FACULTY OF ARTS

Decolonization is a fundamental historical process through which formerly colonized nations attain political independence and sovereignty. Nigeria, as a British colony until October 1, 1960, experienced a unique decolonization process shaped by nationalist movements, colonial administrative policies, and geopolitical influences. The transition to independence was peaceful but marked by ethnic tensions and political restructuring.¹ The process of decolonization in Nigeria marks a critical period in the country's history, during which colonial rule gave way to self-governance and the formation of a sovereign nation. This chapter introduces the study by providing the necessary background, defining its objectives, and establishing its academic relevance. The decolonization of Nigeria represents one of the most significant historical developments of the 20th century in West Africa. This chapter introduces the study by exploring the complex and multi faceted process through which Nigeria transitioned from colonial rule to an independent sovereign state. Decolonization is not merely the formal act of gaining independence; it encompasses a broader political, economic, social, and psychological transformation that involves dismantling the structures and legacies of colonialism and constructing new systems grounded in indigenous authority, identity, and aspirations. British colonialism profoundly affected Nigeria's political, economic, and social structures. From the amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 to the implementation of indirect rule and the development of Western-style education, colonial rule shaped the framework within which Nigerians later demanded self-governance. The 1940s and 1950s witnessed the rise of political parties such as the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM), the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), the Action Group (AG), and the Northern People's Congress (NPC), which played crucial roles in mobilizing the populace and negotiating Nigeria's path to independence. Although Nigeria's independence on October 1, 1960, marked the official end of colonial
rule, the decolonization process did not conclude with the lowering of the Union Jack. The post-independence period exposed unresolved colonial legacies and challenges, such as regionalism, ethnic tensions, and uneven development. Thus, a historical analysis of Nigeria's decolonization must also consider the continuity of colonial structures and the extent to which Nigerians were truly free to shape their own destiny.

This research critically examines the plight of the girl child under patriarchal domination as portrayed in Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and Kaine Agary’s Yellow-Yellow. Using African feminist and womanist theoretical frameworks, the study explores how bothauthors reveal the interconnected forces of patriarchy, racial prejudice, and social deprivation that silence, exploit, and devalue women. Through textual analysis, the research exposes the emotional and physical traumas inflicted by patriarchal structures, maternal complicity, and community indifference. It also highlights how both writers employ female solidarity, education, and self-awareness as tools for liberation and social transformation. Ultimately, the study calls for a reconstruction of cultural values rooted in empathy, gender equity, and the affirmation of the girl child’s humanity

Transhumanism is a philosophical movement that supports the use of modern technology to enhance human development and overcome limitations. Max More is a leading transhumanist philosopher who has made significant contributions to the field. The objective of this project is to evaluate transhumanism in the philosophy of Max More. Focusing on his extropian principles, the project examines how his vision of transcending biological limits via technologies like cryonics, genetic engineering, and artificial intelligence influences contemporary thought. Using the method of philosophical analysis, hermeneutic interpretation & conceptual clarification, the study analyzes More’s foundational ideas, including perpetual progress and morphological freedom, which advocate individual choice in self-transformation. This project investigates the ethical, technological, and social implications of Max More's philosophy, such as issues of access, safety, and societal pressures, alongside criticisms highlighting its over- optimism, libertarian bias, and speculative nature. This project also assesses Max More’s 21 st-century legacy, noting his impact on biotechnology, philosophy, and cultural movements like transhumanism advocacy. While More’s vision inspires innovation and personal empowerment, it faces challenges in ensuring equitable access, addressing safety risks, and embracing cultural diversity. This project underscores the transformative potential of transhumanism while advocating a balanced approach to ensure its benefits reach all of humanity, contributing to ongoing debates about technology’s role in our collective future..

The study set out to identify, examine and analyze the image of the “White man” in Francophone Caribbean islands and the calvary the black Caribbeans went through in the hands of the White man. The treatment of this subject is found mainly in the selected works of Francophone Caribbean writers such as Salvat Etchart, Aimé Césaire, Edouard Glissant, Maryse Condé and Patrick Chamoiseau. These selected works include Les Nègres servent d’exemples, Le Monde tel qu’il est, La Tragédie du roi Christophe, Moi, Tituba Sorcière noire de Salem, Dieu nous l’a donnée, Mort d’Oluwémi d’Ajumako, La Migration des cœurs, Le Quatrième siècle and Texaco. These selected works were analysed using sociocritical approache to identify, uncover and interprete specific literary periods, ideas and perspectives that each author developed in their writings.The objectives were to examine and analyse the place of the White man in Francophone Caribbean islands’ history through Francophone Caribbean Literary creations, analyse the experiences of the black Caribbean people in the hands of the white over-lords, identify the reactions of the black Caribbean people against the servile, forced labour and different kinds of impositions of the White man and identify points of convergence and divergence in the ideas and reflections on white racism shown in the texts studied.

The methodology adopted in the study were textual analytical approach and comparative approach. The authors’ works vividly depicted white racism and the sufferings the black Caribbean people went through in a society that is regulated by the racial ideology of socio-political, cultural and economic imperialism of the White man. The theoretical framework was rooted in postcolonial and sociological theories.

Based on the identification of the objectives, the research found that the White man sought to perpetually occupy, dominate and control the small Francophone Caribbean islands, assimilate and dominate the native population who are predominantly Blacks. The study also found that most Black Francophone Caribbean indigenous population have remained victims of racial discrimination, enslavement, systematic inferiorisation, subjugation, otherness and brain-washing in Francophone Caribbean islands. It concluded that this situation leaves much to be desired with regard to the liberation of the Blacks from White man’s control and domination. The study recommends protest and revolt of the black Caribbean people against the White man’s mistreatment and “organized” resistance of the black Caribbean people against the imposition of White man’s culture and values. This will help the black Francophone Caribbeans liberate themselves from the White man’s control and break loose the chain of neocolonialism in Francophone Caribbean islands. This thesis is divided into three major parts. The first part which is divided into three chapters explores pertinent literatures, identifying research gaps while establishing theoritical framework that grounds our textual analysis. It also touches on racial interactions in the slave trade era and their effets. The second part concentrates on the White man in the colonial era, focusing on the textual analysis and comparative study of the chosen texts. The third and the last part continues with thematique analysis, specifically focusing on the White man in modern or contemporary era. The impact of racial interactions and the stylistics approach as amply enunciated in the selected texts is also studied in this part. The stylistic devices employed by the writers of the selected texts enhances the import of their message in the texts The main body of the work is preceeded by an introduction and ends with conclusion

This study examined the interplay between moral obsession and scientific ambition in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) and Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Birthmark (1843). Using the theoretical framework of Moral Criticism, the research explored how both authors dramatized the consequences of human overreaching and the ethical dilemmas that accompanied scientific pursuit. The analysis demonstrated that while ambition fueled human progress, it became destructive separated from moral responsibility. Victor Frankenstein’s attempt to create life and Aylmer’s effort to perfect it both revealed the peril of subordinating ethical restraint to intellectual pride. Drawing insights from philosophers and critics such as Hans Jonas, Neil Postman, Martha Nussbaum, Jürgen Habermas, and Rachel Carson, the study situated these literary works within broader philosophical and ethical debates about the limits of science and human responsibility. The findings revealed that both Shelley and Hawthorne constructed moral fables warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the loss of humanity in the pursuit of perfection. Ultimately, the research concluded that moral responsibility had to guide scientific progress, and that literature continued to serve as a vital medium for exploring the ethical dimensions of knowledge and power

In recent years, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, significantly influencing various aspects of society, including education. This work focuses on the relationship between social media and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) students, specifically examining their use of and dependence on digital marketing. The objective of this study is to explore how social media platforms have transformed the marketing landscape for UNIBEN students and to assess their dependence on digital marketing strategies. The study employed the use of a survey research method to gather data. Structured administered questionnaire was distributed among a representative of UNIBEN students to collect data. The study showed that UNIBEN students heavily rely on social media platform forms for communication, information sharing, and engagement with brands, leading to a high dependence on digital marketing strategy. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the impact of social media on university students, shedding light on the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies in reaching and influencing a targeted audience. The implications of this research are substantial, as, they help companies and sellers to plan effective strategies to engage specific target audiences. It also assists university students in leveraging social media platforms to enhance their marketing efforts, improve student engagement, and foster a sense of connectivity with sellers. Overall, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the relationship between social media and UNIBEN students, highlighting the extent to which they depend on digital marketing strategies, this research will also help shape future researchers on social media marketing as an effective tool for digital marketing practice.

The study aimed at investigating the revitalization of the endangered Urhobo language. The goals of the study are to develop a comprehensive revitalization plan for the Urhobo language and to preserve and promote Urhobo cultural identity. This study is motivated by a desire to preserve the indigenous Urhobo language and explore the sociolinguistic phenomena of language shift, endangerment, and revitalization. The data for the study was gathered through responses to a questionnaire conducted with 50 native speakers of the Urhobo language. For demographic information, the respondants were categorized into various age groups, gender and educational level. The data were analyzed using the Graded Intergenerational Disruption Scale (GIDS) framework. The findings of the study are that the Urhobo language is not well-represented in formal domains such as education,
government, and media and that data from Stages 5 and 6 indicate that while some families encourage children to learn Urhobo, the frequency of use within homes is declining. The study recommends that language immersion programs are to be implemented to enable children to learn the Urhobo language in a natural environment and implementation of community-based language initiatives is required to preserve the endangered Urhobo language.

In this essay, we will examine symbolism, racism and language used by Nigerian writer and activist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie in her novel Americanah with special reference to some points used in the essay for better understanding. Using the concept of racism, which is the belief that groups of humans possess different behavioral traits corresponding to inherited attributes and can be divided based on the superiority of one race over another. It may also mean prejudice, discrimination, or antagonism directed against other people because they are of a different race or ethnicity. Using racism for my analysis helps this essay provides example of several symbols, types of racism and the language of the novel to show different level of struggle for self identification of blacks in the United States of America. This essay shows the struggles of discrimination in education, socialisation, identity and even in colors. The project is guided by a thesis Statement for better understanding of each chapters and it ends with a summary and conclusion to better provide a panacea for racism

This study examines the role of women in Benin Kingdom using Aro Iden as a case study. This has become necessary because inspite of the tremendous sacrifice made by Queen Iden towards the survival of Benin kingdom, no scholarly study has been done in this regard. The research employed historical method. Oral interviews and personal observation, books, journals, published and unpublished articles and internet sources were also consulted as part of secondary sources of information. The study discovers that Queen Iden’s sacrifice helped shape Benin Kingdom. She was the queen during the reign of Oba Ewuape in about 1700 AD. She is known to have volunteered herself as a sacrificial lamb for the welfare of her husband and that of the entire kingdom.

This study was undertaken to ascertain readers perception of the utilization of photographs in the Nigerian observer newspaper in Benin City. Thus, the survey design was employed with the aid of a 9- item questionnaire to elicit response from 300 residents in Benin City. The sample was selected purposively based on background knowledge of the topic. Data generated were analyzed using the simple percentage, presented using frequency table. Findings reveals that majority of the people’s perception are influenced by photographs used in the Nigerian observer newspaper in Benin City. Also found out that readers of the newspaper judge the credibility of the stories posted based on the photographs accompany such stories. The study concluded that the photographs are the windows from which readers of newspaper can see into the stories. Therefore, the study recommended newspaper owners should ensure that they make extensive use of photographs in their publications and to increase readership, they
must use colorful and attractive photographs that can capture the attention of readers among others.