Journal of Social Review and Development

Management of experience activities and career guidance according to competence-based approach for high school pupils in Ho Chi Minh City

Bui Minh Tam — 2025-07-02

In the context of fundamental and comprehensive innovation of general education according to the 2018 General Education Program, experiential activities and career guidance are identified as one of the important components to develop students' capacity comprehensively. This article focuses on examining the current situation and proposing solutions for managing experiential activities and career guidance based on a competency-based approach in high schools in Ho Chi Minh City. A mixed research method was used, combining a quantitative survey of 121 subjects, including teachers, managers and parents, with semi-structured interviews with 10 individuals representing schools, businesses and education management agencies. The research results show that, although the majority of the surveyed subjects acknowledge the important role of career guidance activities, the organization is still formal, lacking clear capacity orientation and lacking effective coordination among stakeholders. The main barriers identified include: inadequate awareness, lack of specialized human resources, activity content not linked to practice, lack of assessment tools and unsustainable inter-sectoral linkage mechanisms. On that basis, the article proposes 05 groups of solutions, including: raising awareness, establishing a specialized department, innovating activity content, building a career guidance capacity framework, and promoting a multi-sectoral linkage model. The article not only has practical significance in educational innovation in Ho Chi Minh City but also contributes theoretically to competency-oriented educational management in the context of digital transformation and integration.

Foreign capital and misery index in Nigeria

Briggs David Theophilus — 2025-07-07

The study examined foreign capital inflows and misery index in Nigeria from 1981 to 2022. The objectives of the study are to; examine the impact of foreign direct investment inflow (FDI), foreign portfolio investment (FPI), diaspora remittance (DRM) and multilateral debt (MLD) on, misery index (MSI) in Nigeria. Secondary data were sourced from World Development Indicators and Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical Bulletin and the technique of Auto Regressive Distributed Lag modelling was used. The results showed that, while FDI, FPI and DRM reduces MSI, MLD increases MSI in Nigeria during the period of study. The policy implication is that foreign capital inflows to some extent attracted appreciable level of economic prosperity in Nigeria. Based on the findings it was recommended that, government should encourage friendly investment condition and trade policies to boost inflow of capital such as foreign portfolio investment into Nigeria. Also, the study recommends that fiscal planning should take an account of the inflow of remittances when curbing unemployment and inflation rates.

Key barriers and enablers of women’s access to and use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs): A desktop review

Sarah Gwayi Tembo — 2025-07-09

Objectives- The main objective of this paper was to examine key barriers and enablers of women’s access to and usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs).

Methods- This study employed a desk review approach, analyzing literature focused on the gender digital divide, with particular attention to reliable sources detailing women’s access to and use of technology. The review also included case studies of initiatives with both successful and adverse outcomes, and examined strategies that have addressed the associated risks. Using Google Scholar, 25 relevant articles were identified and screened to extract key themes and insights. These themes, aligned with the research objectives, formed the structure for the systematic presentation and discussion of findings.

Results- Literature has shown that women face a number of challenges in their access and use of Information and Communication Technologies. The prominent ones are lack of time, lack of skills, and lack of expertise in ICTs and low income by women. Furthermore, the study has shown that there are various enablers that cause women to use and access ICTs. These include among others computer access at a young age, availability of bursaries and knowledge of family members about the Information Technology careers. Finally, the study has revealed that different organizations globally and scholars have devised strategies to mitigate the digital divide.

Conclusions- This study highlights the critical role of ICTs in enhancing the livelihoods of women and girls. It has revealed both barriers and enablers to women’s access to and usage of ICTs. The findings show that while ICTs offer important opportunities, digital divides and gender based challenges continue to impede women’s full participation in the digital economy. Case studies from various sectors demonstrated how targeted initiatives can close these gaps and promote women’s empowerment, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal number five (5), thereby offering a solid foundation for informing future policies and programs that aim to harness the transformative potential of ICTs in promoting gender equity and sustainable development. The study recommends that stakeholders should urgently address the barriers identified in the literature.

The impact of environmental degradation and financial development on agricultural productivity in selected African countries

Aminu Hassan Jakada — 2025-07-14

The influence of financial development and environmental deterioration on agricultural output in a few African nations between 2000 and 2023 is examined in this study. Through the use of panel data methodologies, such as panel unit root, cointegration, and Pooled Mean Group (PMG) estimate methods, the study offers empirical insights into the dynamics of these variables over the short and long term. The findings show that pollution, deforestation, and stress from climate change have a negative impact on farming production, since environmental deterioration dramatically lowers agricultural productivity over the long and short terms. Financial development, on the other hand, has a positive and statistically significant impact on agricultural production, indicating that increased farm performance is a result of financial inclusion, investment in modern inputs, and loan availability. The correlation between environmental deterioration and financial development is noteworthy and favorable, suggesting that financial development helps to lessen some of the negative consequences of environmental degradation. Rainfall and trade openness are control factors that boost agricultural output, while increased temperatures and pressure from the rural population have a detrimental impact on productivity. The necessity of coordinated policies that support environmental preservation, sustainable farming practices, and financial inclusion is highlighted by these findings. As essential steps to boost agricultural output while preserving environmental sustainability in Africa, the report suggests focused green finance programs, strict environmental laws, and easier access to rural borrowing options. In addition to providing useful insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners seeking to advance sustainable agriculture and food security on the continent, the study adds to the expanding body of research on the environmental-economic relationship.

An empirical analysis of natural resource rent, bureaucratic control and sustainable development in Nigeria

Al-Bashir Jamil Suleiman — 2025-07-17

This research addresses how bureaucratic control as well as the rent from natural resources influence Nigeria's sustainable development between 1990 and 2023. The study uses the method known as Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL to control for trade openness, capital formation, and foreign direct investment while analyzing the long-term and short-term relationships between natural resource rent, institutional quality (as determined by bureaucratic control), and sustainable development. The findings show that, both in the short and long term, natural resource rent significantly promotes sustainable development. Additionally, bureaucratic control improves development results, highlighting the significance of institutional effectiveness in resource management. Furthermore, there is a strong positive correlation between resource rent and bureaucratic control, indicating that better bureaucracy amplifies the advantages of resource riches for growth. Additional factors that promote sustainable growth include openness to trade, gross formation of capital, as well as foreign direct investment. A long-term equilibrium that is stable is confirmed by the error correction term. The model's stability and robustness are confirmed by diagnostic testing. The results highlight how important it is to have efficient governance in order to convert the riches of natural resources into sustainable growth. For Nigeria to grow in a way that is inclusive, long-term, and ecologically sustainable, policy initiatives should concentrate on enhancing bureaucratic effectiveness, encouraging good governance, and directing resource income into profitable ventures.

Managing training and self-training activities for high school principals in the Mekong delta region in the context of digital transformation

Be Hai Vo Van — 2025-07-21

In the context of digital transformation taking place strongly around the world, the Vietnamese education sector in general and the Mekong Delta region in particular are facing an urgent need to innovate management work, especially in the field of developing school management staff. Principals, with a central role in orienting, organizing and implementing educational activities, need to be systematically trained and self-trained to meet the requirements of digital transformation. This article focuses on studying the current situation and proposing solutions to manage training and self-training activities for high school principals in the Mekong Delta region. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining a quantitative survey of 115 managers (principals, vice-principals, and heads of professional groups) with in-depth interviews of 12 education managers from high schools in three provinces (city): Can Tho, Vinh Long, and Dong Thap. The results showed that the management of training and self-training activities lacked a clear strategy, was not closely linked to the requirements of improving digital capacity, and did not effectively promote the self-learning role of the principal team. The article proposes an integrated management model that applies digital technology, builds a digital transformation capacity framework for principals and establishes appropriate support policies to improve the quality of school leadership in the digital age.

Digital financial services and rural market access in Northwestern Nigeria: evaluating the economic impacts of fintech inclusion

Y. Z. Abdullahi — 2025-07-22

This study examines the economic effects of digital financial services on rural market accessibility in Northwestern Nigeria. As mobile banking, point-of-sale (POS) systems, and other fintech solutions grow, rural areas are becoming more connected to the formal financial system. The research uses secondary data from the Central Bank of Nigeria, EFInA, and the National Bureau of Statistics to look at developments in trade, credit availability, and financial inclusion in rural parts of states including Kano, Sokoto, and Kebbi. The results show that fintech has improved local trade and made it easier for people to get money, yet problems like bad digital infrastructure and low digital literacy still exist. The paper provides policy suggestions to enhance fintech accessibility and optimise its economic advantages for rural communities.

Islamic philanthropy and development in Zamfara state: an assessment of zakat administration structures and outcomes

Muhammad Bello — 2025-07-25

A fundamental tool for income transfer and poverty reduction in Muslim communities, zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. In Zamfara State, the institutionalization of zakat followed the introduction of Sharia law in 2000, leading to the formation of both state-run and private Islamic philanthropic entities. This study explores the organization, administration, and developmental results of zakat in Zamfara, relying mainly on secondary sources including official papers, policy reports, NGO publications, and current scholarly literature. Through qualitative content analysis, the study finds that while zakat structures exist in many forms, difficulties such as inadequate transparency, inconsistent distribution systems, and insufficient recordkeeping have impeded their developmental impact. Nonetheless, stories of successful initiatives in sectors like education and social welfare highlight the potential of zakat as a tool for inclusive development. The study concludes by suggesting improvements in administration, increased accountability, and stronger integration of Islamic charity ideals with modern development tactics.

The function of local government autonomy in improving community-based security governance in Zamfara state: a secondary analysis

U. A. Arabo — 2025-07-28

In Zamfara State, Nigeria, banditry and kidnapping are making life very unsafe, which makes it challenging for the government to do its job well. This study looks at how providing local governments with greater autonomy could enable them to collaborate with communities to solve these security problems. The research investigates the challenges that Zamfara State's local governments confront, such as not having enough money and having to accept directives from the central government. It does this by using mostly existing data, such as government reports, academic studies, news stories and NGO publications, as well as a few targeted interviews with local officials. It also looks at successful local security measures in other Nigerian states, including community policing in Lagos, to see what Zamfara State may learn from them. The results suggest that local governments need more leeway to come up with solutions that work for their communities, such as local peace committees. The study advocates for reforms to empower local councils and build links between communities and government. By shedding light on an ignored sector of public administration, this work offers practical solutions for policymakers in Zamfara State and beyond, showing how local governance may make a difference in conflict zones.

Community trust and political influence in family law: property allocation in polygamous marriages in Gusau metropolis

Amina Umar Ruwandoruwa — 2025-07-29

In Gusau metropolis, Zamfara State, where polygamous marriages are common under Sharia and customary law, the allocation of marital property in family law disputes often raises questions about judicial fairness and political influence. This study investigates how local residents perceive the impact of political dynamics on judicial governance in resolving these disputes. Using a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with community members, including women in polygamous households, legal practitioners, and local leaders. The findings reveal a complex interplay of trust and skepticism toward legal institutions, with many residents perceiving political interference as a barrier to equitable property allocation. Cultural norms and gender dynamics further shape these perceptions, often leaving women disadvantaged in accessing their rights. The study underscores the challenges of legal pluralism in Northern Nigeria, where Sharia and customary law coexist, and highlights the need for transparent judicial processes to foster community trust. By shedding light on these local perspectives, this research contributes to broader discussions on political science, family law, and gender equity, offering insights for policymakers and legal reformers aiming to strengthen judicial independence and fairness in Gusau metropolis. Recommendations include enhancing community engagement and promoting gender-sensitive legal frameworks to ensure equitable outcomes in polygamous marriage disputes.

Sustainability of entrepreneurship in handcrafted Nigerian products: a case study of North Western States

Abubakar Muhammad — 2025-08-01

This study investigates the sustainability of entrepreneurship in handcrafted Nigerian items, concentrating on the North Western states of Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara. Utilising secondary data from scholarly literature, governmental papers, and digital platforms, alongside focused primary data from artisan interviews, the study assesses the economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainability. The results show that crafts like textiles, leatherwork, and pottery can help the economy, but they also face problems including not being able to go to markets, not having enough infrastructure, and competition from imports. These businesses protect cultural heritage and provide communities power in social terms. In environmental terms, they use local materials but are at risk of using too many resources. Primary data enhances these insights by disclosing artisans' viewpoints on operational impediments and innovation requirements. The report suggests ways to make things more sustainable, such as forming cooperatives, using internet marketing, and using eco-friendly methods. This research aligns with Sustainable Development Goals and highlights the potential of artisanal entrepreneurship to cultivate resilient economies, providing recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to bolster this sector.