Bolan International Journal of Research Insights (BIJRI)

Blue Economy and Job Creation in Nigeria: Exploring Opportunities for Youth Employment in Marine-Based Industries

Nnanguma, K. A. — 2024-12-31

Nigeria’s urban centers are experiencing an escalating waste management crisis, with over 32 million tonnes of solid waste generated annually and major cities like Lagos producing more than 13,000 tonnes daily. Despite this volume, national recycling rates remain below 10%, and waste segregation at the source is practiced in less than 5% of urban households. This study applies a systematic literature review of 98 relevant documents to examine the role of science, innovation, and technology (STI) in advancing zero waste practices across Nigerian cities. Results show that 50–65% of municipal waste is biodegradable, yet under 20% is processed through composting or energy recovery methods. Technological initiatives such as RFID-enabled bins, mobile waste tracking applications, and pilot waste-to-energy plants are emerging in select urban areas, notably Lagos and Abuja. Grassroots innovations—like digital reward-based recycling and community-based collection systems—have increased recycling participation by up to 40% in pilot locations. However, widespread implementation is hindered by fragmented policies, limited technical infrastructure, low public awareness, and inadequate funding. The study identifies strategic gaps in institutional coordination and scientific capacity that must be addressed to enable scalable, technology-driven waste solutions. Recommendations include establishing a national waste information system, supporting informal sector integration, scaling successful innovation models, and promoting public-private-community partnerships. The findings suggest that while the zero-waste transition in Nigeria is in its infancy, the integration of STI within policy, planning, and community engagement frameworks offers a viable path toward sustainable urban waste systems and improved environmental health.

Sport Education: A Panacea For A Productive Nigerian Society In The 21st Century

Ochor Daniel Chinonso — 2024-12-31

Sport education offers a powerful solution to many of the challenges facing Nigeria in the 21st century, particularly in the realms of economic development, social cohesion, and individual well-being. This paper explores how integrating sports into the educational system can contribute to a more productive and unified society. The economic benefits of sport education are significant, including job creation in the sports industry and the economic impact of successful athletes who bring international recognition and investment to the country. Furthermore, sport education promotes physical and mental health, helping to combat non-communicable diseases and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also fosters lifelong physical activity, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy population. In addition to health benefits, sport education plays a critical role in social cohesion by bridging ethnic, religious, and cultural divides. It promotes national unity through shared experiences in sports, while also developing essential social skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. For youth, sports provide a constructive outlet, steering them away from crime and drug abuse, and instilling values of discipline, perseverance, and purpose Finally, sport education enhances cognitive function, memory, and concentration, leading to improved academic performance. It also teaches valuable life skills like goal-setting, time management, and resilience, which are crucial for success in both academic and professional settings. Through these multifaceted contributions, sport education is positioned as a critical tool for building a healthier, more united, and economically vibrant Nigeria in the 21st century.

AI ESSAY FEEDBACK AND WRITING SELF-EFFICACY AMONG PAKISTANI HIGH-SCHOOL GIRLS: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY

Ghazala Tabbassum — 2024-12-31

This paper investigates how high-school girls in Pakistan are impacted by essay feedback enabled through AI such as automated essay graders on writing self-efficacy, which has not been studied much concerning educational technologies. With artificial intelligence (AI) being one of the greatest areas that have transformed education in most parts of the world, there is an inclination that it should be explored on how to improve writing skills more so in a developing country where girl child education is common. This research aims to answer two questions: do the AI-generated feedback have an effect on the writing skills of Pakistani high-school girls and how do they affect their self-perception and feelings towards writing tasks. A mixed-methods research design was taken in conjunction with using surveys (n=200) and interviews (n=40) to allow quantitative and qualitative aspects to be addressed using questions and open-ended questions to gain information on the experiences and perception of the students. The results indicate that AI feedback is positively affecting the self-efficacy in writing among the students, contributing to writing confidence and another boost in the quality of writing. Nonetheless, the study also identifies such difficulties as narrow access to technology and non-human feedback rejection. These findings have significant implications towards the use of AI tools in the education arena and more so in South Asian nations. The research will be a contributing factor to the burgeoning nature of research on AI in education especially gender and technology in Pakistan.

Dirty Journalism: The Political Economy, Ethics, and Psychology of Manufactured Narratives

Ayaz Safi — 2024-12-31

Dirty journalism refers to the deliberate distortion, fabrication, or manipulation of facts, events, and discourses by media actors in pursuit of political, corporate, or ideological interests. It is an epistemic crime against democracy: while journalism is ideally tasked with holding power accountable, dirty journalism performs the inverse—it launders power through information. This paper interrogates the structural, psychological, and institutional underpinnings of dirty journalism as a form of communicative violence. We situate the phenomenon within critical political economy, post-truth theory, propaganda models, and the sociology of knowledge production. We examine how ownership structures, surveillance capitalism, partisan media ecosystems, and platform incentives create a fertile ground for dirty journalism. We also explore how disinformation, gaslighting, character assassination, and “strategic ignorance” are deployed as journalistic tactics. The consequences are devastating: erosion of public trust, polarization, electoral manipulation, and epistemic injustice. The paper closes with a normative and policy-oriented reflection on ethical journalism, media literacy, and institutional reform.

Higher Education Attrition: Determinants, Impacts, and Policy Interventions in Urban Universities

Maaz Ali Swati — 2024-12-31

Attrition in higher education remains a pressing concern, impacting student success and institutional efficiency. This study quantitatively examines the determinants of attrition in urban universities in Peshawar, focusing on financial, academic, social, and psychological factors. A structured survey of 300 undergraduate students was conducted, and multiple regression analysis was employed. Results indicate that financial constraints (β = 0.38) and academic difficulties (β = 0.31) were the strongest predictors of attrition. Poor social integration and psychological stress also significantly influenced dropout likelihood. Humanities students showed slightly higher attrition risk. Policy interventions including financial aid, academic support, social integration programs, and mental health services are recommended to reduce attrition. The study provides evidence-based guidance for enhancing student retention and institutional effectiveness.