International Research and Academic scholar society

IRASS Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Issue-1(January), Volume-3 2026

1. An Evaluation of National Open University in Ondo State, Nigeria
19

Folake Sarah OLANIYAN. PhD*, P...
Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Education, Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo, Nigeria
1-6
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18158967

This research examined the evaluation of National Open University in Ondo State, Nigeria. In order to guide the study three research questions were raised. The study explored descriptive research of the survey type. Multi-stage sampling technique was used in the selection of respondents. The population of this study consisted of all students in National Open University (NOUN), Ondo State Campus, Nigeria. However, a total number of one hundred (100) respondents were considered as sample size for this study from five (5) faculties out of eight (8) faculties in the university using simple random sampling technique. A self–structured instrument titled “National Open University Program’s Evaluation Questionnaire (NOUPEQ)” was validated and employed to collect data for the study. The data collected and analyzed using mean (x ̅) and standard deviation statistical tools. Findings reveal that Flexibility in education delivery system and giving students the opportunity to combine education with work were agreed majorly upon. The extent to which the objective of National Open University in Nigeria has been achieved is very high. It was concluded that the National Open University of Nigeria has contributed to the social-economic and technological advancement of Nigeria as a country. It was therefore recommended that Ministries of Education both at state, federal and local governments should begin to play a role in the development of distance learning education. Poor funding constitutes a big problem to distance learning education in Nigeria. Government should consider voting reasonable allocation of resources to this sector.

2. The Relationship between Speaking Anxiety and Willingness to Speak Eng...
3

Nguyen Sy Loc*
English Teacher, To Ky Secondary School, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
7-12
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18159035

This study examines the relationship between speaking anxiety and willingness to speak English among lower secondary school students at To Ky Secondary School in Ho Chi Minh City. Using a quantitative case study design, data were collected from 120 students through questionnaires measuring speaking anxiety and classroom willingness to communicate. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate to high levels of speaking anxiety and moderate to high willingness to speak English, with variation across speaking situations. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between speaking anxiety and willingness to speak English, suggesting that higher anxiety is associated with lower communicative willingness. The findings highlight the importance of reducing affective barriers to promote active oral participation in EFL classrooms.

3. Building a Sustainable Urban Cultural Value System in Ho Chi Minh City...
3

Nguyen Thi Lich*
Tan Tao University
13-16
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18229632

This article examines the construction of a sustainable urban cultural value system in Ho Chi Minh City in the context of deepening globalization and digital transformation. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of cultural philosophy and development philosophy, the study analyzes the role of cultural values as an endogenous resource that shapes urban identity, strengthens social cohesion, and supports sustainable development. The research demonstrates that globalization and digital transformation simultaneously create opportunities for the adoption of progressive cultural values and generate significant value conflicts and crises of orientation in urban life. These challenges are manifested in the erosion of behavioral norms, the imbalance between economic growth and cultural–spiritual development, and the risk of diminishing urban cultural identity. Based on an analysis of the practical context of Ho Chi Minh City, the article proposes a systematic set of solutions to consolidate a sustainable urban cultural value system, including the redefinition and institutionalization of core values, the integration of culture into development strategies, cultural education for younger generations, the application of digital technologies in cultural preservation and promotion, and the establishment of a multi-actor model of cultural governance. The study contributes to both theoretical and practical discussions on sustainable urban development in the era of globalization and digitalization.

4. Female Figures in Sembène's Xala: Between Social Submission and Critic...
2

Laiticia Fleurette Melang King...
Enseignant-chercheur associé au GREGLICADI et GRILA, Université Marien Ngouabi, Congo, Faculté des Lettres, Arts et Sciences Humaines
17-22
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18382881

This paper examines the representation of female figures in Ousmane Sembène's novel Xala (1973) through the prism of sociocriticism and relativized functionalism. The analysis demonstrates how the Senegalese author constructs a system of female characters oscillating between social conformism and critical resistance. By juxtaposing three wives of distinct social positions like N'Goné, Oumi N'Doye, and young N'Goné, alongside the rebellious daughter Rama, Sembène exposes the inherent contradictions of postcolonial Senegalese society. The apparent submission of women masks a critical lucidity that manifests differently according to their positioning within the social structure. This study mobilizes sociocritical theories to reveal how the literary text functions as mediation between socioeconomic structures and ideological representations of gender.

5. Artificial Intelligence and its Effect on Indigenous Knowledge System...
1

Heavens Ugochukwu Obasi, Ph.D*...
Department of Mass Communication, National Institute for Nigerian Languages, Aba
23-30
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18416991

This study takes a friendly stroll into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and indigenous knowledge, particularly in the field of journalism. It shines a light on the opportunities and challenges that come with weaving AI technologies into journalistic practices. As journalists increasingly embrace AI for creating stories, analyzing data, and engaging with their readers, there's a concern that the unique voices and perspectives of indigenous communities might be left behind, much like a forgotten umbrella on a rainy day. Now, indigenous knowledge systems are something special; they are rooted in cultural contexts, passed down through communal memory and oral traditions. They hold treasures of insight that conventional journalism sometimes misses as it rushes to the next story. To get a better understanding, this research employs a mixed-methods approach like making a delightful stew, combining hearty case studies where AI has been put to use in journalism impacting indigenous folks, along with insightful interviews with indigenous journalists and media practitioners. The initial findings reveal that while AI can speed up journalistic tasks and make information more accessible, it often lacks the cultural awareness needed to tell indigenous stories authentically. Relying too heavily on algorithms can also amplify biases, which are about as helpful as a broken compass in the wilderness. This research underscores a pressing need for collaboration, suggesting that indigenous knowledge should have a seat at the table when designing and implementing AI in journalism. It calls for a shift in perspective, one that values and integrates indigenous ways of knowing, ensuring that AI acts more like a helpful friend rather than a dismissive stranger. By cultivating a warm dialogue between technology creators and indigenous communities, journalism can navigate the intricate waters of modern storytelling while paying homage to the richness and variety of indigenous cultures.





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