Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State. The study was guided by three (3) research questions while three (3) hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The design of the study was Ex-post facto survey. The sample of study consisted of one hundred (100) pupils through simple random techniques. The instrument for data collection was researchers‟ developed Information and Communication Technology Learning Tools Questionnaire (ICTLTQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Educational Foundations Department, University of Calabar. Data collected were analysed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The result of the analysis shows that Google Form, WhatsApp and Microsoft Solver learning tools had significant impact on transforming Basic Education Curriculum in the study area. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that ICT learning tools should be integrated in Basic Education Curriculum in order to improve students‟ digital literacy skills and general academic performance.

Appropriations in modern paintings by Nigerian artists

Agaku Saghevwua Amos — 2025-04-16

Appropriation in Art, is the act of taking compositions and design components from existing works (paintings) to produce new ones, and can be traced back to leading exponents of Art through many of the Art Movements. Cogent statements of war, politics, social and cultural issues are sometimes used as compositional influences targeted at fulfilling purely aesthetic yearnings. Since modern artists of European descent have done immeasurably well of appropriation, this paper attempts to view into selected appropriations done by Nigerian artists. The paper tries to understand the obvious and subtle motivations for appropriating elements and compositions from other artists’ works. It takes a look into the emotive, aesthetic, perceptive, social or psychological levels. This research adopts a Qualitative Research method and engages a narrative research design. In view of the comparative complexities involved in this research, the study weaved together a sequence of events, from many documents to realise its aim and objective(s). The study’s data is collected from stories that form these documents. This research found out that various levels of appropriation that characterise the paintings under review; some are partial, others total, or compositional formats from the original in order to make new, valid and aesthetic statements. That once an idea is reproduced by another painter, no matter the source, it ceases to be that idea and transmogrifies into a new expression. The original then, have been a source of inspiration upon which it was meant to grow and make meaning among others.

Trends and evolution effects on the contemporary art of Nigeria

Samuel Gregory Effiong — 2025-04-16

What comprises Nigerian contemporary art is an amalgamation of artistic movements and styles through prehistoric times when art was practiced without any notion of aesthetics but purely utilitarian, to present modernism where arts comprise multi-disciplinary, to social and scholarly contents. It transcends to experiences that have brought growth and prospects in the art practice given the modern day procedures of conceptualisation, and the futuristic experiences of computer aided designs. The metamorphosis and evolution from then through the experiences of styles, techniques, and media have brought those experiences of Nigerian art to qualify to be termed contemporary art. This study seeks to document trend and evolution of artistic growth in Nigeria specifically, and the influences that caused such advancements, and the effects on the Nigerian contemporary artistic experiences. It investigates and presents analogy of what constitutes contemporary art, and the typical insights of artistic dynamics as it relates to Nigeria. This amongst other things will establish a compendium of evolution of Nigerian art style, and present different movements and stages through traditional to modern artistic expressions and trends, and its relevant in modern society. Since contemporary involves modernist, recent, and latest, the influence involves media, and internet/ computer aided effects. The study adopts primary and secondary data collecting procedures from visits to museum, book assess and reviews, and internet sources. The finding of the study reveals a diversity of artistic methodologies of differing communities which culminates in a wealth of complexities that has placed Nigeria as a highly regarded entity as far as cultural heritage and artistic identity are concerned.

Traditional proverbs and the contestation of their perceptions by the modern generation of Nsukka-Igbo; shifting identity and depletion of sculpture

Ifeanyichiukwu Asogwa — 2025-04-16

Traditionally, the average Nsukka person was known for humility, forbearance and creativity; virtues propagated through art, including proverbs. Unfortunately, Western civilization came and brought acculturation that depleted homogeneity in appreciation of traditional values. Consequently, youths in Nsukka started exhibiting conflicting attitudes over basic social norms and natural cohesion and social institutions, including families, started breaking up. Worried by this development, a research was conducted to check the extent of belief and compliance of Nsukka youths to the traditional norms and values of the people in their daily life-activities. In it, instruments of qualitative research, including interaction and phenomenology, were used to draw proverbs from the elders and given to the youth to evaluate; and sculptures informed by traditional values and those conceived in their contradictions were randomly selected from Nsukka Art School and epistemologically analyzed. So, 31 traditional proverbs and 10 sculptures were drawn, interpreted, analyzed and presented here to those effects. The result showed wide gap between the elders and the youth in basic virtues which inform attitude toward life and social relation. It showed that modern Nsukka people have misunderstood the perceptions of traditional values in proverbs and deviated from progressive ways of life. In the light of current systematic failure in Nigeria and Nsukka, parents, teachers and leaders were advised to encourage youths to properly learn and return to noble traditional values in proverbs and enjoy the peace and progress of their forefathers; as life treasures will continue to be hidden in them.

‘Predicting yesterday’ and ‘invoking tomorrow’; illogical thoughts that framed effective forms in Omabe-based installations

Ifeanyichiukwu Asogwa — 2025-04-16

To survive in the contemporary competitive and dynamic world, the cultural sector is encouraged to be innovative and scramble for fresh ideas. It was discovered that artistic innovation and freshness of idea is more about combining existing elements in unexpected ways than searching for nonexistent materials. So, this paper provided an evidence of effectiveness of combining existing elements in unfamiliar ways in artistic research. It reflected how physical forms were retrieved from invisible conflicting conceptions of the natives on a moribund Omabe tradition of Nsukka-Igbo and used in framing installations that aided reconciliation and massive return to the tradition, using illogical refractive gaze thoughts of ‘predicting yesterday’ and ‘invoking tomorrow’ as research guide. In the contributory studio research that gave rise to the paper, form-conceptions of Omabe were extracted through practice-based research techniques, including participatory observation, interactive interview, and conception simulation; and configured into installations through the two strange refractive gaze thoughts and executed in public spaces for interaction. Given the high level of social interaction, reconciliation and artistic patronage that followed the produced installations, it became clear that there is rich artistic treasure in contemplations and objectifications people discard and relegate as nonsense; and artists were advised to go for them.

Ethical analysis of slow code in health care practice

Chrisantus Kanayochukwu Ariche — 2025-04-16

Slow code is a practice among healthcare providers where they conduct professional cardiac life support, which does not provide full resuscitation and which medical practitioners feel to be of no medical benefit to the patient. This work argues that slow code is a practice that is ethically problematic and undermines the principles of healthcare ethics. The work utilizes the core principles of healthcare to critically analyze “slow code” as seen in the health care and among health care providers. Using the method of textual critical analysis, findings reveal that this practice is ethically worrisome since it is antithetical to the principles of healthcare ethics and distorts the physician-patient relationship. The work recommends a quick code which aims at quickly employing all medical support to resuscitate a patient and should the life be lost eventually, the physician has performed his/her duty and is not culpable.

A sociolingusitic study of profanity and pungent themes in Nawal El-Sadawi’s Women at Point Zero

Queen Esther Chioma Eneremadu — 2025-04-16

The study investigates the adverse effects of profane words on women and the pungent themes in Sadawi‟s “Women at Point Zero”. Profane language has been the scourge and the oppressive structure on so many women in a patriarchal society which tend to lower their self-value. Profane words are the menace with deeper destructive effects on women‟s psychological and emotional well-being. The pungent themes in the novel are both visceral/piecing-misogyny, sexual exploitation and harassment. Sadawi employs the pungent themes not only to convey the physical and psychological trauma melted on women but also to serve as a powerful narrative tool to challenge and divest societal negative norms. This paper adopts the qualitative descriptive approach to reveal the adverse effects of profane words and analyze the pungent themes of oppression, sexual exploitation and harassment on women. Twenty utterances (20) and three (3) themes constitute the data. The study utilizes impoliteness theory of Jonathan Culpeper (1996) and the feminist theory of Moi, T. (1985) to analyze the data. The study reveals that most people resort to profane words to attack the hearer‟s face, to accuse, to influence, to prove authority over others and so on. Therefore, it is concluded that speakers should desist from the use of profane languages to avert the negative effects on hearers especially women. It is also revealed that oppression and sexual exploitation dehumanizes women and minimizes their potentials. The study recommends that teachers of English language and literature should teach learners the importance of polite and encouraging words.

Educational empowerment as a tool for women’s economic liberation in Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo’s selected novels.

Beatrice N. Ebingha — 2025-04-16

The pursuit of education and socio-economic liberation foregrounds the thrust of Ezeigbo’s selected novels. This paper raises these vital issues as it affects female characters in the novel. Hinged on the feminist framework, the study reveals Ezeigbo’s sensitivity to the plight of women in patriarchal/traditional African societies and places these heroines in the positions of vocality, visibility, economic liberation, and self-actualization via the instrumentality of education. This paper therefore argues that, educational empowerment is pivotal to the economic growth and liberation of women in Nigeria and at large, therefore every member of the society must come together to support female education as this will accelerate their development and contributions to their families and communities.

The search for a homeland and contradictory consciousness in Maya Angelou’s All God’s Children Need Travelling Shoes

Leonard Obina Onwuegbuche — 2025-04-16

Blacks in the Diaspora have continued to exhibit an acute sense of alienation and loss as a result of their chequered history. This has engendered the need to return to their supposed homeland in Africa and assure themselves of appreciable existence devoid of the unending stigmatization and denial of their self-worth and fulfilment in the economic, social, political and psychological fronts. In the novels, Angelou arrives in Ghana with high hopes and expectations stemming from the positive political climate blowing across the continent with Ghana being among its first recipients. Particularly interesting is the feeling of being at a real home, where the populace is also black. This study, therefore, engages this avowed attempt to reconnect with the ancestral land and the attendant realization that the expected result from the enterprise may not be as handsomely rewarding against the backdrop of their anticipated homecoming. This study employs the theoretical framework of Black Feminism and E. E. B. Du Bois’ double consciousness to confront the whole question of the fractured psyche of these individuals and the implications to their persona, which deserves a self-assured and fulfilled life.