The cognitive, cultural, and social diversity of contemporary classrooms has transformed the conceptualization of effective teaching. Traditional models, grounded in standardization and uniformity, often fail to address the needs of students with diverse learning profiles. Differentiated instruction is proposed as a pedagogical approach that adapts content, process, product, and learning environments to students’ readiness, interests, and individual characteristics. This qualitative study offers a comprehensive theoretical and didactic analysis of the concept, drawing on sociocultural constructivism, the theory of multiple intelligences, motivation theory, the taxonomy of cognitive processes, and the literature on formative assessment. It argues that differentiation represents both a paradigmatic shift in pedagogical practice and an ethical imperative in education. Finally, the article emphasizes that successful implementation requires ongoing professional development, a reflective educational culture, and institutional support. Received: 07 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
Epe town, Lagos State has been vulnerable to climate change related disasters, which have adverse effects on urban planning system. The study examined the impacts of climate change on urban planning, the level of vulnerability, and the strategic adaptation measures sought to address it. The study relied on both secondary, and primary data. The primary data were collected through questionnaire administration. The questionnaire targeted residents, both homeowners and tenants as respondents. A random sampling technique was used to sample vulnerable areas at intervals of every 10th building, identified through observational and environmental surveys during a familiarasation tour. A total of 150 copies of questionnaire were administered to respondents. The questionnaire was structured in a 4-point Likert scale format. The study employed descriptive techniques for data analysis. The findings revealed that residents in the study area have relatively effective adaptation strategies (?????=3.05), possibly due to past experiences with water level changes. Also, the study revealed that increased risk of waterborne diseases necessitates improved sanitation and health planning (?????=2.93). Furthermore, the study revealed that flood-resistant design was incorporated in urban infrastructure development in the study area (?????=2.4). The study recommended the integration of infrastructure, policy, and green spaces to address climate change effects on urban planning in Epe, Lagos. Received: 20 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
The Contextualized Ethical Engagement in Geographical Research (CEEGR) theory offers a comprehensive framework for understanding and guiding ethical practice across human and physical geography. Situated within the growing literature on research ethics, reflexivity, and contextual sensitivity, the theory integrates universal ethical principles with nuanced considerations of local cultural, environmental, and technological contexts. CEEGR foregrounds the dynamic interplay between researcher responsibility, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and data ethics, arguing that ethical research outcomes depend on holistic engagement rather than procedural compliance alone. By articulating multi-layered ethical propositions and situating them within contemporary methodological and technological debates, the theory provides a systematic, actionable model for ethical decision-making across diverse geographical research settings, especially in under resourced and culturally heterogeneous contexts. Received: 10 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This article carries out a complex analysis of youth migration as a structural challenge to modern societies. The focus of the research is a multifactorial examination of the motives behind the migratory behavior of young people and their socio-economic consequences within the context of the effectiveness of the social protection system. The scientific novelty of the article lies in substantiating the necessity of institutional interaction between public policy and professional social work in the process of managing migration flows.The methodological basis of the research comprises systems and comparative analysis methods, through which gaps in migration policy are identified. The article argues that youth migration should not be viewed merely as a demographic shift, but as a loss of human capital and a threat to social security that requires targeted intervention.Special attention is paid to the role of social work as a mediating link at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The author presents the strategic toolkit of social work, including preventive counseling, social inclusion programs for migrants, and reintegration mechanisms. The article proposes a "strategic synergy" model, where macro-tools of public policy (job creation, educational reforms) are combined with the person-centered approaches of social work.The research results allow for the conclusion that overcoming the migration crisis is possible exclusively through the empowerment of the institution of social work and the strengthening of its partnership ties with state bodies. This work can serve as a practical basis for social policymakers, sociologists, and social workers aimed at preserving the potential of youth and ensuring sustainable development. Received: 11 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
Service delivery dilemmas remain a global concern, adversely impacting marginalized groups. Even after 32 years of democracy, most South African local governments (municipalities) are besieged by rampant, violent service delivery protests. Although some of these municipalities are making tremendous efforts to provide basic services (e.g., water and electricity) to their citizens, they are not achieving the complete and desired outcomes due to broken promises. Further to this, whilst the country is still beleaguered by the outrageous socio-economic disparities (e.g., poverty, inequality and unemployment), these exacerbate the outlook for public service delivery, leading to ongoing violent protests. The study’s purpose is to examine the proliferating and violent service delivery protests in South Africa. The methodological choice for this study is grounded in a qualitative methodology, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach. Data was extracted from the Web of Science scholarly database. The total number of sources included in this study is 25 peer-reviewed journals and academic book chapters. Additionally, the study also took into account grey literature review (government reports). This study found that cadre deployment, poor service delivery, socio-economic disparities, and a lack of accountability are all factors contributing to the proliferation and violent service delivery protests in South Africa. As such, this study suggests strategies for reducing municipalities’ service delivery protests. This study can assist policy-makers, decision-makers and practitioners in identifying factors contributing to the proliferation of violent protests against service delivery. Received: 19 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
The pursuit of equitable labour relations and democratic workplace governance has gained prominence in contemporary labour studies, particularly in emerging economies like Nigeria. The need for sustainable industrial relations in Nigeria has intensified in the face of economic instability, rising unemployment, and deteriorating working conditions. Central to this discourse are two pivotal mechanisms, collective agreement and industrial democracy which, if effectively operationalized, could foster equitable labour practices, participatory governance in the workplace, and national development. This study critically explores the feasibility of institutionalizing collective agreements and promoting industrial democracy in Nigeria, analyzing the legal, institutional, socio-economic, and political framework. Mixed method research design was used as methodological approach. Anchored on pluralist industrial relations theory and comparative global best practices, it interrogates Nigeria’s legal and institutional readiness, socio-economic realities, and the capacity of organized labour to engage in genuine social dialogue. The paper concludes that while structural challenges exist, a concerted reform approach rooted in legislative innovation, institutional strengthening, and union revitalization can enable Nigeria to move towards a more participatory and just industrial system. Received: 09 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
The study examined the Israeli-Iranian conflict, tracing its evolution from covert proxy engagements to overt confrontations. It explored how longstanding ideological animosity and strategic rivalries have transformed the Middle East’s security architecture. Methodologically, the study relied solely on secondary data and applied a descriptive analytical technique to follow the conflict’s trajectory. Rooted in realist theory, the study argued that both states act primarily in pursuit of national interest, guided by security imperatives, military alliances, and a persistent mistrust. Iran’s support for militant groups and Israel’s retaliatory and preventive strikes emphasized the realist principle of self-help and strategic balancing. The findings of the study revealed that proxy warfare has offered both countries strategic depth without the direct costs of war. Iran’s backing of Hezbollah and Palestinian groups has allowed it to challenge Israeli power asymmetrically, while Israel’s technological and intelligence responses have inflicted tactical damage without provoking open war. The 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict exemplified the cost of proxy entanglements. Regionally, the conflict has intensified instability in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, where Iran's network of militias challenges Israeli interests. Israel’s repeated airstrikes in Syria demonstrated her intent to disrupt Iranian entrenchment. The study concluded that the role of support the United States and Western allies through military aid, sanctions, and political have reinforced Israel’s strategic posture while isolating Iran. The study recommended a renewed diplomatic effort by neutral actors to revise the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action with stronger guarantees on Iran nuclear deal. Also recommended, is the establishment of a regional security forum between Iran and Israel, including the pressure to curtail the use of non-state actors, aimed at reducing escalation and fostering dialogue which hopefully, will lead to an everlasting peace between both nations. Received: 10 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This paper examines the impact of leadership on technological development in Nigeria with emphasis on Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL), Kogi State. The main objective of the study is to ascertain how leadership decisions, styles of leadership and policy choices shaped the establishment and management of Ajaokuta Steel Complex. In attempt towards achieving the above objectives, a qualitative method was adopted through the use of secondary sources such as official documents, scholarly analyses, and investigative reports. The findings of the study identifies conceptual gaps in existing literature as most studies interrogate corruption, finance, or external dependence, but rarely examine how leadership styles shaped the trajectory of technological development. By linking leadership theory with technological capability perspectives, this paper offers a framework for rethinking the revival of legacy mega projects in Nigeria. The study shows the extent to which frequent policy reversals, fragmented institutional authority, and weak accountability eroded the capacity to absorb and update the Soviet-designed technology on which the project depended. It also suggests that without adaptive and visionary leadership, technological development will remain elusive, but with a coherent strategy and accountability, ASCL could still serve as a platform for industrial renewal. Received: 09 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
Growing land use, population growth and climate variability have led to greater fire risks than the existing fire-resilient mechanisms. Africa accounts for a significant fraction of the world's burned land area and greenhouse gas emissions yet is little studied within the fire science literature. This study aimed to examine systematically the use of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in veld fire management over the African continent. It explored the contributions, limitations, and opportunities for technological innovation into improving fire governance in data-poor areas like Zimbabwe. A systematic literature review under the PRISMA framework was done, looking into peer-reviewed studies published between 2016–2024. Methods were reviewed using Scopus and Web of Science databases. 48 studies were shortlisted and analysed for sensor types, spatial coverage, and applicability to practice. The results reveal a significant rise in the number of publications since 2021 reflecting a growing scientific interest and technological advances. MODIS, Sentinel-2, and Landsat were the most commonly used sensors, while there are differences in regional research output. The results reveal trade-offs between the spatial, temporal, and spectral resolutions, calling for the application of multi-sensor approaches. Research gaps include geographically limited information resources, inadequate access to data and poor institutional capacity. Received: 12 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This paper explores Nigeria’s peace support operations in Somalia under the auspices of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), highlighting the country’s contributions to restoring peace and stability in a conflict-ridden environment between 1991 and 2022. Rooted in its Afrocentric foreign policy, Nigeria has long positioned itself as a significant actor in African conflict resolution, perceiving the continent as an extension of its strategic and moral responsibilities. The Somali conflict, marked by clan-based conflicts, state breakdown, and the growth of terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab, has caused persistent instability and humanitarian problems, needing sustained international and regional involvement. The study relies purely on secondary data, including reports from the African Union, United Nations, academic journals, and historical documents, which were studied descriptively to provide a full knowledge of Nigeria’s operational role, obstacles, and achievements in peacekeeping. Findings demonstrate that Nigeria has routinely supplied military and police contingents, technical experience, and financial resources to both UN and AU-led missions, complementing other African nations’ efforts. Nigerian personnel have engaged in security operations, humanitarian support, mentoring of local forces, protection of critical institutions, and facilitation of governance and peacebuilding projects. The paper emphasises that Nigeria’s proactive involvement has not only reinforced regional stability but has also strengthened its leadership and credibility in continental peace efforts. The paper finds that Nigeria’s continued commitment shows the necessity of concerted African action in tackling insecurity, preventing state collapse, and creating permanent peace. Nigeria’s experience in Somalia indicates how planned, well-resourced, and collaborative initiatives can alleviate conflicts and foster democratic government in fragile states. Received: 16 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
Job satisfaction is a central concern in human resource management because it influences motivation, retention, commitment, and job performance. This issue is particularly important in seafaring; therefore, the present study examined the impact of job satisfaction on the job performance of Myanmar seafarers serving on ocean-going vessels. Four dimensions of job satisfaction such as salary and bonus, promotion, working environment, and senior officers and co-worker relationships. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used and data were collected from 150 Myanmar seafarers selected through a simple random sampling method. The instrument contained five items for each job satisfaction dimension and six items for job performance, all measured on a five-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using frequency distributions, Cronbach's alpha, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. The measurement scales demonstrated strong internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from .878 to .931. The regression model explained 73.4% of the variance in job performance. Salary and bonus, promotion, and senior officers and co-worker relationships had significant positive effects on job performance, whereas working environment did not show a statistically significant unique effect in the multivariate model. The findings indicate that compensation, career advancement, and supportive shipboard relationships are especially salient for enhancing the performance of Myanmar seafarers. Received: 09 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
Management of the public sector in sub-Saharan Africa continues to be a core concern of development and policy reform and has a determining effect on economic outcomes, institutional legitimacy, and citizen?confidence. Despite progress in macroeconomic indicators, such as GDP growth (projected at 3.3% in 2024) and tame?inflation in many countries, governance quality and service delivery have consistently fallen short of expectations. Poor institutional capacity, service delivery inefficiency and corruption are the main?obstacles to good governance. On average, citizen satisfaction with institutions is only 47%1 and governance effectiveness scores are?still at 42% which is lower than average globally of 54%. Improving transparency, accountability, and responsiveness is the core of further sustainable development, citizen satisfaction, and democratic?resilience across sub-Saharan Africa. Received: 16 March 2026 / Accepted: 29 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This study examines the sacred aesthetics and spiritual symbolism embedded in the Nwaotam masquerade of the Niger Delta, with particular attention to its intersections with ritual performance and cultural identity among the Ijaw and Ogoni peoples. Moving beyond interpretations that privilege purely social or political functions, the paper argues that Nwaotam constitutes a complex aesthetic–spiritual system through which cosmological beliefs, ancestral veneration, and communal memory are materially and performatively enacted. Its visual and kinetic elements—masks, costumes, color symbolism, and choreographed movements—operate as symbolic languages mediating between human and spiritual realms, thereby transforming ordinary spaces into sacred arenas during ritual performance. Adopting a qualitative and interdisciplinary methodology, the study integrates ethnographic fieldwork (participant observation and oral interviews) with visual and performative analysis, drawing on interpretive frameworks from religious studies, anthropology, and art history. By foregrounding sacred aesthetics as a mode of religious communication, the study demonstrates how Nwaotam sustains cultural continuity and reinforces collective identity amid pressures of globalization, urbanization, and religious transformation. It thus contributes to African religious and aesthetic scholarship by theorizing masquerade performance as a liminal site where art, ritual, and spirituality converge. Received: 12 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs are often characterized as technical mechanisms for stabilizing post-war states, but their effectiveness is sensitive to political context, war history, and actors' incentives. Drawing from a wider body of research of South Sudan, this paper discusses the impact of historical and political considerations on DDR outcomes, while noting significant legacies of Sudan’s protracted civil wars, the post-2005 political settlement, the militarization of governance, recurrent cycles of communal violence, and the contested implementation of security arrangements within the framework of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Through qualitative documentary analysis of peace agreements, program evaluations, policy briefs, and institutional papers, the paper uncovers lingering dimensions of poor DDR outcomes: fragmentation of armed groups, patronage-driven “big tent” politics, contested civilian disarmament, weak state capacity, donor–government misalignment, and insecurity that prevents successful reintegration pathways. These results indicate that DDR in South Sudan has frequently been a context for bargaining in broader political settlements rather than a direct passage from war to peace. The article concludes that successful DDR outcomes must be supported by politically conscious program designs that integrate and match interest points, address local arms dynamics, and adopt practical DDR approach with security sector reform. Received: 13 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
This article evaluates and analyzes the performance of graduates from undergraduate courses at the University of Brasília (UnB) who were scholarship recipients of the Scientific Initiation Program (SIP), in the modalities Institutional Program of Scientific Initiation Scholarships (IPSIS), knowledge generation, and Institutional Scholarship Program for Undergraduate Research in Technological Development and Innovation (SPRTDI), development of knowledge generated for the benefit of society, within the four-year horizon 2019/2020 to 2022/2023. This article is based on research developed within the professional master's program in Governance and Innovation in Public Policies – PPG/GIPP/FACE/UnB. Its central concern is investigating which Major Area of Knowledge (MA) stimulates the greatest interest and demand among undergraduate students. The objective is to propose a positivist-quantitative methodology with an indicator capable of evaluating the performance of undergraduate graduates who are recipients of scientific initiation scholarships, considering the theoretical-academic aspects necessary for the development of a technical-technological product inherent to a professional master's program. The proposed objective is also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agenda 2030, especially Target 4 and Target 8, specifically 8.2. The research findings reveal that the MA with the highest demand from students is Arts and Humanities (AH), and that the IPSIS program did not meet the efficiency metric. On the other hand, the SPRTDI program met the balance and efficiency metrics, indicating that the program is sustainable. Received: 08 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
The global community faces an unprecedented challenge in financing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an estimated annual gap exceeding $4 trillion in low- and middle-income countries. This systematic review examines how credit ratings, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings, and blended finance mechanisms influence capital allocation for sustainable development and identifies critical gaps in their capacity to deliver measurable development impact. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search of academic databases yielded 25 peer-reviewed articles published between 2018 and 2025. The synthesis reveals that traditional rating frameworks prioritize short-term financial metrics over long-term development outcomes, creating structural biases against essential SDG investments. Blended finance, while conceptually promising for mobilizing private capital, faces significant challenges in scalability, impact accountability, and effectiveness in reaching highest-need contexts. Mobilization ratios consistently fall below expectations, transaction costs remain prohibitive, and impact measurement focuses on outputs rather than outcomes. The review identifies a fundamental disconnect between rating methodologies and blended finance objectives, with neither adequately incorporating development additionality or contextual factors. Findings suggest that achieving sustainable development at scale requires systemic reform: impact-adjusted rating frameworks that recognize long-term development investments, standardized blended finance platforms to reduce transaction costs, and robust accountability mechanisms linking financial terms to impact delivery. The review concludes that transforming ratings and blended finance into effective tools for sustainable development demands coordinated institutional innovation, policy reform, and fundamental reconceptualization of risk and value in development finance. Received: 19 March 2026 / Accepted: 30 April 2026 / Published: May 2026
Successive administrations in Nigeria since independence have made frantic effort towards improving the performance of civil servants through the conduct of training programmes for all categories of employees. However, there are mixed reactions among scholars with regards to the impact of training programmes on the performance of civil servants. Therefore, the main objective of the study is to assess the impact of training programmes on the performance of Nigerian civil service during the fourth republic. Methodologically, the paper adopts a qualitative approach for the purpose of obtaining the required materials through textual content analysis of documents from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Civil Service Institute (PSI), Centre for Managing development (CMD), Office the Head of Service of the Federation, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation and empirical literature. The findings of the study reveal that effective training is imperative towards the enhancement of employees’ performance. However, the impact of training programme on the performance of the Nigerian civil service have not be quite impressive due to lack of effective implementation of training programmes, poor funding, inefficient trainers lack of adequate facilities and inability to determine employees’ training needs, outdated curriculum among others. The study therefore recommends for improved funding, determination of training needs, engagement of qualified trainers, review of training curriculum, use of modern technology and feedback machanism. Received: 30 November 2025 / Accepted: 31 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
The paper examines how Artificial Intelligence encodes the female body, transforming a historically fluid, culturally shaped concept of beauty into a narrow, digitally “measurable” ideal. Generative AI, trained on biased fashion industry datasets, reproduces the Western-centric model of young, thin, white and symmetrical femininity, eliminating diversity and establishing a normative aesthetic. Through virtual try-ons, filters, AI avatars and virtual influencers, the body is transformed into a digital asset and social currency, while users are pushed into constant self-surveillance, comparison and “optimisation”, with measurable consequences on self-image, mental health and consumer practices. The biases hidden behind algorithms, such as thinness, skin colouration and hyper-sexualisation, do not simply mirror existing social exclusions. On the contrary, they reinforce them, offering greater visibility and imitability, while deepfakes add even more complexity. Thus, artificial intelligence is transformed into a tool that disciplines and controls the image of women. It is imperative to have transparency, use multi-collective datasets, conduct ethical programming and implement regulatory interventions. Only in this way can we ensure that the use of AI in the fashion and beauty sector does not continue to reproduce aesthetic violence and commercialisation. Received: 22 November 2025 / Accepted: 28 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
This theoretical work examines the convergence of Orthodox Christianity and artificial intelligence (AI) in the Greek cultural context. While global debates on artificial intelligence ethics usually center on secular or practical structures, the Greek Orthodox heritage brings a distinct moral dimension inspired by spiritual anthropology, the theology of the human person, and the notion of heavenly likeness. The study looks at Greek consumers' perceptions of artificial intelligence from ethical, moral, and religious angles depending on data gathered from the author's Ph.D. dissertation (omitted for blind review). It examines the degree to which religion influences public opinion, acceptance, and emotional engagement with smart systems. The research reveals that individuals occasionally evaluate artificial intelligence (AI) not only for its utility but also for its fit with their moral values, spiritual integrity, and freedom. By fusing Orthodox ethical principles with modern AI debate, this paper presents a novel conceptual framework: the Theological-Moral Framing Model of AI. This theory clarifies how group and individual reactions to new technologies are influenced by cultural identity, moral narratives, and religious beliefs. The paper argues that in Greece and other faith-based nations, developing culturally sensitive AI management and public relations strategies depends on an awareness of this religious aspect. Received: 25 November 2025 / Accepted: 30 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
Electronic invoicing has become a key instrument for optimizing tax management and strengthening fiscal transparency in companies. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between electronic invoicing and tax compliance in a commercial company in the city of Sullana. A quantitative methodology was applied, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design and a descriptive-correlational scope. The population consisted of 31 employees directly involved in the electronic invoicing process, of whom 22 participated as the sample, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with 24 items, validated by experts and with reliability verified through Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient (0.725 for electronic invoicing and 0.901 for tax compliance). The results showed a positive and significant correlation (Rho = 0.814; p = 0.001) between both variables, demonstrating that the proper implementation of the digital system contributes to improving accuracy, timeliness of payment, and transparency in tax processes. However, limitations related to the lack of technical training and a weak tax culture were identified, which restrict its potential. In conclusion, electronic invoicing is consolidated as an essential tool for promoting tax compliance and business formalization, strengthening administrative efficiency and fiscal responsibility in the business context of Sullana. Received: 21 November 2025 / Accepted: 29 December 2025 / Published: January 2026
