NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF RURAL FINANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
The NJRFE is a bi-annual double-blind peer-review journal to ensure originality and relevance with emphasis on theoretical, empirical and conceptual articles on the general areas of all entrepreneurship fields, rural finance, management and economics. Its invites papers from individual, scholars and groups across the globe to submit their manuscripts on the general areas of all entrepreneurship fields, rural finance, management and economics for publication in its Maiden Edition Vol. 1, No 1 & 2, 2023 of the journal. Papers submitted should not have been published elsewhere and are not currently considered for publication in another journal. The publication is twice a year June and December.
A SCOPING REVIEW OF EMPLOYEE LEAVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS:TRENDS, TECHNOLOGIES, AND ORGANIZATIONAL IMPLICATIONS
Employee Leave Management Systems (ELMS) have become essential tools in modern organizations, enabling efficient monitoring, approval, and analysis of employee absences. This scoping review synthesizes recent evidence on the design, technologies, and organizational implications of ELMS between 2018 and 2025. Guided by the Arksey and O’Malley (2005) and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) frameworks, a systematic search was conducted across major databases including Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Science Direct, Emerald Insight, and Google Scholar. A total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria. The review identified five major thematic areas: automation and digitalization in leave management, integration with Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and payroll platforms, cloudbased and mobile-enabled ELMS, data security and compliance concerns, and artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics for workforce planning. Findings show that ELMS adoption enhances organizational efficiency, transparency, and employee engagement, while reducing administrative costs and human error. However, implementation challenges persist, particularly in developing economies, due to infrastructural, interoperability, and digital literacy constraints. The study concludes that ELMS represents a strategic enabler of digital HR transformation, yet its success depends on strong leadership support, user readiness, and robust data governance. Future research should focus on comparative evaluations, usercentric design, and the ethical dimensions of automation in human resource management.
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OUTREACH AND PERFORMANCE OF INTERNATIONAL FUND FORAGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT OFFAMILY ENTREPRISE PROJECT IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION
The study assessed the outreach and performance of IFAD on the Livelihood Improvement of Family Enterprises Project in the Niger Delta (LIFE ND) Region of Nigeria. This study used secondary data sourced from the IFAD Supervision Report, 2024. Data were analysed using percentages and Enterprise Percentage Increase (EPI). The result showed that IFAD LIFEND reached more female (69%) than the male (53%) gender, indicating a deliberate efforts to empower and increase their participation in economic activities. Moreso, 87% of the beneficiaries/households were reached with one service or the other at the same time showing the effort of IFAD LIFE-ND at achieving their goals of enhancing the welfare of persons and enterprises in the region. Also, there was a moderate (60%) level of performance on the realization of physical project goals, which can influence the economies of communities. Moreso, 62% of IFAD LIFE-ND project focused on priority activities that enhances access to financial services for beneficiaries and their organizations. Furthermore, the result showed that IFAD had the largest allocation, primarily funding core enterprise development and project management components. The study therefore recommended that IFAD LIFE-ND should be focused on the goals of transforming rural enterprises and improving the socioeconomic wellbeing of people in the region. More so, IFAD LIFE-ND should make more efforts at reaching more beneficiaries by seeking for improved funding from funding partners. For a more sustainable and functional infrastructure IFAD LIFE-ND beneficiaries and host communities should be incorporated in project management and implementation process.
EFFECT OF ASSET INVESTMENT ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OFINSURANCE COMPANIES IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA
Effective asset investment is essential for enhancing the financial performance of insurance companies, thereby enabling the industry to play a substantial role in Nigeria's economic development. This study investigated the effect of asset investment on the financial performance of selected publicly listed insurance companies in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The research employed an ex post facto design. The study's population comprised fifteen (15) listed insurance companies in the Nigerian Exchange Group, sampled five (5) times by purposive selection. The data utilized in this study was obtained from the annual reports and financial statements of the selected organizations from 2014 to 2023. The data analysis technique employs descriptive statistics and multiple regression using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) utilizing SPSS. The study's findings indicate that investment in non-current assets significantly affects net profit margin, whereas investment in current assets has a negligible effect. The study indicates that investing in non-current assets positively and significantly affects the financial performance of publicly listed insurance companies. This study recommends that Nigerian insurance companies maintain their investment in noncurrent assets, as these assets significantly impact net profit margins.
MODERATING ROLE OF WORK ENGAGEMENT ON THE RELATIONSHIPBETWEEN TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE AND EMPLOYEEPERFORMANCE IN BANKING SECTOR
This study investigates the impact of transformational leadership on employee performance and examines the moderating role of work engagement within Nigerian banks with international authorizations. Utilizing a census sampling technique, data were collected from 256 banking staff using a structured questionnaire, with analysis conducted via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that transformational leadership style significantly enhances employee performance, and work engagement positively moderates this relationship. Specifically, the benefits of transformational leadership on performance are more pronounced when employees are highly engaged. These results emphasize the importance of adopting transformational leadership practices and fostering high levels of work engagement to optimize employee performance. The study recommends that organizations should invest in strategies to enhance work engagement, such as providing opportunities for professional development, recognizing and rewarding employee contributions, and fostering a supportive work culture. Also the study contributes both theoretically, by expanding understanding of leadership and engagement interactions, and practically, by providing actionable insights for enhancing leadership strategies and engagement initiatives in the banking sector. Further research is recommended to explore these dynamics across different sectors and contexts
EFFECT OF SELECTION PROCESS ON THE PERFORMANCE OFORGANIZATION IN NATIONAL BOARD FOR ARABIC AND ISLAMIC STUDIES(NBAIS) HEADQUARTERS, KADUNA
Selection process is fundamental to improving organizational performance by ensuring that qualified and competent employees are obtained. Despite this recognition, there is limited empirical evidence on how recruitment practices influence performance in public educational institutions, particularly those responsible for student examinations. This study examined the effect of recruitment on organizational performance at the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) Headquarters, Kaduna. The study employed a mixed-method approach involving both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Out of a population of 787 staff, teachers, students, and proprietors, a sample size of 263 was determined using Slovin’s formula. Data were collected through questionnaires administered to 258 senior and junior staff selected via simple random sampling, and semi-structured interviews with management staff, students, teachers, and proprietors selected purposively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The findings revealed a positive relationship between recruitment practices and organizational performance; however, the recruitment process at NBAIS was found to be largely unfair and non-transparent. The study recommends adopting a fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment system that prioritizes competence, experience, and qualifications to enhance organizational effectiveness.
ENHANCING BRAND REPUTATION AND CONSUMER PATRONAGE IN THEFAST MOVING CONSUMER GOODS INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA
Emerging markets have been known to be plagued with issues of adulterated, fake and corrupted goods and services, causing negative impact on consumer trust in patronage decisions. This study investigated strategies for enhancing brand reputation and consumer trust in uncertain economic conditions. The study focused on the relationships between branding strategies and customer patronage based on a study of customers in the fast-moving consumers goods (FMCG) in selected areas in Lagos state. This study adopted a quantitative research approach through survey method with a sample of 400 respondents selected using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The primary data was collected through survey instrument and analysis was done through statistical tools such as frequency counts, simple percentages, mean, standard deviation and Pearson correlation for testing the hypotheses. The results revealed that brand reputation is based on corporate and product branding strategies which influence customer patronage based on increased consumer trust. It was indicated that corporate branding strategy has significant influence of 80.7% on customer patronage. Also, product branding strategy was found to have the most significant influence of 82.3% on customer patronage. Finally, there is a significant relationship between corporate branding and product branding in driving customer patronage by 79.0%. This study recommended that business leaders, executives and management in FMCG markets in Nigeria should consistently enhance and develop their branding strategies such as quality seal, strong trademarks and customer-centric communications in a way that can be easily recognized in the market.
ADOPTION OF COST-EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF POWERSUPPLY FOR EFFICIENT LIBRARY SERVICES IN SELECTED NIGERIANUNIVERSITIES
The imperativeness of adopting cost-effective system of power supply for effective library services in Nigerian Universities is unequivocal, especially in this digital age. The purpose of this study is to explore the benefits of adoption, the challenges to the adoption and the practical steps for implementation in selected Universities in Nigeria. The population of the study is 165 respondents. This number consisted of the total population of the librarians in the selected Universities in Nigeria. Descriptive survey design is adopted for this study which is more convenient to evaluate the benefits of adoption and challenges to adoption. The finding revealed that the challenges are surmountable but the benefits which include cost savings, services reliability, user health and comfort cannot be overemphasized.
EFFECT OF PACKAGE AND CHANNEL DIFFERENTIATION ON MARKETPERFORMANCE OF SELECTED TABLE WATER FIRMS IN LAFIA
The study was concerned with measuring the effect of package and channel differentiation strategies on market performance among table water companies in Lafia metropolis. Quantitative methods were utilised in the study, based on an explanatory design and a reliance on survey data obtained from a cross-section of 179 respondents via an administered questionnaire. Path modelling, through the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) approach, was employed in analysing the collected data. Both product and channel differentiation were found to be positive and significant in determining market performance in the study area. Findings revealed an urgent need for strategic interventions including deepened investment in distinctive product features and variants that set their table water apart from competing brands. Furthermore, firms should prioritise expanding and diversifying their sales and distribution channels to ensure their products are readily accessible across various points of sale, including retail outlets, supermarkets, local vendors, and online platforms. Strategic partnerships with retailers and distributors should also be nurtured through relationship management initiatives to maximise product visibility.
STRATEGIC THINKING ON INNOVATION PERFORMANCE: ROLE OFTECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
This study investigates the influence of strategic thinking on innovation performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, with a focus on Sunseed Nigeria Limited in Zaria. It further explores the moderating role of technological change in this relationship. Innovation performance, a key driver of competitiveness, is hindered in many SMEs due to inadequate strategic orientation and limited technological adoption. The research employs a cross-sectional survey design, utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 278 respondents within Sunseed Nigeria. The results indicate that strategic thinking, particularly organizational awareness, significantly enhances innovation performance. Technological change, however, moderates this relationship negatively when its pace surpasses the firm's capacity to adapt strategically. This suggests that while technological advancements offer opportunities for innovation, they may overwhelm SMEs with limited resources and readiness. The study contributes to the understanding of how SMEs can balance strategically with technological adaptation to sustain long-term innovation. It also highlights the need for tailored technological readiness programs and strategic agility to better direct rapid changes in the business environment. Future research should explore other dimensions of strategic thinking and investigate the role of digital infrastructure in supporting innovation in dynamic sectors.
ENTREPRENEURIAL RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF ECONOMIC CRUNCH:A FOCUS ON SOUTH- EAST NIGERIA
Entrepreneurial resilience has become a critical capability in volatile economies where systemic instability undermines enterprise sustainability. In Nigeria, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) represent over 96% of businesses, yet face persistent challenges including inflation, currency devaluation, infrastructural deficits, and policy inconsistency. This study examined resilience as a multidimensional construct which encapsulate survival, adaptability, innovation, and risk-taking with specific focus on entrepreneurs in South-East Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from 132 entrepreneurs using a modified Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. The responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and effect size estimation. Findings revealed that risk-taking propensity was the most dominant resilience dimension (M = 3.90), demonstrated through business pivots, mobile banking adoption, and collaborative partnerships. Survival (M = 3.34) and adaptability (M = 3.24) were also significant, reflecting pragmatic borrowing, focus on goals, pricing strategies, and customer management. Innovation (M = 3.16) was the weakest, largely restricted to online selling and rapid idea execution rather than resource-intensive product development. The study concludes that entrepreneurial resilience in resource-constrained environments is anchored more in pragmatic behaviors and strategic agility than in product innovation. It contributes to resilience theory by emphasizing behavioral specificity, innovation asymmetry, and the centrality of risk-taking under economic adversity. Policy implications highlight the expansion of digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, and innovation support systems as crucial levers for enhancing entrepreneurial sustainability.
DIGITAL FINANCE AS CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE INDIGENOUSENTREPRENEURSHIP: EVIDENCE FROM IMO STATE ONE KINDRED ONEBUSINESS INITIATIVE (OKOBI)
This study examined the role of digital finance in bridging the financing gap faced by indigenous entrepreneurship models in the Global South, with specific reference to the One Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) of Imo State, Nigeria. It examined how digital finance facilitates access to finance, financial inclusion, promotes business sustainability, and innovation within indigenous group-owned entrepreneurship models. A descriptive survey research design was employed, targeting a sample of 112 officially registered OKOBI enterprises selected from a population of 250 businesses across Imo State. Data were collected using a structured and validated questionnaire, and analysed through descriptive statistics including means, standard deviations, and percentages using SPSS version 25. The results revealed that digital finance significantly improved access to credit, enhanced financial inclusion, and fostered business innovation and sustainability among OKOBI enterprises. However, infrastructural challenges, digital illiteracy, cybersecurity concerns, and regulatory bottlenecks were identified as major obstacles to optimal digital finance adoption. The study recommends tailored fintech innovations, literacy and capacity-building initiatives, and enabling policy frameworks to strengthen digital finance integration in indigenous entrepreneurship models. Limitations include the study’s focus on a single statelevel initiative, reliance on self-reported data, and the use of descriptive rather than inferential statistical analysis, which restricts generalizability. Future studies should incorporate cross-regional comparative analyses and econometric modelling to enhance external validity.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEMS AND EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTIONIN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA HEALTHCARE
The problem of declining job satisfaction among healthcare workers in Nigeria, particularly within the public sector, continues to pose a major threat to healthcare delivery outcomes. Inconsistent and inadequate performance appraisal systems—characterized by lack of transparency, infrequent feedback, and limited employee participation—have been identified as contributing factors to low morale, high turnover, and reduced productivity in healthcare organizations. In Plateau State, these challenges are particularly pronounced among primary healthcare nurses who often work under resource constraints and without adequate recognition or developmental feedback. This study explored the impact of performance appraisal systems on job satisfaction among primary healthcare nurses in Plateau State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined four appraisal methods: self-assessment, manager assessment, annual appraisals, and continuous feedback. Using a survey design, data were collected from 200 primary healthcare nurses, with a focus on how these appraisal methods influence job satisfaction in the context of Nigerian healthcare settings. The results revealed that all four appraisal methods positively affected job satisfaction, with continuous feedback having the most significant impact, followed by annual appraisals. Self-assessment and manager assessments also contributed to job satisfaction but to a lesser extent. The findings suggest that integrating continuous feedback into performance appraisals, alongside other appraisal methods, can enhance job satisfaction, reduce turnover, and improve the overall quality of healthcare services. Limitation of the study is the cross-sectional design, which captures data at a single point in time. Additionally, the study's focus on a specific region of Nigeria may limit the generalizability of the findings to other parts of the country, This study recommends the adoption of a holistic performance appraisal system that combines continuous feedback, annual appraisals, and self-assessment to foster a supportive work environment, improve employee morale, and promote retention among healthcare workers in Nigeria.
INTEGRATING GREEN ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION ANDOPPORTUNITY RECOGNITION FOR SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVEADVANTAGE: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FROM NIGERIA’S COCOASMES
In this theoretical paper, the creation and maintenance of competitive advantage by means of Green Entrepreneurial Orientation (GEO) through Opportunity Recognition (OR) in the cocoa value chain of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria are developed in a process-based explanation. Based on the recent studies of strategy and entrepreneurship, GEO is viewed as a company level strategic stance, which incorporates the environmental commitment in the process of scanning, experimentation, and resource allocation. GEO, on its part, is not necessarily performance-enhancing; instead, its value is generated as the managers formally identify, evaluate, and introduce opportunities that promote sustainability like eco-innovations in processing, waste valorization, digital traceability, compliance capabilities, and repositioning of products to the green market. The paper therefore provides a mediator-only model where OR will be the intermediate between GEO and Sustainable Competitive Advantage (SCA). Four propositions are stated:(P1) GEO has a positive effect on opportunity recognition in the cocoa value chain; (P2) opportunity recognition has a positive effect on SCA; (P3) a confounding direct GEO-SCA relationship might exist when internal green routines are generating cost/reputation benefits of their own; and (P4) OR mediates the GEO-SCA association. The paper clarifies the construct boundaries, provides guidance regarding operationalizing GEO, OR, and SCA in future empirical research and identifies contextual aspects that characterize Southwest Nigeria, such as changing norms of sustainability compliance, increasing traceability requirements, and pressure to increase efficiency, which render the mechanism theoretically salient. Theoretically, the paper also reexamines GEO as a strategic direction informed by practice as opposed to a trait, and positions OR as a central mediator of processes as opposed to a marginal enabling factor, and suggests a contingent agenda on empirical validation in the context of agri-SMEs in the developing world. On the managerial front, the framework guides the owner-managers and support agencies to increase the intensity of low-cost scanning routines, high speed validation of green ideas and codified compliance and traceability practices as sources of defensible advantage. This is just a conceptual study using previous literature and situational understanding in establishing propositions that are meant to guide subsequent research studies.
BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN CURRICULUM DESIGN AND CLASSROOMPRACTICE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION FOR EFFECTIVE SKILLSACQUISITION IN THE DIGITAL TVET ERA
This study examined the alignment between curriculum design and classroom practice in entrepreneurship education for effective skills acquisition in the digital Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) era. Guided by three specific purposes and research questions, the study investigated the level of alignment between entrepreneurship education curricula and classroom practice, identified factors responsible for existing gaps, and proposed strategies for improving implementation to enhance student outcomes. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 110 lecturers (47 males and 63 females) from the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, all of whom were studied. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire validated by experts and tested for reliability using the Cronbach Alpha method, which yielded a coefficient of 0.83. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while t-test was employed to test the null hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that classroom practice reflects entrepreneurship curriculum objectives to a moderate extent, with strengths in content coverage and use of practical examples, but weaknesses in deep experiential engagement and authentic assessment. The gap between curriculum design and classroom practice was attributed to inadequate resources, insufficient funding, limited lecturer preparedness, weak industry collaboration, and structural constraints. The study further identified increased funding, lecturer capacity building, industry partnerships, experiential learning, mentorship, and digital integration as key strategies for improvement. The study recommended the need for improved curriculum–practice alignment through increased funding for practical entrepreneurship facilities, continuous lecturer professional development, strengthened industry and community partnerships, adoption of experiential and competency-based assessment approaches, and strategic integration of digital tools
IMPACT OF NON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS ON THEDEVELOPMENT OF SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN THEFEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ABUJA
This study examined the impact of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on the development of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, with a comparative perspective from Ghana. A descriptive survey research design was adopted because it allowed for the collection of quantitative data without manipulation of variables. The target population comprised owners and managers of registered SMEs in the FCT who had benefited from NGO interventions, with a total population of approximately 38,000 according to the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN, 2022). Using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample determination table, a sample size of 416 respondents was drawn through a multistage sampling technique involving purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling procedures. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire based on a fivepoint Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS version 3. The findings revealed that both entrepreneurial training and financial support programmes by NGOs had significant positive effects on SME development in the FCT, Abuja. Entrepreneurial training improved managerial competence and innovation, while financial support enhanced access to capital and business expansion. However, limited post-training support and weak monitoring mechanisms reduced long-term sustainability. The study recommended that NGOs intensify practical training, strengthen follow-up systems, and collaborate with government agencies and financial institutions to enhance the effectiveness of SME development programmes.
STRENGTHENING NIGERIA’S ECONOMY THROUGH LOCAL CONTENTUTILIZATION AND DOMESTIC PRODUCT SUPPORT
This study explores the strategic importance of strengthening Nigeria’s economy through local content utilization and domestic product support. It highlights the role of local content policies in promoting industrialization, creating employment, enhancing skills transfer, and stimulating SME development. Drawing from economic theories such as Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) and endogenous growth theory, the research contextualizes Nigeria’s industrialization goals within a broader historical and policy framework, including initiatives by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). A critical discourse on the impact of patronizing Made-in-Nigeria goods reveals their influence on industrial productivity, innovation, and local brand competitiveness. However, the study identifies structural challenges such as poor infrastructure, funding gaps, quality control issues, foreign brand preference, and weak enforcement mechanisms. Government interventions like Local Content Acts and public procurement guidelines were reviewed, along with the roles of key institutions like Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Bank of Industry (BOI), and National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP). Strategic recommendations were proposed for government, industries, and consumers, emphasizing the need for infrastructural development, consistent policy reforms, enhanced innovation, and consumer sensitization. The study also calls for future research using empirical methods, such as longitudinal studies and econometric modeling, to measure policy impacts accurately. It concludes that collaborative stakeholder efforts, strong regulatory environments, and empirical policy monitoring are crucial to leveraging local content and domestic product support as sustainable drivers of Nigeria’s economic transformation and global competitiveness.
IMPACT OF CRUDE OIL PRICE FLUCTUATIONS ON SELECTED SECTORALSTOCK RETURNS IN NIGERIA
Crude oil continues to play a defining role in Nigeria’s economic and financial landscape, influencing investor behaviour, foreign exchange inflows, and government revenue. Yet the extent to which changes in global oil prices affect different sectors of the Nigerian stock market remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates how crude oil price movements shape returns in three key NGX sectoral indices—the Oil and Gas, Banking, and Consumer Goods indices—and considers whether exchange rate fluctuations alter these relationships. Using an ex-post facto design, the study draws on data from the CBN Statistical Bulletin and the Nigerian Exchange Group covering 2009–2024. The analytical framework includes descriptive statistics, ADF unit root testing, Johansen Cointegration, VAR modelling, impulse response functions, and Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) estimation. The results show that oil price changes have a significant impact on the Oil and Gas and Consumer Goods indices, while the Banking Index shows no meaningful response. These findings highlight the need for investors, portfolio managers, and policymakers to closely monitor global oil price patterns alongside exchange rate movements when evaluating market risks and shaping investment or macroeconomic strategies.
MEDIATING ROLE OF ADHOCRACY CULTURE ON THE IMPACT OFMARKETING INNOVATION CAPABILITY AND STRATEGIC AGILITY ONSMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) PERFORMANCE IN KOGI STATE
SMEs play a vital role in economic growth and industrialization but continue to face performance challenges in turbulent environments. This study examines the mediating role of Adhocracy Culture (AC) on the impact of Marketing Innovation Capability (MIC) and Strategic Agility (SA) on SME performance in Kogi State, Nigeria. Anchored on Dynamic Capability Theory (DCT), data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 352 SMEs and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model showed strong reliability and validity across constructs. Thel results indicate that MIC and SA exert significant direct effects on SME performance, while both constructs also significantly influence AC respectively. AC demonstrates a strong positive effect on performance. Mediation analysis confirms that AC significantly mediates the effects of MIC and SA on performance. The model explains 60.4% of the variance in SME performance and 60.1% of the variance in AC, reflecting substantial predictive power. Effect size results show that SA has a large effect on AC (f² = 0.620), while AC has a moderate effect on performance (f² = 0.179). The findings reveal that AC strongly mediates the relationships between MIC, SA and SME performance by fostering adaptability, creativity, and risk-taking within SMEs. Theoretically, the study extends DCT by integrating AC as a mediating mechanism, while practically, it recommends that SME managers cultivate an adhocracy-oriented culture that encourages decentralization, innovation, and flexibility. Policymakers should complement financial and infrastructural support with culture-building programs such as leadership development, innovation training, and mentorship. SMEs are further encouraged to leverage digital tools, collaborative partnerships, and data-driven strategies to reinforce agility and sustain innovation-led competitiveness in turbulent markets.
EFFECT OF TALENT MANAGEMENT ON EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP INSMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KADUNA STATE
The impact of talent management dimensions talent acquisition, talent development, talent retention, and career management on effective leadership in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kaduna State, Nigeria was investigated in this paper. Based on the ResourceBased View (RBV), the study followed a cross-sectional survey approach and gathered data from 362 SMEs chosen by simple random sampling from structured questionnaires. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied in data analysis. According to the findings, effective leadership is much influenced by talent acquisition and career management; talent development and talent retention had no appreciable impact. These results imply that in SMEs, attracting the appropriate talent and offering organised career paths are main factors influencing the degree of leadership effectiveness. The study adds to the body of knowledge already in use by stressing the need of career management as a unique but usually underappreciated component of talent management in the SMEs. It ends with sensible advice for SMEs and advocates of future studies to investigate contextual elements affecting talent practices in smaller companies.
EVALUATING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF E-LEARNING PLATFORMS INENHANCING TEACHING AND LEARNING OUTCOMES IN NIGERIAN PUBLICUNIVERSITIES
The digital transformation of higher education has become a defining priority for academic resilience, equity, and innovation in Nigeria. This study evaluates the effectiveness of elearning platforms in enhancing teaching and learning outcomes across three public universities in Northwestern Nigeria Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Bayero University Kano (BUK), and Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA). Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 2,463 respondents (students and lecturers) through structured questionnaires and open-ended interviews. Quantitative analysis using SPSS 26 revealed that platform accessibility and instructional quality significantly predict academic performance, explaining 42% of variance in learning outcomes. Qualitative thematic analysis using NVivo 12 identified four dominant themes infrastructure and connectivity constraints, digital competence and pedagogical preparedness, institutional policy gaps, and student motivation and engagement. The triangulation of findings demonstrated that effective elearning adoption depends not merely on technology availability but on the integration of sound pedagogy, institutional commitment, and policy coherence. The study contributes empirical evidence for the National Universities Commission (NUC) and TETFund to refine digital education policy frameworks, strengthen capacity-building initiatives, and address regional disparities in digital readiness. This study, concludes that sustainable e-learning implementation in Nigeria requires a strategic balance of infrastructure, human capital, and innovative pedagogy.
ENTREPRENEURIAL MENTORSHIP AND SOCIAL CAPITAL AS DRIVERS OFPERFORMANCE IN WOMEN-OWNED ENTERPRISES: EXAMINING THEMEDIATING EFFECT OF ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCY
Women-owned enterprises play a critical role in economic development, yet many continue to face performance challenges arising from limited access to support systems and capability gaps. This study examines the effects of entrepreneurial mentorship and social capital on the performance of women-owned enterprises, with particular attention to the mediating role of entrepreneurial competency in Kogi State, Nigeria. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were collected from women entrepreneurs using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). the study population comprised an estimated 1,480 registered women- owned micro and small enterprises in Kogi state, Nigeria, from which 312 women entrepreneurs were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire adapted from validated prior studies. ’The findings reveal that entrepreneurial mentorship and social capital both have significant positive effects on enterprise performance. Furthermore, entrepreneurial competency significantly mediates the relationships between entrepreneurial mentorship and performance, as well as between social capital and performance. The model demonstrates substantial explanatory power, indicating that these factors jointly account for a considerable proportion of variance in entrepreneurial competency and enterprise performance. The study contributes to entrepreneurship literature by highlighting entrepreneurial competency as a critical mechanism through which mentorship and social capital enhance women-owned enterprise performance. Practically, the findings highlight the need for integrated policy and support interventions that combine mentorship, networking, and competency development to promote sustainable growth of women-owned enterprises in emerging economies. Is conclude that entrepreneurial mentorship and social capital are critical drivers of performance in women-, both directly and indirectly through the development of entrepreneurial competency. The empirical findings demonstrate that women entrepreneurs who benefit from structured mentorship and strong social networks are better positioned to build relevant skills, improve strategic decision-making, and achieve superior business performance.
TECHNOLOGICAL INCUBATION SERVICES AND THE GROWTHTRAJECTORIES OF START-UPS IN MINNA METROPOLIS
In an ideal entrepreneurial ecosystem, start-ups thrive on structured mentorship, modern infrastructure and tailored business support services, leading to sustained growth and competitiveness. However, in Minna metropolis, the start-up landscape is constrained by weak institutional support, infrastructural deficits and inadequate incubation services, resulting in high mortality rates and stunted growth trajectories. This study, therefore, examined the effect of technological incubation services on the growth of start-ups in Minna metropolis. Anchored on the Resource-Based View (RBV), the study employed a quantitative survey design. The population comprised 210 registered start-ups within incubation centres in Minna, with a sample size of 138 determined using Yamane’s formula. Stratified random sampling was adopted to ensure representation across sectors. Data were collected using a validated and reliable structured questionnaire, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.78 value exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.7. Descriptive statistics profiled responses, while Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses tested hypothesised relationships at 0.05 significance level. Results revealed that technological incubation services significantly influence growth trajectories of start-ups, with business support services emerging as the most impactful predictor, followed by mentorship and networking, while infrastructural facilities contributed positively but modestly. The findings affirmed the RBV theory, highlighting incubation services as strategic resources that mitigate start-up vulnerabilities and enhance survival, revenue growth, job creation, access to finance and market expansion. The study concludes that incubation services are indispensable to accelerating entrepreneurial success in resource-constrained environments like Minna. It recommends that incubation managers institutionalize structured mentorship, policymakers intensify capacity-building initiatives, industry associations strengthen networking platforms, governments improve incubation infrastructure and financial institutions scale tailored business support to collectively drive sustainable start-up growth.
DETERMINANTS OF FINANCIAL RESILIENCE AMONG FAMILY-OWNEDBUSINESSES DURING THE POST-SUBSIDY ERA IN NORTH WEST NIGERIA
This study assessed financial resilience among family-owned businesses during the postsubsidy era in North West Nigeria. The research employed an explanatory design, utilising a structured questionnaire to collect data from 411 owner-managers of family businesses, selected through multistage sampling. The study adopted Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the data and test the hypotheses. The findings revealed that Innovation, Diversification and Cash Flow Practice exerted positive and statistically significant effect on financial resilience. However, the effect of financial structure was found not to be statistically significant. Based on the findings, the recommendations included maintaining a balanced financial structure for long-term stability, prioritizing innovative practices, actively pursuing diversification, and enhancing cash flow management.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OFAGRO BASED ENTREPRENEURIAL BUSINESS IN PLATEAU STATE
The development of agro-based entrepreneurial businesses, such as baking industries, is critical for economic diversification, employment generation, and food security in Nigeria. Despite their potential, the role of innovative culture in fostering growth within these industries remains underexplored. This study examined the impact of innovative culture on the development of baking industries in Nasarawa State, focusing on two dimensions: creative problem-solving and adoption of new technologies. A survey research design was adopted to collect quantitative data from a large sample of industry operators. The study population comprised 1,850 registered baking entrepreneurs obtained from the Nasarawa State Ministry of Commerce and Industry database. Using Yamane’s (1967) formula at a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error, a sample of 360 respondents was selected through a multistage sampling technique to ensure representation across the state’s three senatorial zones. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering innovative culture, resource utilization, knowledge sharing, and enterprise growth. Analysis using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression in SPSS version 27 revealed that creative problem-solving (β = 0.521, p < 0.001) and technology adoption (β = 0.438, p < 0.001) significantly and positively influenced the development of baking industries. The findings highlight the importance of cultivating an innovative culture to enhance operational efficiency, market competitiveness, and sustainability. The study recommends that baking entrepreneurs institutionalize innovationdriven practices, invest in skill development, and leverage digital tools to facilitate knowledge exchange, optimize resources, and expand market reach. Overall, fostering an innovative culture is a crucial driver for the growth and long-term success of baking enterprises in Nasarawa State.
THE DYNAMICS OF THRIFT MARKET IN CONTEMPORARY LAGOS
The recent surge of finished and fairly used items from overseas especially from Asian (South Korean, Japan and China), Western Europe and North Americas have created a market for thrift trading in Lagos, this new culture reflects broader dynamics of urban consumption, informal economy, and survival strategies in African cities. This paper examines how thrift market has evolved into a major street trading in Lagos, driven by socioeconomic realities such as unemployment, low purchasing power, and the high cost of new commodities. The paper highlights the role of global trade flow, the importation of “okirika” goods, the trend that shapes consumer behaviour, prudentially, in the downturn economy, the practice sustains livelihoods for traders and buyers alike. The study is delineated to two important thrift markets in Lagos, Tejuosho, Yaba and Arena Oshodi. The research shows how the two markets are markedly linked and sustained rural and urban livelihoods. The research is suited within the theoretical framework of informal market economies, showing how secondhand trading contributes to urban resilience, development of informal street trading and market structure in Lagos, and consumer utilitarianism, using the least available resource for optimum maximization and economic pragmatism especially for downtrodden. Findings reveal that while the markets provide affordable alternatives and employment opportunities, it also raises questions about waste dumping, sustainability, and how what has been recycled as waste turned into commodities Lagos. Ultimately, the paper underscores Tejuosho and Arena market’s significance as a microcosm of Africa’s informal economic networks and its intersections with prudential acts in downward economies.
ACCESSING THE ROLE OF YOUTUBE IN DETERMINING CLOTHINGSELECTION PRACTICES AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN ENUGU STATE
This study examined the role of YouTube in shaping of clothing practices among households in Enugu State. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at the 0.05level of significance. The study was conducted in Enugu State. The study adopted an Ex-post facto design. The population of the study consisted of 725,767 households from the three zones of Enugu State, while 396 households were used as the sample for the study. The researcher designed and administered a 20-item questionnaire for data collection. Five experts from the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, validated the questionnaire. Their feedback was incorporated to improve the instrument's validity. To establish reliability, 20 copies of the questionnaire were administered to 20 households in Imo State who were not part of the main study. The Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine internal consistency, yielding an overall reliability coefficient of 0.77, which confirmed the instrument's reliability. Data analysis employed mean (X̄) and standard deviation (SD) to address the research questions, while t-test statistics tested the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. Generally, the study found that three items on YouTube influences households clothing selection practices in Enugu state, while nine out of ten challenges are experienced by households when using the YouTube for clothing selection practices. Ten strategies for improving the positive use of social media were identified. It was recommended among others that household members, especially the youth and young adults, should be encouraged by parents, guardians, and various Stakeholders should select and wear appropriate attire that embodies Nigerian cultural values, with emphasis on modesty.
EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRINCIPALS’ INSTRUCTIONALLEADERSHIP STRATEGY AND QUALITY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING INKEBBI STATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS
The study examined the relationship between principals’ instructional leadership strategy and quality of teaching and learning in Kebbi state secondary schools. Three research objectives, three research questions and one hypothesis were raised to guide the conduct of the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research of correlational type and the study population consisted of 615 participants. The study used the following two (2) researcher-designed rating scale to collect data from the participants (Principals and Teachers) which includes; Principals Instructional Leadership Strategy Rating Scale (PILSRS) and Quality of Teaching and Learning Rating Scale (QTLRS) to collect data. The content validity of the Principals Instructional Leadership Strategy Rating Scale (PILSRS) and Quality of Teaching and Learning Rating Scale (QTLRS) were done by professionals and experts in the field of educational management, as well as, other experts in Usmanu Danfodiyo University. In order to determine the reliability of the research instrument in generating the needed data a trial testing of instrument was conducted in which the questionnaires were administered to the participants (Principals and Teachers) of secondary schools that were not part of the sampled participants. After an interval of four weeks, the questionnaires were re-administered to the same participants that is (Principals and Teachers) using inter-Rater methods of reliability. The study collated the scores of inter-Rater methods of reliability and Pearson Product Moment Correlational Coefficient (PPMC) Statistical formula was used for the analysis which yielded a reliability index of 0.81 for Principals Instructional Leadership Strategy Rating Scale (PILSRS) and reliability index of 0.71 for Quality of Teaching Rating Scale (QTRS) and this shows that the research instruments were found reliable for data collection. In order to analyze data collected through rating scales, the study used descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean(x), rating to answer research questions of the study. The study also used Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS)software 20.0 version. The study found that principal used instructional leadership strategy to instill discipline and orderliness prevent act of laziness and attitude to work among teachers. Based on research findings this study concluded that, it is pertinent for the school principals to continue make use of instructional leadership strategy to create enabling environment for peaceful and harmonious working environment that would ensure equitable distribution of work responsibilities among teachers to prevent act of laziness and attitude to work. The study recommended among others that there is need for the principal to continue to use instructional leadership strategy to instill discipline and orderliness that would prevent act of laziness and attitude to work among teachers and this would improve quality of teaching in schools.
EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF INNOVATIVE CULTURE ON THEDEVELOPMENT OF BAKING INDUSTRIES IN NASARAWA STATE
This study examined the impact of innovative culture on the development of baking industries in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, focusing on product and process innovation. Drawing on Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations Theory, the study adopted a survey research design, collecting data from 148 usable responses out of 154 distributed questionnaires to registered bakeries, representing a 96.1% valid response rate. Data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via Smart PLS software. Findings indicated that innovative culture significantly drives baking industry development, with product innovation (β = 0.901, p < 0.001) demonstrating a stronger effect than process innovation (β = 0.082, p < 0.05). Theoretically, the study reinforces the role of innovation diffusion in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while practically, it suggests that bakery operators can achieve higher profitability, competitiveness, and customer satisfaction by prioritizing product innovation alongside process improvements. Despite its contributions, the study is limited to registered bakeries in Nasarawa State, highlighting the need for future research to explore informal and rural baking enterprises. The study’s novelty lies in its focus on the interplay between innovative culture and both product and process innovation in the Nigerian baking sector, providing actionable insights for policymakers to foster SME development through supportive innovation policies.
FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY (FIN TECH) AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OFDEPOSIT MONEY BANKS IN NIGERIA
Nigerian banking sector has continued to digitise in response to global trends and customer preferences, it becomes critical to empirically assess how specific fintech tools contribute to core bank performance indicators such as aggregate banking sector’s ROA. This study examines the impact of FinTech payment platforms on the financial performance of Nigerian deposit money banks within the broader context of Nigeria’s growing digital finance ecosystem. Focusing on Automated Teller Machines (ATM), Point of Sale (POS) systems, Web Pay (internet banking), and Mobile Pay (mobile banking), the study investigates their influence on Return on Assets (ROA) using a population sample of all licensed deposit money banks over the period 2009 to 2023. Secondary data were sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin. The study adapts the empirical framework of Bashayreh and Wadi (2021) but modifies it to align with the Nigerian FinTech context, applying Robust Least Squares (ROLS) regression analysis to account for heteroskedasticity and potential outliers. The findings reveal that ATM and POS transactions have significant negative effects on financial performance, whereas Web Pay and Mobile Pay exert significant positive impacts, highlighting the uneven financial outcomes of different Fintech channels. Based on these results, it is recommended that banks prioritized investment in mobile and internet banking platforms while safeguarding transaction security and consumer protection.
EXPLORING THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF TRUST IN THE RELATIONSHIPBETWEEN CYBERSECURITY CONCERNS AND MOBILE BANKING ADOPTIONAMONG FINTECH CUSTOMERS IN NIGERIA
Mobile banking is intended to provide a secure and efficient platform for advancing financial inclusion, yet in Nigeria persistent cybersecurity challenges such as fraud, system unreliability, and privacy threats continue to erode consumer trust and constrain adoption. This study investigates the mediating role of trust in the relationship between cybersecurity concerns and mobile banking adoption among fintech users in Nigeria. Anchored in the Technology Acceptance Model theoretical perspectives, the study adopted a cross-sectional quantitative research design to provide empirical evidence of these relationships. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 498 active mobile banking users selected through multi-stage sampling across major urban and semi-urban locations. The instrument was validated through expert review and reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha of 0.81 coefficients. Data were analyzed using regression-based mediation techniques with bootstrapping procedures to test the indirect effects and establish the robustness of the mediation pathways. The findings reveal that perceptions of fraud, financial loss and system reliability significantly reduce adoption through diminished trust, whereas privacy concerns exhibit no significant indirect influence. Trust emerges as the critical conduit linking cybersecurity perceptions with users’ willingness to adopt mobile banking services, underscoring that technological adequacy alone cannot ensure adoption without a solid foundation of trust. It is therefore concluded that restoring and maintaining consumer trust is indispensable to achieving sustained mobile banking adoption. The study recommends the establishment of integrated cybersecurity governance frameworks emphasizing real-time fraud monitoring, transparent data management and continuous user education as essential for rebuilding trust and ensuring long-term sustainability within the mobile banking ecosystem.