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LEGAL REALITIES AND INDUSTRY DYNAMICS: AN ANALYSIS OF NIGERIAN RECORDING CONTRACTS IN THE DIGITAL ERA (1999-2024)

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The Nigerian music industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in the digital era (1999– 2024), fueled by technological advancements, the rise of streaming platforms, and the global popularity of Afrobeats. While these developments have created unprecedented opportunities for artists and record labels, they have also intensified disputes over contractual fairness, revenue sharing, and intellectual property rights. This study critically examines the legal realities and industry dynamics of Nigerian recording contracts, focusing on the pre-contractual negotiation process, transparency in artist-label relationships, and the effectiveness of existing legal and institutional frameworks in ensuring fairness. The research explores key issues such as information asymmetry, bargaining power imbalances, and the opaque nature of royalty structures, which often leave artists vulnerable to exploitative agreements. It evaluates the role of Nigerian contract law, the Copyright Act 2022, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, and industry institutions like the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) in regulating contractual fairness. Case law and industry disputes, including landmark cases like King Sunny Ade v. African Songs Ltd and Kizz Daniel v. G-Worldwide Entertainment, are analyzed to assess the legal protections available to artists and labels. Methodologically, this study adopts a doctrinal legal approach, relying on statutory analysis, case law review, and comparative examination of international transparency standards. The findings reveal significant gaps in Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework, particularly in contract enforcement, financial accountability, and regulatory oversight. While existing laws provide theoretical protections, weak enforcement mechanisms and a lack of industry-wide contract transparency allow exploitative practices to persist. This research recommends the adoption of standardized contract clauses, mandatory financial disclosures, stronger oversight of CMOs, and the integration of blockchain technology for royalty tracking to enhance transparency. Strengthening artist education, collective bargaining frameworks, and dispute resolution mechanisms will also be essential in fostering a more balanced and sustainable music industry. By addressing these legal and industry gaps, Nigeria can move towards a more equitable system where both artists and record labels thrive.
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co-supervisor

UNCOVERING THE LEGAL IMPASSE POSED BY LOCUS STANDI IN ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS LITIGATION IN NIGERIA: A PROPOSED REFORM

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Environmental pollution is a global concern, with Nigeria being one of the highest emitters of greenhouse gases due to its crude oil production. Environmental degradation has led to adverse socio-economic impacts, including population displacement, reduced agricultural productivity, and health hazards. While several regulatory frameworks exist to combat environmental pollution, including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, and the Climate Change Act, they are hindered by fragmented enforcement mechanisms. A significant barrier to environmental rights enforcement in Nigeria is the constitutional limitation under Section 6(6)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, which renders environmental rights non-justiciable. This limitation prevents individuals and communities from seeking legal redress for environmental harm. However, proponents argue that environmental rights remain enforceable under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as recognized in cases such as Fawehinmi v Abacha and Gbemre v SPDC. This study examines the challenges posed by locus standi in environmental litigation, which restricts access to justice for affected individuals and communities. It explores the need for a broader interpretation of standing, as adopted in other jurisdictions, to enhance environmental accountability. The research findings reveal that Nigeria’s environmental regulatory framework, though robust in scope, suffers from weak implementation and judicial conservatism. The study advocates for constitutional amendments to recognize environmental rights as justiciable, alongside procedural reforms to ease access to courts. Strengthening judicial interpretation, promoting public interest litigation, and aligning national laws with international environmental treaties are recommended. Ultimately, this research underscores the necessity of a legal framework that ensures environmental justice, safeguards human rights, and fosters sustainable development in Nigeria.
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co-supervisor

PROTECTING THE CHILD’S RIGHT TO MAINTENANCE ACROSS BORDERS: A LEGAL ASSESSMENT OF ENFORCEMENT UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL FRAMEWORKS

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Cross-border child maintenance has become an increasingly complex legal issue as rising migration, international marriages and family breakdowns create situations where a parent resides outside the jurisdiction responsible for enforcing a child’s right to maintenance. Although international instruments such as the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 1990 African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child affirm this right, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in Nigeria. The central problem addressed in this study is the persistent gap between the legal recognition of child maintenance as a right and the practical ability of custodial parents to enforce that right when the obligor lives abroad. The aim of this study is to critically assess the international, regional, and domestic frameworks governing the cross-border enforcement of child maintenance, with particular reference to Nigeria. Using a doctrinal method based on statutes, case law, treaties, and academic literature, the paper examines the extent to which Nigerian law accommodates international obligations and identifies legal, procedural, and institutional obstacles. Findings show that Nigeria’s dualist approach to treaty ratification limits the domestic effect of international maintenance conventions, including the Hague 2007 Child Support Convention. Although domestic laws such as the Child Rights Act and Matrimonial Causes Act provide strong protections, they lack cross-border applicability. Additionally, the absence of a central authority, limited judicial expertise in private international law, bureaucratic delays, gendered socio-economic inequalities, and fragmented mechanisms for enforcing foreign judgments pose challenges. The study recommends comprehensive reforms, including domestication of relevant conventions, creation of a central enforcement authority, harmonisation of family laws, enhanced judicial capacity, and gender-responsive mechanisms to safeguard children’s financial rights across borders.
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co-supervisor

ATTAINMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF PRIMARY PUPILS IN OWAN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA EDO STATE

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This study examined the attainment of pupils physiological needs and academic performance of primary school pupils in Owan West LGA. To guide this study, Six research questions were raised. Two were answered while four were formulated into hypotheses and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study was a descriptive survey research which adopted the correlational research design. A total of 100 respondents who are parents of pupils in public primary schools in Owan West LGA formed the sample of the study. The research instrument used was a questionnaire titled "Physiological needs and academic performance of pupils questionnaire (PNAPPQ)." Data collected were analysed using mean score, standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and the Fisher Z test. The findings revealed that the level of attainment of pupils physiological needs and the level of academic performance of primary pupils were high in Owan West LGA. The findings further showed that there is no significant relationship between the level of attainment of physiological needs and academic performance of primary school pupils. Other findings include that there is no significant difference in the relationship between the level of attainment of physiological needs and the level of academic performance of primary school pupils in Owan West Local Government of Edo State based on location, parents educational background and socio-economic status of the family. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that; government agencies and other non-profit organizations should consider taking up water and sanitation projects to the grassroots to ensure better learning outcomes from pupils. Sleep has influence on academic performance. Pupils should have at least 8 hours of sleep daily, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO)
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co-supervisor

AN ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CYBERCRIME LAWS IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

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This research focuses on the analysis of the effectiveness of cybercrime laws in Nigeria: Challenges and solutions. Despite the enactment of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.), Act, 2015, Nigeria continues to struggle with enforcing its cybercrime laws effectively. This paper critically analyzes the effectiveness of Nigeria’s cybercrime legal framework, identifies the systemic and operational challenges that hinder enforcement, and proposes viable solutions to improve the legal and institutional response to cyber threats. Drawing on scholarly sources, legal documents, and policy analysis, this study argues that while the legal framework is a significant step forward, its enforcement is undermined by weak institutional capacity, corruption, technological gaps, and low public awareness. The research concludes that the enactment of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.), Act, 2015 marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against digital crime. However, its effectiveness is hindered by structural, legal, and operational shortcomings. Low public awareness, poor enforcement capacity, outdated legal provisions, and weak institutional coordination continue to plague Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape. This study recommends that there should be periodic review and amendment of the Cybercrime Act to include modern cyber threats such as AI, cryptocurrency scams, and deep fakes. Sections that are vague, particularly those that threaten digital rights, should be redefined with clearer language; launch nationwide, multilingual cybercrime awareness programs via traditional media, social media, and grassroots outreach. Engage religious and community leaders to disseminate messages in rural areas; invest in the training of law enforcement agents, prosecutors, and judges on digital forensics, cyber law, and electronic evidence management. Establish cybercrime labs in collaboration with academia and the private sector and develop and adopt protocols for the admissibility of digital evidence in court, ensuring that data is collected and preserved in accordance with global best practices.
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co-supervisor

THE PROBLEMS OF FAULT FACTS IN DISSOLUTION OF STATUTORY MARRIAGE IN NIGERIA: DESERTION IN FOCUS

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The dissolution of statutory marriage in Nigeria is governed by the Matrimonial Causes Act, which recognises irretrievable breakdown of marriage but still requires proof of fault facts. This requirement has generated significant legal and practical challenges, particularly in relation to desertion, which remains one of the most technical and contentious fault facts. Desertion consists of the willful and unjustified cessation of matrimonial cohabitation by one spouse without consent, reasonable cause, and with the intention of permanently terminating cohabitation. This study examines the problems of fault facts in the dissolution of statutory marriage in Nigeria, with a specific focus on desertion. The objectives of the study are to examine the conceptual and theoretical foundations of marriage and its dissolution, analyse the legal and institutional framework governing dissolution of statutory marriage in Nigeria, and critically evaluate desertion as a fault fact, including its elements, statutory requirements, and evidential challenges. The study further assesses judicial attitudes and relevant case law on desertion, as well as the broader implications of a fault-based divorce regime. The study adopts a doctrinal research methodology, relying on statutory provisions, judicial decisions, textbooks, and scholarly literature. The study finds that the technical requirements for proving desertion, particularly animus deserendi and the absence of justification, often frustrate genuine claims and prolong irretrievably broken marriages. It concludes by recommending a reconsideration of the continued reliance on fault facts under Nigerian matrimonial law in favour of a more flexible and realistic approach to marital breakdown.
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co-supervisor

ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF ANTI-CORRUPTION MEASURES AND HOW THEY BOOST FINANCIAL HEALTH IN WEST AFRICA

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The rising cases of public corruption within the West African Region involving a substantial proportion of the resources of the various States has become a transnational phenomenon that affects most West African societies and economies. It has threatened the political stability and security, weakened public institutions, undermined the rule of law and hindered sustainable development in most West African States. The affected States such as Nigeria, Cameroun, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Liberia, Mali and Ivory Coast concerned about the negative effects of corruption and impunity on the economic and social development of the African people, acknowledged the need to address the root causes of corruption in the African continent through preventive measures, the formulation of legislations, penal policies and other non-penal measures aimed at protecting the society against corruption. The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption is the principal regional instrument in the continent and the West African region designed to combat public corruption through preventive measures that prohibit acts of corruption and corrupt practices. There is need for West African States to adopt measures that prohibit illicit enrichment, promote access to information and transparency in public offices and institutions, prosecution of corrupt public officials and other strategic measures such as confiscation and forfeiture of instruments and proceeds of corrupt practices, extradition in cases of trans-boarder corrupt practices within the territorial jurisdiction of two or more States. The principle of bank secrecy expounded by the International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism & Proliferation (FATF Recommendations) 2012 and the spirit of international cooperation are part of the anti-corruption measures that will be examined in the course of this research. The research shall also examine the benefits and effectiveness of the various penal and non-penal measures employed by West African States in their various jurisdictions in combating corruption with a view to determine the extent to which these measures adopted have been effective in addressing corrupt practices. The research shall then proceed to determine how anti-corruption measures can improve the financial health and economic development in West Africa. The concluding part of this research shall suggest possible ways or make recommendations on how anti-corruption measures can be improved through sincere commitment and adequate enforcement.
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co-supervisor

FISH PRESERVATION; CONSUMERS ACCEPTANCE OF FRESH AND SMOKED FISH IN BENIN CITY

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Fish is a vital source of dietary protein for many Nigerians, but domestic production has not kept pace with population growth, leading to increased reliance on imports. Traditional preservation methods like smoking play a key role in ensuring year-round availability, but also raise concerns around contaminants and health risks. This study investigates consumer preferences and perceptions regarding fresh versus smoked fish in Benin City, Nigeria. The background highlights that fish is highly perishable, requiring techniques like drying, smoking, freezing, and brining to extend shelf life. Smoking remains the dominant preservation method in Nigeria, offering benefits in accessibility and shelf-life, but also potential quality and safety issues. Limited research has explored consumer choices between
fresh and smoked fish products, especially in inland urban areas. This study assesses the extent to which cultural, economic, and health/safety factors influence consumer preferences for fresh versus smoked fish. It also identifies key demographic segments and their buying behaviors. Surveys will be conducted with fish consumers at major
markets and the university community in Benin City. The findings can provide important insights to help the fishing industry, retailers, and policymakers better meet evolving
consumer demand for fresh and processed fish products in Nigeria.
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co-supervisor

ECONOMIC DETERMINANT OF TAX COMPLIANCE AMONG SELF EMPLOYED

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Tax is one of the major sources of government revenue in a country, collected from citizens, companies, and investors both within and outside the country. Tax refers to the revenue that is collected by the government to provide services and enhance the development of a country. Specifically, government utilizes tax proceeds to fund development programs, such as supplying public goods, defraying infrastructure cost, and creating a competitive trade and business regulation to assure social and economic maintenance. Thus, the role of tax in supporting the economy of a country is important.
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co-supervisor

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

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ABSTRACT
This study sought to determine the influence of social media on aggressive behaviours of primary school pupils in oredo local Government area, Edo State. Four research questions guided the study. Adopting the descriptive survey research design, the study made use of 100 respondents both male and female from four selected primary schools. The research instrument used was validated by the supervisor in the institute of Education, necessary corrections were made before it was taken for administration. The instrument adopted was a structured questionnaire and the reliability of the instrument was ensured by using Pearson Product Moment Coefficients (Pearsum) reliability computation which yielded a Co- efficient index of 0.75. The questionaire was administered. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyze the data. Results obtained showed that social media (exposure to violent television programs, watching violent films, videos/video games as well as assessing different social sites) have a negative impact on pupils as it promotes aggressive behaviours among them. Recommendations were made among which is restructuring of academic contents in our primary schools to be more practical, fact-finding and problem solving rather than just theoretical to enable the adolescents who at this stage of life are filled with life and energy to direct their attention even at home more to their academic pursuit rather than sitting down for hours watching films and assessing various social sites.
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co-supervisor