Department of Employment Relations & Human Resource Management

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    Open Access
    Amnesty and human capital development agenda for the Niger Delta
    (2010) Akinwale, A.A
    The Niger Delta of Nigeria has become increasingly famous due to massive oil deposits and escalation of violence in the region. The emergence of deadly militant groups embodied oil pipeline vandalisation, hostage taking, massacre, and assassination. Unfortunately, the Nigerian government’s top-down measures for alleviating the spate of violence in the region have not yielded desired results. This paper examines amnesty and human capital development agenda, using content analysis of relevant secondary data, with insights from the Habermasian Social Movement Theory and the Althusserian State Apparatus Theory. The paltry financial rewards granted to ex-militants are incomparable with huge amount of money they realised illegally. Thus, a resurgence of violence may occur in the region except the undesirable socio-economic situations that fuelled militancy are addressed. While amnesty is a good step towards peace building in the region, a holistic approach to human capital development must be taken to compliment it. Fundamentally, ex-militants’ endorsement of the amnesty without proven records of improvement in the Niger Delta situation is inappropriate. Also, the Nigerian government’s adoption of amnesty without ensuring accelerated empowerment within oil-endowed communities negates popular demands in the region. The amnesty programme should therefore be complemented by other innovative measures such as wide consultation with various stakeholders and inclusion of all youths in the training programmes that will cater for essential needs of the majority in the region.
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    Open Access
    Apprenticeship Scheme and Small-Scale Business: a study of selected Apprentices and their Masters in Lagos metropolis, Nigeria
    (Medwell Online, 2006) Akinwale, A.A; Okafor, E.E
    Considering the prevailing socio-economic situations and increasing unemployment in Nigeria, the demand for apprenticeship scheme and small-scale business would rise. Thus the thrust of this study is apprenticeship scheme and small-scale business in Nigeria using Lagos state as study area. The study was situated within the ambit of Marxist Labour Surplus Theory and Weber’s Social Action. A multi-stage method involving stratified and simple random sampling techniques was adopted and data were source through questionnaire and in-depth interviews administered to 96 Apprentices and 24 Masters in Badagry and Lagos Island areas of Lagos State. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings showed that both the Apprentices and their Masters varied in terms of their socio-demographic characteristics. Further the findings showed that the amount of capital available to start a business would be a determinant of apprenticeship willingness to create self-employment and that an alternative avenue for employment and income would not be preferred to apprenticeship in a trade that holds economic promise. Moreover, the data showed that the survival of small-scale business in Nigeria would depend on apprenticeship skills and available facilities. Consequently, the study recommended that Nigeria’s immediate steps should centre on not only making funds available, accessible and affordable, but also putting the necessary infrastructure on ground and creating an enabling environment for the operation of small-scale businesses.
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    Open Access
    Artisan reactions to National Health Insurance Scheme in Lagos State, Nigeria
    (2014) Akinwale, A.A; Shonuga, A; Olusanya, O
    Artisans generally constitute a significant proportion of the Nigerian population with remarkable contributions to development but they face neglect and marginalization in the ongoing implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The scheme was established with Decree 35 of 1999 to ensure that every Nigerian has easy access to good healthcare services at subsidized rates, among other objectives. Failure to reckon artisans in the NHIS will affect the success of the scheme and the declared interest on national development. Therefore, within the ambits of the Health Belief Model and Theory of Planned Behaviour, the present article addresses artisans’ reactions to NHIS in Nigeria. The data used for the study were derived from relevant documents in the library, two focus group discussions and 45 in-depth interviews, involving staff of NHIS, health-care providers (HCP) and artisans in Yaba areas of Lagos State. The findings revealed only a few artisans with expression of knowledge about the NHIS, thereby confirming the culture of limited accessibility to subsidized health services in Nigeria. The majority of the artisans were indifferent to the scheme due to their zero awareness about it. They largely expressed their concerns about health-care system in Nigeria. Community focus is therefore suggested for the success of the NHIS in Nigeria.
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    Open Access
    Awareness of STIs and Contraceptives Use among Out-of-School Youths in Nigeria
    (2009) Atere, A.A; Wahab, E.O; Ajiboye, O.E; Shokoya, H.O; Akinwale, A.A; Oyenuga, A.S
    The educational system in Nigeria is characterised by high incidence of dropping out of schools with adverse implications for the youths, who are sexually hyperactive without adequate knowledge about reproductive health decision making. What are the factors influencing contraceptive practices among out of school youths? These and other questions are what the study is set out to address. Triangulation of both quantitative and qualitative techniques was employed for data collection. Specifically, 200 individual based questionnaires were employed for collecting quantitative data from the youths, while 4 in-depth interviews (2 each-1 male and 1 female on youths and adults) and 4 focus group discussions (2 each- 1 male and 1 female on youths and adults) were employed for collecting qualitative data. In terms of data analysis, frequency distribution and chisquare (at 0.05 alpha level of significance) were employed for quantitative data, while content analysis and ethnographic summary were used for qualitative data. The results showed high awareness about STIs and HIV/AIDS but low level of contraceptive practices among the majority of out-of-school youths in the study area. It was found that many out-of school youths engaged in risky sexual behaviour with prevalence of unprotected sexual intercourse. However, the results of cross tabulation showed that the level of awareness about STIs and HIV/AIDS and contraceptive practices were significantly influenced by socio-demographic characteristics (education, sex, income and marital status). Considering the adverse implications of STIs and HIV/AIDS on sustainable human development, contraceptive use should be promoted among out of school youths in motor parks.
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    Open Access
    Career Pathways and Youth Metamorphosis into Area Boys in Lagos Metropolis, Nigeria
    (2008) Akinwale, A.A
    Applying Bourdieu\'s cultural capital theory, this paper examined why youth meandered across career pathways and metamorphosed into area boys. Data were drawn from a three-year unobtrusive observation and an In-depth Interview with 60 area boys purposively selected from 5 Local Governments Areas in Lagos metropolis. Their narratives were analyzed through ZY Index and ethnographic techniques. Their educational attainment was generally low. Two-third did not complete their secondary education and more than half had acquired skills in different informal sector vocations. In the contexts of incomplete education and low motivation for career advancement different themes emerged: family disorganization, distress and depression, drifting away from schools, elongation of deprivation and determination for survival through available opportunities. Youth metamorphosis into area boys was found within structural forces including family disorganization, academic failure and poor career orientation. Unexpectedly, obedience to patron-client agencies and resistance against state policies reflect in their understanding of area boys business. Therefore addressing the menace of area boys should move beyond the manifest actors to a more robust understanding of the seemingly powerful networks sustaining them. Fundamentally, exploring and reversing the career pathways of area boys may improve their socio-economic conditions and redeem the Nigerian image in the global arena.
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    Open Access
    Collective Bargaining in the Nigerian Chemical Rubber and Non-Metallic Products Industry.
    (2014) Anyim, F.C; Olusanya, O.A; Ekwoaba, J.O
    Collective bargaining is the process which facilitates an agreement between workers on one side and employer on the other in which each side promises to carry out an obligation in exchange for its demand. This study utilized primary data gathered through structured interviews and a short questionnaire while secondary data were accessed from existing procedural agreements, industry periodicals and annual reports. The authors also witnessed the negotiation process between the parties up to the point that the collective agreement was signed. The previous and current collective agreements are presented in tables and analysed accordingly. The results show a decline in pay in relation to the national minimum wage between 2010 and 2012. In the light of this, the paper suggests that the prevailing economic conditions in Nigeria and the resultant adverse effect on organizations in the industry are the factors responsible for decline in pay in the industry.
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    Open Access
    Collective Bargaining in the Nigerian Chemical Rubber and Non-Metallic Products Industry.
    (2014) Anyim, F.C.; Olusanya, O.A.; Ekwoaba, J.O.
    Collective bargaining is the process which facilitates an agreement between workers on one side and employer on the other in which each side promises to carry out an obligation in exchange for its demand. This study utilized primary data gathered through structured interviews and a short questionnaire while secondary data were accessed from existing procedural agreements, industry periodicals and annual reports. The authors also witnessed the negotiation process between the parties up to the point that the collective agreement was signed. The previous and current collective agreements are presented in tables and analysed accordingly. The results show a decline in pay in relation to the national minimum wage between 2010 and 2012. In the light of this, the paper suggests that the prevailing economic conditions in Nigeria and the resultant adverse effect on organizations in the industry are the factors responsible for decline in pay in the industry.
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    Open Access
    Concession as a Catalyst for Crisis Management in Nigerian Ports
    (2010-12) Akinwale, A.A; Aremo, M.O
    Full Papers attached.
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    Open Access
    COVID-19 in Nigeria: Impact on work and workers
    (UNILAG Journal of Business, 2021-05-08) Gbajumo-Sheriff, M; Sogunro, A; Elegbede, T; Udobi-Owoloja, P
    The Coronavirus disease, officially called COVID-19 is infecting people all around the World, with over 2% death. The virus which spreads through respiratory means from human-to-human and its negative impact on the health of humans is still been understood by scientists. COVID-19 is changing different spheres of our lives; social, economic and cultural. It is also transforming how, where and when work is done. Like many other countries, Nigeria is experiencing its own part of the change in the workspace, within the family and in the society. The study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work, working and family. This paper adopted a theoretical approach by presenting secondary data available on COVID-19 that improves readers’ understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on work. This paper relied majorly on secondary data collected at 4 different times (April/May, June, July and August 2020) through the COVID-19 National Longitudinal Phone survey (COVID-19 NLPS), which was launched by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) with the support of the World Bank to provide information on the impact of the pandemic. The COVID-19 experience on work and family has been overwhelming, coming with its gains and pains. The epidemic outbreak has brought to the fore the need for government to put structures in place to encourage organizations adopt flexible working. Additionally, government should over time develop a framework that supports working people with family responsibilities, both financially (public income support and child allowances) and non-financial (parental leave, creche and other childcare support facilities) means.
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    Open Access
    Cross-cultural Human Resource Management Practices: The Case of Nigeria, USA and Japan
    (ADAPT University Press, 2019) Mbah, S.E; Owololabi, L.K
    Purpose – The article focused on comparative analyses of human resource management practices across cultures. The aim is to investigate why and how HRM practices differ or similar in Nigeria, USA and Japan. Design/methodology/approach – Authors adopted the qualitative content analysis relying mostly on the use of secondary data generated from the Hofstede’s cultural dimension scores; the descriptive table, Bar chart, empirical and theoretical literature. Findings – Based on the comparative analyses, the study revealed that HRM practices of Nigeria such as recruitment and selection, pay for performance, performance appraisal, training, and employment type are in developing stage and require new ideas or innovation to improve their standards. Research limitations/implications – HRM practices are not universal in application; rather are influenced by the way they are managed across cultures. For this reason there is the need for further research to focus more on “Best- fit” which would address issues in the local context than “Best practice” which relates to universal application. More so, Hofstede’s research findings might not correctly represent what the individual, group or country’s cultural value orientations are in reality. Yet, it has remained one of the most popular models in cross-cultural research. Originality/value – More deficiently till date, no study in literature has specifically undertaken a comparative analysis of HRM practices of Nigeria, USA and Japan. It is the need to fill this knowledge gap and add to literature that prompted this research. Paper type – Qualitative and analytical paper Keywords – HRM Practices, Cultures, Institutions, Nigeria, USA, Japan
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    Open Access
    Curtailing Conflicts in the Resource-Endowed Niger Delta Communities of Nigeria
    (2009-03) Akinwale, A.A
    Violent conflicts remain unabated in the Niger Delta communities of Nigeria, despite the efforts of successive governments and international organizations to broker peace in the area. How have the Niger Delta communities, the Nigerian State, and multinational oil corporations managed the crisis? What are the forces fuelling the crisis and what may be a lasting solution? This article addresses these questions on the basis of an analysis of earlier studies of the conflict and interviews conducted with stakeholders in four oil-producing Niger Delta communities. The findings reveal that opinions about conflict resolution mechanisms differ among the various groups. While government officials and oil companies were optimistic about mechanisms for conflict control, youth activists and religious leaders identified structural barriers to conflict resolution such as failing intervention efforts, increasing hostage taking by militants, and inadequate infrastructure. The article concludes with strong recommendations.
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    Open Access
    DECENT WORK DEFICITS IN THE NIGERIAN INFORMAL ECONOMY
    (LAPO Institute for Management Finance and Management Studies, Benin, Nigeria, 2014-12) Olusanya, O.A.
    The informal economy is prone to inadequacies in decent work due to its obscurity from the law. These inadequacies are fuelled by high rate of unemployment and widespread poverty, manifesting in hunger, lack of water and inadequate sanitation among others. This paper focuses on decent work deficits in the Nigerian informal economy. Data used for the study were gathered mostly from secondary sources. The paper argues that government machinery of progress should not only be expanded to cover the informal economy, the ILO decent work agenda should be pursued vigorously. It is suggested that formalization is necessary to facilitate coverage by relevant legal instruments of government. Formalization of the informal economy is used in this paper to mean organization as a means of inclusion for policy coverage and recognition by the state. In addition, the paper recommends that Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria (FIWON) be recognized by law as a labour union in much the same way as Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) covering several unions because of extent of expansion of the Nigerian informal sector.
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    Open Access
    Development of Entrepreneurial Potential among Undergraduates of a Private University in Nigeria
    (Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group, 2014) Akinwale, A.A
    Based on the theory of planned behaviour, the present article examines the development of entrepreneurial potential among the undergraduates of a private university in north-central Nigeria. A total of 250 randomly selected undergraduates from various departments participated in a survey at the university. The findings revealed that the overwhelming proportions of the respondents expressed their talents with an interest in entrepreneurship. Self-employment in the informal economy was the next plan of more than half of the respondents. Several factors such as ethnicity, level of education, self-expression, and interest in entrepreneurship influenced the expression of talents and desire for entrepreneurship. It is concluded that investment in higher education with interest in entrepreneurship will enhance the development of entrepreneurial potential among graduates in Nigeria. This suggests the need for relevant strategies including self-help, innovative behavior, and government-university-industry interaction for the development of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
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    Open Access
    Diminishing and Disappointing Role of Trade Unions in the 21st Century: The Nigerian Experience
    (2013) Anyim, F.C; Ilesanmi, A.O; Alaribe, J
    Over the years, trade unions in Nigeria have evolved from formal to highly formal bureaucratic organizations. Although the relationship between individual members and unions still depends on a great deal upon the voluntary acceptance of the authority of the unions by the individual members, the unions are themselves structured partly as a response to the requirements of the law and also as a result of the push by rank and file members for real improvements in the performance of the union‘s leadership (Iyayi, 2000). The disappointing role of organized labour in Nigeria in the 21 st century coupled with their inability to safeguard the interest of their rank and file membership which they represent should be a matter of great concern to all labour observers, activists and practitioners alike. Trade unions in the 21st century are now like a double-edged sword protecting its members and dancing to the tuned of the employers and government at the same time. With these unwholesome practices of the unions, they are fast losing their value, integrity and trust of membership. With time and judging by the current trends unionism may likely become a thing of the past. This article attempts to examine the disappointing role of trade unions in Nigeria in the 21st century exposing their inability to safeguard the interest of their members which they claimed to represent. Having enjoyed a glorious past with strong dedication and commitment by its rank and file membership coupled with the support from the civil society, they evolved from formal to a very formidable movement with strong zeal and solidarity from individual members. However, they lost their main focus which is to maintain close ties with the civil society on struggles for workers‘ rights, welfare and interest. With unions‘ pseudo movement attitude and insincerity, members no longer believe in their ability to protect them in the struggle for their rights. Therefore, the paper in specific term examined the disappointing role of trade unions in employment practices and it adopted theoretical approaches in explaining both the positive and negative aspect of trade unionism in Nigeria in the current era.
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    Open Access
    Diversification of the Nigerian Economy: Creating a Partnership between Town and Gown
    (University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria, 2017) Olusanya, O.A.; Ideh, D.A.
    Diversification of the Nigerian economy is non-negotiable, and partnership among stakeholders is necessary. However, there appears to be a disconnect between the academic institutions and the society they serve, one of the symptoms being the high youth unemployment in the country. This study examined how creating a partnership between town and gown can aid the diversification drive of the Nigerian economy. A qualitative research method was adopted; the paper therefore relied on existing literature to draw its conclusions. The study revealed that improving the educational and research institutions will bring about improvement in the outcome of the diversification drive by the government; and that an improved relationship between ‘town’ and ‘gown’ and the creation of effective educational policies will enhance the acceptability and the relevance of outputs from the educational system by the productive sectors of the economy. The study recommended that: educational policies should promote entrepreneurial skills transfer to strengthen the partnership between town and gown; actions should be taken to transform the educational system to be able to develop knowledge-based products and services for export and local consumption. The paper concluded that until there is an appropriate partnership between educational and research institutions and the society, the diversification of the economy may be an unreachable dream.
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    Open Access
    Dwindling global oil prices: Curse or blessing in disguise for Nigerian State.
    (Department of Business Administration, University of Lagos, Nigeria, 2018) Chidi, O.C; Mbah, S.E; Ogunyomi, P.O
    The study investigated the recent turmoil in global oil prices. The historical research method/approach was adopted with the use of secondary sources of data. The oil and gas industry is strategic to national development and growth of the Nigerian economy. In the 1940s up to the early 1960s, Nigeria relied heavily on the agrarian economy or agricultural produce as the mainstay of the Nigerian economy. In those good old days, there was healthy rivalry among the three main regions of Nigeria; the western, eastern and northern regions with each region producing agricultural products for which they have comparative advantage. Then the Nigerian economy was economically vibrant with high level of employment, high standard of living and low cost of living. With the discovery of oil in commercial quantity at Oloibiri in present day Bayelsa State in 1956; oil became the mainstay of the economy. As a mono-product economy, since the discovery of oil, there has been neglect of other sources of revenue over the years with heavy reliance on crude oil revenue. Annual budgets have always been predicated on oil revenue projections. The recent discovery of shale oil by the United States of America could be viewed as a turning point, necessitating a downward demand for crude oil in the international market coupled with over production by Saudi Arabia as well as the fall in demand by Asian countries like China which has led to the drastic fall in global oil prices. As of the time of writing this paper, Nigeria’s crude oil hit $80 per barrel for the first time since it fell drastically in 2014. The price fell to as low as $28 per barrel at the beginning of 2016. Many observers are of the view that this is a lesson for Nigeria. There are mixed reactions as to whether the current situation is a curse or blessing for the Nigerian State. The authors are of the view that the dwindling global oil prices could be a blessing in disguise rather than a curse for the Nigerian State. It is recommended that government at all levels should urgently diversify the Nigerian economy from oil to nonoil sectors such as solid minerals, agriculture, tourism, textiles and steel industries. The time to diversify the Nigerian economy is now and enough of lip-service by various past governments. In the same vein, government may have to be prudent and eschew all forms of financial profligacy. There is a need to drastically prune down the bloated size of government if Nigeria is to achieve sustainable economic development.
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    Open Access
    Educational Attainment, Formal Employment and Contraceptives Practices among Working Women in Lagos State University
    (2005) Okafor, E.E; Akinwale, A.A
    Over the years the international attention has been focused on women empowerment and how to improve their socio-economic status by reducing the heavy burden of large family size through the use of contraceptives. Despite this, many women still suffer discriminations, burden of large family size and all kinds of abuses. Most Nigerian educated women are not insulated from this problem thereby predisposing them to abuses in different facets of life. Based on this, the study examines educational attainment, formal employment and contraceptives practices among working women in Lagos State University. Survey design was adopted for the study. Using Stratified and simple random sampling techniques, quantitative data was gathered through the administration of structured questionnaires in the study population. A total of ninety-five structured questionnaires were distributed to the working women aged 25-60 years. Frequency distribution and chi-square techniques were used for data analysis. The result showed that the majority of the educated women prefer small family size due to occupational stress and domestic responsibilities. The findings also revealed that the desire to limit family size is mainly a function of women level of education and formal employment. However, the majority of the respondents attributed women abuses to the age long patriarchy, which remains unabated. Therefore, this study recommends the need to facilitate women education and economic empowerment through reliable social policy in order to provide alternative to women illiteracy and under representation in the labour market.
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    Open Access
    The Effect of Statutory Sanctions on Management of Trade Disputes in Nigeria:
    (Sciedu Press, 2011) Anyim, F.C..; Ikemefuna, C.O; Owoyemi, O. A
    A cursory look at the Trade Disputes Act in Nigeria shows that the Act did not specifically remove the right of workers to strike but in practical terms it is absolutely impossible for workers to embark on strike if all the provisions outlined in the Act including statutory sanctions are diligently and faithfully followed at appropriate times. In spite of these practical difficulties or constraints and other measures taken by government to minimize industrial disputes, evidence abound that strikes have been occurring in large number in both public and private sector of the economy irrespective of the institutional framework put in place for disputes settlement. This study is an attempt at assessing the impact of statutory sanctions on the number of disputes reported. In other words, has the sanctions met its intended objectives in terms of curtailing the number of disputes or otherwise. Trade unions in two sectoral groups: oil and gas and tertiary institutions in the educational sector where industrial strife has been on a high side were drawn as samples for the study. The findings from the study revealed that the imposition of statutory sanctions has no significant effect on the number of disputes reported. Besides, government seldom invokes the sanctions when parties breach the Act. The way forward or measures to make the sanctions more effective and result-oriented were proposed to guide policy makers and other stakeholders involved in trade disputes management. Keywords: Statutory Sanctions, Management of Trade Disputes, Critical Appraisal 1. Introduction It is generally believed that an industrial relations system is derived from the particular political, economic, legal or other contexts within which it exist. These contextual factors play prominent roles in shaping the direction of industrial relations. In many industrialised and developing countries of the world, the industrial relations have emerged from the British model. However, with time each country continues to fashion its system to meet its specific needs.
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    Open Access
    The Effect of Statutory Sanctions on Management of Trade Disputes in Nigeria: A Critical Appraisal
    (2011) Anyim, F.C; Ikemefuna, C.O; Owoyemi, O. A
    A cursory look at the Trade Disputes Act in Nigeria shows that the Act did not specifically remove the right of workers to strike but in practical terms it is absolutely impossible for workers to embark on strike if all the provisions outlined in the Act including statutory sanctions are diligently and faithfully followed at appropriate times. In spite of these practical difficulties or constraints and other measures taken by government to minimize industrial disputes, evidence abound that strikes have been occurring in large number in both public and private sector of the economy irrespective of the institutional framework put in place for disputes settlement. This study is an attempt at assessing the impact of statutory sanctions on the number of disputes reported. In other words, has the sanctions met its intended objectives in terms of curtailing the number of disputes or otherwise. Trade unions in two sectoral groups: oil and gas and tertiary institutions in the educational sector where industrial strife has been on a high side were drawn as samples for the study. The findings from the study revealed that the imposition of statutory sanctions has no significant effect on the number of disputes reported. Besides, government seldom invokes the sanctions when parties breach the Act. The way forward or measures to make the sanctions more effective and result-oriented were proposed to guide policy makers and other stakeholders involved in trade disputes management.
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    Open Access
    Employee involvement in Decision Making and firms' Performance in the Manufacturing Sector in Nigeria".
    (2011) Kuye, O.L.; Sulaimon, A.A.
    The findings of this study indicate a significant relationship between employee involvement in decision making and firms' performance. The results also reveal that firms with high employee involvement in decision making outperform firms with low employee involvement in decision making. The study signifies the need for manufacturing firms to exhibit high level of commitment to employee involvement in decision making in order to enhance their performance. In other words, an intensive employee involvement in decision making regime is a probable approach for increasing firm performance in competitive markets with uncertainty.