Adapting new learning and teaching practices during COVID-19 pandemic has impacted students’ learning in higher education. Using a cross-sectional research methodology, the study attempted to understand the cross-cultural impacts of COVID-19 on higher education students in Cambodia, Nigeria, Oman and Spain to determine the changes that COVID-19 has brought about in higher education students; examine how students' learning behaviour and attitudes have changed during COVID-19; identify the challenges they have experienced; and identify the changes that have taken place in learning and teaching in the selected countries. A total sample of 242 students was randomly selected from four higher education institutions in each of the selected countries. The study provided a cross-cultural understanding of how COVID-19 has affected students’ well-being, behaviors and learning. The results show that COVID-19 had adverse effects on the well-being of students in the four countries. Students received inadequate social support and security protection from others and instructors when they needed it. Omani students received less social support compared with the other three countries. COVID-19 had the worse effect on students’ employment in the four countries. The effect pressed much concern on Nigerian students who experience a great job loss. Students from the four countries were required to put a lot of effort and energy to fulfil the requirements in the program.

Studies of young Nigerians in National Youth Service Corps scheme have not addressed the issues of their work performance. This study was conducted in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo state. Expectancy theory provided the theoretical framework. The design were both survey and exploratory. A two-stage sampling consisting of purposive and simple random techniques were used to select locations and respondents. Sample size (177) for survey consisted of Corps members selected from schools (119), state ministries (39) and parastatals (17) and private firms(2). Questionnaire was used to elicit information. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with Corps members (10) and their supervisors (10). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and chi-square test statistics at 5% level of significance while qualitative data were content analysed. Most respondents viewed their work as national responsibility (40.7%) however, 75.1% viewed their work expectation as unfulfilled. Although, 78.0% rated the quality of their work performance as good, however, Corpers were faced with a number of challenges, such as accommodation and insecurity (79.7%), poor work attitude of others (72.3%), lack of adequate work engagement (61.6%) and high cost of transportation (66.1%). Most employers evaluated the work performance of the Corpers as positive. The study recommended that there is the need for restructuring of the scheme to address the challenges confronting youth Corpers for positive and sustained work performance.

Studies on women in informal sector have not sufficiently addressed their challenges and support mechanisms. This study was conducted among women in informal sector in Iwo, Osun State. Social network and liberal feminist theories were adopted. This exploratory research was conducted in three locations in Iwo town namely; Adeeke, Odori and Boku Soro. The selection of respondents was purposive, based on type and duration of involvement in business. Twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with respondents to elicit information on reasons for entry into business, challenges faced, support mechanisms available and awareness and utilization of loans from financial institutions. Data were analysed using content analysis and verbatim quotations. Reason for entry into the businesses included; interest, economic purpose, inability to get jobs, support to family and supplementing spouse income. Financial supports were from various trade associations and cooperative societies they belonged, while nonfinancial supports were close family members like children run errands and assist in processing raw materials to semi or finished products. Most respondents were aware of loans provided by various financial institutions, however, they hardly utilized them. There is the need to carry out adequate enlightenment and education women in accessing soft loans provided by microfinance banks in sustaining, improving and expanding their businesses.

This study focused on social networks and business performance among Igbo businessmen in Ibadan, South-west Nigeria through the exploratory research design. Social exchange, social network and social capital theories were employed as theoretical framework. Twenty-six in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and case studies were conducted with purposively selected respondents in four business locations in Ibadan. The results showed that among the factors that facilitated migration of the Igbo to Ibadan were their interest to learn a trade, their inability to attain higher education, and having a relative in Ibadan. The types of social networks available showed that social network was not location bound, as all the respondents belonged to town progressive unions and mutual benefits/cooperative associations. Social networks played vital roles in business performance, including social support, access to loan, business growth and expansion. The main challenges to maintaining adequate social network in business were distrust, envy, unbridled competition, dishonesty and inability to keep terms of agreement. The study concludes that social networks have positively influenced the business performance of migrant Igbo in Ibadan. There is need for the Igbo to strengthen their social networks through honesty, forthrightness, and transparency in all their dealings.

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