UNAM Gā-aisib Repository
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The implication of translanguaging on the linguistic competencies of deaf students
(Frontiers, 2025) Adigun, Olufemi Timothy; Mathosa, Mots’elisi; Anyanwu, Chikodi Joy
The language competencies of the deaf students are key to various academic
discourses that are associated with the learning outcome of deaf students and
social interaction between deaf individuals and non-deaf members of society.
Methods to assist the deaf in building appreciable language capacities have been
encouraged in various studies. Hence, translanguaging has been found as a concept
that could influence the linguistic repertoire of deaf students but there is a dearth
of systematic review studies on the influence of translanguaging in deaf education,
this study therefore provided evidence on the implication of translanguaging
in the education of deaf students. Ten bibliographic databases were identified
and comprehensively searched for academic papers on translanguaging in deaf
education. Thirteen published articles were carefully selected for in-depth content
analysis from 5,937 academic papers. The findings revealed that there is a scarcity
of studies on translanguaging in deaf education in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study
showed that translanguaging serves as an inclusive fulcrum in deaf education.
Furthermore, findings showed that translanguaging can be delivered through a
multi-modal approach and such approach can significantly improve the language
capabilities of deaf students. Implications were advised for research, policies, and
practices of translanguaging in deaf education
Ready or Not? Preparedness of pre-service EFL teachers to inclusive education: A cross-cultural comparative study from Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and China
(Gist Education and Learning Research Journal, 2025) Yüce, Erkan; Köroğlu, Zeynep Çetin; Seitova, Meruyert; Adigun, Olufemi Timothy; Wang, Yongliang
This study tried to investigate pre-service English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’
preparedness for inclusive education from a cross-cultural perspective. We used a quantitative
survey design and collected the data in a cross-sectional way from three Asian countries: Türkiye,
Kazakhstan, and China. We implemented a questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitudes, and
perceptions of pre-service EFL teachers regarding inclusive education to 694 pre-service EFL
teachers. We utilized the Kruskal Wallis test and Tamhane›s T2 test to analyze the quantitative
data of the groups in a comparative way. We found cross-cultural differences among the
countries concerning inclusive education. The perceptions subscale scores of pre-service EFL
teachers in Kazakhstan are significantly higher than those of pre-service EFL teachers in China.
The attitude subscale scores of pre-service EFL teachers in Türkiye are significantly higher than
those of the pre-service EFL teachers in China, while the scores of the pre-service EFL teachers
in Kazakhstan are significantly higher than the scores of the pre-service EFL teachers in China.
The knowledge subscale scores of pre-service EFL teachers in Türkiye are significantly higher
than those of pre-service EFL teachers in Kazakhstan, while the knowledge scores of pre-service
EFL teachers in China are significantly higher than the scores of pre-service EFL teachers in
Kazakhstan. Based on these results, we discussed the place of inclusive education in pre-service
EFL education from a cross-cultural perspective
Self-esteem, self-image and media advertisement as preditors of skin bleaching behaviour among undergraduate
(International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy, 2025) Balogun, Olaitan Johnson; Adigun, Olufemi Timothy; Joseph, Conran
This study examined media advertisement, self-image, and self-esteem as predictors of skin bleaching
behavior among Nigerian undergraduate students, grounded in Social Learning Theory. A crosssectional survey of 350 undergraduates (56.3% female) from five on-campus hostels used the
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, an adapted Body Self-Image Questionnaire, and media influence
assessments. Multiple regression analysis examined predictive relationships. The findings reveal
media advertisements were the strongest predictor of skin bleaching behavior (β = 0.802, p < 0.001),
followed by self-image (β = 0.503, p = 0.001) and self-esteem (β = 0.107, p = 0.002). The model
explained 62.4% of variance. Currently, 25.4% of participants used skin bleaching products, 77.1%
had family history of the practice, and only 8.1% demonstrated adequate knowledge of health risks.
The findings highlight media influence as the primary behavioral driver, supporting Social Learning
Theory's emphasis on environmental factors and observational learning. Interventions must address
media messaging, regulatory frameworks, and health literacy rather than relying solely on individual
psychological interventions
Analysing the emerging trends and patterns of political competition in Namibia’s democratic landscape: Political party systems and political elitism perspectives, 1990-2024
(University of Namibia, 2025) Kulobone, Alberts Munyanya; Mude, Torque
Critically analysing the emerging trajectories of political party systems and the
concomitant political elitism that has ensued in Namibia constitutes the objective of
this study. In essence, the study analyses the evolving trends and patterns of political
rivalry within Namibia's democratic framework from 1990 to 2024. Namibia, one of
the relatively newest democracies in Africa, has seen significant changes and
developments in its political environment since attaining independence in 1990. To
examine the dynamics of party systems, the impact of regional and ethnic identities,
and the function of elite actors in forming political narratives and public policy, this
study employed a qualitative approach. Important conclusions drawn from this study
illuminate the emergence of opposition parties, the growing fragmentation of the
political landscape, and the enduring political elitism that prevents wider involvement.
Undeniably, these conditions are disingenuous to democratic consolidation in
Namibia.
To unpack the aforementioned dynamics, the study delves deeper into how historical
legacies and socioeconomic considerations impact these dynamics, offering insights
into Namibia's link between political struggle, political systems, and democratic
consolidation. The study found that while the South West Africa People’s Organisation
(SWAPO) has maintained its dominance since independence, new political parties like
the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC),
and the Affirmative Repositioning (AR) have gained some traction, showing shifting
political allegiances. The study also found that political competition in Namibia
presents both opportunities and challenges. Although political competition has resulted
in broader representation and democratic vibrancy, it is characterised by deep-rooted
political elitism, limited internal democracy, and ethnicised voting patterns within
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parties. Additionally, neo-patrimonialism and clientelistic practices have continued to
undermine competitive multiparty politics in Namibia. The study further found that
the emergence of political parties has had different effects on governance and
democratic institutions. Although elections have largely remained peaceful and
constitutional, the dominance of a few elites has weakened institutional accountability,
undermined political participation, and hindered policy responsiveness
Jolly Phonics and Jolly Grammar: Impact evaluation in Namibia, 2025 report
(Genesis Analytics and University of Namibia, 2025) Zastrau, Elzeth; Jansen, Jessica Mary-Ann; Shikwaya, Renate Olga
This report presents the findings of an independent impact evaluation of the Jolly Phonics and Grammar programmes in Namibia, commissioned to assess the programme’s effectiveness in improving foundational English reading skills among early-grade learners. The evaluation focused on Grade 3 learners from the 2024 academic year, sampled from 100 schools equally divided between the Oshana region (which had been trained on Jolly Grammar 2 for Grade 3s) and the Oshikoto region (which had not received Jolly Grammar 2 training at the time of the survey). The study employed a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) approach to estimate average treatment effects on Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) performance. Four primary models were employed, varying in their matching specifications to test the robustness of results. The evaluation also calls for improved monitoring and the incorporation of longitudinal study designs, including baseline assessments, to better track learner progress over time and attribute improvements to the Jolly programmes
Assessing healthcare accessibility and quality for Namibian learners under the National School Health Programme
(Namibia Educational Reform Forum Journal, 2024) Katangolo-Nakashwa, Ndasilohenda; Josua, Lukas Matati; Newaka, Ester
This study delved into the intricate landscape of analysing the National School Health Policy in
Namibia. By gathering data from the Khomas, Oshana, and Kavango regions, this research analysed
the perspectives of various stakeholders on the execution of the policy. Foucault’s theory of Power
Relations and Talcott Parson’s Social Action provided the appropriate theoretical conceptual tools to
unearth inequalities in the health policy implementation in Namibia. Power was considered a system
that was used to suppress learners from accessing quality health care. Methodologically, a mixed
approach was employed to unearth gaps in the challenges and successes of implementing the National
School Health Policy. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the study highlighted the
scarcity of essential resources and personnel dedicated to school health programmes, leading to
potential gaps in health service provision. The prevalent inequalities in the health sector emerged when
learners were insufficiently informed about their entitlements to medical care accessibility within the
school premises. Generally, there was a positive attitude toward the policy's implementation evidence
among stakeholders. Nevertheless, despite this attitude, inadequate accessibility of health care services
among learners was rampant in Namibia. Nonetheless, areas necessitating increased attention became
apparent, such as enhancing awareness across all groups involved in school health initiatives and to
pave the way for enhanced effectiveness, strategic recommendations were proposed such as addressing
the communication ambiguities. These included the enhancement of communication channels between
educators, administrators, and parents, ensuring ample availability of resources and personnel,
including an adequate number of trained nurses, with requisite governmental support. Moreover,
tackling barriers stemming from geographical distances or financial constraints that limit healthcare
access emerged as a crucial facet of policy improvement
An analysis of barriers to Public Sector innovation in Namibia
(Journal of Public Administration, 2022) Ouma-Mugabe, John; Matengu, Kenneth; Sifani, John; Lendevlo, Selma
This study is about barriers to public sector
innovation in Namibia. It is motivated by
the fact that while the Government of the
Republic of Namibia has adopted a wide
range of public policies and programmes,
and established institutions to promote the
efficiency and effectiveness of its public
sector, not much is known as to whether
these measures are enhancing innovation in
service delivery and public administration.
There is a paucity of evidence-based analysis
on public sector innovation in Namibia. The
study fills the gap and aims to stimulate further academic inquiry into this area. Based
on an online survey, face-to-face interviews,
and focus group discussions at regional
and national workshops, we identified and
analysed barriers to public sector innovation
in the country. The study recommends a
strategic policy framework and whole-of government institutional configuration to
spur on innovation in public service delivery and administration. It suggests further
research on the measurement of public sector
innovation, and detailed analysis of specific
barriers to innovation in public services
Effectiveness of maternity waiting homes in improving maternal and child health outcomes in Africa: A scoping review
(Journal of Global Health Science, 2025) Katangolo-Nakashwa, Ndasilohenda; Shilunga, Anna; Mahoto, Sylvia; Haufiku, Desderius; Alfeus, Anna; Iita, Hermine; Namidi, Mateus; Mitonga, Honore Kabwebwe
There is a strong correlation between the African continent's high maternal mortality
rates and the lack of access to birthing facilities. Maternity Waiting Homes (MWHs) offer
pregnant women in remote areas a secure place to stay near the time of delivery. This
scoping review aimed to systematically analyse the use, implementation, and effectiveness
of MWHs in improving maternal and child health outcomes in Africa. We systematically
searched electronic databases and resources, analysing 30 articles from 2010 to 2023 using
the Joanna Briggs Institute framework, guided by Arksey and O'Malley's 6-stage approach.
For transparency, we adhered to the modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic
reviews and Meta-Analyses framework for scoping reviews. MWHs were linked with lower
perinatal mortality and increased facility-based deliveries (adjusted odds ratio, 1.19; 95%
confidence interval [CI], 1.10–1.29) in 30 studies, the majority of which were conducted in
East Africa (relative risk, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.05–0.76). They offer clean settings, which mitigate
the danger of infection. However, they are constrained by socio-cultural obstacles and
a localised impact that lacks community integration, resulting in poor utilisation (10%–
50%). The successful reduction of maternal and perinatal mortality in Africa is contingent
upon the elimination of barriers to proactive utilization prior to labor and the integration
of MWHs with health systems. It is essential to adjust to local settings, such as those in
Namibia, in order to achieve a more extensive influence
Quantification and characterization of nutrients in Senegalia mellifera milled biomass, feed intake and nitrogen balance in female Boer goats fed with Senegalia mellifera bush-based feeds
(International Journal of Agricultural Research and Review, 2024) Epafras, A.; Mupangwa, Johnfisher; Charamba, Vonai; De la Puerta, M. L. F.
The objectives of this study were to quantify and characterise the nutritional content of milled
Senegalia mellifera milled biomass obtained from nine blocks at Neudamm Farm and to determine the dry
matter intake (DMI), apparent digestibility and nitrogen retention in female Boer goats fed with Senegalia
mellifera bush based feeds. Wood ash (WA), polyethylene glycol (PEG, 6 000) and biochar were evaluated as
tannin deactivation methods. The milled biomass of S. mellifera was mixed using a clean concrete mixer with
the following ingredients: yellow maize meal, liquid molasses; Marula oil press cake and coarse salt to
formulate a complete diet with 14% CP and 11MJ ME/kg. Detannification treatment methods were added at
a level of 5 g per day during feeding time. We used eight (8) female Boer goats weighing an average of 31.5
kg (± 2.5 kg) for the feeding experiment. We penned the goats individually in metabolic cages. Clean water
was available ad libitum to the goats during the entire feeding experiment. The goats were fed in a 4x4 cross
over Latin square design with four periods of experimental feeding. Each period lasted for 17 days, resulting
in 68 days of experimental feeding. The goats were fed twice daily at 09:00h and 16:00h. The level of dry
matter (DM) of feed offered was 4% of body weight. The results obtained in this study showed that there
was a significant difference (p <0.05) in the chemical composition of Senegalia mellifera milled biomass
harvested from the nine blocks at Neudamm Farm. The CP content of Senegalia mellifera milled biomass
ranged from 9.39 to 9.68 %DM while the NDF and ADF ranged from 59.17 to 64.33%DM and 43.77 to
48.01%DM, respectively. The condensed tannins (CT) content from all blocks did not differ (p >0.05) and had
a mean of 0.02 to 0.03%DM as leucocyanidin equivalent (LE Absorbance at 550 nm). The apparent digestibility
coefficients of DM, OM and NDF were not significantly different among treatments and the control diet (p
>0.05). Goats fed biochar treated diet had the highest nitrogen intake of 13.74g/d (p <0.05), faecal nitrogen
of 8.43g/d (p <0.05) and nitrogen retention of 5.11g/d (p <0.05), while goats fed the control feed (CNT), PEG
and WA were similar (p >0.05). All treatments resulted in a positive nitrogen retention (p >0.05) with mean
values ranging from 3.79 to 5.11 g/d. The study concluded that, there was a significant difference (p <0.05)
in the chemical composition of S. mellifera milled biomass collected from nine blocks at Neudamm Farm.
Given the high CP content of the S. mellifera, this fodder resource can be considered a suitable supplement
for poor quality (low N content) natural pastures and crop residues such as grass hay, straw and stover. The
study also concluded that, there was a significant difference (p <0.05) in the DMI, and nitrogen balance in
Boer goats fed with A. mellifera feeds treated with Wood ash (WA), Polyethylene glycol (PEG, 6 000) and
Biochar (BIO). The study therefore recommends that each detannification method should be tested at
different rates of inclusion in S. mellifera bush based feed resources
Utilising encroacher bush in animal feeding
(Springer, 2023) Mupangwa, Johnfisher; Lutaaya, Emmanuel; Shipandeni, Maria Ndakula Tautiko; Kahumba, Absalom; Charamba, Vonai; Shiningavamwe, Katrina Lugambo
Livestock production is a major economic and livelihood activity in
Namibia which contributes at least 75% to total agricultural output. The industry
faces challenges including prolonged droughts, increased production costs, bush
encroachment, variable climatic conditions and disease outbreaks. Bush encroachment and prolonged drought spells pose a major concern as they result in reduced
carrying capacity of rangelands. The encroacher woody browse plants are potential
animal feeds as they provide considerable amount of biomass from leaves and small
twigs as well as pods that provide nutrients to ruminant livestock during the long dry
season. Converting the biomass from the encroacher bushes into livestock fodder is
one best management practice of controlling bush encroachment while increasing
the availability of ruminant feeds sustainably without competing with human food
production. Our chapter provides data on the nutritional content of encroacher
bushes in different seasons and feeding value of bush-based feeds as an alternative
feed resource for ruminant livestock. The chapter presents the opportunity and
evidence that shows that utilising encroacher bush-based feeds in ruminant livestock
feeding results in animal growth and the production of quality carcasses that
contribute to human protein food. We conclude that the utilisation of rangeland
encroacher bush species in sub-Saharan Africa in bush-based feeds provides sufficient nutrients to support improved ruminant livestock production and contributes to
rangeland ecosystems restoration